Opal Jewelry, Ammolite, and Gemstone Jewelry

New Ammolite Pendants and Dichroic Glass Jewelry

2007-11-07T11:25:00.000-05:00

We have recently added new ammolite pendants as well as dichroic glass jewelry and now your can get some of them for 5% less.

November 1 - December 31st 2007 take 5% off any item priced at $50 or more. Enjoy!

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry (opals are the birthstone for October) & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise (one of the birthstones for December), rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, cz and mystic cz (cubic zirconia are often used as a substitue for April's birthstone which is the diamond), and now a few cameo pendants and birthstone jewelry as well.

Many new spectacular ammolite pendants coming soon!

2007-10-01T14:07:00.000-04:00

Our stock of ammolite jewelry has been running quite low due to high demand. We are finally replenishing our supply of ammolite jewelry, primarily spectacular high grade ammolite pendants and some ammolite rings as well. We will definitely have them in time for your holiday shopping so be sure to check our site from now through December for new jewelry.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry (opals are the birthstone for October) & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise (one of the birthstones for December), rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, cz and mystic cz (cubic zirconia are often used as a substitue for April's birthstone which is the diamond), and now a few cameo pendants and birthstone jewelry as well.

How To Buy Jewelry For Dummies

2007-08-27T20:38:00.000-04:00

How To Buy Jewelry For Dummies by Sudha Agarwal

You're a husband with an upcoming anniversary. Your girlfriend's birthday is next week. Its Christmas time and you want to know the best way to express your feelings. What do all these people have in common? They're DUMMIES!

With this simple guide, you can find the perfect gift for that someone without waiting till the last minute.

* Do you know their birth month? If so, you can't go wrong with birthstone jewelry. Not only she will be delighted with this beautiful gift but, you can also surprise her with the knowledge of its value.

January - Garnet (deep red) Garnet is a highly protective stone. It's also useful in enhancing bodily strength and endurance. It is given as a gem on the 2nd & 6th wedding anniversaries.

February - Amethyst (pale lilac to dark purple) Amethyst helps to calm fears, reduces stress, and dispels doubts and negativity. The gemstone symbolizes peace and tranquility. Some sources suggest it is used to stabilize mental disorders. Amethyst is suggested as a gem to give on the 4th, 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.

March - Aquamarine (all shades of light blue) Aquamarines enhance the utilization of psychic powers and make the mind more alert. Excellent for cleansing and purifying. It is said to make one youthful. Aquamarine is suggested as a gem to give on the 16th and 19th wedding anniversaries.

April - Diamond (mostly colorless, but colored variations do exist) Perfection, innocence, courage and everlasting love - there is no better symbol for these qualities than a sparkling diamond.

May - Emerald (dark green) Emeralds give the wearer psychic powers. They are thought to improve both eyesight and fertility. They are also worn to enhance love and contentment. It is suggested as an anniversary gift for the 20th and 35th anniversaries and as an alternate stone for the 55th wedding anniversary.

June - pearl (mostly white, but colored variations exist) Pearls have symbolized modesty, chastity, power, and courage. It is believed to possess life-restoring powers.

July - Ruby (bright red) Rubies are believed to make the wearer wise, to help with love, and help protect against all sorts of misfortunes.

August - Peridot (lime green) Peridots Guard against illusions, enchantments, and nightmares. Peridot also calms nervousness and banishes negative emotions. Peridot may be given as a gem on the 16th wedding anniversary.

September - Sapphire (all colors, but most popular is cornflower blue) Sapphires help to predict the future. The gem is associated with peace and happiness. It has a power of spiritual enlightenment. Sapphire is given as a gem for the 5th, 23rd and 45th wedding anniversaries.

October - Opal (all colors, but most treasured is a black opal) Opal is a stone of hope, love & romance. The gem is a symbol of innocence and purity. Aids inner beauty, faithfulness, and eyesight and helps recall past lives. It is also the birth stone for the Zodiac sign of Libra.

November - Citrine (yellow to gold to orange brown shades) Citrines are emblems of truth, happiness, wisdom and friendship. These provide protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. It promotes creativity, helps personal clarity and eliminates self-destructive tendencies. It is the accepted gem for the 13th and 17th wedding anniversary.

December - Blue Topaz (pale blue) Blue topaz symbolizes strength, intelligence, fidelity, success and good future. It is the suggested anniversary gemstone for the 4th, 19th or 23rd year of marriage.

* If not, you can always follow the motto "sweet and simple."

Plain Gold Jewelry - No more worries about picking the right gemstones! All you have to know is her preference of gold color. They come in many fashionable designs and can be accessorized with any outfit. They make a perfect gift for any occasion.

Pearls Around the Neck - Behind diamonds, pearls are a woman's best friend. Any jewelry collection is incomplete without a pearl necklace. Pricy, yet elegant, a pearl necklace makes a great gift for those memorable moments in life. But have no fear, if you're concerned about staying within a budget or looking for a simple everyday gift, pearl pendants are an excellent choice.

Drops - The hottest trend in jewelry right now! From drop earrings to a simple drop pendant, it's a perfect combination of class and style. With an array of gemstones to choose from, you're sure to find the color that best suits that special someone.

* If all else fails, you can never go wrong with diamonds.

We'll spare you all the clichés, but a gift of diamond jewelry will forever remind her of your true feelings (or simply get you out of her doghouse). A girl will fancy any piece of diamond jewelry, but here are a few that will complete any jewelry collection: A pair of diamond stud earrings don't have to be given as tokens of romantic affection. It's perfectly appropriate to buy them for your mother on Mother's Day. You know how to bedazzle your woman at anytime? Present her a diamond solitaire pendant that your grandma liked too... they will always be in fashion. You want to convey your feelings in a more meaningful way? The sparkle of a diamond solitaire ring would speak of your love for her.

With different sizes, clarities & cuts, you're sure to find the gift that best fits her as well as your budget. You'll even have enough left to pamper her with a box of chocolates and some flowers.

About the author:
Sudha Agarwal is a product consultant for FineJewelryVault.com. For these gift ideas and more, visit FineJewelryVault.com for the finest collection of Fine Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Gold Jewelry, Pearls & Birthstones at great prices.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry (opals are the birthstone for October) & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise (one of the birthstones for December), rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, cz and mystic cz (cubic zirconia are often used as a substitue for April's birthstone which is the diamond), and now a few cameo pendants and birthstone jewelry as well.

Pendant Jewelry: Enhance your appeal

2007-07-21T18:15:00.000-04:00

Pendant Jewelry: Enhance your appeal by gelfey

The glitter of jewelry has always fascinated all, across time and space. Jewelry is pure luxury. It brings emotions; it beautifies and helps to boost the wearer personality and prestige. And the best thing is that jewelry gives never-ending choices to each and every person to indulge in. Jewelry like platinum, gold, diamonds, pearls and pendant Jewelry are a perfect way to give a permanent symbol of your appreciation. Among all jewelry, pendant jewelry is getting popular day by day because of its low pricing and most importantly it bridges the gap between art and adornment.

A pendant is basically a great attraction hanging from around the neck and heading for the wearer's heart. Because of this positioning it is trusted that it accentuates communication skills and holds positive energy which is good for the heart and lungs. Pendants are also for all tastes and budgets. The choice in pendant jewelry is countless whether you're looking for a pendant for yourself as a special treat, or to match a new outfit, or whether you're looking for a gift to be cherished, you can find your perfect pendant very simply. The other neat thing about pendant jewelry is that you can present this to your friends and family, as well as you can wear for your own fashion accessories. Among teenagers, pendants jewelry is more famous because of its some kind of neat, funky and hip-hop look. Pendant jewelry's stylish look and endless choice is making it more prominent.

Among the luxury wearers, diamond pendants, opal pendants, pearl pendants, gemstone pendants, silver pendants, themed pendants and gold, white gold, silver pendants are most famous ornament. The pendants like religious or spiritual pendants, photo pendants and heart shape pendants of fine sterling silver are also very famous among peoples of all ages and these make a great gift for your favorite Christian friend, to your loved one and even someone in need of comfort. And for children there is also huge variety of pendant jewelry that features your favorite animals like Butterfly, horse, dragonfly, and cat etc. The simplicity of a pendant is that it can be worn everyday or for any special event.

Apart from that, when pendants are made in pure gold, silver or platinum, proper attention is given to detail, color and design to make the pendants attractive so that it can magnetize a lot of buyers, worldwide. These are often studded with precious stones for an enhanced appeal. And if you want to enhance your appeal then select your piece from online stores. Because the collection of pendant jewelry on online store is so huge that you will definitely hold that certain piece will make your special occasion even more special.

For more information on pearl earrings, visit: http://www.sparkleice.com

About the author:
gelfey is a famous diamond rings expert.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry (opals are the birthstone for October) & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise (one of the birthstones for December), rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, cz and mystic cz (cubic zirconia are often used as a substitue for April's birthstone which is the diamond), and now a few cameo pendants and birthstone jewelry as well.

Why does sterling silver jewelry tarnish?

2007-05-18T09:53:00.000-04:00

Why does sterling silver jewelry tarnish? by burton

Sterling silver jewelry tarnishes but don't worry, it can easily be cleaned back to its natural luster and shine. The tarnish is due to interactins between silver and sulfides in the air. First it takes on a golden hue, then turns black. Humidity, air pollution, and higher sulfide levels in general are the culprits of sterling silver tarnishing. Try walking out your door on a summer day in Florida, and within minutes your sterling silver jewelry will start to blacken! The problem is easily solved, though, with buffing and polishing. You may want to use chemically treated cloths which make the job easier and faster. Nevermind the ever-changing sterling silver jewelry trends, the fact remains that this metal is beautiful, versatile, and easy to take care of!

Some tips for cleaning your Sterling Silver Jewelry

Cleaning Silver Jewelry with professional Tarnish Remover

Be sure the tarnish remover is safe for pearls or soft stones like opal or turquoise if you have that kind of jewelry. Most of these pastes can be applied then removed with a dry cloth. If the piece is antiqued you want to be careful not to remove it.

Cleaning Sterling Silver with Dry Baking Soda

You can clean sterling silver jewelry (even when it is quite tarnished) using Arm and Hammer baking soda. Fill a small freezer baggy half full with baking soda. Drop in the silver jewelry and close the bag. Squish the bag so you are rubbing the dry baking soda into the silver. Remove from the bag and shake out. Remove residue with a soft toothbrush. Careful in using the toothbrush so you don't remove the antique (the dark color that brings out recessed patterns) that is supposed to be there. Tap the silver jewelry on a paper towel to ensure all the baking soda is removed. Another option is to rinse off the baking soda with warm water and gently use the toothbrush. Rinse well. Dry with a paper towel immediately.

Cleaning Sterling Silver with a Jewelry Polishing Cloth

For sterling silver jewelry a polishing cloth is available at most places that sell jewelry. The cloth will turn dark but can still be used for a very long time. The cloth contains chemical cleaners that will give a lasting luster to your jewelry. You can use it when you notice that your jewelry starts to appear dull. I do recommend that even after polishing you wash the sterling silver jewelry in warm soapy water using a soft toothbrush to clean out the dirt and residue from the cracks. Dirt and oils from the skin sitting in the recessed spaces can cause the skin to turn dark. You may think it's the metal and find when you clean it the problem was the dirt and oils. Of course some people do have allergies to metal and their skin may darken as a reaction to metals. To order a Jive Jewelry polishing cloth click here: jive polishing cloth.

Cleaning Sterling Silver with a Matte Shine

Sometimes a piece of silver jewelry has a combination of high polish shiny places with a matte look or slightly dull antiqued look. If you like that look and feel you have polished the piece too shiny you can soften the shine to make it look a little more antique with a fine steel wool (the kind used on wood between varnish coats). If you dull it too much polish with baking soda again or soft cleaning cloth. Just remember that when you use steel wool you are putting mild abrasive marks on the silver which is what gives it the matte look. So only use on the places you want to have a matte finish.

About the author:
Jive Jewelry is a Canadian based online jewelry retailer featuring the latest in stunning sterling silver jewelry, sparkling Swarovski crystal and fabulous bridal jewelry. Jive Jewelry works directly with jewelry manufacturers throughout the world to guarantee great selection, and even better prices.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry (opals are the birthstone for October) & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise (one of the birthstones for December), rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, cz and mystic cz (cubic zirconia are often used as a substitue for April's birthstone which is the diamond), and now a few cameo pendants and birthstone jewelry as well.

How Do I Care for My Jewelry?

2007-04-14T17:13:00.000-04:00

How Do I Care for My Jewelry? by Jessica Sinclair

Speaking of jewelries, any woman will find them simply irresistable. Whether jewelry is made of diamond, gold, silver, platinum, pearls, gemstones, crystals or beads, special care must be taken to ensure your jewelry is always well kept and maintained.

Over the years, I have learned several simple yet effective ways to keep my jewelries looking great all the time. Here are the great tips for you to apply when it comes to protecting, storing, caring and cleansing your jewelries.

How do I protect my jewelry?
Jewelry is wonderful but easily damaged. Try to protect any jewelry from scratches, sharp blows, harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures and sunlight.

When doing household tasks such as gardening and cleaning, be certain to remove your jewelry.

Take off jewelry before swimming in a swimming pool. The chlorine can cause damage to various gemstones and gold.

Before doing high impact sports, take off your jewelry as you may scratch it.

How do I store my jewelry?
Avoid storing your jewelry next to a heating vent, window sill or on a car dashboard.

Store jewelry away from sunlight as the sun may fade the jewelry.

Store chains separately and save yourself the headache of untangling them.

If you have bead necklaces such as a beautiful strand of lapis or pearls, store them flat as silk stretches over time. Stretched bead necklaces easily come apart.

Always store your jewelry in cloth pouches, paper, or jewelry boxes that have separate sections. It will prevent pieces from scratching each other.

Store each piece of gemstone jewelry separately so that harder stones don't scratch softer ones. Almost every gemstone is much harder than the metal it is set in. Gems can scratch the finish on your gold, silver or platinum if you throw your jewelry in a heap in a drawer or jewelry box.

Store your jewelry in a clean, dry place: a fabric-lined jewelry case or box with compartments and dividers is ideal. If you prefer to use an ordinary box, wrap each piece individually in soft tissue paper.

If you want your jewelry to be ready to wear at a moments notice, you should store your jewelry pieces the zip lock bags, or in a jewelry box or jewelry case with the lid closed.

How do I care for my jewelry?
Before you put a piece of jewelry on, test it for loosened stones and check the clasp. There's nothing worse than losing a beloved piece of jewelry because the clasp fails.

Put your jewelry on after you apply your makeup, perfume, and hairspray. The chemicals contained in these products will ruin the surface appearance.

Keep your jewelry clean and away from lotions, powders, soaps, and natural skin oils as they can build up on jewelry.

After you are done wearing your jewelry for the night, take it off but don't pull by the stone! You might loosen its setting.

Always avoid contact with chemicals, such as pool and sea water, hair spray and perfume, household cleansers, even tap and well water. Water leaves nasty mineral deposits behind.

Don't wear your jewelry to bed or to the gym. Exercising, swimming or doing household chores while wearing your jewelry will cover them with cooking grease, smoke, sweat and perspiration, and will eventually leave a film behind, dulling the color and shine.

How do I clean my jewelry?
Gently wipe jewelry with a soft cloth to remove excess dirt and oil. If allowed to build up on the surface of gems, these will dull the brilliance of faceted stones and can cut the luster of pearls.

Many precious gemstones have their own special needs and requirements that you should be aware of to ensure their longevity. Popular methods of cleaning, such as ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, are not appropriate for all gems.

Amethyst, Citrine, and other members of the quartz family shouldn't be steam cleaned because intense heat (as well as prolonged light) can permanently alter their color. Opals should always be treated with some care. Avoid impacts, chemicals, heat and extremely dry conditions - all promote cracking. As for your emerald jewelry, avoid heat cleaning and chemicals that can remove the jeweler's oil. Topaz sometimes cracks when subjected to sudden temperature changes as it would in steam cleaning. Porous gems like turquoise and amber are popular in silver jewelry, but they will become discolored by silver cleaners.

Aside from these cautions, you can clean your own jewelry at home without much fuss. For most types of mounted gemstone pieces, occasional, gentle brushing with a baby toothbrush in warm, mildly soapy water and drying with a soft cloth is all you need to keep your jewelry looking its finest every day. But, do use a bowl to clean your jewelry; don't do it over the sink.

About the author:
Jessica Sinclair is a jewelry retailer who is passionate about making gorgeous looking jewelries that are suitable for all occasions. She promotes her jewelries through her online store: www.devoguecollections.com. Her jewelries are sold at great prices. You can also enjoy great savings through online coupons, monthly promotions and much more. Visit her store to find out more.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry (opals are the birthstone for October) & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise (one of the birthstones for December), rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, cz and mystic cz (cubic zirconia are often used as a substitue for April's birthstone which is the diamond), and now a few cameo pendants and birthstone jewelry as well.

Gem Stones And Mineral Crystals

2007-03-22T10:16:00.000-04:00

Gem Stones And Mineral Crystals by Rugjeff

What specifically are gems and gemstones? We know some of the most common ones - emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds. But what exactly are they, how are they made and why we do we prize them so highly?

The International Gem Society defines a gem as "a mineral that has been chosen for its beauty and durability, then cut and polished for human adornment."

Most gems are minerals. Others, like pearls or amber, are created from living organisms. Usually gems are of a color that mirrors other natural elements we consider beautiful or valuable. Emeralds mirror the lush green of plant life, sapphires are the color of the sky and rubies are a rich blood-red. There are variations in color in all of these gems, of course, and in diamonds, but those are the colors most normally associated with them. Diamonds can come in colors as well, with pink and canary diamonds being highly prized variants.

Most gems are hard and durable, although pearls can be easily damaged, as can opals and moonstones. Usually a gemstone has to be durable enough to wear as adornment, but others, while too soft to wear, are valued by collectors. Pearls can eventually disintegrate, even if all you do is wipe dust off them. And if you spray hairspray or perfume on them, this can also damage your pearls.

Opals are highly prized for their beauty and fire and make exquisite jewelry, but are extraordinarily susceptible to damage. They can shatter easily if dropped. And there's a story of a woman who wore an opal brooch to a holiday party. When she left the warmth of the party to leave and the brooch experienced the sudden drop in temperature, it shattered, just like a glass that's been heated and then cooled too quickly

About the author:
Everything Jewelry gives you all the information you need when looking for any and all jewelry. Make a wise choice...check us out today!

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry (opals are the birthstone for October) & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise (one of the birthstones for December), rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, cz and mystic cz (cubic zirconia are oftem used as a substitue for April's birthstone which is the diamond), and now a few cameo pendants and birthstone jewelry as well.

Opal - The Gemstone of October

2007-03-16T09:46:00.000-04:00

Opal - The Gemstone of October by Martin Mallett

Opal is said to improve insight and dispels fear and is known as being the birthstone for October. Opal is also given to as a 14th wedding anniversary gift. Opal gets it name from the Greek work "opallus" which means to see a change in color. This is apparent because opal has the ability to reflect wave lengths of light for a lovely sight. There are more than a dozen different colors of opals.

Opals are mined from deposits located primarily in Southern Australia, but there are still areas where you can find small amounts such as Nevada, Mexico, Brazil, and Czechoslovakia.

Opal is actually a non crystallized silica which is a mineral found near the earth's surface in the areas where ancient hot springs once were. Roman's referred to this gemstone as "Cupid Paederos," which means a child as exquisite as love. The Romans also thought that opals fall to earth from the heavens in a flash of lightening.

On crowns opals symbolize hope and purity for ages. From the 14th century there have been some cultures that have thought that this gemstone was an Eye Stone which watches over royal families. They thought that the opal was the king of all gems because it has the range of all the colors in the rainbow.

You can acquire a black opal which has a dark body hue compared to most other opals, a white opal also referred to as a milky opal, a boulder opal which is very dark and magnificent in color, the crystal opal which has a transparent or semi transparent body tone and contain forms of black and white crystal, and lastly the fire opal which is an American name meaning an opal that has a particular red hue.

It doesn't matter which color of opal you buy just make sure you know what the hue symbolizes.

About the author:
Published by www.MiltonGems.co.uk. Find a vast selection of October birthstone / opal jewellery. You can also get birthstone info here.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry (opals are the birthstone for October) & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise (one of the birthstones for December), rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, cz and mystic cz (cubic zirconia are often used as a substitue for April's birthstone which is the diamond), and now a few cameo pendants and birthstone jewelry as well.

Caring For Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

2007-02-23T10:16:00.000-05:00

Caring For Cubic Zirconia Jewelry by Melanie Spark

Because cubic zirconia jewelry is designed to imitate the perfect diamond, its most important characteristic is the sparkle. If you want to keep your cubic zirconia rings, pendants, earrings and other jewelry flawless, learning how to properly care for them will go a long way in helping your jewelry to shine as brightly as the smile of those who see it.

In order to protect the brilliance of your cubic zirconia rings, remove them prior to washing your hands, applying makeup or hand lotion, washing dishes or other similar activities that may result in a cloudy film coming into contact with the cubic zirconia. In fact, jewelry should be the last accessory that you put on before walking out the door.

If you own sterling silver cubic zirconia wedding rings, perhaps you never take them off except for regular cleaning. If that's the case, a polishing cloth or mild jewelry cleaner should be used to maintain both the silver's brightness and that of the cubic zirconia. If you need a homemade solution, try warm water and dishwashing liquid in a cup. You can dip your cubic zirconia jewelry into the water and gently polish it using a towel or other soft material.

When cleaning your jewelry, especially cubic zirconia rings, take extra care to use a soft object for polishing to prevent scratching. If you are a wearer of cubic zirconia wedding rings, it's especially important to remove your rings for frequent cleaning as constant wear can result in everyday particles and grime finding their way into every crevice of the ring's design and will create a buildup that's difficult to remove.

If you feel that your cubic zirconia jewelry, including cubic zirconia wedding rings and other designs, is in need of a professional cleaning, consult with a local jeweler.

About the author:
For more information on cubic zirconia jewelry, cubic zirconia rings, and cz jewelry visit Almost Diamonds at http://www.almostdiamonds.com

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise, rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, cz and mystic cz, including signity star hearts & arrows cut cubic zirconia, and now a few cameo pendants as well.

Gem Stones And Mineral Crystals

2007-02-14T11:10:00.000-05:00

Gem Stones And Mineral Crystals by Rugjeff

What specifically are gems and gemstones? We know some of the most common ones - emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds. But what exactly are they, how are they made and why we do we prize them so highly?

The International Gem Society defines a gem as "a mineral that has been chosen for its beauty and durability, then cut and polished for human adornment."

Most gems are minerals. Others, like pearls or amber, are created from living organisms. Usually gems are of a color that mirrors other natural elements we consider beautiful or valuable. Emeralds mirror the lush green of plant life, sapphires are the color of the sky and rubies are a rich blood-red. There are variations in color in all of these gems, of course, and in diamonds, but those are the colors most normally associated with them. Diamonds can come in colors as well, with pink and canary diamonds being highly prized variants.

Most gems are hard and durable, although pearls can be easily damaged, as can opals and moonstones. Usually a gemstone has to be durable enough to wear as adornment, but others, while too soft to wear, are valued by collectors. Pearls can eventually disintegrate, even if all you do is wipe dust off them. And if you spray hairspray or perfume on them, this can also damage your pearls.

Opals are highly prized for their beauty and fire and make exquisite jewelry, but are extraordinarily susceptible to damage. They can shatter easily if dropped. And there's a story of a woman who wore an opal brooch to a holiday party. When she left the warmth of the party to leave and the brooch experienced the sudden drop in temperature, it shattered, just like a glass that's been heated and then cooled too quickly.

About the Author:
Everything Jewelry gives you all the information you need when looking for any and all jewelry. Make a wise choice...check us out today!

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise, rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, cz and mystic cz, and now a few cameo pendants and birthstone jewelry as well.

Fire and Briliance of Diamonds, Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite

2007-02-02T14:22:00.000-05:00

Fire and Briliance of Diamonds, Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite by Peter Boston

Diamonds, Cubic Zirconia (CZ) and Moissanite are crystalline structures. Diamond is comprised entirely of carbon, CZ is zirconium oxide, and Moissanite is silicon carbide (silicon + carbon). Their crystalline structures are formed under intense heat, in the ground or in the laboratory.

Diamonds and Moissanite occur naturally although Moissanite only in extremely small quantities, and then only in certain meteor craters. All three are very close optically and only a trained gemologist, often with the need of special equipment, could differentiate a diamond from a CZ or Moissanite gemstone.

Diamonds are the hardest substance with a Mohs rating of 10, the highest available number. Moissanite is very close to diamond hardness at 9.25. CZ is also a very hard substance with a Mohs rating of 8.5 - 9.0. All of them will cut glass. Hardness is important for cutting gemstone facets as it determines the intricacy and sharpness of the cuts that can be made. A gemstone's facets also determine how it it will display its fire and brilliance.

A gemstone's fire is its ability to disperse white light into many colors, like a prism. This characteristic is easily noticeable on earrings and necklaces. Moissanite is the fire champ by far and will shoot blue and green flashes in even moderate light. Diamond, the gemstone most historically commented for its fire, has less fire than CZ. It is somewhat ironic that after centuries of valuing diamonds for their fire that Moissanite and CZ get devalued for exhibiting even greater fire.

Brilliance is a gemstone's ability to capture light. When light hits the stone at a certain angle it actually gets trapped temporarily inside the stone. A diamond or other gemstone displays brilliance as the trapped light reflects upon itself and makes the gemstone sparkle in brilliant light pulses. Again the champ, Moissanite has the most brilliance. On the refractive scale CZ is 2.2, diamond 2.4 and Moissanite 2.7. Crown glass, for example, has a refractive index of 1.5.

Diamonds, Cubic Zirconia, and Moissanite look very much alike. They differ in the physical characteristics that matter most for jewelry only by degrees of hardness, fire, and brilliance. A well cut Cubic Zirconia gemstone in an attractive setting would almost certainly be more appealing to the eye than a mediocre diamond piece.

Price and lore are the most conspicuous differences.

About the author
(C) Peter Boston. Moissanite jewelry is desireable for its fire and brilliance. Cubic Zirconia for its fire and its price. Attractive bridal jewelry does not have to be expensive.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise, rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, cz and mystic cz, including signity star hearts & arrows cut cubic zirconia, and now a few cameo pendants as well.

Gemstone Engagement Rings

2007-01-23T13:48:00.000-05:00

Gemstone Engagement Rings by Julie Shields

Blue sapphire engagement rings have been known to be preferred by royalty because the blue sapphire stone is even more rare than a diamond and is almost as hard. This is a nice factoid to share with your number one queen as you slip a blue sapphire engagement ring on her ring finger. Blue sapphires come in a range of shades from a light to deep blue. The blue color is due to the level of titanium in the stone: the more titanium, the richer the color. However, too much color can actually create a dull black effect, reducing the price of the stone.

Most blue sapphires are found in Sri Lanka, Burma, and Madagascar. Burmese sapphires tend to cost more than those from Sri Lanka and Madagascar due to their brilliant color. Kashmir blue sapphires are the most rare and expensive of all as the supply found in a remote region of India was exhausted around a 100 years ago, thus escalating price and demand.

Prices for blue sapphires depend on whether or not they've been treated (with untreated costing much more) as well as color, cut, tone (lightness or darkness of stone), saturation (degree to which hue is hidden by other shades), and clarity. One carat blue sapphires can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

Buy your ruby engagement rings with pride! Don't let anyone tell you that diamonds are better as engagement rings. Only you and your potential spouse should decide what fits in with your style, taste, and budget........not popular opinion.... or your future mother-in-law. Besides, you can always tell the nay-sayers that large rubies are even more rare than diamonds. Rubies belong to the corundum family. Any other color besides red from this family is considered a sapphire. Rubies are almost as hard as diamonds. Diamonds are considered a "10" on the hardness scale while rubies come in at a 9. Rubies have somewhat less clarity than other gemstones and tend to have at least some small inclusions. Most rubies are heat-treated to improve their color, but stones in their natural form do exist. Cushion cut and oval rubies are the most common shape. Burmese rubies are considered to be the most desirable.

You may be able to save money by purchasing a ruby with a slightly off-shade i.e. a little bit lighter or darker than what is considered ideal... a vivid red color. You can also save some dough by purchasing synthetic versus natural rubies. Rubies belong to the corundum family. Any other color besides red from this family is considered a sapphire.

Rest assured that buying opal engagement rings for your partner will not bring them bad luck but perhaps even the opposite. Concerning the opal gemstone superstition, some still feel that it is bad luck to purchase an opal for oneself, but good luck if someone else gives one to you. Throughout history there have been negative connotations associated with opals. Interestingly enough, it is said that the diamond dealers became nervous in the 18th and 19th century about the beatiful gemstone stealing away diamond customers and further perpepuated stereotypes of the opal to prevent this from happening. The powers that be tried hard to defeat this bad luck urban legend when huge amounts of opals were found in Australia.

I personally love opal engagement rings. With their rainbow hues, I just think opals are some of the prettiest stones around. The rainbow shades are oftened referred to as a "play of color." Most of the opal supply come from our Aussie friends in Southern Australia.

Here's the science behind the opals. Opals are a noncrystalline form of the mineral silica which are formed from amorphous "balls" or "lumps" of silica. In other words, water in the ground carrying dissolved silica seeps through sand and dirt, where the silica particles are deposited in cracks. As the water evaporates, the silica particles cement together to form the opal. The color is caused by the diffraction of light. Where the tiny spheres of silica are of a similar size and arrangement, the light reflecting from them is divided into its spectral colors, and the stone appears to contain all the colors of the rainbow. Where the spheres are larger and less uniform, the range of color is more limited.

One of the major downfalls of opal engagement rings compared to diamonds is that opals are a much softer stone. While the diamond is considered to be a 10 on the Mohs hardness sclae, the opal rates between a 5 and a 6. This means that over time, it is possible for the opal to break and you must be careful to treat it with care and look for a ring setting that best preserves its integrity (i.e. semi-bezel is a good choice).

Opals exhibit an impressive color range. They can be white, pink, green and blue, gray, or black. Australian boulder opals are the most durable of opals as well as the most robust in color. As a result, they are considered to be valuable and are pretty pricey Black opals are actually the most rare and expensive. They have a dark backdrop with a rainbow colors or deep blue-green hues. Fire opals, which have any color backdrop but exhibit an unusual amount of red color play are also fairly rare

There are a thousand legends and stories related to the opal gemstone.

The Ancient Greeks believed opals fell from heaven during flashes of lightning and provided individuals with the ability to see into the future.

The Romans thought that wearing opals made one more lucid in thought and spontaneous in action.

Can you believe this? In his play "Tweltfh Night," Shakespeare made use of the gemstone to make an analogy between the opal's changing colors and the ever-changing moods of a woman. Hmmmmmmmm.......not sure if I like the comparison.

About the author:
The author recently got married and is sporting a beautiful ascher cut diamond ring. She and her husband developed the website: http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com in order to help you find the perfect engagement ring.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry (opals are the birthstone for October) & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise (one of the birthstones for December), rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, cz and mystic cz (cubic zirconia are oftem used as a substitue for April's birthstone which is the diamond), and now a few cameo pendants and birthstone jewelry as well.

Gem Stones And Mineral Crystals

2006-12-23T16:13:00.000-05:00

Gem Stones And Mineral Crystals by Rugjeff

What specifically are gems and gemstones? We know some of the most common ones - emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds. But what exactly are they, how are they made and why we do we prize them so highly?

The International Gem Society defines a gem as "a mineral that has been chosen for its beauty and durability, then cut and polished for human adornment."

Most gems are minerals. Others, like pearls or amber, are created from living organisms. Usually gems are of a color that mirrors other natural elements we consider beautiful or valuable. Emeralds mirror the lush green of plant life, sapphires are the color of the sky and rubies are a rich blood-red. There are variations in color in all of these gems, of course, and in diamonds, but those are the colors most normally associated with them. Diamonds can come in colors as well, with pink and canary diamonds being highly prized variants.

Most gems are hard and durable, although pearls can be easily damaged, as can opals and moonstones. Usually a gemstone has to be durable enough to wear as adornment, but others, while too soft to wear, are valued by collectors. Pearls can eventually disintegrate, even if all you do is wipe dust off them. And if you spray hairspray or perfume on them, this can also damage your pearls.

Opals are highly prized for their beauty and fire and make exquisite jewelry, but are extraordinarily susceptible to damage. They can shatter easily if dropped. And there's a story of a woman who wore an opal brooch to a holiday party. When she left the warmth of the party to leave and the brooch experienced the sudden drop in temperature, it shattered, just like a glass that's been heated and then cooled too quickly.

About the author:
Everything Jewelry gives you all the information you need when looking for any and all jewelry. Make a wise choice...check us out today!

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise, rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, mystic cz, and now a few cameo pendants as well.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures - has recently added a number of new black opal triplet jewelry items. Because each one is unique they don't tend to stay around very long and we had been neglectful of adding enough new items. That has been remedied for now. We have added opal rings set with black opal triplets (including some with the highest grade triplets), opal earrings set with opal triplets, as well as sterling silver and 14kt gold opal pendants with standard and highest grade Australian opal triplets. We have also added a few more unisex and/or men's opal rings. We also have quite a bit of jewelry set with lab created opal. Because these opals are man made without the water there is no drying out and subsequent crazing. They are more durable and less expensive than naturally mined opal with similar fire and color play.

Colorful Cubic Zirconia Jewelry Offers A Trendy Hue Of Sparkle & Affordability by Melanie Spark

2006-12-13T11:37:00.000-05:00

Colorful Cubic Zirconia Jewelry Offers A Trendy Hue Of Sparkle & Affordability

Green is the color of money, which is coincidentally what you will be saving a lot of by shopping for cubic zirconia jewelry. The forecasted trend for Spring 2007 includes green in a big way, which makes green cubic zirconia jewelry a must-have for those with an eye for the latest in fashion. The color of green in a gemstone is commonly associated with emerald, which is the birthstone for May, and Peridot, which represents the August birthstone. Whether this revisited color is symbolic of a birthdate or a statement in style, get ready to go green.

If you are a lover of blue, you aren't alone. It is widely believed that this is the favorite color of most Americans and, as such, is an always popular and yet classic gemstone. When done in cubic zirconia jewelry, you can combine a bold look, flawless coloration and an affordable price tag. Just what makes blue so popular? Aside from the fact that it looks fantastic with denim, blue cubic zirconia jewelry is a very affordable alternative to genuine blue topaz jewelry.

When it comes to getting the top trends for less loot, consider the popularity of pink cubic zirconia jewelry. We have all seen the large pink diamond ring that a certain actor gave to a certain actress/musician as an engagement ring not so long ago, but what most of us will never see is that exact style in genuine diamonds sitting on our finger. Unless you are fabulously wealthy, a large pink diamond may not be within your budget. Most will agree, however, that pink cubic zirconia jewelry is well within reason. And, why not? You can have the same look for a lot less money and still enjoy the latest in trendy jewelry. Pink cubic zirconia jewelry is a popular alternative to a pink diamond, and it also remains as one of the most highly sought after colorations in cubic zirconia designs.

If you like pink, then you probably love red. Have you ever heard of a red diamond? If not, don't fret. Not everyone has heard of this extremely rare diamond coloration, but it does exist and, if you have a fortune to spend, a genuine red diamond can be yours. But for everyone else, red cubic zirconia jewelry is a terrific substitute. Not only can red cubic zirconia simulate a red diamond, but it can also serve as a popular alternative to the July birthstone, which is ruby. Today, rubies remain one of the most precious gemstones in the world, along with sapphire, emeralds and diamonds. As such, a genuine ruby is very expensive and finding it in jewelry is not always an easy task. Rather than an exhaustive search and a hefty price tag, red cubic zirconia is ideal for the July baby, the red diamond lover and as a terrific Valentine's Day gift.

If you want to spice up your jewelry wardrobe, consider adding a splash of color to your accessories. Not only can this brighten up your day, but it can also say a lot about your sense of fashion. The truth is that for as long as there are genuine gemstones, there will be colorful cubic zirconia jewelry and neither will ever go out of style. If you want the boldest look with the smallest price tag, cubic zirconia jewelry is the way to go. When combined with sterling silver, you not only get a terrific look and a price tag to match, you will get a precious metal designed to last a lifetime.

About the author:
For more information on cz jewelry and cz rings, visit Almost Diamonds at http://www.almostdiamonds.com

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise, rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, cz and mystic cz, and now a few cameo pendants as well.

Created Blue Star Sapphire Jewelry now available

2006-12-05T12:50:00.000-05:00

We have added a number of jewelry pieces set with created blue star sapphires. Blue sapphire is the birthstone for September. We have pendants and rings set with gorgeous created blue star sapphires. We have not added earrings yet but can certainly make you a paid upon request!

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry (opals are the birthstone for October) & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise (one of the birthstones for December), rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, cz and mystic cz (cubic zirconia are oftem used as a substitue for April's birthstone which is the diamond), and now a few cameo pendants and birthstone jewelry as well.

Opal Triplets Are they Any Good?

2006-11-30T13:37:00.000-05:00

When I first started cutting opals about fifteen years ago I was told that you only ever use pieces of opal that are worthless for anything else. You could not sell triplets to opal buyers on the opal fields and certainly not to shops.

On top of that they were labor intensive to make and they didn’t last long as they were glued together and back then the glues were not very good.

In case you are unaware there are three types of opal products. Firstly, there are solid opals which are solid pieces of opal which we cut down to shape and the polish. Next, there are doublets. When we find a thin piece of opal which is too thin to make into a piece of opal jewelry then we glue a backing to it and that will make it strong enough to use. Finally, when we find a piece of opal that is too thin and fragile to make into a doublet then we glue a dome of clear material on the top as well as a backing underneath and as it is made from three pieces of material we call it a triplet.

Well, things have changed. With the advance in technology it is possible to cut very good opal into thousands of super thin pieces of opal sheets in order to use them for making triplets. This way there are more dollars to be had for the opal. When I first heard of this I was horrified as it seemed a waste of good opal. Opal is cut so thin that when you place it in the palm of your hand it collapses into the shape of your hand. This is what triplets are made from.

Then there are the glues that are available today that were not available twenty years ago. While looking for a glue to use for making doublets I asked a friend who manufacturers aircraft what he would suggest for strength. He mixed some glue and placed some on a piece of steel and then stuck that to the concrete. He told me that if you ever wanted to get that steel of the concrete you would have to smash the concrete up. That was some glue.

Today some triplets are made by a fusion process where no glue is used and you can shower wearing the triplet and it will never come apart or deteriorate.

So all in all, today’s opal triplets are made from fantastic gem quality opal with processes which make them very durable and they are still the cheapest way to by opal. Yes they are good and allow people to wear bright colored opals for a reasonable price.

Gary Hocking makes custom jewellery specializing in Australian opals. He has his own website www.opaljewelryexpress.com

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise, rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, mystic cz, and now a few cameo pendants as well.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures - has recently added a number of new black opal triplet jewelry items. Because each one is unique they don't tend to stay around very long and we had been neglectful of adding enough new items. That has been remedied for now. We have added opal rings set with black opal triplets (including some with the highest grade triplets), opal earrings set with opal triplets, as well as sterling silver and 14kt gold opal pendants with standard and highest grade Australian opal triplets. We have also added a few more unisex and/or men's opal rings.

We have added more simulated birthstone rings

2006-11-11T14:47:00.000-05:00

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures has added a number of new simulated birthstone rings featuring colored cubic zirconia (or czs) set in solid .925 sterling silver. Our latest additions can be found here.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise, rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, cz and mystic cz, and now a few cameo pendants and birthstone jewelry as well.

Underlying Themes for Gems

2006-11-07T15:10:00.000-05:00

Throughout antiquity, man has assigned themes to events and things. Gem fall within this category and here is a brief explanation of what each is associated with.

Underlying Themes for Gems

There are many different areas of gift giving that offer ways to convey special meanings. For centuries, a gift of certain types of flowers has been able to show the receiver just what you think of him or her. Gemstones also have this type of ability, because the different types of gems, along with their colors and cuts, often convey a thought to the receiver. The subjects conveyed are greatly varied, depending on the area of the world you're in, and your beliefs.

Of course, one of the most common sources of associations can be found with birthstones. The twelve months each have at least one corresponding gemstone, and these were set forth in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers. These gemstones are as follows:

January - Garnet

February - Amethyst

March - Aquamarine or Bloodstone

April - Diamond

May - Emerald

June - Pearl or Moonstone

July - Ruby

August - Peridot

September - Sapphire

October - Opal or Tourmaline

November - Yellow Topaz or Citrine

December - Blue Topaz or Turquoise

There are many other gem associations besides these obvious ones. Many have to do with their healing and mystical properties. Gems that are used for birthstones also have these other properties, and here's a rundown of some of them. Amethyst - February - used to reflect negativity, it can also strengthen your intuition. Bloodstone - March - used to remove physical and mental blocks, as well as general protection. Moonstone - June - used to attract compassion and love, as well as enhancing psychic powers.

Other gems that are not used as birthstones are also believed to have certain powers and abilities that are bestowed upon their wearers. Carnelian, for example, can be used to stimulate career growth. Rose quartz, a lovely pink version of the quartz crystal, offers those who wear or carry it a feeling of peace and love, and also promotes beauty. Amber, the soft translucent smoky brown gem made from fossilized tree sap, is a great all purpose gem that's perfect for protection of children. Finally, the stone known as tiger eye is great for allowing its owner to know whether he or she is being deceived.

While some may not believe that gems have these powers, others swear by the many different stones and their abilities to enhance mental and physical prowess. Whether you prefer the usual gem association of birthstones, or would like to try wearing a stone for other reasons, one thing is sure - gems are beautiful additions to your life!

About the author:
Arsene Bergkamp is with JewelryStoresforYou.com - a directory of jewelry stores.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise, rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, cz and mystic cz, and now a few cameo pendants and birthstone jewelry as well.

Common Jewelry Questions

2006-10-28T10:41:00.000-04:00

Common Jewelry Questions

What is my birthstone? There are several different lists of birthstones. Following is a list of some of the most commonly accepted birthstones.

January Garnet

February Amethyst

March Aquamarine/Bloodstone

April Diamond

May Emerald

June Alexandrite/Moonstone/Pearl

July Ruby

August Peridot/Sardonyx

September Sapphires

October Pink Tourmaline/Opal

November Topaz/Citrine

December Blue Zircon/Turquoise

What is the difference between 10, 14 &18 karat gold? 24 kt = 99% 22 kt = 91.66% 20 kt = 83.33% 18 kt = 75% 14 kt = 58.33% 10 kt = 41.66%

What does .925 mean? This is another method of marking sterling silver and refers to the percentage of silver 92.5%).

How is gold colored? Varying the alloys creates the various colors of gold. Red has more copper, green has more silver, and white has nickel or palladium added.

What are the 4 Cs? The four Cs are Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat weight.

What is the difference between created and simulated stones? Both are manmade stones. Created stones are chemically the same as the natural stone. Simulated stones are stones that are made of a material other than what it is attempting to copy. Cubic zirconium, lab-grown corundum, lab grown spinel and glass are common materials used to simulate gemstones.

What is stress fracturing? Stress fracturing is a problem associated with white and lower karat gold. Gold of 10 kt or less are susceptible. White gold often has this problem. Stress fracturing is caused by chemicals that dissolve the alloy out of the gold which, of course, weakens it. This can cause an item to suddenly just break for no apparent reason. This is most often seen as a prong tip on a white gold setting that is suddenly missing. Chlorine is one chemical that can cause this problem. Never soak your jewelry in strong cleaners.

Why does my fine jewelry turn my finger black? This is most often not a problem with the quality of the metal. Whenever a metal is ground into a fine enough powder, that powder is black. If the hand cream or makeup that you are using contains any abrasive materials, this will rub on the piece of jewelry and create a black smudge. Many of the materials used to color makeup are mild abrasives.

About the author:
Gary Haag has been designing and creating fine handcrafted jewelry for over 20 years. For more information about selecting and caring for your fine jewelry visit, The Gary's Gold & Silver (http://garysgold.com)

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry (opals are the birthstone for October) & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise (one of the birthstones for December), rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, cz and mystic cz (cubic zirconia are oftem used as a substitue for April's birthstone which is the diamond), and now a few cameo pendants and birthstone jewelry as well.

Fall Birthstones: Personal And Beautiful Gifts

2006-10-19T10:19:00.000-04:00

Most scholars believe that the tradition of wearing birthstones descended from the Breastplate of Aaron. In Jewish history, this was a garment worn by priests that was decorated with 12 stones. On the breastplate, they represented the 12 tribes of Israel, and over time came to correspond with the 12 months of the year, or the 12 signs of the Zodiac. While the stones that appeared on the breastplate are not the same stones we associate as birthstones today, the tradition of wearing stones and the belief that they convey power, strength, or protection has continued. Here is some information about the birthstones associated with the fall months of September, October, and November.

The birthstones for September are opal and lapis. Most people associate sapphires with the color blue, and this is the most common and popular color for sapphires, but they can also be found in colors like yellow and and white. Sapphires are the same mineral as rubies, corundum, so when sapphires are red or pink, they are called rubies instead. Sapphires are very hard, almost as hard as diamonds, and do not scratch easily. They are sometimes called the gem of the heavens because they are blue like the sky. Their blue color is also linked with loyalty and faithfulness, and many couples choose sapphires as the stone for engagement rings, with or without diamonds. Lapis is more common and not as expensive, but is the same brilliant color blue. It does not shine like a sapphire, but is dull instead.

October's birthstones are opal and tourmaline. Opals are unusual among gems in that you will find many different colors in a single stone. Most of the world's opals come from Australia, and they are sometimes called rainbow stones to reflect their multicolored nature. Opal is the same chemical composition as quartz, but contains water that refracts light, causing the different colors. Unlike sapphires, opal is very fragile and brittle. As such, a lot of opal jewelry is covered with clear protectants like resin or enamel. Opal becomes more brittle as it loses its water, so it should not be kept in very dry areas for lengthy periods of time. In fact, opal jewelry should be worn frequently, as it can absorb humidity from the skin. Like opal, tourmaline is a multicolored stone, but is a different chemical composition.

Yellow topaz, the birthstone for November, ranges from a warm brownish yellow, to shades with more red and orange. Both the ancient Romans and Egyptians associated topaz with their sun gods, and many believe it has protective powers. Citrine resembles topaz, but is a variety of quartz and is much more affordable.

About the author:

Dana Bradley writes about Ice coupons, Harris Michael Jewelry and Jewelry

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise, rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, cz and mystic cz, and now a few cameo pendants and birthstone jewelry as well.

CZ Heaven

2006-10-06T12:33:00.000-04:00

We have all heard that diamonds are a girl's best friend. A girl, that is, with means. Diamonds are beautiful, yes. But they are also extremely expensive. The price has risen steadily over the years as a diamond cartel led by DeBeers company has monopolized the diamond market. A good quality diamond today retails for roughly $6500 per carat. In the face of the escalating cost cubic zirconia, a synthesized diamond simulant, has emerged as a reasonably priced alternative. CZ can compete with and in fact surpasses diamonds on different levels.
There is no comparison between CZ and diamonds when it comes to pricing. CZ's are a fraction of the price of diamonds retailing for about .60 cents per carat. This huge disparity in price allows for more flexibility in the ownership characteristics of CZ buyers. As a result, one can purchase a variety of styles and still not be overwhelmed financially. Buying a diamond of any consequence, on the other hand, may require a visit to your banks loan department. There is also the issue of caring for a diamond and the anxiety that comes along with this obligation. CZ owners truly lack the worrying and careful consideration of use associated with possessing expensive diamonds. CZ owners tend to be more concerned with fashion discretion.
Certainly diamonds are valuable in their own right. Diamonds are the hardest natural occurring material known to man and are used extensively in industry. Through effective marketing and controlled distribution, diamonds have reached the pinnacle of the jewelry market. Yet, if you had to distinguish between a diamond and cubic zirconia stone you would most likely not know the difference. You may even choose the CZ stone due to the fact that CZ has a higher dispersion rate than diamonds consequently sparkling more brilliantly. CZ also registers high on the Mohls scale which measure hardness in stones. Only diamonds and sapphires are higher on the scale.
The benefits of cubic zirconia in terms of price and quality have led to an increase in its popularity. Enlightened consumers watching their bottom line find cubic zirconia to be an exciting alternative. Will diamonds always be considered the most valuable precious stone? The Debeers company has recently lost some of its iron grip on the diamond market, which may lead to the decline in price of diamonds. This may either increase the popularity of diamonds as they become more affordable or decrease the demand as the perception of diamonds as an investment diminishes. Either way, CZ continues to entice, offering savings plus quality, qualifying cubic zirconia as a legitimate frontrunner.

About the author:
Derek Belay works for Jewelry Payless.com and KingIce.com as a marketing manager.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise, rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, cz and mystic cz, and now a few cameo pendants as well.

Gemstone Engagement Rings by Julie Shields

2006-09-30T14:13:00.000-04:00

Blue sapphire engagement rings have been known to be preferred by royalty because the blue sapphire stone is even more rare than a diamond and is almost as hard. This is a nice factoid to share with your number one queen as you slip a blue sapphire engagement ring on her ring finger. Blue sapphires come in a range of shades from a light to deep blue. The blue color is due to the level of titanium in the stone: the more titanium, the richer the color. However, too much color can actually create a dull black effect, reducing the price of the stone.

Most blue sapphires are found in Sri Lanka, Burma, and Madagascar. Burmese sapphires tend to cost more than those from Sri Lanka and Madagascar due to their brilliant color. Kashmir blue sapphires are the most rare and expensive of all as the supply found in a remote region of India was exhausted around a 100 years ago, thus escalating price and demand.

Prices for blue sapphires depend on whether or not they've been treated (with untreated costing much more) as well as color, cut, tone (lightness or darkness of stone), saturation (degree to which hue is hidden by other shades), and clarity. One carat blue sapphires can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

Buy your ruby engagement rings with pride! Don't let anyone tell you that diamonds are better as engagement rings. Only you and your potential spouse should decide what fits in with your style, taste, and budget........not popular opinion.... or your future mother-in-law. Besides, you can always tell the nay-sayers that large rubies are even more rare than diamonds. Rubies belong to the corundum family. Any other color besides red from this family is considered a sapphire. Rubies are almost as hard as diamonds. Diamonds are considered a "10" on the hardness scale while rubies come in at a 9. Rubies have somewhat less clarity than other gemstones and tend to have at least some small inclusions. Most rubies are heat-treated to improve their color, but stones in their natural form do exist. Cushion cut and oval rubies are the most common shape. Burmese rubies are considered to be the most desirable.

You may be able to save money by purchasing a ruby with a slightly off-shade i.e. a little bit lighter or darker than what is considered ideal... a vivid red color. You can also save some dough by purchasing synthetic versus natural rubies. Rubies belong to the corundum family. Any other color besides red from this family is considered a sapphire.

Rest assured that buying opal engagement rings for your partner will not bring them bad luck but perhaps even the opposite. Concerning the opal gemstone superstition, some still feel that it is bad luck to purchase an opal for oneself, but good luck if someone else gives one to you. Throughout history there have been negative connotations associated with opals. Interestingly enough, it is said that the diamond dealers became nervous in the 18th and 19th century about the beatiful gemstone stealing away diamond customers and further perpepuated stereotypes of the opal to prevent this from happening. The powers that be tried hard to defeat this bad luck urban legend when huge amounts of opals were found in Australia.

I personally love opal engagement rings. With their rainbow hues, I just think opals are some of the prettiest stones around. The rainbow shades are oftened referred to as a "play of color." Most of the opal supply come from our Aussie friends in Southern Australia.

Here's the science behind the opals. Opals are a noncrystalline form of the mineral silica which are formed from amorphous "balls" or "lumps" of silica. In other words, water in the ground carrying dissolved silica seeps through sand and dirt, where the silica particles are deposited in cracks. As the water evaporates, the silica particles cement together to form the opal. The color is caused by the diffraction of light. Where the tiny spheres of silica are of a similar size and arrangement, the light reflecting from them is divided into its spectral colors, and the stone appears to contain all the colors of the rainbow. Where the spheres are larger and less uniform, the range of color is more limited.

One of the major downfalls of opal engagement rings compared to diamonds is that opals are a much softer stone. While the diamond is considered to be a 10 on the Mohs hardness sclae, the opal rates between a 5 and a 6. This means that over time, it is possible for the opal to break and you must be careful to treat it with care and look for a ring setting that best preserves its integrity (i.e. semi-bezel is a good choice).

Opals exhibit an impressive color range. They can be white, pink, green and blue, gray, or black. Australian boulder opals are the most durable of opals as well as the most robust in color. As a result, they are considered to be valuable and are pretty pricey Black opals are actually the most rare and expensive. They have a dark backdrop with a rainbow colors or deep blue-green hues. Fire opals, which have any color backdrop but exhibit an unusual amount of red color play are also fairly rare

There are a thousand legends and stories related to the opal gemstone.

The Ancient Greeks believed opals fell from heaven during flashes of lightning and provided individuals with the ability to see into the future.

The Romans thought that wearing opals made one more lucid in thought and spontaneous in action.

Can you believe this? In his play "Tweltfh Night," Shakespeare made use of the gemstone to make an analogy between the opal's changing colors and the ever-changing moods of a woman. Hmmmmmmmm.......not sure if I like the comparison.

About the author:
The author recently got married and is sporting a beautiful ascher cut diamond ring. She and her husband developed the website: http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com/ in order to help you find the perfect engagement ring.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise, rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, mystic cz, and now a few cameo pendants as well.

New Black Opal Triplet Jewelry Added!

2006-09-19T12:26:00.000-04:00

Update from Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures - We have just added a number of new black opal triplet jewelry items. Because each one is unique they don't tend to stay around very long and we had been neglectful of adding enough new items. That has been remedied for now. We have added opal rings set with black opal triplets (including some with the highest grade triplets), opal earrings set with opal triplets, as well as sterling silver and 14kt gold opal pendants with standard and highest grade Australian opal triplets. We have also added a few more unisex and/or men's opal rings.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise, rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, mystic cz, and now a few cameo pendants as well.

BIRTHSTONE MEANING

2006-09-15T12:55:00.000-04:00

BIRTHSTONE MEANING

January - Garnet
The Romans named this deep-red stone granatum, or pomegranate, because of its resemblance to the fruit's rare, jewel-like seeds. Symbolizing faith and courage, garnets are believed to intensify affection and nurture the imagination.

February - Amethyst
A symbol of peace since ancient times, amethyst was once used to decorate the British crown jewels. Believed to promote tranquility, the stones are revered for their soothing characteristics.

March - Aquamarine
Named from the Latin words for water and sea, aquamarines were once worn by sailors to protect against seasickness. Today, the translucent blue stone is a symbol of courage and everlasting youth.

April - Diamond
During the Italian Renaissance, diamonds came to represent divine love from the translation dio (God) and amante (love). Today, diamonds remain the ultimate symbol of everlasting devotion.

May - Emerald
Due to its rich green hue, the ancients equated emeralds with spring and prized them as symbols of rebirth. The vibrant stones are believed to quicken the intelligence as well as the heart.

June - Pearl
According to Arabic legend, pearls are formed when dewdrops fill with moonlight and fall into the ocean. The world's oldest known gem, pearls are believed to promote prosperity and long life.

July - Ruby
Believed to promote balance in love and all spiritual endeavors, the ruby is not only the world's rarest gemstone, but also the one many consider to be the most passionate.

August - Peridot/Sardonyx
Ancient Romans called peridot the "evening emerald", since its vivid green color does not darken at night. Once believed to drive away evil spirits, the stone is still considered a symbol of good luck.

September - Sapphire
The ancients believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire, and its reflection colored the sky. Once worn by kings to protect against harm, today sapphires are believed to promote inner peace.

October - Opal/Tourmaline
Shakespeare onced used opals as his muse, their luminous surfaces mirroring the wonder of the skies, rainbows, fireworks and lightening at once. Today, the stone is a symbol of both intuition and joy.

November - Citrine/Yellow Topaz
Derived from the French word citron, meaning lemon, citrine is also known as the jewel of the sun. The golden stone has been aptly linked with light-heartedness, happiness and joy.

December - Blue Topaz/Turquoise
The ancient greeks believed topaz had the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible. Still considered a powerful stone, today this dazzling gem is also a symbol of rejuvenation and joy.

about the author:
Alice Sy graduated with Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) from the University of Hong Kong and served as the Director of World Champ International Enterprises since 1993.
For more details about the products and services of World Champ International Enterprises, please visit http://www.1JewelryWatch.com

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise, rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, and mystic cz.

At-Home Shopping Guide: Buying Unique Jewelry Online is Increasingly Popular

2006-09-08T10:17:00.000-04:00

Jewelry has become a popular seller online in recent years, so you're bound to see thousands of designs while shopping for jewelry on the Web. How do you choose what type of jewelry and where to buy it? It's easy with this free shopping guide.

Types of Jewelry

Finding the right type of jewelry involves several factors: favorite designs or styles, colors and size of the jewelry.

Matching Jewelry with Your Outfit

Everyone has his or her favorite jewelry designs or styles. Whether it's silver or gold, costume jewelry or any other type, there are thousands of designs to choose from. Let's start with stones. Stones are used in rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and even body jewelry. There are real diamonds, birthstones, cubic zirconium, crystal stones, gems, pearls, black onyx and many others. Some jewelry has multiple stones while some uses only one stone. Stones might represent one color or come in a blend of colors.

Choose stones that match the colors in your clothing for maximum appeal. But don't stop there! You can also choose stones to match the occasion. Pearls are beautiful for formal gatherings, but not so much for a ball game! On the other hand, a black onyx necklace or bracelet would go beautifully with a business suit or formal attire.

Another part of design to consider is how the jewelry is presented against clothing or the skin. Do you like jewelry to "hang" loosely or lay flat? Do you like necklaces to be long, short (against the neck) or somewhere in between? The best way to find out is to try on several pieces of jewelry to see what looks best on you. If possible, wear your matching outfit when you go shopping for jewelry. This enables you to match the jewelry to your outfit right there in the store! If ordering online, hold your outfit near the photo of the jewelry on your computer screen to get a match. It really works!

Theme Jewelry

Theme jewelry is very popular today as well. Choose themes for the occasion or just to express your likes. Some jewelry themes include:

*Animals (cows, birds, snakes, cats, frogs, rabbits, elephants, leopards, etc.)

*Nature (trees and flowers)

*Holidays (Christmas, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving)

*Patriotic

*Funny (clowns, jokers, sayings

*Religious (crosses, emblems)

Jewelry Gifts

When shopping for jewelry gifts, observe the jewelry the recipient wears to get an idea of the styles they like. Consider the recipient's age. Is he/she an adult, teen or young child? Shopping online enables you to search for jewelry by category: Women's Jewelry, Men's Jewelry, Children's Jewelry, and Teen Jewelry. This makes it much easier to sift through thousands of jewelry products.

Online Shopping Tips

When searching for jewelry on the Web, be sure to narrow your search to the types of jewelry you like. Use the styles and themes mentioned above to narrow your search. It's even better if you can find an online mall and search for jewelry all in one place. These malls offer categorized jewelry items with photos for easy shopping.

Don't be shy of malls that offer other products. These usually divide their jewelry into one convenient section. You can even do your other online shopping while there. Many of the online malls offer a variety of products, including electronics, cell phones, outdoor supplies, sporting goods, computer supplies, collectibles and many others.

Shopping for jewelry has never been easier. With online resources, you can find jewelry for yourself or gifts for others in no time!

About the author:
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies. For tips/information, click here: shoppingVisit Majon's Jewelry directory.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures offers a wide variety of .925 sterling silver, gold-filled, and 14kt gold jewelry, including rings, pendants, earrings, handcrafted necklaces and bracelets set with opals, ammolite, dichroic glass, rainbow moonstones, stabilized turquoise and more. We have also recently added a cameo pendant section with select floral cameos set in sterling silver and gold filled pendants.

Jewelry is The Perfect Gift

2006-08-25T10:30:00.000-04:00

When it comes to gifting, we often draw a blank. It is hard to decide what to give and whether the person you are giving it to will like it or not. With a virtually endless list of possible items, the confusion is tremendous. But, have you considered gifting some jewelry?

For those who have never gifted any jewelry to anyone his may seem like a surprise but jewelry is a very popular and probably one of the best received kind of gifts ever. Whether it is a small trinket token in artificial metal and beads or whether it is exquisite diamond necklace jewelry makes a perfect gift item.

Jewelry has a lasting appeal that no other gift can match. Of course, every occasion may not be appropriate for gifting jewelry and jewelry gifts may not necessarily match your pocket but if you want to gift a truly memorable item and make it personal then jewelry is on top of the list.

Precious jewelry has not just the visual appeal but also a value attached to it. This makes your gift memorable and precious. Also, you need not just opt for the conventional jewelry gifts and go for a small unconventional piece that may suit a different style.

Wedding for one are a great occasion when jewelry gifting is appropriate and the perfect way to mark the day. Apart from gifting jewelry to your bride or groom, you could also give little pieces to the bridesmaids, best men, family and close friends. If you are looking for a gift for a friend's wedding, you can always spend a few dollars on a nice pendant or earring set.

Apart from this, jewelry is the perfect way to mark birthdays and anniversaries. You can even gift your children some nice jewelry like light bracelets or pendants. These can be easy to manage and not too expensive.

With so much variety and price range available in jewelry, it can really ease your gifting woes. And, the best part is that when you gift jewelry you know it will be remembered.

About the author
We provide a superior combination of high quality, excellent value and expert advice and 24x7 online Customer support. Be sure to visit http://www.diamonds-ring.co.uk to browse our selection of certified diamonds and fine jewellery. We offer Free Insured Air Shipping, Gift Card, Gift Packaging & 30-day no-risk Return Policy with every purchase

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures offers a wide variety of sterling silver, gold-filled, and 14kt gold jewelry, including rings, pendants, earrings, handcrafted necklaces and bracelets set with opals, ammolite, dichroic glass, rainbow moonstones, stabilized turquoise and more.

Our Historical, Global Fascination With Jewelry

2006-08-15T19:15:00.000-04:00

Our fascination and appreciation of jewelry date back to 3,000 B.C., in ancient Egypt. At least this is just the earliest we've been able to trace it, through work done by a team in the 1920s to uncover King Tutankhamen's tomb.

By 300 B.C., the Greeks had caught on and were making multicolored jewelry, using emeralds, garnets, amethysts and pearls. They also used colored stones, glass and enamel. Next, the Italians stepped up to the plate and worked with gold, in particular. They made large necklaces, bracelets and earrings. To this day, Italians are still renowned for high-quality, stylish, gold jewelry.

In 13th Century Europe, it started getting "cliquish." Yes, even back then, only the very high-class were al lowed to wear pearls, gemstones, gold or silver. You wouldn't have wanted to have been a "regular" per son in those days, that's for sure.

Not surprisingly, jewels have always been used as love tokens, and though many fine gems and precious metals were all the rage from the 14th to the 17th Centuries, "faux" jewelry had already come into play. It was, however, meant to deceive only. Much the way fake Rolexes are sold on the black market today, Europeans sold the fake goods and started making a fortune. Good glass imitations were often used, for example, and no one knew the difference.

Funny how some things never really change.

To be sure, the importance of 17th Century earrings and dress ornaments, such as brooches, worn by women -- dressed or undressed -- was paramount. Jewelry has always been regarded as an important element of a particular "class" of people; jewels in the 17th Century provided one of the best ego-strokes and status symbols of the time.

Finally, in the late 18th Century, England got the message and began producing glass and porcelain cameos, for which they are still famous today.

Also in England, ornate shoe buckles were part of the fashion-conscious, as well as jeweled buttons.

OK, the haute-couture capital of the world, some argue, is in France, so where were they when all this was going on?

Don't think twice. Famous in France for many centuries were matching suites of precious and semi-precious gems (such as uncut garnets and amethysts) made into brace lets, necklaces, rings and, of course, the ubiquitous earrings.

Poor America and Australia. They lagged behind, but soon enough jumped on the bandwagon during the Victor ian era. They bought from artist craftsmen only and actually staged a rebellion when they learned some of their jewelry was machine-made.

How times have changed, and how they have stayed the same, as the saying goes. To many of us living in the 21st Century, the creative setting and use of hair is considered an attractive "type" of jewelry in and of itself. Women enjoy mixing antique jewels with a classic, trend-setting hair style.

Yet what was previously known as "fake" jewelry became the widely accepted and appreciated costume jewelry, still fashionable today. Costume jewelry can enliven a fashion wardrobe and bring a dash of panache to any occasion.

In these uncertain financial times, if you want job stability, a good bet is to get into the jewelry industry, don't you think?

About the author:
Yvonne Volante, the author, is a big fan of jewelry and writes for florajewelry.com, which is the premier jewelry resource on the internet. You can see all of the articles over at http://www.florajewelry.com

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with dichroic glass and with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise, rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, and mystic cz.

Birthstone Gemstones Are Filled With Symbolism

2006-08-08T15:18:00.000-04:00

Birthstone Gemstones Are Filled With Symbolism by Andrew Green

The argument that we have a predestined fate, and that we make our destiny is an age old one, being the object of discussion in many a philosophical conversation. It is also an argument that can never have a proven conclusion, only believers in either, by choice as a result of experience. Birthstone gemstones are closely related to the astral powers that be, according to the believers.

Every sun sign has a birthstone gemstone associated with it, which is supposed to be lucky for the person born during that period. This is the simplest of explanations of birthstones. People use various stones hoping for various affects that the stone will have on their lives. At the same time, people avoid contact with certain stones that will bring them bad luck and misery. Although this may seem like something out of a fairy tale to westernized society, these things are practiced extravagantly in countries like India, where people go to the 'learned man' (probably a palm reader), who looks at the palm and foresees an event about to go wrong, and provides the means to avoid that event by wearing one gem stone, removing one, and things like that.

Some may laugh at the idea, while others follow their birthstone gemstones related issues with religious belief. Psychology says if you believe you are doing something to help solve a problem, that is half the battle won, call it psychology, call it faith, but if you wear a gemstone in the belief that it will help you, then it will! If you don't wear a stone knowing well that you need to, you are probably going to make some mistakes! Anyway this was the original idea behind gemstones and why people wore them.

Today, many women choose birthstone gemstones as ornaments with jewel value, if nothing more. Many people wear their birthstone as a symbol of their identity. Whatever the reason, gemstones are very beautiful objects that ignite a spark in your emotions, and make you stare at them in awe.

Birthstone gemstones have various divisions like mystical stones, ayurvedic (Indian) stones, modern, traditional, astrological, planetary, talismanic and ancient cultural birthstones. Each category has a story and a reasoning behind it, each stone is believed to be special, and is great fun if nothing else, to hear why a stone is special and how it will help your life, and how it is meant specially for the particular individual in question.

In western society, gemstones and birthstones reached heights of popularity during the hippie days, when people began experimenting with eastern philosophies, and today offer a sweet reminder of those times to many a person who lived their youth during that period. Gemstones come in every imaginable color (including black by the way), which provide an opportunity to wear a stone with practically any color theme.

Birthstone gemstones come in a variety of sizes as well, and like any other jewelry, the bigger they are, the more rare , and thereby more expensive they are. As far as the fashion oriented use of gemstones and birthstone goes, smaller ones are used on rings and earrings and somewhat larger on necklaces and pendants. Gemstones vary in price from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars!

about the author:
Gems HQ features articles about gems and gemstones, including birth gemstones.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise, rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, and mystic cz.

Fashionable Jewelry

2006-08-01T17:11:00.000-04:00

Fashionable Jewelry by Bob Gill

In mid-1900 Hollywood and the general American culture greatly influenced women's fashions. Women wanted a share of the glamorous life styles of the celebrities they admired, and by wearing copies of celebrity outfits and jewelry they could live out their dreams.

The shortage of metals during the Second World War seriously affected jewelry production. Costume jewelry therefore flourished and became an acceptable alternative to fine jewelry.

The rapid rise of television in the 1980's saw an increase of glitzy jewelry displayed on our screens, with earrings and other jewelry pieces growing to an unbelievable size.

On the one hand, the glitzy large earrings of the late 1900's have been replaced with tiny real diamond studs. On the other hand, though, the current hip hop jewelry trend may be indicating that we are coming full circle with our jewelry tastes.

Hip hop celebrities are having a huge impact on the wholesale jewelry market. These artists are wearing oversized jewelry pieces, or 'bling', and have thousands of their fans copying them. Of course, in most cases fans cannot afford the expensive diamonds worn by their hip hop stars, but they can go for high quality cubic zirconia chains and pendants that rival the expensive items in shine and looks.

Today many women prefer to combine fine jewelry and costume jewelry. Swarovski crystals set in gold can be common accessories, for example, or imitation diamond jewelry can be purchased at a fraction of the cost of real diamonds.

You can stamp your own individuality with today's trendy jewelry. Eye-catchy earrings or a gorgeous ring or pendant can draw people to you - for whatever reason. We do wear jewelry to enhance our beauty or to expose our personality to the world at large - don't we?

Diamonds, for example, are not just for the domain of the rich. The price of these gems is related to their carat weight, but purchasing a particular item below a standard carat weight can sometimes get you an impressive quality diamond at a considerably cheaper price.

Bridal jewelry. The local jewelry store used to be the traditional place to buy simple wedding bands. Today, however, couples buy matching bands from Internet stores that offer a myriad of choices of unisex rings that have more of a custom look and individual appeal.

The Internet has revolutionalized the way we shop. Before we had to spend considerable time locating a store that offered a wide selection of quality, affordable jewelry. Today, online shopping provides a fast, convenient avenue to explore a multitude of shops. There are discounts galore and we have a huge variety of jewelry to suit all tastes.

Shop around - the Internet certainly gives you the ability to do that.

About the author:
Bob Gill currently runs a website offering a guide and information on buying diamond earring jewelry. http://www.diamond-earring-jewelry.com

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures offers a wide variety of sterling silver, gold-filled, and 14kt gold jewelry, including rings, pendants, earrings, handcreafted necklaces and bracelets set with opals, ammolite, dichroic glass, rainbow moonstones, stabilized turquoise and more.

Online Jewelry vs. Traditional Jewelry Stores

2006-07-24T09:51:00.000-04:00

It happens every time you walk into a store. "Excuse me, ma'am, are you looking for something?" Every time, you resist the urge to politely explain that if you wanted help you would have asked for it and offer a simple, "no, thank you." Often times we forget about the additional opportunities that the Internet offers us. We have the option to enter any store at any time from the privacy of our own homes. One of the best facets of online shopping is that of online jewelry. The Internet has forever changed the way people shop for jewelry.

Online jewelry shopping lets you see pictures of the product from several different angles. Product descriptions, right down to the size, weight, karat and metallurgy are readily available, as opposed to having a salesperson spend precious time searching through a binder for these same facts. Detailed information about purchasing, shipment, and return policy are available at the click of a button. Reviews and information about every online jewelry vendor is available on each site. Customer service is paramount, and online vendors have to compete over you.

Savvy Internet customers make price comparisons on the piece of jewelry that interests them by looking up the piece on several websites. No longer do you have to drive to three different stores! Three clicks of the mouse and three online jewelry stores are at your fingertips. This is both a time and a sanity saver. Another asset of online jewelry shopping is faster delivery service. A website accurately depicts its stock and delivery time, whereas a store will only give you an estimate as to when it can have something available. People agree, however, that price is the best reason to shop online. Most online jewelry stores do not have actual brick and mortar stores, so they are able to give you the item at a large discount, usually close to wholesale price! Without numerous employees, stores to pay rent on, and security to worry about, the online vendor provides the customer with the best possible value. One such online jewelry store is Apples of Gold Jewelry. Their prices often beat their competitors' both online and offline. Their "about us" page, says of their jewelry, "The difference is not the jewelry. The difference is the price". These and other online jewelry stores are an excellent source in today's age for getting the best value, quickly, efficiently, while still maintaining your high standards for quality jewelry.

It is readily apparent when making the comparison that online jewelry shopping gives the consumer a wider product selection and clear cut payment procedures. With the click of a button you can purchase low-cost, high quality merchandise and know exactly what you're getting and from where it will arrive. When added together with the ease of shopping from home, and having all of the information at your fingertips, is it any wonder that online jewelry sales have increased greatly in the past several years?

About the Author:
Afshin Yaghtin, graduated as an English Major from UCLA before earning his Master's Degree at the University of Wales, in Aberystwyth. He now runs Apples of Gold Jewelry.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures offers a wide variety of sterling silver, gold-filled, and 14kt gold jewelry, including rings, pendants, earrings, handcreafted necklaces and bracelets set with opals, ammolite, dichroic glass, rainbow moonstones, stabilized turquoise and more.

Tips On How to Keep the Silver Sparkling and in Good Condition

2006-07-18T15:42:00.000-04:00

There are some tips on polishing the silver to keep them sparkling and in good condition. In this article you will learn on how to polish the silver and what polish shall you use.

How to clean the silver pieces with the gold linings or lacquer finishes? Here are some tips that can be helpful for you.

FOR BEST RESULTS IN POLISHING SILVER, wash it first in hot water with a detergent or soap. Then use a good silver polish, based on whiting or jeweler's rouge, or use either of these two substances with ammonia or denatured alcohol. Avoid polishes that contain harsh abrasives such as silica. The electrolytic method, which involves aluminum and zinc, plus baking soda, or salt and soda, is harmless but jewelers frown upon it. It removes the oxidation completely, leaving the design flat and the finish dead. Also not recommended by silver authorities are the "dip and shine" polishes. These are not only expensive but require great care and caution in use. They remove the oxidation from designs and have a tendency to "burn" the finish. This does not mean that these polishes eat into the silver, but that they can cause a discoloration that is not attractive.

IF YOU USE A COMMERCIAL POLISH, or one of the treated silver-polishing cloths, read the directions and follow them carefully. Polishes made with whiting will be white in color, while those containing jeweler's rouge will be pink.

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE YOUR OWN POLISH get a fine grade of gilder's whiting at a good paint store it is very inexpensive and apply it with a damp cloth, soft brush, or sponge moistened with ammonia. Go over the silver carefully, in straight even strokes, and wipe off the tarnish. Let the powder dry on the silver, then polish it with a soft flannel cloth or piece of chamois leather. This is how England's famous silver is cleaned, in a matter of minutes, however tarnished it may be. If you want a brighter polish, use alcohol with your whiting instead of ammonia. Last of all, wash the silver to remove every trace of polish, rinse it in hot water, and wipe it dry. Polish left on silver causes it to retarnish more rapidly.

SILVER PIECES WITH GOLD LININGS should never be polished inside. The lining is a mere wash and gold is a soft metal. It can be removed by just plain rubbing. New linings, of course, can be put in by your jeweler.

THE CARE OF SILVER PLATE is the same as for sterling or solid silver, but don't rub it too hard or too often, or it will have to be replated. Actually, silver does not need to be polished vigorously each time you remove tarnish. Just wipe the tarnish, wash the piece carefully, and it will be lovely when you wipe it dry.

LACQUER OR PLASTIC FINISHES are sometimes applied to ornamental silver pieces so that they will not require cleaning or polishing. Lacquered pieces need only dusting or an occasional washing in mild lukewarm suds. Lacquering silver is a job best done by a jeweler.

IF POLISHING SILVER IS A CHORE, clean and polish the little-used pieces, wash them carefully, wrap them in tissue paper or special cloth from your jewelry store, and put them away until needed. They will remain bright because air is excluded. A camphor mothball or two in your silver chest or drawer helps keep tarnish away too.

Wash the silver in hot water with detergent or soap before polishing, use only good silver polish based on jeweler's rouge. You can use a commercial polish or treated silver-polishing cloths. You can also use fine grade of gilder's whitting.

When you polish the silverware or silver piece, do not polish the inside of the silver piece with the gold lining. Silver doesn't need to be polished every time. Silver with lacquer or plastic finishes can be only dusted.

About the Author:

Mitch Johnson is a regular writer for http://www.kitchen-plans-n-designs.com/ , http://www.mycollectablestips.info/ , http://www.ezcollectablesresources.info/

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures offers a wide variety of sterling silver, gold-filled, and 14kt gold jewelry, including rings, pendants, earrings, handcreafted necklaces and bracelets set with opals, ammolite, dichroic glass, rainbow moonstones, stabilized turquoise and more.

How To Keep Your Jewelry Looking Its Best

2006-07-12T09:02:00.000-04:00

Keep your jewelry looking as good as the day you bought or inherited it, and pass it on to your kids. Just because you might begin to look a bit frazzled around the edges over the years doesn't mean your jewelry has to.

Clear gem care (precious stones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds): You may Clean these in an ultrasonic cleaner if you wish. However, if there is any other type of stone in the setting than you should NOT use the ultrasonic. You can also clean clear gems with a mild liquid detergent and a soft brush. Dry with a non abrasive lint free cloth.

Opaque gem care (semi precious stones like jade, turquoise and opals): Do not put these stones in an ultrasonic cleaner. This will damage the gems. Opaque gems are porous and will absorb cleansers and soap, which will build up inside the stones and discolor them over time. Clean by wiping with a soft damp cloth.

Organic gem care: (pearls, amber, corals, shell jewelry): Wipe with a soft damp cloth. Do not use chemicals. You can use ivory flakes to clean these gems. Opals are also susceptible to extreme temperatures. Too much heat and they will dry out. If you go outside into freezing weather with an opal the opal may crack. In both cases your opal is history, so be careful.

When dressing, always put on your makeup, perfume and hairspray first. Leave your jewelry for last. All of these substances can build up on your jewelry which would than require more frequent cleaning and also dullthe appearance of the gems. These substances can also out and out damage some gems, especially pearls.

Never wear jewelry of any type when cleaning around the house. The chemicals in household cleansers can damage the metal in your jewelry and will destroy some types of gemstones. Yes, you want to remove your rings before you wash your hands, as soap can damage porous stones, and hand or body lotion can also be harmful.

Silver care: silver tends to tarnish due to the metals it is alloyed with (usually its copper). Do not use toothpaste as a cleanser as it's to abrasive and will dull the finish over time with tiny scratches. You can clean with silver polish, with a no phosphate type of detergent, or by simply storing in anti tarnish bags or anti tarnish jewelry boxes. Do NOT store pearls in this type of bag or box, however, as you will damage the pearl. You can also buy a more expensive alloy of silver and platinum which will not tarnish. Don't swim with jewelry on as the chlorine will pit the metal, and harm some types of stones.

Gold and Platinum care: Both metals can be cleaned in warm sudsy water, or take the jewelry to a jeweler for a steam cleaning. Buff the jewelry with a chamois or a soft cloth. Gold is weakened and becomes brittle with exposure to chlorine, but platinum can stand up to most chemicals. Your best bet with jewelry is to look for a cleaner that is safe for both the metal and the gemstone-ask your jeweler.

Lastly, store your pieces separately to avoid the pieces scratching one another. There are many jewelry boxes that are set up to keep jewelry separate, but you can also place some pieces in individual soft bags. Doesn't cost a lot, either.

About the author:
Susan Stafford owns a few online webstores. She is also the happy owner of a lot of jewelry. Come browse for some jewelry at http://www.diamondjewelrysite.com

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures offers a wide variety of sterling silver, gold-filled, and 14kt gold jewelry, including rings, pendants, earrings, handcreafted necklaces and bracelets set with opals, ammolite, dichroic glass, rainbow moonstones, stabilized turquoise and more.

2006-06-28T19:46:00.000-04:00

In Twelfth Night Shakespeare referred to opal as "the queen of gems". There is no way to accurately describe the finest opals: milky white background dotted with red, gold, purple, blue, and green; a dark night with rainbow lightning. Delicate and mysterious, opal has been treasures since ancient times for its unique beauty.

Romans called the magnificent gemstone "Cupid Paederos," meaning a child as beautiful as love. They believed that opals fell to earth from the heavens in a flash of lightening. However they arrived in on Earth originally, today opals must be mined from deposits found primarily in Southern Australia, although other sources exist in Brazil, Mexico, Czechoslovakia, and Nevada.

Crown Jewels Opal has symbolized hope, innocence and purity through the ages. During the Middle Ages, fair-haired young women put sapphires in their tresses to protect the lovely blond color of their hair. Physicians ground opals into a powder that was ingested to ward off nightmares. Since the 14th century, many cultures have considered this stone to be an Eye Stone, a stone that watches over royal families as well as a stone that strengthens the eyesight.

They believed it to be the "king of gems" because an opal holds within its fire all the colors of the rainbow…and all other gems, as well. And like many birthstones, opals were treasured by ancient monarchs for their appearance AND their powers.Opals were routinely set into the crowns and necklaces of rulers who believed the protective powers of the gemstones would ward off evil. Writers of the period believed the opal could render its wearer invisible when the need arose. The Russians had the complete opposite belief in opals, viewing them as nothing but bad luck..

Opal lost much if its popularity in the 19th Century when Sir Walter Scott published a novel "Anne of Geierstein" (1829). In this book the heroine owned an opal that burned fiery red when she was angry and turned ashen gray upon her death. Sales of opals dropped after the book was published as acquired a superstition of being "bad luck". The tendency of opal to crack spontaneously did not help the reputation of the opal. Queen Victoria finally helped quell this superstition by giving opal jewelry wedding presents to her relatives.

Opal is the birthstone for October and the gemstone given to commemorate a 14th wedding anniversary. The word "opal" for this dynamic gemstone was derived from the Greek word "opallus" which means to see a change in color…because it is, after all, opal's abilty to refract and reflect specific wavelengths of light that make it so special. In fact, there are more than a dozen varieties of fiery and iridescent opals.

Always the Right GiftA gift of Opal is symbolic of faithfulness and confidence. And the wide range of choices in opal make them a perfect gift for anyone.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures carries a wide variety of gemstone jewelry in .925 sterling silver as well as 14k gold-filled and 14kt gold. Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry, ammolite jewelry, dichroic glass jewelry, paua shell jewelry, mystic fire topaz jewelry, and mystic ice cz jewelry. You will also find a variety of turquoise and rainbow moonstone jewelry as well as jewelry with other semi-precious gems.

Finding the perfect gemstone for all budgets and taste by ian tham

2006-06-14T09:55:00.000-04:00

Finding the perfect gemstone for all budgets and taste

There are so many different minerals out there. For a novice jewelry buyer, she can easily be confused.

What should she buy?

One thing about gemstone is that you can find a wide assortment of color.

Here are the colors available and the type of stone available. The color is caused by metal ion impurities such as chromium, iron and copper.

Red - Ruby , garnet , spinel, coral, alexandrite, Tourmaline

Blue - Sapphire, Aquamarine, Topaz, Tourmaline, Paraiba Tourmaline, Tanzanite, Spinel, Zircon, Lapis Lazuli, Iolite, Turquoise

Pink- Ruby, Sapphire, Spinel, Garnets, Kunzite, Morganite Beryl, Topaz, Tourmaline

Green - Emerald, Tourmaline, Tsavorite Garnet, Demantoid Garnet, Peridot, Jade, Sapphire,Chrome Diopside, Chrysoprase, Alexandrite

Yellow- Sapphire. Citrine, Chrysoberyl, Topaz, Zircon, Amber, Andalusite, Tourmaline, Garnets

Violet- Amethyst, Garnets, Sapphire, Spinel, Tanzanite, Jadeite

Orange-Sapphire, Garnets, Mandarin Garnet, Citrine, Topaz, Fire Opal

I know that diamonds are the star but colored gems can share equal billing.

Royalty and movie stars have in their possession treasures which include emerald and sapphires and rubies.

The gemstone which have a distinguish long history are the emerald , ruby and sapphire.

Most importantly, how do you value a gemstone?

It is the same as diamonds which is the 4 Cs. The most important C for diamonds is Cut whereas color is the most important for gemstone.

You should look for pure colors rather than a mixture of two different colors in the gem. The tone should be moderate . It should not be too light or too dark.

The gem should not look dull and lifeless.

Clarity- Try to get a gem without inclusion. However this may be a natural phenomenon. Inclusion may tell the origin of the gem. Sometimes the gem may even be prized for its inclusion such as star in the star sapphire or the eye in the cats eye.

The gem should be cut in such a way as the light is reflected and refracted back to the observer resulting in brilliance and sparkle. If you can see through the gem that means that light has passed through the gem. Also beware of dark areas in the stone.

Durability- Check out whether the gem is hard. The harder the better . Diamond is the hardest substance at all. Next, comes sapphire followed by topaz. The gem should also not be brittle that means easily broken or inability to resist strong impact.

Carat- Gemstone are sold by weight in carat which is 0.2 grammes. However different gems have different densities. So a 1 carat emerald is much bigger than a 1 carat sapphire.

Rarity- actually rubies are even rarer than diamonds but diamonds are harder and cutting makes it sparkle. Sometimes a gem may be rare but the value is not as high as the gem is relatively unknown.

You can break up the price range of the different gem varieties into 4 categories. Ruby, emerald and sapphire are the most expensive. The next price range consist of Connoisseur gems such as black opal, jadeite, fancy colored sapphires, pink topaz, chrysoberyl cat's-eye, demantoid garnet and alexandrite. The mid range price consist of gems which are relatively new but some are among the list of the best sellers today such as tanzanite, tsavorite garnet, aquamarine, tourmaline, red spinel, precious topaz, spessartite garnet. The affordable gemstone are the following : amethyst, white opal, citrine, ametrine, peridot, rhodolite garnet, blue topaz, iolite, kunzite, andalusite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, onyx, chrysoprase, nephrite jade, and amber.

You can find all these gemstones set in jewelry at www.alljewelry.info

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures offers a wealth of jewelry information about opals, ammolite, topaz, cubic zirconia (cz), and dichroic glass, as well as secure online shopping for opal jewelry, ammolite jewelry, topaz (& mystic topaz) jewelry, paua shell, rainbow moonstone, turquoise, abalone, mystic cz, and dichroic glass jewelry and other gemstone jewelry. We also offer opal, ammolite, and gemstone rings for men and jewelry for children or women who prefer dainty delicate jewelry. All of our jewelry comes with a satisfaction guarantee.

Be Mine...Bejeweled...Beware. Advice for Buying Gemstone Jewelry

2006-05-31T14:34:00.000-04:00

Gemstones can be naturally mined, laboratory-created or total imitation. Natural gemstones (like rubies, sapphires, diamonds), as the name implies, were made by Mother Nature. Stones created in a lab can look identical to stones mined from the earth since they have essentially the same chemical, physical and visual properties as natural gemstones. The major difference is the cost. Laboratory-created stones do not have the rarity or uniqueness of naturally colored stones and, consequently, are much less expensive than naturally mined stones. Because these synthetic stones look similar to the real stones, they must be identified (labeled) as being lab-created. In contrast, imitation stones look like natural stones in appearance only, and may be glass, plastic, or less costly stones.

Gemstones can be measured by weight, size or both. The basic unit for weighing gemstones is the carat (with a C), which is equal to one-fifth of a gram. Carats are divided into 100 smaller units, called points. For example, a half-carat gemstone would weigh .50 carats or 50 points. When gemstones are measured by dimensions, the size is expressed in millimeters (for example, 7x5 mm.). Many gemstones are treated in some manner to improve their appearance or durability, or even change their color. Jewelers should tell you whether the gemstone you are considering has been treated since it may affect its value or require some special care.

Diamonds, the proverbial girls' best friend, are valued on four basic criteria: color, clarity, cut, and carat. The color of a diamond is usually "graded" on a scale. However, scales are not uniform: a "D" may be the best color on one scale, but not for another. Clarity refers to the presence or absence of internal flaws, called inclusions, which occur naturally within the stone, or to external blemishes, such as scratches or chips. A diamond can be described as "flawless" only if it has no visible surface or internal imperfections when viewed under a 10-power magnification by a skilled diamond grader. Make sure you know how a particular scale and grade represent the color or clarity of the diamond you are considering. Cut refers not only to the shape of the diamond, but also to size, angle, uniformity and polish of the facets (faces of the stone). Carat weight may be described in decimal or fractional parts of a carat, as described above.

Imitation diamonds, such as cubic zirconia, resemble diamonds in appearance but are much less costly since they are made in a laboratory. Other synthetics such as lab-created moissanite, also resemble diamonds and may not be detected by the instruments used to identify cubic zirconia. Ask your jeweler if he has the latest testing equipment to distinguish between real diamonds and lab-created stones.

Natural or "real" pearls are made by oysters and other mollusks. Cultured pearls are also grown by mollusks, but with human assistance: that is, an irritant introduced into the shells causes a pearl to grow. Imitation pearls are completely man-made using glass, plastic or organic materials. Because natural pearls are very rare, most pearls used in jewelry are either cultured or imitation. Cultured pearls, because they are produced by mollusks, are usually more expensive that imitation pearls. A pearl's value is largely based on size, usually state in millimeters, and the quality of its nacre coating, which gives it luster. Jewelers should tell you whether a pearl is imitation or cultured.

Some black, bronze, gold purple, blue and orange pearls, whether natural or cultured, occur that way in nature. Some, however, are dyed through various processes and jewelers should tell you whether the colored pearls are naturally colored, dyed or irradiated.

When you're in the market for a piece of jewelry for yourself or someone you love, shop around. Whether it is online, in catalogs or at a traditional store make comparisons. Compare quality, price, and service. Ask about refund and return policies before you buy. Check for the appropriate markings on metal jewelry. And make sure you get a sales receipt containing any information you relied on when making your purchase.

Best wishes for an enjoyable and rewarding shopping experience!

About the author:
Larry Denton is a retired history teacher having taught 33 years at Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently Vice President of Elfin Enterprises, Inc., an Internet business dedicated to providing valuable and accurate information and resources on a variety of topics. For a treasure chest full of additional information about jewelry please visit http://www.jewelryjaunt.com/

For a wide selection of jewelry with natural, lab created, and simulated gemstones including opals, ammolite, cz (mystic ice and regular), topaz (mystic and other), rainbow moonstone, stabilized turquoise, paua shell, and much more, please visit Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures.

Nine points to ponder before buying gemstone jewelry by Richard W. Wise

2006-05-22T09:55:00.000-04:00

1.Many types of gemstones are treated. In the marketplace, there are two types of gemstones, those that are completely natural and those that have been treated or enhanced. Any gem may be treated, 95% of all rubies, sapphires and emeralds are enhanced. Prices for untreated gems of similar quality are usually higher. A competent jeweler should be able to tell you which of the stones on offer have been treated and put it in writing. If it is a substantial purchase and want an untreated gem insist on an independent laboratory grading report.
2.If you are seeking a quality colored gemstone it is usually best to buy the stone loose then choose a setting. Manufactured jewelry requires uniformity in quality, size and weight. Most jewelry is produced in multiples. Stones must also be uniform to fit pre-made settings. Fine gemstones are rare and do not come in standardized sizes and shapes.
3.Colorless diamonds under ten carats are not rare. Diamonds under five carats are normally available in more or less standard sizes and shapes.
4.18k is the aristocrat of gold. Most jewelry in the U. S. is 14k. Jewelers will sometimes claim that's because 18k is too soft. This is simply not true. 18k may be a hard and durable as 14k depending upon the alloy. Goldsmiths favor 18k because it develops a lovely buttery patina with age.
5.Cut is the first C in diamond grading. If you are shopping for a diamond you will hear about the 4 C's' Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat weight. Not all are of equal importance. Cut is the first C. Diamonds are all about brilliance, proper proportions are what deliver that sparkle. When buying a round diamond insist on a ideal Cut with a certificate from either the Gemological Institute of America (GIA-GTL) or The American Gem Society (AGS).
6.If you are considering platinum, keep in mind: Platinum is 40% denser than pure gold, meaning that an equal amount of platinum will weigh twice as much as the gold ring you see on the jeweler's shelf. Today, platinum costs about twice the price of gold and requires much more time to finish. Expect to pay as much as twice the price of a comparable gold piece.
7.Platinum is the best choice for your solitaire diamond. Diamond color is all about the elimination of yellow. Diamond is graded on a scale from D to Z. D color is totally colorless, Z is noticeably yellow. Yellow settings add back the yellow that you paid to get rid of. Platinum is more durable than gold and your best choice for those tiny little prongs that hold your engagement gem.
8.Burmese rubies, Ceylon Sapphires and Columbian emeralds just to name a few examples, are often touted as the best of the best. This can be a snare and a delusion. Gems from these areas have developed reputations based on the quality of the finest from the geographic area. Does that mean that all Ceylon sapphires are better than Madagascar gems? Here lies the snare. A given sapphire from Madagascar might be exceptionally fine whereas a given stone from Ceylon might be better off used as aquarium gravel. Gems are all about beauty. Either the gem on offer is beautiful or it not. Geographic origin should be a secondary consideration.
9.Handmade is often better made. If you are contemplating an important purchase you should consider a handmade setting. Handmade means that the setting is fabricated around the gem directly from gold. Like a custom suit, in the hands of a skilled goldsmith, a handmade setting can bring out the best in the gemstone.

Richard W. Wise is the author of Secrets Of The Gem Trade, The Connoisseurs Guide To Precious Gemstones. To learn more, visit http://www.secretsofthegemtrade.com

Jewelry Styles Through The Ages

2006-05-18T17:56:00.000-04:00

The Victorian era was from 1837-1901. This was the reign of Queen Victoria of England. In that time people would wear whatever she thought looked good.

In the beginning, Victorian jewelry purer 18-22 karat gold. In 1854, gold was standardized and had 9, 12 or 15 karats. It had to be stamped and hallmarked. The other metals used if not gold were electric gilt, mercury gilt, pinchbeck and silver.

The design of Victorian jewelry came from nature. Birds, flowers and trees with detailed engravings. Repousse were large solid pieces that had fluted and raised edges. Cannatille jewelry used strands of gold wire that were twisted and wound into intricate designs.

Near the end of the Victorian era, Egypt, Greece and Italy styles had big influences in design. This was because of archaeological expeditions that uncovered lots of ancient jewelry.

When Queen Victoria died, new jewelry designs rushed into the market. Because of the conservatism, jewelers could not push the boundaries of design while she was still alive. This surge in techniques of manufacturing and design eventually brought about the art nouveau period.

Art nouveau jewelry was expressive, exotic and exuberant. They say the appreciation of it may take time and art nouveau means "new art" in French. Imaginative and mystical jewelry, art nouveau was from 1890-1910.

With pale colors and gentle curves, art nouveau jewelry used amethyst, moonstone, peridot, opal, citrine and pearls. Copper, ivory, shell, horn and glass were also used.

Flowers like lilies, irises, orchids, bugs and animals, even human forms were put into the designs. Mythical beats or enchanted women were common. Enameling was used throughout the art nouveau period.

The Edwardian period was from 1901-1910. The period that many have not heard of because of the two great periods before,(art nouveau) and after(art deco).

Diamonds were a staple of Edwardian jewelry. They were made to look delicate to be able to blend in with lace, feathers and silk. Princess Alexandra had a huge impact on the periods fashion. In this period jeweler's progressed in gemstone cutting. Platinum was used a lot and sometimes made to look like hand made lace.

Art deco is a style that relates to 1920's-1930's, which ended about 1935. The Art deco movement was mainly an American thing. The style of jewelry had strong lines, bright contrasts of color, geometric shapes, they also used bakelite. Symmetry and geometry were at the center of art deco.

Influences in the design of the jewelry were Japanese, Paris, the machine age, Egyptian, jazz, cubism and Russian. Also art deco was influenced by the art nouveau and Edwardian periods. Taking the style and grace from art nouveau, diamonds and platinum from Edwardian and turning them into a geometric, symmetrical array of diamonds and platinum.

Art deco had great vibrant colors, sapphires, emeralds, coral, rubies and turquoise were heavily used. Black and white was also used a lot. Cocktail rings, long pendants, brooches and bangle bracelets were all the rage.

Cigarette cases and compacts of the time were covered in jewels. The movement of art deco halted because of WWII and the depression.

The 1930's and 1940's brought about the retro period. Large gemstones were being used. Topaz, citrine and aquamarine were popular. Even synthetics were starting to become popular. Platinum was replaced by rose gold.

Today everything from vintage jewelry to simple elegance is in. Going back to the old stuff and mixing it in with new pieces and designs.

About the author:
Dave William G. runs TheJvirus.com, a website devoted to all things jewelry. From designs to gemstones we try and cover it all. So please visit us today. You can sign-up for our 7 part mini-course on diamonds while you're there. TheJvirus.com

Fine Jewelry

2006-05-10T09:49:00.000-04:00

Looking good is a basic human tendency. However, the amount of money that one would like to spend on looking good varies from one person to another and is subject to many factors. Our sense of style and taste is one of the vital factors that determines what we buy. If you are one of those who do not compromise on your accessories because of the cost involved, then you are bound to possess an enviable collection of "fine" jewelry.

Which jewelry, some of you may ask, can be categorized as "fine" jewelry? A bangle made out of brass may look just as "fine" to you as one made out of gold. Plainly speaking, fine jewelry may be defined as jewelry made out of precious metals such as gold or silver and set with precious or semi-precious stones. However, this is neither a final definition nor an absolute one. It conveniently leaves out the finest jewelry of all times, platinum jewelry. Also, it is not always necessary that the precious metal should be set with diamonds or other stones to be able to qualify as "fine" jewelry.

Any jewelry that is precious and is made out of metals or stones that we consider precious and expensive falls into the category of "fine jewelry". The finest gold, silver, platinum and diamonds are chosen to be used in the crafting of fine jewelry. Designed specially for the discriminating eye, fine jewelry is available in exclusive designs and is immaculately crafted. Bridal jewelry, wedding bands and diamond rings set in gold or platinum are all specimens of fine jewelry that are designed with immense articulation and an eye for detail. Fine jewelry is like an heirloom, a work of timeless ethereal perfection, which stays in bloom for all times to come.

About the author:
Alison Cole provides detailed information on jewelry, fashion jewelry, fine jewelry, religious jewelry and more. Jewelry is affliated with Horse Hair Jewelry.

You can find fine .925 sterling silver and solid 10kt and 14kt gold gemstone jewelry, as well as gemstone and jewelry information, at Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures. Our specialty is opal jewelry. We have jewelry with Australian black opal triplets, natural solid Australian opals, lab created opals (extremetly fiery black opal jewelry, blue opal jewelry, pink opal jewelry, and white opal jewelry), mosaic opals, synthetic gilson opals, and unusual unique opal jewelry. We have opal rings, opal pendants, opal earrings, and handcrafted opal necklaces and bracelets.

Because of Canadian Ammolite's superficial resemblance to fine black Australian opals, we offer ammolite jewelry as well. Ammolite, also known as Gem Ammonite, is only found in Canada in the vicinity of Alberta. Because it comes from the fossil of an extinct marine animal, it is very rare and supply is limited.We also offer striking dichroic glass jewelry, in addition to opal and ammolite jewelry. If you love opals and/or ammolite, you must see dichroic glass! All gems and dichroic glass cabs set in our jewelry are vibrant, colorful, and as unique as the individual who wears them!We are now offering other gemstone jewelry. Our Gemstone jewelry selection currently consists of paua shell jewelry, abalone shell jewelry, rainbow moonstone jewelry, stabilized turquoise jewelry, mystic CZ jewelry, leopardskin jasper jewelry, tigereye jewelry, blue goldstone jewelry, and pink tennessee river shell jewelry. We will be offering mystic topaz jewelry and other topaz jewelry shortly as well. Access all of our jewelry from our jewelry shop's main page, where you can search for what you are seeking, or from Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasure site-map.
We also have a a separate section for unisex men's opal rings for men or women with a larger finger size. Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures jewelry shop also offers a section for children's jewelry or for women who prefer dainty jewelry.

marcasite jewelry sterling silver marcasite opal & gemstone pendants

2006-05-03T09:46:00.000-04:00

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures has just added sterling silver and marcasite pendants to our inventory. We are primarily carrying sterling silver marcasite opal pendants but have a few with other gemstones as well. Take a look and tell us what you think. We intend to add sterling silver fashion cameo jewelry in the near future and have added 14kt gold signity star cz (cubic zirconia) pendants and classic stud post earrings as well.

jewelry shopping online

2006-04-27T15:37:00.000-04:00

Jewelry purchases are increasing in leaps and bounds with Americans spending over $50 billion each year on such items as jewelry and watches. Instead of spending hours going through malls and scouting out the perfect earrings and necklaces, consumers can shop for jewelry in the comfort of their own homes.
When shopping for jewelry, it's important to have an understanding of the fundamental materials and stones. The following information should be of help with your purchase:
Materials: Yellow Gold - Pure gold (24 kt. gold) is too soft to use in jewelry, so it is combined with silver to form a metal mixture consisting of 14 kt. gold.
White Gold - White gold is has no color and won't tarnish, and is usually a mixture of gold and nickel.
Sterling Silver - Silver is too soft for use in jewelry, so silver is combined with 7.5% of other metals (usually copper) to produce sterling silver.
Platinum - A gorgeous silver-white color, platinum occurs as an alloy in nature. It's tarnish-resistant qualities and durability make it a favorite material for fine jewelry.
Gemstones: There are a wide variety of gemstones in jewelry. There are everything from diamonds to garnets and emeralds to sapphires. Gemstones add glitter to all kinds of jewelry from earrings to rings. Numerous jewelers use simulated gemstones which offer the sparkle of the "real thing" at a far lesser price.
Birthstones: Jewelry that uses birthstones is an enduring favorite, specially when given as a gift. The following gemstones and colors are associated with each birthday month: January: Garnet (dark red) February: Amethyst (purple) March: Aquamarine (pale blue) April: Diamond (starlight) May: Emerald (light green) June: Pearl, White (pearlescent) July: Ruby (red) August: Peridot (pale green) September: Sapphire, Blue (deep blue) October: Opal (moonlight) November: Citrine (yellow) December: Topaz, Blue (sky blue)
Trends Having the latest jewelry trends is helpful when buying fine jewelry for yourself or as a gift. For example, this season, celebrities are wearing ear pins and ear cuffs both on and off the red carpet. . Whether made from gold or silver, ear cuffs add that pizzaz required to make you stand out and feel beautiful.
When choosing earrings or necklaces with gemstones, the key this season is to combine colors for maximum effect. For example, pair a deep blue with garnet, or purple with medium green.
Online Shopping When shopping for fine jewelry online, be sure to click on to a reputable site.

About the Author
Sintilia Miecevole loves jewelry and invites you to visit http://www.fejewelry.com/ which has information and resources from diamonds, precious stones and gems to gifts and more. Be sure to visit http://www.fejewelry.com/ for further information.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures offers a wealth of jewelry information about opals, ammolite, topaz, cubic zirconia (cz), and dichroic glass, as well as secure online shopping for opal jewelry, ammolite jewelry, topaz (& mystic topaz) jewelry, paua shell, rainbow moonstone, turquoise, abalone, mystic cz, and dichroic glass jewelry and other gemstone jewelry. We also offer opal, ammolite, and gemstone rings for men and jewelry for children or women who prefer dainty delicate jewelry. All of our jewelry comes with a satisfaction guarantee.

UPDATE: more black opal triplet rings coming soon!

2006-04-22T09:40:00.000-04:00

More BLACK OPAL TRIPLET RINGS !

Hello all. This is just an update that we are aware that our webstore had been running low on our Australian Black Opal Triplet Rings and we have assembled a number of new opal rings with black opal triplets for ladies and men as well. We have also added a few more natural solid Australian opals set in 14k solid yellow gold and white gold pendants.

Also coming soon - round brilliant diamond cut Signity Star CZ pendants and earrings set in 14kt gold. Signity Star Cubic Zirconia are of the highest quality, ideal cut to diamond standards. We will only carry classy, tasteful sizes that are small enough to be believable as diamonds even if you are not wealthy! Compliments galore await when you wear your sparkling gem!

MORE dichroic glass and gold mystic topaz

2006-04-16T12:35:00.000-04:00

If you are looking for a broader selection of dichroic glass jewelry, Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures has just added many new sterling silver wire wrap dichroic glass pendants, and more sterling silver and dichroic glass rings. We have also added some mystic topaz set in 10k and 14kt solid yellow gold as well as a stunning pink topaz and 14k yellow gold pendant. No interest in buying - feel free to window shop and enjoy photos of gorgeous opal jewelry, ammolite jewelry, dichroic glass jewelry, paua shell jewelry, topaz and mystic topaz jewelry, mystic cz jewelry, turquoise jewelry, rainbow moonstone jewelry, as well as a separate section for unisex and men's rings (opal, ammolite, paua shell, and other gemstone) and more....

Silver: Timeless Elegance

2006-04-09T18:20:00.000-04:00

Silver ranks up in the top metal list, right next to gold. For those who value simplicity and elegance, and have more practical matters to consider, silver is a popular choice. And this is not even just for those who love jewelry.

Silver, through the years, has been fashioned into countless items that have proven to be indispensable to man. From utensils, accessories, gadgets, frames, and structures, silver is considered reliable because it is malleable and is even a good conductor.

If you're considering buying items made of silver, it’s best to first acquaint yourself with its types:

The first type is fine silver, which is silver's natural state. Its purity is at a ratio of 99/100. At this state, silver becomes too malleable, and items tend to be too soft.

Silver has to be mixed, or alloyed, with other metallic components first to make it hard enough. At that state, it would be durable to be fashioned into desired products.

The second type is the more popular one, sterling silver. This is a result of a mixture of 92.5% fine silver with other metal components.

Buyers who wish to purchase products made of sterling silver must look for the engraved "925" as proof. Sterling silver is meant to be durable and shiny. Anything less would be fakes.

The third type is silver-plated. This happens when a base metal is layered with fine silver. It is also has its own sheen and durability, but buyers have often found that the items have to be coated with silver periodically, as the silver on the base metal tends to come off with wear and tear.

The fourth type has more to do with silver jewelry, called vermeil. This is sterling silver jewelry mixed with a minimum of 100 millionths of an inch of karat gold through electroplating. This gives the piece an exquisite look and a slightly different sheen.

History tells that silver has been widely used, even during centuries past. From battle weapons, flatmore, armors and jewelry, silver has been considered second only to gold by different races.

Various empires have fashioned this metal into the most intricate jewelry designs, utensils, treasures, and even foundations. Being a good conductor, it has also been a major part of scientific and technological evolutions.

There are currently many mines that produce silver. This is partially due to its popularity, and partially to its presence all over the world. Among metals, it is also the most reflective, and this means that polishing it frequently adds to its sheen.

This is not possible with other metals. Buyers only have to take proper care of their silver items, as silver is prone to scratches and tarnishing as the years go by. But its maintenance is inexpensive, and taking care of it is hardly tedious at all.

Take care of your silver by making sure that it is kept in a cool, dry storage. Divide it into separate containers to avoid contact with other environmental elements. If your silver becomes tarnished, have it polished using dry cloth and a polishing solution. Treat your silver as you would your other pieces of treasured items.

Silver, when preserved properly, can be as much an heirloom and legacy to the next generation as items made out of gold. Whatever the occasion, whether gifting others or yourself, silver is a top choice when it comes to durability and aesthetics.

James Monahan is the owner and Senior Editor of TopSilverSites.com and writes expert articles about silver.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures carries a wide variety of gemstone jewelry in .925 sterling silver as well as 14k gold-filled and 14kt gold. Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry, ammolite jewelry, dichroic glass jewelry, paua shell jewelry, mystic fire topaz jewelry, and mystic ice cz jewelry. You will also find a variety of turquoise and rainbow moonstone jewelry as well as jewelry with other semi-precious gems.

Jewelry Throughout Time

2006-04-05T16:29:00.000-04:00

Throughout time, man has sought to decorate the human body and this has manifested as body painting, tattoos, piercing and for those a little squeamish or less brave, decoration by the wearing of adornments generally know as jewelry.

In ancient times, jewelry may have been simple pieces made from natural materials such as shells plucked from the seashore or pebbles worn smooth and polished by years of being tumbled along the sea or river bed. These would have been strung together perhaps as necklaces or wrist pieces as early examples of a charm bracelet. Nature gives up so many beautiful things that can be used to make items such as earrings, rings, bracelets, hair pieces and so the list goes on.

Skilled craftsmen would have laboured for many hours intricately carving small pieces of bone, ivory or wood to fashion exquisite unique pieces of jewelry, no two of which would ever be the same.

To ancient man, jewelry was not just decorative but very symbolic and the wearer often held the belief that these trinkets were lucky, that they would ward off evil spirits or that they would even help them defeat their enemies in battle.

To the Romans and Ancient Egyptians the wearing of jewelry and the type of jewelry worn was a direct indication of a persons standing in the community. Large heavy ornate pieces forged from solid precious metals such as gold, encrusted with precious or semi precious gemstones were a sign to say - look how rich and important I am.

Styles and materials may have changed over time but the wearing of jewelry has always been a practice adopted by both men and women.

Over the years there has even been functional jewelry such as the medical alert items, which have saved many peoples lives. Identity type bracelets worn by a person who has a medical condition or requires vital medication have helped medical personnel decide on appropriate treatment when faced with a person who has been rendered incapable of communicating because of for instance an accident.

Over recent years, popular items have been the brightly coloured rubber bracelets sold in aid of various charities, which demonstrate that the wearer supports that cause and has donated money to help raise funds for that cause. Some traditionalists may not regard these strictly as being jewelry although who said that the article had to be expensive or made from precious metals to qualify for the name.

In modern times, we have seen a huge increase in the type and variety of jewelry available and the discovery of new strong and lightweight metals such as titanium or other alloys has given rise to new many new possibilities. Man made materials such as acrylics and plastics also lend themselves very well to the manufacture of affordable, colourful jewelry and in the shops you can see many examples of wonderful, bright and modern fun items, to be worn on any occasion as the mood takes. Whilst most of us choose to spend a little extra on that special piece of jewelry such as our wedding rings, we now have an endless choice of less expensive everyday jewelry which we can change to suit our mood or match our outfit.

Who knows what the future holds with regard to the designs and materials we will have at our disposal to make attractive pieces of jewelry to be worn by both men and women. One thing is for certain and that is that there will be a never ending supply with something to suit all tastes and all budgets from the most traditional to the most contemporary.

About the author:
John Lewis runs Love2Have an on line jewellery website that only sells UK hand made jewelry including engagement rings and wedding rings.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures offers a wide variety of opal jewelry, ammolite, dichroic glass, paua shell, abalone, turquoise, mystic fire topaz, and mystic ice cz jewelry in their online jewelry shop.

Mystic CZ (Mystic Ice) and Mystic Topaz (Mystic Fire) Jewelry

2006-03-29T09:55:00.000-05:00

Hi all! Just a note to let everyone know that Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures has finally added the long awaited mystic cz and mystic topaz jewelry. Of course we still have a wide selection of opal jewelry as well as ammolite jewelry, dichroic glass jewelry, paua shell jewelry, and more. To see our entire selection of gemstone jewelry (including unisex & men's rings, and children's jewelry), please see our jewelry shop main page at http://opaltreasures-rainbowdreams.com/shop

CZs - Cubic Zirconia and Mystic CZ Information & Care

2006-03-20T14:03:00.000-05:00

CUBIC ZIRCONIA (CZ) :

Cubic zirconia (CZ), a beautiful and flashy gem in it's own right, is most commonly known as a diamond simulant. Cubic zirconia was discovered by two German scientists in 1937. It wasn't until the 1970's, however, that Russian scientists learned how to grow the crystals in the laboratory. Russian cubic zirconia is still considered to be the highest quality. Cubic zirconia did not become popular until the 1980's when Swarovski & Co. began making them in mass quantities.

A cubic zirconia is made through a complicated process and is a made up of zirconium oxide and yttrium oxide. Together the two chemicals create a beautiful, radiant crystal. It takes almost 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit to melt the two chemicals together and the most important process is cooling. The chemicals must be carefully cooled in order to create flawless crystals.

To the untrained eye, cubic zirconia looks identical to a good quality diamond, but CZ has slightly less brilliance or sparkle than a diamond and more fire or flashes of color. The overall effect is so similar that it can even fool a trained gemologist on occasion. One great difference between cubic zirconia and diamond is weight; CZ is about 75% heavier than diamond. A piece of CZ the same size as a one carat diamond weighs about 1.75 carats. Cubic Zirconia is also flawless, whereas diamond usually contains impurities and inclusions.

CARING FOR REGULAR (NOT MYSTIC) CZ JEWELRY:

(non mystic) cubic zirconia can be cleaned with any conventional jewelry cleaner or detergent. With such a high hardness and durability (8.5 on Moh's Scale of Hardness), you can use a brush to clean off dirt or oil also. Ultra sonic jewelry cleaners may also be used on CZ and will not damage the stone. However, when using soaps or detergents to clean CZ, one should wipe the jewelry dry thoroughly to avoid residue from the soap leaving a film that will dull the brilliance of the stone. Cubic Zirconia should be cleaned frequently to remove oils from skin that also dull the brilliance of the gem.

MYSTIC CZ (ALSO KNOWN AS MYSTIC ICE):

Mystic CZ are done with the same process as the Mystic Topaz and by the same laboratory . It is a lab created cubic zirconia enhanced with a US patented coating technology. A thin film is applied to the stone. This process is called “physical vapor deposition”; it uses various minerals. No harsh chemicals or radiation is used. This process produces a kaleidoscope of colors.

Because cubic zirconia have "fire" that topaz lacks the results with cz gemstones are even more spectacular visually than with topaz. Mystic fire topaz has rich deep colors while with mystic ice cz jewelry there is more brilliance, sparkle, and fire, as well as a greater rainbow effect. Unless you specifically love topaz, you will not be disappointed in your mystic ice cz jewelry. Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures carries jewelry with both mystic CZ (mystic ice) and mystic topaz (also known as rainbow topaz, azotic topaz, and mystic fire topaz).

The coating is durable and hard and will last a lifetime provided that it is not exposed to any abrasive, acids, high heat or immersed in an ultrasonic cleaner. To clean it, simply use mild soap and water or windex.

Gemstone Treatments

2006-03-16T13:52:00.000-05:00

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. Tanzanite, which has become a very popular gemstone in jewelry and to collect is heat treated to obtain that gorgeous cornflower blue color with lavender tones and flashes of red. The rough must be heated to 600 degrees; otherwise, Tanzanite as we know it wouldn't exist.

Colored diamonds (which do occur naturally) are irradiated to obtain those most sought after colors of red and blue. Naturally colored diamonds are very, very costly and rare. The "Hope" diamond is an example of a natural blue diamond. Natural colored diamonds can come in a rainbow of colors such as blue, brown, yellow, orange, red, purple, pink, and green, but the cost is just to prohibitive for most people to obtain. Irradiated diamonds create those beautiful colors at a cost which is more affordable. Natural colored diamonds are radiated in the earth's crust which takes millions of years. Man has learned how to speed up the process and produce those same colors in the laboratory. Champagne and yellow diamonds are more abundant in nature and are not usually irradiated to obtain their color.

Topaz is another gemstone which requires treatment to obtain the colors it's known for such as the "London Blue" color which takes about 18 months to process. A recent popular color is called "Mystic Fire" which is a rainbow of colors in the same gem. Another popular color is pink. Pink topaz is much more affordable than pink sapphire. Pink is one of the most popular colors in gemstone jewelry. The "Mystic Fire" color was created by a process called bulk diffusion. Topaz naturally is white (also called silver) or the golden-peach color known as "precious" or "imperial" topaz which is the most rare and expensive of topaz. Due to the demand for the other colors such as Swiss Blue, London Blue, Pink, Mango, Neptune Blue, Mystic Fire, etc. white topaz (which is needed to create colored topaz) has become more and more scarce and risen in cost.

There are a number of gemstones that don't require nor will they take any kind of enhancement treatment. Their colors occur naturally right out of the earth. They only needed to be cut and polished to show off their beauty. Those gems that come to mind are garnets, chrome diopside, red spinel, and peridot.

Untreated gemstones are more rare and therefore may fetch a higher price than treated gemstones. As a collector or investor I would seek the non-enhanced variety if available and affordable.

About the author:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Learn and read more about gemstones by purchasing Debra's E-book titled "A New Collector's Gemstone Guide" at http://www.profitfromhomebiz.com/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures specializes in opal jewelry & ammolite jewelry but also offers a wide variety of jewelry set with semi precious colored gemstones including paua shell, turquoise, rainbow moonstone, topaz and mystic topaz, and mystic cz.

Gemstones Natural vs Synthetic

2006-03-08T11:36:00.000-05:00

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. Synthetic stones will have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties of their natural counterparts without the imperfections.

A good analogy for synthetic gemstone creation is growing roses. Roses grown in a hot house where their growing environment is controlled will be closer to perfection than roses that are grown in your backyard. They're both roses, but the backyard rose will most likely be flawed or imperfect due to disease, insects, and other environmental impacts. Not so with the hot house rose because of the controlled conditions.

Don't confuse simulant gemstones with synthetic gemstones. Simulants can be made up of any substance, like glass. They are made to simulate a particular gemstone, but they do not have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties of the natural gemstone like the synthetic gemstone. Some examples of simulants are cubic zirconia, moissanite, and yttrium aluminum garnet which are diamond simulants.

The most popular gemstones that synthetics have been created for are emeralds, sapphires, rubies and alexandrites. I'm sure you have seen jewelry with synthetic stones, also known as "created" gemstones in your local retail jewelry store. They are easier to obtain and less costly than natural gemstones. Synthetics have made it more affordable for people to own nice jewelry and many prefer the flawless created stones compared to the natural stones. You can usually spot a "created" stone because it's just too perfect in color and clarity. A natural stone, especially in rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, which is perfect in color and clarity, is scarce and the cost is beyond most people's means.

Should you buy a synthetic gemstone or jewelry with created stones over the natural gemstone choices? I would recommend going with your own personal preference. If you want a piece of jewelry with a flawless, perfect gem, then go with the synthetic gemstone. Also, if cost is a deciding factor. As a collector/investor my preference would be for the natural gemstone. It's value and appreciation factor will be much greater, flawed or not.

It's interesting that there are some gemstones man has not been able to synthesize in a laboratory. One example is the garnet family of gems. They have not been able to unlock garnet's secrets to create it in a lab.

How do I know if the gemstone is natural, synthetic (created), or a simulant? If you can't tell by your own examination...ask! A reputable dealer or jeweler will be honest about the origins of the stone. If they don't know or won't say, then don't buy!

Another interesting fact about gemstones that is not common knowledge to the public is that the majority of gems on the market have been treated to create or enhance their color and clarity. There are many different treatments used today. Heat treatment is the most common and widely used. I have written another article specifically regarding gemstone treatments. You can go to Gemstone Treatments to read more on the subject.

As a gemstone collector/investor, as stated before, my preference is for natural gemstones, but as an adornment in jewelry a synthetic gemstone makes for a gorgeous ring, earrings or pendant at an affordable price.

About the Author:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Learn and read more about gemstones by purchasing Debra's E-book titled "A New Collector's Gemstone Guide" at http://www.profitfromhomebiz.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lab created opals do not fall clearly into either category - synthetic or simulated. Most lab created opals are 70-90% silica (what opal is naturally formed from) with 10-30% resin (a bonding agent not in natural opal). Lab created opals also have no water content found in natural opals. They are not synthetic since they do not have the exact makeup of naturally occuring opals yet they are also not simulated. Gilson created opals are generally considered synthetics since they are pure silica. There is a dispute over those as well however since they have no water content as naturally mined opals do. Whatever the official conclusion is about Gilson created and other lab created opals - they have the color and fire of the finest Australian opals at a lower cost with greater durability. Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures carries a wide selection of opal jewelry with both lab created opals and synthetic Gilson created opals in white, blue, pink, and black. We also have jewelry with solid natural Australian white opals.

The Rise of Silver

2006-03-02T19:26:00.000-05:00

The value of sterling silver is rising. Although it is currently hovering around $8-$9 per ounce and once was as low as $4 per ounce in 2001, silver has shown the ability to earn as it once topped $49 per ounce back in 1980. There is a resurgence in the interest in silver jewelry especially as more manufacturer's such as Tiffany $ Co. focus more attention on their silver product lines. The quality of silver when coated with rhodium, a precious metal, can rival white gold in shine and sharpness.

Silver has been used for thousands of years in dining utensils, ornaments and as coinage in numerous monetary systems. In fact, the word "silver" can be translated in 14 different languages as "money". Silver has the highest electrical conductivity of all metals including copper. Its use is not widespread in all things electrical, however, due to its costliness and tendency to tarnish, although because of its high conductivity it is commonly found in computer parts. Silver has always played second fiddle to gold generally but there are a few societies in history such as ancient Egypt and the middle ages in Europe, where silver was considered more valuable than gold. Today's state of silver is, however, a matter of popularity and not necessarily value.

In modern times silver is used most in the area of photography in the form of silver nitrate which is a corrosive light sensitive ingredient used in film. Silver is also used to produce the highly reflective surfaces of mirrors through a process called silvering. The practical nature and application of silver is apparent not only to industrial types but to the average consumer. Silver jewelry, given its beauty, quality and inexpensiveness has become a highly sought after commodity. Silver jewelry is usually produced with 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper as 100% silver would simply be too soft to use in usable jewelry.

The only drawback to silver is its tendency to tarnish. Tarnish is basically a layer of corrosion that naturally develops over silver as it is exposed to oxygen. Scientists have tried to prevent tarnish by adding different alloys which have helped decrease tarnishability. There are some new developments in this regard as scientists at Sheffield Hallam University have been attempting to produce a new type of silver alloy which will be more resistant to tarnish, called Carrs Lustre Silver. There are ways to prevent tarnish from occurring in caring for silver jewelry, including the use of low abrasive phosphate free detergent cleaner or chemically treated jewelry cleaning cloths. Some even use toothpaste although they may be left with perceivably dull scratches.

Silver jewelry is gaining popularity with a consumer public which is interested in affordability, style and quality. When polished, silver shines as gloriously as white gold. Retailers find that consumers are buying silver engagement rings for daily use as they store their diamond and gold rings for special occasions. Young people who want to express themselves with jewelry are turning to silver as a suitable alternative to expensive gold jewelry. Online retailers like jewelrypayless.com, bluenile.com and tiffany.com are expanding their silver product lines in anticipation of more demand as the rise of the silver jewelry industry continues.

About the Author

Derek Belay holds a BA in English Literature from Cal State Pomona. He writes part time primarily as a hobby. He currently works for Jewelry Payless as a marketing manager.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures offers a wide variety of sterling silver jewelry, including rings, pendants, earrings, handcreafted necklaces and bracelets set with opals, ammolite, dichroic glass, rainbow moonstones, stabilized turquoise and more.

Cut Glass And Glass Blowing History And Development

2006-02-26T11:29:00.000-05:00

Cut glass and glass blowing production came from ancient techniques and were gradually refined over the ages. Cut glass objects were used as commodities, gifts, and jewelry in past millennia. Today exquisite cut crystal is sought after for its heirloom qualities and gifting allure.

Natural glass, like obsidian, is a dense volcanic glass, and has been used by man for millennia. To early man, obsidian glass was an extremely rare and valuable commodity, Because of the way volcanic glass fractures, sharp edges occur. This inherent quality of natural cut glass was put to use and was often made into sharp spear points and blades.

Man-made rudimentary glass was made from silica sand, plant ash and lime. Over time it was discovered that if glass was heated until it became semi-liquid, it may be molded or shaped and left to cool into a solid new piece or vessel. In ancient times glass pieces were valued as a substitute for precious stones, gems, and gifts.

During first century BC, the craft of melting and blowing glass into useable objects was developed. Glass pieces and items gradually became more common after the discovery of glassblowing. Objects such as vases, bottles, and cruets were mouth blown and mold blown during the Roman Empire, usually for ordinary purpose and daily use.

Common glass normally has a greenish hue. The green tint is caused by miniscule amounts of iron impurities in the sand used to make glass. Glass producers learned to make decorative and colored glass by adding metallic compounds and mineral oxides such as cobalt. Colored glass of reds, blues and greens became prevalent. After craftsmen learned to score and cut glass, they found clear glass refracted light in spectacular fashion. Thus, clear cut glass became popular, and demand for colored glass plummeted.

Around 1000 AD, a new development was made in glassmaking. The glass making component of soda-lime, was replaced by potash obtained from wood ashes. From this time on, glass from the northern part of Europe differed greatly from that made in the Mediterranean area, where soda-lime remained in common use. Centuries later in Bohemia, ashes from beech trees were used. The production of Bohemian "forest glass" was progressively refined over the years.

During the 11th century new ways of making sheet glass came about in Germany. Glass blowers would blow spheres, and then form them into cylinders. They would cut the glass while still hot and then flatten the glass into sheets. Glass makers in Venice, Italy improved this method in 13th century. By the late 1300's there was as many as 20 glassworks in Bohemia and Moravia. The 12th century saw the arrival of stained glass production. Stained glass, another form of colored glass, was made by adding metal impurities. Church and monastery applications of stained glass can be traced back to examples that remain today, i.e. St. Bartholomew church in Kolin. A glass wall mosaic is preserved there from around 1380.

Venice became the dominant center for glassmaking during the 14th century. Here new glass making methods were developed and export trade such as mirrors, tableware, and decanters flourished. Secrets of glass making were highly guarded in Venice, but eventually glass workers moved to other areas of Europe taking their knowledge and skill with them. As ornate glassworks became more popular, Royalty began ordering decorative glass articles to be made, to give as gifts of distinction for occasions.

A technique called "the Crown glass process" was used to make glass until the mid part of the 1800s. A glassblower would spin around 9 lbs of molten glass at the end of a rod until it spread out into a flat disk nearly 5 feet across. The glass disk would then be cut into panes. Glass from Venice was highly prized for over four centuries as they managed to keep this technique secret. In 1688, a method for casting glass was invented. This led to glass and glass panes in becoming a much more common material. The glass pressing machine was invented in 1827 and facilitated mass production of relatively inexpensive glass items. The glass pioneer, William J. Blenko, is recognized as first glass producer in America to use the cylinder method of creating flat glass by the 1920s.

The Bohemian countries of Czech and Slovakia are still known today as two of the finest cut glass and cut crystal producers in the world. Cut crystal pieces are prized as elegant anniversary and birthday gifts.

About the author

James Zeller writes for numerous glass gift related blogs and websites. Here is a gift resource that he found, as well as a selection of unique gift ideas.

If you like blown glass jewelry, please see our Unique, Unusual, Rare opal jewelry selection. We also have a selection of dichroic glass jewelry.

The history of bracelets

2006-02-19T19:51:00.000-05:00

Bracelet popularity dates back to the Roman times and continues today. Roman bracelets shared many of the design patterns of necklaces and earrings from that era. The ever popular ball earrings from that era were nicely matched with a ball style bracelet. Engraved bangles and snake bracelets were very popular during Roman times. Bracelets made of twisted coil with lion head ends were common place, as were the two part bracelets ending with a pair of lion heads. The Heracles knot bracelet is recognized as a Roman era piece. The Roman's were very creative in the designing of their jewelry. However they still borrowed from Greek motifs. Palmettos, fleeing dogs and acanthus leaves, all of Greek origin, were often seen in the designing of Roman jewelry.

Stones and glass were often used in Roman bracelets. . Gem stones were commonly found set in eyes. Open bands were cut to represent a row of ivy and entwined with pearls. Many of the leaf and berry bracelets were heavily adorned with decorative glass. The wealthier women could be seen wearing bracelets layered in bezel set emeralds.

During the Gerogiian times bracelets remained popular. Paris jewelers were known for their gold bracelets set with pearl edging. After the 1820s coral became the "in" fashion statement, so bracelets and other jewelry were heavily set with coral.

During the Gerogiian time it was very fashionable to wear many bracelets at once, including wide ribbon gold mesh bracelets, and silk ribbon bracelets. Gem and Diamond bracelets were designed in geometric patterns. Gold was heavily used during this era.

The Victorian era brought changes to the fashions of women, including jewelry styles. Earrings grew long and dangled, bracelets became rigid and were normally worn in pairs. The buckle bracelet became very fashionable.

The jewelry of the Victorian era expressed sentiment, and bracelets were no exception. Bracelets would contain lockets or charms with pictures or hair of a loved one, and engravings were common

Early Victorian jewelry enjoyed some mystic with hidden meanings being popular. The acrostic bracelets where the first letter of each gemstone spelled a word of friendship were very popular. For example a bracelet set with Lapis, Opal, Vermeil [hessonite garnet] and Emerald would spell Love.

The Art Nouveau period once again saw changes to fashion and jewelry. Chameleons and serpents entwined themselves around bracelets. The mystical Egyptian scarab was found on bracelets and rings. Other popular creatures included dragonflies, butterflies, bees, peacocks, swans, and even bats. This was a very figural period attached to nature. If jewelry did not depict creatures it depicted flower blossoms or flower buds.

From 1910 to 1939 women's fashions saw sleeveless or short sleeve dresses appear. The result was flexible bracelets and bangles worn on the upper arm. These arm bracelets were often adorned with gemstones or diamonds. From 1940 to 1949 US designers were greatly influenced by the designs from the French house of Van Cleef & Arpels. Bracelets with ribbon of hexagon lines centered on fine gemstones fastened with heavy clasps became very vogue.

From 1950 to 1960 daytime saw simpler lines for not only gold bracelets but necklaces as well. Gold mesh or twisted wire bracelets were very popular.

From 1960 to 1970 bracelets became more flexible and were often set with gems. Bangles on the other hand became more rigid and were often seen set with random diamond placements.

From 1970 to 1979 bracelets were flexible and often set with tiny baguettes. Delicate and dainty bracelets were vogue.

From the 1980s to now bracelet fashions have been mixed and varied. Bracelet styles have become more of an individual fashion statement than a trend. Gold has always remained popular as have gems, however sterling silver has become very popular and recognized for its versatility and wearability at affordable pricing. In the last few years we've also seen an increase in demand for titanium bracelets. Today a women's fashion statement is about her! What she likes, what she feels good in. So your bracelet wardrobe can be what ever you want. Wear a dainty gem set gold bracelet or an armful of clunky bracelets, which is very vogue this season.

Your fashion statement is about who you are, so feel free to be you!

About the Author
© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

About the author: Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.

Find beautiful opal bracelets at Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures.

Gemstone Treatments

2006-02-14T14:06:00.000-05:00

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. Tanzanite, which has become a very popular gemstone in jewelry and to collect is heat treated to obtain that gorgeous cornflower blue color with lavender tones and flashes of red. The rough must be heated to 600 degrees; otherwise, Tanzanite as we know it wouldn't exist.
Colored diamonds (which do occur naturally) are irradiated to obtain those most sought after colors of red and blue. Naturally colored diamonds are very, very costly and rare. The "Hope" diamond is an example of a natural blue diamond. Natural colored diamonds can come in a rainbow of colors such as blue, brown, yellow, orange, red, purple, pink, and green, but the cost is just to prohibitive for most people to obtain. Irradiated diamonds create those beautiful colors at a cost which is more affordable. Natural colored diamonds are radiated in the earth's crust which takes millions of years. Man has learned how to speed up the process and produce those same colors in the laboratory. Champagne and yellow diamonds are more abundant in nature and are not usually irradiated to obtain their color.
Topaz is another gemstone which requires treatment to obtain the colors it's known for such as the "London Blue" color which takes about 18 months to process. A recent popular color is called "Mystic Fire" which is a rainbow of colors in the same gem. Another popular color is pink. Pink topaz is much more affordable than pink sapphire. Pink is one of the most popular colors in gemstone jewelry. The "Mystic Fire" color was created by a process called bulk diffusion. Topaz naturally is white (also called silver) or the golden-peach color known as "precious" or "imperial" topaz which is the most rare and expensive of topaz. Due to the demand for the other colors such as Swiss Blue, London Blue, Pink, Mango, Neptune Blue, Mystic Fire, etc. white topaz (which is needed to create colored topaz) has become more and more scarce and risen in cost.
There are a number of gemstones that don't require nor will they take any kind of enhancement treatment. Their colors occur naturally right out of the earth. They only needed to be cut and polished to show off their beauty. Those gems that come to mind are garnets, chrome diopside, red spinel, and peridot.
Untreated gemstones are more rare and therefore may fetch a higher price than treated gemstones. As a collector or investor I would seek the non-enhanced variety if available and affordable.
Learn and read more about gemstones by purchasing Debra's E-book titled "A New Collector's Gemstone Guide" at http://www.profitfromhomebiz.com

You can find a variety of gemstone jewelry in sterling silver, gold-filled or 14kt solid gold settings at Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures - http://opaltreasures-rainbowdreams.com. Jewelry includes opal, ammolite, dochroic glass, paua shell, turquoise, rainbow moonstone, mystic cz, blue goldstone, tigereye, and more.

The Ring - Step Back in History

2006-02-12T12:26:00.000-05:00

The popularity of rings increased during the medieval period. People wore rings no matter if they were rich or poor. The most used materials in the making of rings are copper, iron, gold and silver. The class of the person was usually identified by the material the ring was made of.
Faceted jewels began to appear in rings around the 14th century. Some cultures have rings that are usually associated with them. Native Americans are associated with silver and turquoise jewelry. The Greek symbol of the fish, called the Icthus was used by Early Christians. The Irish Claddagh has an interesting story attached to it.

Richard Joyce along with the crew on a fishing boat from the village of Claddagh, Ireland, was captured the same week he was supposed to be married. Goldsmithing was Richard Joyce's trade while he was enslaved. While he was captured, neither married. Richard Joyce made a ring for his beloved that had two hands holding a heart for love and a crown for loyalty.

Joyce escaped from his captors and returned to Claddagh where he was excited to see his love again and know she had never married. She never gave up hope of his return to her. He gave her the ring that is known as the Claddagh ring. Wearing the Claddagh on your right hand, crown inward means that you are letting people know that you are single.

The person who wears the Claddagh on the right hand with the crown outward is in a committed relationship. Wearing the Claddagh with the crown outward on your left hand says Let our love and friendship reign forever, never to be separated. There are many reasons for wearing rings, one is adornment. Rewards for a job well done include rings such as the one given after the Super Bowl victory.

Rings such as engagement rings and wedding rings symbolize commitment. Women Religious wear rings to show their commitment to God. You can use almost any material to make rings now. Plastic, silver, copper, gold or even wood can be use to make them. Ceramic materials can be used as well.

Rings can be very simple or of something as intricate as filigree. Rings can be plain and simple or be adorned with jewels and/or gemstones, as is the case of birthstone rings. There is a birthstone for each month with its own meaning.

Below you will find a list.

The Garnet is January's stone the gem of faith and truth; it is believed to stop bleeding, to cure sickness of the blood and infections and it is said to protect from poisons. It is believed that February's birthstone the Amethyst helps soldiers in battle, hunters to catch prey, control evil thoughts and help the owner have success in business. In order to prevent seasickness, keep them safe, and gain courage and foresight, sailors use the Aquamarine, the stone for March.

The Diamond is April's stone and is the symbol of strength, courage and invincibility. The diamond is the greatest gift of love. In 1477 Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave a diamond to Mary of Burgundy which started the tradition of engagement rings. The Emerald is the birthstone for May and believed to sharpen the eyesight and mind of the wearer.

As protection against the hazards of long trips travelers used Emeralds. The owner of the Emerald is said to be given the power to predict the future because of its green color. The pearl is the birthstone of June and fresh water pearls are said to give the power of protection, luck, and love.

They provide protection for children from harm and wisdom from experience. The Ruby's (July) red color is related to protection, courage, physical energy, strength, health, sex, and passion. Associated with it are blood, death, and birth. The August birthstone, the Peridot is said to bring the wearer peace, success, and good luck. It is believed it has the powers of health, protection, and sleep.

It is believed that it attracts love, eases anxiety and negative emotions, and calms anger. The powers of the Saphire (July) include inner peace and spiritual enlightenment. It is associated with the power of healing rheumatism, colic and mental illness. The October birthstone is believed to have healing powers that aid inner beauty, eyesight, and faithfulness. It will assist the user in remembering past lives.

The properties of the Yellow Topaz (Sanskrit for fire) are said to heal both mental and physical illnesses and to prevent death. The Citrine that is also for November is believed to have powers to aid the kidneys, the heart, the digestive tract, liver and muscles. Its powers are the elimination of self-destructive tendencies and it promotes creativity and personal clarity.
December's birthstone is the Blue Topaz (Sanskrit for fire) and was believed to heal both mental and physical illnesses, and prevent death in the Middle Ages. The powers of attracting money, success, and love are attributed to the Turquoise another stone for December. It is believed also that it offers protection, healing, courage, friendship and luck.

Mental tension is relieved and the mind is comforted. Among the variety of rings there are mother's rings with birthstones of her kids, friendship rings, engagement rings, wedding rings, and school rings. At the base of the prices for rings is fifty cents (found in toy machines) and at the higher end fifty thousand dollars or more.

About the AuthorMartin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of products which includes Wedding Ring and and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.

You will find a variety of gemstone rings and jewelry at Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures. We specialize in opal jewelry with a variety of opal types. We also carry ammolite jewelry, dichroic glass jewelry, paua shell jewelry, turquoise jewelry, rainbow moonstone jewelry, mytic cz jewelry, and other gemstone jewelry. We also have separate sections for childrens jewelry and for men's rings.

The Facts About Romantic Compatibility

2006-02-06T19:35:00.000-05:00

The Facts About Romantic Compatibility

Romantic compatibility in a relationship is such an important thing to both couples. There's no such romantic relationship if you're not compatible with your mate. You have to be compatible when it comes to certain vulnerable things so to avoid misunderstanding and trouble dealing with one another. Usually, the astrology has something to say and have to guide you and your mate about the romantic compatibility insight through the different sun signs, for you and for your love, or for a certain someone that you're having an eye on. Of course, you want to know how compatible you are to your mate before having a relationship with her or him, or before settling down.

It is good to know to whom you are compatible with before you enter a relationship. By this, you will know the best and the worst things that might match love. Others say birth compatibility is important so to create a romantic compatibility in a relationship. Good mates are the only child and youngest; the first-born and youngest; the middle child and the youngest. The gender plays a role too. It is possible to everyone to keep the relationships growing and create a romantic compatibility through understanding even there are ups and downs in a relationship. You must feel comfortable in a relationship that you're in, because it indicates how much at ease you feel with your mate and that how you can tell how romantic compatibility works between you and the other person. Communication is still a good source of building up a romantic compatibility, where it indicates your ability to understand each other and exchange those sweet talks to each other. A good chemistry that binds you and your mate can make a good sense of romantic compatibility, too.

Romantic compatibility is important in a relationship, combined with love and understanding. Through this, it keeps the flame of passion that's burning in a relationship. Sometimes, teaming up with those incompatible partners can lead to tensions, broken hearts and a lot of misunderstandings in a relationship, and of course, you don't want a broken relationship that leaves painful scars in our lives. Romantic compatibility tells about the romantic relationship from a variety of angles. It also tells about the nature of your attraction, or how do you relate to each other. Romantic compatibility can tell you too what are the traits you are both compatible with and the specific dynamics of your chemistry together in building up a romantic compatibility. Astrologers have been using charts to let couples understand and discover their own horoscope and the horoscope of their potential partner. Most compatibility charts can give more information about your partner and that can tell you to whom you are compatible with. It compares your partner's individual birth information and gives you insight into your relationship. It compares and contrasts the interrelationship of two separate charts; the professional astrologers can reveal the many ways and many levels that the two people relate with each other. The romantic compatibility chart provides a comparison between two people with regards to all the things that affect their ability to harmonize with each other, from relationship personality and lifestyle to sexuality and passion. This is one of the most comprehensive ways that you can find and that will help you to understand on how you should relate romantically to another person, and how you both can better understand and appreciate each other.

Actually, romantic compatibility in a relationship relies to both couples, and not just to what astrology says. If you think you both find each other compatible and that you love each other, for sure, the romantic compatibility slowly will grow between you and your mate. The astrology just guides and gives you some important details that might help you in choosing your potential mate in the future and certain aspects that will help you enhance your personality and building up the romantic compatibility in a relationship.

About the Author
How To Spark Romance is a new directory on how to spark romance. From romantic date ideas to recipes you can use to make an evening more exciting, we'll show you how to be romantic.

Astrology Relationship Reports - The difference between synastry and composite astrological reports

2006-02-05T19:07:00.000-05:00

Astrology Relationship Reports -
The difference between synastry and composite astrological reports

In astrology there is more than one way to analyze a relationship.Two of the major methods are synastry and composite relationship reports. These reports are distinct from each other and are complimentary.

A synastry report analyzes each chart separately and compares them to each other to determine areas of ease, area of conflict, and general compatiblity between the individuals as well as the relationship potential of each person involved in the relationship. This kind of chart considers each person individually and as they related to each other.

A composite report does not take into consideration the individuals involved but rather analyzes the relationship itself. This reportaverages the information from each of the charts and creates a new andseparate entity that is the chart of the relationship itself. In a composite chart the idea is that the relationship is greater than (orat least not the same as) the sum of its parts. Individuals who have a "perfect" synastry comparison may not have an easy composite chart andthe reverse is true as well.

Astrology reports are a wonderful tool. With synastry, composite or anykind of relationship analysis astrology reports it is especially important to remember that no astrology report can tell an individual whether a relationship will or will not work. What a synastry or relationship analysis report CAN tell an individual about their relationship with another person is how much effort the relationship will take - what aspects of the relationship come easily, which take some effort, the strengths and the weaknesses of the relationship. With the awareness and insights provided by an astrological compatibility astrology report, partners can have a better understanding of themselves, each other, and their relationship.

Relationship compatibility / synastry reports are not limited to romantic relationships, but provide useful information for friends and business associates as well.

We offer professional astrology reports generated by Kepler and WinStar professional astrological software. Available reports are Natal (birth chart and interpretation), Compatibility (friends or romantic), Psyche & Eros Relationship Analysis, Simpaticos Composite Relationship Report (friends or romantic) and Forecast (predictive based on transits) which can be e-mailed, mailed, or both. A free mini report is offered with the purchase of any regular report.

Opal is October's Birthstone

2006-02-03T09:23:00.000-05:00

If you're still young enough to remember your birthday, you
probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it.
But at your age, we bet you don't really know the SIGNIFICANCE
of your birthstone and what power the ancients felt would be
bestowed about you by wearing it.

October Birthstone: Opal
Birthstone Properties: Enhances insight and dispels fear
Alternative Birthstone: Tourmaline

Opal is the birthstone for October and the gemstone given to commemorate a 14th wedding
anniversary. The word "opal" for this dynamic gemstone was derived from the Greek word "opallus" which means to see a change in color…because it is, after all, opal's abilty to
refract and reflect specific wavelengths of light that make it so special. In fact, there are more than a dozen varieties of fiery and iridescent opals.

Opal is a non-crystallized silica, a mineral found near the earth's surface in areas where ancient
geothermal hot springs once existed. Romans called the magnificent gemstone "Cupid Paederos," meaning a child as beautiful as love. They believed that opals fell to earth from
the heavens in a flash of lightening. However they arrived in on Earth originally, today opals must be mined from deposits found primarily in Southern Australia, although other sources exist in Brazil, Mexico, Czechoslovakia, and Nevada. Crown Jewels Opal has symbolized hope, innocence and purity through the ages.

During the Middle Ages, fair-haired young women put sapphires in their tresses to protect the lovely blond color of their hair. Physicians ground opals into a powder that was ingested to ward
off nightmares. Since the 14th century, many cultures have considered this stone to be an Eye Stone, a stone that watches over royal families as well as a stone that strengthens the
eyesight. They believed it to be the "king of gems" because an opal holds within its fire all the colors of the rainbow…and all other gems, as well. And like many birthstones, opals were
treasured by ancient monarchs for their appearance AND their powers.

Opals were routinely set into the crowns and necklaces of rulers who believed the protective powers of the gemstones would ward off evil. Writers of the period believed the opal
could render its wearer invisible when the need arose. The Russians had the complete opposite belief in opals, viewing them as nothing but bad luck..

Always the Right Gift
A gift of Opal is symbolic of faithfulness and confidence. And the wide range
of choices in opal make them a perfect gift for anyone: Black Opal - the stone has a dark body tone in comparison to a white opal. White Opal - also known as 'milky opal', featuring light
white body tones Boulder Opal - very dark and beautiful in color Crystal Opal - any opal with a transparent or semi-transparent body tone. Forms of crystal opal include black crystal and white crystal. Fire Opal - an American term meaning any opal that displays a significant amount of red coloring. Mexican fire opal is a different kind of opal, which displays orange coloring)

About the author:
For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially
invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your
FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being
Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals
almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and
gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at
www.morninglightjewelry.com.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures offers a wide variety of opal jewelry, including jewelry with solid natural Australian opals, lab created black, blue, pink, or white opals, synthetic Gilson opals, mosaic opals, and black opal triplets.

If your interests in opal stems from it being the birthstone of October and an interest in astrology, you may also purchase professionally generated astrology reports (Relationship, Natal, or Forecast) at http://astrology.opaltreasures-rainbowdreams.com

Ammolite Information

2006-02-01T09:06:00.000-05:00

Ammolite Information:

Ammolite FAQs:

Ammolite is one of nature's rarest gems. Superficially comparable to the finest Australian black opal, in the variety and intensity of colors displayed, ammolite is formed from the mineralized remains of an upper Cretaceous fossil called the Ammonite Placenticeras. Ammonites were hard shelled squid-like marine animals that became extinct 65 million years ago. Ammonite fossils are found all over the world, but only in Southern Alberta did these beautiful colors form on the shell, making this gem very rare.

Ammolite was discovered by the native Indians and used by them for years to ward off evil spirits. Some Feng Shui masters believe that ammolite has absorbed cosmic energy from the universe, which is then circulated back through the stone, giving the owner health, wealth, and enlightenment. Ammolite was declared a semi-precious gemstone by CIBJO, (the Colored Stones Commission) in 1981.

Ammolite is sold in three forms: naturals, doublets and triplets. Triplets are constructed of three layers. A dark gray wafer of natural shale sits below a layer of ammolite. On top, there is a calibrated cap of optical quartz or synthetic spinel which helps the ammolite gemstone shows the most brilliant flash as well as being durable enough to be worn as every-day jewelry since unprotected ammolite is extremely fragile and is even softer than opal. Most ammolite sold is in triplet form for this reason.

Avoid knocking or scraping jewelry set with natural ammolite. It is not advisable to wear your ammolite jewelry when playing sport, gardening and performing household tasks like washing dishes and showering.

Natural ammolite can be cleaned with a soft cloth. Doublets and triplets can be wiped with a damp soft cloth but should not be soaked.

For beautiful ammolite, opal, and gemstone jewelry, please visit us at http://opaltreasures-rainbowdreams.com

Spiritual Meanings of Gemstones and Native American folklore by Tarl Michael

2006-01-31T06:51:00.000-05:00

Through out human history every thing imaginable on earth and in the skys has been associated with a spiritual meaning and that includes gemstones.
Here is a list of those spiritual meanings, passed on to us by Native American Indians who craft our jewelry and gifts.
Amber (golden transparent color):This beautiful golden-color stone was once thought to be pieces of the Sun which had fallen to Earth. Amber is actually fossilized resin from extinct pine trees, many pieces of Amber have insects or plants encased. It is thought to relieve sore throats and minor infections.
Amethyst (purple color): Conducts peaceful energy, aids intuition, encourages freedom from addictions.
Aventurine (green in color): Releases anxiety and fear, boosts tranquility, promotes decisiveness and leadership skills.
Charoite (purple in color): Comes from a river in Siberia, Russia. It is thought to promote courage and healing. And release us from our fears!
Coral (red color): Is said to aid in the circulation of the body and to enrich the blood.Hematite (metallic dark grey color): Energizes and revitalizes you. It attunes the mind and positively effects the bloodstream.
Howlite (White with Gray Marbling): Howlite is thought to aid in breathing.
Jasper (brownish-red color): Nurturing, protects against negativity; promotes healing to kidneys, liver, spleen and bladder.
Lapis (dark blue to purple color): Lapis is thought to bring the gift of strength, self-assurance and increase sensitivity to your higher power. Denim Lapis is light blue color with darker blue speckling.
Malachite (dark green color): Clarifies emotions, facilitates insights. It removes obstruction, represents fidelity and loyalty.
Opal (milky white with spectral colors): Known as "The Gem of the Gods," Opal has always had a mystical significance. Opal is thought to aid in psychic vision and to have the power to open the spiritual centers. Opal is also believed to heighten weak emotions and to strengthen the memory.
Onyx (black color): It is said to drive away unwanted thoughts and bad temper. In folklore, Onyx is considered a stabilizing stone, especially during times of extreme stress because it prevented loss of energy from the body.
Snowflake Obsidian (black with white marbling): Obsidian is Volcanic glass (but is not sharp) and is thought to bring out the truth. It helps calm fear and maintain balance in time of change.
Sodalite (bark blue with white marbling): Is thought to stimulate courage, alleviating fears and calming anguish. It is thought to promote understanding and balance for spiritual growth.
Sugilite (Sugilite is deep purple in color): Is associated with spirituality and mysticism. Sugilite is thought to increase psychic abilities and increase insight.
Tigereye (golden color): Tigereye is thought to balance negative and positive energy, bringing clarity and enhance psychic ability.
Turquoise (blue color): Turquoise jewelry is very popular today, it is an endless fashion through out the world. The early Egyptians mined Turquoise as far back as 5000 BC. Turquoise is one of the main stones that the Dine' (Navajo) use in their jewelry work and in religious ceremonies. It is thought to promote healing and good luck. Turquoise can be found in various colors from green to blue. Turquoise is mined in many parts of the world including Iran, Afghanistan, Australia and here in the United States it is mined Arizona and New Mexico. The Native American Indians have used turquoise for jewelry as far back as the 1600's, but the introduction of silver came from the Spanish. And the combination of silver and turquoise is said to have been taught by a mexican silversmith in the 1800,s.
Wild Horse (white with black ): Wild Horse is mined in Nevada and is sometimes called White Turquoise or White Buffalo, but it is 75% Magnasite and 25% Hematite. One of the most popular stones in the Southwestern today is the Beautiful Black and White Wild Horse. This stone is thought to energize and revitalize you, it also represents beauty, strength and determination. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Totem :The animal spirits whose qualities we most associate with or those animal spirits which most associate with us. These are qualities that we feel most connected to or qualities that are connected with us. It is a simple belief, that we are all connected, humans, animals and mother earth.Our animal spirits (totems) can guide us through all or certain parts of our lives. An easy way to learn your totem is to find a quiet place and concentrate or meditate. Don't try too hard or your totems will elude you. It is possible to have several totems and these totems can change as we change throughout life.Every animal on earth is sacred, revered or has spiritual meaning in one culture or another. Just as the Eagle symbolizes unity, strength and freedom for the United States. Below we list the symbolic meaning of animals in many Native American Indian traditions. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Badger :Cures the sick, prays for the growth of healing herbs to be given to him.
Buffalo :Is thought to be a great spiritual protector, bringing nurishment to the body and soul. When a white or albino Buffalo is born, it is thought to bring peace among nations.
Bear :Symbolizes strength and power. The Bear is considered to be one of the most powerful and sacred of all animals. Because the Bear hibernates, it is considered to bring the gift of renewal. The Bear Kachina is thought to have great power to cure the sick.
Crow (kachina doll) :Is beneficial to agriculture because of his destruction of rodents.
Eagle :The Eagle represents strength and power, is the ruler of the sky & the messenger to the heavens.
Lizard (kachina doll):Is thought to bring sweethearts together.
Owl (kachina doll):Symbolizes intelligence and Wisdom, it is very benificial to agriculture because of his destruction of rodents.
Wolf :Represents the Hunter, he uses his knowledge to find and capture game animals.
Chasing Star (kachina doll) :Chasing Star symbolizes the planets and the stars.
Morning Singer (kachina doll) :Appears on roof tops and sings songs to wake the village.
Sunface (kachina doll) :Represents warmth, shelter for the old, a bright future, and playfulness for the young.
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The Arrowhead :Arrowhead is thought to represent the hunter and also symbolizes the adventurer in each of us.
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The above is for entertainment purposes only! These meanings are considered folklore or myth. Bearlanders Trading Co. does not make any such claims to the above statements. Thank You !www.BearlandersTradingCo.com is the leader in affordable Native American jewelry. Bearlanders is currently offering every item at reduced prices and through the month of July take advantage of additional 30% saving by using the coupon code jly5x.
About the Author
Tarl Michael owner of Bearlanders Trading co., On-line store http://www.bearlanderstradingco.com/, has been purchasing American Indian jewelry for retail sales over the past 6 years. Any business venture can prove to be difficult but not impossible. Just like: "Landing a Bear!" Bearlanders is inspired by the traditions of the American Indian including their crafting skills passed down from generation to generation.

For jewelry with many gemstones (specializing in opal, ammolite, dichroic glass, and paua shell), please visit Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures

Birthstone Jewelry Makes a Great Gift by Amber Lowery

2006-01-29T10:46:00.000-05:00

What is birthstone jewelry? Each month of the year has a specific gemstone associated with it that is considered the "birthstone" for that month. Your birthstone is the gemstone that the month you are born is assigned to.

Since the custom of wearing birthstone jewelry began, it has been thought to provide the wearer with luck and other virtues specific to their month of birth. It also was rumored to provide the wearer with protection from evil forces. In modern times,birthstone jewelry makes a perfect gift for any occasion - Holidays, Birthdays, Anniversaries and any other time you need a thoughtful, yet cost effective gift.

Birthstone jewelry is not hard to find at any department store, or online. Due to its popularity, merchants usually have a decent selection of birthstone rings, pedants, earrings and other birthstone jewelry. You can often find coupons and discounts on birthstone jewelry, especially around the Holidays, Valentines Day, and Mothers Day when it is a popular gift item.

Here is a handy list of months and their birthstones: January - Garnet February - Amethyst March - Aquamarine, Bloodstone April - White Topaz May - Emerald June - Pearl, Moonstone July - Ruby August - Peridot September - Sapphire October - Opal, Tourmaline November - Yellow Topaz, Citrine December - Turquoise, Blue Topaz

Birthstone jewelry makes a great gift for young girls. There is inexpensive quality costume birthstone jewelry that is made specifically for 5 - 12 yr old girls. Kids will find it neat that they are wearing "their" birthstone, not to mention that they will enjoy dressing up in their jewelry just like mom.

Speaking of Mom, birthstone jewelry makes an excellent gift for women as well. There are many varieties of gold, silver and platinum birthstone jewelry. Some of them can be pricey, but are often coupled with diamonds and/or other precious stones. Your recipient will be touched at the personal thought that went into their gift. Or, as a twist, you can even find custom jewelry that has several birthstones, one for each child or grandchild.

About the Author
For a gift giving guide to birthstone jewelry, or to shop for elegant, yet affordable pieces, visit: The Birthstone Jewelry Gifts Guide at http://www.iWebShopping.o

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures carries a selection of dainty gemstone jewelry (pendants and earrings) suitable for young girls and women who prefer smaller pieces of jewelry.

Opal Jewelry -- Your Own Personal Piece of Rainbow by Sam Serio

2006-01-26T19:25:00.000-05:00

Opal is a magnificent gemstone whose shades encompass virtually every hue in the color spectrum. The play of color is different on every stone, and its shimmering hues gave rise to the word 'opalescent.' Because it is such an entrancing and unique gemstone, it is no wonder that opal jewelry is very popular among collectors and fashion enthusiasts.

Opal is the birthstone for October and its history is peppered with superstitions and beliefs that it caused both good luck and bad luck. In Europe, it used to be thought of as the 'official' stone of thieves and robbers. One of the greatest contributors to the myth that opal jewelry causes misfortune is a misreading of its depiction in Sir Walter Scott's 19th-century novel 'Anne of Geierstein.'

However, many cultures associate the opal with white magic and good fortune. The ancient Romans used opal jewelry as talismans and for them, it symbolized purity and hope. The ancient Greeks, on the other hand, believed that it gave the wearer the abilities to prophesy or foretell the future. It was also thought to bring luck to the wearer.

The popularity of opal jewelry is on the rise. Although it is classified as a semi-precious stone, the black opal can cost as much as a diamond. Opals can also range in price, depending on their color. Generally, red opals are the most expensive while blue opals are the least. Also, doublet or triplet opal jewelry, or a piece of opal that is sandwiched between two other materials is less expensive than solid opal pieces. Set in gold or silver, or embellished with other gemstones, there is a wide variety of opal jewelry to choose from.

Men and women throughout time have been fascinated and captured by the iridescent colors of opal jewelry. Bad or good luck notwithstanding, these multi-colored gems are worthy additions to any wardrobe. A person cannot be blamed for thinking that wearing an opal necklace, earrings, bracelet or ring is somehow just like having a piece of the rainbow close to the skin.

About the Author
For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com.

For an wide range of exquisite opal jewelry, ammolite jewelry, and gemstone jewelry (including paua shell, stabilized turquoise, and rainbow moonstone jewelry), please visit Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures at http://opaltreasures-rainbowdreams.com

What is the difference between a synthetic and a lab created opal

2006-01-24T07:07:00.000-05:00

The only opal currently considered by most to be synthetic is the Gilson opal. These opals are 100% silica (what natural opal is composed from). The only difference between a Gilson opal and the opals mined from nature are that Gilson opals have no water content. Some argue that for this reason even Gilson is not a true synthetic. There is good reason, however, not to include water - the water is natural opal is what causes many opals to craze (very thin lines that make it appear as if the opal is fracturing) when the water dries out.

The other lab created opals used to be called synthetic as well by some. Now what to actually call them in debatable. These other lab created opals are composed of 70-80% silica and 20-30% resin (a bonding agent). Some say they are imitation or simulated opals. This is at least as false as saying they are synthetic. While they are not 100% silica + water and therefor not synthetic, they are also not made from material that just looks like opal. A lab created opal cannot be compared to a cubic zirconia, which is a true imitation (looking like a diamond but not having the same chemical properties at all, only a similar appearance). Whatever the final word on lab created opals - they are beautiful in their own right with incredible fire and durability at a fraction of the cost of natural opals and less expensive than synthetic opals.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures carries many varieties of opal jewelry, including jewelry with both lab created opals, and with Gilson synthetic opals.

Our new home is ready

2006-01-18T09:25:00.000-05:00

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures will be moving from http://www.jillsjewelry.net to http://opaltreasures-rainbowdreams.com Our new site has been completed and new items will be added to the new site alone. Eventually those of you visiting us at our old home will be redirected to the new URL.

Please visit us and let us know what you think. We specialize in opal jewelry with black opal triplets, mosaic opals, synthetic Gilson opals, and lab created opal(white, black, and blue). We also have a variety of jewelry set with natural solid Australian opals and can make many of our other jewelry with solid opals upon request. We also sell ammolite jewelry, dichroic glass jewelry, paua and abalone shell jewelry, and other gemstone jewelry (including turquoise and rainbow moonstone jewelry). We have a variety of rings, pendants, bracelets, and earrings for your viewing and buying pleasure. Many of our items are handmade and one-of a kind!

New webstore

2006-01-11T15:26:00.000-05:00

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures will be moving from http://www.jillsjewelry.net to http://opaltreasures-rainbowdreams.com Once the transition is complete http://www.jillsjewelry.net will forward you to the new address at http://opaltreasures-rainbowdreams.com

This better designed shop will have everything that was available in the old one and more. Right now purchases can be made from either location and sold items will be updated in both. New items, however, will only be added to our new shop. See you there

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures soon Jill's Jewelry - Opal Treasures Rainbow Dreams

2005-12-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures will soon be moving to a new home with easier navigation and purchasing. Look for updates about our new domain coming soon. In the meantime our current site will be functional and updated as to sold items. New items will not be added to our current site but will appear once our new site is ready to be unveiled...

More opal necklaces and bracelets coming soon.

2005-11-28T07:38:00.000-05:00

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures has just added a separate page for opal necklaces - new ones will be added soon in styles that range from classic to unique and one of a kind. The necklaces will feature Australian black opal triplets, mosaic opal triplets, solid white Australian opals, and various lab created opals. We will also be adding more bracelets to our opal bracelets page and look for sterling ear threads with opals coming soon!

Looking for an opal necklace like no other?

2005-11-21T07:42:00.000-05:00

Just in time for the holidays - Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures has just added a few one of a kind, unique, necklaces and pendants to the current selection of unique, unusual, rare, or one of a kind opal jewelry.

A question we received about opals and opal jewelry:

2005-11-14T08:48:00.000-05:00

Is it true that opals should be oiled?

Actually, jewelers say never to oil an opal. It makes the "fire"
brighter but could actually damage the gem. Some recommend periodically
soaking an opal in water (if it is solid, you would never want to soak
a doublen or triplet as it weakens the bonding agent). Loss of an
opal's natural water is what makes the opal craze (thin lines that look
like fine cracks in the gem). Natural solid opals are also quite soft
and can crack easily. Lab created opals and triplets are not as prone
to crazing and do not easily break. For a variety of lab created, solid, or black opal triplet jewelry, please visit Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures opal jewelry section.

Holiday Shopping

2005-11-07T15:22:00.000-05:00

The holiday shopping season is already upon us. Time just flies - it seems like yesterday it was holiday season 2004! We will be adding more opal jewelry, especially our ever popular opal rings and some more unique, unusual jewelry . We will also add more abalone and shell jewelry. Our ammolite is going fast but look for Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures to be adding more of our popular ammolite jewelry just in time to meet your holiday shopping needs!

open after hurricane Wilma with more items

2005-10-30T15:27:00.000-05:00

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures has reopened after having power restored on 10/28 following hurricane Wilma. We have added more ammolite jewelry and many more lab created solid black opal rings for your holiday shopping needs!

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures closed for relocation 9/23 - 10/3/05

2005-09-27T12:32:00.000-04:00

Jill's Jewelry and Opal Treasures will be closed for relocation the last week of September 2005. All orders will be mailed by October 7th. Please look for a greater variety of jewelry by November - just in time for the holidays. Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures already carries a wide variety of opal jewelry, ammolite jewelry, dichroic glass jewelry, and most recently paua shell jewelry. We are working on adding a selection of abalone jewelry, mystic topaz (and mystic cubic zirconia) jewelry, as well as jewelry (primarily sterling silver with some gold filled pendants) set with other semi-precious gemstones. We look forward to seeing (and serving) you in October!

Jill Nightingale
Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures
www.jillsjewelry.net

Opal jewelry for all moods, styles, and budgets

2005-09-27T11:56:00.000-04:00

Opals are versatile gemstones. Unless they are department store commercial grade, the color play in an opal ensures that it goes with any color outfit you wish to wear. Opals can have white, light, dark, or black backgrounds. The color or "fire" may be bright or subdued. Opals are equally stunning when set in sterling silver or in gold. Since each opal, with the exception of lab created opals, is unique with its own patterns and colors - you can be sure that no one will have a pendant/ring/pair of earrings just like yours. If you would like to be able to wear your very own rainbow, Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures carries solid opals set in sterling silver or gold, Australian black opal triplet jewelry, mosiac opal jewelry, and lab created opal jewelry (white and solid black). At Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures we have opal jewelry to fit every taste (from a love for classic conventional styles to a preference for a unique one of a kind piece), mood, style, and budget. We also carry a variety of glass and gemstone jewelry with properties similar to opal (such as color play/"fire" and irridescence). We currently carry ammolite jewelry, dichroic glass jewelry, paua shell jewelry, and coming soon abalone jewelry and mystic topaz (as well as mystic cubic zirconia) jewelry

Why is ammolite so pricey compared to other shell jewelry?

2005-09-20T07:30:00.000-04:00

Since ammolite comes from the shell of a sea creature as do paua, abalone, and other shell based gemstones, why is there such a difference in price?

The answer is simple and has to do with availability. Ammolite comes from the shell of ammonites which are creatures that existed millions of years ago and are now extinct. When all the ammonite has been mined to create ammolite - there will be no more forthcoming. Paua and Abalone come from New Zealand shellfish which exist in abundance. While all shell gemstones are beautiful with unique properties of their own, the more rare the gemstone, the higher the price.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures carries paua shell jewelry, ammolite jewelry, and (of course) opal jewelry, as well as dichroic glass jewelry. We will soon be carrying a selection of abalone jewelry and mystic topaz and cubic zirconia jewelry.

It's finally here - Paua Shell Jewelry in addition to our Opal Jewelry, Ammolite, and Dichroic Glass Jewelry

2005-09-12T16:05:00.000-04:00

We have finally added paua shell jewelry to our webstore. Paua shell jewelry, with its irridescent colors and low cost, make a wonderful addition to our gorgeous opal jewelry, ammolite jewelry, and dichroic glass jewelry. The pendants would make great bridesmaid gifts or gifts for any occasion that calls for an inexpensive and unique pendant.

Differentiating between natural and lab created opals

2005-09-07T14:06:00.000-04:00

Natural opals have more variaton in patterns. Lab created opals are more similar to each other. They also have a different texture if you touch them. The only exception is the Gilson created opal which is the closest to a true synthetic. While other lab opals are impregnated with polymers which speeds up the process of growing the opal and adds hardness so that they are less fragile, Gilson opals are pure silica with no additives. The only difference in makeup between Gilson and naturally mined opals is that Gilson opals have no water content. Because they are so similar to mined opals, only a jeweler who knows opals can tell those apart from their naturally mined counterparts. Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures offers a variety of gorgeous opal jewelry with both naturally mined, and lab created (including Gilson created) opals, for ladies, men, and children. We also offer opal jewelry with Australian black opal triplets, ammolite jewelry, dichroic glass jewelry, and (coming soon!) New Zealand Paua Shell Jewelry as well as jewelry with other gemstones (including shell, mystic topaz, and mystic cubic zirconia).

I've heard ammolite referred to as "Canada's opal". Are ammolite and opals related?

2005-08-30T18:56:00.000-04:00

Not at all. Opals are formed from silica and water. While there are some opals mined in Canada, ammolite is not a kind of opal. Ammolite is from the fossil of an extinct sea creature and is valued not just for it's beauty but also for it's scarcity. If you are interested in learning more about this rare gemstone, please see our Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures previous article about ammolite. If you are interested in buying ammolite, Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures offers ammolite jewelry, as well as opal jewelry, and dichroic glass jewelry. We will soon be offering paua and other gemstone jewelry, along with men's sterling silver gemstone rings (we already offer men's opal rings).

Your opal terminology does not mention a sea opal - what is that?

2005-08-15T07:26:00.000-04:00

The term "sea opal" is a misnomer, whether intentionally meant to mislead or not. It is used to refer to Paua. Paua is beautiful in it's own right (look for paua jewelry to be offered by Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures in the near future!) but is not in any way related to opal. Paua is a shell from a shellfish that is native to New Zealand. The shell naturally has beautiful irridescent rainbow colors, with blue and green being dominant. It is often dyed in vivid colors to show hues of an individually desired color.

The difference between opal triplets and black opal triplets

2005-08-08T12:04:00.000-04:00

The difference is none! Opal triplets that are of a particularly dark background are sometimes referred to as black opal triplets because they offer the look of black opals. Beware if you see a clear cap on an opal gemstone that is being referred to as just a "black opal" - you may be being offered an opal triplet which while beautiful has nowhere near the value of a good solid black opal. Also please be wary of any "black opal" jewelry that has the opal bezel set. It may be a doublet that is being sold as a solid.

For more explanation of opal terminology, Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures, has an opal information page as well as a selection of beautiful, affordable, opal jewelry.

If opals are so fragile how come opal rings are so popular?

2005-08-01T07:24:00.000-04:00

Yes, solid opals are very fragile and prone to cracking or crazing (thin lines visible on the opal that aren't quite cracks) due to their softness and water content that can dry out and make the gemstone more fragile.

This does not detract from the popularity of opal rings for a number of reasons:

* Fingers move more than necks and ears. Why does this make a difference? Good, fiery opals display flashes of colors and patterns that shift and change as the gemstone changes angles and is exposed to different lighting conditions. This means that an opal set into a ring will be better able to display a broader range of colors and color patterns than the same opal set into a pendant or a set of earrings.

* While natural solid opals are very fragile, Gilson Created or other lab created opals (for the difference between the two and an explanation of lab created opals in general, please visit Jill's Jewelry and Opal Treasures Opal Care and Information page) do not have water as naturally mined opals do thus making them less prone to cracking or crazing.

*For those who like the idea of a more hardy dark opal but do not want anything that has not been naturally mined, a more viable and less expensive alternative, is an opal triplet. An opal triplet is a slice of natural (usually, unless otherwise stated) opal bonded to a dark base which gives the appearance of a black opal, and protected by a clear cap (usually quartz) which serves a dual purpose. This cap both protects the opal since the cap is much stronger than the opal while also magnifying the colors and making them even more intense. Opal triplets are thus an excellent choice for rings.

*For individuals who prefer naturally mined solid opals certain ring settings offer more protection than others. In particular a bezel setting, where no corner or part, other than the top, of the opal is exposed, is the safest setting for an opal that is placed into a ring.

Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures carries a wide range of opal jewelry including opal rings set with naturally mined australian opals, lab created opals, and Gilson Created opals.

For more information about opal terminology or about caring for your opal jewelry, please visit Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures opal care and information resource page.

I've been hearing about ammolite. What is it and why is it so expensive? What is so special about this particular gemstone?

2005-07-26T07:24:00.000-04:00

Ammolite is a gemstone that was discovered by the native Indians and used by them for years to ward off evil spirits. Some Feng Shui masters believe that ammolite has absorbed cosmic energy from the universe, which is then circulated back through the stone, giving the owner health, wealth, and enlightenment. Ammolite was declared a semi-precious gemstone by CIBJO, (the Colored Stones Commission) in 1981.

Ammolite is one of nature's rarest gems. Superficially comparable to the finest Australian black opal, in the variety and intensity of colors displayed, ammolite is formed from the mineralized remains of an upper Cretaceous fossil called the Ammonite Placenticeras. Ammonites were hard shelled squid-like marine animals that became extinct 65 million years ago. Ammonite fossils are found all over the world, but only in Southern Alberta did these beautiful colors form on the shell, making this gem very rare. This also makes the gem increasingly expensive since once all the ammolite in the region is mined, it is gone forever. It is not something that nature will continue to produce for us or that can be reproduced in a lab. It's value lies in both its beauty and its scarcity.

Ammolite is sold in three forms: naturals, doublets and triplets. Triplets are constructed of three layers. A dark gray wafer of natural shale sits below a layer of ammolite. On top, there is a calibrated cap of optical quartz or synthetic spinel which helps the ammolite gemstone shows the most brilliant flash as well as being durable enough to be worn as every-day jewelry since unprotected ammolite is extremely fragile and is even softer than opal. Most ammolite sold is in triplet form for this reason.

At Jill's Jewlry & Opal Treasures, we offer Canadian ammolite pendants in sterling silver and gold-filled, Canadian ammolite pendants 14k solid gold, Canadian ammolite rings in sterling silver, Canadian ammolite rings in 14k gold , and Canadian ammolite earrings in 14k gold or sterling silver. We also offer a large variety of fine and discount opal jewelry and dichroic glass jewelry.

Glass that seems to change colors like an opal - what is that?

2005-07-20T17:03:00.000-04:00

That is most likely dichroic glass.
Dichroic glass was probably first made in the late 1800s in Germany by Arthur Pfeiffer. However, it was not until NASA developed the modern process for making it in the 1960s (found its unique properties beneficial as filters on the windows of the various space vehicles) that it became inexpensive enough that it could be employed in glassblowing though inexpensive is a relative term - dichroic glass is still quite pricey, due primarily to the way in which it comes into being.
The process consists of depositing many very thin layers, most often one atom thick, of rare metals on the surface of a piece of glass. The glass is then placed in a vacuum chamber and bombarded by an intense electron beam. This beam vaporizes some of the material which then coats on the sheet of glass.
The brilliance of dichroic glass in sunlight and artificial light is remarkable. When dichroic glass is viewed at even slightly different angles, you will see a variety of different colors as you rotate it. "Dichroic" means two colors. Dichroic glass appears one color when seen by reflected light and another color when light shines through it. Dichroic coatings transmit certain wavelengths of light, while reflecting others, thus creating an interference-effect similar to the iridescence observed in nature’s fire opal, dragonfly wings and hummingbird feathers. A well-crafted dichroic piece can display many brilliant colors that change with the angle of view. Reminiscent of opals and ammolite which is the reason I "got hooked" on this material and offer it at Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures

So much terminology related to opals - what does it all mean?

2004-07-11T09:01:00.000-04:00

I've heard the terms doublet and triplet referring to opals - what do they mean?

Opal Doublet - Doublet Opals consist of a layer or slice of precious natural opal (usually white or crystal) that is too thin to be set in jewelry on its own which has been bonded to a dark or black backing. The backing can be potch (non precious opal), black glass or ironstone boulder. These days most doublets are bonded to an ironstone backing thus forming a "boulder doublet". The dark backing enhances the color and simulates high quality black opal. However because less opal material is required doublets cost much less.

Opal Triplet - A triplet is essentially a doublet capped by clear quartz cap. The cap adds additional thickness to the gem, prevents damage in setting, and protects the actual opal from wear. The cap also acts as a magnifying glass, enlarging the color play and giving more of the appearance of fine black opal. Triplets range from souvenir quality to gem quality with the best specimens showing the brilliant colors of fine black opal. However because only a thin slice of opal is used the cost is much lower. If you like the vibrant flashes on black, they are the affordable alternative to the $ 10,000 per carat Black Opal. For use in rings, triplets are far superior to solid opals, because the quartz cap adds strength and hardness to the otherwise fragile opal. Our Australian black opal triplet rings and Men's / unisex Australian black opal triplet rings allow you to enjoy the look of precious black opal at a fraction of the cost and with greater durability than solid black opals. We also offer Australian black opal triplet pendants in 14kt gold, gold-filled, and sterling silver, as well as set into earrings. Solid opal is more suitable for pedants, pins, and earrings. Doublets and triplets do not tend to craze (crazing is when an opal spontaneously develops fine internal cracks as the opal losses water from its structure) as do many solid opals.

For more information about various opal types, please visit the opal information page at Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures.

What is a mosaic opal?

Mosaic Opal - A mosaic opal consists of tightly fitted, irregular pieces of opal, carefully fitted to create a brilliant mosaic. This allows smaller, colorful chips of opal to be utilized rather than discarded. Mosaic opals may be doublets or triplets.

For jewelry featurng mosaic opals, we offer a a mosaic opal jewelry page at Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures.

Could someone please explain what a created opal is? What is a synthetic opal? What are Gilson opals?

Synthetic Opal - An opal created in a laboratory setting that has essentially the same physical, optical, and chemical properties as natural opal.

Simulated Opal - An opal created in a laboratory setting that has the same optical, properties as natural opal but is not physically or chemically the same.

Gilson® Created Opal - Currently the world's finest laboratory grown opal, which most in the industry accept as synthetic. Some argue that it too is a simulant since it contains no water as natural opals do. Other than not containing water, Gilson Created opals have all the properties of natural opal. Invented in 1974 by Pierre Gilson Sr., these opals are not inexpensive and require a year or more to grow. The Gilson Created Opal, due to lack of water, does not tend to crack and craze as does mined opal does when it loses its water due to extreme temperature changes or other drying conditions. We offer striking Gilson® Created Opal Jewelry both Gilson mosaic black opal and white opal jewelry page as well as a separate section for lab created and Gilson solid black opal jewelry.

Polymer-impregnated Opal - The process of created these opals begins by duplicating the first steps of the more expensive Gilson® Opal. A porous, very colorful opal is easily formed. Gilson goes to great trouble to fill the gaps with more silica, thus pure opal. Manufacturers of polymer-impregnated opals take a shortcut and produce a product that is not 100% opal. They take the porous material and fill the holes with resin (epoxy glue). The resin gives the gemstone strength and durability. There is currently much debate in the field whether these are synthetic or simulated opal. These opals consist of 70 - 90% silica (opal) and 10 - 30% resin. Whatever the final classification of gems of this nature they are beautiful, cost effective, and exhibit fire play resembling the finest opal. We do offer some polymer-impregnated opal jewelry for those looking for a great deal of fire play at a low price.

Lab Grown or Lab Created Opal - Unless Gilson® is specifically mentioned, these terms generally refer to polymer-impregnated opals which are 70-90% silica (from which natural opal is formed) and 10-30% resin. See above for explanation of polymer-impregnated opals.

What should I look for when buying opal jewelry?

2004-02-28T11:35:00.000-05:00

When buying opal jewelry (or any jewelry), especially online where you don't get a chance to handle or try it on before purchasing, it is important to only purchase from a seller that allows you to return your purchase if you are not satisfied. If there is a restocking fee you may want to pass on that store or seller.

At Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures your satisfaction with our opal jewelry (also with our ammolite jewelry, and our dichroic glass jewelry) is our number one concern. For U.S. buyers, we will even refund your shipping cost if you chose our default, 1st class shipping method!

You also want to make sure that you know what you are buying. Does the seller tell you whether the opal jewelry is set with a solid opal, a doublet, or a triplet? Is there a mention of whether the opal is naturally mined, synthetic, or lab created? Can you find that information anywhere on the store's website or online store? Will they answer questions and/or provide additional photos of an item in a timely manner?

Because there are so many varieties of opal, buying opal jewelry can be a confusing ordeal. Someone who loves opals but doesn't know much about opals or opal jewelry, may be taken advantage of by unscrupulous merchants. To make the experience of buying opal jewelry easier, we have created an opal information page to help educate our potential buyers about opal varieties and terminology that they may encounter when buying opal jewelry. We firmly believe that an informed buyer is a happy buyer and hopefully a satisfied repeat customer.

Opal Jewelry - what's so special about it anyway?

2004-02-22T13:16:00.000-05:00

Opals have been called the "queen of gems" with good reason. There is no way to accurately describe the finest opals: milky white background dotted with red, gold, purple, blue, and green; a dark night with rainbow lightning. Delicate and mysterious, opal has been treasures since ancient times for its unique beauty.

There is no other gem stone in existence as special as an opal. One individual opal can contain a world of colors, a dazzling rainbow which changes with varying light conditions and viewing angles. Since no two opals are the same, each piece of opal jewelry is as unique as the individual wearing it.

Opal jewelry is available to match every outfit, taste, and budget, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a unique piece of jewelry. At Jill's Jewelry & Opal Treasures, opal jewelry is our passion. Visit us and see why.