Fashion

Bridal Jewelry: Fulfilling a Wedding Tradition

‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.’ This is a saying that many brides take to heart when considering their wedding trousseau. From wedding gowns, accessories and motifs, brides from all walks of life throughout the years have tried their best to stick to this formula. It’s interesting to note that bridal jewelry can follow this adage, too.

‘Something old’ could most often be a piece of bridal jewelry that is a family heirloom. Sometimes the groom would give to his bride a ring or another piece of jewelry that had once been owned by his mother, grandmother, or past brides in his family. Maybe the bride would wear her own mother’s antique jewelry or some other gem that has been handed down to brides in the family from generation to generation. One thing is certain, wearing such bridal jewelry would reinforce a sense of family, tradition and continuity in a wedding ceremony.

‘Something new’ hardly needs any explanation. Thousands upon thousands of bridal jewelry stores, both the Internet e-commerce sites and bricks-and-mortar stores, offer a dazzling array of accessories to make the bride shine on her wedding day. The would-be bride can choose from among various jewelry pieces one or several items that she would wear at the ceremony and which she could treasure and keep as a memento of that most special day.

At first thought, ‘something borrowed’ doesn’t seem applicable to bridal jewelry. After all, a bride would most probably want to wear her own jewels and not have to borrow and then return them. But for women who want to add to the accessories that they will be wearing on their wedding day without having to spend thousands of dollars more to buy new ones, renting jewelry offers a practical solution. Many establishments rent out antique or estate bridal jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, and only the rental fee plus a refundable deposit need to be paid.

Finally, for that ‘something blue’ in a bridal jewelry ensemble, there are several gemstones that fit the bill. Depending on the shade of blue that she wants, a bride can opt for a necklace, bracelet, or earrings that are accented with sapphires, aquamarines or blue pearls. Hair ornaments or tiaras with other blue-tinted stones such as agate and topaz are also beautiful accessories for the bride.

The bride is the belle of the ball on her wedding day and it is important for her to look her best on that special occasion. Bridal jewelry, chosen tastefully and worn properly, will complement her wedding dress and make her look as radiant and as beautiful as any bride should be.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. 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.

Cat Jewelry: Freeing the Inner Feline

“Cats are possessed of a shy, retiring nature, cajoling, haughty, and capricious, difficult to fathom. They reveal themselves only to certain favored individuals, and are repelled by the faintest suggestion of insult or even by the most trifling deception.” – Pierre Loti

Ah, where to start? Cats are among the most celebrated creatures of literature. They’re domesticated and at the same time wild, loved and at the same time hated. They stand for stealth and mystery, the power of silence and secrets. And cat jewelry is a testament to that power.

Even before Halle Berry popularized the Catwoman, and before the sleek, sassy villainess ever graced the pages of DC comics, cats were being worshipped all over the world. The way the cat moves, the easy grace and mysterious stillness fuels the imagination and fires up the senses. Bast, the ancient Egyptian cat-goddess, was a wild goddess who was generous in good humor, and ferocious in ill. To kill a cat in ancient Egypt was to call down the wrath of Bast, and was not only considered an act of evil, but a crime against the gods.

To compare a person to a cat is to give credit to his/her capricious, languid, underhanded nature. Cats will only do as they desire, not as they are told. Loyalty is something they only bestow, not give out of a sense of obligation. At the same time they are affectionate to those whom they have chosen, work with reasons they may not disclose to anyone, and perform incredible tasks with absolute secrecy. Sending a person — especially a woman — cat jewelry as a gift would serve as a tribute to these special traits. Wearing cat jewelry would aid in fostering an image of mystery and an instinct for the refined.

The endearing nature of cats has been immortalized not only in classical literature (“The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe, and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” by Tennessee Williams, to name two of many) but also in modern literature, like TV shows and comic strips. We have Garfield and Heathcliff on our Sunday papers, and Top Cat and the Thundercats in our (all right, kind of outdated) Saturday morning cartoon lineups. Cats have been preserved in so many artistic forms — why can’t jewelry be among them?

Cat jewelry might be popular among children, especially little girls who love kittens and probably raise cats of their own. Young women may also appreciate the extraordinary sleekness of the feline motif, and feel especially sexy wearing something so in tune with their sensual nature.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. 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.

Celtic Jewelry: Ancient Symbolism in Popular Fashion

The mysterious and the mystical have always had the power to hold human beings in thrall throughout the millennia. Celtic jewelry is no exception to this, since they are an extension and a reminder of the traditions and rituals of the Celts, an ancient European people. Today, men and women of all ages wear Celtic jewelry not only for their beauty, but also for their symbolism and metaphysical connotations.

Also popularly — though inaccurately — known as Claddagh jewelry, Celtic designs are appreciated for their intricacy and beauty. Numerous patterns of Celtic origin, such as the spiral and the cross, are used by jewelers in their creations. The Celtic spiral symbolizes eternity and is used abundantly in many Celtic jewelry items today. Just as popular is the Celtic cross, which pre-dates the Christian cross by about two centuries. The Celtic cross is thought to bring greater knowledge, understanding and the fortitude to deal with trials and adversities, as compared to the Christian cross, which is believed to protect the wearer from harm.

Claddagh rings and bracelets are two more examples of popular Celtic jewelry items that are replete with symbolism. Rings that have the Celtic knot design symbolize eternal and undying love; this is why they are exchanged by the bride and groom in present day wedding ceremonies – to signify their fidelity and never-ending commitment to each other. Such rings and bracelets are also given to friends as an indication of loyalty.

Necklaces and pendants are likewise integral parts of a Celtic jewelry collection. Depending on the wearerÂ’s preferences, the pendant may depict the image of Celtic figures such as the ever-popular knot, spiral, Celtic cross, serpent or dragon. Such symbols have deep spiritual and religious meaning, and it is one of the main reasons why Celtic jewelry items are popular dress accessories today.

A person does not have to be Irish or Scottish or to have any other Celtic connection in order to appreciate Celtic jewelry. Whether given as gifts or maintained as personal keepsakes, these unique pieces can be enjoyed just for their beauty alone. But a little awareness of their meaning, as well as their place in history and tradition add to their air of enigma and allure.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. 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.

Chandelier Earrings: Cascading Elegance

Earrings come in many forms, and the complexity of the style reflects the sophistication of the wearer’s taste. One of the most elegant and complex designs is the chandelier cut. Chandelier earrings – as they are simply called – are a more complicated variant of the drop earrings, which are usually made of just one stone or material. Chandelier earrings may be a mix of two or more stones, or an elaborate web of stones and metal. They are longer than drop earrings and often reach far down the neck area without touching the shoulders.

“Chandelier” in itself sounds bulky and reminds one of the heavy cascading lights in party halls and fancy ballrooms. But take the bulk out of the equation, get the shape and apply it to fine threads of silver or gold, and you’ll have unique and exotic pieces of jewelry guaranteed to cast light upon the most formal occasion!

The beauty of chandelier earrings is attributed to how it accentuates the length of the neck. The subtle swaying of the jewelry also creates a hypnotic, almost melodic effect. Chandelier earrings are perfect complements to evening gowns and cocktail dresses, clothes that emphasize feminine curves and lend grace to languid movements.

Celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Sandra Bullock, Julienne Moore and Jennifer Lopez have been known to wear signature chandelier earrings at public events. The ever-popular J-Lo, especially, has appeared in many a music video with different cascade-style ear ornaments.

In fact, earrings such as this could be considered an indispensable part of formal wear. No jewelry collection is complete without at least a pair of elegant chandelier earrings. For those special occasions where a woman must look and feel especially sophisticated and ladylike, she should consider wearing flowing jewelry. She will find to her delight that it is a true sensual experience, as much as it is a stunning visual treat.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. 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.

Clip Earrings: A Pierce-Less Sense of Style

Pierced jewelry is all the rage among both the young and old, celebrities and commoners alike. But for various reasons, a person may be against ear piercings. It could be because ear piercings are a bit of a hassle, and then again it could be because body piercings are prohibited to a person because of religion or other constraints. Clip earrings are therefore very convenient and suitable for some people. Not everybody wants to be pierced, but everybody wants to be fashionable and chic.

Clip earrings are seldom uncomfortable, and even if one is not accustomed to wearing them, they are easy to get used to. These jewelry items are clasped onto the earlobe, then worn like regular pierced earrings. The clips are often strong, so they don’t blow away with the wind or get knocked into the nearest sewer drain while the wearer is casually walking down the street. They are also very convenient; easy to slip on or off in a pinch.

Various materials are used to make this user-friendly and fashionable item. From inexpensive plastic to costly gemstones, they also come in a great variety of designs from which to choose. Clip earrings are an excellent alternative to costume jewelry — that is, stuff you’re going to wear once, and then again only during the next blue moon. Jewelry to wear onstage, and only at specific productions, is an example of this. This might be especially attractive to people who seldom wear earrings, but are drawn by the thought of wearing earrings during special occasions. There is then no need for ear piercings, when such a stylish accessory is already at hand.

Children may also prefer clip earrings as these accessories are enjoyable to wear and to collect. Clip earrings are good for mixing and matching, for swapping and other fun activities. Even if oneÂ’s ears are already pierced, clip earrings should still be considered — they may come with uses and “looks” that will pleasantly surprise any person.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. 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.

Diamond Earrings: Superiority and Endurance

“A diamond is forever,” as the old saying goes. The late actress Marilyn Monroe said it best: “a diamond is a girl’s best friend.” So much tribute has been paid to the everlasting glory of the diamond, which is among the most valuable (and expensive!) precious stones in existence. Is it any wonder then that diamond jewelry is so fashionable? Diamond earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets – many of these are regarded as works of art.

The diamond is the most unadulterated of all the gemstones composed of a single pure element. It is also the hardest transparent substance that exists. It is for this that the diamond stands as a symbol of strength, purity of spirit, and even physical chastity.

Diamond earrings first reached the height of fashion in Europe in the 18th century, just before the Renaissance era. To this day many people, even men, wear diamond earrings as a classy adornment. George Michael and Prince are only two of the many male celebrities who have been known to use diamonds as ear decorations. From time to time, David Beckham of soccer fame sports the odd diamond earring worth around $12,300.

Diamonds emphasize superiority and endurance. Unlike pearls they do not trap light, but reflect them — projecting not just a glow, but a finely subtle ray of light upon the bearer’s features. The light reflected by a diamond earring is often caught in the wearer’s eye, hence you might notice a crafty sparkle in the eyes of women who wear finely-cut genuine diamond earrings.

Primarily, a diamond is graded by its 4 CÂ’s: the cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. These characteristics are taken into consideration in the crafting of the finest diamond earrings. Take these factors into consideration when picking out diamond jewelry.

Diamond earrings make the best gifts for loved ones who have an eye for quality, and deserve only the best in life. These accessories speak of the wearerÂ’s high-class taste and love for things of beauty.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. 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.

Diamond Hoop Earrings: The Diva’s Choice

Men grow cold as girls grow old
And we all lose our charms in the end
But square-cut or pear-shaped
These rocks don’t lose their shape
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend

– from the movie “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”

Diamond hoop earrings are perfectly popular these days, thanks to young pop divas like Jennifer Lopez or J-Lo, hiphop diva extraordinaire. J-Lo is also known for spreading the trend of the chandelier earring, and other cascading-style ear ornaments.

Now take another diva and examine her choice of jewelry. We’re talking about actress Elizabeth Taylor and her special fondness for diamonds. When she was dubbed a Dame of the British Empire, the nation held a “black tie and diamonds” event, to commemorate her love for that specific precious stone. Diamond hoop earrings are part of Miss TaylorÂ’s not inconsiderable jewelry collection.

Take hoop earrings up another level and what do you get? Precious stones set into the hoops. What precious stone is considered the most popular, the most prestigious, and the most in-demand throughout the ages? Of course, it is the diamond.

Diamonds are formed over a period of a billion or more years deep within the Earth’s crust – about 90 miles deep – and is pushed to the surface by volcanoes. Most diamonds are found in volcanic rock called kimberlite, or in the sea after having been carried away by rivers when they were pushed to the surface.

Hoops, for their part, come in a variety of thicknesses and sizes. Sometimes they are so fragile as to create cascading earring designs, and at other times they are so thick that you can set stones and other materials into them. Hoop earrings used to be a favorite jewelry style among ancient Central and South American tribes, at a time when gold flowed freely and primarily held only decorative value.

Combine the youthful appeal of hoop earrings and the distinguished status of the diamond and you’ll have an entrancing diamond hoop earring. A small, thick hoop earring made of fine silver or gold may be studded with diamonds. Conversely, a hoop earring may also host even just one diamond, snugly fitted into its metal niche. Diamond hoop earrings are a unique design, pursued and appreciated for their earthly elegance.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. 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.

Diamond Stud Earrings: Elegant Unisexuality

A diamond stud earring is made up of just one perfectly cut diamond, set in fine gold or silver. The simplicity of the design itself is its own selling point: anything fancier and you could easily fall into the trap of over-accessorizing. A single-stone earring is singled out for its sophisticated look.

A diamond is 58 times harder than the next hardest mineral on earth, corundum, the stuff from which rubies and sapphires are formed. Only diamonds can cut other diamonds. Ironically, diamonds are also brittle. If you hit one hard with a hammer, it will shatter. If it is placed in an oven and heated to about 763 degrees Celsius (1405 degrees Fahrenheit), it will simply vanish, releasing only a little carbon dioxide and NO visible traces whatsoever.

Contrary to popular perception, diamond stud earrings are not just for women! There are quite a few male celebrities who have popularized the use of ear accessories — Johnny Depp being among the more famous of them. Respected artists like Usher and Kanye West have taken to sporting diamond earrings. Morgan Freeman wore a diamond earring to a roundtable discussion of his movie “The Sum of All Fears” in Washington DC in May 2002.

If stud earrings ever looked elegant on a woman, ironically enough they fantastically boost the macho appeal of the men who wear them. The purity of the stone, the value of the stud, all speak highly of the man’s discerning taste, his eye for refinement. After all, uncouth bad boy-types aren’t the only virile types in the world — the snazzy, clean-cut James Bond figure has also been universally identified as irresistibly macho.

The virtue of the diamond stud earring lies in its unisex appeal. Both men and women have the privilege of accessorizing, and a single diamond stud is sometimes more than enough to set off their own personal styles. A simple diamond stud earring is timeless, and appropriately goes with the saying “Fashion fades. Style is eternal.”

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Dog Jewelry: A Celebration of Man’s Best Friend

“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring–it was peace.” – Milan Kundera

The idea of wearing jewelry with dog motifs may seem strange to most people. The dog is normally not anywhere near as graceful as the cat or the dolphin, which both make for wonderful jewelry patterns, indeed. But the appeal of dog jewelry may surprise some, and the beauty that comes with the designs in dog jewelry would catch even gem-lovers off-guard.

Why wear dog jewelry? Well, it could be for a variety of reasons. Dogs have become the universal symbol of loyalty and unconditional affection. If you ever met a person who was so dedicated to anything — in love or at work — chances are that person is also a dog-lover. There are lessons you learn from keeping dogs, and among them are kindness and patience, fierce protectiveness, as well as strength in the face of adversity.

In ancient Egypt, Anubis, the dog-headed god of embalming, was held in high regard as the conductor of the underworld — the one who saw the dead off to their final resting places. Anubis comes associated with death, and the sight of a dog, jackal or wolf head have come to be associated with death as well. Men have in fact opted for dogs as masculine symbols, denoting territorialism and acute survival instinct. After all, dogs have been known to survive through the toughest circumstances, and this in itself cancels out the idea of dogs as “death-bringers.”

Toughness and loyalty are the main virtues associated with dogs. On the modern media front, Lassie has perpetuated the image of the companion that’s smarter than your everyday human, and is therefore loads more useful, if not also loads more affectionate. Old Yeller has also taught us about how sheer faithfulness is sometimes enough to get you through the most trying situations.

Dog jewelry is not exclusively for humans to wear — there are dog collar charms, too! In fact, pet and owner can have matching charms: one charm in the master/mistress’ bracelet, and a similar one on the pet’s collar.

If you are a dog lover, try out dog jewelry! Show the world your appreciation of the noble heritage of man’s best friend!

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. 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.

Dolphin Jewelry Promotes Environmental Awareness

“And when the day comes that we can communicate intelligently with dolphins, they may introduce us to the concept of survival without aggression, and the true joy of living, which at present eludes us. In that circumstance what they have to teach us would be infinitely more valuable than anything we could offer them in exchange.” — Horace Dobbs

First of all, let’s take a look at the rationale behind dolphin jewelry. What makes dolphins so attractive as jewelry motifs? Moreover, what would make them so important as to deserve a second look by jewelry-lovers, especially the socially conscientious?

Well, for one thing — if there is any ocean-dwelling creature that is said to be the smartest and most compassionate – it is the dolphin. Dolphins have been known to guide stranded seafarers to dry land, and converse intelligently in a language thatÂ’s all their own. Scientists have been attempting to study the way dolphins communicate, and there is increasing evidence that dolphins have their own complex language. Dolphins are also the only ocean mammals that mate for recreation, and are closest to humans in this respect.

Dolphins are also among the most graceful of sea creatures, moving smoothly and effortlessly through the turbulent waves, turning backflips in the air with all the carefree air of a human child showing off a somersault. After all, who has never felt anything but goodwill and affection for Flipper, that most beloved of all celebrity dolphins?

But there is a sad twist to the dolphins’ story. Believe it or not, some species of dolphins are fast becoming an endangered species. Pierce Brosnan (James Bond 007), Dean Anderson (StarGate, McGyver) and Martin Sheen (West Wing) have been known to support causes that save dolphins from being killed for sport or commercial purposes. Pollution is driving many dolphins to flee their ocean sanctuaries, and there have been stories of dolphins being beached while fleeing desperately from nuclear testing grounds or oil spills.

Wearing dolphin jewelry may not directly save the lives of dolphins, but it will help other people become more aware of the situation surrounding these intelligent creatures. But most importantly, dolphin jewelry continues to be elegant and eye-catching through the years. It represents a serene, fun-loving beauty that perseveres despite harsh trials.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. 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.