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Navajo jewelry-making has been a craft for hundreds of years, long before the influence of Europe arrived in the United States. The creative artistry of the Navajos is evident in their jewelry, which is still popular in the Southwest today. The Pueblos and Hopi Native Americans are also jewelry makers, and all of these tribes have influenced each other in this artform.
Knowing whether or not your piece of jewelry is platinum and the purity used to make the piece of jewelry is very important when you are getting the piece appraised or attempting the sell it. The most reliable method for testing platinum is with a kit that includes a black testing stone or glass and a testing solution for platinum. Most kits will also include testing solution for 10-carat, 12-carat, 14-carat and 18-carat gold jewelry. Typically, platinum test acid is an additional solution that may also be used to test 22-carat gold jewelry. The jewelry will not be harmed in…
Art deco engagement jewelry might have made a splash in the 1920s, but its appeal and popularity have not slowed down. Not only has the art deco movement captured the hearts of countless couples, but it also has captured the minds of all types of designers, from graphic designers to architects. Art deco engagement rings were The Chrysler and Empire State Buildings of jewelry design in its heyday, and its vintage flair has made it one of the early 21st century's hottest trends in bridal jewelry. Art deco engagement jewelry knows how to make a statement.
Weight and purity are primary characteristics that determine the price of gold and platinum jewelry. The detail, style and design of the jewelry also affects its price, as does the type of setting. Channel settings and intricate or filigree settings increase value. Look for detail and durability in craftsmanship when shopping for jewelry.
Roman glass is more than 2,000 years old; it was made in ancient times in the Mediterranean territories of the Roman Empire. Today, pieces of Roman glass are still being unearthed. While large pieces of the glass are not available for sale to the average person, they are purchased by jewelry makers and designers from dealers and made into jewelry sold in the U.S. The jewelry is often set in sterling silver, which complements its blue-green color spectrum. You can obtain small pieces of Roman glass easily.
Palladium has been used since the late 1930s, during World War II. The war limited the availability of gold and platinum in the use of jewelry, so palladium was used instead. In the early millennium, the prices of platinum soared, bringing the popularity of palladium back. Palladium provides similar qualities to platinum but at prices comparable to 18K gold. Palladium is hypoallergenic, naturally white in color, and 10 percent stronger than platinum. The light weight of palladium, lends itself to be able to create intricate designs in jewelry. However, due to its strength, palladium can be difficult to work with.
Swarovski was founded in 1895, when Daniel Swarovski invented a new machine for cutting glass. Swarovski Crystal Society is a society of enthusiasts and collectors with a membership of 350,000 from 130 countries. Swarovski produces many items in crystal, from ornaments and decorative items to jewelry and watches. Swarovski stones are used to describe the small stones of crystal that are used in producing many of the Swarovski items. Rather than being carved from one piece of glass, many of Swarovski's items are the accumulation of dozens of Swarovski stones. Swarovski crystal stones are made from glass by the Swarovski…
Blown glass jewelry is hip, decorative and often colorful and intricate in design. Blown glass beads add a creative touch to homemade jewelry pieces, making them works of art. Creating your own blown glass jewelry doesn't have to involve blowing the glass at home; which can be dangerous and leave you at risk of injury if you're inexperienced. Assorted blown glass jewelry accessories give you the ability to create professional looking jewelry in the comfort of your home and without the risks associated with glass blowing.
Roman glass jewelery is a type of jewelery that incorporates both beauty and history. Unlike pottery and stone, glass is not a material commonly associated with ancient societies, but in fact it was highly popular and widely produced in the Roman Empire, leading to archaeological finds.
Hair jewelry dates back more than 400 years. In the 1600s, hair bracelets were love tokens that were given by both women and men. Hair jewelry can be jewelry that is worn in the hair or jewelry that is actually made out of hair. Hair jewelry remained in vogue for 200 years, and was worn as a sentimental piece, a token of affection and a way of remembering a loved one who had died. Hair jewelry or hair work is an item that is fashioned out of human hair.
Jewelry made from dichroic glass is colorful and eye-catching wearable art. Dichroic glass does not have its own color; the colors that you see in a piece of dichroic jewelry come from the reflection and refraction of light, creating an iridescent spectrum of color that is slightly different in every piece.
The Murano glass making tradition is world renowned, and dates back to the 9th century, when Venice was a major trade port. Fearing that the fire involved in the glass making foundry process would burn down the city's mostly wooden buildings, glassmakers were ordered to move to the small island of Murano, where their prominence and renown would grow over the centuries. Today, Murano is home to not only glass artisans, but many factories that mass produce a wide variety of glass items, including jewelry.
As a consumer, it's important to make sure you are getting genuine products. With jewelry and other silver items, there are many scam companies as well as unaware sellers that try to pass off fake jewelry as the real thing, with real silver pricing. Silver is one of the many types of precious metals that can be forged. Learning how to tell if you are looking at real silver helps to ensure that you are not buying fake silver thinking it's real.
You can test gold, platinum, and palladium jewelry to determine if an unmarked piece you've acquired is genuine. There are easy ways to test jewelry yourself and thus eliminate the need for a professional appraisal. By using chemical agents, namely acids, it's simple to gauge a reaction for a particular precious metal. Always use protective, disposable latex gloves, or if allergic, non-latex gloves, in case of spills.
In 1910, the Rolex was the first wristwatch that the Official Watch Rating Centre bestowed with the Swiss Certificate of Precision. In the following years, Rolex would be synonymous with accuracy and prestige. A watch is considered antique when it reaches the age of 100 or greater. A vintage watch is not old enough to classify as an antique, but greater than 25 to 30 years of age. There are several ways to differentiate a vintage Rolex from contemporary models.
Roman glass jewelry is jewelry that contains ancient Roman glass pieces to enhance other jewels or to stand out on their own. One of the most popular producers of Roman glass jewelry is Israel. Factories in that country take pieces of ancient Roman glass and apply it to necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Since this jewelry is so delicate, cleaning it with polishing pastes and creams is not suggested.
Altered glass jewelry is a creative way to take an old piece of glass and turn it into a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. According to "The Art of Altered Glass," the basic idea of the art is that you have altered the original function of the glass, as well as its appearance, by adding fabric, beads, yarn or paper. Glass jewelry can be simple and elegant or it can be vibrant and eccentric.
Native American jewelry is both affordable and beautiful, and there are numerous types of American Indian jewelry available from a variety of different tribes. The Navajo Indians produce the largest amount of Native American jewelry. Navajo Indians are known for their famous stamp work and squash-bottom designs.
If you are looking for a type of jewelry that lends an innovative air to any piece of clothing, then you will love the creative spin that flat-backed glass marbles put on traditional botanical prints. You can make a beautiful brooch or even a pair of clip-on earrings using this approach to jewelry-making that is both fun and economical.
Dichroic beads are made from glass that transmits one color and reflects another. Each mesmerizing bead is handcrafted and a work of art in its own right. Make a dichroic glass necklace for yourself, or to give as a gift.
From its debut in the 1920s and 1930s, Art Deco jewelry has been commended for its style, individualism and Hollywood flair. From its completion to its lack of appropriateness during the Great Depression and World War II, cocktail rings, cigarette holders and bangle bracelets defined a generation and allowed middle class women to experience luxury without paying heed to its astronomical price tag.
To make fused glass jewelry, you need tools for working with glass and to fuse the glass. You need glass-cutters and glass runners. Items needed for fusing are a kiln, a kiln shelf, brush, kiln wash or fiber paper. You'll also need a jewelry bail to attach to your fused pendant and epoxy or glue. Choose your glass. Glass comes in COE's of 90, 104, and 33. Glass is given a rate in which the glass expands and contracts. This is the COE. You need to choose glass that has the same COE. You need a base glass. This can…
Help the environment and make something beautiful by designing a necklace with recycled glass beads. Some jewelry designers prefer making their own beads out of recycled glass, but for the novice it is facile to purchase recycled glass beads at the crafting store. Glass pendants can also be attached to chains for a stunning, eco-friendly look. Create earrings that make friends envious by using glamorous recycled glass beads. The benefit of using recycled glass to make jewelry is creating an upscale look without spending a fortune.
Italian glass jewelry costs a bit more, but its high quality and handcrafting make it worth the price. Most authentic Italian glass jewelry, also known as Venetian or Murano jewelry, is made using traditional materials and techniques. Because its handcrafted, it's a little harder to buy Italian glass jewelry in bulk than other mass-produced imported glass jewelry from countries like China, but if you want great glass jewelry, it's worth the extra effort.
Beach glass jewelery is a wonderful addition to your jewelry box. Not only are you guaranteed to own a one of a kind piece of jewelry but most beach glass jewelry is designed in such a way that it looks great when paired with casual outfits (such as jeans and a sweater) or when worn with more formal attire. Beach glass jewelry makes a wonderful conversion piece. The one thing that can mar the beauty of a nice piece of beach glass jewelry, is a layer of dust and grime. Regularly cleaning your beach glass jewelry is important if you…
Italian glass jewelry is distinctive, bold and the height of Italian craftsmanship. An accessory that never loses its popularity, it defines the wearer as bold, self-confident and absolutely fabulous. So how do you get your hands on it?
Shard jewelry is an art form using broken china and recycling it on to vases, jugs, tabletops and jewelry. It is an art that is very time consuming when looking for the right shards but completely unique in its look. It isn’t the simplest craft to master, but the end result is always exceptionally divine. Read on to learn how to make shard jewelry.
There are few things more annoying than when you're in a rush to get out of the house and you discover that your jewelry is tangled up. It's a fact of life that even if you're ultra-organized, your necklaces are bound to get tangled up and wrap around your earrings and bracelets.
