Friday, November 13, 2009

Fashion Anklets




By Sanjay Kali.

Fashion anklets, ankle chains, or ankle bracelets are ornaments put on around the ankle. Anklets and toe rings historically have been used for centuries by unmarried women in India, though in the United States both casual and more formal anklets became fashionable in the late twentieth century. While in western popular culture both younger men and women may wear casual leather anklets, they are popular among normally barefoot women, and more formal anklets made up of silver, gold, beads are commonly part of fashion jewelery for women.

Much more rarely, the ankle chains are joined by a stretch of chain to limit the step. This practice was once more prevalent in the Middle East, where the effect was to give a 'feminine' short tripping step. Today a few western women follow this practice, but rarely in public. A very few people even have 'permanent', e.g. soldered-on, ankle chains, and more rarely still, so is the connecting chain.

Fashion anklets can be made of silver, gold, and other types of less precious metals as well of materials such as leather, plastic, nylon and other such materials. In the western world anklets or ankle chains are mainly used by younger females, but some older women also wear them. Metal anklets are of two types - flexible and inflexible. The flexible ones, often called Pajeb or Jhanjhar in India, are made by tying links in a chain. Subsequently, sonorous bells can be attached to the chain, so that the wearer can make pleasing sounds while walking. Inflexible ones are usually created by giving shape to a flat metal sheet.

Fashion anklets: Styles of anklets

As with any other jewelery, price levels for anklets vary dramatically depending on the type, production methods, and materials. They are also an accessory item worn by a broad range of ages, from young girls to sophisticated women. There are thousands of designs and styles available in the ever-expanding marketplace. Popular types of anklets include, Beaded, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Pearl, Charm, Diamond, Gemstone, Birthstone, Coral, Turquoise, Crystal, Shell, Rhinestone, Cubic Zirconia, Nickle and Brass.

Fashion anklets: Guidelines for wearing anklets

Fashion anklets can be of the loose style or of the tight variety. The priority is to determine which style you want to go for and how it should fit you. Either the anklets can lay below the ankle bone or it can be kept above the ankle bone. Therefore choosing your style and size can be made easy by keeping a few simple things in mind. First, start by determining how you want to wear the ankle bracelet. Do you want it to sit above or below your ankle bone, would you like it to fit tightly or loosely? Keep in mind that the preference of the anklet can change depending upon the footwear that you are going to wear for a particular occasion as well as the general style of the anklet itself. When we talk about the style of the anklet, it may include things like the tightness, looseness of the anklet as well as the other associated paraphernalia like the hanging bead or crystal at the end of the anklet.

Fashion anklets: Style and Footware.

It is very important to ascertain whether you are planning to wear anklets with the sandals or the shoes. Depending on this both the style and size may vary. For example if you are planning to wear a beaded or crystal beaded anklet with your shoes then ideally it should be above your ankle bone otherwise the hanging bead or crystal can get inside your shoes and thus make you very uncomfortable for the occasion. So as we can see in this example that if you are using shoes then the beaded anklets should be above the ankles. On the other hand if this type of anklet is used with sandals or flip flops like footwear then it can be put below the ankle bone also. Today adjustable anklets are available in the market which can provide you greater flexibility and you can wear it either above or below the ankle bone either in a loose or tight form.

Fashion anklets: Measurements for anklets

Taking measurement of your ankle is very important before you go for shopping anklets. Using a soft tape is the best method to take measurements. To start with, you need to plan the style of anklet that you may most probably purchase. Further you need to decide in advance whether you are going to wear it with sandals or shoes. Once you have thought about the style and footwear preferences, it is time to take a few measurements to establish your size range. For measuring, you need to have a soft tape. The other method is to use a piece of string and a ruler. With the tape or the string you can measure the thickness of your legs above and below your ankle bone where you are planning to wear your anklet. If you are using the string to measure then through the ruler find out the actual measurement. The soft tape on the other hand will give you a direct measurement.

Fashion anklets: Various varieties of adjustable anklets

Finally make it a point to have variety. The market is full of varieties of anklets which are adjustable in nature and which can be used either above or below the ankle bone. These anklets can therefore be put on as per your choice and they will go with either the sandals or the shoes also. It is better to have a adjustable anklet rather than a fixed length anklet from any point of view. One problem with anklets is that after some time they naturally become loose and here you cannot do anything with a fixed type of anklet but if it is a adjustable type then you can readjust the length to make it tight or loose as per the need.

Getting the Perfect Gemstone Bracelets





By Kate Adams.

A bracelet is being worn not only by women but also by men, it is a type of jewelry that being worn on the hand. If you look into it, you will find that there are lots of bracelets kinds in the market, you can find charm bracelets, beaded bracelets, gold bracelets, silver bracelets, pearl bracelets, bangles and many others.

If you want to have a look of individuality and uniqueness, you can have gemstone bracelets. If you want to go with style and exceptionable, a gemstone bracelet would be a perfect choice. Gemstone bracelets come with different finishes and styles, you can pick the gemstone you like, you can get Tanzanite, Amethyst, Jasper, Rose Quartz, Turquoise, and Moonstone. The styles of the bracelets come with huge variation; you can get large glitzy bangles and thin chain bracelets.

The gemstones come with rich natural colors which can add a great look into the bracelet. You can find also with different shapes and come with different designs such as beaded, in silver and gold designs. If a chain has beads on it or it made out of silver and gold plus added with a unique gemstone, indeed, the bracelet will look elegant and exceptional.

Having a gemstone can make an excellent effect to the bracelet. With the fact that there are lots of gemstones to choose from, you can at least pick the right gemstone bracelet for you or for a loved one. One of the gemstones is Tanzanite - its color is deep blue. Amethyst is pale mauve to deep purple in color, Turquoise color is yellow-blue, Jade colors range from dark green to yellow, Rose Quartz is color pink.

If you want to get a bracelet for yourself, you can pick the design style, and color that pleases you in order for you to come up with an elegant you. If you wish to get one for a loved one, then you have to pick a gemstone bracelet that will match the personality of the person. Each of the material being used to create a gemstone bracelet is unique, so you have to pick the design and color that your loved one would adore. Since you know the person so well, you know her/his likes and dislikes, so it is not so hard to make a choice.

Using the internet would be the best resource in finding lots of different bracelets to choose from, but of course, you must go with a reliable website that can provide you with quality items. If you want to get that perfect bracelet, start searching now.

7 Interesting Things You Need to Know About Birth Stones


By Harrison Fray .

If you're looking for a gift that will represent the recipient, a birth stone jewelry is one of the most ideal items that you can give. As the term implies, a birth stone represents a month in the calendar and it is often used for various jewelry designs for the young and old.

One of the factors that attract us to birth stones is their varying colors. Each stone is represented by a different color and most of us associate a specific color or a favorite according our corresponding birth stone.

There are so many things that make these interesting apart for the more obvious reasons. Here are 7 interesting thing you might want to know about birth stones:

1. The history of this jewelry dates back to the time of Aaron as told in the Bible, in the book of Exodus [chapter 28, verses 17 to 20]

Josephus, a 1st century Jewish historian, stated that there is a correlation between the twelve stones on Aaron's breastplate, the twelve signs of the zodiac and the twelve months of the year.

Exodus 28:17-20 states

"Then they mounted four rows of precious stones on it. In the first row there was a ruby, a topaz and a beryl; in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and an emerald; in the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; in the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx and a jasper. They were mounted in gold filigree settings. There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes."

2. The Bible's book of Revelation [chapter 21, verses 19 to 20] also states the precise list of birth stones where the foundations of the New Jerusalem are listed

"And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst."

3. The tradition of wearing birth stones became popular in Poland during the 15th century. The norm recommended that each month a person should wear a corresponding birth stones since it is during its month that the gemstone is more potent than usual. In effect, each person was suggested to own all twelve stones were they can rotate them each month.

4. There are the traditional which are based on cultures and societies. Varying cultures have their own set of birth stones which resulted to inconsistent jewellers' lists.

5. Mystical birth stones originated from Tibet which date back over centuries ago.

6. Ayurvedic birth stones originate from ancient Indian philosophy and medicine which date to 1500 BC.

7. Modern birth stones were standardized in 1912. The Jewellers of America adopted an official list in the effort to standardize the birth stones list. This is the most widely-used in USA, Thailand, Australia and other regions.

The fascination with birth stones will probably never cease. They are multi-colored gemstones that attract all ages with their beauty as well as their multi-faceted history.

Jewelry - Mixing Practicality and Beauty



By Ajeet Khurana .

Jewelry has greatly risen in popularity over the last few decades as one of the best gifts you can give someone. This is due to the many new options that are available on today's wide market. It isn't just about buying your girlfriend a little gold necklace or nice earrings to show that you care. A gift of jewelry can be the perfect way to tell any friend, relative, or lover that you really care for them.

It is not just about the piece of jewelry anymore but what you put inside the jewelry is what makes it a great gift. This has really become true thanks to all of the little customized pieces of jewelry that are now available and it is not just about the gift for them, it is also about the gift for yourself.

Jewelry can serve as a great gift for yourself for several reasons. The first merely revolves around expressing your individual fashion sense. It isn't too expensive to get a small customized locket or charm necklace that holds a favorite symbol or picture to make you feel a little better throughout the day.

If you really love Norse Mythology, then you could easily get a small metal piece engraved with a favorite quote. Or, you could get a small locket and keep a little picture of a lost relative close to your heart. Maybe you just like turtles and want a bracelet or set of earrings that displays this. In the end, it is your choice as to what you want to display.

The second reason has to do with displaying information of a much different kind. Someone with severe allergies or health issues should wear a medical ID bracelet. In the event of an unfortunate accident, the responding paramedics could immediately know about drug allergies and change their plans accordingly. But, these bracelets are not cool.

The standard has been just a little metal plate hanging on your wrist. That will not impress anyone. Today, you can preserve your health and your image by having a customized ID bracelet made. It is possible to have the ID plate surrounded by beads, decorative designs, charms, ties, or just about anything that you could possibly imagine. The plate is just safely planted in the material of your choice, making them practical and beautiful.

It goes without saying that jewelry can be a great gift for a loved one. A beautiful ring, bracelet, necklace, or earring should tell your girlfriend how much your care. No matter what happens, it will always be true that diamonds are a girl's best friend. It isn't just a little gift for a girlfriend, fiance, or wife though.

You can buy a small, tasteful locket for a friend and have it engraved with a little inside joke or picture. If you're into the best friends forever thing, you can even get a matching one. That way either one of you can brighten up a lousy day by looking at the few words and recalling the good times.

It should be pretty obvious that jewelry is a good choice for just about anyone. It has always been a great gift to express how much you care, but it is now even available as a way to express yourself or protect your health.

Jewelry Box - A Gift Box For All




By Janet Verra .

Since then, jewelry boxes are used by early middle class people. The evolution of these items are crafted by skilled craftsmen and initiated by manufacturers to provide decorative items and accessories for people including other important commodities needed for everyday living. Today, the continuing growth of jewelry boxes are unstoppable. Designers created different styles and design for their pieces each year.

The luxurious appeal of jewelry box always captivate any attention, both men and women loved its exquisiteness. This accessory was typically bought with the purpose of keeping valuable jewelries safe and secure. You can find most women buying this items compared to men. Mostly, jewelry boxes can be found at jewelry stores and antique stores, however with each year's growth of demand, even small store outlets flooded their offered boxes with variety of prices. Also, online stores are taking the lead when talking today's shopping option trend. An advantage of shopping online is, online stores can offer wider variety of selection to choose from, from simple boxes to elegant ones. They are of different prices as well, but compared to local stores, online stores are far more better with cheaper price than them.

You can find lots of variety for these items, this is why gift giver are indulging with different appeal of when holidays or events are approaching. During weddings, a jewelry box can make an elegant gift for grooms and brides, as well as couple's gift for their participants and parents. Other situation where these items can make a wonderful gift is during birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and can even make a special present to acknowledge someone's achievement like gift for boss, for a colleague, co-employee and the like. The options for different choices are all yours, all you will need to do is to find what would be an ideal design or style of jewelry box for a certain receiver. Example, if your receiver is a business-minded person, therefore you should pick more classy and elegant look box. It obvious that professionals have this classy and elegant lifestyle, so it would be best if your gift can reflect to your receiver's personality. After all, you want to give a gift to make him or her special, isn't it.

If you opt for special kind of jewelry box, personalized choices are perfect to deal with. What makes a personalized jewelry box special is that, it can give a one of a kind appeal to your gift plus the idea of making it personalized can give a sense of deep sentiment to your receiver. You can find others with different personal touch of designs like photos . This gives reason for people to give personalized gifts for their friends and loved ones. Several personalized option are available worldwide. You may consider an Oval Jewelry Box, Photo Jewelry Box, Personalized Square Keepsake Box and other styles like jewelry roll, travel jewelry cases, valet trays and drawers.

These are all perfect to give as gifts for retirement, gifts for executive, special present for husband or wife, for kids and for others whom these boxes are intended to be given.

Antique Jewelry - Where to Purchase These Unique Pieces





By James Greene .

Antique jewelry is a unique type of accessory to add to one's collection. Whether one is an avid collector of these types of items or if they simply crave a piece from the past, antique jewelry or estate jewelry, as it is sometimes referred, is a nice addition to consider. There are a few different places from which one can acquire these objects and some may have better luck via one avenue than the other.

Estate Sales

Frequently estate sales will offer antique jewelry pieces to the public for a certain price. These types of sales tend to feature older, antique items such as furniture, clothing and jewelry. This is a great way to obtain a piece of jewelry which has been passed down throughout the generations and suddenly has no future family owner to go to. This is where the lover of antique jewelry enters the picture and provides an appreciative home for the piece. One may also obtain a really good deal by purchasing estate jewelry in this manner as the seller is looking to relieve themselves of the property and empty out the home for one reason or another. Estate sales are often advertised in the local newspaper or by signs placed around one's town.

Auctions

Another alternative to consider when hoping to find a beautiful antique treasure is to take part in auctions. This can be accomplished either in person or online. Auctions often favor items of this type which have been handed down from generation to generation and one can often find unique items via this route. Auctions which are held at physical locations and are well known by the antique buying public may present some competition and cost issues for individuals as the items may go for higher bids than one would want to spend. On the other hand, online auctions may offer a better deal for antique jewelry hunters as well as a better chance to obtain the desired object.

Antique stores are another stop which one should make in their venture to obtain antique jewelry. Since these types of specialty stores deal exclusively with antique items they may offer a wide selection when it comes to antique jewelry options. The store may also present unique pieces to the public which they have a hard time finding elsewhere.

Jewelry Stores

Last but certainly not least, one may find the perfect piece of antique jewelry at their local jewelry store. Some stores will have a display case set up solely to display antique jewelry for sale. These types of stores as with the antique stores may also have a good collection of estate jewelry and one should certainly take a trip over to the store to see what type of items they may offer which fall into this genre.

Platinum Jewelry - A High Quality and Durable Option



By Riley Grant .

Platinum, a white metal, is one of the most popular choices for making jewelry. People all over the world adore platinum for its durability and strength, and this has actually been true for several centuries, barring the period during and immediately after World War II when it was temporarily banned for use in the manufacturing of jewelry. Not only that, but it does not tarnish, as so many other precious and semi-precious metals are prone to do with the passage of time. So, if you are thinking about investing in a piece of high quality, elegant jewelry, you may want to consider investing in one or more pieces of platinum jewelry.

While you will typically pay more for items made with this particular precious metal, in the long run, it is usually a very good investment because it will last you, not only your own lifetime, but also the lifetimes of your heirs to whom you pass it along. In other words, it may take you some time to save up for the piece of platinum jewelry that you have had your eye on for a long time.

But on the other hand, once you do have enough money set aside to purchase that piece of platinum jewelry, you will be glad that you saved up for it because it will never go down in value. Also, it will never start to look old and tarnished. It wears very well, and gemstones look gorgeous when set in platinum, as it really highlights their beauty extremely well.