Thursday, October 22, 2009

Black Tahitian Pearl Earrings are a Woman's Best Friend

Another name for Black Pearl is the Tahitian Pearl. The story behind the name is the way how the pearl is produced. It is made from the large, black lipped pearl oyster that is called the Tahitian black pear oyster. This mollusk is located in the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean.

Tahiti is popular for its crystalline and tranquil waters coaxing tourists to visit their shores for a well-deserved break. The beautiful islands surrounding the grounds add up to the rarity of the black pearl produced by the black-lipped oyster.

Historically, the first pearl farms that started searching for Tahitian pearls are located in Hikueru in the 1960s. Hikueru is the island in Bora Bora. Successful harvests then led to the exports of Tahitian Black Pearls from 1965 until 1972. Hikieru was notorious for their production of these precious materials.

Tahitian Pearls reached neighboring islands like Mangareve and Marutea Sud. The high demand for the Tahitian Pearl only motivated pearl farmers to get more.

Tahitian Pearls are usually slightly gray. Some are bluish black. But because Tahitian Pearl is for anyone who likes precious gems, stores selling this kind of stone offers a wide selection of unique designs.

Now everybody wants a good story. According to legend, the Tahitian Black Pearl came down from heaven in the form of a drop of water. The drop water fell into the sea which headed straight to the inside of an open shell. It was breeding period. The quality of each Tahitian Black Pearl depends on the dew that fell into the particular share.

If the rain was pure, the pearl was lustrous. If it dull, then it didn’t rain. If it’s merely cloudy then the color of the Tahitian pearl is spoiled. Lighting and thunder were also factors in the cultivation of the Tahitian Pearl. Lighting stunts the growth while thunder can cause the shellfish to miscarry and produce hollow husks instead of precious pearls.

Poets from the Orient believe that every sixteenth day of the Nisan month each year, the pearl oysters rise up above the sea. Their shells open up in order to get raindrops falling from the skies above.

The poet Sadi wrote in an interesting fable that a drop of water fell from a cloud into the sea one day. It felt confused and at the same time ashamed because it was set side by side with an immense body of water. It believed that its existence is nothing compared to the boundless abyss. Then to its surprise, it blossomed in the bosom of the pearl-shell and became a magnificent black pearl. Later on, it donned the crown of a king.

That’s why Oriental people consider the Tahitian pearl so precious because of the legend connected to it. The story mentioned above shows a lesson that by being humble one can gain exaltation.

But in reality, Tahitian pearls can be cultivated. When a pearl is said to be cultivated, human beings assisted in creating such an organic gem. True that each pearl begins as a piece from the mollusk or oyster but once the nacre kicks in and forms layers after layer, then the pearl is produced later on.

Black Tahitian pearl earrings are magnificent creation and has become to be the most popular pearl in the world. These earrings are luminous and are celebrated for their rich, deep colors. Amazingly, they have a perfect spherical shape.

Pearl experts know that obtaining a spherically perfect pearl is a rarity for pearl farmers. The closest to it being a perfect circle, the more valuable the pearl. As for black Tahitian pearl earrings, a majority of them have perfect spherical shapes. That is exactly the reason why these make the wearer stand out when in a crowd. Black Tahitian pearl earrings are simply exquisite.

In fact, lately, Tahitian pearl earrings have become a fabulous hit to women, that it is not only produced in black. Other manufacturers sell white gold Tahitian cultured pearl earrings which is also considered to be a rarity and a precious jewelry to possess.

Some Tahitian pearl earrings include white gold karat making them more expensive than the average pearl.

Since it is already Christmas, why not add black Tahitian pearl earrings on your list. One special lady must deserve that great gift.

Stunning Color Trends For Cubic Zirconia Earrings

One of the best things about cubic zirconia earrings is the breadth of options. Their availability in classic styles makes these pieces easy to coordinate with other jewelry. Their stunning combinations of materials and colors form unique, signature pieces. Whether you're wearing sterling silver or gold metal, color enlivens jewelry and is great for today's bolder, fashion-forward trends.

Cubic Zirconia In a Range Of Colors

Today, you'll find cubic zirconia in every color imaginable. From fiery reds to delicate yellows, these stones typically range from 3mm-10mm in size with as much clarity as precious stones, if not more. In addition to the clear diamond style, today's most popular colors for cz jewelry are pink, champagne and light green. Besides traditional diamond cuts such as pear, marquise and oval, you'll find these colorful stones in sweet shapes like hearts and butterflies that bear a unique sparkle. All of these colors and shapes can be found in studs, dangles, and most other earring styles. A set of colorful cz earrings in a dramatic color combined with an elegant black or white outfit is undeniably the perfect evening look.

CZ Combined With Gemstones

The popularity of colorful gemstones combined with cz is also a hot trend. It is regularly spotted complimenting amethyst, peridot and all other birthstones. These earrings can have a clean, modern feel in a simple platinum setting, or adopt an antique look with fine detailing and a marcasite setting. We're also now seeing pairings of bright blue turquoise and cz which conveys an earthier elegance. Finally, luxurious enameled surfaces are making a comeback, where you'll find colorful enamel pieces embellished with brilliant, clear cubic zirconia stones.

Facts About Jewelry Earrings For Men - What You Should Know About It

Nowadays there are a vast number of men that wear jewelry earrings. There are also a vast number of men that are conscious about the way that they look and the clothing that they wear. A lot of men feel that it is not only important to be presentable but it is also very important to be fashionable.

There are a vast number of television programs that encourage men to take pride in their appearance and these programs also show men those latest fashions. Some of the television programs even conduct makeovers on men that have not quite got it as yet. Surprisingly there are some men that feel that it is girly to be up to date with fashions and to take a pride in their appearance however this is in fact on the case.

Masculine jewelry is becoming more popular especially the jewelry earrings that are designed to be worn by men. The masculine jewelry is actually one of the latest crazies at the moment.

There are a vast number of men that will boldly wear jewelry including bracelets, necklaces and earrings and they tend to get ones that will offset their hair and their eyes as well as what they wear.

There is a vast range of tasteful and modern jewelry that is available for men to choose from. This range of jewelry includes cufflinks, bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings to name a few things. A lot of the masculine jewelry allows the men to create an image of power but some people also come across as self-possessed.

The jewelry earrings are one of the most popular pieces of masculine jewelry. It is important to remember that masculine jewelry is not only designed for the urbanities that are clean cut. There are a lot of men that go for trademarks on their jewelry as they feel that this adds an extra something to it without taking away the masculinity.

Tips for Buying Clip-On Pearl Earrings

Pearl clip-on earrings are a great gift for any occasion to a woman of any age and circumstance. They are a classic, tasteful complement to any outfit and a valuable addition to any jewelry collection. Pearl earrings are a popular choice because they are not flashy and yet they draw attention to the wearer in positive ways.

To help you choose your pearl clip-on earrings, here are some info and tips to guide you:

Choosing clip-on earrings
Clip-on earrings were an invention of the twentieth century. Before this, ear lobes were pierced to hold earrings and accessories. When they were first used, clip-ons were tight and painful and anyone wearing them ended up with throbbing, reddened earlobes. Current designs are much more comfortable and fit so well that most women actually forget they have them on.

Contrary to some people’s belief, clip-on earrings do not fall or slip off from the earlobe. They can hold on quite comfortably and are actually well-designed for just this purpose. Two of the best metals to use as clip-ons because of their durability are gold and silver.

Why clip-ons? Simple: no ear piercings.
With body piercings so common these days, you’re probably wondering why some people actually have no piercing in their ears, of all places. Well, some people just cannot abide with this very minor procedure. One of the more famous people who have a difficulty with this is tv host Oprah Winfrey. So it’s not really uncommon to find people who do not have pierced ears.

Convenience
Clip-on earrings are easy to put on and take off. No need to struggle with clasps or worry about lost or missing closings. They are also a great alternative for people who are uncomfortable wearing pierced earrings. Some people also have more trouble with ear piercings. Clip-on earrings allow them to accessorize without actually getting their ear piercings in direct contact with any metal, so clip-ons are a good choice for them.

Choosing pearl earrings
Pearls have been highly prized for centuries not only for their rarity but also for their luminous beauty. Anyone who has ever looked at a pearl knows that it shines with its own unique light that cannot be found in other types of gems.

Pearls are also the only gemstones created by a living organism and for that reason alone, pearls are considered unique since no two are exactly alike, no matter how similar they may look. They are graded depending on their size, shape, color and condition and there is a standard system for this, although not every pearl supplier or jeweler uses this system.

Pearls come in a variety of colors from silver, white and cream to green, blue, gold and black, depending on the kind of oyster who produced the pearl and on the conditions of the water during its formation. There are also pearls which are dyed or irradiated, which alters their original color.

The value of the pearl depends on several things: nacre thickness, luster, size, color, shape, texture and surface cleanliness. A combination of these factors affect the price of the pearl. Whichever pair of pearl earrings you choose will really depend more on personal choice.

Caring for your clip-on pearl earrings.
Pearls are organic and are softer than gemstones. If you are not careful, they could crack or get scratched. They are also absorbent and can be affected by perspiration, body oils and perfume, which can dull their appearance. The best way to avoid this is to apply cosmetics first before putting on your pearl earrings and when you already have them on, avoid using hair spray because it will get to them.

After you take off your pearls, wipe them with a soft cloth that is slightly damp. If you use them regularly, it’s a good idea to wash them in mild soapy water to remove dirt, oils and build-up.

To protect them from scratches, you might want to store them in a separate container or wrap them in a soft cloth to avoid getting them scratched by your other harder jewelry. You might also want to keep them in a lined jewelry box. If you take care of your pearls, they will maintain their beauty and luminous quality for years to come.

Choosing Pearl Stud Earrings

Pearl stud earrings are as understated as they are elegant. They are low-key and beautiful and not loud accessories at all. They are a great complement to any wardrobe, be it a stylish gown or a simple blouse and jeans. Worn day or night, pearl stud earrings are a wonderful fashion statement. It is also the kind of design that a woman of any face shape can carry off well.

Here are a few tips on picking the pearl stud earrings to add to your collection:

Pearl quality

A simple stud earring is only as beautiful as the pearl attached to it. When buying pearls, there are several things that you might want to consider: shape, size, color, texture and luster.

Shape – pearls come in different shapes and the three main categories are spherical, symmetrical and baroque. Round pearls and near-round pearls are considered spherical. Drop, oval and button pearls are considered symmetrical while baroque pearls are those that are irregular and abstract in shape.

Size – the pearl’s size is determined by its diameter measured in millimeters. Generally, the bigger the pearl, the more valuable it is. Most of the pearls you can find in the market are in the range of 6.5 to 7.5 mm. Compared to that, the largest pearl ever found was a black one which measured 25mm.

Color – depending on the mollusk or oyster that produced it, a pearl can have a different color ranging from the usual white and cream to green, gold, blue and black. Color is determined by two things: body color and overtone. Body color is the main color of the pearl while overtone is the iridescent tint that is found on its surface, on top of the main color.

Texture – there is no such thing as a pearl with a perfect surface. There will always be certain imperfections on it. The only way to determine the pearl’s value is whether or not the imperfections are obvious. Bumps, spots and irregularities can affect the quality of the pearl. Cracks, chips and gaps are considered serious flaws.

Luster – refers to the brilliance of the pearl’s surface and is one of the most important characteristics in grading. Pearls are made up of a substance called nacre, which is naturally produced by the oyster or mollusk as a reaction to an irritation, usually a grain of sand or parasite in the case of natural pearls and an implanted nucleus in the case of cultured pearls.

Luster affects the reflectivity of the pearl. The better it reflects light and surrounding objects, the better its quality. Dull, cloudy surfaces are a sign of inferior quality.

Choosing your findings

Posts are the type of studs that go through the ear and are closed securely with a nut. These are the most common choice for pierced ears. For unpierced lobes, ear clips and screw-backs may be used, both of which are held in place by friction.

Pearl stud earring combination

Pearls are the kind of gemstones that can work well when combined with other precious and semi-precious stones. It can work well with smaller diamonds, rubies or emeralds and can even shine with jade, garnet or moonstone. By itself, pearl stud earrings are still an elegant choice.

Caring for your pearl stud earrings

Pearls are delicate organic gemstones and must be treated with special care. They are softer and easily scratched or cracked and once damage is done, there is nothing you can do to bring the pearl’s beauty back.

Try to keep them away from your harder-type jewelry. If in case they are rubbed together, pearls are more likely to get scratched. Store your pearl stud earrings in a separate container, preferably the box it came with. Make sure it’s lined and covered to provide better protection for your gems.

Also try to avoid dropping your pearl stud earrings as this can contribute to scratching and cracking. Pearls are also affected by sweat, body oils and cosmetics. These can actually cause your pearls to lose their luster and promote discoloration. So the next time you plan to wear your pearls, be sure to put on make up, hair spray and perfume first before you put your pearls on. This way, you minimize pearl contact with chemicals.

One of the most overlooked things when caring for stud earrings is the nut or close. People automatically store their earrings and forget about the nuts. Worn at the back of the earlobe, the nut can accumulate body oils, dirt and yes, loose skin. To keep them in good condition, clean them with a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush.

Silver Earrings

Silver, like gold, has always been popular not only as currency and utensils but also as ornaments. Since this metal is harder than gold, they are more commonly used in expensive utensils, thus the name silverware. Silver is a luminously white metal that when polished gleams much brighter so it also became a favorite jewelry.

The Use of Silver

Since this is a precious metal, it, too, was used as currency during the olden days but came only second to gold, which is still the first metal of choice for jewelries.

Silverwares are traditionally made from sterling silver, which is a 92.5% silver mixed with copper. Utensils made of sterling silver also become heirlooms passed on to generations upon generations. A set of silverware usually commands a high price when auctioned or custom made for a consumer.

Silver medals are also given to second placers in competitions, gold being the first because gold is still considered more valuable than silver.

In the medical field, silver has been used by Phoenicians because of its healing properties coupled with its antibacterial effect. Water and vinegar were usually kept in silver bottles and so are wines. During the 1900s, people place it in milk bottles to prevent milk from curdling and lengthen its freshness. Silver compounds were widely used during the World War I as antibiotics, preventing infection.

The most common use for silver though is for jewelries. Because of its brilliant luster, it has made its way to becoming one of the favorite metals to adorn women of all ages. Like gold, it has been made into a variety of jewelries like necklaces, bracelets and even earrings.

Silver Earrings

Silver earrings have always been in style in the modern culture. But just like gold, it was affected by society during the mid 1800s when the hairstyle required women to cover their ears and in the mid 1950s when society again deemed it socially improper for cultured ladies to have pierced ears, but it soon became fashionable to wear them again.

Today’s modern silver earrings range from simple stud silver earrings to elaborate dangling earrings. Whatever the occasion is, women adorn themselves with this metal. A lot of jewelry store not only sells gold earrings but they also have a large selection of silver earrings to choose from to suit each individual’s taste.

One of the popular designs for silver earrings is the animal features. Gemstones and beads are usually incorporated to add beauty to silver earrings. Birthstones are also added in the designing of silver earrings. Silver coupled with diamond is a perfect combination as the sparkle diamond gives off complements the white luster of the silver. But since diamonds are expensive, Zirconia is often used to take its place, and it looks almost like a diamond.

Silver earrings are also perfect for daytime use, but when used during the night, its magnificent luster looks so luxurious and elegant. No wonder silver earrings have made its way to becoming one of the favorite jewelries of all times.

The Appeal of Iolite Gemstones

It got its name from the Greek word "ios" meaning "violet." Iolite is a versatile and beautiful violet-blue gemstone that has yet to really catch on. However, once you learn of its unique beauty, you just might become a fan.

Physical and chemical properties
This gemstone is a family member of the mineral known as cordierite. As magma cools to form igneous rock, aluminum sediments get trapped in the mix. The result of the aluminum contamination is the formation of the iolite gemstone in the rock. So, the resulting gemstone is a magnesium aluminum silicate.

An interesting quality of this stone is that it exhibits pleochroism. What this means is that it displays different colors depending on the angle of the stone as the light passes through it. From one side, the stone may have a yellowish hue. This is because on that side, yellow is the only wavelength not absorbed by the stone.

On the other side, a different combination of wavelengths may be absorbed and yet another color is exhibited. Yellow, light blue, grayish blue and even clear are all colors that might be exhibited by the gemstone. A setting that allows iolite jewelry to be seen from different angles showcases this characteristic.

Where does it come from?

Most of the supply comes from Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Myanmar, Brazil and India. However, there are also deposits in Wyoming along the Laramie Range.

History of the gemstone

Many may wonder why the ancient Vikings had such great success in finding new lands to conquer, but the answer is simple-iolite. Maybe not entirely, but this many-colored stone had a hand in their success.

The Vikings made lenses from the stone and used them as polarizing filters to navigate by the sun. The filter cut the glare from the light, water and clouds allowing them to pinpoint the location of the sun. This was how they got their bearings when they were far out to sea with no land in sight.

Gemstone significance

Unlike many other gemstones, iolite is not designated as a birthstone or even as a secondary birthstone. However, it is the gem that celebrates the 21st wedding anniversary. Iolite and diamond jewelry are a great way to commemorate this special day.

Caring for your jewelry

Iolite is quite durable with a 7-7.5 ranking on the Mohs scale of hardness. However, do not to knock or hit the stone because the presence of cleavage will result in splitting the stone. It is not indestructible. Because of the cleavage, rings and bracelets should be worn with care since they tend to get knocked around more than other pieces.

As for cleaning iolite earrings and other pieces, a soak in warm soapy water is sufficient. If residue is present under the stone and in the setting, a toothbrush can be used to remove the grime.

Because of its durability, you can find the gemstone in a variety of traditional as well as unconventional settings such as iolite belly button rings. It looks beautiful in any setting, particularly silver.

For iolite earrings, sterling silver highlights the velvety shades of blue. The affordability and beauty of violet-blue gemstone is another reason this exotic looking gemstone won't stay in the shadows very long.