The Buddha called love he drop of honey at the edge of the razor blade??sweet stuff if you can just get to it. I tis a paradox that could equally apply to the quest throughout history for arguably the most prized of all gems ?the pearl.In ancient times, pearls were believed to be gifts from the gods, transformed from drops of dew. Throughout history they have captivated the imagination like no other gem. Their beauty is celebrated in ancient texts, kingdoms have been wagered for their prestige and empires obsessed with their rare allure.In this section, we invite you to immerse yourself in pearls – the legends and myths, their extraordinary place in history and their ethereal appeal – an appeal which remains as powerful today as it was when pearl divers first risked the dangers of the deep.Pearls In Ancient HistoryPearls have been prized for thousands of years. Their mysterious beauty is matched by the mystery of their provenance in ancient times. As pearls were traded through trade routes of the ancient world now lost in the mists of time, the origins of some of the most important pearls in history remain uncertain. What is certain, however, is that the most prized of all pearls were oceanic pearls.Unlike freshwater pearls, oceanic (saltwater) pearls have properties from the sea that preserve their beauty for generations. Freshwater pearls tend to become chalky or milky over a relatively short time. And unlike their freshwater cousins, oceanic pearls are valued for their regular shape and superior size. But the factor in history that made oceanic pearls the most valued of all was their rarity. Early pearl fishers risked the many dangers of the deep to dive for the precious gems.Today, wars may no longer be waged over pearl beds, but just as in ancient times, divers still face the perils of the deep in the quest for the perfect pearl.Throughout history, the rarity and ethereal beauty of pearls has given rise to many myths and legends. In ancient times, Indians believed that pearls were created by a divine power that transformed drops of dew. In Persian mythology, pearls are created from the tears of the gods while another Persian name for pearls is hildren of light? revering the pearl as gifts from the gods. The Chinese believed that pearls were created by the power of moonlight.As trading routes opened from the lands where pearls originated, the ancient legends also spread around the world. The Greeks adopted the legends of the Orient, believing that pearls were created from the dew of the moon, captured by the oysters swimming on the surface of the sea by night. They also believed that a lightning strike at night would create a pearl. Both the Greeks and later the Romans ascribed the Goddess of Love – Aphrodite or Venus – with the creation of the pearl.In China, where pearl oysters have been gathered for thousands of years in freshwater rivers and the southern coasts, the character for ‘pearl’ appears for the first time in a dictionary written in 1000 BC.The Old Testament of the Bible, the Talmud, the Koran and the Indian epic Mahabharata all praise the purity and perfect beauty of pearls.Since ancient times, three pearl regions of the Orient have been famed for their fertility:- the Gulf of Mannar (between Ceylon and South India- the Persian Gulf- the Red SeaTHE GULF OF MANNARThe pearl beds of the Gulf of Mannar are mentioned in written records as early as the 6th century BC. For centuries, royal houses and warlords from India, Persia and Arabia fought to rule over the pearl beds and their prestigious bounty. On his extraordinary journeys of discovery, Marco Polo visited the Gulf in 1294, when up to 500 ships and boats would come at harvest season, carrying divers, merchants and adventurers, all in search of their fortune. Their levy was one tenth of their catch, payable to the king.In 1510 when the Portuguese conquered the region, a new era of European colonisation began. The Portuguese were followed by the Dutch and, finally, in the late 18th century, India was claimed by the British Empire.THE PERSIAN GULFUntil the discovery of oil and right into the 20th century, pearls were the main source of income for the entire gulf region for centuries. As recently as 1938, around 20% of the region’s population earned their livelihood through pearls.The pearl beds of the Gulf were renowned throughout the ancient world and remained in the hands of Arabian and Persian princes until the sixteenth century when the Portuguese took control of the most important harbours.Their rule lasted for a century before the Persians regained control. Pearls were traded mostly in the markets of Bahrain and Hormuz before the treasures were shipped by Indian merchants to the major pearl markets of Bombay.Unlike South Sea pearls, the pearls from Persian Gulf oysters were tiny, generally from 2mm to 5mm in size, but sometimes reaching 10mm. They were often yellowish or brownish in colour. As the Gulf was a major source of pearls in the ancient world it is easy to understand why South Sea pearls when they occasionally emerged through ancient trade routes became so highly prized.THE RED SEAThe third of the major pearl beds of the ancient world was famed for its pearls long before the birth of Christ. As early as the second millennium BC, the seafaring Phoenicians were trading as far away as India and first brought pearls home to the Mediterranean. The Greeks were captivated by the gems, adorning both the statues of their deities and themselves with the jewels.The campaigns of Alexander the Great (356-323 BC) opened trade routes between the known world and the orient, and the pearl trade flourished. With the unprecedented expansion of the Roman Empire, the pearl beds of the Red Sea came under the control of the Romans after the fall of Alexandria in 30 BC. The Romans developed what can only be described as an obsession for pearls and during the 500 years of their empire, more pearls were traded and hoarded than in any other period of world history.Perhaps the most famous pearls of antiquity were a pair of jewels worn in the ears of Cleopatra, each said to be as valuable as the province of Asia. To impress Marc Anthony with her wealth and power, she is said to have dissolved one of the pearls in a glass of wine before drinking it. Octavian, the future Emperor Augustus is believed to have plundered the second after defeating Cleopatra, cutting it in half to embellish a statue in the temple of Venus.Julius Caesar issued pearl decrees allowing only for patrician ladies to wear pearls.The notorious Roman Emperor Caligula wore shoes embroidered with pearls and bedecked his pets and horses with ropes of the precious gems.Nero carried a pearl sceptre and had the interior of his litter lined with pearls.Over 500 years the expansion of the Roman Empire continued to open trade routes to the east with pearls being one of the most highly valued commodities. It is said that the Romans traded so much gold for pearls that their trade balance was badly affected.Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the fashion for pearls declined over the centuries. Roman riches were keenly plundered and hoarded by Goths and Vandals, with many treasures later turning up under the Franks who promoted the influence of the Christian Holy Church.Through to the Middle Ages, the greatest pearl treasures were seen in religious art and iconry or owned by the Byzantine emperors.Through a period of unrest and economic decline that preceded the Middle Ages, the people of Europe were filled with apocalyptic fear and the custom of donating their worldly possessions to the Church reached its peak. Many pearls were surrendered in the hope of divine salvation.It was not until the 12th and 13th centuries when the crusaders returned from the Holy Land, growing the order of knights throughout Europe, that the fashion for pearls, neglected for centuries was revived. The crusaders returned to Europe with stories of the fabulous wealth of Indian and Persian princes and it is from these times that the tales of The Arabian Nights originate.Pearls From The New WorldThe political stability and economic growth that enabled the Renaissance in Europe also led to a new age in pearls. Art and culture were no longer so strictly controlled by the church and pearls once again became a favourite fashion luxury. Venice and Genoa were famed for their pearl markets.In addition to pearls so keenly traded from the Orient, freshwater pearls were also discovered in many areas of Europe and can still be seen on church vessels and crown jewels that survive from that period.On the third of his legendary voyages, Christopher Columbus, discovered the pearl beds of the Americas and soon a thriving trade was established bringing pearls to Europe from the coast of what is now Venezuela, Panama and later the Gulf of California. The royal and noble houses of Europe including the Italian Medici, the Austrian Hapsburgs and the English Stuarts were among the biggest buyers.The most famous pearl of this time is La Peregrina, The Pilgrim, which was owned by Phillip II of Spain. It was believed to have bought the freedom of the slave who discovered the gem in the Gulf of Panama. Today, La Peregrina is owned by Elizabeth Taylor. A gift from Richard Burton, through the centuries its owners have included Queen Mary Tudor and Napoleon Bonaparte.Queen Elizabeth I of England (1533-1603) amassed a wealth of pearls to rival the lavish collections of the Persian princes and Indian Maharajahs. She always wore at least seven ropes of pearls – the longest reaching her knees – and owned more than 3000 lavish gowns embroidered with pearls.The fashion for pearls spread among the wealthier middle class throughout Europe and in many countries, including England, France, Germany and Italy. Pearl laws were passed aiming to curb the inflationary demand on pearl prices and the outflow of gold.The passion for pearls continued to grow unabated and through the Baroque age, the Rococo period and the Napoleonic age became firmly established as an essential accessory in any wealthy and fashionable woman’s wardrobe.Around 1845, French explorers returned to Europe with pearls from the South Sea, some dark in colour and larger than any pearls previously seen. Eugie, Empress of France, and wife of Napoleon, wore these dark pearls frequently, leading yet another fashion for pearls.In the late 1800s, the world’s most prolific Pinctada maxima oyster beds were discovered off the coasts of northern Australia. For hundreds of years, these beds had been fished by early traders and venturers including the Chinese, Macassars and Indonesians, who are now all known to have had established trade links with Australia Aboriginal people. The discovery?of the beds by Europeans soon gave rise to a booming mother-of-pearl shell industry.The isolated town of Broome became the world’s most important pearling port and by 1900 was supplying around 75% of the world’s demand for mother-of-pearl shell. Early in the 20th century the port was home to a fleet of 400 pearling luggers and more than 3000 pearlers from throughout Asia, principally from Japan.Occasionally, the Pinctada maxima oysters yielded natural pearls – the largest and most voluptuous pearls the world had seen. Their discovery caused a sensation and the modern passion for South Sea pearls was ignited that continues to this day. For the first time, the Europeans brought to the pearl beds the ‘new’ technology of the industrial revolution. Diving systems, for example, meant that divers could reach depths not previously possible. This also meant that rare natural pearls were being discovered in growing quantities.In terms of quality, size and quantity, their discovery led to an unprecedented era of pearls through the Victorian era in Europe. South Sea pearls were a popular highlight of the World Exhibition of Paris in 1900.Around this same time in Japan, Kokichi Mikimoto was having his first success in producing cultured pearls ?a success that has influenced the history of pearls to this day.

Have you seen similar silver jewelry sold at price difference of two to three times from different retailers? Have you ever wondered how retailers mark up the jewelry after they get them from the venders? Here we will show you the wholesale trading secrets of sterling silver jewelry.

Price per gram
The most important piece of information for determining the price of a piece of sterling silver jewelry is the price per gram of the silver. This is the fundamental raw material cost of a piece of sterling silver jewelry due to the fact that silver is considered a precious metal. For instance, the price for silver is $9.5 per ounce, the price per gram is determined by dividing the price per ounce by 31.5, which is 30 cents. Therefore, the cost for the raw material for a 5 gram wedding band ring is roughly $1.5. Some might wonder why people would pay $30 for a silver wedding ring when the silver only cost $1.5. The followings will explain the difference.

Labor cost
To turn raw material into finished goods, it involves a great deal of processing cost. The metal itself has to be melted, molded and cast, polished and assembled. Most of the times, silver jewelry is accented with various stones, the costs for setting the stones are also a major part of the total cost for jewelry, especially for jewelry that requires high level of craftsmanship.

Other materials
Also, the costs for any additional material are added to the jewelry. For instance, a pair silver pearl dangle earrings that has two cultural fresh water pearls with rhodium finish should cost double the price of the silver to make because of the cost of the pearl and rhodium. Note that rhodium is even more expensive than silver itself and it is high tarnish resistant.

Shipping cost
Many styles of jewelry are imported from other countries because of difference in availability of raw materials such as stones and also the specialties in making some particular styles. Hence the shipping cost of transporting is also part of the cost. Usually, for imported sterling silver jewelry, the shipping cost can amount to 10% of what it costs to make the jewelry themselves.

Custom Duties
For the same reasons, imported jewelry incurs duties at the custom. This is a cost that normal consumers are not aware of but it can also increase the price of sterling silver jewelry for 5% to 10%.

Price fluctuations
Some sterling silver jewelry trader, especially wholesaler would associate the price of the jewelry with the current silver price. Therefore, the price of a piece of sterling silver jewelry might be different from month to month, and even day to day in the case of wholesale.

Business Overhead
Just like any other business, the sales have to cover also the overhead of running the business. Normal overhead costs are employees’ salaries, rent, utilities and breakage.

Profit
Of course, the price you pay includes the profit for the sellers.

By knowing the above facts, you can make much more informed decisions when buying wholesale sterling silver jewelry and most importantly, avoid scams. There are occasions when people make fake silver jewelry and sell them at a very low price. If you know how to determine the cost of a piece of silver jewelry, you won’t buy into deals where they offer you a price that is lower than the normal cost of real sterling silver jewelry.

If you make handmade jewelry or have a retail store that sells handcrafted artisan jewelry you need to be online!  With millions of handmade jewelry websites how do you get your product seen online? It’s not going to be easy and it takes a lot of hard work, not to mention time. If you pay someone to get you to the first page it’s going to cost you. If you do it yourself it will take time, effort and a lot of reading, but it will be worth it and its kind of fun. Even though the competition is fierce, there is still room at the top if you want to play the online marketing game. Let’s play!

 

So where do you start?  The first thing you will need to do is take great pictures of your handmade jewelry. “A picture is worth a thousand words” or not. Make sure the photos are in focus clearly showing your design.  Don’t put jewelry on a rock or a hunk of wood, although it is very natural and artsy, it is too hard for people to make out in the seconds you have to catch their attention online. Your handmade jewelry should be on a plain background so it stands out clearly.

 

Now you need a website, if you’re just starting there are lots of free blogs out there. I prefer the WordPress.com, mostly because it’s easy and has lots of plug-ins to do all the SEO work for you. Once you are up and running you can invest more into the site but we are trying to save some money and do it all for free, for now.

 

Read, read and read more; you can never have too much information. The web is filled with great information; every time you see something new do a search until you understand what it means. SEO is the most important part of getting good search engine rankings. Make sure to have meta title, description and keywords tags. Don’t forget image alt attributes as well. Do your keyword research and write it into your content.

 

Off-site SEO factors means links to your site.  This is probably the hardest and most time consuming because you need to get related sites to link to you. Make sure your site is ready and has good content that other sites will want to link to.  Stick with it and bit by bit links will come.  Check other related sites link pages to get more links.  Make sure you have your target keywords in you link information.

 

Do all these things then continually read and update your site as you go; this is a continuing process always needing to be tweaked.  Check your statistics to see what is working and what isn’t.  Change the things that aren’t working. 

 

Time is also an important factor.  Everything takes time so try not to get frustrated when things don’t happen overnight.  Patience is a necessary virtue in handmade jewelry and online marketing.  Good luck to you in all your online marketing efforts!

It is a proven fact that Handmade Jewelry displays will increase retail sales. Time and time again we have seen that retailers who take advantage of our handmade jewelry display packages dramatically increase their sales and their reorder rate also increases.

One of the most important factors for sale increases in the 300 – 400 % range has to be offering your customers a wider variety of choices. Most handmade jewelry displays are designed to hold handmade earrings, unique bracelets, handcrafted necklaces, rings, lockets, etc. This increases the number of multiple piece sales, “Aunt June loves butterfly jewelry, let’s get these butterfly earrings and the matching bracelet.” When placing your orders at the upcoming Wholesale Jewelry and gift shows always keep in mind that most customers who like a product will also be likely to buy matching sets.

Most handmade jewelry wholesalers offer retail display packages that are free of charge or the cost of the display is offset with free merchandise. Generally the buyer is responsible for the shipping charges of the display. Jewelry wholesalers will work with the retail store buyers to find the most suitable display for their stores taking into consideration space restrictions of the store itself. Large free-standing displays work well for bigger stores increasing the variety of designs, styles and products that you can make available to your customers. Smaller stores with limited space tend to opt for the countertop displays.

Other points to consider when choosing a handmade jewelry display is your stores clientelle as well as your stores traffic patterns:

A) If your clientelle is composed largely of repeat local customers offering a larger selection will increase your sales but the countertop display is probably your best option. Always have a catalogue close by in case they would to special order their favorite design if out of stock. You may want to reorder often so the products are always new and fresh to returning customers.

B) If you are located in a tourist area where you have large numbers of people arriving at the same time, like bus tours, you need to have a good variety as well as quantity on the display. The larger free standing displays will make sure you don’t run out of the best selling designs and more people can view the product at the same time.

C) Keep in mind your stores’ security record, these are tough times and some stores are more vunerable than others. In these cases, when ever possible place handmade jewelry displays in close proximity to the cashier where customers are in plain view. Having sales staff in those areas to help customers will also provide additional security.

D) Especially with handmade jewelry your customers always appreciate extra information so be knowledgable on each product line you carry. Some wholesale jewelry suppliers will go that extra mile and supply literature regarding their products, cards or flyers, explaining how they make their unique handcrafted jewelry. This gives each purchase a personal touch and a connection with the artisans who have made the jewelry.

Handmade Jewelry displays are well worth the investment and your store will benefit from greatly increased sales. Your customers will appreciate the wider selection of designs and styles to fit everyones tastes and budget. In these days of financial crisis it is important to offer your customers unique products of lasting quality and value.

Silver jewelry is simple but beautiful and has been worn for many years by all different types of people. Its low cost is one feature that makes it so attractive to jewelry buyers. Silver jewelry cost considerably less than gold jewelry and the price difference between white gold and silver is even larger. Many of those individuals who enjoy white gold also enjoy silver and for those on a budget this is often the alternative choice in jewelry.
You can expect the price difference between gold jewelry and silver jewelry to be quite drastic. Often you will pay as much as four to five times less for silver jewelry than you would gold jewelry. It should also be pointed out that silver jewelry is easier to wear casually as well.
Silver can go beautifully with the fanciest of dresses or gowns or it can be work with jeans or a simple sun dress. While gold can also be worn either way silver seems to look less tacky when worn casually than gold does.
Silver also has a tendency to enhance almost any skin tone. Gold tends to drowned own the color of skin and make it appear light where as silver makes the skin appear darker and healthier.
Another great thing about silver is that since it is used for jewelry making in so many different cultures you can find pieces in a variety of different styles. This makes for great selection whether your buying the jewelry piece for yourself or for someone else.
Silver jewelry is also very durable and tough although not quite as strong as stainless steal it isn’t very far off. It’s durability comes from the addition of copper. There isn’t much copper added to the mixture but just enough to make the jewelry stronger. Silver without this additional material would be too soft to make jewelry from and the pieces would not last as long as they do with the addition of the copper.
The only slight downfall to purchasing silver jewelry rather than gold or white gold jewelry is that it requires a bit more care in order to keep it looking its best. This is because silver has a tendency after a long time to darken and tarnish. Although some jewelry pieces surprisingly are enhanced by this evidence of aging others may not be.
By keeping silver jewelry polished and cleaned you may be able to prevent this from happening. In the event, though, that your silver jewelry does become tarnished you can follow a simple process to make homemade silver tarnish remover or you can also purchase premade tarnish remover such as Tarn-X. Either way works well but homemade tarnish removers don’t contain any harsh chemicals that may make your skin break out.
The benefits of buying silver jewelry over gold go above and beyond the one downfall. That’s why silver has been being enjoyed for so many years and will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Pearl necklaces are a timeless staple every woman should have in her wardrobe. Unlike the puka shell necklace or goth style necklaces, it is the accessory that transcends the ages. This is no more evident than in the seven women who have made pearls apart of their style and grace. These women are the same that women of all ages often look to for classic, simple fashion that never goes out of style. Each makes and carries the pearls in her own unique way, but the look they exude still works today, even some 50 years later.

First Lady Barbara BushAs our first lady, Barbara Bush proudly wore her set of pearl necklaces virtually wherever she went. Who could forget her famous blue suit with the simple pearl necklace accent up top? Whether it was the simple single layered necklace or her triple strand necklace that became her signature, you could find Barbara always with her pearls as First Lady from 1988 to 1992. She showed us chic style can be achieved at any age.First Lady Jackie KennedyJackie Kennedy during the 1950’s and early 60’s introduced America to a new kind of Presidential style that brought a different type of elegance to the White House. Jackie’s personal style always seemed to be put together and very polished. Her style ranged from comfortable day clothes ideal for time with her children, to a simple sheath dress for an afternoon press conference, to imported gowns for Presidential balls. Whichever the event, she could generally be found wearing a classic white pearl necklace to pull the look together. She made pearls an essential part of her outfits and took them from casual wear to chic.

Princess DianaRemember Princess Diana in that stunning black dress by Christina Stambolian that became known as the “Revenge Dress”? Princess Di looked drop dead gorgeous at a time when the world’s eyes were directly upon her. She chose to accessorize that bold dress with a simple pearl choker that easily brought the chic factor up even further. Princess Di’s use of simplistic jewelry like pearls with daring dresses is what helped propel her out of the traditional role of a royal into the fashion world as an icon. Had she chosen to pair her outfits with the bold chunky jewelry of the 80’s and early 90’s, she may not have made the same type of impact on the fashion industry as she did.

Barbara BillingslyYou know Barbara best as Beaver’s mom, June Cleaver from Leave It to Beaver. No matter what Mrs. Cleaver was up to, whether preparing breakfast, vacuuming, or eating dinner, she always had her pearl necklace on. So much was this apart of the character that the necklace is apart of television history. However, few people know that the pearl necklace was actually Barbara Billingsly idea and something she continues to wear to this day!

Audrey HepburnWhen Audrey Hepburn came out in Breakfast at Tiffany’s with that little black dress and dramatic set of pearls, it was an instant moment in fashion history. Her look was so timeless and sophisticated that it still continues to transcend era’s of style. This set was a triple strand of pearls that created a bold addition to the dress. Today, you can find this look continuing to be emulated with women layering long single strand pearl necklaces or other types of necklaces over each other to create the same effect.

Princess GraceGrace Kelly started off as one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses’s but then transformed into royalty when she became the Princess of Monaco. As Princess, Grace’s style needed to be impeccable at all times and is something she achieved with what seemed like little effort. She brought her classic American style into a foreign kingdom and captivated the world with her use of clean lined dresses, elegant evening gowns, and simple jewelry. She often adorned herself in simple pearl necklaces that complimented her classic American style.

Sarah Jessica ParkerWhat fashion list is complete without Sarah Jessica Parker? In the Sex and the City movie, Sarah Jessica dawned a long Akoya pearl necklace in a variety of scenes. She showed us that pearls are still very much apart of modern fashion. She accessorized everything from pretty dresses to even underwear with her pearl necklace. And in real life, she has been using pearls as apart of her red carpet accessories showing us true, classic and innovative style.

These seven women clearly show that pearl jewelry is here to stay and that classic, simple style is always in fashion. Investing in a simple pearl necklace that compliments you is something that you can carry with you throughout your lifetime. Look to these women for inspiration and we’re sure you’ll be able to create your own unique style using classic elements with modern trends.

When considering spending money on jewelry, not that many women think about artisan handmade jewelry. Most ladies will probably go to the nearest department store first to browse their jewelry collections. On their way out, they might visit one or two jewelry stores to see what they have to offer.
It is important to understand that there are many types and classes of jewelry that suit every occasion, from seriously formal to relaxed and even extending to simple jewelry that you wear around the house.
The types of jewelry that you can buy at the traditional stores are probably more suited for the non-distinctive occasions and for more relaxed environment settings. Sure, you might find some piece of jewelry that you like, but you cannot really tell whether one, ten, a hundred, or even a thousand other women are wearing exactly the same piece. In today’s world of mass production it is most likely the case that you are buying something that many others are wearing.
If you want a truly unique piece of jewelry, then artisan handmade jewelry is there to rescue you from the mediocrity of replication.
Artisan handmade jewelry goes back in history as early as 7000 BC. During those early years gold and copper started to be shaped to decorate the human form. It is true that artisan handmade jewelry rarely competes on price with machine-made items. However, artisan handmade jewelry is treasured for its uniqueness, diversity and often exceptional exquisiteness.
I can tell that you are a refined lady who wants to express her individuality through unique artisan handmade jewelry, simply from the fact that you have found and are reading this article. You did not find it by searching for the typical, for the replicated, or for the type of jewelry that you see on most women.
When you decide to invest money in a unique piece of artisan handmade jewelry, you know that you are getting a masterpiece that was not only created by a professional, but was also created with exceptional care and with the loving attention to detail that only an experienced artisan can bring to the art of jewelry making.
Of course, you are going to pay a little more for your jewelry that is handmade by an artisan. Nevertheless, you know for certain that you are buying something that is truly unique and refined, just as you are.
Artisan handmade jewelry does not only mimic the value and uniqueness that you place on yourself as a woman, it also serves as an object of admiration and an excellent conversation starter.

Handmade jewelry makers utilize many types of metals and gemstones in their work, such as brass, copper, silver, gold, crystal, quartz, turquoise, coral and amethyst. Many contemporary handmade jewelry artists make use of even more diverse materials such as glass beads, fabric, acrylic as well as organic materials such as wood, leather, shell, hemp, raffia grass, animal horns, bones and even teeth. In fact handmade jewelry made of these materials is gaining more and more in popularity.

Finding a gift for loved ones or a special event such as bridal shower is never easy. If you want to make an unforgettable present, you might want to consider handmade jewelry. A handmade piece of jewelry will express the importance of the person receiving it and the depth of thought you went through to find the perfect piece of handmade jewelry for them.

The price for handmade jewelry varies in a large range depending on the material, craftsmanship and sometimes brands. The most important thing to remember when shopping for handmade jewelry is that you are looking for uniqueness. It does not have to expensive or made of precious material. It is the style that catches you and others eyes. Also, while the internet made it easy for us to shop at home, it also provides means for us to compare styles and prices, as well as searching for best deals such as free shipping, on-sale and coupons.

A piece of handmade jewelry is a great idea for a gift for that special occasion. By stressing the uniqueness of a gift, you will express to the gift’s recipient how important they are. Handmade jewelry is a wonderful accent for that special day or event.

For more resources about Danielle Janine jewelry or even about Designer jewelry and especially about Unique handmade jewelry please review these links.

It seems to get harder and harder to give a gift to an important woman in your life and make her truly surprised. Flowers are almost always expected, electronics are too easy, and gift cards are just too impersonal. Jewelry tends to be a gift you can rely on and still be the most surprising. But what type of jewelry will she like?

Pearl jewelry is a classic staple in every woman’s wardrobe. With new designs and modern updates to jewelry design, pearl jewelry is making a huge comeback in mainstream fashion. Today, one can find simple white pearls, beautifully multi-colored pearls, golden pearls and even black pearls. Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, anniversary, or just because, pearls have truly become suitable for any age and occasion.

Pearl jewelry gift ideas for women will vary depending on her tastes and personality. So when selecting your pearl jewelry, bear in mind her personality and traits. This can help you narrow down your options for gift ideas. For women it’s about style, simplicity, staying power, and the personal aspect of the gift.  Ask yourself, how does it relate to her style?

If she tends to be more on the trendy side, is a little bit bolder than some, a beautiful strand of colored Freshwater pearls or South Sea Pearls would be a perfect gift. The overall piece of jewelry, whether a pearl necklace or bracelet is simple. However, the unique pops of color from the pearls are unexpected. This stays true to her personal style, but gives her a classic piece of jewelry that has staying power through the decades.

A woman who may be a little bit rock and roll inside might enjoy black Tahitian pearls. These strong pieces speak directly to her taste and personality. They are bold, yet refined and offer her the elegance of pearl jewelry with a twist. Simple drop style Tahitian pearl earrings, for instance, can be her go-to pair of earrings each time she goes out for years to come.

If you’re not sure what her tastes are or know she sticks to the classics, then a simple strand of white pearls is a sure thing. Simple, and elegant, white pearls never go out of style and can be dressed up or down. Look for popular Akoya pearls or Freshwater pearls in white for the best options.

While pearl jewelry is high quality jewelry that lasts for decades, this doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Many online pearl jewelry stores offer quality pieces as low as $20.00 or as high as $2,000. So as it goes, pearl jewelry gift ideas for women can easily fit into your budget and you can still give her a high quality piece of jewelry that she will treasure for a very long time. Bear in mind these simple guides and her personality, and you will surely give a gift she will absolutely love.

Akoya pearl jewelry is one of the most popular types of pearl jewelry available. Often times when you are looking at a set of jewelry, it has been strung together with Akoya pearls. While identifying the specific type of pearl to the untrained eye can be difficult, you can use the following principals to help you understand better the characteristics of what makes Akoya pearl jewelry so different.

The Origin of Akoya Pearl JewelryAkoya pearls are generally harvested in Japan and China. Like many pearls they are cultured on farms and individually hand picked. Of course, only the top pearls make it to the final jewelry piece. You can ask your jeweler the origins of the pearls and they should be more than happy to give you a back story.

The Size of Akoya PearlsAkoya pearls can vary in size. On average, they measure from 6 to 7 mm. However, they can be as tiny as 2mm or as large as 10 mm. Unlike other types of pearls, Akoya pearls have the ability to be so small because they come from the Akoya oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii) which tends to be smaller in size as well.

The Color of Akoya Pearl JewelryAkoya pearls are generally white or cream. However, they have also been known to have some yellow, pink, blue and even rose overtones. When looking at the Akoya pearl jewelry you are interested in, keep a close eye on what the jeweler is telling you, or if you’re shopping online, what the details for that set of jewelry are.

The Texture of Akoya PearlsIn comparison to Freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls can be distinctly identified. They are much smoother to the touch in terms of its texture. In addition, the luster, or the pearls ability to reflect light and shine, is much stronger.

While all types of pearls are beautiful, the characteristics of an Akoya pearl make it especially pleasing. The vast difference in the sizes the pearl can come in, make Akoya pearl jewelry much more interesting and appealing to the average eye. Bearing these 4 quick characteristics can help you narrow down what type of pearl you are looking at and make an informed, educated purchasing decision that you will ultimately be most happy with.