Wooden, Seed, and Plastic Beads - Kid Friendly for Handmade Jewelry

Children of all ages love the idea of creating. For the teacher, baby sitter, summer camp counselor, Girl Scout Leader, etc. here are some quick ideas for kid-friendly projects your children (and you) will enjoy.

1. Name bracelet

Elementary students learn about the basic primary and secondary colors. Students can test their color scheme skills by hand painting wooden beads showcasing their knowledge of colors as well as practice the use of dexterity in the practice of painting small objects. If the children's abilities are limited I would suggest colorful plastic beads instead of painting wooden beads.

When the beads are dry, each student can write in marker their name, one letter per bead, and string them on thick yarn or sturdy thread. Students will learn how to string the beads in order of their name and tie a knot to create a name bracelet.

*Alternative idea: Student can create name bracelets for a friend or relative as a gift.

2. Bead Loom Bracelet

For older students using a simple loom may bead a great creative activity. If bead looms are not accessable, one can easily make one from sturdy cardboard, thin wood, or masonite board. Google "how to make a bead loom" for simple instructions.

I recommend using plastic beads for middle school children, as they are better for grasping, and they can come in a wide array of colors. Create a warp (the vertical strings on the loom), be sure to have one extra string for the number of beads wide. Using the weft (string weaving horizontally through the warp) string beads on this weft and go UNDER the warp. Lining up each bead with each space is key. To make sure the beads stay in place sew back through the beads, but this time be sure the warp goes ABOVE the warp. You can find easy instructions through Google as well.

I've tried this with older students. In the case of high school-aged children, seed beads are the way to go! Seed beads offer a more flexible pattern or design, as the beads are very small creating a pixellated image. My high school students took so much to the bead loom and seed beads that they asked to take the looms and extra beads home over the holiday break!

3. Friendship Bracelets

Friendship bracelets are a huge hit with children of any age. Use wooden, plastic or seed beads to create simple strung collections of colors and patterns. In the 80's I remember putting beads on safety pins and giving them to my friends. It was customary to pin them to the base of our shoe laces! Creating friendship bracelets (or pins!) is fun, easy and inexpensive. This activity teaches children about giving and to value friendship.

4. For the adult

For the adult artist, I would suggest creating a triple or quadruple strand necklace. The more strands you use, the better! Take 3-4 strands of bead thread or beading thread and string your beads of choice. Give the strands a twist for a elegant flow, or brain the strands for a funky appearance. This is a fun activity for adults. I must warn you, that beading may become addiction!

Good luck in your beading adventures!

The Royal Heirloom Ring: Bring a Fairytale Piece of Jewelry Home

The Royal Heirloom ring is a beloved institution of the Royal family. Bestowed at one time upon the hand of Princess Diana of Wales by Prince Charles, this stunning, exquisitely detailed replica of the same heirloom showcases unsurpassed beauty while embodying a profound, internationally recognized historic significance. And now, thanks to the efforts of the British Historic Society and Sterling Collections, for a limited time only, you can bring this precious piece into your own life.

Its brilliant centerpiece, a simulated 5.65 carat "Ceylon" sapphire, has been crafted with stunning faith to the original piece. It's differences are indistinguishable to the eye, and breathtaking on the hand.

Set off by a sea of eight sparkling oval CZ diamonds, the Royal Ceylon sapphire exudes a brilliance visually equivalent to a 3.6 carat diamond gleam. The stones are displayed on layered sterling silver jewelry. A classic, regally distinctive aesthetic.

To commemorate the betrothal of Prince William to Kate Middleton, his bride-to-be, the British Historic Society has chosen to reconstruct this priceless artifact stone for stone. For a limited time, you can bring a piece of modern history into your life and the lives of your family members. A fabulous simulated Salon Sapphire, crafted to mimic precisely the cut, color and clarity of the original, it is set on gleaming sterling silver and surrounded by a sparkling set of simulated diamonds. The effect, reflecting the quality of the ring's craftsmanship, is magnificent-an unmistakable tribute to the enduring heritage of the Royal Crown.

The original ring is considered by antiquarians and reliquaries to be among the most coveted crown jewels in the world. Now, in anticipation of the most exciting fairytale marriage of the decade, the British Historic society is inviting you to own a piece of history in the Royal Heirloom ring. There is only one true Royal Heirloom ring in the world, but with Sterling Collections' rigorous attention to detail and fine craftsmanship, you'll be convinced that the true Royal Heirloom is a precious fixture in your own home.

This high-quality replica has been crafted with painstaking attention to every detail and minute flourish. The presence and regal quality of the original, a priceless token of devotion and symbol of Royal privilege, will be forever invoked by this utterly convincing tribute as it bestows your home and family with the same meaning and significance revered by the members of the Royal family.

The Royal Heirloom ring holds court among an abbreviated collection of jewels inherited by the Prince in the wake of Diana, the Princess of Wales' passing. Its significance in the private history of the royal family is difficult to overstate. Once bestowed upon the hand of Princess Diana herself, it will now grace the finger of Kate Middleton, an average Briton whose marital union with Prince William of Wales and incipient membership in the Royal Family truly represents a real-life fairytale story-a love story with the power to transcend class boundaries and unite hearts on a global scale. Take part in this historic union by finding a place in your family for this truly magnificent piece.

For couples who are preparing to proclaim their devotion, the Royal Heirloom Ring makes a fantastic choice as an engagement or commitment ring. Choose the precious gem prized for generations by monarchs to express feelings of true devotion to your betrothed. There's simply nothing else like it in the world. Keep it in the family and continue a royal tradition stretching back centuries.

At an unbeatable premium price, this practically priceless item transcends the definition of "bargain." The ring comes packaged with a beautiful hinged decorative jeweler's box for display and safekeeping. You'll also receive a certificate from Sterlington Collections guaranteeing absolute authenticity. The design of the Royal Heirloom ring is a highly coveted and universally beloved sign of devotion and status, so there may be any number of flukes and fakes floating around the market today. But few, if any, of them display the high standard of quality craftsmanship and, most significantly, a stamp of approval from the British Historic Society itself; gatekeepers of British legacy and dutiful archivists of Royal history.

For a limited time only, The British Historic Society and Sterlington Collections are extending a rare invitation to take part in the nuptial event of the century. Take advantage of this unique opportunity now and add this collector's masterpiece to your home collection. Act fast and weave this significant piece of history into the fabric of your life. It's a perfectly elegant way to show your respect of a truly royal love affair.

Antique Pearl Jewelry - Guide Before Buying

Antique pearl jewelry is classified as being over 100 years old. This means that any type of pearl jewelry from the 1809's back is considered to be antique. However, there are many others that will classify antique as being over fifty years old. There are many different styles of this type of jewelry which include Victorian, Edwardian and other styles going back to the Middle Ages. There are many different styles of jewelry that this category includes. Rings, necklaces, earrings, pins, broaches, hair ornaments and screws, as well as bracelets, cufflinks and tie tacks, just to name a few of the items that are considered under this category.

There are many different types of antique pearl jewelry that can be found and many famous makers such as Tiffany that can be included in the antique category. There are many places that sell this type of jewelry to the public and these places can be online or in a physical location. By entering search text such as antique pearl jewelry, you will soon be presented with a list of possible web sites for you to explore in order to find this particular jewelry. Many estate auctions and auction houses also sell this type of jewelry.

Now, if you have antique pearl jewelry, you may want to know how to take care of it. Well here are some ideas on how to clean this type of jewelry safely. First of all clean pears with a mild soap and water solution. Wipe your pearls with a soft lint-free cloth and never store them with other jewelry. Don't use abrasive cleaners and keep your pearl necklaces clean by putting them on after you have applied makeup and perfume to keep them from being soiled. Make sure that you have a separate place for all pearl necklaces and jewelry.

So now you have some idea of how to clean antique pearl jewelry. Other things to remember about cleaning and storage include the following: Don't use steam, ultrasonic cleaners, baking soda, commercial jewelry cleaners or bleaches when cleaning antique pearl jewelry. Pearl jewelry needs special care to take care of properly. By taking care of your pearl jewelry, you will be able to pass it on, if you would like or even sell it. A piece of jewelry that is taken care of properly is not only worth more, but also a beauty to behold.