Original Gemstone Jewelry as a Diamond Alternative

Stop someone in the hallway and ask them, "What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word jewelry," and they will probably reply with, "diamonds." Diamonds have become so synonymous with fine jewelry that people often do not even think of one of the most marvelous alternatives, original gemstone jewelry.

Diamond jewelry is wonderful. However, I think you will agree that despite its allure and popularity, diamonds are just a tad on the colorless side.

Gemstones, on the other hand, come in the most wonderful and spectacular colors. In addition to the different colors, gemstones also often contain unusual visual phenomena inside the stone, as well as attention-grabbing features such as a fossil rarified in the gemstone.

You probably wouldn't treasure an item of jewelry as much when you know that thousands of other women are wearing the same or very similar items. No, for something to be truly treasured, it has to be unique. This is exactly what an original gemstone gives you, a truly unique jewelry item.

Such a unique jewelry item can bring joy way beyond your own lifetime. Think about it. How often do you see children and grandchildren wearing diamond jewelry that they inherited? Or, is it far more likely that they are wearing colorful gemstone jewelry that was passed down to them by their parents or grandparents?

So, even though you might pay a little more for unique gemstone jewelry, you are buying something that will not only give you tremendous joy, but will also give your children and your grandchildren joy. Fifty years from now, picture your granddaughter proudly explaining at a grand evening ball that the unique emerald gemstone necklace she is wearing was her grandmother's. Yes, the exact same one that you are wondering if you should buy now.

Kick your imagination into high gear for a minute or two and imagine how spectacular you will look with an original piece of ruby gemstone jewelry to go with that provocative red suit of yours or fashion jewelry for instance The Eiffel Tower, vintage necklace mix pandent pearl necklace free shipping. Or imagine yourself glowing with beauty in your classy blue gown with that unique star sapphire perfectly rounding off your tasteful elegance.

It is time to express your distinctiveness as a person, and there is no better way than to invest in a few choice pieces of unique gemstone jewelry.

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!

Buying Diamond Jewelry

Some of the best relationships have been forged and studded with a gift of diamond jewelry. Over a period of time diamonds have become the symbol of long lasting love for many generations. Perhaps it has something to do with the clarity, cut, color and carat and not to mention its durability amongst gemstones. The importance of diamonds would have been lost forever had it not been for the mine workers in the African continent who found them and put a shine to it in the early 17th century. Coupled with legendary stories, myths and designer pieces that adorned Hollywood stars, diamonds have become best friends for millions of women worldwide. Every woman wants to buy at least one diamond worth her name during her lifetime and secretly wishes that this 'rockstar' be presented by the prince charming of her dreams.

How does one buy diamond jewelry? The market is full of expensive, fake, colored diamonds. There are exclusive designer stores, jewelry designers who sell single pieces, cheap diamonds, etc. Moreover diamonds now come studded in engagement rings, wedding rings and the elite solitaire that can make eyes dazzle. There is some basic information that every buyer needs to be equipped with to get value for money and the relationship! Before buying diamonds decide and define its purpose. Are you:

shopping for it to give to a special mate?buying for yourself as a compliment for losing weight? gifting it to your parents on their diamond anniversary? Searching for loose diamonds to design your own jewelry? coveting branded diamond pieces to make a social statement?

Once you have clarity, it becomes easier to buy this great gemstone that mankind has ever known. Genuine diamonds make the ring, necklace, bracelet, chain, earrings or anything that it is studded with, more valuable. Buying it is an investment, as it is costly. If it is of a good quality, it is an asset. Largely buying from reputed diamond stores is a good idea. The jewelers themselves choose the best diamonds and cuts to make the items. Since they have the expertise they pass the quality to the customers. Satisfied clients naturally return for more jewelry. A branded store will provide the essential service- delivery, cleaning, repair and offer guarantee on the product. If necessary they will also replace it because through their diamond jewelry, they want customers for ever.