Category: Jewelry

You can engrave most pieces of jewelry. You can engrave on a bracelet, watch, inside or outside of ring. The act of jewelry engraving provides you a cheap way to increase the value of jewelry as a gift.

If you want to master how to engrave jewelry, you need several years. Indeed, engraving jewelry using hand is a difficult skill to master. However, if you are an engraver, with careful skill and design, it is possible for you to master it.

You can apply to engrave jewelry onto stones and metals. It is recommended for you to learn this skill by professional hand engraver guidance. The things you will need include pencil, file or fine sand paper, paper, graver, clear Mylar plastic, and candle or kerosene lamp.

To engrave jewelry, first of all, outline the jewelry that will be engraved. Choose a simple design if you engrave for the first time and then transfer the design that is completed to the jewelry. You can transfer the design by tracing it onto the Mylar or laying Mylar on sketch.

After that, you should hold Mylar over the smoke from candle or kerosene lamp. By laying Mylar and rubbing smoke into a piece, the design is transferred to the jewelry. Then, for cutting the design into jewelry, come after the lines of tracing on the jewelry by using a graver. Work slowly, so you can cut into the jewelry precisely.

Next, cut the areas that take around the design to make a raised design. To omit the areas next to the design accurately, come after the design outline. Finally, sand down the design edges gently to remove the rough edges or any slivers.

Placing your handmade copper jewelry in re-sealable plastic bags along with anti-tarnish jewelry paper will keep it bright and shinny flor a long time. Before storing your handmade copper jewelry, make sure it is clean and moisture free. Look for handmade copper jewelry that has been treated with a protective coating that resists tarnishing. Copper jewelry that comes in direct contact with the skin, such as rings, necklaces, cuffs, and bracelets will tarnish faster than earrings due to constant abrasion that wears off the protective coating.It’s surprisingly easy to care for handmade copper jewelry once the protective coating wears off, just as it is for caring for Sterling Silver jewelry. The only kind of metal that won’t tarnish, but is way too soft for most jewelry applications, are 24K Gold or Fine Silver. Copper acts as an oxidation catalyst, but due to its strength, is commonly alloyed with most metals.

One of the simplest ways to bring back shine to your handmade copper jewelry is by using a jewelry polishing cloth that can be purchased at most local drugstores or from your local jeweller. A jewelry cloth (commonly referred to as a rogue cloth) is well worth having, since it can last for years. For those more delicate pieces, have a professional jeweler steam clean or use an ultrasonic cleaner. If the piece is set with gemstones, don’t attempt to clean the piece yourself, or you could damage the piece and reduce the value. Quite a few gemstones can be easily damaged by using an ultrasonic cleaner, so you might save a few dollars by cleaning your jewelry yourself, but you might end up with a worthless piece. If your are unsure, take your jewelry to a professional. Touch base with the artist you bought your handmade copper jewelry from. Most artists will clean their own work for a nominal fee, or sometimes even for free.

If you are short on time and need a quick fix to spruce up your handmade copper jewelry, you can use any of these easy solutions (not to be used on jewelry with gemstones or pearls):

* Vinegar – (White, Apple Cider, Wine, Balsamic) – Set the jewelry in a plastic or glass container. Make sure you don’t use metal. Pour enough vinegar into the container until it covers the entire piece of jewelry. Let stand four about 10-15 minutes. Rinse under warm water, dry off, and your finished!

*Lime or Lemon Juice – Same directions as above for vinegar, but throw in a dash of salt as a catalyst.

*Ketchup or Worcestershire Sauce – Squeeze a dab onto a soft cloth or toothbrush, then rinse throughly under lukewarm water. Make sure not to expose gemstones, as they should not be exposed to any natural or chemical cleaners.

People who are looking for costume jewelry, wholesale are the best option. Wholesale always offers products at a very reasonable price, rather than the retail shops. The costume jewelry is artificial jewelry made of artificial gold, diamond and artificial gems, to make it suitable to where at different occasions. As a fact, many women choose to wear specific real jewelry at specific occasion; the advantage of wholesale fashion jewelry is that it can be worn on every occasion with all types of dresses, which can be bought at an inexpensive price. Our company offers all types of fashionable jewelry, bags and even scarf that match and can be worn any time. Wholesale Costume Jewelry,
Wholesale Fashion Jewelry looks exactly like real jewelry but he extra touch given to it, adds the beauty. Costume jewelry, wholesale of our company includes necklace, ear rings, rings, bracelets, complete set and much more. Our company makes sure to make different designs for every jewelry and don’t repeat the designs or patterns. We always launch some new products every month which includes all types of items our company deals in. For current month, we have some sets, pearl necklaces, hook ear rings, elastic bracelets, etc. Wholesale fashion jewelry
A great deal of time and thought go into every one of our natural brass designs, giving our customers the feeling of having an exclusive piece of fashion jewelry designed just for them. Our antique reproduction fashion jewelry has the look and appeal of valuable vintage jewelry that is passed down from generation to generation making Jewelrymine a must have for period reeinactors nationwide. Through our own unique formula, the brass is oxidized, relieved and lacquered to seal in the natural beauty of our finish. Our designs are all hand soldered or epoxied where applicable. We use only genuine Swarovski Austrian crystals in all of our jewelry designs. Many of our larger stones are handset and pronged in place. The earring posts in our natural brass collection are made from surgical steel and are hypoallergenic. Some of our jewelry designs are hand painted with our exclusive color palette of pearlized paints. We custom blend our own colors to enhance the beauty and detail of the brass.
Among all the things the shopping of jewelry is one thing that ahs experienced lesser amount of change. People still prefer to go the traditional way in this regard. But, things are changing now. More and more people are realizing the benefits of buying jewelry wholesale. In particular, purchasing wholesale costume jewelry is smart in more ways than one. The first of these ways is incredibly obvious. Buying this way is much cheaper than buying in a store.

As the gold market continues its strong performance, dancing around the $1,000-per-ounce mark, more collectors are turning to vintage jewelry to add a unique touch to their wardrobes. Vintage jewelry expert Jill Burgum of Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas, gives advice on how to make sure your money is well spent.

Q: What’s your best advice for beginning jewelry buyers and collectors?

A: My most common advice is don’t be afraid to ask questions, whether you are buying from reputable dealers or from shops. There is also a lot of information you can find online. The Internet is a great way to educate yourself. Also, don’t expect that a modern jewelry seller or store will know much about vintage or estate jewelry. They often don’t because it’s simply not their market.

Q: Does “antique, vintage or estate” jewelry mean lesser quality?

A: Not at all! The common thread among those terms is that the item is previously owned, and there is a lot of value in purchasing estate or previously owned jewelry. First, you can get great deals. The premium paid when purchasing a brand new piece at full retail price will not be transferred once that same item is resold. It’s an excellent way to purchase designer names at a fraction of the original price. Also, purchasing estate jewelry is a fantastic way to acquire pieces with “Old World” craftsmanship. This is a lost art. Production costs are prohibitive in today’s market, making it unrealistic from a cost perspective to do a lot of the precision handwork you can find in older pieces of jewelry. Purchasing estate jewelry is also a wonderful way to acquire platinum-set jewelry. Traditionally, platinum jewelry holds its value better than gold jewelry. And don’t forget that you can find diamonds at a fraction of what you would pay at a new jewelry retailer. The savings can be amazing, up to 75 percent.

Q: What’s the one thing you have to look for when buying vintage jewelry?

A: Condition, condition, condition! Don’t overlook damage such as missing prongs, bends and dents.

Q: Anything buyers should be especially wary of?

A: I’m always careful when selecting items that appear as Art Deco. Ask if they really are Art Deco or “Art Deco style” or “Art Deco reproduction.” There will be a significant difference in value and potential resale. You should also ask if the piece is original. Was it always a pendant-brooch or was it originally a brooch that someone altered to make it wearable as a pendant, too? Was the bangle watch originally an Art Deco watch that was later centered in a gold bangle? This is referred to as a “marriage,” meaning a combining of elements, and it affects the piece’s originality and value.

Q: Anything else?

A: Make sure what you are buying is what it is purported to be. Gold vs. gold-filled. Real vs. synthetic. Gemstones vs. glass. You don’t want to purchase a gold jewelry item without gemstones and think that it will go up in value. The gold market fluctuates on a daily basis, but typically not in big enough swings to where you can make money, especially if an item is acquired when the gold market is high.

Q: So how do you distinguish between a good piece and a not-so-good piece?

A: Make sure to check for the quality of craftsmanship, finish, gemstones and repair. Ask yourself if the item is nicely detailed with clean or crisp edges. Check closely to see if the piece displays serious wear. Are there dents or cracks? Are there any signs of repair? Sometimes, yellow gold solder has been used to repair platinum jewelry by unskilled bench jewelers. Definitely keep a keen eye out for signs of lead solder repairs on antique jewelry as this affects the piece’s value. In the case of a bracelet, is the construction stiff vs. flexible? The more flexible piece is better designed and manufactured. Is the piece scratchy? That is a sign of either a new piece or lesser quality of manufacture. If gemstones are involved, are the colors clear, bright and lively? Are they of medium color? Generally, more commercially made items have lighter gemstones of lesser quality, meaning mass production. For diamonds, check the quality. Avoid diamonds that look like snowballs or diamonds appearing like gravel due to heavy inclusions.

Q: What are some of the most collectible names in vintage jewelry and why?

A: There are too many to list, but there are a few “top of the top.” Some of the firms noted for their exquisite designs and craftsmanship include Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Mauboussin, and Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Their true vintage pieces, made prior to 1960 in Paris, command a premium. There are the rare designers, who are so exclusive that their pieces are unsigned, as in the case of JAR. Others produce limited quantities of very high-quality designs and to come across their works is the equivalent of finding treasures. These include Rene Boivin, Carven French, Pierre Sterle, and Janesich. Among contemporary names, Bvlgari, Harry Winston, Graff, and H. Stern all utilize the finest in both diamonds and colored gemstones.

Q: There seems to be controversy as to whether vintage jewelry is a good investment. What’s your take?

A: For the most part, not consider the majority of jewelry to be what most individuals would traditionally think of as a good investment. It typically isn’t high finance. Is it a money-maker on down the road? No. So why the interest or why should you purchase or care about vintage jewelry? Vintage jewelry, as with contemporary jewelry, is largely an emotional purchase. You have to ask: Does it make me feel good? Does the piece excite me? Do you get a visceral reaction or enjoyment? If the answer is yes, then that particular piece is a good investment in terms of the pleasure value. In my opinion, jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed. There is also the sentimental value factor that you attach to items. Was it the one-and-only engagement ring a woman wore? Was the item received for a special occasion such as the birth of a child, a birthday or a milestone? Or was the piece passed down through the generations of a family? Sentiment cannot be measured on the open market. It is entirely and uniquely personal.

Q: What if someone still wants to approach this as an investment?

A: To make a true financial investment, you may want to target designer name materials, because they have a better tendency to retain value or, in some instances, even increase in value. Or you may want to consider larger or higher quality diamonds or rare gemstones for investment purposes. Generally speaking, the items that will hold value are going to be beautifully executed and include fine diamonds or colored gemstones set in gold or platinum. As an aside, and would point out that there are far more pieces out in the marketplace that are unsigned vs. signed, but that should not be a negative factor or a reason to overlook them. Beautiful construction combined with fine materials will always be saleable and in demand.

AN EXPERT’S INSIGHTS
Noted vintage jewelry expert Jill Burgum, who received degrees in bench jewelry manufacturing from Bowman Tech and Stewart’s International and previously worked at Butterfield & Butterfield, offers these tips for today’s vintage jewelry market:

+ Trends: Jewelry follows fashion trends, even when looking at vintage and estate pieces. “Right now,” Burgum says, “1970s fashions are hot — so is yellow gold in textured forms. But be careful. The odds on nugget jewelry and rope chains coming back in style are not good.”

+ Quality: When establishing a jewelry wardrobe, look for timeless designs — a simple pair of moderately sized hoop earrings, three-stone rings, a tennis bracelet, diamond solitaire pendant, or stud earrings.

+ Care: Be aware of how you store your fine jewelry. “Don’t toss it into a jewelry box,” Burgum says. “Diamonds will scratch other gemstones as well as other diamonds.”

+ Upkeep: Keep your jewelry clean — it looks so much better, brighter and fresher. “Occasionally check to make sure stones are tight and not loose. Make sure your pearl necklaces do not have stretched silk cord — an indicator that they should be restrung before a potential loss or breakage occurs.”

+ Recycle: Keep in mind the “green factor” when looking at jewelry. If you have items that are (to you) outdated or damaged, turn it into cash that can be applied towards the purchase of something else you would like, or use the money to pay bills or take a trip. “The metal,” Burgum adds, “can also be melted and made into another item. Gemstones can be removed from one item and utilized in another. Be creative.”

When most people think of luxury jewelry, the first thing that comes to their minds is usually diamonds – lots and lots of diamonds. But it is important to remember that while a diamond is a girl’s best friend, there are lots of other stones in her inner circle, including rubies, emeralds, sapphires and garnets.

So, how do you know whether to choose a diamond ring or ruby necklace the next time you’re contemplating the perfect piece to complement your wardrobe? The trick is in deciding whether you want to pull the outfit more completely together or if you are looking to show off. Diamonds are the most obvious choice for showing off, but if you are wearing a business, white pant suit or flowy white dress, a colored stone is more likely to draw attention. You can go with a stunning ruby necklace that sparkles every time you turn your head or a pair of incredible emerald earrings that glisten; either way, eyes will be on you no matter where you go.

PREMIER GEMS’ SUBMISSION TO AGTA SPECTRUM AWARDS

Premier Gem’s owner Jeff Nechka’s submission to the AGTA Spectrum Awards this year. These platinum, Pink Spinel and diamond drop earrings with a price tag of $18,000 got him an honorable mention at the awards.

When pulling an outfit together, you will need to choose jewelry that matches the colors you are wearing. A red blouse and white skirt, for example, is begging for ruby earrings or a ruby ring. If you’re wearing an outfit that has an array of colors, you have a lot more freedom in picking jewelry. You can either choose a piece or pieces that match the most prolific color of your attire, or you can elect to go with jewels that will help bring out a background color.

If you are looking to add a touch of luxury to your outfit without overdoing it, diamonds are a classic, feminine touch. Choose a simple but elegant diamond ring in white gold. If you’re already wearing an impressive engagement or wedding ring and don’t want to overshadow it, try a pair of wonderful diamond studs. Of course, you can also combine diamonds and emeralds, for example, for a color combo that will both awe and draw envy.

What do you do if no matter how much you search, you can’t find a piece of jewelry that really makes your look pop? As a woman of high class and sophistication, you never settle. You wouldn’t be where you are now if you did that, right? What you do is create a custom piece. Before you start wrecking your perfect manicure over the fact that you aren’t a jewelry designer, know that you don’t have to be. Visit your favorite custom jeweler, and they will be able to help you construct the ring, necklace or pair of earrings that you’ve always fantasized about. Want a rose gold ring featuring diamonds and your birthstone? Dreaming of a necklace that exudes luxury but can go with every outfit? Whatever you want can be yours, quickly and easily.

Jewelry is a woman’s ultimate accessory. Rings and necklaces never go out of style, and they will certainly last longer than your favorite pair of heels or the scarf you bought on sale last week. They are also the part of your outfit that is sure to draw the most scrutiny. When you meet someone new and their eyes stray to your hands or neck, what do you want them to see? A ring or necklace that you sort of like but aren’t really proud of, or a sparkling, glistening piece of jewelry that is as opulent and magnificent as you are?