The Distinct Look Of Vintage Rings.....Jason Smith

Owning a truly distinctive ring with a rich history is only possible with vintage rings. These rings were typically hand-made and have gone through a collection of styles over the decades. These styles include a selection of gem stones including emeralds, alexandrite, pearls, and aquamarine. Vintage Alexandrite Rings Vintage Alexandrite rings have been identified with blue blood or royalty. They have been indicative of higher socio-economic status during the early times, when the kings and queens reigned. The source of Vintage Alexandrite rings has been cloaked in mystery, though according to some, Alexandrite was discovered by Czar Alexander II in Russia. Since then this gem has been used in rings, crowns, and pendants for princesses, queens and czars. In fact artifacts of Vintage Alexandrite rings have been found as far back as the 19th and 20th centruires in the trinket of Empress Escretina. Astonishing examples aside, this is frequently considered as one of the more expensive gems. Vintage Aquamarine Rings A person wearing one of these vintage Aquamarine rings will get the feeling of diving in the crystalline waters of a nautical island paradise and its beaches. Aquamarine rings can be studded in platinum, white, or yellow gold base and are an ideal gift to be given to those who celebrate their birthday in March as it is their official birthstone. The word “aquamarine” is derived from Latin word meaning “sea water”. The greenish blue shading of the precious gem brings to your mind the stunning Caribbean waters, and the light azure sky making an irresistible appeal of nature's love. because of its delicate sea water color it is considered to bring good luck for voyages, weddings, and sailors. Vintage Emerald Rings Emerald is a stunning greenish mineral that has been named as the May birthstone. Vintage emerald rings started their voyage in the fashion world during the middle of the twentieth century and placed themselves in significant position over the course of time. The green stone looks lovely mounted in white or yellow gold and is often with a combination of emerald and/or diamond. In some variations, sapphire is used to make a border encasing the emerald to give it a more attractive look. For engagement rings, these vintage emerald rings are listed among the top choices. The beautiful looking stone in old style of course is very lovable among the female users. Vintage Pearl Rings It has been known to portray purity, innocence and tranquility. Vintage Mother of Pearl rings are certainly a ring that any women couldn't resist. If you want to convey your purest intention or woe your woman, then this ring would do all the wonders. It emenates elegance, sophistication and an air of assurance. Vintage Pearl rings are abundantly produced in Australia, which can be either handmade or machine made. Mother of Pearl is a blend of minerals that are cloaked by oysters and other mollusks and placed inside their shells. Various cultures have adorned their jewelries and other personal valuables with these pearls.

How To Care For Onyx Jewelry..

Your onyx jewelry needs special care most specially your black onyx rings because they are worn in one of the busiest part of your body, your hand, which is subjected to different kinds of substances like water, sweat, food, etc.

You should practice to keeping your black onyx jewelry clean. Take it off when you're going to handle any chemicals or any substances that will greatly affect the quality not only of the finish of your setting but also the stone itself. People have suggested the "put on last, take off first" method when putting on and removing your jewelry. Of course, you wouldn't want to lose them thus always make sure that they are in a secured place when you remove them. It can help if you would carry with you a small padded box where you can place your precious jewel just in case you are out and you really need to take it off.

Keep in mind that your jewelry is supposed to be worn not kept locked away somewhere. When you're wearing your jewelry though, take good care of it and not scratch or damage it. Onyx tips 6.5 to 7 in the Mohs (hardness) scale as compared to the diamond which is at 10 Mohs scale. This means that the onyx is not the hardest one in the bunch even if it looks tough.

If you need to store them, store them properly. Do not just pile your jewelry in your jewelry box. Some jewelry boxes have spaces with padding especially made to insert your rings. If yours doesn't have one, make sure that you keep each in velvety pouches which cases prevents the jewels from scratching and damaging each other.

Always be careful in using any type of jewel cleaner with your black onyx jewelry. It doesn't mean that if it is a jewel cleaner solution, you can already use it on your onyx. For example, submerging your onyx rings on ultrasonic cleaner might not be a good idea even if it is usually done to clean stones like diamonds, rubies and sapphires. Take note that each stone has a different composition. A cheap alternative is mixing a touch of ammonia on water. Unfortunately, this is also discouraged as ammonia is only recommended when cleaning diamonds, rubies and sapphires.

Have in mind that black onyx is a stone and is porous just like a rock. It absorbs the substance which it is submerged to and when this substance seeps into your gem, it will compromise the color of your stone as well as the purity of it.

For opaque gemstones just like your onyx jewelry, it is suggested that it should be wiped only with a moist cotton cloth. For black onyx rings (since it's has lots of grime), it should be soaked for one to two hours on warm water with mild soap and wiped clean with a damp cotton cloth first and then a clean dry cotton cloth afterwards. This is also suggested for necklaces are it is usually touches the skin too.

You should also avoid using polishing cloth. This is usually used to polish the metal of your jewelry. But do not use it on your onyx stone itself. This holds true the most when cleaning black onyx rings. You should be careful in cleaning that part which is in constantly touching the skin since it usually has engravings and dirt can pile up in its crevices. Keep it clean, you guys!

Buying Black Onyx...Some Advice

Black onyx signet rings have been favored by men for centuries. During ancient times a signet ring was often used as a visible sign of the wearer's social status, enabling others to identify him as an important member of a government, political faction, religious order or influential family or clan. The word "signet" is derived from the word "sign" and signet rings were often used to leave an imprint of a sign or symbol on letters, important documents and other correspondence. Usually, wax from a burning candle was allowed to drip onto the document and while it was still hot the signet ring was applied to it with pressure, leaving the symbol found on the ring clearly impressed on the wax. Kings, Queens and other royalty utilized this method of placing their official seal on documents.
Signet rings were usually made from silver or gold and eventually jewelers started blending precious metals and integrating gemstones into their ring designs. During the past century or so, black onyx has become a favorite of jewelers and there are countless military, religious, fraternal and organizationally related signet rings in existence and their popularity has only increased over the past decade or so.
Black onyx signet rings were typically worn on the wearer's pinky finger during past centuries, but over time they evolved into a larger style ring worn on the traditional ring finger. Men typically prefer larger, more massive rings, while women favor smaller, more elegant ones. Gold and silver signet rings are equally popular among men and women, though younger people often prefer a more plain style of ring, while older people tend to opt for more ornate designs that are often blended with intricate settings, diamonds and other gemstones. Jewelers have mastered the art of integrating onyx stones into their ring designs and there are literally thousands of styles and shapes to choose from.
Some points to consider when shopping for one of these rings include assessing which styles, shapes, etc., will best mesh with the wearer's current jewelry? The same goes for the wearer's clothing; some designs better compliment specific clothing styles and a smart shopper will pay attention to this issue and seek the advice of a competent jeweler. Another consideration is the environment the wearer lives in, works in, socializes in, etc. Some designs stand up to heavy use than others. Delicately made women's signet rings may not hold up under the repeated stress of housework, while some men's rings most likely would not fare well with a wearer who works as a stone mason or other occupation requiring extensive use of one's hands.
In recent years black onyx signet rings have become quite popular with younger men and women, many of whom opt for a family crest or coat of arms carved into the black onyx stone. Many dealers are offering these rings and though they are quite expensive, they remain highly sought after by many because of the status the rings convey to others. Black onyx is a perfect material for this purpose and is easily carved and shaped to create the desired image, symbol or design.
You can find black onyx signet rings at many local jewelers, but we feel that you'll find the widest selection and best prices buy researching and shopping online. The number of merchants found on the internet will enable you to review and choose from a selection of ring styles, shapes, etc., that practically no local jeweler could match with their in-store inventory. The good news is that because there are so many jewelers and dealers selling these rings, prices are always under pressure to remain as low as possible and this results in consumers having many options to find a great deal!
Majda Liban writes about various fashion and home related topics. See more of her work at http://www.blackonyxrings.org and http://www.blackonyxnecklace.org.

Tips For Buying Lockets!

Lockets are the most cherished of all the accessories that are worn by the women at large to enhance their beauty and adore their neck. With their beautiful styles and intricate patterns lockets have been worn by the women for centuries. The lockets of the Victorian Era and Edwardian era are especially important in this regard. Whenever you are in the market to buy any lockets for yourself consider some important things before buying. This will help you buy something that you would really cherish to have.
First thing that you should consider is that how much money you can spend on buying something like a locket for you as an accessory. If you have a handsome amount you can go on for buying some gold, silver, or diamond lockets. Even you can find a large range of lockets that are studded with real beads, gemstones, or crystals as per your requirement. These materials are arranged in intricate patterns to add to your beauty. However if you are not interested in buying something that expensive, you can have other choices. Vintage lockets and other metallic lockets may be a good choice for you. They give you a trendy look and also you don't have to spend too much onto them.
Secondly decide what kind of neck do you have and which jewellery will be best suitable for it. If you have a V-shaped neck line consider buying a Y-shaped locket. If you have a broad neck then it would look best if you wear a thick or wide chain. People who have thin and small necks should always choose for a delicate fit. Also you should consider that what your purpose of buying a locket is. You may need it for wearing to a party, college, wedding or a funeral. Some people may buy it as a present for someone special.
If you are buying a locket for your loved one the heart shaped locket may be a wonderful choice. These lockets are an expression of love and may be used as a gift for your girl friend or wife on Valentine's Day or a similar occasion. If you want that person to keep a picture of yours, buy a locket that has a bit of space inside to place your miniature in it. College girls can have many choices when they are buying a locket as an accessory they have to wear to college. The locket may be oval, round, square, or octagonal in shape as per your choice and trend. On the other hand if you are buying a locket for a funeral tries to buy something simple yet elegant. Mourning lockets have a wide range; they may be shaped in the form of skull or heart or be engraved with the stones of cemetery etc. Check which one is best suitable for you.
Also never forget that these lockets have to come in contact with the bear skin of yours, so never buy anything that has an irritant effect and will cause contact dermatitis.