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.

Different Types Of Rhinestones

Rhinestones originated in Austria, where the rock crystals were discovered centuries ago along the shorelines of the Rhine River. During the eighteenth century, as the availability of these coveted rock crystals began to dwindle, techniques were applied to glass crystals, coaxing them to mimic the same impressive sparkle. Today's rhinestones have a metallic finish on the bottom to reflect light, and they are cut and polished to provide the dazzling bling that is sought after by fashion designers and every household's craft enthusiast.
Spectacular Rhinestones by Swarovski
Swarovski, the leading name in crystal, offers a vast selection of rhinestones in an array of colors, cuts and visual effects. Swarovski's Aurora Borealis coating displays a striking rainbow-hued iridescent effect, producing a dramatic show. The elaborate network of facets in the chessboard cut provides the most valued rhinestone crystals for adding sparkle to everything from shoes to wedding dresses. While one can purchase an entire wardrobe of apparel that has already been designed and manufactured with Swarovski rhinestone trimmings, home crafters and sewing hobbyists can easily conjure up their own one-of-a-kind creations by purchasing the exquisite Swarovski rhinestones in bulk.
Color Spectrum
The advantageous quality of rhinestones is the ability to add the look of fine gemstones for a fraction of the cost. Rhinestones can resemble rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and amethysts. Rhinestones can display the shimmer of iridescent opals in a wide array of pastel hues. Rhinestones are available in every shade on the color wheel as well as the black luster of onyx and the crystal clear sparkle of diamonds. For vintage clothing fans, Swarovski has released a line of rhinestones in colors from the bygone era. There are rhinestones to accommodate every color preference, every color-themed project and every personalized birthstone creation.
Shapes
Imaginative decorating is not limited to round rhinestones. In addition to traditional jewelry stone shapes such as marquis, baguettes, rectangles and ovals, there are hearts, butterflies, waves, triangles, cubes, stars and snowflakes to add pizazz to every season's projects.
Application
There are several ways to apply rhinestones. Flat back rhinestones, as the name implies, are flat on the underside. This surface allows one to use craft glues to affix the rhinestone. Hotfix rhinestones come with an adhesive stick-on bottom that adheres when heat is applied from an iron or other heating source. Sew on rhinestones possess two tiny holes that allow the gem to be sewn onto the apparel item. The holes also enable stringing rhinestones together to create jewelry.
Creative Clothing, Fancy Footwork and Amazing Accessories
Rhinestones add a decorative finishing touch to denim jackets, t-shirts, swimwear, pajamas and jeans. Take the drab out of summer flip-flops by creating ornate lines and swirls along the straps, or fashion a decorative clip to secure on top for showing off that beach-ready pedicure. Rhinestones also add bling to sneakers and baby shoes. In addition to jewelry creations, rhinestones impart dazzle to other accessories, including handbags, wallets, socks, baseball caps, belts, key chains, cellphones and hair accessories. Rhinestones are even used to embellish nail art.
Pretty As a Princess
From toddlers to brides, every girl will look and feel like a princess when her outfit sparkles. Colorful rhinestones create dramatic ballerina tutus and other dance costumes that are ready for center stage performances. When it comes to Halloween costumes, crown little princesses with rhinestone tiaras and help little Dorothy find her way home from trick-or-treating with ruby red rhinestone slippers. Rhinestones add a touch of magic to every wedding party, from the bride's dress, headpiece or veil to the bridesmaids' jewelry. Swarovski rhinestones are available in numerous shades to match any wedding color theme.
Pets On Parade
Rhinestones may be applied to collars, harnesses and leashes, giving cats and dogs that pampered look of stardom. Rhinestone-crusted tags for collars and carriers transform pets into diva dogs and fancy felines.
The availability of rhinestones in so many colors and shapes has enabled creative minds to design stunning apparel and beautiful crafts. Embrace the magical power of rhinestones to dazzle and delight everyone by adding more sparkle to life.

The Definitive Guide To Antique Jewelry...Courtesy of Adolf Jewelers

Collectors and fashionistas alike rejoice in finding a truly special, one-of-a-kind piece of antique or vintage jewelry. Whether you run across an ornate Victorian treasure, a spare Colonial item, or a funky art-deco piece, this wearable art brings individuality to any outfit. As a gift, vintage and antique jewelry is incomparable, as it shows thought and personality. Or, if you simply collect beautiful items, antique jewelry has a value beyond mass-produced modern pieces, thanks to both the rarity of such pieces, and the craftsmanship involved in the design and construction. The value of antique jewelry has only to appreciate over time.
There are plenty of places to go if you're hunting for antique jewelry. Estate sales are definitely your best bet, although auctions, antique malls, yard sales, and vintage clothing boutiques can also be good places to look. If you are looking for a particular style, then you might have more luck looking online at auction and sales sites like e-bay and Etsy give you the ability to really narrow and refine your search.
Of course, if you are an avid collector, and have a predilection for harder to find pieces, such as those from the Georgian period, then you know what a tough thing it can be to search for new items. The volume of wars (primarily the French Revolution and American Revolution), and invasions during this time had the result of massive destruction and loss of property. That said, if you happen to find a piece from this period, hold on to it or put it in a museum, for it is an artifact, and something special indeed.
Not since the end of the Georgian era have craftsmen designed and constructed such ornate pieces. The ornate cameos, and filigree, and the finely cut gemstones cannot be imitated. Victorian era jewelry is somewhat easier to find. This period is marked by many distinctive design styles, as Queen Victoria had a widespread influence on culture and the arts. The reign of Victoria was marked by long periods of somberness, bookended by romance and celebration, as she was married during her dominion, and spent years in mourning after her husband's death. Victorian jewelry can range from radiant gold, which marks the beginning of the era, to rather austere pieces common during the Queen's mourning, to dazzling diamonds popularized during the colonization of South Africa.
Much jewelry from the Victorian era still survives, but there is also a proliferation of reproductions, so be sure what you find is authentic by having it appraised by a professional. Check for things like signatures or maker's marks on the back of pendants or on the insides of bracelets and rings. Or, if you simply enjoy the appearance of this era's wearable art, look to reproductions as an affordable alternative. Additionally, with reproductions, you won't have the fear of losing or damaging a piece by wearing it to a special event. These affordable and beautiful pieces give you the option of wearing a stunning piece on any occasion at all.