JK Gems

When it’s shiny and new, there are few materials as eye-catching as sterling silver. The substance pairs perfectly with pearls, especially in the case of tasteful teardrop earrings. By its very nature, sterling silver tarnishes over time. That’s not a cause for concern, however. By following a few easy steps, you can restore the glitz and splendor to the metal, making it look as attractive as it looked on the day the earrings were purchased.

Begin by placing a layer of aluminum foil at the bottom of a heat-proof dish with the shiny side facing up. Place the silver hoop earrings on top of the foil and add a tablespoon of baking soda. You’ll then need to cover the jewelry with boiling water. Then sit back and observe as the tarnish is attracted to the aluminum foil, leaving the sterling silver as clean as a whistle.

Women tend to gravitate toward other women that have the same style. As a result, friends can often end up having the same clothes or jewelry as each other. This is fine when you’re younger, since best friends like to match, but it can be embarrassing when you’re older and wanting to have a unique look. If you all shop at the same stores and like the same things, how can you avoid this?

Choosing a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry is the answer. You can find independent jewelry makers at local fairs and markets or online. Often, they’ll make custom pieces depending on your favorite colors and styles. Find unique necklaces, rings or bracelets with colored beads to make your friends truly envious. They’ll want to be copycats, but they won’t find a replica of your new piece of jewelry no matte how hard they try!

I want jewelry and I want a lot of jewelry! For some reason even after 24 years of marriage my husband has not figured that out. Every holiday, birthday and anniversary I give him not so subtle hints that I would like a gift of jewelry. I don’t even care if it’s understated shoe jewelry! I just want some shiny token of his affection.

Last year he gave me a camera. I told him “why would I want any pictures of myself when I don’t have any pretty jewelry to show off?” This year he better get me some nice jewelry. Our marriage may depend on it. I mean seriously, what guy doesn’t get his gal jewelry?

The value of a pearl depends very much on its shape. Whether it’s a black pearl necklace, a freshwater pearl bracelet or a pair of pearl drop earrings; a pearl’s form matters quite a bit. There are six types of shapes common to pearls:

Round: This is the shape most people think of when imagining a pearl. Perfectly round pearls are quite rare and are the most expensive. For hundreds of years many people around the world have thought the round pearl the most beautiful.

Near round: These are closest in relation to the coveted round pearl, but are imperfect in their shapes. Many times these pearls are more spherical than round in shape.

Oval: Many experts call these pearls “symmetrical”. The ends of oval pearls are narrower than the centers.

Drop: These pearls have teardrop or pear shapes. Because of their elongated shape drop pearls make nice earrings or pendants.

Button: These pearls are shaped just like their names. Often the flattened side of the jewel is secured to an earring setting.

Baroque: These may be the least valuable in the pearl family, but they are also the most unique. They come in irregular shapes and sizes and are crafted into affordable jewelry.

While I might not make enough money to make drastic changes to my wardrobe on a regular basis, I’ve found other equally effective ways to express myself through fashion. It’s amazing how much difference one’s choice of accessories can make. The very same outfit can go from understated to stunning depending on the earrings, necklace and watch that are paired with it.

I come from a crafty family, so jewelry shopping for me either means scanning the market for beads or larger elements that can be incorporated into a grand design. Lately I’ve been purchasing watch faces online and using my own creativity and initiative to make semi precious gemstone watches from scratch. By the time the piece is completed, I’m left with a sense of satisfaction in knowing that I now own a one-of-a-kind accessory.

While it’s only natural for a woman to keep tabs on the latest fashion trends, I sometimes like to go my own way. Don’t get me wrong – I appreciate the artistry and innovation of the styles runway models wear in New York in Milan. Still, I can’t help but wonder if most of those off-the-wall trends will ever translate to practical clothing and jewelry. It seems that half of the looks that are tested out in Europe and in the various fashion capitals of the world are forgotten just as quickly as they were introduced.

For that reason, I like to look in unexpected places for fashion inspiration. Craft shows are a great place to find handmade bracelets, but lately the rise of Etsy and other online sites have been on my radar as well. When all I want is something that’s unique yet classical, edgy yet not over-the-top. Is that really too much to ask? I think not.

One of the most well-known Chinese traditions is that of the zodiac, which consists of twelve animal signs. Every year is represented by an animal, which signifies how people born that year are perceived and present themselves. Each of the animals has a corresponding element, such as wood, fire and metal, as well as a Yin Yang Direction.

Although its origins are in China, this use of the zodiac is recognized by cultures around the world. It is easy to look up birthdates online to see what animal you are under. There are many ways to display your animal, including Chinese zodiac pendants, necklaces and charms.

Last year I visited a convent just outside of Spokane, WA and had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with a few nuns. Admittedly, I know little about the Catholic faith and the various prayers and rites that the religion practices. One item that I had seen before but didn’t understand the significance of until I went there was the rosary.

Rosaries are a set of prayer beads that are used with an accompanying devotional prayer. The beads are used to count the amount of Hail Mary’s and other prayers that are recited as part of the meditation practice. The custom was established in the 16th century by Pope St. Pius V.

As a woman, you’ve most likely picked up tips over the years to accentuate your physical appearance – enhancing the strengths and obscuring the flaws. But did you know that celebrity stylists are always spending time doting over the proper set of earrings? It’s not easy to settle upon a pair that truly brings out a woman’s best facial features, but these tips might help.

First, examine the shape and bone structure of your face. If your jaw is pronounced and your face rather long, you’ll want to stick with hoop earrings or studs – something that softens the facial shape. On the other hand, women with round faces look best wearing semi precious gemstone earrings that are elongated and dangly. These are not necessarily hard and fast rules of fashion, but they can be used as a general guideline.

I’m the sort of person who goes into conniptions when I see another woman wearing an identical article of clothing. It’s nice to carve out your own fashion niche, feeling safe in the knowledge that you’ve created your own distinct style. That’s why I’ve always chosen to buy my jewelry from craft shows. Each summer, I stroll around the local arts festivals in search of one-of-a-kind necklaces.

This year, I noticed a serious shortage of new styles. Not only that, but there were markedly fewer retailers hocking their wares at the craft fairs. I asked one woman why that was, and she told me that many people are going online these days to satisfy their unique accessory needs. That was all I needed to hear. Before the day was out, I returned home and did some shopping on the Web.