All women like to update their looks but that does not necessarily mean they should go out and buy the latest trend. Many of the youngest celebrities in recent years have been decking themselves out in over sized costume jewelery ; it might look fun and funky on an 18 year old but the clunky pieces don’t bring out the best in a woman over 50. Women of a certain age do not need to buy into any trends; the classics always work for them as many celebrities like the ever fashionable Kim Cattrall, Dame Judi Dench and Helen Mirren know. They stick to what works best for them, taking into account what they are wearing, how formal they want to be, their skin tone and face shape. Why do you think that diamonds are girl’s best friend?

Diamonds are associated with marriage (and love)! A guy proposes to a girl, and what’s the first thing he gives her? A diamond engagement ring! Diamonds also symbolize wealth and affluence, and the means to buy them (or the charm to get the guys that *can* afford to buy them). Diamonds are also stunning to look at and a beautiful stone. Most girls who want them, want people to be envious of their own personal rocks.

Though jewelry companies wouldn’t want you to know that. Diamonds are so abundant in Africa that they should be very cheap stones, but they have something called ‘artificial scarcity’ which they make you believe that they are very rare. Other gems should actually be worth more.

The difference between diamonds and sapphires, rubies, and emeralds is the fact that diamonds are the most precious stone of the precious stones while sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are more of the semi-precious stones of the precious stones (they’re all precious stones, but the diamond is considered the most precious)! They are all very pretty, but they do have different characteristics with respect to wear.

Diamonds are the hardest of all of the gem stones, and yes, you can get almost any variety of colors these days, depending on what you want to spend.

Emeralds come in a variety of green/blue hues, with the most clear and deep green color are the most valuable. Almost all emeralds contain flaws, cracks, and inclusions that affect the clarity. This is why a lot of emeralds appear “cloudy” in nature (the flaws). Emeralds are not a stone you want for everyday wear due to their softness. They have a tendency to be brittle and fragile and chip/break easily.

Sapphires and rubies are harder stones than emeralds but not as hard as diamonds. Sapphires come in various shades of blue, purple, white, yellow, and pink. Rubies are typically red, but some have yellow/orange hues while others have blue/purple hues. Like emeralds, rubies can contain a lot of flaws causing them to appear “cloudy” as well.

Diamonds last forever. They are a true beauty, they make anyone feel good to wear them, they only increase in value, and they are worth the money spent. What do you think?

Andy Moquin has spent 20 years in the jewelry industry with much of his experience in polished diamonds, engagement rings , wedding rings and custom jewelry design. He is an accomplished business consultant and is available for advice on topics such as marketing, advertising, merchandising and business turnarounds.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/are-diamonds-really-a-girls-best-friend-1615752.html

Trying to figure out what types of wire to use can be a most difficult process when beginning to make jewelry.  One of our previous articles addressed how to choose a wire temper.  This article will discuss how to choose the wire gauge for an upcoming jewelry project.   Remember, the larger the number of the gauge, the thinner the wire.

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28-34 gauge

The wires’ diameter measures from 0.013-.006 inches or 0.32-.16 millimeters. This is EXTREMELY fine wire. Wires with these gauges tend to kink and bend a lot —nylon jaw pliers will need to be used.  Is great for wire wrapping using small beads, wire weaving, and wire crocheting.

26 gauge

The diameter of this wire measures at .016 inches or .41 millimeters. Again, this is very thin wire and nylon jaw pliers and fine-tipped tools should be used.  Is good for wire wrapping beads and seed bead jewelry.

24 gauge

The diameter measures 0.020 inches or 0.51 millimeters.  This is still considered fine wire and the nylon jaw pliers are recommended when it gets kinks.  Great when using pearls and small crystals.

22 gauge

The diameter measures 0.025? inches or 0.64 millimeters. This gauge is ideal to use when 20-gauge is just a bit too thick.  This is a wonderful multipurpose wire and is excellent for wire wrapping beads and semi-precious stones.

20 gauge

20 gauge wire measures 0.032? or .81 millimeters in diameter. This is considered a medium wire in jewelry making and, just as the 22 gauge, it is a fantastic multipurpose wire.  Works well for making earwires, clasps, and headpins as well as wrapping glass and coiled beads.  It also recommended when making bracelets.

18 gauge

Measures 0.040 inches or 1.02 millimeters in diameter.  Is considered medium thick wire in jewelry making.  Works well for making clasps, wire wrapping beads with large holes, bracelet making and earrings.

16 gauge

Measures 0.051 inches or 1.29 millimeters in diameter.  This is a thick wire. It is recommended that heavy duty tools are used when manipulating this wire.  It is not recommended for the beginner.  Can be used for, neckwires, rings, and bracelet bases.

Wire-Sculpture.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/part-2-what-type-of-wire-should-i-use-1581007.html