Costume Jewelry - The Contemporary Jewelry of Our Time

I am sure you have worn many different pieces of jewelry, from the simplest chain bracelet around your wrist to perhaps a very beautiful jewel necklace handed from generations to generations. Many of your favorite pieces likely contain semi-precious to precious gemstones, such as amethyst, turquoise, pearl, onyx, ruby or emerald. If you would have taken a closer look at contemporary jewelry manufactured today, you would most probably observed the relaxed and yet elegant looks of the contemporary costume jewelry.

Instead of having perfectly shaped costume jewelry rings or necklaces, many contemporary designers now tend towards organic composition of their pieces. Stones nowadays are used as it is instead of what used to be perfectly cut or polished stones. Through these, the designers have introduced an element of playfulness in their designs and you can really feel the free flowing artistic juices demonstrated through the variety of colors used in the pieces.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) Costume jewelry making is fast becoming popular in the costume jewelery or fashion jewelry market today. With the vast amount of costume jewelry parts wholesalers out there, getting materials to make your own fashion jewelry is so easy and cheap nowadays. Anyone who would like to satisfy their craving to express their artistic juice can give costume jewelry making a try. There are hundreds of thousands of stones out there to choose from, you can simply mix and match the stones you love and have fun discovering your inner artist. Costume jewelry making depends very much on the muse in you and depending on your personal taste, you decide whether a design needs a little more or a little less. What is most important is to have fun.

Technology has made it possible for simple commoners like us to make our own jewelry right from the dinning table of our home. With some simple tools and supplies, we can start creating our very own jewelry pieces. Making your own gemstone jewelry is exciting and rewarding. You will be thrilled as you see your designs coming together, one step at a time. But before you start anything, you will need to equipped yourself with the necessary knowledge on the gemstone and accent beads in the market today and the different techniques and tools you can used to create the designs you desired.

Contemporary jewelry nowadays is made to give one a relaxed and elegant feels. They are designed and manufactured using organic composition of the gems instead of what used to be precise emplacement. Modern jewelry today are more colorful as compared to the classic two tonal designs. As you may have observed, more and more people are making their own costume jewelry and if you read the signs correctly, the industry is exploding in a next big wave that is going to swept you off your feet. Prepare and position yourself to ride this new wave in the fashion industry.

Collin is a freelance writer and internet niche marketing consultant. He has dedicate his free time to writing contents for people and setting up internet niche sites. Exclusive costume jewelry is one such internet niche site that he has set up to promote costume jewelry awareness in the internet fashion niche. Through this site, he will also be sharing with you some of the jewelry making techniques and ideas he has picked up while researching on this niche.

The History of the Claddagh Ring

Striking and unmistakable in design, two delicate hands cradling a crowned heart, worn by thousands through the centuries, from great kings, queens and princesses to modern day lovers and dear friends, this timeless symbol of friendship, loyalty and love finds its roots in the heart of Ireland.

History

Surprisingly, the origin of this cherished national symbol lay shrouded in mystery. But perhaps that is what draws so many to its simple beauty. The symbol of the Claddagh is said to be the symbol of the "Fisher Kings of Claddagh", a small fishing village overlooking the Galway Bay in Ireland, and it carried the meaning "in love and friendship let us reign". This original design was fashioned into a ring in the 17th Century. Many stories and myths attempt to explain this ring's beginnings, but one romantic legend seems to ring louder and truer than the rest.

The Legend

It is the old story of Richard Joyce, a young man from the Galway village of Claddagh, Ireland. Just days before his wedding, Richard, on a trip to the West Indies, was kidnapped by Algerian pirates and sold, a slave, to a Moorish goldsmith. The goldsmith soon took a liking to Richard, clever and quick as he was, and trained him as an apprentice to be a master craftsman. Year later in 1689, when King William III demanded the release of all British subjects from Algiers, Richard turned down the offer of marriage to the old goldsmith's daughter and half of the old man's fortune for the sweet winds of home and his true love in Galway. Though it had been 14 years since his disappearance, he found his true love waiting faithfully for his return. Overcome with joy, he presented her with a ring that he had designed and forged while an apprentice, the now famous Royal Claddagh, and soon the two were married. It is said that Richard settled in Galway with his bride and there became a successful goldsmith, his most famous work, the Claddagh.

Though no one can say for sure where the Claddagh ring originated or who first designed it, the earliest Claddaghs to be traced bear the mark "RI", Richard Joyce, the master goldsmith.

An Irish Tradition

The Claddagh ring [http://www.selectsilverrings.com/claddagh_rings] is a variant of older rings called "Fede", or faith rings which date to Roman times and were popular in the Middle Ages throughout Europe. Since the 17th Century, it was traditionally worn as a Celtic wedding or engagement ring, handed down from mother to daughter for generations. For many Irish who left Ireland during Great Famine of the 19th Century, the Claddagh was the only reminder left of their homeland.

Rich in Meaning and Significance

But you don't have to be Irish to appreciate the meaning and beauty of the Claddagh ring. This traditional Irish wedding ring is now worn all over the world. It has become a fashionable exchange of dear friends and lovers, men and women alike. The meaning of the ring is what gives it significance. The hands, crown and heart symbolize the trinity of Love, Loyalty and Friendship, or in Gaelic, "Gra Dilseacht agus Cairdeas" (pronounced 'Graw Deel-shocked, ogis Korr-diss'). Put another way: "Let love and friendship reign forever". It is this rich and beautiful meaning that makes the Claddagh perfect for many occasions, whether it be a gift to a cherished friend of loved one, a Mother's ring, a Promise ring or worn traditionally as an engagement or wedding ring.

Wearing a Claddagh

The Claddagh ring is one of the most elegant and meaningful rings ever created and is beautiful no matter how it is worn. However, if the tradition of the Claddagh is followed, then the way in which the Claddagh is worn declares the wearers relationship status in their quest for love.

If worn on the right hand, it is a sign of friendship: with the heart pointed out toward the fingertip, the wearer is free for the courting, their heart open and available; with the heart pointed in toward the wrist, the wearer is spoken for or being courted. But the left hand is the prized position for the Claddagh; worn with the heart facing in toward the wrist, the wearer has found their true love and is engaged or happily married, saying, "With these hands I give you my heart and I crown it with my love."

by Stephen Cummins

Shop now for quality Claddagh Rings Or find a wide variety of other sterling silver jewelry at [http://www.selectsilverrings.com]

Fashion Style Tips for Women - Accessorizing

On the catwalks this season some distinct and varied styles are apparent. The hardness of the rock look, the futuristic metallic look and the contrasting feminine look are all hot this season and provide women with a wide range of choice to suit their own styles and still be fashionable. Not only are these looks up to date and fresh for 2008, but they carry with them classic retro style with the trends of the season are all reminiscent of the 80s: the rock bands animal print, the neon colours and metallics of the punks and the romantic ruffles and lace.

The great thing about this season is that accessories are huge leaving people free to keep their existing wardrobe and buy only a few small items to refresh it. Whatever accessory you are comfortable wearing is the one to go for because the list of fashionable items it endless: jewellery, hats, scarves, wraps, watches, belts, gloves, bandanas, headbands, gloves, boots, bags and hair ties with jewels.

The key to accessorising is to draw attention to your best features. In the colder months when low cut tops are left in the wardrobe, the eye can still be drawn to cleavage by wearing a V-shaped medium length necklace, or layering several different lengths of necklace. Large natural beads such as wooden or stone beads are great for earthy autumn. Or contrast away from earthy naturals with mettalics. To enlarge the bust line go for a jewelled necklace.

Earrings draw attention to your face, long dangly earrings accentuate the length of your neck. Bracelets complete an outfit. Belts highlight curvaceous hips and a great pair knee high boots elongate the legs. A chocker creates a sexy collar bone. Work with your own body and place jewellery where it will draw the eye.

For the rock look a flash of animal print on a belt or a scarf, black nail polish or skull earrings. The skull motif, again on a scarf or belt has the same effect. Don't wear all these things at once and end up looking like a nightmare, the rock look is strong enough to come through with one or two small pieces.

The metallic look is perhaps easiest to achieve with jewellery, choose a colour which suits you and your existing wardrobe from gold, silver, bronze and copper. There are many bags and shoes in these colours available at the moment. For a bold statement red and gold is great, a cooler look silver and purple, have fun and mix your colours.

In contrast to these two harder looks the romantic look is about feminine softness. You can mix in the strong colours from the rock look but with ruffles or lace of embroidery. A large loose ribbon bow, oversized bag or sexy feminine boots. Long leather gloves also appear this season.

Jewellery that is big this season feature pearls, metallics, naturals (eg, wood, shell), heart shapes, discs, hoops, exaggerated facets on stones, bold colours and large natural statements such as butterflies and bold florals.

Most importantly have fun. You can always take something and make your own statement with it. Wear a long necklace as a belt, a scarf round your wrist, brooches as a chocker on a ribbon. Contrast fine jewellery with casual clothes.

Always remember that a small statement offset with neutrals is more effective than many bold statements which will clash and be confusing. Less is more.

Sunshine Jewellery
A passion for making jewellery and wearing it!
http://www.squidoo.com/fashiontrtendsforwomen

Skagen Men's Steel Collection Square Watch #621XXLRLD

Skagen Men's Steel Collection Square Watch #621XXLRLD Review

Skagen Men's Steel Collection Square Watch #621XXLRLD Feature

• 43mm diameter steel case and 6.5mm case thickness.
• Rose gold metal plating and Brown leather band
• Brown dial with Hardened Mineral crystal.
• Combo indicators and Japanese movement.
• water resistant at 100 feet

Skagen Men's Steel Collection Square Watch #621XXLRLD Overview

Ultra-slim in shape has just taken on a new dimension of design. Exciting new extra large square cases in silver or ion plated rose gold inspire a contemporary feel, while the classic layered dials keep time in style.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Apr 18, 2010 00:20:11

Shopping Online: Online Christmas Discounts for Shoes, Jewelry and Designer Clothes

Prices for designer clothes online are typically about 30% cheaper than they are on the High Street. Because online retailers don't have to invest in lush carpets and storefronts, they don't have the high overhead of the shops on the High Street. No mannequins to dress, no shopgirls to pay - and all those savings get passed right down to you. That means you'll find deals like Versace crew neck t-shirts as cheap as £15 and Burberry London Polo shirts for under £50.

The same holds true for jewelry and women's shoes. The online shops already feature deep discounts on designer watches, diamond chokers, stunning jewelry and the sharpest women's shoes. If you shop early, many online retailers will even waive the delivery charge, doubling your bargain price. And if price isn't a good enough reason to shop online, take a look at these other advantages to shopping by computer rather than car.

Avoid the mobs at the High Street shops.

Who wants to get into a tug-of-war over the last of the Burberry silks? When you shop online for designer clothes, you don't have to worry about some Aunt Annie snatching the perfect silk scarf out of your hand just as you find it. Just place your order and it will come straight to your post box. No worries about shops running out of your size or having to battle it out for the only pink Ferragamo pumps in the shop.

Shop when you want.

Why give up your lunch hour to battle the shoppers out in the shops? When you shop for jewelry and watches online, you never have to think twice about shop hours. The shops are open 24/7, 365 days a year. If your only time to shop is 3 in the morning, you're not naffed. The online shops never close.

Take all the time you want.

Why deal with snooty shopgirls if you don't have to? When you shop online, you can linger at the jewelry counter as long as you like without any clerk hovering to earn his commission. Go back and look a dozen times before you buy - no one's watching, and no one cares.

It's easy to get advice when you shop online.
So you think she'll love those shoes, but no one knows her tastes like her best girlfriend? If you're shopping the High Street, you'll have to go hunt her down and drag her out with you. Isn't it easier to just email her sis or her girlfriend the link to the shop and ask?

Cheap prices, convenience, safety - oh, did we mention security? When you shop online with a credit card, you're offered protections from fraud that you won't get out in the shops. Whatever you're shopping for this holiday season, you'll find it online - at a better price, at the time you want in the time you want. Why shop any other way?

Paul Sherlock set up "http://www.cheapestwebprices.co.uk" to help online shoppers find the lowest prices on the web for designer clothes, jewellery, watches & women's shoes. Cheapest Web Prices helps you to find online discounts for designer clothes, shoes and jewellery.

Skagen Denmark Mens Watch Carbon Fiber with Two Hands #803XLTRB

Skagen Denmark Mens Watch Carbon Fiber with Two Hands #803XLTRB Review

Skagen Denmark Mens Watch Carbon Fiber with Two Hands #803XLTRB Overview

Refined design in lightweight titanium with an oversized titanium case ion plated in rose gold attached with stainless steel mesh ion plated in black. Layered carbon fiber mixed with a smooth black dial featuring luminous hands and indexes, creates the ultimate durable, avant-garde timepiece.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Apr 06, 2010 17:35:11

Skagen Women's Stainless Steel Swarovski Crystal Accented Leather Watch #107SSLB

Skagen Women's Stainless Steel Swarovski Crystal Accented Leather Watch #107SSLB Review

This watch was exactly what I was looking for stylistically and functionally. The only complaint is that this is not a great watch for people with thin wrists. The smallest the strap adjusted to was 6 inches long (which I believe is standard). I think it just seems bigger than my link band watch because it shifts around more.

This is a feminine watch that is versatile in that it can be dressed down or up (the leather band is more casual than links but the crystals and the black dial is more dressy). Despite its small dial, it's very easy to read the time at a quick glance.

Very comfortable due to the soft leather band.

Skagen Women's Stainless Steel Swarovski Crystal Accented Leather Watch #107SSLB Feature

• 25mm diameter steel case and 6.5mm case thickness.
• Silver metal plating with Leather band.
• Black dial and Mineral crystal.
• Swarovski indicators and Japanese movement..
• water resistant at 100 feet

Skagen Women's Stainless Steel Swarovski Crystal Accented Leather Watch #107SSLB Overview

25mm diameter steel case. 6.5mm case thickness. Silver metal plating. Black dial. Mineral crystal. Leather band. Swarovski indicators. Japanese movement. 3 ATM water resistance.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Apr 05, 2010 07:30:06