Diamond Rings and More

Posts Tagged ‘heart jewelry’

Before the invention of the American Dollar, the British Pound, or the Indian Rupee, what did people use to denote currency? One of the timeless ways to denote one’s wealth was often by how much gold he/she owned. Heavy and rare, it’s been used as a status symbol and symbol of wealth throughout the ages. This is our free gold guide, and we hope you enjoy our journey into the world of this precious metal. Enjoy…

Gold is one of our most valuable and precious metals. It’s also very malleable and soft. Did you happen to know that? A mere ounce of the stuff can be stretched into a fine wire about 5 miles long. If you were to pound that same ounce of gold, it would form a thin sheet that could cover 100 square feet. It won’t corrode or rust, so it will last almost indefinitely. It’s also all around us. It’s in our seas and rivers and bodies of water. It’s in the crust of the earth that is beneath our feet. It is also in our plant life. Unfortunately, it’s very hard to locate and extract, so it’s very expensive as well. It takes about 2.5 to 3 tons of gold ore in order to make 1oz of pure gold.

The Most Popular Metal For Jewelry Is?

The most popular metal in the modern jewelry of today is gold. More specifically you can find many different forms of heart jewelry that use gold. In terms of one single jewelry item, it is without a doubt the “simple gold wedding band” (since weddings are so popular). As we mentioned, gold is malleable and soft, it can’t really be utilized in its pure form. It must be mixed with other metals in order to make it more strong and durable. Do you know what combining two or more metals is called? The resulting metal is called an alloy, and most of the gold that we use in our jewelry today is found in the form of an alloy. What types of gold jewelry are there you ask? Consider: (1) 18k gold jewelry, (2) 14k gold jewelry, (3) Indian gold jewelry, (4) White gold jewelry, (5) Gold jewelry, (6) 24k gold jewelry, (7) Rose gold jewelry, (8) Gold body jewelry, (9) Wholesale gold jewelry, (10) Gold charm jewelry, (11) 22k gold jewelry, (12) Gold horse jewelry, (13) Gold plated jewelry, (14) Other cool gold jewelry items.

Do you know where the word karat comes from? It is derived from the word for the fruit of the carob tree. Here are some derivations: in Arabic we have qirat, in Greek we have keration, and in Italian the word carato. You see, the seeds of the carob tree’s fruit were used in ancient times for measuring precious gems. Since the pure gold Byzantine coin (called the solidus by the way) weighed 24 karats, the 24 karat mark (24 KT or 24K) became the symbol used to indicate that an item was pure gold.

Karats or Carats?

When we talk about gold we often refer to the term karat (or carat). Bugs bunny preferred carrots over carats or karats, but that is another topic all together. When you are going to be paid in carats, well, then you are really talking about getting paid in cold hard cash. In jewelry terms, the carat has two meanings. It is used to refer to a measurement of weight for gemstones (in which one carat is usually equivalent to 1/5 gram), but in some countries around the world it can also be used to indicate the amount of pure gold in a piece of gold jewelry. In America, when we want to indicate the gold content rather than the weight, we use a “k” (derived from “karat”), to avoid any confusion that may arise on this matter.

In most instances 24K gold is too soft to be used in jewelry. In some parts of the world they prefer to use 18K or 20K because of its brighter yellow color and the simple fact that it is closer to being pure 24K gold. In the United States 14K or 18K is preferred because it is more durable.

Ever Heard of Gold 990?

There is a new alloy on the way that we should mention. Gold 990 is an alloy of pure gold and only a small amount of titanium. This means you have almost pure gold, with greatly increased durability. This alloy is of “straw color”, and is similar to the look of 14K gold, so those looking for that 24K gold look should look further. Still, if you are looking for a way to have “almost pure” gold and better durability, this alloy may suit you great.

This brings us to the question “In order for something to be called gold, how many carats must the item be?” The rules for this vary, depending upon the country. In the United States, in order for an item to be called “gold” it has to be at least 10K. In France and Italy it must be 18K, while in Canada and England the number is 9K.

Why Does Gold Always Seem To Be Yellow?

Gold is mostly associated with the color yellow, but not all gold is yellow. Why is this? For starters, pure 24K gold is always yellow in color. As mentioned earlier, since pure gold is too soft and malleable for jewelry use, and since countries have different standards for what “gold” means, you can change the color of “gold” by exchanging the alloys that you happen to add to it. Here’s the formula: Yellow gold is made up of gold, copper and silver. Green gold is made up of gold, silver, copper, and zinc. White gold is comprised of gold, nickel, silver, zinc, palladium and platinum. Pink (or red) gold is composed of gold, copper, and sometimes a tiny amount of silver.

Underkarating

There is one more thing that we should talk about before we leave this subject of carats and karats. When you are purchasing a piece of jewelry you should be concerned about underkarating. This is a serious problem in many areas around the world, so be sure to purchase your jewelry from a reliable jewelry store or reliable jewelry outlet. Underkarating means that although the jewelry item is marked to indicate a certain amount of jewelry content it can contain less than the amount indicated. Jewelers who sell underkarated jewelry will sometimes boast about the fact that you are “getting a bargain” In actuality you are not getting anything of the sort. Since the jewelry item they are selling you contains less gold and more alloy than what is indicated, what kind of a bargain is that? As always, the buyer must beware. Only purchase jewelry items from reliable sources.

What is the Manufacturer’s Registered Trademark?

Before you purchase any jewelry item you should always look for a manufacturer’s registered trademark. You will find it near the karat mark. Manufacturers take this trademark very seriously. Lately, more jewelers are getting concerned about being held liable, so they are willing to only purchase jewelry items from manufacturers who are willing to stand by what they sell. This particular trademark can be traced back to those who made this jewelry, so their reputation is on the line. They won’t dare mess up in this particular area of the process.

What About Skin Discoloration?

Have you noticed that sometimes when you wear your gold jewelry you have skin discoloration? What is that? It’s not the pure gold that is causing this reaction. Pure gold does not tarnish, and so it will not discolor the skin. It’s the alloys that are added to the pure gold that are causing this strange discoloration effect. This situation happens mostly under moist or damp conditions. These alloys mix with the fatty acids (that are present in your perspiration), and this can set up a corrosive reaction. This problem can be even worse in those areas with salt air, so if you plan a trip to the beach (with your gold jewelry)…beware.

Oh and one more thing we should talk about. Metallic abrasion that is caused by some makeup is another common cause of discoloration. Some makeup contains compounds that are actually harder than the jewelry in which they are coming into contact with? Did you know that? As these compounds rub and grind against the jewelry you are wearing they can cause some of the gold to flake off. The result is a dark looking “dust”. When this “dust” makes contact with your sweaty skin, a black smudge is what is left over.

So, What’s the Solution?

Now that we have identified the problem, what is the solution to discoloration resulting from jewelry? You need to get into the habit of removing the jewelry often and washing the skin that it is coming into contact with. Plain soap and water is the preferred solution. Oh and remember to keep your jewelry clean as well. You should wipe the jewelry periodically with a nice soft cloth to remove any tarnish that may “build up”. It might also be a good idea to use a body powder that is free of abrasions on all areas of your skin that will be in contact with the jewelry you wish to wear.

Why not check and see if a similar piece of jewelry is available from another manufacturer? You may find that one jewelry item causes discoloration while a similar looking one does not. This doesn’t necessarily mean that one piece is inferior to another mind you. Jewelry manufacturers often use different alloys (or different combinations of alloys) in jewelry development. Although the pieces may look the same, one piece of jewelry may cause discoloration while another may not.

Why not switch to a more pure form of gold jewelry? This could resolve the problem entirely. After all, it is these alloys that are causing the problem, and if remove more of these alloys, “problem solved”.

The Conclusion of the Matter

We hope you enjoyed our Free Gold Guide Tour into the World of Gold Jewelry and Skin Discoloration. If you would like to learn a bit more, please visit our blog on www.BeautifulHeartJewelry.com. We do focus on heart jewelry primarily, but we also provide general information regarding the history of jewelry, and where you can purchase other great jewelry items.

Betsy Johnson has two great blogs: heart jewelry and open heart jewelry if you would like to learn more.

We all know that jewelry can come in various shapes, types, and forms. No exception to this rule: Beautiful Heart Jewelry. Gemstones are a welcome addition to many jewelry designs, but do you know all the various types of gemstones that can be utilized? In this short, brief article we will be focusing on the different types of gemstones that are most often used in the production of fine jewelry.

Amber is not made from minerals, but from compressed tree resin. This tree resin has to harden for over 1 million years before it can officially be called “amber”. Many of the Baltic States, such as Lithuania, are leading producers of the world’s finest resin. Some amber can be over 120 million years old.

The most prized gemstone in the quartz family has been amethyst for many years. Prized for its purple hue, it can range in tone from light to dark.

Emeralds are a very ancient gemstone. It is believed that the Ancient Egyptians mined these fine gemstones as far back as 3500 B.C. They are known for their fine green to bluish green color.

The most popular color for the gemstone Jade is “green”, but it can come in other colors as well. It has a nickname: “The Stone of Heaven”, and it has been closely linked to Asian tradition, culture, and history.

The gemstone jasper can come in a variety of colors. It is a member of the chalcedony family. Known for its very interesting and elaborate patterns, one of the most popular forms of this gemstone is the “picture jasper” (which is specifically known for it’s beige’s and browns and swirls).

Rubies, amongst the most highly valued precious gemstones, are known for their intense red color. In the Sanskrit language the word for ruby is “ratnaraj”. It means “king of precious stones”.

One of the most popular gemstones in the United States is the sapphire. One reason could be that it is much more affordable than an emerald or ruby. Sapphires can come in various types, but “blue sapphire” tops the list. It is known for its medium to deep blue color.

The world’s largest turquoise producing region is in the southwest United States. In fact, turquoise is found in only a few places on earth. It is prized for its attractive color (medium blue or greenish blue) and its ancient heritage. It is very popular in some modern sleek designs.

Did you know that some gemstones are classified as organic? This refers to the fact that they are produced by living organisms. Examples of these types of gemstones are coral, pearls, and amber. Other gemstones are classified as inorganic, which means that they are composed of minerals.

We hope that you enjoyed this brief tour into the world of gemstones that are most often utilized in the creation of jewelry. Heart jewelry uses these gemstones very heavily. Beautiful and colorful, these gemstones can add significant value to a piece of jewelry.

Want to find out more about heart jewelry or open heart jewelry, then visit Betsy Johnson’s blogs.

Long before the American Dollar, the Indian Rupee, or the British Pound came along there was another measure of currency that spanned the globe. Do you know what it was? It was gold. In fact, in many areas of the world it is still used as a form of currency today. Both rare and very heavy, it has been used as a status symbol for both merchants and kings. In this article we will be exploring the world of gold. We hope you enjoy this little journey into the wonderful world of this precious metal.

Denoting itself as one of the worlds most valuable and precious metals, gold sets itself apart from the rest of the precious metals. It is so malleable and soft that just one mere ounce of it will produce a wire that can stretch 5 miles in length. If you would prefer to pound it rather than stretch it, you could create a sheet that will cover 100 square feet. Because it cannot corrode or rust it will last almost indefinitely.

It can be found almost everywhere. It is in our rivers and seas, in the crust of the earth, and in our plants as well. Unfortunately, it is expensive and difficult to extract…which is why it is so pricey. It takes about 2.5 to 3 tons of gold ore to produce one single ounce of pure gold.

Gold is the most popular metal in today’s jewelry. This is pretty much a given. It is used in fine jewelry, heart jewelry, good jewelry, cool jewelry, you name it. Most of the gold goes into one “shape” though. Do you happen to know what it is? It’s the simple wedding band. Since gold is so soft and malleable, it is not used by itself though. It is often combined with other metals to give it strength and durability. When two or more metals are combined they form what is known as an alloy. Most of the gold that we use in our jewelry production today is in the form of an alloy.

What are these various types of jewelry you ask? How about: (1) Gold jewelry, (2) Wholesale gold jewelry, (3) White gold jewelry, (4) Gold plated jewelry, (5) Gold body jewelry, (6) Gold charm jewelry, (7) Rose gold jewelry, (8) 24k gold jewelry, (9) 14k gold jewelry, (10) 22k gold jewelry, (11) 18k gold jewelry, (12) Indian gold jewelry, (13) Gold horse jewelry, (14) Plus other fabulous gold jewelry items.

Have you ever heard the word karat before? It is often used when referring to gold. It is derived from the word for the fruit of the carob tree. Some popular examples are: the Greek word “keration”, the Italian word “carato”, and the Arabic word “girat”. The seeds of the carob tree were used to measure the size of precious gems in the ancient world. Since the solidus (the pure Byzantine coin) weighed in at 24 karats, the 24 karat mark (or 24KT or 24K) became the mark used to denote that the item in question was in fact made of pure gold.

That’s it. We’ll wrap up this tour of the world of gold for now. Please visit our blog where we will go into more details on the subject of gold, heart jewelry, and just jewelry in general. See you there…

Betsy Johnson has some great deals for you at: open heart jewelry and heart jewelry. Check them out!

What does the “heart shape” conjure up in your mind? For many of us, we think of love and romance. This shape has effectively worked it’s way into St. Valentine’s day, our greeting cards and presents, and into the design of our jewelry items as well. Jewelry is often made from gold, silver, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, etc., but by adding the “heart shape” into the mix we add the concepts of love, romance, caring and belonging as well. In this article we will explore the world of heart jewelry, the “heart shape” as a symbol, and take a peak at the world’s most famous heart-shaped diamond.

For years and years the heart symbol has been used to refer to not only the spiritual and emotional, but also the moral and intellectual core of a human being. It is usually colored “red” as this suggests not only blood (which the heart is responsible for pumping thorough the body), but strong emotions like passion and what emotion can possibly be stronger than that of true love?

Heart-shaped diamonds are very rare in nature, but they do exist. The “Blue Heart” (also called the “Eugenie Blue”) diamond is perhaps the most famous of these. In fact, many people consider it to be the best example of a blue diamond that has ever existed. Rivaled in fame by only perhaps the Hope Diamond, it is the unique heart shape that makes the “Blue Heart” really stand out from the crowd. From the standpoint of simplicity and pure elegance, it’s hard for any gem to compare with the “Blue Heart”.

Weighing in at 30.82 metric carats, it’s debatable whether the “Blue Heart” diamond is of African or Indian origin. Antanik Ekyanan cut the rough diamond in Neuilly, Paris in either 1909 or 1910. The dimensions of this beautiful gem are: 20mm x 19mm x 12mm.

The diamond wound up in the possession of an Argentinian woman named Mrs. Unzue, who had it set into a corsage. It was sold to Cartier in 1910. When it was sold to Van Cleef and Arpels in 1953 it was still in the corsage setting.

An European family ended up with the diamond next, and they sold it to a gentleman named Harry Winston in 1950. He placed this heart jewelry gem into a ring and sold it to Marjorie Merriweather Post. Now on to it’s final resting place… Marjorie Merriweather Post donated it to the Smithsonian Institution, and this wonderful example of heart jewelry is on display here today. For trivia buffs, three of the world’s most famous diamonds, the “Blue Heart”, the Hope, and the Heart of Eternity were all on display at the Smithsonian at one time.

Betsy Johnson has some great deals for you at: open heart jewelry and heart jewelry. Check them out!

Ladies are actually quite easy to buy for. If you get them almost anything and package it with love, they will generally love it. Chocolate, candy, flowers, stuffed animals, perfume, heart jewelry, etc. Yes, they will love almost anything you can dig up if it is given in the spirit of true romance and love. Having said that, is this the present that they really want to receive? That is the question!

The key to the whole process is to listen, and I mean truly listen, to what they are telling you. In the words of her voice are those precious hidden gems that can translate into that perfect present. She will probably not tell you directly though…that would be a bit too easy now, wouldn’t it? You will have to use your brain along with what they are telling you to resolve this problem. You might actually need to use your memory on this one. They could be telling you in April what would be a perfect gift once their birthday in August rolls around.

If your memory is not what it used to be, then be sure to take a pad of paper and a pen with you. In this way you will be able to take notes that are those invaluable memory joggers once the time comes. Besides her words, notice what she uses to comfort herself…things like sweets or books or CD’s. In these gems you will find your gifts.

Remember to always keep this simple idea in mind. When she goes through a magazine or book does she often show you a picture or image and say how “cute” or “sweet” this looks? Quick! Now is the perfect time to get out that pad of paper and pen to write it all down. When you go to a good friend’s house or are in a shopping mall, does she often pick up something and say how wonderful it is? Get out that pad of paper one more time so you can record it for later.

If you keep these tips in mind you will be able to get her just what she wants the next time a special occasion comes around.

Are you interested in sterling silver heart jewelry? Betsy Johnson’s website on heart jewelry for your family and friends is the place you need to go.