Jewellery of India

Jewellery (or jwelry or jwellery or jewelry) are personal ornaments to decorate body and head. Women are really fond of gold, silver and planinum jewelries. They are literally facinated about diamond jewellery. But all these oraments are costly they prefer iitation jwelry. Now days fancy jewellery became new fashion trend as they are really affordable to every woman. So anyone can grab attractions by matching beaded or swarovski jewelleries and american stone jewelry as necklaces, bangles, bracelets, hair brooces, hair clips, finger rings, ear rings and so on.. without making your purse much empty.

Get Interesting information on

• History of Indian Jewellery
• Jewellery of Sunga Period
• Jewellery for Head and Neck
• Beaded jewellery
• Metal Jewellery
• Types of Jewellery
• Indian Costume Jewellery
• Types of jewellery for different body parts
• Buying gold jewelry tips
• choosing proper jewellery
• care tips for jewellery
• Caring Tips For Diamonds
• Sensitive Skin and Jewelry Alergic?
• Fancy Fashion Wear Jewelleries
• Pearl Jewelry
• Sacred Nine Pearls in Hindu astrology
• Astrological gemstones or star stones

History of Indian Jewellery

Indian women were fond of jewelleries since the period of Harappa and Mohenjodaro culture. The period might be far before of that. In the excavations of both cities, Gold and silver bangles, gold beads, and agate and onyx beads all resemble jewelry found. Necklace from Mohenjo-daro made from gold, agate, jasper, steatite and green stone (lizardite or grossular garnet). Steatite beads are found in all four necklaces in the center of this collection of jewelry from Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. The gold beads are hollow and the pendant agate and jasper beads are attached with thick gold wire. Steatite beads with gold caps serve to separate each of the pendant beads. This necklace fragment is only half of the original ornament which was divided between India and Pakistan in 1947.

The story of Indian jewelry goes back over 5000 years to the prehistoric past. Different regions of India have jewelry making styles unique to them. In Orissa and Andhra Pradesh fine filigree work in silver, in Jaipur the delicate art of enameling or meenakari, the temple jewelry of Nagercoil and, Kundan or the setting of semi-precious or precious stones in gold from Delhi are now famous the world over. The wide variety of silver beads found all over India, especially in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh are also well known.

Women like to decorate their body by using verious jewelleris like hair broaches, mang tika, earrings, tops, zumkas, necklaces, Armlets (upper arm bracelets), Bracelets, Cuff links, bangles, ancklets, rings, Toe rings , lockets, pendants, chains, nose rings, nath many more...

In India ornaments are made for practically every part of the body. Such a variety of ornaments bear testimony to the excellent skill of the jewelers and craftspeople of India. Jewelry in Gold, diamonds, silver, sterling silver, precious stones and semi-precious stones is a rage all over the world. Nose rings, ear rings, bracelets, crowns, rings, anklets, amulets and necklaces, in any metal and styles can be found in India. The Meenakari and Kundan styles of jewelry making which have been influenced by the Mughal dynasty are usually used in combination to make jewelry pieces that can be worn as chokers and necklaces. The temple jewelry of Nagercoil consists of traditional gold ornaments studded with red and green semi-precious stones. These were typically used as offerings to the Gods and hence the name. Today, some of these designs are being made in silver and then washed with gold. In Assam, soft 24 carat gold is fashioned into earrings and necklaces modeled on the local flora and fauna-earrings like the hona, which replicate the orchid and the lokaparo, which consists of two birds placed back to back. In Nagaland, gold is used to craft imitations of the human head and long funnel shaped beads which are used in combination with shells, animal claws and teeth and precious and semi-precious stones. The designs in solid gold jewellery of Tamil Nadu and Kerala are inspired by nature. The paisley motif or the ambi, rice grains, the cobra's hood, melon and cucumber seeds are some of the common motifs.

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The range of jewelry in India varies from religious to purely aesthetic types. Jewelry is crafted not only for humans but also for the Gods, ceremonial elephants and horses. The craft of jewelry has been given royal patronage since ancient times when rajas and maharajas vied with each other to possess the most exquisite and magnificent pieces of jewelry. In fact, even today temple complexes bear testimony to this heritage as they reflect myriad styles of jewelry-scented sandalwood bead necklaces, the prayer bead or the rudraksh (berry of the elaocarpus canitrus) necklace, multicolored silk and gold thread necklaces.

Ref: http://www.indianslivingabroad.com/lifestyle/jewelry.asp

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Ancient Indian Jewellery

Jewellery manifests itself in many forms. Be it the gold, beaded or even jewellery made from gemstones in the modern or in the ancient forms, jewellery has got its own class and it adds a very different glamour to the person wearing the same. It might be very difficult to believe, but the history of Ancient IndianJewelleryhas undergone a tremendous change and the designs and delicate craftsmanship of the ancient jewellery are the basis of the designs used in the modern jewellery.

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Jewellery of Sunga Period
Later, due to the advent of the Sunga dynasty, the jewellery became a little refined. In the sculptures of the period references show us that the material used most frequently were gold and precious stones like corals, rubies, sapphires, agates, and crystals. Pearls and beads of all kinds were used plentifully including those made of glass. Certain ornaments were common to both sexes, like earrings, necklaces, armlets, bracelets and embroidered belts. Apart from these forms of jewellery, the only material evidence of a piece of Mauryan jewellery is a single earring found at Taxila dated second century BC, which is similar to Graeco-Roman and Etruscan Jewellery.They are as follows:

Earring (Karnika): These were of three types viz, a simple ring or circle called Kundala, a circular disc earring known as dehri and earrings with a flower-like shape known as Karnaphul.

Necklaces: These were also of two kinds; a short one called Kantha, which was broad and flat, usually gold, inlaid with precious stones, and a long one, the lambanam. These chain or bead necklaces were sometimes three-to-seven stringed and were named after the number of strings of which they were composed. At the centre of each string of beads was an amulet for warding off evil forces.

Armlets (Bajuband): These were of gold and even the armlets made of silver beads were worn on the upper arm, and were occasionally studded with precious stones.

Bracelets (Kangan): These were very often made of square or round beads of gold, and richly embroidered cloth belts completed the male ensemble.

Girdle (Mekhala): Women, in addition, wear girdles called mekhala, a hip belt of multi-stringed beads, originally made from the red seed kaksha.

Anklets & Rings: All women also wore anklets and thumb and finger rings. The rings were plain and crowded together on the middle joints of the fingers. Anklets were often of gold in this period, though silver was more common. They could be in the form of a simple ring, Kara, a thick chain, sankla, oran ornamental circle with small bells called ghungru.

Forehead Ornaments: Forehead ornaments for women were quite common and worn below the parting of the hair and at the center of the forehead. These consisted of thin plate of gold or silver stamped in various patterns, as well as a star-shaped sitara and bina. And a tiny ornament called bindi.

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Jewellery for Head and Neck

Earrings

1.This earring consists of a six-petalled blossom with a circular centre of applied wire enclosed by granules of regular size. The inner petals, cut from sheet gold, are plain; die outer petals, of stamped sheet gold, are filled with granules of differing sizes. Twisted wires are attached to the back and appear as loops from the front, adorned with granulated rosettes. Beneath the blossom is a turquoise vase mounted with granulated sheet gold; linking the vase and rosette is a stylized dolphin of sheet gold.

2.This earring, also has a vase pendant, like the preceding one, made of a pearl with finely granulated gold mounts, and with a pedestal foot. The dolphins are more naturalistic, worked in the round and chased. A trefoil of sheet gold, with applied wire and granulated borders, replaces the blossom. Chains to the top of the earring attach three seed pearls.

3.This earring has a blossom with five heart-shaped petals, filled with granulation, their points meeting at a small central disc. The pendant beneath has a compressed spherical bead, a ring of granules, and a turquoise bead set in gold and with a granulated terminal. The twisted wire loops set with granulated rosettes, are also seen here.

4. These earrings have two vertical rows of granules. It has a blossom and applied twisted wires. A one more gold ear-ornament was found in the south India, in the Nilgiri Hills and was used in the end of 1st millennium BC. These stylized blossoms are made from granules and pellets of gold, with tiny sheets of gold bent into high relief, mounted on a sheet of gold cut into the form of petals.

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Hairpin

This is a Hairpin finial in the form of a goddess Gold. The goddess depicted here is semi-nude and entirely western classical in style. Her left hand, held up close to her shoulder, holds a small stick; her right hand, on her hip, holds a bunch of leaves.

Jewellery Pendants

1. This pendant made from sheet gold, is an original use of `the curl and crescent in the local style, with the back plate `scalloped at the edges, in a leaf-like pattern. These beautifully worked and conceived gold jewels are amongst a group from the same source, of which some pieces have close affinities with finds elsewhere in south India and may well be of local manufacture.

2. The heart-shaped leaf of the pipal tree (Ficus religiosa) occurs very frequently in Indianart; Pipal leaves as ornaments at the end of chains are often shown on stone and metal images of gods and goddesses. The minute size of this pendant suggests it was made as part of the detachable jewellery of a bronze or wooden image; alternatively it may have been a pendant from a larger piece of jewellery, such as a head ornament.

Bulla
Bulla is a form of art that was found in South India, Nilgiri Hills and was used during the end of the 1st millennium BC. This was the gift of the Elliot family and were made from coins on clay, bullae are often found at ancient Indiansites. The decoration of this one, however, is unique and very much in the Nilgiri style, including the characteristic crescent at the top.

Medallion-Disc with Hariti
Here the goddess wears a short Hellenistic blouse and a diadem as worn by western classical deities. She holds an open lotus blossom in her right hand and a highly stylized cornucopia, one of her attributes, in her left, topped by a vase of fruits identified as pomegranates.

Plaque with Hariti and Panchika (Kubera)
This jewellery belongs to the Kushana period, from the 1st to the 2nd century AD. The god and goddess are depicted seated side by side surrounded by a beaded border. Hariti was an ancient folk goddess, the purifier and the protector of children, against smallpox. Her consort Panchika (or Kubera) was a folk god associated with wealth and was the guardian of one of the four quarters. Both were adopted into the Buddhist pantheon, innumerable portrayals of them being made in stone showing them seated together. Here, Kubera holds a staff in his left hand whereas she holds a flower.

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Beaded jewellery

Bead in the shape of an Elephant Pots Tone
This bead was found in the northwest of Indiansubcontinent in the 2nd century BC-2nd century AD and it has a human figure of indeterminate sex incised on the base.

Bead in the shape of a Mango
Lilac and golden brown agate, this bead is found in the northwest of the Indiansubcontinent, mostly used during the 2nd century BC-2nd century AD. The blossom has twisted wire loops and beneath is a leaf, or stylized butterfly, of sheet gold.

Bead in the shape of a Bird
This bead was found in the northwest Frontier Province and was used in the 1st Century BC.

Other jewellery

Relic Container
Small gold boxes, usually cylindrical, were often placed in stone reliquaries as containers for the actual relics; in this case one can see bone fragments and two small beads, for illustrations of a superb stone reliquary and its contents, including several little gold boxes.

Amulet Case
This case is made from gold with garnets and was found in Ahin Posh, near Jalalabad, Afghanistan and in use from the 2nd till the 3rd century AD. The openings on this eight-sided cylinder are backed with garnets, as are those on the two ends, one of which can be opened. Such cylindrical amulet cases were worn on a cord that could be seen on the chests of the bejeweled Bodhisattvas of the Gandhara period.

Part of a Bracelet
This bracelet is made from gold with sapphires and was given in Bodhgaya, Bihar by Sir Alexander Cunningham and was used in the early centuries AD. Small gold conch shells link the three gold flowers with sapphire centres. This bracelet was part of a deposit in a ball of clay found below the Enlightenment Throne during restoration in 1880-81 at the Mahabodhi Temple, on the site where Buddha achieved enlightenment.

Sunburst Ornament (Brooch)
This is a Gold set with a cabochon stone. Here, the stone is surrounded by a complicated and very distinctive arrangement of granules and thin gold strips, all mounted on a flat gold plate.

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Types of Jewellery made by different types of gems and metals

Jewellery comprises ornamental objects worn by persons, typically made with gems and precious metals.However, jewellery can and has been made out of almost every kind of material.While high-quality and artistic pieces are made with gemstones and precious metals, less costly costume jewellery is made from less-valuable materials and is mass-produced.

Enamel Jewellery:Enamel, is glass that is fused on to metal at very high temperatures. Thus, anything that can be made out of metal can be enameled; anything from vases to spoons, to frames to jewelry, from metal mesh to solid forms, from large to small, from fancy to plain. The cells are filled with granular glass and fired at temperatures of over 800°C. The use of minimal colour in many pieces continues the notion of being a sketch torn from a book. Vitreous Enamel is a true glass fused to metal. Through the years, a variety of enameling techniques has been developed. Some involve how the metal is prepared and some involve how the enamel is applied.

Bone and Horn Jewellery: Bone Artwork`s milky white appearance and soft flowing lines are just the start of what makes the Bone Carvings so special. Bone is soft and warm to the touch yet the finish is like polished glass. A well-crafted Carving seems to blend with the body and become a part of you, especially when worn against your skin. Bone types and sizes vary greatly and come from a variety of animals. The range covers many styles from very traditional pieces to more contemporary designs such as beautiful carvings.

Each piece is crafted by hand so even if the craftsman is following the same design, no two pieces will ever be exactly the same that include exotic inlays of shell or precious stones so as they really do represent superb artworks in miniature. They are often used in combination with leather and/or beads. Bone work must be tightly knit to offer the protection is was intended for. The addition of a centerpiece of carved bone adds significant value to the work. Smaller bone pieces generally require more work than larger pieces. Brown and black bone are generally more expensive than white. The longer the piece of bone, the more difficult it is to get and therefore more expensive. Horn bone is less expensive than internal bone.

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Leather Jewellery: They are relatively low cost items as they are produced from scraps. They are generally accompanied with some type of quill or beadwork. Each design starts from a flat piece of leather and is cut, shaped and glued until it forms a unique piece of jewellery. To get a three dimensional look different techniques such a s cutting leather, using leather punches, building up layers, rolling and covering wire with leather is used. Leather jewellery range comprises all types of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and broaches, which are finished with high quality sterling silver fittings. Fashion jewelry uses various forms of leather like hard leather and soft leather. It can be dyed, embossed, painted, perforated and carved. The leather used for making jewelry is generally in the form of threads, strips, covers and belts.

Quill Jewellery: Quills are dyed in colour using natural or commercial dyes. Quills can be used in full length or cut into small pieces and be pieced by width. They are often combined with beads and leather to make products. Quills should be sorted to and grouped to match each other. Products include earrings, necklaces, pendants, hair berets and chokers. Porcupine quills are hollow and thread is fed through to attach quills. They are very light in weight. Quillwork has a number of different methods. Pieces that are made with looping structures, or constructed with other mediums such as beads will vary significantly in price to those earrings that simply hang.

Wooden Jewellery:Fashion jewelry made of wood is renowned for its elegant and natural looks. Different textures of wood are artistically used to carve out a wide range of exquisite pieces manufactured in myriad designs and patterns. The jewelry items have natural wood color and are often artificially colored. They can be custom made to suit varied specifications and have hence been very popular items of ornamentation. While designing exquisite fashion jewelry, proper attention is given to detail, color and design that makes the jewelry items highly sought after by the buyers worldwide. Wood jewelry looks stunning with various finishes that bring about an appealing look. Some of them are available in polished form and few are unpolished. Beautifully painted, dyed, carved, inlayed, perforated and polished to add sheen to them by various techniques, jewelry made out of wood is widely manufactured by artisans and exported to various countries.

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Shell Jewellery:The shell is renowned for its deep scintillating blue green and turquoise colours and is often worked into jewellery. The iridescent shimmering lining of certain shells is known as the Mother of Pearl, it is so named as it is used to seed cultured pearl. Asian craftsmen for wood inlay boxes and carvings, also being worked into rings, pendants and earrings, have favoured it. For intricate style jewellery the inside colours of the shell are best and these can make lovely, shimmering pieces. These can then be saw pierced to the shape wished.

Shellac Jewellery:Shellac is obtained from the scale insects, Laccifer lacca. It is quite commonly found in India and Thailand. The female insect is the major producer of the shellac. Shellac has been used for centuries in India for a variety of purposes including medicines, dies, fixers and cosmetics. Lac jewellery is treasured in the traditional ceremonies. Apart from the ornaments it is also used for textile dyes, trinkets, pillboxes, sealing wax, fireworks, electrical insulators and other handicraft & gift items. It can be mixed with alcohol to make furniture varnish. Shellac is versatile in usage and can be colored, carved, inlayed, perforated, painted.

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Beaded Jewellery: Beaded jewellery is in sheer vogue especially among college goers due to their snazzy appeal and affordable prices. Various types of beads are bought to use, but authentic, traditional beads made of glass look classy. Plastic beads are sometimes used to reduce costs. Blue beads were historically considered chief beads and held in high regard in some cultures. Brass and nickel beads come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are used for many types of jewellery. Larger beads are easier to work with than smaller beads. Products include earrings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, berets, hair ties, broaches and chokers and rings.

Kundan Jewellery: One of the oldest forms of jewellery made and worn in India is the 24-carat pure gold Kundan jewellery. Kundan work is a method of gem setting, consisting of inserting gold foil between the stones and its mount. Often Kundan work is combined with enameling, Meenakari, so that a piece of jewellery has two equally beautiful surfaces, enamel at the back end and Kundan set gems in the front. Meenakari involves the fusion of colored minerals, such as cobalt oxide for blue, copper oxide for green. This, on the surface of the metal, gives the effect of precious stone inlay work.

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Plastic Jewellery: Owing to its easy availability, various craftsmen and manufacturers to churn out an enthralling range of fashion jewelry are experimenting with, plastic. The plastic jewelry items can be custom designed to meet specific demands of individual buyers as well. A range of designs is made over exquisite fashion jewelry to impart different look to the pieces. The manufacturers have been introducing different designs to match the tastes of the customers and ongoing trends worldwide. Available in the form of beads and chatons, plastic also has a special variety called the AB Plastic that can be plated.

Resin Jewellery: Resin jewellery is a beautiful material very easy to work that is used to do many types of jewellery, beads and some object that wants one to make, with diverse finished types. By using polyester resin endless myriad of colours can be mixed. This plastic can also be made to be as translucent or as opaque as desirable. Resin can be cast into a variety of shapes. Jewellery combines material, shape and colour to produce pieces that are amusing and tactile. Certain qualities of white resins are used to make imitation jewelry. The finished product resembles ivory. Due to all these qualities along with its lightness and affordability it is quite popular jewelry base material. The casting resins can be acrylics, polyesters, urethanes and epoxies. Each type requires some special treatment while molding.

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Acrylic Jewellery: Acrylic is the popular preference of millions of people all over the world. It is being increasingly used for body jewellery and is widely acknowledged. Fluoro jewellery is manufactured from PMMA Acrylics and acrylic resins are common names for polymers or derivatives of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid. No Wildcat Fluoro reactive pieces will strip away from threaded metal posts like many products of similar lines.

Art-tech Jewellery: Art-tech has been especially developed for the piercing industry and it is absolutely biocompatible. Of course we use Art-tech exceptionally with premium quality titanium. Underlying the beauty of the material and at the same time being highly resistant, art-tech colours are best suited for the precious finishing of jewellery objects. The fact that it can be easily polished combined with its outstanding adhesive strength; shock resistance and durability will ensure the quality of any product that has been treated by art-tech.

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Back line Jewellery: Wildcat Blackline body jewellery exists in a class of its own. All Blackline body Jewellery involves a PVD coating applied to a G23 medical titanium substrate, the adhesion is tremendous. Blackline body jewellery also possesses an extremely low co-efficient of friction and a micro smoothed surface texture. Blackline is further resistant to autoclave-induced corrosion and is compatible with steam and chemical sterilization treatments.

Glass Jewellery:The irresistible jewellery created using glass is elegantly molded and finished with utmost attention on each detail. The jewelry items are most sought after by the fashion conscious generation of today. Carrying a touch of class and richness, the glass fashion jewelry has found a lot of patronage among buyers, worldwide. A splendid mixture of elegance and style create the beautiful glass fashion jewelry. Glass is available in the form of beads that have hole going through them and chatons that do not have a hole. Glass bead jewelry, molded from the boiling glass, is available in different color combinations. Beads and chatons are available in rounded, uncut or faceted shapes, which are either hand-polished or machine-polished. They can be given varied finishes like glossy, semi-matt or matt finish. They can further have transparent, translucent or opaque resemblance.

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Crystal Jewellery: The superb quality of this range combined with its spectacular beauty makes it hard to overlook. Its remarkable form and colour combinations are due to advancements in technology, which have set new standards in jewellery. This astonishing line is produced using the "Free Setting System" with Swarovski crystals. This technical development has opened a completely new world of products made with Swarovski crystals, offering an amazing array of new possibilities. The crystals are all set by hand.

Ivory Jewellery: Ivory undergo ultraviolet analysis. Mammoth ivory, unlike elephant ivory, can display intrusive brown or blue-green coloured blemishes caused by an iron phosphate, viviante, which shows a spectacular performance under ultra violet light. Ancient ivory acquires unique and beautiful colourations of golden and chocolate browns, orange and occasionally pink, blue and green. The pleasing colour is due to minerals in the soil absorbing into the ivory, which has been buried for thousands of years. Quantities of this rare and exceptional material are extremely limited.

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Rice Jewellery: The rice is intricately woven in strings to form beautiful pieces of art. Rice Jewelry can be personalized, any name or saying of your choice up to limited letters can be hand written on a single grain of rice, free hand with bare eyes. The writing can be clearly read just like reading a book, in the magnifying miniature glass bottle charms. The rice and the writings will last a lifetime in clear or colored transparent oil preserves. What is written on the grain of rice is meant to bring you good luck and keep you away from danger and harm which is an ancient Turkish tradition and belief.

Ceramic Jewellery: White earthenware clay is used which is cut in to various shapes using organic materials to create patterns such as leaves. A lot of work goes into smoothing and shaping. The pendants and earrings are fired to 1,050 C then glazed in various colours to 950 C. Leather cord or thong is added some with clasps, others with adjustable knots, and others with lovely soft suede thong, which simply ties at the back of the neck. Another type is the cold porcelain jewelry which is made of cold Porcelain that is a clay which is drying on the air and is not fired in a kiln, product is not toxic and can be used by children, under supervision of adult people. Cold Porcelain is the common name of many types of clay unfired. Cold porcelain is making of two components (A and B), one of them of organic nature with mixed solidifies.

Rubber Jewellery: Spiky rubber jewellery constructed from shards of rubber with decorated coloured beads, sometimes with metal, twisted and knotted, give a feeling of delicacy yet rusty impression. The mould rubber jewelleries are soft and flexible, allowing the wax patterns to be easily stripped from the mould, increasing productivity. This flexibility enables difficult moulds to be made with heavy undercuts when stiffer rubbers would break the wax pattern. Jewelleries made from rubber last many years, retaining their elasticity and matte look.

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Oxidized Jewellery: Indian Oxidized jewellery gives the ethnic look. This oxidized jewellery is made of artificial silver with tribal and contemporary designs. In oxidized jewellery a blackened finish that is brushed back to show off the detailing on the jewellery is given and is used on silver. They are very common due to their cheap prices and yet that rich look. These jewelleries are usually worn in bulk during navratras otherwise light pieces are also available for casual wear.

Terracotta Jewellery: Today the terracotta jewelry makes exotic dressing style when worn with the traditional nomadic or tribal dresses. It can take up various earthen colors of pink, red, rust or gray creating a rustic appeal. The traditional shapes can be animals or the tribal gods or a more contemporary look can be given by using abstract shapes. The earth is first molded into the desired form and then baked in the kiln or in sun. The uniqueness lies in the fact that it can be molded in innumerous ways before backing. The fashion jewellery can be molded by hands or in molds. Different rough and glazed finishes can be given. They can even be painted, carved or embedded with stones or beads or embossed with patterns. The finished product of different locations takes up different finishes.

Designer Jewellery: The designer jewellery is presented in variety of designs meticulously crafted and with a kin dexterity. The bangles, body jewellery, anklets, bracelets, chains, etc, are provided in prudent craftsmanship. They are provided in different materials and designed for an ultra-attraction. Necklace is a renowned fashion accessory crafted with multicolor precious stones and beads to exude the class and elegance. Beads of precious stones/gemstones such as ruby, sapphire, emeralds are used in these necklaces for greater elegance. Bracelets come in drastic collections with endless designs meant for fashion. They often come in a classic combination of wood and horn. The colour-beaded bracelets represent the endless beauty and sophistication.

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Custom Jewellery: The Indian custom jewellery lets you explore your creativity while creating beautiful and personal unique jewellery. Costume designed jewellery is an entire process, begins with a sketching of the piece, and then creating a wax model and a mold. It can be formed with various metals and stones. Gemstones and diamond costume jewellery applies to rings and pendants enrich their outlook. Costume Jewellery come in latest, modern designs and sleek, with contemporary lines and geometric shapes. Costume jewellery provided in most exhaustive collections, such as multi stone diamond engagement rings. Birthstone jewellery is available in most customized specific pieces for gifts.

Stone Jewellery:Stone is embellished with beautiful designs made by using several techniques. Inlay work, carving etc are used to add value to the stone fashion jewelry items. The handcrafted fashion jewelry designs are originally created using various precious and semi precious stones and then individually assembled. There are 84 varieties of stones including 9 precious and 75 semi-precious varieties.

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Pearl Jewellery:

Pearl is a smooth lustrous round structure inside the shell of a clam or oyster; much valued as a jewel. Each type has its own characteristics due to the specific forming condition. We normally classify pearls by origin, then grade them within the types they subjected to by luster, nacre thickness, surface quality, size, color and shape. Basically, all pearls can be listed in two categories: Freshwater Pearls and Saltwater Pearls. It can also be divided into Natural pearls and Cultured pearls. The high value of natural pearls doesn’t mean they are better quality than cultured ones. That is just because they are rare, and their chances to be discovered by human can be even rare.
While pearl is more often than not a product from nature, it is difficult to control every pearl are as beautiful and colorful as we anticipate, therefore, people will use some artificial method to change or modify the appearance of pearls. Only by this way, the most beautiful sides of pearls can bring to us. This is very similiar to the process of a jeweler cutting a raw diamond rocket to get a perfect diamond. Pearl treatements include Bleaching, Buffing, Polishing
, Coating, Filling, Irradiation, Oiling, Dyeing (Ref: http://www.shecypearljewelry.com/pearl-guide)

The value of the pearls in jewelry is determined by a combination of the luster, color, size, lack of surface flaw and symmetry that are appropriate for the type of pearl under consideration. Among those attributes, luster is the most important differentiator of pearl quality according to jewelers. All factors being equal, however, the larger the pearl the more valuable it is. Large, perfectly round pearls are rare and highly valued. Teardrop-shaped pearls are often used in pendants. Pearls come in eight basic shapes: round, semi-round, button, drop, pear, oval, baroque, and circled. There is a special vocabulary used to describe the length of pearl necklaces. While most other necklaces are simply referred to by their physical measurement, pearl necklaces are named by how low they hang when worn around the neck. A collar sits directly against the throat and does not hang down the neck at all; collars are often made up of multiple strands of pearls. Pearl chokers nestle just at the base of the neck. The size called a princess comes down to or just below the collarbone. A matinee of pearls falls just above the breasts. An opera will be long enough to reach the breastbone or sternum of the wearer, and longer still, a pearl rope is any length that falls down farther than an opera.

Necklaces can also be classified as uniform, or graduated. In a uniform strand of pearls, all pearls are classified as the same size, but actually fall in a range. A uniform strand of akoya pearls, for example, will measure within 0.5 mm. So a strand will never be 7 mm, but will be 6.5-7 mm. Freshwater pearls, Tahitian pearls, and South Sea pearls all measure to a full millimeter when considered uniform.

Colors of pearl jewelry

Earrings and necklaces can also be classified on the grade of the color of the pearl. While white, and more recently black, saltwater pearls are by far the most popular, other color tints can be found on pearls from the oceans. Pink, blue, champagne, green and even purple saltwater pearls can be encountered, but to collect enough pearls to form a complete string of the same size and same shade can take years.

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Sacred Nine Pearls in Hindu astrology

The Vedic tradition describes the sacred Nine Pearls which were first documented in the Garuda Purana, one of the books of the Hindu holy text Atharvaveda. Ayurveda contains references to pearl powder as a stimulant of digestion and to treat mental ailments. According to Marco Polo, the kings of Malabar (now known as the Coromandel Coast) wore a necklace of 104 rubies and 104 precious pearls which was given from one generation of kings to the next. The reason was that every king had to say 104 prayers every morning and every evening. At least until the beginning of the 20th century it was a Hindu custom to present a completely new, undrilled pearl and pierce it during the ceremony.
The Nine Pearls, sometimes known as the Nava Moti, are a group of sacred gemstones described in the Vedic text known as the Garuda Purana.The nine are enumerated as the Oyster Pearl, Conch Pearl, Cobra Pearl, Boar Pearl, Elephant Pearl, Bamboo Pearl, Whale Pearl, Fish Pearl, and Cloud Pearl.

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Astrological gemstones or star stones

1. Aquarius

• Birth Stones – Garnet, Moss Agate, Amethyst
• Planetary Stone – Turquoise
• Talismanic – Jasper
• Power Stone – Amber

2. Pisces

• Birthstones – Smokey Quartz, Blood Stone
• Planetary Stone – Aquamarine
• Lucky Charm – Amethyst, Tiger Eye
• Power Stone – Turquoise

3. Aries

• Birthstones – Blood Stone, Ruby
• Planetary Stone – Red Jasper
• Lucky Charm – Leopard Skin Jasper, Blood Stone
• Power Stone – Aventurine

4. Taurus

• Birthstones – Turquoise, Amber
• Planetary Stone – Aventurine
• Lucky Charm – Topaz, Tiger's Eye
• Power Stone – Carnelian

5. Gemini

• Birthstones - Agate, Chrysoprase
• Planetary Stone – Tigers Eye
• Lucky Charm – Moss Agate, Amber
• Power Stone – Citrine

6. Cancer

• Birthstones – Emerald, Moonstone
• Planetary Stone – Moonstone
• Lucky Charm – Agate, Amethyst
• Power Stone – Carnelian

7. Leo

• Birth Stones – Carnelian, Onyx, Sardonyx
• Planetary Stone – Clear Quartz
• Lucky Charm – Peridot
• Power Stone – Citrine

8. Virgo

• Birthstones – Jasper, Carnelian
• Planetary Stone – Citrine
• Lucky Charm – Sardonyx
• Talisman – Zircon
• Power Stone – Amethyst

9. Libra

• Birthstones – Opal, Peridot
• Planetary Stone – Topaz
• Lucky Charm – Sardonyx
• Talismanic – Agate
• Power Stone – Amethyst

10. Scorpio

• Birthstones – Topaz, Citrine
• Planetary Stone – Rhodonite
• Lucky Charm – Blood Stone
• Talismanic – Amethyst
• Power Stone - Turquoise

11. Sagittarius

• Birthstones – Amethyst, Blue Quartz, Turquoise
• Planetary Stone – Topaz
• Lucky Charm – Agate
• Power Stone – Smokey Quartz

12. Capricorn

• Birthstones – Ruby, Agate
• Planetary Stone – Lapis Lazuli
• Lucky Stones – Onyx, Amethyst
• Power Stone – Quartz Crystal

Ref: http://www.starstones.org

These above all stones are fitted into golden or silver finger ring, worshipped it and then worn by person of perticular star.

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Tribal Jewellery: In ancient times people made jewellery out of natural materials like seeds, feathers, leaves, berries, fruits, flowers, animal bones, claws and teeth. A glimpse of this tradition can still be seen in the tribal societies. In India, the ornaments are made practically for every part of the body.

Gold Jewellery: Gold will not tarnish, rust, or corrode. This unique combination of properties makes gold a vital component in many medical, industrial, and electrical applications. However, the most vital use of gold is in the creation of beautiful and stunning jewellery pieces, which will last your lifetime. Gold jewellery is very precious and Bridal jewellery are made from gold. Gold earrings, gold necklaces, golden bangles, gold mangalsutra, gold maang tika, Jhumkas, mekhala, waist band (kamarpatta), finger rings and many more pure gold of 24 carats jewelleries are worn by Indian bride on their marriage ceremony. Indian women decorate their body with various gold jewellery on tradtional functions, festivals or occasions.

Also have a look on A to Z fashion, Fashion 2008, History of fashion

Iron Jewellery: Iron is a lustrous, ductile, malleable, silver-gray metal. Iron is an abundant element in the universe and hence iron jewelleries are offered in reasonable prices. They give an ancient yet snazzy look. Iron after rust proofing it is long lasting and can be treasured for a long time. They cannot be worn on a daily basis but are suitable for hangouts. Iron jewellery is gaining more and more popularity among this generation.

Copper Jewellery: Copper jewelleries are practical, beautiful and of the finest craftsmanship. Copper jewelleries inspired by the sights and sounds of Ancient Africa, started handcrafting this unique jewellery. This beautiful copper jewellery is hand finished by burnishing and heat-treating to get the earthy colours, which makes it so unique. Copper is also obtainable in the form of wire, tubing, rods, circles, etc. Today Copper jewellery is proudly extended to a beautiful range of unique necklaces, bracelets and other items.

Brass Jewellery:Brass is excellent for soft soldering, good for silver alloy brazing or oxyacetylene welding and fair for resistance or carbon-arc welding. Attractive jewelry is handcrafted from the metal brass and ranges from the sophisticated, modern items to exquisitely crafted designer ones. Brass fashion jewelry made in a medley of designs and finishes is exported the world over. Brass used for making exquisite fashion jewellery can be embossed, enameled, engraved, etched or even electro-plated to add a lot of variety to its range. They can even be moulded or inlayed. Being versatile accessory, brass fashion jewellery that can add a special flair to virtually any wardrobe. The hottest new jewellery to hit the shelves, brass jewellery can also be studded with semi-precious stones and beads etc for an enhanced appeal.

Bronze Jewellery:Bronze is an alloy of copper, tin, zinc, phosphorus, and sometimes-small amounts of other elements. Bronze has long been used in jewelleries like bangles, earrings etc. Bronze is ideal for casting art works; it flows into all crevices of a mold, thus perfectly reproducing every detail of the most delicately modeled jewellery pieces. Bronze jewellery was made in much the same way as Silver jewellery was, as the two metals have similar working properties.

Aluminum Jewellery: For craft purposes commercially pure aluminum with slight impurities of iron and silicon is used. Exquisite fashion jewelry made using aluminum is a perfect addition for any wardrobe. The polished aluminum fashion jewelry adds a touch of elegance and style to the wearers personality. The jewelry items also serve as lovable gifts for every occasion and bring about an aesthetic charm to the person wearing it. The trendy jewellery items in aluminum are often moulded and inlayed in beautiful styles. They can also be embossed, enameled, engraved, etched or electro-plated for creative lines.

EPNS Artificial Silver:Electroplated Nickel Silver or EPNS, as it is commonly called, has gained immense popularity for its use by the manufacturers to churn out beautiful jewelry in trendy designs and styles. Carving a niche for itself in the highly competitive international market, the jewelry made of EPNS looks extremely stunning and can be worn for all types of formal or informal gatherings. Indian manufacturers and exporters have started producing EPNS fashion jewelry on a large scale as it attracts a lot of buyers and importers from across the world. The elegant jewellery items made using EPNS are often moulded and inlayed to create ethereal designs. The metal can also be engraved or etched with impressive patterns in eye-catching styles to attract the buyers.

Also have a look on Indian wedding, Bridal makeup, Indian culture

Platinum Jewellery:Platinum is obtained as a by-product, along with gold and silver, in the refining of nickel and copper. It is a malleable, ductile, lustrous, silver-white and a chemically inactive metal. No other jewellery metal is as long lasting and wonderfully precious with its understated elegance and beautiful design. Platinum is harder, heavier and more valuable than gold, when polished or matt finished with a solitaire it looks great. When scratched unlike gold none of the metal is lost it is just moved. Platinum is the rarest of all the precious metals making it always in vogue. Platinum is also wonderful for people with sensitive skin as its hypoallergenic properties make it available to wear to anyone. Its ability not to tarnish makes it one of the worlds strongest jewellery products.

Silver Jewellery: Sterling silver is used for jewellery, which comes in various styles and designs. Silver never actually goes into the piercing, but can be worn on the outside of the body with out any problems. A number of silver captives that hang from closure rings are offered and come in great designs. Very popular also, are the navel rings, which sit inside the belly button and enhance your belly. Silver can be an ulternate for gold jewellery as it is cheaper than gold. Fine delicate jewelleries can be made from silver metal. But the only problem with this metal is that it became black if it is kept open for long time. As silver get affected by chemical reaction with oxigen in air and convert into silver die oxide. So always keep silver jewelleries into velvet covered box ox resham cloth where it can not get in contact with air..

Pewter Jewellery:Also known as white metal by jewelers. It is used for white metal cast rhinestone and other low melting cast costume jewelry. Pewter is a Britannia metal alloy of approximately 91% tin, 7 1/2% antimony and 1 1/2% copper. It is slightly dull than silver in appearance and does not tarnish readily. Pewter is soft and bends quite easily. 14 and 16 gauge are the most popular.

Also have a look on History of fashion, Fashion Tips

Titanium Jewellery:Titanium is now playing a major role in the jewellery market. Because of its three main characteristics, titanium is now challenging stainless steel as the most favoured metal in the piercing jewellery industry. Titanium is only half the weight of steel and can be anodized, offering a wide selection of surface colours. Not all grades of titanium and its alloys are suitable for invasive body jewellery applications. Grade 23 titanium can be used for all primary piercing and this jewellery has a super smooth surface and extreme chemical stability.

Stainless Steel Jewellery:For body jewellery three steels are used - Composition D Implantation Steel, 316L surgical steel and 316LVM Surgical Steel. Surgical Stainless Steels are used for body jewellery and manufactured from equivalent or higher standard material. Many of steel body jewellery items have been electro polished, which is a sophisticated surface finishing technique.

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Indian Costume Jewellery

It was around 5,000 years in the ancient past that the need for decoration of human bodies conceptualized the art of jewellery making in India. India has been a country that has been famous for its beads, gems and precious stones and it has attracted the Indian traders and the foreigners alike for the same. For the rulers, jewels were a statement of power, prosperity and prestige. But for the Indian woman, jewellery was and is, even today in many parts considered as a security, the value of which will almost always accentuate, never depreciate. However, progressing through time and history, Indian jewellery apart from just being a craft, has evolved into something even more - an art, both in design and workmanship. This art has grown and has even become famous all over the world due to the variety of jewellery made by the jewellery makers.

Also have a look on History of fashion, Fashion Tips

Jewellery in its every form, be it Gold, diamonds, silver, sterling silver, precious stones and semi-precious stones is a rage all over the world. Nose rings, earrings, bracelets, crowns, rings, anklets, amulets and necklaces, in any metal and styles can be found in India. The range of jewellery in India varies from religious to purely aesthetic types. Jewellery is crafted not only for humans but also for the Gods. Different regions of India have unique jewelry making styles. In Orissa and Andhra Pradesh fine filigree work in silver, in Jaipur the delicate art of enameling or meenakari, the temple jewellery of Nagercoil and, Kundan or the setting of semi-precious or precious stones in gold from Delhi are now famous the world over. The wide variety of silver beads found all over India, especially in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh are also well known. A few of the famous jewellery making arts are given below as follows:

Temple Jewellery

Classical and traditional in its appearance, temple jewellery is commonly associated with dancers practicing the dance form of Bharatanatyam or Kuchipudi. Temple jewellery is characterised by some of the finest handwork, painfully crafted by skilled craftsmen and jewelers consisting of traditional gold ornaments studded with red and green semi-precious stones offered to the Gods. From earrings to necklaces to pieces for adorning the hair, feet, hip and even the plait, the temple jewellery is surely an enviable possession. However, these are very expensive and it is due to the making charges, which itself is almost one-third of the total cost of the jewellery. Even today, only certain craftsmen, who have to follow stringent requirements during the course of making it, make the original temple jewellery.

Antique Jewellery

Antique Jewellery relates to the present trend and is in reality considered more of fancy jewellery. Antique jewellery is actually the modern day jewellery in gold or silver, which goes through a process of oxidising and is sometimes buried in a pot of clay, to give it a dull look.

Minakari Jewellery

The Minakari and Kundan styles of jewelry making have been influenced by the Moghul dynasty. Minakari refers to enameling a unique combination of gems, enamel pigments and precious stones and these are usually used in combination to make jewellery pieces that can be worn as chokers and necklaces. Moreover, this art was expanded to the making of the imperial thrones as well. The motifs used in this art were flowers, plants, scrolling vines and animal forms, amongst others. Minakari jewellery is sought after more, by people in North India.

Apart from these few types, there is a whole lot of range of the modern or contemporary jewellery made in India, which have already spread far and wide across the globe. Given here, is an insight on the matchless styles and modern designs in the forms of Indian jewellery that will surely take your breath away!

Also have a look on Sizzling styles, Indian fashion, Fashion funda, Fashion accessories

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Types of jewellery for different body parts

Jwellery varies by various types they are worn. There are various types of jewelleries women wear to flatter theirselves from hair to toe...

• Hairornaments
• Head oraments
• Neck
• Arms
• Hands
• Body
• Legs and Feet

Hair ornaments:

        Everybody loves jetblack, long, smooth and silky bouncing hair. But you can add attraction of your hair by decorating them with some fancy accessories. There are various types of hair jewelleries as hairpin, hair broach,  fancy/twiggy hair comb kind of hair accessory.

Here are some of the hair accessories and jewelleries

Brooch and hair: jewellery provided with a pin and a clasp and hairs located on the head of the human being.
Brooch: jewel provided with a pin and a clasp.
Pin for hair piece: object provided with two stems being used to retain the hairs higher than the nape.
Comb: object being used to retain the hair.
Hat pin: stem being used to secure the hat to the hair.
Head ornament: jewellery or decoration worn on the head.
Pin brooch: stem provided with two ends, of which one is removable.
Hair pins or hair clips: There are various clips and pins with diamonate, diamonds, sequenses of various designs, shapes and sizes. Butterfly clips, Hair Clips With Swarovski Crystals, wooden hair clips, Hair Sticks & Banana Clips, Diamante hair clips are popular among women.
Tiara: Bridal diamond tiara is mostly christian bride wear as her bridal hair accessory but nowadays most of the hindu women also prefer delicate tiare to make a bridal hair style

Courtesy: http://www.infovisual.info/06/090_en.html

Hair accessories come in different attractive shapes, size and styles like cute hair pins, butterfly clips, ruffles, beads, diamonds, vibrant coloured feathers, hair bands etc. But, there are a few points, while choosing hair accessories. They are:

Some Hair accessories tips:

• First and foremost whatever accessory you use be sure that it fits comfortably in your hair and is not too tight or rough and does not pull your hair too hard.
• For evening's party wears, go for a glamorous look by using jeweled hair clips, beads or even feathers on your hair.
• Your hair accessory should differ as per the occasion. Wear flowers to weddings or other festive occasions with traditional outfits. You can wear feathers, tiaras and the likes to complement western style outfits like evening gowns or cocktail dresses.
• The colour of your hair accessory should match that of your outfit, purse and footwear.
• To beat the summer heat your hair accessory should be such that it can keep the hair off the nape of your neck. If your hair is long use ruffles, ribbons, butterfly clips For those with short hair, cloth bands used to keep hair off the forehead, make a pretty picture.
• Hair bands are handy in the summer heat and it comes in various attractive colours . Hair accessories include the following
• When you have to dress up for an event, silk flowers with Swarovski crystals can be placed on a clip.

Courtesy: http://living.oneindia.in/beauty/hair-care/hair-accessories.html

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Making The Right Choice In Jewellery

Women have been fascinated by jewellery from time immemorial. Whether they are glistening diamonds, traditional gold or ethnic silver, women have been drawn to these embodiments of shimmer and style, whether they are the traditional bahus, the office going superwomen or even the gawky teenagers. Teamed with the right attire, jewellery can enhance the appeal of any woman, making her stand out in a crowd. It makes her feel beautiful, special and confident.

But it is important to remember, that Jewellery intended to embellish an outfit, can at times look garish and over the top, if they are not selected carefully, keeping in mind the outfit, the body structure and even the occasion.

Also have a look on Sizzling styles, Indian fashion, Fashion funda

Here are some things you can keep in mind when selecting your jewellery for an occasion.

·  A simple understated outfit can be contrasted with a stunning piece of jewellery.
·  Pearls have universal appeal and match/light up most outfits.
·  If you have delicate features try not to overpower it by wearing very large earrings.
·  Very large ear rings don’t look too flattering with short hair.
·  Long Chandelier earrings look great on women with long necks. But opt for short drop ear rings if you have a short neck.
·  Always create a balance between your neckpiece and earring. A dramatic necklace needs to be complimented by a discreet pair of earrings.
·  In the case of finger-rings, many similar looking ones can be worn together. A dramatic looking ring however should not be cluttered with other rings or even bangles and bracelets.
·  Don’t over co-ordinate your jewellery. Eg: a necklace with matching earrings, rings, bangles, rings. Always choose one piece of jewellery that will stand out.

Ref: http://magnamags.com/magna_savvy/node/495

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Care for your Jewellery :-

Vivah…….The most awaited moment in a woman’s life!

Jewellery is a woman’s companion through all occasions and emotions of her life. Look afterit well to keep it looking new, always

Every woman experiences nine emotions during her lifetime. These are Pyaar, Ikraar, Intezaar, Shringaar, Vivaah, Sweekar, Dulaar, Tyohaar and Uphaar. Vivaah is the occasion when women are showered with Pyaar, Dulaar and Uphaar. The Uphaar from loved ones is generally in the form of Jewellery. Most often the Jewellery be cared and looked after. Regular use of Jewellery once a month, using tips from Navaras on Jewellery care.

Jewellery has an emotional as well monetary value associated with it. Taking good care of it ensures that it can be enjoyed for generations.

Also have a look on Sizzling styles, Indian fashion, Fashion funda, Fashion accessories

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Jewellery Care

Taking care of your blings is as important as flaunting them. Here is a dekko at some important aspects of ‘jewellery care.’

Ref: http://magnamags.com/magna_savvy

Also have a look on A to Z fashion, Fashion 2008, History of fashion, Fashion Tips

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Maintain shine of your jewelry: Jewelry care tips

Jewellery designer Amisha Khanna gives some tips to maintain the shine and lustre of your favourite piece of jewellery. . .

• When buying any jewellery piece, check for its authenticity.
• Always wrap jewellery in tissue or cotton and keep it in an air-tight plastic bag or box.
• Polish gold, diamond or other semi-precious stones by soaking them in lukewarm water. Add one tablespoon of salt and detergent.
• Brush gently with a soft bristle brush. This is the best home remedy to practise if you wear jewellery on daily basis.
• Should you decide to hand your jewellery piece for polishing, ensure that the jeweller is reputed. Not doing so could result in the piece losing its purity.
• Pearls are the most delicate of all jewellery pieces. Wrap them in cotton and store them in a plastic box. Avoid direct contact with perfume or cream. If you have sprayed perfume, wear your pearls after.
  

Perspiration could change the colour of gold. This also happens if the mixture of alloys is not right.
Rest assured, when you open your jewellery box the next time you know what to expect.

COURTESY: http://www.indiwo.com

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Caring For Ur Diamonds

Diamond Jewellery loses it sheen if they are not cared for properly. Here are a few pointers about how you can retain the glamour of your diamonds.

·  Leave aside your diamond jewellery (read rings and bangles) when you are using household cleaners (sprays and polishes) as the chemical content in them will rob your jewellery of lustre.

·  In the same way, remove your diamond jewellery when you are about to take a dip in a pool, which contains chlorine. The chemical will discolour the jewellery.

·  Even though diamond is the hardest mineral, remove your diamond jewellery when you are about to engage in rough work. You might cause unnecessary chinks in your favourite ring, bangle or bracelet.

·  Sudden temperature changes can also harm jewellery.

·  Do not use soap to clean your diamond jewellery. Use a soft damp cloth to make it shine.

Ref: http://magnamags.com/magna_savvy/node/495

Caring for Diamonds the Right Way

Diamonds are forever, but after you wear them for a while you may find that they look like they have been around forever. This does not means that there is something wrong with them, but the how you wear them and the work you do can make them look dull.
If you don’t want to try just anything with your diamonds, because they do cost a bomb, clean and store them right.

Not a Shiny Rock

Your diamonds cost a bomb, but with regular wear you will find the once shinny rock, now looking dull and lustreless. This is because everyday lotions, dirt, soap, powder and even the natural oils from your skin can form a film over your diamonds will make them lose their shine. The shine of the diamonds depends on the amount of light that passes through, so a film of dirt obstructs the light making it lose the lustre

What You Can Do

If you want to make your diamonds looks shiny and new again, you can do two things

1.Use a soft tooth brush and warm water to gently clean it. But don’t forget to wipe it dry.
2. Give them to your jeweller to clean it up professionally.

Not in the Pool

The chemical reactions of chlorine and bleaches with your jewellery can ruin it. So take out all your pieces, including your mangalsutra and wedding band before you entire a pool, hot tub or use bleach to whiten that shirt.

Household Chores

While dusting or gardening, the dust and mud can stick in the prongs of your diamond jewellery and make them look old, dirty and dull. So take out your jewellery while doing these tasks. Remember that your ring, apart from getting soap stuck in while doing the dishes can also slip out of your hand get lost, or go down the drain! To avoid all the chaos that will cause, take out your jewellery before getting your hands wet and keep the safe in your cupboard.
Soap stuck in your jewellery can make it look old so take it all off before heading for a shower or even using a face wash.

No Sprays Please

When you head out, you put on your diamond bracelet, necklace and earring, and then you spray on your favourite perfume. But the chemicals in your perfume can turn your jewellery black! So make sure to spray your perfume on either before you put on your jewellery, or not on your jewellery.

COURTESY: http://www.indiwo.com

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Sensitive Skin and Jewelry Alergic?

Now days fancy swarovski and sequins fancy jewelery is easy available and also attractive. You may love jewellery, wear fancy matching jewellery to costume and little trinkets could be a part of your weekly shopping spree.
But these trinkets could bad investment for most of you. Reason? Allergies.

In fact, not only do ears get infected; you could even have trouble wearing your wedding ring or mangalsutra. So why does it even happen? And if you do have an allergy what can you do about it?

Cause for Discomfort

• Gold, silver and platinum jewellery is never 100 percent pure. Other metals are added to it to make it tough so it can be shaped and set with stones.
• Metals like copper and zinc usually don't cause allergies. However, nickel is known to be the cause of irritation when in contact with skin.
• "Even in fake jewellery, the metal is coated with nickel, causing infection," says Dermatologist Dr. Satish Udare.

According to Dermatologist Dr. Chetan Oberai, here are the common symptoms of jewellery allergies:

• The skin below the jewellery feels itchy.
• When you take off your earrings, the skin below will be peeled.
• You have little spots of blood and skin redness below your jewellery.
• Your nose piercing (or any other piercing) gets a pus boil.
• If you are wondering why you are allergic to it while your friend isn't, Dr. Chetan Oberai says being allergic to jewellery is hereditary.

Too Close for Comfort

"When jewellery comes in contact with your skin and you sweat, the sweat makes the nickel from the metal come out. This nickel then reacts with your skin and you get an allergy," says Dr. Udare.

So, when you wear jewellery during winter, you will notice that you won't have as many allergic reactions as you do when you wear them in summer.

Pure Gold and Silver

"It's very rare to find someone who is allergic to gold and silver in the purest form. It is always the nickel in the metal that can give you the allergy," says Dr. Oberai.

Sensitive Ears

It is a myth that one part of the body is more sensitive than the other. Remember, if your skin is naturally sensitive, wearing jewellery for even five minutes cause an allergic reaction. But if you don't have naturally sensitive skin, the areas where you sweat, or where the metal is in contact with your skin for a long time are more prone to allergies. For example, you will get allergic reactions when you wear earrings for a long time, or in the area behind a ring you wear daily. These are in a close tight contact with your skin and the sweat remains, causing allergies.

COURTESY: http://www.indiwo.com

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Guide to Buying Gold

Whether it is to celebrate a festival or express your feelings, this 'precious metal' is suitable for all occasions. Gold never goes out of fashion and can be given a desired shape and colour too!

In its pure 24 carat (k) form, gold is yellow in colour and delicate. Jewellery made from such gold is not durable enough and cannot be worn. To make gold fit for use, metals such as copper and silver are mixed with it. Diamond and other precious stone studded jewellery is usually made from 18 k gold.

Gold plated jewellery is usually made from silver and then plated with a thin layer or plating of gold. On the other hand, gold washed jewellery is made from any metal dipped in molten or liquid gold, which gives it a golden tint.

Pure for Sure

Reputed brands such as Tanishq and TBZ certify their own jewellery. A certificate is an assurance to the buyer that the jewellery they are buying contains the carat of gold mentioned on the tag. So, 18 k gold jewellery has 18 parts of gold in its pure form and six parts of another metal.

Cadmium gold - marked KDM - is pure gold soldered with cadmium, which helps gold / gold jewellery retain its purity when melted. However, this process releases toxic fumes, which are carcinogenic in nature and hence harmful to humans. Today, indium, which is similar to cadmium in properties, is used to solder gold.

Investment and Resale

As an investment option, it is best to buy gold in the form of gold coins and biscuits or bars and ingots. Advises jewellery designer Poonam Soni, "Gold jewellery is also a good investment option but make sure it does not have any intricate design. Jewellery is bought at a higher price, which includes the making charges and tax. These are deducted when you sell gold, so the price you sell at, is the price of the gold in grams."

Several jewellery brands have a buy-back scheme. In these schemes, new jewellery is exchanged for old jewellery, which you have bought from the same brand. You pay the difference as per the current gold price.

The price of a piece of jewellery depends on factors such as the carat of gold used, intricacy of design and whether it is machine or man made. Mostly, intricate designs involve manual labour and cost more. Due to the tradition associated with it, the price of gold rises during festivals such as 'Dassera' and 'Diwali'. So, it is not wise to buy gold during this time.

Colours of Gold

As with its purity, the colour of gold can also be changed with the addition of another metal to it. White gold is made with a combination of yellow gold and nickel. It is often mistaken with Platinum, which is a separate metal by itself.Similarly, red or pink gold is made from a combination of yellow gold, copper and silver. An increase or decrease in the quantity of copper or silver will give the desired shade of red or pink.

Antique and 'Kundan' Jewellery

Antique gold jewellery is made from low carat gold but has high making charges. It is made by painting or coating, over the gold to give it an antique look. A speciality of many jewellers from Jaipur, it consists of more floral and rounded designs.Kundan jewellery requires more creativity than antique jewellery and is traditionally made using the purest form of gold. Similarly, while traditionally diamonds were used, today white sapphires and pieces of clear glass are set in gold moulds, which are then joined with lac.Now, go get yourself some gold jewellery! Not only will it enhance your beauty but will also prove to be a great investment too!

(With inputs from Kooshy Charian, Regional Business Executive, Tanishq)
Source: Tanishq, /www.indiwo.com

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Making Old Jewellery Look New

You may be having some jewellery in your cupboard and lockers that you bought at sometime during your lives, or got from your mother. But you may not be using this jewellery because it's probably not in fashion anymore or you just don't like the way it looks.But all jewellery, whether old and new can be worn so as to look new with just a few tweaks…

Using It with a Twist

• You loved those beautiful rose studs but now you cannot wear them because you lost one from the pair. So now it's just lying there in the cupboard. But, you can take them out and ask your jeweller to take off the stick from the back and make a pendent of it.
• You can also take that lone earring, make a band and wear it as a ring.
• If your earring is a plain diamond stud, or a plain gold ring, your son may like to wear it if he gets his ears pierced. So, preserving them for a few years will be a great idea.
  

You can make your boring, stud earring look expensive and new by adding a lovely big drop below them. Also you can take medium sized earrings and add a hook taar and make it a pretty hanging earring. Or add a big round pearl below your square earrings to make them look sophisticated and chic.
COURTESY: http://www.indiwo.com

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Fashion Wear Jewelleries

Indian women facinated for fashion and fashion wears. They always looking for latest fashion and update theirselves with latest fashion wears. Fashion wear clothes look elegant when fashionable stylish fancy jewellery is worn with that.Fancy costume jewelry, designer jewellery, beaded jewellery, fashion jewelry, bridal fashion jewelry, party wear jewellery, arificial or imitation jewelry...there are many more varieties for you to choose. Fine fashion jewellery featuring gold, platinum, stainless steel and sterling silver jewellery with discounted diamonds, gemstones, cubic zirconias and pearls jewellery.

• Earrings, Chains, necklaces, Bracelets, Finger Rings, Hair Brooches, Hair Pins and Cameos, Tiaras, Pendants, Kada With Jhumkas, kundan bangles with jhumkas, Stone Setting Ring with Jhumkas
  Bangles with crystals and jhumkas
  
• Pearl Jewellery, Silver jewellery, gold jewellery, Stainless Steel jewelry, Gemstone Jewellery, Magnetic jewellery, Crystal jewellery, beaded jewellery, swarovski jevelleries, Kundan jewelleries
• Celebrity Jewellery, Party wear jewellery, fashion jewellery, fancy jewellery, wedding jewellery, bridal jewelleries
• Diamond Earrings, Turquoise Earrings, Pearl Earrings, Gemstone Earrings, Hoop Earrings, Chandelier (dangling) Earrings, Jhumkas (jhoomkas), Jhumka Hoop Earrings
  

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