How To Clean And Care Crystals And Gemstones To Enhance Their Positive Energy

Why it is important to care and clean Gemstones and Crystals?

By exploring their beauty and monitoring their effects that they cause on their users we can say without any doubt, gemstones are, indeed, one of great gifts of nature. Each and every stone has its unique characteristics and unmatched beauty. But beauty requires care otherwise it changes into ugliness with the vagaries of weather. Just like other things gemstones also require proper care and cleaning to keep their luster and sparkle in their natural way for centuries.

Many people believe that natural gemstones and crystals have specific vibrations that prove beneficial as well as harmful for the users. We get affected physically, spiritually and emotionally because of the associated vibration of these gemstones. These gemstones emit positive as well as negative energy and besides our own traits, the surrounding environment also plays an important role in the flow of these positive and negative energies. So, cleaning is quite important to provide a good atmosphere to these gemstones.

Cleaning gemstones physically

To offer a right cleaning to your gemstone jewelry and other items, it is essential to use safe ways to clean and preserve these gemstones.

You must use a small children’s toothbrush to clean any dirt on your gemstone.

Store your gemstones at such a place where they don’t rub to other gemstones and metals.

To prevent from breaking and crumbling, don’t soak you’re your soft gemstones. Garnet, amber, jade, pearls and pyrite are some of these soft gemstones.

Many gemstones are prone to high temperature and they need to be avoided from high temperature.

Use a soft pouch when these gemstones are not in use.

It is said that many chemical cleaners may harm some gemstones as they are natural objects.

Use salt and water to clean and purify your gemstones as salt and water solution is considered to absorb all the negative energies from the gemstone and the sea salt is the best option for it.

Another traditional method that has been used by Native Americans Shamans is a smoke of specific herbs that helps to clean the negative energies of the gemstones and enhance its positive energy manifold.

But these two given last methods are used to clean the negative energies and enhance the positive effects and they can spoil the beauty of some gemstones if they are not used by considering the natural substance of the gemstones.

Technorati Tags: keywords

Allergic Reactions To Jewelry Are Common

Millions of people experience unexplained skin irritations and itchy rashes. Many times people who suddenly get these irritations don’t have any idea what caused them. Rashes can be caused by a number of things. Some experts say that jewelry allergies are not onl very common, but very simple to prevent. If you have problems with a skin rash, redness, swelling, itching or burning in areas where you are wearing jewelry, you may have a nickel allergy. Nickel is commonly used in most jewelry, since it’s cheap and strong, but around 15% of the population is allergic to nickel

If you have recently had your ears or another part of your body pierced and are experiencing allergic symptoms, you may have become sensitized to the metal your jewelry contains. White gold and other gold that is less than 14 carats can bring on a reaction, since white gold is made with nickel and other forms of gold contain some amount of nickel as a hardening agent. Sterling silver is plated with nickel, which stays shiny and bright when silver might tarnish, and so is frequently used in silver jewelry.

When you get a skin rash after contact with an allergy-causing substance (an allergen), doctors call it allergic contact dermatitis. It can be a devastating condition. People with contact dermatitis can get a very itchy rash from head to toe or in a confined area. If it’s on the hands and feet it can cause a person not to be able to perform daily functions comfortably.

Determining whether or not your rashes or irritations are the result of an allergy to nickel is pretty simple. If it is something you’re wearing that’s causing you to break out, you should stop wearing that item. This should allow the rash to go away and not return unless you wear that particular item again. Also, your dermatologist can give you a patch test. This is done by using a panel of common allergens. The doctor puts a small amount on a patch of skin to see whether there is a reaction.

Sometimes people find themselves suddenly allergic to jewelry that they have been wearing for as much as five years.The reason for the delayed allergic reaction is not always clear. However a sudden change in sensitivity indicates that their may have been a change in your body chemistry, or a change in what you are putting "on" your skin such as cosmetics. Another reason might be some outside environmental change.

By: Victor Epand

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about jewelry and diamonds. When looking for jewelry, we recommend you shop at these sites for diamond gems, loose diamonds, diamond rings, fashion jewelry allergy, fashion earrings, fashion pendants, engagement rings, wedding rings, and wedding bands.

Technorati Tags: keywords

Celtic Jewelry, Symbolic And Beautiful

Today, Celtic jewelry is worn by men and women of all ages and all nationalities. Wearing this type of jewelry usually means that the person wearing it traces his or her ancestry to the Celts, an ancient European people.

However, a person does not have to be Irish or Scottish or have any other connection with the Celts in order to appreciate the beauty and significance of this jewelry. Many people wear this type of jewelry not only for its beautiful design but also for its symbolic meaning. Even though the symbolism relates to values embraced by the Irish culture, they have a meaningful message for individuals of all beliefs and nationalities.

These designs have a unique and very intricate beauty. The Celtic spiral is a symbol of eternity and is used in many jewelry items today. The Celtic cross is just as popular. This cross actually pre-dates the Christian cross by about two centuries. It is thought to bring greater knowledge and understanding to the person who wears it, as compared to the Christian cross, which is believed to protect the wearer from harm.

Whether given as a gift or cherished as a personal keepsake, this jewelry can be enjoyed just for its beauty alone. But having some knowledge of its symbolic meaning, and its place in history and tradition adds to its enigma and allure.

Celtic engagement rings are beautiful and can be perfect for any woman, whether Irish or not. The significance of this ring is really based on the beliefs, morals and principles of the Irish culture, but these ideals ring true to any couple that is to be wed. Unity, passion, love, and honor are absolutely necessary and important standards for every couple to embrace.

Celtic wedding bands hold a special meaning because they signify an important belief that most couples, will identify with. Claddagh rings are one example of this. Claddagh rings are used to express the different steps of the relationship with a special placement for each. The stages are friendship, engagement and last but not the least, absolute unity in marriage.

Jewelry with a Celt touch is beautiful and offers a message that should be embraced by the entire world. Many people will wear this type of jewelry for its meaning. Some will wear it for its beauty. However if you are giving this jewelry as a gift, you can be sure that you won’t go wrong with giving a gift that is beautiful as well as meaningful.

By: Victor Epand

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about jewelry and diamonds. When looking for jewelry, we recommend you shop at these sites for diamond gems, loose diamonds, diamond rings, symbolic jewelry, fashion earrings, fashion pendants, engagement rings, wedding rings, and wedding bands.

Technorati Tags: keywords

Coordinating Your Jewelry With Your Bridal Gown

Whether you are planning for a large wedding with hundreds of guests or a small intimate wedding with just close friends and family, the bride is always the center of attention. The jewelry that the bride wears has to coordinate with her wedding gown. When choosing jewelry for that special day she should keep in mind the style of her gown. The jewelry will be the finishing touch to her look. In the United States and other parts of the western world, there is a trend that seems to say that less is more. But each bride has the choice and privilege of following a trend or making her look unique and special. The following are just a few guidelines or suggestions that a bride should consider when coordinating her jewelry with the style of her gown.

Strapless Dress

A strapless gown draws attention to the shoulders and neck region, a bridal jewelry choker will compliment the line of the top of the dress. A choker brings a symmetrical and parallel line. Adding a sparkly pearl choker or collar with a strapless gown will look very elegant.

Open Backed Dress

If the bride is wearing an open backed dress, a bridal jewelry lariat is a good way to add the finishing touch to her look. A bridal lariat is a piece of jewelry worn around the neck with a longer piece that dangles in the back. Adjustable bridal lariats are available to give the bride the perfect fit.

Scoop Necked Gown

For a scooped neck gown, a simple one or multi-strand necklace is perfect. A necklace such as the simple one to five strand bridal necklace will frame the top of your wedding gown perfectly. A bridal jewelry choker will also go nicely with this style dress.

Square Top Dress

For the bride that has chosen a very traditional square top wedding gown, a single strand or double strand bridal jewelry necklace will add just the right touch. They will bring contrast and attract the eye towards the cut of the dress. For a very clean lined look, bridal jewelry chokers are the most perfect style of bridal jewelry for the square top dress.

Whatever style the bridal gown is, the right piece of jewelry will make a stunning bride look even more beautiful, so it should be chosen carefully. A wedding day is the one day that a girl gets to become a princess. Therefore, as a princess, you will want to make every aspect and detail of that day perfect.

By: Victor Epand

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about jewelry and diamonds. When looking for jewelry, we recommend you shop at these sites for diamond gems, loose diamonds, diamond rings, Wedding jewelry, fashion earrings, fashion pendants, engagement rings, wedding rings, and wedding bands.

Technorati Tags: keywords

These days, couples are looking for unique diamond engagement rings that are not just visually appealing but also have tremendous value and emotions attached to it. The couples always desire for engagement ring that is stunning and exquisite from others, after-all engagement is something that brings all happiness of the world into their life. To mark this auspicious occasion, no one can ask for more than a precious diamond engagement ring. Simultaneously, you can get best value for your money only if your diamond ring has the much required four Cs of diamond: color, clarity, carat and cut.

This is primarily the reason why diamond jewelry producing companies and online jewelry stores are focusing more on the ideal cut, using precise calculations to determine the appropriate angles and facet proportions that give diamonds the maximum fire, sparkle, and brilliance. An ideal diamond optimizes the stone’s reflection and refraction through its table, the large, central facet on the top surface of the stone that is most visible to us. Moreover, all these glittering diamond rings come with unique, elegant diamonds including various diamonds shapes like ideal cut round, princess, radiant, marquise, oval, asscher, trillion, heart, emerald and many more to suit the taste of the customers. So impress your special someone with these antique or contemporary styles & radiance of certified diamonds rings.

Last but not the least, while choosing the setting for your diamond engagement ring, you can choose from various metals such as: yellow gold, white gold or mesmerizing platinum. Gold has always been the metal of choice, but platinum’s high luster, high durability and resistance to tarnish has made it favorite among the new generation. The other good thing about platinum is that it even minimizes the allergy response for those with sensitive skin. Thus, choose your diamond setting from various designs such as prong settings, channel settings, bezel settings and more to make you sweetheart feel special on that important occasion.

Before I conclude, I would like to mention one more thing that is: you have the chance to choose your favorite diamond engagement ring from a wide selection of diamond engagement rings online by just clicking a mouse button. Online jewelry stores offer huge range of variety and the other important thing is that you can also design your own ring here. This means that you can shop around here for unique diamonds that you want in your engagement ring setting. So choose your setting ring and steal the heart of your soon-to-be-bride. Make it a point to shop for diamond engagement rings at one of the popular

Technorati Tags: angles, auspicious occasion, diamond color clarity, diamond engagement ring, diamond engagement rings, diamond jewelry, diamond ring, diamond rings, eternal beauty, facet, maximum fire, online jewelry stores, precious diamond, precise calculations, reflection and refraction, ring diamond, sparkle

Technorati Tags: keywords

Enlarge Image

What better way to show the world that you are in love than by the act of giving and receiving a diamond engagement ring? With many actresses and other famous women sporting bigger and sparklier diamond rings, celebrity engagements have become a delight for the jewelry lover. The size of the diamond is not necessarily the key as to what makes some of these rings so famous and recognizable, rather it seems to be a combination of the engagement ring itself and the famous lady it is associated with.

The history of diamond engagement rings

Maximillan I of Austria gave the first diamond engagement ring on record to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. He had the ring commissioned to unite their two houses and make their marriage a unifying symbol to the country.

The smallest diamond engagement ring ever made was given to Princess Mary who was married by proxy to the Dauphin of France in the year 1518. Princess Mary was two years old at the time.

Throughout history diamond engagement rings have become larger, more elaborate, and have included a wide variety of other jewels and metals. Diamond engagement rings settings can be made of silver, platinum, white or yellow gold or a mixture of these elements.

Famous ladies and their engagement rings

Celebrities and other famous people influence the look and style of many aspects in fashion and also set trends. Diamond engagement rings are no exception to this rule. The following is a partial list of the famous ladies and their equally famous engagement rings:

Royalty:

• Queen Elizabeth II received an engagement ring from Prince Phillip that was made from diamonds from his mother’s tiara.
• Grace Kelly was given a 12 carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring from Prince Rainier.
• Lady Diana was engaged with a ring made of an 18 carat blue oval sapphire that was circled by fourteen diamonds.

Actresses:

• Elizabeth Taylor was engaged to her third husband, Michael Todd, with an emerald cut diamond that weighed almost 30 carats. However, she is more known for her other pieces of jewelry, one more striking than the other: the 39 carat Krupp diamond, the 69.42 carat pear-shaped Taylor-Burton diamond and the 17th century heart-shaped Taj Mahal diamond.
• Priscilla was engaged to Elvis with a 3.5 carat diamond engagement ring that was circled by another 21 smaller diamonds and diamond chips.
• Sharon Stone was given a three diamond, 3.5 carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring by Phil Bronstien.
• Catherine Zeta-Jones’ promise to Michael Douglas was finalized with a 10 carat antique marquise diamond estimated at almost $2 million.
• Joan Collins got a heart-shaped diamond ring in a nineteenth-century setting from husband Percy Gibson.

Pop stars:

• Madonna received from Guy Ritchie an antique Edwardian three-stone diamond ring with a decorative platinum band. The Neil Lane ring was supposed to represent their family: mother, father and son Rocco.
• In the case of Toni Braxton, drummer Keri Lewis designed a stunning 4.5 three-stone diamond ring with an oval-shaped center stone and 2 heart-shaped diamonds on the sides.
• Paris Hilton, even though not a pop star but a diva anyway, received 2 diamond engagement rings from billionaire Paris Latsis, a $5 million 24 carat canary diamond ring and a $2.1 million 15 carat white diamond ring.
• Britney Spears has two engagement rings also: one that she bought for herself before the wedding, a $40,000 4 carat cushion-cut diamond ring with a platinum pave setting, and one that she received 9 month after the marriage from husband Kevin Federline.
• Christina Aguilera became engaged to Jordan Bratman after he presented a $54,000 20 carat diamond engagement ring designed by jeweler Stephen Webster.
• Whitney Houston sports a stunning 4 carat oval-shaped center stone with trillions on the sides which she received from Bobby Brown.

Replica diamond engagement rings

Of course there is the very famous pink diamond ring that Ben Affleck gave to Jennifer Lopez. This 6 carat radiant shaped pink diamond quickly caught the attention of the public and has become a highly sought after replica. It is completed with a platinum band as well as three baguette white diamonds on each side. The pink diamond engagement ring is reported to have been purchased for $1.2 million in 2002. The ring, while easily identified is also very feminine and modern looking.

Replicas of the famous pink diamond ring are now available for a moderate price. The cost of the replicas depends on the quality of the stones and the materials used in reproducing the pink diamond engagement ring.

Some replicas are styled as more antique diamond engagement rings. These rings have an everlasting quality and symbolize tradition and heritage. The recent engagement of Camilla Parker Bowles in February of 2005 featured such an antique engagement ring. The platinum ring has an emerald-cut center diamond with three diamond baguettes on each side. This ring originally belonged to the Queen Mother and is believed to be valued at over $1 million.

Since few people can afford the original item, there will always be a market for replicas of these one of a kind diamond engagement rings. The quality of the replicas varies, as does the price. It is important to note that the styles of diamond engagement rings that are popular with celebrities will soon become the styles that are sought after by the not quite so rich and famous.

Tim Richardson is your guide in the world of diamond engagement rings at http://www.loveanddiamonds.com/ where you can find tips on choosing the diamond and the setting for the perfect ring. You’ll learn about diamond shape, cut, clarity, weight, color, how to read a diamond certificate and how to avoid scams.

Technorati Tags: keywords

Diamonds: How And Where Do They Form?

It is hard to sometimes think of diamonds in their rough form, such as when they first arrive at the sorting centers from the diamond mines. However, diamonds are not what they appear to be at the jewelry store. They have an origin and a unique process of being developed, whether by nature or in a lab-created atmosphere. The following will describe the process of formation such as how and where they form.

How Do Diamonds Form?

The creation of the diamond is a marvelous thing to consider. The main element of which they are made, carbon, is formed by high pressure and high temperature beneath the surface of the earth. The combination of these two factors turn the carbon into the diamond gemstone. There are two ways to create diamonds, either naturally or via synthetic means. The high pressure high temperature technique is one which can be mimicked in a lab setting, thereby creating what is known as the synthetic diamond.

Where Do Diamonds Form?

In order for a diamond to naturally form, it has to be at great depths, even hundreds of miles into the earth. These diamonds come from two types of deposits which include primary and secondary ones. Primary deposits are kimberlite, or volcanic rock, which is carried to the surface of the earth by magma. As for secondary deposits, these were brought about by erosion of the primary deposits and consist of diamonds which have broken away from the initial primary deposits. There are quite a few countries where diamond mines are actively producing diamonds and some of these include South Africa, Australia, Namibia, Canada, Tanzania, Russia and Botswana.

How Common is the Production of Diamonds?

When viewing the wide selection of diamonds in jewelry stores, whether they be in rings, necklaces, bracelets or otherwise, some may think that the supply of diamonds is never ending. This is a nice thought however not quite on target. Even though deposits continue to be found throughout the world, only about 1% of those discovered deposits have a good enough supply of diamonds in order to make mining there an option. When viewing this factor, it is easy to see why diamonds are such highly coveted items and also why the price tags on these gemstones tend to be much higher than other types of gems. The good news is that exploration continues in the search for new primary deposit locations so that the diamond supply can be kept at a reasonable level and consumers can continue to enjoy these beautiful gemstones.

By: James Greene

James Greene is a Graduate Gemologist and Master Gemologist Appraiser. James has been in the diamond, jewelry, and appraising business for over 25 years and specializes in Insurance and estate appraisals. www.diamondmarketwatch.com

Diamond Formation

Technorati Tags: africa australia, atmosphere, botswana, bracelets, diamond mines, erosion, gemstone, General, high temperature, hundreds of miles, jewelry store, jewelry stores, magma, namibia, rings necklaces, south africa, synthetic diamond, target, two ways, volcanic rock