Your Diamond

Cool Mens Watches

angele — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 15:23:53 +0000

Most watches are not all that impressive. They basically serve a simple purpose by telling the time and getting us where we need to be at the prescribed hour. Oh sure, some may be jazzed up, or all sparkling with diamonds and such, but still just a watch.

But it doesn�t have to be that way. Especially with mens watches, you have the opportunity to stand out and make a statement � even look cool! And unlike the diamond studded variety, one doesn�t have to break the bank.

The next time you want a watch for yourself or want to get one for a guy, why not forego the usual fare and investigate special purpose watches, such as those for aviators, or even better, check out dive watches. Yes, those specifically made for scuba diving.

They make a statement by alluding to what you might be up to when you�re outside your usual environment, whether that be home or work.

By the way, I�m not talking about getting some huge wrist mounted instrument. While those can be had, there are a great many models that while being much less obtrusive, still have features that make them noticeable.

So instead of looking down and seeing that same old boring timepiece, or more likely not even noticing it because it�s so everyday bland, you could be sporting a watch that says something � one that smacks of adventure or extreme sports.

Heck, people might even perceive that you�re a bit daring, nay even a risk-taker who embraces challenges and things unknown. At the very least they�ll get the idea there�s another side to this person they think they know.

It doesn�t even matter that you don�t dive � still looks cool. Besides after getting one, you may become intrigued enough with the idea, that you take up diving, which would complete the picture. At the very least, you can swim and enjoy other water-sports with it.

Anyone buying a gift for a husband, son, uncle, nephew, friend, or any other guy should pay attention here. A watch is a great and very practical gift idea, but if you really want to blow them away with something they may not have thought about, think beyond the ordinary mans watch and get them a dive watch.

It solves the problem of not only finding something they�ll both like and use, but they will never see it coming, and absolutely love it. Needless to say, the gesture will be most appreciated.

Bottom line, guys like cool stuff! Actually most everyone does, and whether they admit it or not, most guys like to show off, at least a little. This way they can show off, yet still remain subtle about doing so.

To read more about mens watches, and especially those for outdoor enthusiasts, or to check out some dive watches like those described here, and understand those watch features & what to look for, visit our dive watch website.

Cutting Stone - What to Cut?

angele — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 15:50:26 +0000

Give a lapidary an interesting piece of rough and they will probably sit right down at their grinding/polishing machine and start cutting it. Even so, many lapidaries have materials that they prefer to cut over others. Within certain limitations, just about any rock can be cut into a cabochon.

My husband and I love to take hikes in the high desert of Arizona, where we live. Just try to stop me from picking up rocks along the way. As we walk, my belt bag gets heavier and heavier. It�s a good thing that as I drink my water, it gets lighter. Everything balances out.

We have a lot of milky quartz, jaspers, and epidote close to where we live. I have cut all of these. They are not as spectacular as, say, a crazy lace agate or Bruno Jasper, but I love cutting them because I found them. Epidote is usually a very pretty green color. The jaspers we find are red and there is one that looks like Impression Jasper (green with pale cream banding), which is on the market right now. The milky quartzes are white and massive with black inclusions. Some have been stained pink or pale orange from the iron in the soil.

When you decide to cut a cabochon, some consideration must be given to its final use. If you are cutting them for display in your own collection, for example, size, shape, durability, etc. are not so much of a concern. But if their ultimate destination is to be put into jewelry, then you must think about these things.

There is a lot of good information already out there about all the various types of cutting rough. Much of it can be found right here on the Web. It is my intent to discuss two of my favorites. As you begin cutting your own cabochons, you will develop your own favorites.

I absolutely adore agates and jaspers. And that is really good because they are among the most common materials you will find. They belong to the Chalcedony (kal�-said-knee) Family. These are all called cryptocrystalline quartz and are composed of silicon dioxide. Silicon is the most abundant mineral in the earth�s crust.

You will find the most interesting colors and patterns in agates and jaspers. Whole books have been written about agate. I have an excellent book titled, �Agates: Treasures of the Earth� by Roger Pabian. It is a gift from my husband. The photographs are beautiful. Even if you do not care for the technical information, the book is wonderful just for the photos.

The nice thing about most agates and many jaspers is that they are quite hard and they take a very nice polish. Agates can vary somewhat in their hardness, but a good safe bet is that they will be right around a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. The Mohs scale runs from 1, which is talc, to 10, which is diamond. Quartz is considered a 7, and that is why 7 is a safe bet for agate.

Many jaspers are about as hard as agates, but there are some fairly soft jaspers. As a rule of thumb, consider your jasper to fall between about 6 and 7 on the Mohs scale. This makes agate and jasper suitable for rings and bracelets. The stones in rings and bracelets generally suffer more abuse than stones that are made into necklaces or earrings. Even so, many jewelers set turquoise into rings. Turquoise has a hardness of 5 to 6. Turquoise is another one of my favorites. But that is a very long topic and I will not be covering it today.

Another nice thing about agates and some jaspers, is that they are hard enough that you do not just grind them away to nothing before you know it. Some materials, like onyx, can be so soft that you must begin with a really fat slab. Montana agate is a dendritic agate that can form very interesting pictures that are frequently best seen in thinner slices. A thick slab would not let enough light come through. Jasper is never transparent. So that is not a concern with jasper.

When you decide to cut a piece of agate with wonderful banding and colors, do one of two things. Draw the final shape on the slab with an aluminum pencil or first cut a hole in a piece of paper in the shape you think you want and move it around on the slab to see what the best cut might be. Then trace the cutout shape onto your slab with the aluminum pencil. Any aluminum rod sharpened to a point on a grinding wheel will do. Use aluminum because water will not wash it away. Cabbing rough, as it is called, may be purchased in slab form. However, you can invest in a trim saw and/or slab saw and produce your own slabs.

Often, a trim saw will be an essential part of the lapidary�s equipment, even if a slab saw is never needed. It can be tedious and produce unnecessary wear on you grinding wheels if you rely on them alone to remove excess material from the slab. Some slabs will be so close to the final size and shape that it will not matter. For those that are larger, use the trim saw to take away as much excess material as possible.

Always, always, always go for the best display of color and pattern no matter what material you are cutting. Do not be afraid to waste material. After all, nothing is wasted if the result is gorgeous instead of just okay. You are putting a lot of your time and effort into this and to end with a mediocre result can be disappointing.

The most important thing of all is to have fun. Choose materials you love to look at and you will most likely love cutting them.

http://www.syzygyjewelry.com

Why Replica Watches Continue to Gain in Popularity

angele — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 15:50:26 +0000

Wristwatches are one of the favored forms of jewelry of men. They serve a functional purpose as well as provide a sense of status and style. Many of the most famous watch brands on the market are expensive, well-engineered instruments that generate a sense of envy in those that can`t afford their high prices. Because of this desire to own something that one cannot afford the industry of replica watches was born.

Genuine high end watches are typically assembled in Switzerland in well-designed factories. Replica watches, also known as counterfeit watches, are typically made in Asia by lower skilled workers with materials that are substandard to the genuine article. These watches are created using imported computer controlled machining tools that can create watch parts that appear to be the same as the Swiss parts they are duplicating. Replica watches come in a variety of quality levels. The watches that are typically sold to the average tourist are mass produced for literally a few dollars each. They are made with very poor materials and are very inaccurate when compared to a genuine watch model. They are not made to last; it is typical for these watches to stop working within weeks, if not days of purchase.

On the other end of the scale are the high end replica watches that use quality materials and are built around quality watch movements that are themselves copies of genuine Swiss movements. These watches are much more difficult to spot because of the improved level of quality and materials. They can cost into the hundreds of dollars and have the potential to last for years. They are produced in smaller quantities for customers who are willing to pay for this higher level of accuracy.

Genuine watch manufacturers of course take a dim view of replica watches. They actively work at shutting down replica watch factories and Internet sites. Still it`s an uphill battle as the replica watch manufacturers simply relocate to a new factory and begin again. Only a concerted effort by the watch manufacturers and the governments where these fake watches are created will have any real impact on their production.

Richard Brown is an expert on replica watches and has written books on the subject. His web site, The Replica Watch Report, has detailed reviews of the latest fake watches to keep the buying public aware of their increasing accuracy.

Discovering Diamonds

angele — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 15:50:25 +0000

Discovering Diamonds

Throughout human history, loose diamonds have been valued for their preternatural beauty and unmatchable sparkle, yet many people still have no idea of the range of varieties in which they can be found. If you`re thinking of buying loose diamonds, there`s a world of fascinating facts for you to uncover.

Loose diamonds can be purchased in their original raw state, but this is very rare, as most people lack the facilities to cut them and they`re difficult to appraise before cutting. Because of the rigid tetrahedral structure of its molecules, the only thing which can cut a diamond is another diamond, or a laser. Properly cut loose diamonds come in eleven standard shapes, the most popular of which are the round, cushion, emerald and oval forms. The pear, popularly known as the `teardrop`, is often used in necklaces, as is the marquise. Radiant, asscher and triangle (or `trilliant`) diamonds are popular in men`s jewelry such as cufflinks, whilst princess and heart diamonds have lasting romantic appeal.

Less well known is that, besides coming in different shapes, loose diamonds come in different colors. Clear diamonds are traditionally the most highly valued loose diamonds, since traces of yellow or brown staining (from nitrogen impurities) are relatively common, but more unusual colors can actually raise the market value of loose diamonds. Pink and blue diamonds are prized by jewelers, but are usually very pale. Occasionally, strong red, green or blue colors can be found in stones which are still unmistakably loose diamonds, and these can command a very high price.

Understanding the different varieties of loose diamonds available to buy is the first step in learning to trade in them successfully, whether you`re hoping to make big profits or just to get a good deal on loose diamonds for use in personal jewelry. No matter how they`re cut, loose diamonds are always beautiful, and you`re sure to find yourself wanting more.

Karen Baron

Loose Diamonds -DoW carefully inspects and selects only the finest diamonds for our exclusive collection.

Pearl Necklace - Always Look for Luster

angele — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 14:44:34 +0000

Luster is the hallmark of any pearls quality. Pearls are grown in lakes, rivers and sea. When it comes to buying pearls or for evaluation, be it freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls or Akoya seawater pearls, Tahitian pearls, South sea pearls, pearl luster is the prime and one of the key dominating factors. Pearl size, pearl type and how clean is pearl surface are other evaluating considerations.

Pearl necklaces are very famous for its natural beauty and white color brilliance.

Pearls natural colors and its lustrous appeal bring charm and elegance to any necklines. Women love wearing pearl necklaces. Beauty of pearl necklace is unique in its own way and if diamonds are forever, pearls are timeless fashion statement. High quality pearl necklace truly brings grace and elegance to the wearer. Pearl necklace designed with selective matching colors and size of pearls is indeed a designer art. About 40-50 pearl beads are carefully hand-knotted and string together to make a beautiful and gorgeous pearl necklace. Pearl necklace go very well with all wedding gowns and is a preferred choice of many brides and bridesmaids.

White color pearl necklace is very traditional and classic but pearl necklaces are now available in various other colors and sizes as well. Pearl necklace designed with freshwater pearls are very good in quality and very much affordable now. Pearl necklaces come in various other types of pearls also such as Akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls and South seawater pearls. Akoya pearl necklaces are typically more expensive than their cousin freshwater pearls and have always been in high demand for its high luster and nearly perfect round shapes. Black Tahitian and golden south sea pearl necklaces are excellent in quality and generally command higher prices both in domestic and international markets.

Pearl necklace comes in various lengths and each pearl necklace length has very fancied name given by pearl jewelry industry:

Pearl Collar ~ 12 � 13 inches,

Pearl Choker ~ 14 � 16 inches,

Princess Necklace ~ 17 � 19 inches,

Matinee Necklace ~ 20 � 25 inches,

Opera Necklace ~ 26�36 inches,

Pearl Rope ~ Over 37 inches

Large majority of the pearl necklaces sold by pearl jewelers are Princess Necklace length types.

kheri
http://www.pearlprincess.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kheri_Chawla

Are artificial diamonds a good alterative for the real diamond

angele — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 23:45:28 +0000

There are plenty of offers of jewelry that has artificial diamonds instead of real diamonds. This may cause you to wonder if you are being ripped off, and what the differences are between real diamonds and artificial ones.

Real diamonds are mined, whereas artificial diamonds are made in a lab. The main difference is in pricing, real diamonds are extremely high priced, supposedly due to scarcity although diamond mining companies have been accused of exaggerating the actual scarcity of diamonds in order to boost their profits. Whether or not this is true, the fact remains that artificial diamonds are significantly cheaper than real diamonds.

If you do not have the money needed to invest in jewelry with real diamonds, artificial diamonds can be a great choice. Although you will know the difference, you may not see the difference, depending on the quality of the artificial diamond you choose. Many artificial diamonds are very similar in appearance to real diamonds and most people cannot see the difference without training and/or proper testing equipment.

Many people buy synthetic diamonds because they do not wish to sponsor “blood diamonds” and child laborers that are often involved in harvesting diamonds. Another advantage is you don’t have to worry about getting ripped off after paying a large sum only to find you bought an artificial diamond for the price of the real thing. When buying an artificial diamond, you got exactly what you bargained for.

When shopping for artificial diamonds, go down to a local jewelry store and take a look at both real diamonds and artificial ones, make a comparison yourself. Chances are that without orientation, you won’t be able to tell the difference between a well made artificial diamond and a real one. Naturally, like with most products available, there are high quality and poor quality artificial diamonds. The artificial diamonds of lower quality will be murky and cloudy. A high quality artificial diamond will possess all the same qualities of a real diamond, and be indistinguishable from the real thing for the naked eye.

One way to tell the difference between high quality artificial diamonds and those of less quality is by analyzing the jewelry involved. Low quality jewelry will usually be fitted with low quality artificial diamonds, whereas high quality jewelry, usually made of gold and boasting fine workmanship, will generally be fitted with the finest artificial diamonds available. Depending on who you are buying the jewelry for, a lower quality artificial diamond may be okay, but if it is meant to be a special gift, you will want to invest a little more and buy jewelry with high quality artificial diamonds. Just because the artificial diamonds are not the real thing, does not mean they are cheap jewelry, artificial diamond jewelry is far cheaper than jewelry with real diamonds, but it is still considered quality jewelry and prices can be reasonably high.