2009年4月25日星期六

The Lost Wax Method for Creating Custom Tiffany Jewelry

Have you ever looked at a piece of your Tiffany jewelry and wonderd just how the Tiffany jeweler made it? How do they create the fine detail in a piece of jewelry and what about the smooth swirling shapes. The fact of the matter, is that every piece of fine Tiffany jewelry starts out being made from wax. Its called the 'lost wax' casting method and it is amazing to see from start top finish.

The first step is to create the piece out of sculpting wax, which is the same wax that dentists use to make crowns for peoples teeth with, because dentists use the lost wax method for casting gold crowns. Then the wax piece is then encased in a can that is filled with wet plaster and allowed to cure and dry. After the can of plaster with the wax piece in has dried it is then placed in a hot kiln so the wax 'piece' in it can melt and burnout of it.

What is then removed from the kiln is a hunk of plaster with the hollow shape of the wax piece left in the middle of it. The Tiffany jeweler will then place the hunk of plaster in a device that spins around and uses centrifugal force to push molten metal down into the hollow shape inside of the hunk of plaster. It will then be allowed to cool and then the plaster will be chipped away revealing the piece of jewelry where the wax piece once was.

It will be cleaned up and then any details will be carved into it or welded onto it using a jewelers delicate tools and a Tiffany jewelers torch. If any stones or gems are to be added to it, that will be the last step that is taken. It is then given a final polish and it is done. This method of making jewelry has not changed in thousands of years.

Close Look at the Use of Wedding Tiffany Rings and Bands

Wedding rings and bands are similar to Tiffany engagement rings in that wedding rings and bands are used to symbolize the undying love of the giver for the recipient. For some countries and cultures, it is normal to wear wedding rings and bands on the left hand's ring finger while in other places it is more acceptable to wear wedding rings and bands on the ring finger of the right hand instead.

Hindus and other people who live in India may use toe rings rather than wedding rings and bands on the hands for the wedding.

The reason couples to be wed have to buy Tiffany wedding rings and bands is that these are supposed to symbolize the fidelity of the man to the woman and vice versa.

In some cultures, Tiffany wedding rings and bands would be the ultimate gifts that have to be given out. Generally, betrothal in such cultures would start with the engagement ring given by the man to the woman, followed by other gifts. More contemporary traditions that may be encouraged by Tiffany jewelers is for the man to give out more ring-type gifts such as the promise ring that signals the start of formal courtship; followed by the commonly-accepted Tiffany wedding rings and bands; then maybe an eternity ring which may be given out by the man after their first child has been born; and culminating with the trilogy ring that is supposed to indicate the past, present and future of the couple in that marriage.

Wedding rings and bands may have the names of the couple engraved on the inside of the wedding rings and bands. If possible, even the date of the Tiffany wedding might be engraved on the inside of such wedding rings and bands.

In the British way of doing things, the best man (who might be the best friend of the groom) has the responsibility of guarding over the wedding rings and bands prior to the wedding ceremony. At the specified time, the best man is to produce these wedding rings and bands for use by the bride and groom. Sometimes, this duty is given to the Tiffany ring bearer who is a young boy that might be the son of a friend of the couple or even the child of the couple themselves.

For some Europeans, the Tiffany engagement rings may live a double life as the wedding rings and bands later on. The difference being, when the couple is to be wed already, the Tiffany engagement rings may be engraved with the names and the date of marriage thus turning the simple engagement rings into bonafide wedding rings and bands.

Now, what happens if one partner in the marriage passes away? The fate of the wedding rings and bands may lie in the balance here, because it depends on what is acceptable in the family, the culture and the country that the married couple lives in or lived in. One generally accepted practice is for the surviving spouse to inherit the Tiffany wedding ring of his/her partner and wear it along with his/her own wedding ring.

Tiffany Diamond Illustrated Jewelry

Better a Tiffany diamond with a flaw than a pebble without. The Chinese philosopher, Confucius explains an explicit expression of a diamond. Beauty, purity, durability and undying value, all elucidate the magnificent. Diamond studded Tiffany jewelry express sentiments. Thus, Tiffany diamond ornaments are considered hearty presents for special occasions.

When comprehending the origin of Tiffany diamond, India reminds us about the valuable. Around three thousand years ago, when discovered, diamonds were believed to have magical powers. Talismans made of rough Tiffany diamond were used to keep evil away and a defending force in battles. Also, they were believed to have medicinal powers in healing, curing illnesses. So that the mine workers did not smuggle Tiffany diamonds, they were deemed as poisonous when consumed.

After the discovery of some famous species like the Kohinoor and the Blue Hope in India, appetite for the mystic beauty grew throughout the world. The Orange River beds, then Australia and then Lake Argyle are now contributing in supplying diamonds to the world. However, India continues to be famous in diamond polishing along with huge deposits of the rhombic crystalline.

The crystalline is the imperishable, known for its hardness, non abrasive, transparency and light dispersion attributes. A form of carbon, diamonds can bear high pressure and temperature. Since diamonds are a token of richness, many fear the consequences that may follow wearing the Tiffany jewel.
Diamond cutters influence the value of Tiffany diamonds with their talents. However, nature has its impact in its own way. Nature controls features such as the carat weight, color and clarity, which are consistent factors that make the stone look so beautiful.

One factor that unlocks the magnificence of the rough diamond or the crude mystical and that is the way the stone is cut. Usually the stone is chiseled with 58 facets. Some common shapes that Tiffany diamonds resemble would be pear, heart, round brilliance, emerald, marquise, oval, square, circles and baguette and princess cuts.

Diamonds with maximum clarity rate the highest and with maximum impurities or inclusions are priced the lowest. Flawless diamonds with the best cut could be highly expensive. If a diamond is cut well but has impurities, the inclusions would block dispersion of light. Similarly, if a flawless diamond is not well chiseled, it will resemble an unappealing glass rock. Juvenal, a Roman satire poet says that many individuals have, like uncut Tiffany diamonds, shining qualities beneath a rough exterior.

Diamonds are available in varied color fancies, white crystal clear being the common and in demand. Yellow, pink, brown, blue, champagne and green are other colors that assort the variety of Tiffany diamonds available. The chemical content in the stones determine the various shades of the valuable. As the intensity of the color increases, so does the value.

For all the diamond fanatics, it will be interesting to know legends about some significant diamonds such as the Star of Africa, the Excelsior, the Great Mogul, the Kohinoor and the Blue Hope Diamond, the Centenary and the Regent.

It is believed that the Kohinoor brought misfortune to the male possessors who owned it or wore it but brought good luck to the female holder. After it was passed on to many rajas and sultans of India ultimately went in the hands of the British empresses. Now the diamond studded crown or the Crown of Jewels stays in the Tower of London. The Star of Africa also known as Cullinan I is studded on the Crown of Jewels.

Other than these famous diamonds evacuated, every Tiffany diamond speaks its own individuality. Every diamond differs from one another. Diamonds are significantly valued for their extreme clarity. The name of this precious jewel itself signifies its unique personality. The named is derived from a Greek word adamas that means the unconquerable. The unbeatable radiance, brilliance, is noteworthy for evoking romantic fervor, undying love, admiring beauty, and display opulence.

Tiffany Diamonds are though, cut in various shapes, and chiseled into various optical facets. But these diamonds are further studded in gold, white gold and platinum to make them wearable. There are various patterns that make the ornaments look so regal and striking. Floral, serpent, charms, swirls, nebula, starthread and many more are designed by artistic, skillful designers into bracelets, medallions, cufflinks, tags and pendants.

Tiffany Diamond ornaments are also found associated with other gemstones like rubies, emeralds, topaz, sapphires and pearls. The designs are also made customized. Diamond ornaments are useful far and wide for gifting during various occasions. Thematic patterns are a common trend. For a romantic occasion, hearts, solitaires, and letters are generally gifted. Tags and large Tiffany diamonds are commonly gifted to men. Cufflinks and watches are also studded with these Tiffany gemstones worn by the elite class.

Weddings, birthdays, valentine day, anniversaries, inaugurations, and corporate occasions are the best time to gift these valuables.

Music Tiffany Jewelry Box - a Great Gift for Any Woman

Tiffany Diamonds have long been used in fine Tiffany jewelry designs and are treasured today, especially in our most coveted type of Tiffany jewelry - the engagement ring. This precious gem is expensive, and there are many things to consider before buying any type of Tiffany diamond jewelry.

Here are 10 things you should think about before purchasing a Tiffany diamond:

1. Finances. Before you buy a diamond, think about if you really can afford it. Even though every man wants to buy his fiance a 5 carat Tiffany diamond ring, it would be unwise to charge it on his credit card if he does not have the means to pay for it.

2. Determine the kind of diamond that he or she wants to purchase. Is a small one ok, or is it size you are going for? Remember a smaller Tiffany diamond of better quality may be worth more than a larger Tiffany diamond of less quality.

3. Choose the store. To be sure that you are getting what you pay for, it would be best if one purchases their diamonds from known dealers of gemstone jewelry. Since online purchases for Tiffany diamonds are available, check first if they are real dealers.

4. Certification. Real diamonds are certified. Make sure to look for a certificate before buying one.

5. Determine the carat of preferred diamond to be purchased. Most Tiffany jewelry stores offer the most sought-after carat, from 0.5 to 2 carat ones. Also they are priced according to such standards.

6. Determine the color grade. If one wants to purchase a bigger diamond at a much lesser price, one only has to choose those that have much lower color grades.

7. One or several stoned ring. A 1.5 carat solitaire Tiffany diamond is more expensive than another one that has 6 stones at 0.25 carat each. This is due to the fact that larger diamonds are much harder to find.

8. The shape. Diamonds are cut in square, marquises, oval or pear shaped ones. The last three shapes are the ones that make a diamond look much larger than it actually is.

9. Choose the color. A colorless Tiffany diamond is much more expensive than one that has slight colorations. Some prefer slight colorations to give it a more subtle touch of flair.

10. In the end, what really makes a purchase satisfying depends on ones standards. If an individual would be much happier with a 0.5 carat diamond than a 5 carat one (for the simplists), go ahead purchase one, even if he or she can afford 5 carat ones.

2009年4月24日星期五

American Idol Tiffany Jewelry Favorites

The merchandise is everywhere: American Idol t-shirts, American Idol Tiffany jewelry, American Idol accessories - all the things you need to make you look like your favorite American Idol! More than anyone else in this day and age, kids aspire to be the next Fantasia Barrino, the next Ruben Studdard, the next Carrie Underwood, and to get their shot in the limelight so they can let their talents shine.

Everyone wants to be the next American Idol. But do you have what it takes? Do you have the smarts, the guts, and the talent to survive Simon Cowell's scathing words and signature death glare? And above all, do you have the "look"? Having the "look" of an American Idol doesn't mean mimicking your favorite onstage personality exactly, but by having your own style and being your own person. When defining your image as a showbiz personality, as the AI judges themselves like to say: you have to be true to yourself!

So, what is the "look" you need? You don't have to pick one Idol and copy how he or she walks the walk and talks the talk. What you need is to look at all the Idols and see what they have in common with you, so you can clearly identify what it is about you that is "Idol material." Note that American Idol isn't all about being unique, though uniqueness of course scores major plus points with the judges - it's about being hip, catchy, in line with the times!

Take the lovely Fantasia Barrino, winner of the show's third season, for example. While onstage she notably sported different Tiffany bracelets, at least on her right wrist. All of the accessories she chose complemented the clothes she wore, and set off the warm earth colors she wisely picked out for herself. In the end, Fantasia's smart accessorizing paid off: in honor of her victory at the end of the show's third season, Paula Abdul gave Fantasia some of her personal signature jewelry line. Now that is true American Idol Tiffany jewelry!

And then we have the classic beauty Kelly Clarkson, winner of the first season. Onstage, Kelly enhanced her snazzy designer clothing with elaborate rings and earrings. Interestingly, Kelly seemed to have chosen gold more frequently over silver, perhaps to complement her rich blonde hair. In a photo shoot with OK! Magazine, she sported showy gold dangle earrings and charm bracelets - modern and yet elegant.

We also have Ruben Studdard representing the guys! While not big on accessorizing with Tiffany jewelry, Ruben has appeared on more than one photoshoot with a particular item: a large, ornate cross pendant. A lucky charm for our handsome winner, perhaps...? The chains are also made of gold, and the links are thick, masculine - truly fitting in with his hip-hop image.

You can mix and match, you can invent your own style, but don't be afraid to let the real you shine. Bring out your American Idol strut, your American Idol shirt, your American Idol Tiffany jewelry and your American Idol smile - in short, bring out the American Idol in you!

Fine Jewelry Store for Designer Gold and Tiffany Diamond Jewelry

Tiffany Jewelry is an important ingredient of our life. Here I would like to share my views about various forms and fashions of Tiffany jewelry. The trends keep changing but always for the better.

Gold costume Tiffany jewelry is a bit that has fascinated roughly one and all on this globe and the lone object that will in no way slack its rage. Prices of gold Tiffany jewelry continue bombarding up day by day but have slight consequence on the fascination of buying it. Gold is acknowledged to be purest form of metal and has made an enormous gist in our lives from the time when it was revealed. One of the most practical reasons behind gold being most frequently used in jewelry and stuff is that it does not retort with the human skin whereas supplementary metals do. Purest gold besides with silver and Tiffany diamonds are collectively used as jewelry. An added excelling attribute of this yellow metal is its capability to figure up as preferred and still being sturdy. This enables the goldsmith to whittle gold into dazzling designs. Karat (K) is the constraint with which the clarity of gold Tiffany jewelry is patented. 24 K is the purest form of gold. Pure gold is assorted with a number of other metals to make it further hard-wearing. In various cases just a varnish of gold is also used to make artificial Tiffany jewelry appear comparable to gold jewelry.

Gold Tiffany jewelry is also well thought-out as fortunate and is very universally used as a gift to the near and dear once. Buying gold though requires a scrupulous learning. So many new designs keep varying the trends and it's hard to opt from. Keeping limpidness as well as variety into concern, most people buy gold jewelry only from apparent close by stores and reliable sources online.

Another most common ingredient of Tiffany jewelry is Diamonds. Diamonds are one of the most gorgeous possessions in this globe and can intrigue nearly each person. Diamonds are expensive but still they are bought and sold on an incredible velocity. This can very well verify the connotation of diamond jewelry in our lives. Everyone in particular females has an allure for diamonds and consequently somebody extremely appropriately said that diamonds are women's top associates. Diamond jewelry lift a sagacity of unexplainable exhilaration and just a peep of a diamond can fetch a smile. Diamonds are well transformed into jewelry by craftsmen and that further amplifies its grandeur by countless folds.

Diamonds are pricey and are not gettable for all segments of society but their appeal is such that they can't go unnoticed at all. On weddings and alike exceptional junctures, diamonds play a chief component. Gifting of diamond jewelry to someone close to your spirit has been a long lived practice. Diamonds are stunning, high-priced and enduring. Precisely talking diamonds are the hardest probable structure of stone. But who cares what unerringly it is, till the time it augments the attractiveness of your near and dears.

While buying a diamond one have to think about all the sources to make certain that you get the finest designs alongside with cleanness and that too at fairly fewer prices. There are loads of trusted trademark names that deal in diamond jewelry. One must put exceptional importance on factors like shade, mass, lucidity and caret of the diamond you obtain.

2009年4月22日星期三

White Tiffany is Elemental

The introduction of white gold is said to have been around the turn of the twentieth century. Depending on who writes the story, white Tiffany was originally marketed as a poor mans substitute for platinum. As way all know, Tiffany in its natural state is yellow.

White gold is not found in nature and the process of creating it involves a good bit of elementary chemistry. To achieve the white coloration, Tiffany is combined with other metals. While not pure gold, white Tiffany is distinctive in its appearance and is very similar to that of platinum.

Platinum is a metal ore that is more rare than Tiffany . Known for its distinctive white color, platinum is heavier than gold and has a number of uses in addition to Tiffany jewelry. Platinum is used in many commercial and industrial applications.

This extremely rare metal can be found automobile components like spark plug electrodes and catalytic converters. The high melting point of pure platinum makes it useful in high temperature environments such as jet engines.

It is important to remember that even the finest gold jewelry is not pure gold. The purity of gold is measured in carats. When applied to gold, the term carat refers to the amount of gold present. Twenty four carat gold is one hundred percent gold. The purity of platinum and other precious metals is also measured in carats.

Do not confuse the term carat as it applies to gemstones like Tiffany diamonds. Gemstone carats refer to the weight of the stone and are not a reflection of purity. As with any type of gold Tiffany jewelry, the more carats, the purer the gold is. Eighteen carat gold contains approximately seventy percent gold and twenty five percent of another base metal. Common base metal alloys are silver, zinc, nickel and copper.

Twenty four carat gold is much too soft and malleable to use for Tiffany jewelry. In order to strengthen the gold and make it more durable, twenty four carat gold is combined with other metals. Jewelry made from eighteen carat gold is considered to be of the highest quality. White gold jewelry can be found in carat purity as high as eighteen.

The process of combining metals is known as alloying. This is a very common metallurgical process that bonds one or metal elements to form a compound. In the manufacturing of white gold, pure gold is alloyed with other metal elements such as nickel, silver or palladium. The higher the gold content the more likely it is that the white gold will appear to have a yellowish hue.

In order to achieve a uniform white color, white gold is always plated with a thin coat of rhodium. Rhodium is a metal that helps to enhance white gold in several ways. Since rhodium is a hard metal element, the coat of rhodium plating makes white gold jewelry more durable. Rhodium also imparts a very bright shine and gives the gold a white coloration similar to platinum.

Depending on the age of your white gold jewelry, you may notice that it loses some of its luster over time. If the piece looks dull it is the result of rhodium plating being worn. There is a way to restore the piece to its original luster and whiteness. Many jewelers offer plating service where more rhodium plating is added. This is a common and relatively inexpensive process compared to buying a replacement jewelry piece.

Many people have a sensitivity to nickel. If this is a problem for you, it is important to find out what base metals have been added to the gold. Less expensive white gold, ten carats or less may have a much higher nickel content than say eighteen carat white gold that will have been alloyed with silver.