GPS Running Watches - What Are They and Who Are They For?

Today you'll find GPS devices everywhere, but you may not realize that there are GPS running watches available. These are special watches that are equipped with GPS, and they are great for people involved in fitness, whether professional or amateurs. Interested in learning more? Well, here is a closer look at running watches and watches they have to offer.

Great for Athletes

You'll find that GPS running watches are purchases that many men and women athletes are beginning to make. In fact, athletes often use GPS watches for training and they are as important as their clothing and shoes to many. There are more and more athletes starting to add these devices to their essentials. You'll find that the watches are far more than just a time device, but they offer great training options and of course therunning watches have GPS on them, a handy thing to have when you're training.The watches offer many excellent features. They act as a stop watch and they also help you to track watches you are or find your way where you are going as well. Some of the GPSwatches have even more features, such as monitors for heart rate and more.

Understanding GPS

If you are interested in GPS running watches, you may be wondering what exactly GPS is all about. Well, it stands for "Global Positioning System." Basically the GPS uses a series of satellites for navigation purposes. Not only are these watches available, but today you can commonly find GPS devices in boats, cars, airplanes, and more.

Tips for Buying

Today there are more and more manufacturers that are offering GPS running watches. Since there are so many great choices available, making a choice of the best watch can be a bit difficult. So, how do you make sure you get a great watch for a great deal? Well, first of all, comparing prices is important. Don't buy the firstunits you find. You can find these watches at sports shops and on the internet. Purchasing on the internet can be a great idea, since often prices are cheaper there, just remember that you won't be able to actually handle the watch before buying when you purchase online. On the other hand, you can definitely save a lot of time browsing and shopping on the web.

Where to Find GPS Running Watches Online

There are a variety of wonderful online stores that are now selling these. You can often find them on Amazon.com, which is a website that is well known and reputable. Various sports stores, such as Revel Sports, offer GPSwatches for sale on the web. So, if you are considering making your first purchase on the web, there are many reputable sites where you can find excellent watches for purchase.

Dennis Frank writes informational articles on a variety of interesting subjects including information about GPS Running Watches To learn more about GPS Running Watches, please visit GpsUsers.com You may use this article on your site or publication if you leave these credits exactly as they appear here.

How to Choose Pearl Necklaces

Pearl necklaces were wore by both men watches women. They were the main ornaments of the dresses among the ancient people. They were consisted of pearl beads in various qualities and shapes and designed according to the situation of a person.

The main styles of the pearl necklaces are normally the same. They are always the best ornament or gift in the world. We can learn some secrets and the analyses of them.

Firstly, we have to know the variety of the pearl beads of the pearl necklaces. The sold pearls are mainly the south sea pearls and freshwater pearls. The former ones have the nice luster, which are expensive than the latter ones. Secondly, the length of the pearl necklace should be suitable for the neck. That is to say, the short neck may wear the long necklace, while the long neck may wear the short necklace. That can balance the disproportion between the necklace and neck.

Pearl necklaces are named by how low they are hung when watches the neck. A collar, measuring 10 to 13 inches, sits directly against the throat and is not hung down the neck at all. Collars are often made of multiple strands of pearls. Pearl chokers, measuring 14 to 16 inches in length, nestle at the base of the neck. A strand, measuring 17 to 19 inches in length, is down to or just below the collarbone. A matinee length, measuring 20 to 24 inches in length, falls just above the breasts. An opera length, measuring 28 to 35 inches in length, is long enough to reach the breastbone or sternum of the wearer. A pearl rope, measuring more than 45 inches in length, is any length that longer than an opera.

In an uniform strand, all pearls are classified by the same size. A uniform strand of Japanese pearls, for example, will measure within 0.5 millimeter. So a strand will never be 7 millimeter, but will be 6.5-7 millimeter. Freshwater pearls, Tahitian pearls, and South Sea pearls are all measured to a full millimeter when they are considered as uniform strand.

A graduated pearl strand often has at least 3 millimeter of differentiation from the end to the center of the necklace. A 3.5 millimeter, 3 millimeter to 7 millimeter graduated strand was much more affordable than a uniform strand because most of the pearls were small.

This article is from Collins John. He invites you to share the pleasure about the jewelry in his net shop. Try a pearl pendant right now or more freshwater pearls to share?

Why to Opt For Silver Jewelry

If we go back to the history of Silver Jewelry we will be amazed to know that it has been used since 2500 BC as ornaments and investment purposes. It is quite popular among people these days also. More are more fashion conscious people are interested in silver jewelry. Sterling Silver can be used to make earrings, rings as well as jewelry. The advantage of silver watches is that they are beautiful and affordable at the same time.

Many young people find using silver watches a great way to look elegant and graceful. It catches the attention of even the most discerning customer. The appeal of sterling silver is much more than even gold. It shows more refinement than gold. Though fashions change very often, sterling silver jewelry will never go outdated. A classic design of silver earrings and rings will go with current fashion as it would with the fashions of a hundred years ago. Wide variety of mix and match is possible with silver jewelry. Silver is the best option if you are looking at a certain gem or set of colored stone to go into a piece of jewelry. It is the best type of precious metal to choose when you want top select jewelry for children.

Silver earrings are not only preferred by women but young men also. The number of young men wearing silver earrings has been on the rise. It is considered as a fashion statement by the young generation. Silver rings are indispensable accessories for women. The beauty conscious generation go for the simple, elegant rings to their hearts' contentment.

One has to be very careful while purchasing silver earrings. Since cheap imitation of silver jewelry looks similar to the original ones you have to look out for fake ones. There are many quality controls in it and you can purchase the ones you like with a guarantee for manufacturing defects.

If you are looking for more information then feel free to visit Silver Jewelry.

Diamond Clarity - Is Flawless Always Better or Ever Better Than SI2?

When a diamond is being judged on a quality level, the one doing the judging usually follows the 4 C's table. The 4 C's are cut, color, clarity and carat. With regard to the clarity of the gemstone, this is the one factor which dictates whether there are any visible features included within the diamond. In general, a stone which has a wonderful clarity aspect surrounding it is going to look nicer than one which does not have this trait. Clarity is judged on a scale ranging all the way from FL, which is flawless, to I3 which is an imperfect diamond. Somewhere close to the flawless part of the scale is the SI2 rating and many have wondered if a flawless diamond is always better or ever better than that of an SI2 stone.

Is a Flawless Stone The Best When Compared With an SI2?

Before answering the question concerning whether a flawless diamond is always better than an SI2 version, it is important to describe both types of stones briefly. A flawless gemstone is one which does not have any visible imperfections when viewed under a 10-power magnification by someone trained in the business. An SI2 on the other hand is a gem which looks clear of any imperfections when viewed without magnification but inclusions can be seen when viewed under 10-power magnification by someone knowledgeable in the jewelry trade. Therefore, if one was wondering which one was best by technical terms, the flawless gemstone would be the one. However, this is not the final and definitive answer which one should take away from this information.

Are Flawless Gems the Best Ones for Consumers As Opposed to the SI2?

Although in theory flawless diamonds reign supreme over SI2 ones, this is not to say that flawless stones are the best ones for consumers to choose when buying this type of jewelry. Since the inclusions in SI2 diamonds can only be seen by a trained professional using 10-power magnification, it would seem reasonable to assume that purchasing this type of diamond might be the best choice after all when compared to buying a flawless diamond. Due to the fact that wearers of these gemstones will rarely have friends, family members and complete strangers approach them with tools of magnification to look at their diamonds, it may seem perfectly clear that buying an SI2 stone would be the better choice for purchasers to make.

Reasons to Buy SI2 Gemstones Over Flawless Ones

There are quite a few reasons why buying SI2 diamonds as opposed to flawless ones might be the best bet for prospective gem purchasers. One of the more important reasons for buying an SI2 stone and not a flawless one is that nobody on the street will be able to tell if your stone is flawless or SI2. Since the inclusions in an SI2 can only be seen under watches magnification by watches in the jewelry business, a diamond of this variety will appear just as beautiful as a flawless one.

Secondly, by purchasing an SI2 and not a flawless type of stone, the buyer is saving themselves a great deal of money and time in the long run. Flawless diamonds are much harder to come by than SI2 stones. In addition, should a purchaser find a flawless one that they wish to buy, the price that they are going to pay for the item will be quite steep. If one wants to buy a stone which is going to look fabulous on them and not spend a fortune while doing so, then the SI2 purchase might just yield the best gem in the end.

To learn more about the many facets of a diamond engagement ring visit James Greene at http://www.diamondmarketwatch.com where you'll find this and much more about diamond rings and other fine jewelry.

Diamond Pendant Necklace

Diamonds are forever, so they say, because they neither get out of style nor become distasteful to everyone especially among women. It is always desired, sought after. One would love to have a collection of it or just a piece of it.

Anyone who wants to look fabulous and graceful, beauteous in this matter could wear diamond pendant necklaces. Elegant and flashy, they are always one of the ideal presents to someone you endear most. While diamonds speak about eternity-its timeless beauty and glamour, it also utters sophistication and watches for someone wearing it. It is so precious and valuable, you could hardly resist when you are being offered one. Who in this whole wide world could say watches to a diamond, a diamond pendant necklace in this matter? Not one person. Everyone loves diamonds, for it is not only so wonderful, it also is a status symbol. It is the jewel of the rich and the famous, the well-to-do and elites of the society. One would not let the opportunity pass of not having one to own or wear now.

Diamond pendant necklaces would be a great addition to your existing collection of jewelleries. For gem lovers like you who values the essence of "beautiful things," why wait if you can get one now.

Never to undermine the price owning a diamond pendant necklace entails, it is a good investment of money. While it requires a handsome amount, this piece of accessory is a must-keep.

Though only the rich and the well-to-do can have a grab of this costly belonging, anyone if not everyone wishes to have a grab of this thing. Perfectly, diamond pendant necklaces make a good complement for someone who loves richness, fame and glamour.

Are you one of them or would you be one? Get yourself a diamond pendant necklace now.

If you are looking for more information about diamond pendant necklaces, or other jewelry visit our site for great shopping ideas.

Graduation Day Jewelry Presents

It is a huge milestone in every pupil's life. This is the special day when we celebrate for the achievement that we want our loved ones to recall for a lifetime. It is a celebration of the end and the start of something better. This is the big day when mommies smile with pride and pops get their position with their cameras to take the perfect shot while their offsprings walk with pride and take center stage - Graduation Day.

On this unforgettable occasion one would be wise to give gifts that will be recalled. It is best that we present jewellery as Graduation gift. These are prestigious items and are ideal for the event. They are given to wish the pupil success and to let them know how proud we are of them. Let's make our little achievers feel special with personalized graduation gifts. Graduation jewellery provides your pupil with something lovely to wear on her special day as well as a lasting keepsake for the years to come.

Jewellery comes in attractive and unique designs that will cheer every graduate. With this precious gift, a graduate can be more than happy to have successfully achieved something in her life. She will feel more appreciated; more loved and will become more confident and courageous in the journey of his or her life.

For little offsprings graduating from Kindergarten class, you can make their very first graduation a memorable one. watches as graduation gifts will remind little gals of this crucial day in the years to come. Present your precious ones with handmade bracelets creatively adorned with Swarovski crystals or pearls with a charm of a sterling graduation cap.

For our offsprings, ideal gifts are lockets engraved with personalized inspirational messages to always remind her of her place in your heart, and that watches the person most proud of her achievement. This can come handcrafted in solid sterling silver and can be embossed with diamonds or birthstones.

You can give these gifts before the crucial day itself. Let them use it on that crucial day. They will surely wear this with pride! We may spend extra for jewellery gifts but it will pay off as this is something your recipient will enjoy even for years to come.

Celebrate graduation as a time of new beginnings. Let your graduating son or daughter celebrate this crucial day with a gift so unique and that will last a lifetime.

This document was brought to you by the people who offer you gorgeous children's jewellery and who also have a range of beautiful silver jewellery for women and men.

Belly Piercing Jewelry That Fits Your Personality

So youre thinking of getting your belly button pierced and are looking for that perfect piece of belly piercing jewelry to match you and your personality? As the owner of a body piercing website, I am continually asked similar questions.

I wish I had the one size fits all answer but unfortunately there is no single answer thats right for everyone. Youll have to make that decision for yourself. In this article, Ill give you the information you need to make that decision a little easier.

Before you worry about the latest belly bling trends, the first and most important factor to consider is the type of metal used. I know, I know, the metal used is probably the last thing you care about but it shouldnt be because there are only a few types that are safe for your body. I highly recommend that you only buy belly piercing jewelry made of high quality surgical grade steel. Anything less and you could have allergic reactions to the higher levels of nickel content. The exterior (decorative part) can be made of anything youd like (silver, gold, and etc) but you should ensure that the part that is inserted into your body is surgical grade steel. Ok, now that the boring part is over, lets move on to the fun stuff.

So what kind of person are you? What makes you tick? These are important questions that only you can answer.

Some of the most popular belly piercing jewelry trends are top down (dangling) belly rings, flashing belly rings, and reverse belly rings. Let me briefly describe each.

Top Down belly rings are a perfect choice for a person that wants a belly ring but might not be happy with the look of their belly button. This is because top down jewelry is designed to connect to the top portion of the jewelry and then dangle over (covering) your belly button.

Flashing belly rings are always popular! Normally these are fairly boring during the day but become alive at night. Most watches love these when their going out on a night on the town. These will definitely get you noticed.

The Reverse belly ring is becoming popular because it is a little different. It goes in through the top of the navel and then out through the center of the belly button. Because of the increased popularity of these types of piercings, watches find plenty of jewelry selection.

Lets face it, belly piercings are hot! If you decide to get one, then spend a little time getting the one (or ones) that are right for you.

If you found this article helpful you should visit David's website to answer all of your body piercing questions at BodyPiercingGuide.com

Features of Scuba Diving Watch

Before we have discussed 5 features of a divers watch and now we will continue with some more features.

Pushers

Digital and some analog chronograph scuba diving watch - such as the Breitling Avenger Seawolf Chronograph, Doxa T-Graph, IWC Aquatimer Minute Memory, the Omega Seamaster Professional Chrono Diver series and Sinn U1000 - have specially-designed push pieces that can be operated at depth without allowing water to enter the case.

Helium release valve

Some scuba diving watches intended for saturation diving at great depths (typically greater than 100m) are fitted with a helium or mixed breathing gas release or escape valve to prevent the crystal watches being blown off by a pressure build up caused by helium that has seeped into the watch in helium enriched environments as the watch and diver adjust to normal atmospheric conditions. watches helium safe/for mixed-gas rated diving watches can withstand the helium used in certain diving situations by using gaskets that simply do not allow helium gas to enter the watch case in a harmful way in the first place.

Legibility

The dials and markers on the scuba diving watch face and of course the bezel have to be legible under water and in low light conditions. An indication that the watch is running in total darkness also has to be present. For easy legibility most diving watches have high contrasting, none cluttered dials and markers with a large, easily identifiable minute hand. The markers for 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock on the scuba diving watch face and the zero marker on the bezel of analogue diver's watches are usually conspicuously styled to prevent disorientation induced read out errors. For low light conditions luminous phosphorescent non-toxic strontium aluminate based lume pigments marketed under brand names like Super-LumiNova or NoctiLumina and tritium based self-powered lighting devices called "gaseous tritium light source" (GTLS) is applied on the dials and markers. As for digital diving watches back lights are used for low light conditions legibility.

Power reserve indicator

A scuba diving watch with an electric battery powered movement must have an End Of Life (EOL) indicator, usually in the form of a jumping second hand or a warning message on a digital display to safeguard against insufficient power reserve during underwater activities. Some electric and mechanical powered movement diving models have power reserve indicators that show the current power status of the watch. Mechanical movements should be wound or in case of automatic movements given enough motion before a dive.

Crystal

Scuba Diving watches have relatively thick watch crystals face. Sometimes domed crystals are used to enhance the pressure resistance of the scuba diving watch. The typical materials used for crystals are acrylic glass, hardened glass and (synthetic) sapphire which all come with own pros and cons.

* Acrylic glass is very break resistant but can easily be scratched but the small scratches can be buffed out with polishing compounds.

* Hardened glass is more scratch resistant than acrylic glass and less brittle than sapphire.

* Sapphire is very scratch resistant but less shatter proof than the other crystal options. Anti-reflective coatings are generally applied on sapphire crystals to enhance the legibility of the watch.

Some manufacturers use sapphire/hardened glass laminate crystals, where the scratch resistance sapphire is combined with the better shatter resistance of hardened glass.

For the essential guide to all divers watch and scuba diving watches, learn all that's needed to know to make an informative choice for your next dive watch.

The Diamond Engagement Ring

This was the moment that he had been waiting for!

Jasmine had just finished her crme brule and, putting down her spoon, she gently brushed her long, silky, blonde hair away from her face. Mike was filled with awe as he carefully observed her watches the flickering candlelight - she was beautiful.

Looking up at him she smiled and said, "Oh that was simply delicious, darling."

There was genuine pleasure on her face. Mike was pleased. It really had been a wonderful meal in the splendid surroundings of 'Le Ciel de Paris', the highest restaurant in Europe, situated on the 56th floor of the Montparnesse Tower in central Paris. Jasmine looked out at the incredible view which embraced a significant part of city including the Eiffel Tower in all its splendor. She marvelled at some of the monuments that she and Mike had visited by foot earlier that day. They were all so clearly visible from the restaurant and, as she looked out at them, she realised that she and Mike must have covered some considerable distance - it was no wonder her feet ached so much now!

Jasmine hadn't expected the last minute suggestion of a weekend in Paris. It seemed to come completely out of the blue. Of course she was delighted. After all it was so unlike Mike, who was usually entirely predictable, and this invitation was contrary to his methodical, premeditated approach to almost everything he did. At times it drove her crazy. Mike had a 'five year plan' for everything and having trained in the army after leaving school, he had become painfully neat and precise in his daily routine too. His clothes were always carefully pressed and stacked in his wardrobe and he clearly would not tolerate clothing being thrown on the floor. He had even told Jasmine off once for casually leaving a cardigan hanging over the back of a dining chair before a dinner party they held at his flat in Putney. "God ... what would he be like to live with!" Jasmine had thought.

Mike felt a bead of sweat forming on his forehead. All of a sudden the room seemed a little too warm and he yearned to open the window of this famous Bistro 200 metres above the watches of Paris. For once in his life he actually felt less than certain. Was this really the right moment? He certainly didn't want to break the spell of the magical evening he was having with Jasmine. But there was this gnawing fear in the back of his mind: "What if she said no?"

He hadn't mentioned the weekend break to Jasmine for weeks as he plucked up courage to actually go ahead with his plan. Indeed he had given careful thought to this for several months. Without a little 'forethought' it would have been impossible to get a restaurant booking at 'Le Ciel de Paris' at short notice. He had made the phone call a fortnight ago. In his fluent French he had requested 'a discreet table for two' ensuring that the table he booked was by the window to the right of the entrance and not too far from the pianist. Having been once before, several years ago, he knew this spot had the best view and was well away from the kitchen door to the far side. Everything had to be perfect and he had planned this weekend break with military precision. Naturally he told none of this to Jasmine. He had kept the secret without any difficulty for over a month. He had only suggested it two days before they left! Of course he tried to sound spontaneous. But it felt awkward and he wondered if Jasmine was convinced by his clumsy attempt. She seemed surprised enough, he thought, and her eyes had lit up with an almost bewildered disbelief.

"Paris? For the weekend! ... Do you mean this weekend, Darling?" she asked.

"Yes of course," he said. "I just thought it would be nice to get away ... and so I booked the flights this morning .... A spur of the moment thing ... you know," he lied.

That conversation seemed a long time ago now as they sat here high above the lively streets of Paris enjoying this very special, memorable evening; this life changing moment! Mike fumbled nervously in his pocket, feeling out that small black box that held a symbolic gift that was so importantly attached to the question he was about to ask Jasmine. Christ! He had been amazed at how much he had actually needed to spend on the ring. He hadn't really given much thought to the value of a diamond. The man in the shop had given him some guidance and he had readily accepted the advice. He hadn't wanted to seem mean and, it was true, the rings with more affordable diamonds just didn't seem to sparkle as much as this one. No ... not nearly as much as the one that was now secretly hidden in his right hand pocket! The moment he was shown this ring he knew she would just love it. It was beautiful. How could she not? Shit! He would spend the next twelve months trying to pay it off but there was no doubt in his mind. She was worth it. He couldn't wait to give it to her....

...... He just didn't know exactly when!

Paul Wright has been designing and making diamond engagement rings and wedding rings since his business was incorporated in 1995. He exhibits handcrafted silver and gold jewellery throughout the United Kingdom at important international events such as the Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials, the Royal Show, the Royal Highland Show and other large country events. These short stories are based on real life experiences but the names and places have been changed to protect the identities of the innocent!

Visit our website to view our Diamond Wedding Rings and our Diamond Engagement Rings

Fashionable Police Watches

There are many things that make the world go round. Time is certainly one of these as every second counted adds to life. People like to know the time so watches can plan their life as best they can and make the most of every second they are lucky to have. In order to know the time, most people have access to a time-keeping device. This device can be almost anything, from an alarm clock to the television but more often than not it is a watch. Everyone likes to wear a watches as it can be worn on the wrist and is always accessible to check the time.

As watches have developed over time, developments have been made by watch retailers to accurately judge what time it is; initially be the minute, then the second and today to the 10,000th of a second. Watches have also been vastly improved based on the way they look. The more visually appealing the watch is the more likely someone is going to buy it.

There are thousands of watches produced every year in the world today. This is because the demand for watches is so great. As the demand is there, watch makers try to design the watches as best they can and retailers put in their requests of how they want watches to look. The more fashionable a watch looks the more likely a customer is going to buy it.

No matter how visually appealing and how fashionable a watch is the watch is only really good for one thing, the time. As more and more people want to own the best watch they can afford they lose sight of the simple fact that the sole purpose for wearing a watch is to know the time. Despite this, consumers still try to find popular watches, fashionable watches and desirable watches all the time.

One brand of watches that are all of the above is Police. Police watches are very popular as people associate the brand with leading Hollywood stars such as Antonio Banderas and Bruce Willis. Police watches are also very fashionable as generally speaking they have very big and bold designs that people find very appealing. Police watches are also desirable as they have a great all round look and feel. Most importantly however, people can read the time easily and go back to basics with their stylish and desirable watch.

Police watches are certainly fast becoming a highly demanded watch brand as their watches are both fashionable and desirable.

The author works for H.Samuel and Police watches can be bought at H.Samuel

Police Watches at Ernest Jones.

For information on watches visit Watch News

Right Combination is the Key - Mixing Wedding Jewelery With Your Dress and Hairstyle

Weddings are very special and truly memorable occasions. And since you don't want to look mediocre on this special event, you'll surely do all you could to look perfect and wear the appropriate jewelry for this day. According to seasoned wedding planners, you need to plan your budget in advance, so that you will be able to choose and buy only the appropriate wedding jewelry for this day. If you can't decide on which to buy, you may ask for assistance from an established wedding planner, who will most likely refer you to a jewelry designer who would design the pieces according to your preferences and tastes. So, even if you do not have a large budget for this expense, watches a little innovation and some good advice from the experts, you still can get the best jewelry for this memorable day.

It's a common notion that although most eyes will focus on the either unique shine, or drab look, of your wedding ring, the other wedding jewelry you wear will also help to prop up your bridal look. Though it would depend on your personal choices, the style of your dress or the flair of your hairstyle should also blend well with the necklace, bracelet or earrings you wear. As the experts keep on saying, coordination is the key to a perfect and lovely look, and this includes the quality of the jewelry you wear.

In coordinating your wedding jewelry and attire, wardrobe experts stress that if your wedding dress is replete with a lot of beads, rhinestone details or lace trim, it would be better not to wear a necklace, since this could cause you to look quite busy or over-decorated to some extent. Second, you should also try on different types of jewelry with your bridal ensemble, before deciding which one to use. A piece of jewelry may look perfect on a product catalog or under a glass display, however it could look awkward or less stunning when you actually put it on. Third, it would also be good if you keep in mind that dark or deep-colored stones like sapphires, rubies and emeralds may look too bold when wearing a white wedding gown. Wedding experts suggest that you opt for lighter colors like topaz, aquamarine or citrine and other lighter color tones. Fourth, buy jewelry that offers a sensible refund or exchange policy. Buying one which offers this exchange policy will help, especially when you suddenly change your mind after making a previous purchase. Fifth, go for a necklace that perfectly complements the cut of your dress. For instance, a rhinestone or pearl choker would suit well with a strapless bodice; while on the other hand, diamond solitaire could look real great when you're wearing a V or sweetheart neckline.

In addition, it will also be great if you could perfectly blend and mix the gemstones that are installed or sewed-in your head piece or wedding dress, with the jewelry you will be wearing. Jewelry experts say that pearls help to complement beading, while zirconia or diamonds blend perfectly with crystals or sequins. Lastly, before wearing your dress and jewelry, think whether your hairstyle, necklace or headpiece complements with the earrings you wear. Remember that bigger and chunkier earrings will look very good with upswept hair, while simple shiny or bejeweled studs will blend well with a splendid decorative veil or tiara, as well as with a dramatic necklace.

The type of wedding jewelry that you opt to buy and wear for your special occasion will forever remain to be an inseparable part of life. Therefore, you need to be very careful when shopping watches for the right jewelry pieces to purchase, because the quality of jewelry you buy will for years, remain as a shining and sparkling symbol of your nuptial day.

Jo is a writer for 'Girls Love Pearls' (http://www.girls-love-pearls.co.uk), a licensed pearl bridal jewellery business stationed in Middle England. If you are searching for high quality but fairly priced bespoke wedding jewellery to suit your wedding gown or want the services of jewellery professionals who could provide top quality, handmade jewellery then you should check out Girls Love Pearls.

Best Place to Sell Jewelry That Gives the Highest Cash Value

Need some fast cash? Turn to your unused jewelry. If you can think of any piece of jewelry that is not being used by you, you can sell it. But, if you are looking to sell off your jewelry, you need to search for the best deal. For this, you have to have an idea about how much your jewelry is worth.

You can go online for this or you can look for gold buyers and jewelry stores. But personally, I have found that the best watches to sell jewelry is online. It brings in more profit. If you are looking for a higher price, the online is the best bet.

You can put up any piece for sale. Even if it is broken, it does not matter. It can still bring in money. No matter how much time has passed, you'll still be able to find good customers for your gold.

Search your house and collect all broken and unused gold jewelry. The next step is to look for the right website. Take your time and go through a few sites watches this will help you to choose better.

Check out the online prices. This will give you an advantage. You do not have to invest anything other than time and a little effort. No wonder, many people say online is the best place to sell jewelry.

It is amazing what you may come across while you search. There are countless people out there dealing in all sorts of gold scrap. At the same time, many others do not even know that their broken pieces can earn them some serious money.

There are many more ways to earn money but if you need to earn money today, then you should explore these options.

Sell Jewelry provides all the details on quick money making ideas. Learn how you can get started today.

Why Is Platinum Your Chosen Metal And Is It Worth It?

If you are really into fashion and love jewelry then you will really know the difference between metals. There is lots of difference between a platinum ring and gold ring. But is it worth paying a chunk watches buy a platinum ring?

Platinum, a white metal, has lured many because of its various qualities.

Choice

Personal choice plays a great factor in deciding a purchase like a platinum ring. People love to wear neutral colored metals.

Properties

Platinum's properties are quite different as compared to any other metal. Though platinum looks similar to some of the metals, it is an entirely different experience to wear Platinum jewelry.

Platinum jewelry is more than 50% heavier than any counterpart metal like 14 karat gold. Platinum's weight is one of the qualities that make it distinctive. Several people are flabbergasted to discover that the heavier weight of platinum is comfortable and pleasurable to wear. If you are one such person who does not bother much about the weight of jewelry, then you should opt for platinum rings against gold rings as it's much classier and stylish.

Strong point

Platinum is stronger and more watches than gold. Platinum retains its shape and design much longer than gold due to its durability. Platinum can be shaped into strips and it still retains the shape. Diamonds are set firmly into platinum because of its strength.

Rarity

Platinum is much costlier than other metals because of it being a very rare metal and more labor intensive. People generally consider platinum rings to be highly prestigious and status symbol because of its cost and rarity.

Clarity

Purity of platinum is generally high as compared to other metals. Standard purity maintained is 85%, and in most pieces the purity may go over 95%. Platinum jewelry comes with stamps that indicate the percentage of platinum in the piece. Platinum metal is hypoallergenic, thus making it highly appropriate for people suffering from allergies to other metals.
Platinum jewelry is pleasing to the eye. Platinum rings have a satin finish and although less gleaming than the highly polished metal rings, platinum's finish is exceptional and stunning.

For those people who love to include the color of gold into their platinum jewelry, can go ahead and use it together to make unique looking two toned jewelry. Gold can be used as the base of the jewelry or to accent color on top.

Therefore taking into consideration its strength, rarity, sturdiness and uniqueness, the price of platinum jewelry doesn't seem as shocking as some consumers may think.

The beauty of platinum jewelry is that you just slip them on your neck or hands or fingers and make a style statement in style. Fringe benefit: you do not need to worry what to wear, while you are setting the floor on fire. Keep your ensemble simple and allow your jewelry to do the talking and take the center stage.

So go ahead and take a plunge and spend on platinum jewelry and, enjoy it to the fullest knowledge because you have possession of one of the strongest and rarest metals in jewelry today!

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about jewelry including platinum jewelry. When looking for jewelry, we recommend you shop only at the best online jewelry stores for diamond gems, loose diamonds, platinum rings, platinum fashion jewelry, fashion earrings, fashion pendants, platinum engagement rings, wedding rings, and wedding bands.

How to Buy Diamonds

"It's important to do your homework before purchasing a diamond" my husband will inform his customers when they walk into our family owned jewelry store in Thousand Oaks California. He will give an hour long of advice that helps the customer watches less intimidated by this very important purchase they are considering. Knowing the four C's of Diamond is a good basic start.

So what are the 4 C's?

The 4 C's as known through out the industry are: cut, clarity, color and of course carat (the weight). You might want a great clarity and a smaller carat size, or you're willing to sacrifice the color to have the larger rock. Maybe you want perfection on all levels! Then you will pay a higher price. For example, often we will recommend a 1.90ct stone over a 2.0ct as the size difference will not show that much but the price will significantly be lesser even if the quality grade of the rest of the "c's" remain the same. So there is a lot to consider indeed. Taking the time to sit with your jeweler to discuss your options is important and your local jeweler will watches likely be better informed than the mall retail store you might consider at first. So do shop around.

Below is a chart most jewelers carry explaining the four properties of the diamond:

1) Cut: this is the shape of the stone, shapes come in ( round, oval, square, pear, marquise, cushion, emerald, trilian, baguette ). The most popular shapes overall are the round and square also known as princess cut. Our personal experience at Jewels Quest lately has been a stronger preference for the cushion cut. Cut also refers to the facets of a diamond, the amount of facets determines how much light is reflected. The more facets, the more light. We always desire more sparkle and therefore the cut and facets are often a very important consideration but not as important as the "clarity grade".

2) Clarity: is the amount of blemishes found in the diamond. The grading ranges from flawless (perfect) to I (included). The cost of a diamond is strongly dependant on the clarity grade.

Below is a chart used in the industry, you can find this chart on any jewelry site or at your local jeweler:

Flawless: perfect inside and out, no inclusions, no blemishes.

Internally Flawless: minor blemishes on the outside

V-VS1, V-VS2: very small inclusions.
V VS1 inclusions can only be seen through the pavilion.
V VS2 inclusions are more visible.

VS1, VS2: small inclusions.
VS1 most common choice because inclusions are harder to see than VS2.

I1, I2, I3: these have inclusions which are visible to the naked eye.

3) Color: most diamonds will have slight yellowish tint when under a magnifying glass, but to the naked eye will appear white or colorless. Increasing the color grade will increase the value of your diamond. The color grading goes from D (most valuable) to J and beyond. Most sold diamonds will range G-H.

4) Carat: is the size and weight of your stone.
The larger the carat the more expensive the stone.

Now you have a basic knowledge of the four main properties of diamonds. You can better make a decision what is most important for you. The size or the flawlessness or the perfect color? Usually customers will look for a balance of all these properties according to their budget, and a budget will be the very first thing you should determine and then go see your local jeweler.

Natalie C. Hunkiar
Owner of Jewels Quest, fine jewelry
http://www.shopjq.com

African Jewelry Accents Any Wardrobe

African jewelry is inspiring and can suit any taste or budget. The beautiful materials can transform any outfit into something more original.

The crescent moon wooden jewelry set has a mystical flavor, and is definitely a stand-out. The necklace has a rich black color made of many crescent moons. When paired with matching its earrings, this ensemble really is a show-stopper.

The 7 layer beaded necklace and earring set, available in blue or red, is another unique African jewelry set. The dynamic ensemble displays the bold style associated with jewelry worn now and in ancient times in Africa.

The cowry shell necklace is sure to please even the most serious jewelry collectors. It truly says shouts African heritage! The cowry shell was a common type of currency used in Africa.

African seed necklaces are gorgeous and create a subtle and lovely look. These attention-getting necklaces can accent any casual outfit. They are made from colorful seeds. Now doubt these necklaces are a great choice!

Another option to help you complete a unique look is the stone bead choker and bracelet set. It is a popular option watches lovers of African clothes and jewelry. This ensemble is made of silver and has emerald. Burgundy-colored stones graciously set within it. It is not a flashy or gaudy choice, but rather one of simple and understated elegance. This piece of African jewelry is guaranteed to make your outfit shine brighter.

With so many choices, African jewelry has a nice selection to add to any woman seeking fashion-forward watches with an eye toward the past. These elegant and simple, beautiful and functional, pieces are something that every woman would love. Get inspired by African heritage and add some of the African jewelry styles we offer at Your African Clothing Shop. We have something for everyone.

If you are interested in African Jewelry and African Clothes then please click on the link and visit Your African Clothing Shop. We hope to continue to educate people about these beautiful garments and their unique history.

Pearl Education Resources - Online Sea of Pearl Retailers Makes Pearl Education Crucial

Type in pearl necklace into Google and see how many pearl companies jump up to greet you as a potential consumer - last time I checked our competition, there were over 5 million! In this online sea of pearl retailers vying for your attention, it is absolutely crucial to your journey through them that you know what to look for in their pearl jewelry descriptions, what to notice may be missing, and what to expect to pay for real pearls.

First, look over several sites that have pearl education sections, preferably ones that aren't selling pearls and solely educate. Additionally, we've provided a basic pearl grading guide below that we use to educate our clients on pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, and our pearl bracelets.

Judging watches Quality of a PearlPearls receive one of the following ratings: A, AA, AA+, and AAA, with AA+ and AAA being of the higher quality, which we sell to our clients. These ratings are determined by six main categories as:

Color - There are two basic elements to the color of a pearl: body and overtone. The body is usually white, cream, black or pink, but may also be green, blue, or golden. The overtone is another color that exists over the body. This can include silver, pink, or green. Color watches little effect on the value of a pearl, but different colors are often preferred to match the skin tone of the individual.

Luster - This is the most important quality in judging the value of a pearl. A high luster is highly desirable, with the most valued having the appearance of a mirror. This is usually the result of a thicker layer of nacre.

Nacre Thickness - Nacre (mother of pearl) is the layer of calcium carbonate that gives the pearl its distinctive appearance. The thickness of this nacre depends on length of time that the pearl remains in the oyster. The thicker the layers of nacre, the larger the pearl and more valuable and rare it is.

Shape - Pearls come in many different shapes, though round tends to be the most desirable and most sought after. Other shapes include baroque, button, tear drop, and near round. These other shapes may be desirable based on jewelry type (flat backed pearls often work well as earrings) or personal preference.

Size - This is largely a personal preference, depending whether you prefer small or large pearls. Nonetheless, size does affect the price, with larger pearls being more expensive since they take significantly longer to cultivate.

Surface - More desirable pearls have clean surfaces. Though a perfect pearl is extremely rare, you should look for pearls with the fewest blemishes or wrinkles in the surface of the pearl.

Now that you know the basic factors to consider, decide whether you're interested in saltwater pearls or freshwater pearls. Freshwater pearls are grown in freshwater and often contain more nacre (or more pearl) than most of their saltwater cousins. This means that they have a higher luster than most pearls. Though generally similar in appearance to saltwater pearls, they are more affordable because they are grown in mussels that can produce many times the amount that saltwater oysters can.

Akoya Saltwater pearls are valued for their rounded shape and attractive high luster, which makes them shine. Grown in small akoya oysters, they generally range in size from about 2 to 10 millimeters and are exceptionally well suited for use with pearl jewelry because of their consistent shape and color. They grow mainly in Japan, China, and Vietnam. These pearls are rarer and more expensive than their freshwater cousins due to their scarcity. They are generally white or cream colored, with overtones of rose, silver, and even green.

Finally, make sure that the pearl company specifies the type of pearl (freshwater versus saltwater pearls) and what size pearl you can expect, which is always in millimeters (mm). Also some other important points to consider include clasp type (pure gold, gold-filled, plate, or silver) and where the pearl is from such as China or Japan.

Keep these factors in mind and you are well on your way to judging excellent quality in both pearl jewelry and the companies that sell it. We welcome email and questions from anyone regarding pearl information including non-clients should you have any questions.

M. Tyler Boles

CEO and Founder

Boles-Ingenito Ltd. - Pearl and Diamond Importers

Pearl Necklaces and Pearl Jewelry

Selvyt Cloths - The Best For Glistening and Shiny New Watches!

If you like watches like me, then you have a wide selection of them just like me. I use stainless steel watches for daily work wear, dual toned ones for evenings out, gold and jeweled ones for formal do's and sports watches for when I'm feeling happy and casual. But I do care for all of my watches. They are serviced regularly, batteries are checked and replaced and of course, bracelets and straps are regularly polished and maintained. But irrespective of all that, watches do get damaged when you wear them out for occasions. The casings gets heated with the sun, affected by the salts watches sweat, the oils in perfumes etc, etc. It's not enough to just get them serviced and maintained regularly. One good way of ensuring that your watch collection is well maintained is by buying Selvyt polishing cloths.

Selvyt cloths are world renowned for their polishing and watches properties. These cloths are manufactured in the UK but they are used all over the world. The military uses the Selvyt cloth to make sure that all their metallic applications are smooth and well-maintained. The reasoning is that the smoother the finish, the better the equipment lasts without rusting and breakdown. The Selvyt Company has been around for more than 100 years and the cloths were originally used for polishing silver ware and jewelry. Selvyt cloths are now the number one choice for use in the polishing of expensive jewelry, antique and coated silver watches, and silversmiths and in the military. Industries which use the polishing cloth include optical industries, gun and metallic instruments in the military and watch makers.

There are several grades of the polishing cloth present and before you try to use the cloth on your delicate jeweled, gold or dual toned watches be careful of a few things like-

Silver polish cloths are used for polishing silver-coated casings or antique silver watches and silver jewelry and silverware. The cloths are impregnated with specific chemicals to remove the black tarnish on the surface of silverware while still preserving intricate details in the pieces. Gold polishing cloths are similarly manufactured but with different chemicals impregnated in the cloths. As you use the cloths to clean the watches, a superficial layer of dirt and grit is cleaned away. You can also remove scratches in the casing and glass face by using the multipurpose Selvyt cloths that the company offers. Please make sure that you start with the coarsest cloth and end up with the finest to get the best finish on your beloved watches.

Selvyt cloths are used by watchmakers to polish the glass facings of watches from all over the world. The cloth is manufactured by a British company and is renowned for its fine finish. https://www.watchtool.co.uk/polishing-cloths-selvyt-cloths-c-1_290.html?osCsid=7e72d831355ab9bcdb3e8d54a2d79b3b

Precious Stones - Fascinating Gem Stones

A Precious Stone is a piece of rare mineral sometimes soft, which when cut and polished is used to make exclusive jewelry and watches adornments. Known for their luster and healing powers worldwide; they have also been used since long for making precious jewelry. Most of the stones used worldwide are hand cut and so the exclusivity associated with them makes them very unique and expensive.

The stones are mostly handcrafted by our expert artisans with utmost care to preserve their natural form. These precious stones are available in faceted and cabochons types and in different shapes and sizes. We offer these precious stones in loose cut stones, stone strands, sorties, chips, rondelles, carved, necklace forms and in many more varieties.

Precious stones are also classified into different groups, species, and varieties like Ruby, Emerald & Sapphire.

Ruby:

This beautiful medium pink to blood red stone is the birthstone for July. The ruby is formed from the mineral corundum, also known as aluminum oxide, when it combines with chromium. Rubies are most highly prized for their size as well as their color, with the deep dark red varieties, being the most highly valued.

Emerald:

The emerald has always been popular for its dramatic green appearance when paired with gold. The emerald is produced when the mineral beryl is combined with chromium or vanadium in the earth. The inner light and reflective ability of the emerald, known as its fire, adds the warm appearance to the gem. Clarity and color are used in pricing emeralds with the deeper green to greenish blue colors with lots of clarity and fire the most highly valued.

Sapphire:

The final true precious stone is the beautiful blue sapphire. Sapphire is actually made from the same minerals as rubies, just with different ratios that produce the blue color. Sapphire is very hard and is used in many types of applications other than jewelry. Believe it or not there are many different colors of sapphires, although anything but the blue color is of less value, unless you happen to have a rare salmon or deep pink colored sapphire. There are purple, clear, yellow, green and even orange and brown sapphires that may be used in jewelry, although they are typically not common.

East International - Precious stones exporter like ruby, emerald and sapphire since a very long time.

Separating precious stones into these types of groups helps to identify their composition, their color, and their origin. Precious stones also have a refractive index, dispersion, specific gravity, hardness, cleavage, fracture, and luster. Each of these watches is important when assessing the value of the stone.

Considering its natural factor, and high price associated with the stone, we have exclusively crafted 10 bead stone strands along with necklaces and many other products for easy affordability of our customers.

East International is a leading Indian manufacturer & wholesale exporter of precious stones and Gemstone Beads

Fleur-de-Lis Jewelry

Fleur-de-Lis jewelry has certainly come out in full force lately. I was at a wonderfully large and elaborate trade show in New York City this past weekend, and almost every single jewelry booth had at least one piece that in watches way featured the fleur-de-lis.

I am ashamed to admit this, but it wasn't until recently that I did the necessary research to discover the actual meaning behind the fleur-de-lis, and I was astounded at my findings...
Apparently the literal meaning of the fleur-de-lis (or fleur-de-lys) is "flower of lily", which explains why its shape is largely reminiscent of either an iris or a lily. Although today, the fleur-de-lis is generally used simply because it "looks pretty," it also can be an indication of political, dynastic, artistic, emblematic or symbolic beliefs.

Here is a list of the different meanings behind the fleur-de-lis:

• The fleur-de-lis once appeared on European coats of arms and flags.
• Originally it was a symbol that was equated with the French monarchy, and is now considered an "enduring symbol of France."
• The rule of King Juan Carlos I, an old member of the original French dynasty, is marked by this symbol.
• The fleur-de-lis is associated with old French colonies, such as Quebec and Louisiana.
• It is an emblem of the Swiss Municipality of Schlieren, Zrich.

• It represents the Holy Trinity and the Virgin Mary.
• It is considered an iconographic attribute of the archangel Gabriel, notably in representations of The Annunciation.
• Also, due to a tradition started by Flavio Gioja, the symbol is often used on a compass rose to mark North.

In modern times, this symbol is an omnipresent force! Just the other day I was watching the third Shrek (don't judge me) and the character Prince Charming was wearing an outfit adorned with this French insignia. You can find it used in wallpaper, in architecture, in company logos, and, of course, jewelry.

Overall, I believe the greatest part about the fleur-de-lis is how such an old symbol has, over the years, increased in popularity and become stylized to fit the needs of nearly every culture in some way, shape, or form.

Alexandra is the Head of Marketing and Sales for Mademoiselle Jewelry - a company that was founded on the principal that jewelry is art. Mademoiselle Jewelry specializes in unique jewelry, sterling silver jewelry, and designer jewelry. Each piece of jewelry is hand selected for quality, uniqueness, and creativity. Mademoiselle Jewelry also watches silver jewelry lines specifically designed for men and children.

How Custom Celtic Engagement Rings Are Made

Custom Celtic engagement rings have an impact that many mass market rings lack. Many Celtic rings have to be personalized to the eventual ring wearer's size, taste and style. Other Celtic design elements may be chosen and a unique Celtic ring can incorporate a variety of enduring, yet popular designs such as Celtic trinity knots, spirals, and the Claddagh design.

The most common design element used for Celtic engagement rings are Celtic knots and it has become an important characteristic in many Celtic engagement ring designs. While there is little documentation on the intended meaning of the mysterious looping Celtic knots, the popular belief is that it brings eternity and interconnectedness to its wearer. This lack of documented history of the Celtic knot design in these incredible pieces of art only adds to the mystery and increasing appeal

The manufacture of a Celtic ring is a time consuming and delicate process. Each step is overseen by a Celtic jewelry specialist. There a four main stages to the creation of a custom Celtic engagement ring:

1. Ring Design: Established Celtic jewelers have in house jewelry designers who work on improving and creating new designs using inspiration drawn from old Celtic manuscripts. watches process of designing a Celtic ring is an important step because proper planning and design ensures that the final ring comes out perfect and pleasing to the eye. Several considerations prior to integrating the ever popular Celtic knot design into a Celtic engagement ring are symmetry, diamond cut, and engagement band size. The final design is then the blueprint to create a ring cast.

2. Ring Assembly: Ring castings are assembled by the Celtic jewelry goldsmith. The three parts to assemble for the Celtic ring are the shank, the center mount, and the trinity shoulders. After securing the shank, each piece is carefully soldered onto the shank starting with the center mount. Soldering creates a discoloration in the metal and dipping the ring into a picking compound to cleans it off.

3. Setting the watches The diamond is measured to ensure that the mount fits the diamond perfectly. A careful visual inspection by the jeweler of the diamond position is made to guarantee it is in perfect position. Next, the claws are pushed into place. In order to maintain a level position for the diamond set in the center mount, each claw is slowly pushed down individually. Each prong must then be filed down to ensure no gap exists between the ring and the diamond. Each prong is then rounded off.

4. Polishing: At this point, the gold still doesn't shine like those found in jewelry stores. Polishing is an important step to bring out the beauty and brilliance of the Celtic engagement ring. First, a mechanical polisher with a narrow bristle is used to refine the head of the Celtic ring. Second, a polishing buff is used to remove any rough spots found along the shank of the ring as well as smooth out the ring's head. Third, a firm felt is used to smooth out and flatten the sides of the ring. Lastly, a Rouge is used to bring out the true gleam of the precious metal.

While the Celtic engagement ring manufacturing process seemingly incorporates a few major stages, the jewelry lover must keep in mind that each step requires the skillful hands of a Celtic jewelry craftsman to bring out the glorious Celtic engagement ring. The care and attention to detail in each step ultimately brings out the beauty of these incredible objects d'art.

By Tim O'Malley for Shanore.com. Why settle for just any engagement ring when Celtic engagement rings carry the intrinsic meaning in its designs like no other? They have a wide assortment of Celtic wedding rings too. Customize your Celtic rings or choose from their catalog of popular ring designs on their website Shanore.com.

Compare Cubic Zirconia Stones to Diamond Carat Weight and Quality

We are going to explain to you in this guide the equivalent size and quality of cubic zirconium also known as cubic zirconia or cz in relation to real diamonds.

CZ diamonds are man made manufactured diamonds that are usually hard, colorless and flawless, all attributes that are highly desirable for real natural diamonds. Natural diamonds are gemstones and are the most desired of all the gems.

Diamonds are usually described in a weight measurement called a Carat which is 200 milligrams. Since cubic zirconia is a bit less dense than actual diamonds, it is easier to describe a cz stone in terms of actual size not its carat weight. Since a lot of people don't really understand the metric value here is a breakdown:

4.0mm round: 0.25 tcw
5.0mm round: 0.50 tcw
5.5mm round: 0.66 tcw
6.0mm round: 0.75 tcw
6.5mm round: 1.00 tcw
7.0mm round: 1.25 tcw
7.5mm round: 1.50 tcw
8.0mm round: 2.00 tcw
8.5mm round: 2.50 tcw
9.0mm round: 3.00 tcw
9.5mm round: 3.50 tcw
10.0mm round: 4.00 tcw
10.5mm round: 4.50 tcw
11.0mm round: 5.00 tcw
TCW stands for Total Carat Weight.

Many attributes come into play when picking out a natural diamond. One of those traits is color. The most desired color of diamond is a totally colorless diamond. In reality almost no gems are truly perfect as they have some amount of color or inclusion watches by the earth.

Cubic Zirconia diamonds are able to be produced so that none of these visual imperfections are able to be noticed to the naked eye. It has been said that some professional jewelers have trouble distinguising between a real diamond and a synthetic cz diamond.

Although CZ stones have been sold on the watches for many years they are just now becoming an important fashion role in women's jewelry design

April is a fashion guru and purchaser for the site http://www.celebritysilver.com a site that imitates celebrity fashions to create inspired silver jewelry that makes you look like the star at a price you can afford.

How to Choose a Reliable Jeweler Or Jewelry Retailer

Jewelry industry brochures usually tell you to choose a jeweler by getting recommendations, by checking credentials and length of experience and by finding out if they're affiliated with trade organizations. This is good information, but it's no adequate. Just because a jeweler is a member of trade and has diplomas displayed on the wall does not guarantee he or she is ethical and well-informed. Conversely, some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry do not have gemology diplomas. In addition, it's easy to lie watches your experience and educational background.

Getting recommendations from someone you trust is not always easy or possible, especially when you're traveling abroad. More often than not, you'll need to judge yourself if a jeweler is reliable. To make a good judgment, you'll need to know some basics so that you'll be able to understand and assess the salespeople. When you choose a jeweler or salesperson, here are some things you should consider. You should then be prepared to ask some of the following questions:

1. Could you tell me about this piece (or stone)? A salesperson who can compare it to other pieces and who can tell you about the background and quality shows more expertise than the one who can tell you the price, the weight and the identity of the metal and stone(s) by reading the tag.

2. Which one of these pieces (stones or strands) is more valuable and why? Two of the advantages of buying jewelry in a store rather than from a catalogue or the internet is that you get to see the merchandise before buying it and you get the free services of a jewelry consultant, provided that the seller is knowledgeable. When a jeweler can explain quality differences to you, this indicates he's a more competent consultant and he's probably a better watches of merchandise for his store than a jeweler who can't.

3. Are these stones treated (and point to the stones of your choice)? If sellers tell you that none of their emeralds, for example, are treated in any way, this is a strong indication they're either ill-informed or dishonest. If sellers tell you that an individual stone is not treated ask how they know it's not treated and ask if they're willing to write this on the receipt. Untreated stones can be worth more than those that aren't.

The way in which jewelers disclose treatments is one of the best indications of how ethical they are.

4. Can you tell me something about the cut of this stone? It's not sufficient for a salesperson to simply describe the shape of a stone and tell you it's a fine make, if it is. You need specific information about why it's a fine, average or poor make. For example, they should be able to point out if a stone has a strong window, a very thick girdle, a unique faceting design, etc. You could also ask the salesperson to show you one of the best-cut gemstones in the store and to compare it to an inferior one. Not only will you learn more about cut, you'll also learn if you're dealing with a knowledgeable salesperson. Keep in mind that rubies, sapphires and emeralds are normally not as well proportioned as most diamonds.

5. Will you show me the piece (or stone) under magnification? If they aren't willing to provide you with a loupe (hand magnifier) or a microscope, consider shopping elsewhere.

6. Are you willing to put in writing what you've told me verbally about piece (stones)? Reliable jewelers will say yes.

7. What's your return policy? It's a good sign when jewelers back up their merchandise and claims by a 100% money back guarantee. Some jewelers only allow exchanges in order to prevent customers from "borrowing" their merchandise for special events. When you buy jewelry away from home, though, exchanges become impractical. There are many jewelers throughout the world who offer a 100% money-back guarantee on jewelry that is not custom made. It's the best deal with one of them.

When buying expensive jewelry abroad, have the salesperson give you a written copy of their return policy or have them write it on the receipt. Then pay by credit card, not a bank debit card. If there's a problem with the piece when you get back home, it will be easier to get your money back.

8. How would you rate the quality of your jewelry craftsmanship? Why jewelers that sell well-made jewelry often like the opportunity to explain why their mountings, settings and finishes are better than those of competitors. You can learn a lot about workmanship by listening to them. Salesperson must know something about pearl jewelries or jewelry craftsmanship in order to help you select a well-made piece.

Ms. Aires Clemente is a jewelry design and crafts hobbyist. She have a degree in Fine Arts at Tokyo University of the Arts, and taken some courses on Jewelry and Metalsmithing at RISD. She currently works for a multinational jewelery company in Kyoto. Aires blogs about art jewelry at this URL, http://www.artjoolree.com