Import & Wholesale Jewelry Suppliers - Using Local Contacts and Tradeshows to Find Wholesale Jewelry

With the convenience of the internet today, most people use it first when they need to find something; including entrepreneurs and businesses looking for import and bulk wholesale jewelry. However, searching online for quality wholesale suppliers can be a difficult task when one considers the sheer volume of information that must be sorted through. And while purchasing products online has been proven to be both convenient and safe as shown by the countless transactions successfully completed daily, some businesses may still be wary especially when placing first time orders with businesses they don't know. Therefore, in this article I focus on how to find import and wholesale jewelry suppliers through off-line resources.

Look Locally to your Fellow Businesses for Supplier Leads

Despite the convenience of the internet, some businesses may feel more comfortable dealing with people whose hands they can shake, so looking to other businesses in your local area is a logical first step. Either using a search engine or your phone book (if you plan to stay completely off-line in your hunt), look up jewelry importers and bulk wholesalers in your area. Also contact your local chamber of commerce to see if they have lists of local import and wholesale jewelry suppliers.

If you plan to sell online or anywhere else besides your local area, consider contacting brick and mortar based retail locations for their suppliers or even asking sellers based at your local flea markets. This strategy may not yield great results however; as it would be dependent on whether you can convince those retailers that you will not be their competition.

If you're just starting out or wish to purchase a few pieces at a time to see how they sell, joining a discount club, such as your local Costco or Sam's Club, will give you access to a wide selection of affordable pieces. While their prices won't be nearly as good as true wholesale or import prices and your profit margins will be low, you'll gain valuable experience for when you move onto real import and wholesale suppliers.

Visiting Trade Shows to Find Qualified Wholesale Jewelry Suppliers

If you're serious about starting a business in jewelry, a worthwhile option would be visiting wholesale, import, and jewelry trade shows. In the U.S, numerous trade shows are held year round where you can find and compare many wholesale jewelry suppliers all at once. Before attending such trade shows, it's advisable to get business cards printed up and ready to hand out, since exchanging contact information is critical to your business.

After compiling a list of potential wholesale jewelry suppliers, your next step would be to evaluate and narrow your sources to find which suppliers best fit your business.

Learn how to evaluate your sources by visiting the import and wholesale jewelry knowledge center of Wholesale of Asia at http://wholesaleofasia.com/, where you'll find a diverse and unique selection of Wholesale Jewelry such as Sterling Silver, Precious Stone, Pearl, Jade, and much more, all at a low cost and imported directly from manufacturers worldwide. By working with manufacturers and retailers to produce fresh and trendy new designs, Wholesale of Asia helps businesses get an edge over competition and increase their bottom lines.

Note: Article may be freely circulated if all content, author info, and links remain unchanged.

About the Author:

Since 2006, Lee Shyu has helped businesses connect with Manufacturers, Importers, Wholesalers, and Retailers worldwide. His business is based in the United States and sources a wide selection of products, including Jewelry and Gifts, for small to mid-sized businesses looking to expand their product lines and increase their competitiveness in today's global marketplace.

Longines Watches - A Review Of The Evidenza Collection

The Longines Evidenza watch will appeal to those who want a rectangular shaped watch that is a little different, though of classic design and elegance. Its design makes it an ideal dress watch for both ladies and gentlemen and is certainly one of the more distinctive collections of Longines watches.

Longines make fine watches with both quartz and mechanical movements. What the company also does is make the collection quite broad in terms of functionality, styling and price. So, no matter which collection you prefer, you can find a watch with the looks you like and within your budget. The same applies to the current Evidenza collection.

The company's blurb tries to evoke something of the 1920s when talking about the Evidenza collection. It's true that this collection does have a certain historic or timeless look to it, but the watch could just easily evoke the 30s or 50s or even today.

The unifying theme of the collection is the tonneau shape of the casing. Tonneau comes from the French for 'cask' which does perfectly describe the shape of the watch case; it has a flat bottom and top part to the bezel with the sides being slightly curved, as though you were seeing a wine barrel from side on. Another prevalent feature is the 'Flinque' dial. Again, this French word denotes a pattern formed of close, concentric circles. Not all have this very elegant finish to the dial, but most do.

Most of the Evidenza ladies watches are 26.00 x 30.60 mm with a smaller version that is 19.60 x 23.30 mm. Most come with a quartz movement though one or two models come with selfwinding mechanical movements beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour - the power reserve is 42 hours. There is also a ladies chronograph version with a L652 self-winding mechanical movement and 40 hour power reserve. As you would expect of a mechanical chronograph the casing is the largest in the ladies collection, measuring 30.50 x 35.60 mm. There is a large choice of finishes to the dial, ranging from Roman or Arabic numerals and diamonds or plain. In my opinion the nicest watches of the ladies versions are those that come with a date aperture at the 6 o'clock and with a black dial. The most beautiful in the collection for me is model number L2.155.0.57.2 featuring a stainless steel casing, black lacquered dial with fine steel hands and diamond-set Arabic numerals, and a simple, understated black leather strap.

Of the men's watches the most appealing has to be the mechanical chronograph versions. Like most of the Longines watches it has a flinqued dial with a seconds subdial at 3 o'clock, a totalizer to 12h counter of a second at 6 o'clock and a 30-minute totalizer at 9 o'clock. What's a very nice detail is that a date aperture overlaps the 12h counter subdial at the 6 o'clock. I haven't seen all the models available but of those I have, my favorite is model L2.643.6.73.9 with a casing in yellow gold. There is also a rose gold version, which I would love to see in person.

The Evidenza watches by Longines are very stylish, dress watches that have a timeless elegance to them. Unlike some watches with more contemporary styling, you won't have to worry about these looking dated in 10 years or so.

Follow the links for Longines watches and reviews on swiss wrist watches like Oris, Patek Philippe and Tissot watches.

How to Buy a Watch that Compliments Your Style

A watch is an important part of your wardrobe. It can say a lot about you,what you do for a living or what you do in your free time. When buying a watch there are a few basic things you will want to consider. Deciding on a band, a watch face style and what kind of extra features you want it a great way to narrow down search. Picking the perfect watch can be as easy as following these simple tips.

It's all About Your Style

The first thing to do when choosing any watch is take a quick survey of your life. Are you an action packed outdoors kind of man who is athletic and always on the go? Or are you a businessman who's day is filled with meetings, luncheons, conferences and dinners. Your watch should resemble the lifestyle you lead for fashion and functional purposes. If you find your self outside or engaged in physical activities and labor, you may want to purchase a sportier watch that can hold it's own and offers helpful functions like a compass or a stop clock. Likewise if you often dress in a suit and tie or have an affinity for the classy and sophisticated, you watch should reflect that. Instead of the tech savvy watches you may want a watch that fits with a certain appearance. Do a quick survey of your personality and style these there

• Band: The watch band is the strap that holds the time piece onto your wrist. There are several types of bands including leather, metal, and material. If you are a sports minded or outdoors kinda man then your best bet would be one of the material bands that offer a little more versatility and protection from the elements or from sweat induced by physical activity. However, for a watch that can be worn for everyday life as well as for special occasions you may want to look for one with a leather or metal band.

If you choose a metal or leather band your options include silver, gold, or stainless steel as well as various leathers. Take a quick look at your wardrobe and accessories. You should choose a watch band that will compliment or match the majority of clothing you own. If you find you fill your closet with a lot of neutral colors then you may benefit from a watch with a leather band in black, tan, or brown. Men who spend a lot of time in suits would look best in a silver or stainless steel band. Gold bands are rarely easy to pull off and can come off as rather pompous so unless you're really in love with gold or your know it's absolutely your color steer clear of this band.

The Face: The face of your watch is the centerpiece. There are plenty of watch faces to choose from and your final choice will come down to a very personal decision. When looking for a watch face, you may want to consider a few things. The first is the size of your wrist. Watch faces come in several sizes and can look different on each individual. If you have a small to medium size wrist then you would want to choose a corresponding watch face. Men with larger wrists and hand will want larger watch faces. Watch faces that are too big or small for your stature may look ridiculous.

The next thing you want to consider when choosing a watch face is the time display. There are a few basic displays. Decide if you prefer an analogue or digital display. The first appears classier but for many the easy reading digital is just as sufficient. If you just can't decide what kind to get some offer the best of both worlds with a digital display inside a analogue watch face. While those are the general difference in watch faces there are several displays making choosing a watch face the hardest part. Look for ones that suit your personality.

The Extras: In the world of watches it's the extras that will help you make your final decision. These are the fine details that make your watch perfect for you. Look for things like waterproofing, watch face details like dual clocks for separate time zones, alarms, and date features. You can go from the ornate with embellished faces, images, hands, and numbers or you can go for classic an simple; the decision is all yours.

Tateossian stands for unique contemporary design in jewelry. We offer the best and most exclusive men's and women's jewelry from pensto bracelets. Visit us at http://www.tateossian.com

Buying Jewelry as Valentine's Gifts - What You Need to Know

Valentine's Day is a great day for the celebration of the love that people share everywhere. With this romantic occasion comes the art of gift giving. With all the traditional gifts that people give on this day, it would mean a lot more to give unique gifts that might be a bit more appreciated. An example of a special and unique gift would be jewelry.

Giving jewelry is a great way to express your love and appreciation for your special someone. It surely would be valued and treasured and for the many years to come. It makes an unforgettable token of affection that makes the celebration of this passionate day even more valuable.

Now, if you choose to buy jewelry as your Valentine's gift, you would need to look out for these qualities to make sure that you will be giving only the best.

1. If you would be buying some pieces with diamonds, you need to take note of the 4Cs of diamonds, which are carat, cut, color and clarity. The carat would be the weight of the diamond and not the size. You would also need to check the cut, as it would determine the brilliance of the diamond. The color could be measured against a scale to determine how white the diamond is - D would be the whitest and Z would be the most yellowish. The more white it is, the more expensive it is. The clarity would be how perfect the diamond is - the less flaws or inclusions it has, the more valuable it is.

2. If you would be opting to buy gold jewelry, you would need to check the karat.

3. Lastly, if you decide to buy pieces that have gemstones, you need to verify with the jeweler what kind the gemstones are - if they are natural or if they are artificial, which would mean they were created in the laboratory. Also check if the gemstones have been treated because if they were, they might need a bit more special care and handling.

Searching for good online stores for unique valentine gifts? SalwarKameezIndia.com offers hassles-free online shopping for a great collection of apparels, jewelry, sarees, salwar kameez, skirts, lehnga choli, footwear, kurta pajama, tunics, tops, trousers, lingerie, bollywood dresses, handicrafts, cushion covers, embroidered fashion accessories and more from this online shopping store. There are more than 2500 unique items for sale which qualify for free worldwide shipping including bangles and all types of salwar kameez

Fake Rolex Replica Watch

The replica Rolex market is growing by leaps and bounds. A whole sub-industry has grown out of it, and you can see this both on the Internet and off. Fake Rolex dealers have set up their own shops and showrooms; go online and you'll see perhaps even more of them hawking their wares. It isn't any surprise that replica Rolex watches are so popular. After all, many of them are made to faithfully reproduce the appearance and functions of the authentic ones, but are priced much lower.

The rapid advance of technology has proven to be a great thing for makers of fake Rolex watches, enabling them to produce timepieces that look so much like the originals it's hard to tell which is real and which isn't. This is a good thing for consumers who want to own a Rolex but can't afford to do so. And it's a bad thing for people who are thinking of buying a genuine Rolex timepiece, but at a discounted price. Some sellers can say that what they are offering are genuine but secondhand Rolex watches when in fact they are just replicas. So how can an ordinary consumer tell whether the watch he or she is considering buying is in fact genuine?

The best thing to do, of course, would be to make one's purchase from an authorized Rolex dealer. Barring that, it would be advisable for consumers to educate themselves about the telltale signs that would give away a fake Rolex watch. There are several things to look out for.

First, check the size of the numbers and letters on the face of the watch. Lower quality replicas mess up on this one, having numbers and letters that are larger than what would be found on an original Rolex. Aside from the text and numbers, sometimes the minute and hour hands are also sized irregularly in counterfeit Rolex watches. Another thing to look out for is the appearance of the back of the case. On fake ones these are clear or transparent, enabling you to see the watch's inner mechanism. They also have engravings, logos, or hallmarks printed or engraved at the back. Compare this with genuine Rolex watches, whose backs are smooth and free from any marks or engravings, save for a solitary three-dimensional sticker. Many Rolex replica also have this sticker, which shows the Rolex crown logo above the case reference number. But whereas the original sticker is a hologram - it changes its appearance when viewed from different angles - the one on a replica isn't. All that appears is a Rolex pattern that does not change even if you look at it from different perspectives.

The crystal bubble above the date wheel is another characteristic shared by both original and replica Rolex watches. This bubble functions as a magnifying glass, making the date appear larger. The difference between the two is that the date on a real Rolex is magnified 2.5 times its original size while a fake Rolex only magnifies it by 1.5 times.

Some fake Rolex watches are hard to identify because they are duplicated meticulously. But with a little knowledge and work, you can lessen the risk of being duped with a replica Rolex when your heart is set on buying a real one.

Promoting Your Online Jewelry Business

The following article discusses some tips on how to drive traffic to your jewelry website.

Selling jewelry online sounds like the perfect business with its low overhead and minimal barriers to entry, but wait there's more.

Having created an online wholesale and retail jewelry website, I must admit I was originally drawn to the idea for the same reasons mentioned above, but found out quickly it's not that simple.

The first thing to remember is that having a good jewelry collection is essential, but you also need to get prospective customer to your website or no one will know you exist. Many people are experts at creating a great website, but lack the ability to drive adequate traffic to their site.

One way to reach your targeted audience is through SEO. SEO, or search engine optimization, helps move your site up the search engines so that people can find you. There is a lot of information available on the net that can help you boost your page rank and ultimately attract new traffic to your site.

Another way to get your site known is through setting up a friends network account such as MySpace where you can quickly tell friends and family about your pieces and website. This works well as your friends may tell their friends and so on.

This may sound like common sense, but I've met many people whose business cards do not list the URL address of their website. What better way to passively present your pieces than by including your website along with the company phone and address.

Sending sales event emails to people that are interested in jewelry can keep your companies name fresh in others minds. Remember to send to "people who are interested" as opposed to random spamming that can create a negative image of your website and could possibly get you in trouble. Start out with those you know and eventually add those that have bought and have allowed you to contact them. Also, you may want to only send one email blast a month as to not alienate your customers with a barrage of emails.

Selling at festival's and markets are a few of the best ways to promote your pieces and ultimately lead customers back to your website. People that buy from markets enjoy the experience of buying unique pieces they might not find elsewhere. Advertising your website on the jewelry packaging or the physical presentation area can create sales long after the event is forgotten. Residual sales are the key to an online presence and are created through a proper mixture of the right product, outstanding customer service and effective targeted marketing.

Selling jewelry online can be a rewarding experience allowing you to reach many people with similar style preferences. Just be sure to develop an effective marketing plan ensuring your website's success.

Happy Selling in 2008!

Author Mark Sanders is owner of Levita fashion jewelry, a new brand of fashion jewelry being introduced nationwide combining a unique style of handcrafted jewelry with unparallel elegance and quality. Scouring the globe, Levita fashion jewelry has incorporated its own look with that of the most sought after trends worldwide.
http://www.levitaonline.com

A Guide To Determining Your Necklace, Bracelet or Watch Size

Necklaces

So you found the perfect piece of handcrafted designer jewelry on line but are not sure if it will fit you properly? Do not let that prevent you from ordering. Most artisan jewelry web sites include measurements in their beaded jewelry descriptions. Armed with the information below and the artisans information you can easily determine what size you need and if that unique beaded jewelry piece will fit you.

Start by determining how do you want your beaded necklace to fit. First find a soft tape measure or a piece of string and a ruler. Then stand in front of the mirror and consider where on your neck or chest you want the bottom of the necklace to rest. Take the tape measure or string and starting at the back of your neck drape the tape or string down to the desired resting place on your neck or chest then around to the back of your neck to meet up with the other end of the tape or string. Use your fingers to pinch the tape or string to mark the desired measurement. If you used a tape measure look at the measurement you have marked, if you used a string, use the ruler to determine the measurement of the string. Now that you have your measurement you can determine if that beautiful beaded necklace will fit.

Below are basic guidelines for beaded necklace sizing

Choker style, fits snug around the neck; 15 - 16 inches

Resting on the collarbone; 18 inches

A few inches below the collar bone to a few inches below the neckline; 20 - 24 inches

Mid to low chest; 28 - 30 inches

Bracelets and Watches

Sizing custom beaded bracelets or beaded watches are similar to sizing beaded necklaces. Use a soft tape measure or piece of string to determine the diameter of your wrist. First decide where you want the bracelet or watch to rest on your wrist. Watches, cuff bracelets and bracelets with a big focal bead should fit fairly snug other styles should fit a bit looser. Wrap the tape measure or string around your wrist at the desired location. Be sure to leave some wiggle room for comfort. Use your fingers to pinch the tape or string to mark the desired measurement. If you used a tape measure look at the measurement you have marked, if you used a string, use the ruler to determine the measurement of the string. Now that you have your measurement you can determine if that beautiful beaded bracelet or beaded watch will fit.

Below are basic guidelines for beaded bracelet/watch sizing

Petite; 6 1/4 - 6 3/4 inches

Average; 7 - 1/2 inches

Generous; 7 3/4 - 8 1/4 inches

Deonne Moyers is the designer and proprietor of D's Beads a web site offering beautiful designer beaded jewelry and beaded accessories and gifts. http://www.dsbeads.com

A Rolex Replica is Always a Good Idea

There are many accessories that add to your looks and even make your outfit stand out. A piece of jewelry for a woman does miracles on a glamorous evening dress and there are also many discreet bracelets, necklaces and earrings that women love to wear on casual clothes as well. Men have their own range of 'adornments' among which, the watch. Ask around and see how many men in the neighborhood don't wish they had an expensive watch like the Rolex.

The problem with Rolex watches is their price. They are far too expensive for the average men to buy so many of them prefer to get a replica. From a distance it looks just like the original and their ego is partly satisfied (after all, there are so many other men who can't afford a good Rolex replica either). Many men consider that buying a Rolex replica is a sign of weakness and lack of dignity.

Why so?

A Rolex replica is as beautiful as the original, it shows the time almost as precisely as the real Rolex and has such a good price compared to it. Buying a replica will not only fill your heart with joy when seeing that your account looks as if it had hardly been 'touched', but will also give you a lot of self confidence and will definitely contribute to your image. A Rolex watch, whether it is real or fake, does express class and style.

The price of a rolex replica will allow you to buy several such watches to meet different styles and match several types of clothing that you like to wear. Replicas come in the same styles as the original watches and you will be able to find both very classy and more casual-looking pieces, whereas the price of an original Rolex watch might make you sell your car if you want to touch this kind of watch.

The swiss rolex replica watch is viewed as the best of all; they are the most precise and durable of all replicas and very similar to the original in every detail. Some of them can easily be taken for original Rolex watches; maybe that's why their price is a bit higher. So, if you really want a Rolex watch and you can't afford to buy a real one, get a Swiss replica. You will love it!

If you choose a high quality replica rolex and take proper care of it then it should give you years of un-interupted service.

What to Avoid When Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring

Anyone wanting to be married dreams of that perfect moment when the man presents the woman with a beautiful diamond engagement ring that just takes her breath away. He slips it on her finger, she breathlessly says "yes," and they live happily ever after.

However, it's not inaccurate to say that reality is far from this fairy tale fantasy. Many fans of the popular television show "Sex and the City" remember the famous scene where Carries gets a secret glimpse of the ring her boyfriend purchased for her - and immediately throws up. While it may not be fair to expect a man to be able to read his intended fianc? mind when it comes to selecting a ring, there are some things he can keep in mind to help him make the best selection.

For one thing, remember that this ring is a symbol of your love and your marriage. To buy the cheapest diamond engagement ring there is, not matter how frugal and practical you and your fianc?re, may not show her how much you think of that relationship you want to have with her. If her engagement ring is not worth a little bit of money, does that mean she's not worth much to you either? Like many gifts you give each other, that diamond engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewelry or some rock; it's a symbol, and one of the most important you'll come across in your life.

Another thing to remember when choosing a ring is that it is good to be attune to your girlfriend's style. Many men struggle in this area, but paying attention to a few clues can help you. For instance, glance at the jewelry she normally wears. Is it silver or gold? Many modern women view gold as being old fashioned and are opting for silver and platinum instead. If you don't see a lot of gold jewelry on her now, don't get a gold band for her ring. Also, is her jewelry small and subtle, or larger and more showy? Does she wear a lot or a little? If she has a tendency to wear a lot of jewelry, she may want a larger ring, or at least one that looks larger. If you can't afford a big diamond, consider getting side stones, called baguettes, to enhance the look. Or opt for a thicker band. If her jewelry is smaller and more subtle, she may appreciate a smaller diamond with more baguettes on a thinner band.

And whatever you do, don't be offended if your girlfriend or new wife opts to trade in her diamond engagement ring for a different setting. Remember, this is something she's going to be wearing on her hand for the rest of her life, so let her pick something she's happy with if that's what she wants to do. She's just adjusting the ring's look, she's not trading in her new fianc?/p>

David Cowley has created numerous articles on Diamonds. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Diamonds. Visit Diamonds

The Secrets to Purchasing Diamond Wedding Rings

Any woman would no doubt swoon at the idea of getting a diamond wedding ring - or a diamond anything for that matter! If you're a man trying to choose just the right ring for your fiance or for your wife, then you've come to the right spot. We can give you some tips and pointers from the insiders - meaning real women - on how to select the perfect diamond wedding ring for your significant other.

First off, keep in mind that there are really three different types of diamond wedding rings. There is a diamond wedding band, which is meant to be worn with an engagement ring and is presented during the wedding ceremony. Then there are anniversary bands, which usually have a number of diamonds to represent the year of the anniversary, or one diamond in the center and then gemstones for each of the children, or some other such design. And lastly there are eternity bands, which are really diamond wedding rings that are either worn as a wedding band with or without an engagement ring, or are meant as an anniversary present. Eternity bands have diamonds going all the way around them - in a never ending circle, just like eternity. Get it?

Which Diamond Wedding Ring is Right For Your Special Lady?

Of course there's no easy answer to that question, and chances are that your wife or fiance will be happy with whatever ring you choose. But here are some things you can keep in mind. For one, many professional career women like a diamond ring that they can wear without their engagement ring during work hours, especially if the diamond in the engagement ring is quite large. An eternity band can look very lovely in this case, as it is beautiful enough to wear on its own. Also, if you are selecting a diamond ring that will be worn with the engagement ring, you want to be sure that the two will look good together. In this case, it may be a good idea to choose a wedding set rather than selecting two separate rings, or to ask a jeweler for help in deciding on bands that complement one another.

If you're looking for a diamond wedding ring as an anniversary gift, put some thought into the design and the stones, and especially for the anniversary year. Obviously a ring for your 25 year anniversary may be a bit more significant than the gift you got her for your third anniversary. Many diamond rings that are presented as anniversary gifts have not just diamonds but gemstones to represent the number of children you have. So, if you have three children, you may find a band with three rubies and two diamonds in between them. Or if it's your five year anniversary, get a diamond wedding ring with five small diamonds across.

The real key to selecting the right diamond wedding ring is to put some thought into it, and try to select something that you know she'll love and will be proud to wear forever.

David Cowley has created numerous articles on Diamonds. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Diamonds. Visit Diamonds

How to Compare the Price of Diamonds

Sorting through the price of diamonds is something like trying to find a good movie. There are so many factors that you need to consider, and no one will outweigh the other. With movies, you can have a great actor in a really poorly written film. All in all, it takes many elements working together to create a really good movie, and there are many elements that all need to be considered when comparing the price of diamonds. No one element can completely outweigh of offset the others.

How the Four C's Stack Up

The four C's of diamonds are of course cut, color, clarity and carats. They are all considered when a retailer or wholesaler sets the price of diamonds and diamond jewelry. There is no such thing as "the most important one" when it comes to pricing, although you may want to sacrifice one for another depending on why you're purchasing a diamond. For example, if you just want a diamond to look good, you will want the best cut and clarity, but may not care about the actual carats, which refers to the diamond's weight. The specific reason you're purchasing a diamond and what is most important to you is important when considering the price of diamonds, as there may be two that look identical to the naked eye but that are way off on pricing.

The price of diamonds is usually set at a per carat basis, for example, diamonds of a particular overall grade may cost $10,000 per carat whereas one with a lower grade may be $1,000 per carat. This is why that ten-carat ring on a celebrity's finger is going to cost more than the ten-carat ring your aunt wears. Chances are the price of diamonds the celebrities own are higher since the stones are more valuable per carat. This also means that a two-carat ring will not automatically cost double the amount of a one-carat ring.

The cut also great affects the price of diamonds. Diamond cutting is an art and still typically done by hand. A diamond with an ideal cut will have a price that is up to 30% higher than one with just an average or good cut. This is because diamonds are desired for their sparkle and brilliance, and the right cut will show that off much better than just an average cut. While a less than ideal cut will make the price of diamonds go down, you don't want to simply settle for one of these simply because you can afford it.

Colorless is the most valuable of diamonds, and they are quite rare. The closer to being colorless, the more valuable a diamond will be per carat. Remember this when considering the price of diamonds, because a stone of the same cut and carat that is graded better on the color scale may see a significant increase in price per carat. And of course clarity refers to the inclusions or internal flaws that a diamond will have. As with color, the same cut and color but with better clarity will also affect the price of diamonds.

David Cowley has created numerous articles on Diamonds. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Diamonds. Visit Diamonds

Oris Watches - A Review Of The Artelier Worldtimer

Oris have made world timer watches in the past but the Artelier Worldtimer is somewhat different than previous models; the most important differences, to my mind, being the large case size, the quickset date and the ability to set a different time zone time without the need to use the crown. With some minor caveats, I really like the Oris Artelier Worldtimer.

I've been an admirer of Oris watches for many years. I like the fact they are all mechanical timepieces that are well-made, in very attractive designs and at a price most people can afford; with Oris you can own a beautiful Swiss-made watch for as little as $800.

The Artelier is a very attractive watch. It has silver and grey circular bands on a guilloche dial. At the 3 o'clock position there is the second world time subdial with hour and minute hands as well as a day/night indicator. The subdial at the 9 o'clock position is the second hand. The case comes in stainless steel and is 42.5mm wide. The design of the bezel differs from previous Artelier watches and is less pronounced making the overall appearance of the dial look large. There are rose gold, thin wedge-shaped indicators at each hour except at the 3 o'clock - where the T2 subdial is located. The date aperture is located at the 6 o'clock position.

The movement of the watch is complicated which makes using and setting the two time settings quite straightforward. The watch has a quickset function so that you can pull out the crown at position one to set the date, pulling out to position two allows one to set the time.

In order to use the two time zone setting function one has to first synchronize the T1 setting (the main hour and minute hands) with the T2 setting (the hour and minute hands in the subdial located at the3 o'clock position). When one travels to a different time zone, the time on the T1 dial is set to local time. This is easily accomplished by pressing one of the two pushers located on the side of the case at the 4 and 7 o'clock positions. To move forward simply press the pusher at the 4 o'clock position to jump the hour hand forward by one hour - one pushes 4 times to move the hour hand 4 hours forward, 5 times for 5 hours etc. Pressing the pusher at the 7 o'clock position decrements the hour hand. What you're left with is local time (T1) being displayed on the main dial with home time being displayed on the subdial. When returning home, the two times are again synchronized by pressing the pushers at either 4 or 7 o'clock position.

Another nice feature is the day and night indicator located in the T2 subdial at the 9 o'clock position - just so you won't forget if it's day or night back home.

One minor complaint is that the minute hands between the T1 and T2 dials can be out of synch by as much as two or three minutes - no doubt because of the complication of the movement. One other small criticism is of the strap. I like the steel strap however I think that the brown leather strap trying to imitate crocodile skin is a little cheesy. I would have just preferred a brown leather strap that looked just like brown leather.

The Artelier Worldtimer is a nice addition to Oris watches and will appeal to many who want a two time zone watch. It combines ease of use with stylish good looks a winning combination in any watch.

Follow the links for Oris watches and reviews on swiss wrist watches like Oris, Patek Philippe and Breitling watches

Want To Sell Your Old Diamond Ring?

Diamonds have always been associated with the old adage "Diamonds are forever", but this cannot be true for everyone. There are many reasons why people would like to sell a diamond ring. Perhaps, after getting divorced they want to get rid of the memories related to their marriage or they want to get a bigger diamond and don't intend to hold on to the old diamond ring anymore! The desire of disposing your diamond ring could have many reasons but make sure that when you sell it, you do it the right way.

Appraisal of the diamond ring:

The diamond is considered to be one of the rarest and most precious gemstones. If you buy a good quality diamond ring then it will cost you a fortune, so when you sell it, try and get a good amount in return. The very first step you need to follow is the appraisal of your diamond ring. This needs to be done before getting in contact with any potential seller.

Appraisal will help you estimate the worth of the ring, but make sure that you approach a certified appraiser for this work. He or she will observe the ring and complete the procedure for appraisal so that the worth is determined. Once this process is over, you will be issued a certificate that will state the result. This certificate can be supplied to the buyers when requested, so that they also get to know what the ring is worth.

How you would like to sell the ring?

The second most important step is determining the method through which the ring would be sold. You can pursue several avenues for selling it. Some people like to sell their jewelry by placing an ad in the newspaper while some prefer online sales because it is not only convenient, but the ad also reaches a wide section of buyers through the Internet. There are many jewelry stores that also purchase used diamond rings and make upfront payment to the seller. You can opt any of these options to find a buyer for your ring.

Parting with the ring:

This is the final, but important step for selling your diamond ring. Parting with diamond jewelry could be difficult for women. Not many people like to sell jewelry even if it has become old. It is considered to be an asset and investment so people prefer collecting more, rather than parting with it. Even you may have some sentimental value attached to the ring, no matter how old it is. So you need to be prepared to part with it, if you are thinking of selling it to someone else. Make all the necessary arrangements so that the buyer gets the ring and you get the money.

The process of selling your diamond ring could be made easy if you follow the right steps. Whether you sell it to any individual or a jewelry store, make sure that its appraisal has been done and you get the right amount in return.

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

Your Jewelry Personality

What does your choice of jewelry say about you?

Let's take the black dress you might wear to a date, to a formal dinner or for a party. How would you accessorize it? Specifically, what jewelry would you wear with it?

Consider the following style types.

1. The Diva

Drama is her thing. She wears head turning signature pieces that are dramatic, but not tacky. She favors the best that money can buy. The largest gemstones, preferably diamonds, rubies or sapphires. Her jewelry feature nothing but the best, most exquisite and expensive wearable artwork.

She might wear a stunning necklace with large gemstones, that look like they worth as much as a small island. She is likely to favour dramatic chandelier earrings with diamonds cascading down her neck.

Her jewelry is likely to be gifts from her suitors. On the other hand, she might have bought them on a whim if she has the money. If not, she pass off costume jewelry as the real thing and no one might be any wiser.

Rules don't apply to her. She makes her own rules. She could even wear an elaborate necklace and shoulder length earrings and an armful of diamond bangles and get away with it.

If she wears only a pair of earrings, you can bet those are huge diamonds worth a small fortune. Sharon Stone, Elizabeth Taylor and Beyonce are examples of divas in terms of style.

2. The Trend Setter

She is the girl or woman who sets the trends. In school, she is likely to have a group of wannabes who would do anything to be like her. What she wears is often aped by the fashion conscious crowds. She has mind of her own and is adventurous, daring to try new accessories and gets away with combinations that might make others look silly.

Jewelry wise, she is likely to wear what others are not yet wearing. She wouldn't be caught dead wearing anything that is so last season, so the jewelry she wears probably just appeared on the fashion runways for future seasons.

Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex In A City is a definite trend setter.

3. The Sporty Beauty

You know the look. Glowy skin and an athletic body. Some of the top female tennis stars are sporty beauties. As are athletic women who turn heads wherever they go. The classic Bond girl can be regarded as a sporty beauty. She might wear one or two great pieces of jewelry with a simple outfit that shows off her figure.

Or she might wear something basic all the time, like a tennis bracelet or a pair of ear studs. Kournikova is a sporty beauty. As is Chris Evert who started the tennis bracelet craze.

4. The Minimalist

She might not even wear jewelry. A simple dress with an amazing cut might be all she needs. Her look may naturally beautiful or ultra sophisticated. If she does wear jewelry, she is likely to wear one elegant item at any time. Maybe a pair of stud earrings. Or a pendant.

5. The Practical Fashionistica

She is smart. Unless the jewelry is a gift from a guy, she is likely to buy high quality costume jewelry to wear. After all, who could tell the difference these days. She wears what is needed to gift the outfit a boost. Likely a stunning pair of crystal earrings, a necklace that sets off her dress perfectly or whatever it takes that is within her budget.

Beads? Silver? As long is it looks good on her and goes well with the outfit.

Bracelets can make a great personal statement. What you wear tells people what you are like.

If you could have any bracelet in the world, which would be your favourite?

1. tennis bracelet

2. ruby bracelets

3. sterling cuff

4. medical id bracelet

5. rhinestone bracelet

Read what your choice says about you in What your bracelet says about you

Bracelets at http://www.buy-bracelets.com

Which Designer Jewelry Brands Should be Trusted?

If you love jewelry half as much as my wife then you no doubt have an extensive collection already. However if you want to find customized jewelry it can be very difficult to find a jeweler that is trustworthy. If you look long and hard enough then you can find designers that are actually willing to create custom unique pieces of jewelry that would be right at home in your collection.

Not all designers are the same, there are certain designers that people prefer going to when looking for customized jewelry. Custom made designer jewelry can be very expensive and the price can appear to be out of reach for many people. Customized jewelry is the perfect way to celebrate those very special moments.

Tiffany and co

Many people only think of Tiffany's as a very popular and expensive retailer that supply's exquisite designer jewelry, however they are also more than willing to produce very high quality custom jewelry especially for their clients. The custom jewelry is expensive, however it is made to a very high standard.

Tiffany is very well known for producing fantastic customized engagement rings, these can be customized so that they are absolutely perfect for your you or your fiancee. If you visit their website at www.tiffany.com you will see their extensive range of custom designer jewelry displayed for all to see. Tiffany is certainly a very reputable company and a name that you can trust. If you are looking for custom made jewelry of value then perhaps you should consider Tiffany.

Who do stars go to?

There are a number of other fantastic designers that famous people go to when they want that perfect piece of jewelry. Neil Lane is one such designer, this designer specializes in not just engagement rings but also other forms of custom jewelry.You can purchase this jewelry in many shops throughout California and New York so you should be able to find the perfect piece of jewelry for your needs. This shop is known as the best producer of customized designer jewelry in all of Hollywood. Neil Lane lends lots of their jewelry to celebrities for them to wear on the red carpet, which means they are very well known.

Another very popular jewelry designer that is fairly new is Anne Maa. You can view some of her work at her official website which can be found at www.annemaadesigns.com. Anne Maa produces very nice quality bracelets, necklaces and cocktail rings to name but a few of her unique pieces. Her jewelry isn't even that expensive. Her website provides an insight to some of the beautiful designs that she can produce.

John Bakers publishes at large for http://www.engagement-rings-tips.com , a web page on weddings , engagement and other areas. Working on his reports such as http://www.engagement-rings-tips.com/celebrity-engagement-rings.html , he established his expertise on problems corresponding to celebrity engagement rings.

Fine Diamond Jewelry - The Best Gift for the One You Love

When you want to give a gift that eloquently expresses your love, nothing pleases more than fine diamond jewelry. High-quality jewels are elegant and beautiful, and appreciated by men and women everywhere. Some say diamonds are forever, and future generations are sure to appreciate them as well as they are passed down from generation to generation.

If you decide to present someone with fine diamond jewelry, then you know that the possibilities can be enormous. You can choose from rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, brooches, pins, and much more. Diamonds also have variety, from size and shape, to cut, color, and clarity.

However, that is not all you will need to know to make your purchase. You will also need to understand sizes. Rings, necklaces, and bracelets all require the right size to fit correctly. You will also need to pick the metal. Among your choices are white and yellow gold, silver, platinum, titanium, and stainless steel.

The shapes and cuts of the diamonds can vary widely. Many people prefer very specific shapes of gems. Each shape has its own unique beauty, elegance, and style. Round, emerald, princess, marquise, pear, and oval are among just some of the shapes.

For all of your fine diamond needs, you should rely on a company that not only has expertise, but one that has an excellent reputation with their customers. Visit DiamondSafe.com to view letters from real customers stating their satisfaction with their jewelry purchases, as well as to view some beautiful jewelry selections.

For fine diamond jewelry, Diamond Safe is the place to go. For more information on fine diamond jewelry please visithttp://www.diamondsafe.com.

Custom Design Your Wedding Ring With Tips From A Pro

Once you receive your engagement ring you may spend hours staring at it while dreaming about a wedding ring and how it should fit. There are amazing engagement ring styles being made today and some of them come with wonderful matching wedding rings however, many don't. I've seen couples travel from jewelry store to jewelry store in search of a perfect wedding band only to be disappointed when they realize that nothing fits properly with their ring. When they stumble upon a jeweler that can provide a custom designed wedding band they find it difficult to make a decision. This is largely due to the jewelers inability to provide a life-like sample or illustration of how the ring is going to look when its finished. Most people have a difficult time visualizing conceptual items like custom jewelry because they don't know what to expect and also because the design is in the jeweler's mind not theirs.

An experienced and professional custom jeweler will have the skills needed to provide a detailed account of how your ring will look. In addition, he/she should be a good communicator while assessing your needs and transferring those needs in to the actual jewelry design. Without proper translation of your wants and desires the ring may not be everything you dreamed of and a good custom jeweler will understand this. Bottom line is this...Great wedding rings are created not by great jewelers but also great communicators. When selecting a craftsman to make your wedding ring, examine the person's portfolio of previous work, but also take note of how you both work together. If you have good synergy and communicate well together then you'll have a better chance of getting an amazing wedding ring that you'll be happy with.

Another important variable is the person doing the assembly of your custom wedding ring; the person designing your ring may not be the person making it. The designer that you work with could do a wonderful job creating a concept for your item but the jeweler making it could be a poor craftsman or bad interpreter of your designer's concept. If the designer isn't the person making your ring then you should get a feel for how the two work together. Ask to meet the craftsman and have a joint discussion to determine if everyone is on the same page. While we are on the subject of the craftsman, make sure that the jeweler actually assembling the ring can provide examples of his craftsmanship. A jeweler without adequate experience in custom jewelry design may set diamonds poorly or weld metal improperly. This can result in a finished product that doesn't look good or you could receive a ring with a history of problems like stone loss from its setting. There are credentials that help determine how qualified a jeweler is at making custom jewelry. One such credential is the Jewelers of America (JA) Master Jeweler program. A person that is certified by JA to be a "Master Jeweler" is certainly the most qualified person for the job and you can be rest assured that he has been tested in all areas of jewelry making.

The next thing you should understand is how the jewelry is actually made. When making custom jewelry, the designer will of course first create a concept for you. Once you feel comfortable with the design a counter sketch or illustration is given to a model maker along with your ring. The model maker will carve a wax prototype of your prospective wedding ring design based on these counter sketches. This model maker should take in account all the design elements that are important to you while providing a ring that best compliments your engagement ring and its specific features. It's always a really good thing when a model maker can identify things about your engagement ring that make it special. He/she can then re-create those special features in your design; this will make the two rings look like they were made for each other from the start. Special features can include methods of diamond setting, precious metal types, profiles, heights, widths, etc. The wax prototype should be used for two purposes, the first is a sample that you can try on or rest next to your engagement ring. This prototype will be very useful because it will give you a very good idea of how the wedding band will look when it is finished. If you're not happy with the original design or you would like to make changes it shouldn't be a problem because the ring isn't made yet, it's just a wax model.

After the appropriate changes are made and you approve the final prototype, a jeweler will make mold of the wax. The prototype wax is placed in a flask and filled with plaster. Once the plaster hardens, the flask is placed in an oven and the wax model is burned out of the flask leaving a cavity in the exact impression of your design. The flask is then injected with molten metal and once the metal cools the plaster is broken away leaving you with a casting of the jewelry design. This casting is filed, polished and then the final assembly process begins.

Another thing to look for is the use of new technologies when creating your custom wedding ring design. The best example of this is 3D Computer Aided Design or otherwise known as CAD design. Recent advances in this arena have allowed for amazing possibilities when designing jewelry. CAD software is used to create a computer model of the design and then is sent to a CNC (computer numerical control) mill that cuts the wax in a very precise manner. The benefit of CAD design is the capability to create very precise jewelry designs that are for more accurate than a hand-carved wax model. In the end, the precision of the CAD wax allows for much more intricate design capabilities and also finer quality assembly. The CAD models can also be rendered using graphical interfaces such as Flamingo3D, which use both raytracing and radiosity to make a life-like illustration of the design. This computer rendering is far more useful in depicting your design then a drawing scribbled on scratch paper.

Currently, only a handful of jewelers are using 3D CAD design technology and this is due to the high cost of the software, equipment, and training. You should however, check with your local jeweler or do an Internet search to see who is available to use this technology. Whenever possible, choose the person that employs the use of 3D CAD because you'll get a better quality product. You can learn more about this process and view custom jewelry design at Rokstok. Keep in mind that not all jewelers using 3D CAD are automatically qualified to make your wedding ring. You still need to qualify them just as you would a person that is using traditional techniques to make your item. In the end, the best way to go about your design is to screen the people making your item and assess their communication skills to determine if they understand your needs.

Andy Moquin has spent 20 years in the jewelry business buying and selling over $20,000,000 in diamonds, engagement rings and custom designed jewelry. He as traveled to Belgium and Israel to work with international diamond dealers and works as an advisor for DBC Diamonds an international consortium of diamond dealers. His experience in the jewelry business has become invaluable to consumers and business owners. He can be contacted at 716-630-7091, www.andrewsjewelers.com, learn about diamonds

Real And Fake Jewelry-How To Differentiate?

Metal, according to the law, should be marked by the maker. For instance, the numbers 925 (92.5% silver that is sterling) or a stamp with the words 'sterling' should be marked for jewelry made of sterling. The mark can be either near the clasp or on a small flat looking ring at the end of a sterling chain, so, remember to check it.

On some people, sterling silver jewelry tarnishes very quickly due to body chemistry while on some it doesn't. In order to control sterling silver from getting tarnished, it is plated with another metal for protection. This plating is done with a metal known as 'rhodium' which is bright and looks very similar to the color of silver. However, a chain could be made of sterling and still have plating on the outside for protecting it from getting tarnished.

Other than the mark, testing is another effective method of telling whether something is made out of sterling silver or not. For instance, an acid test done by jewelers is one such method. You will have to spend some money for getting these tests done. If the chain is not expensive, the test may not be worth, but it can be effective for a large heavy sterling chain.

The best way to avoid buying fake jewelry is to approach a well known jewelry shop. An established shop would never sell fake sterling jewelry but still it is recommended to look for a sterling mark and the manufacturer's symbol on it. If the marks are not there, the metal is not genuine.

There are many people who perform the bleach test in order to know whether the gold on their bracelet or ring is real or not. But this test can be very dangerous because bleach has chlorine that can spoil your real gold jewelry. Points where the metal (gold) has been hammered bent over or made by chain making machines are most likely to be adversely affected due to chlorine.

Even soldered areas can be get spoiled. White gold tends to get spoilt very fast due to chlorine as compared to yellow gold. A darkening is caused on gold due to this chemical and yellow gold becomes almost pale gray color. White gold sometimes goes darker. This kind of reaction due to chlorine happens in karat gold.

Other metals are also included in jewelry metal of 10 karat, 14 karat and 18 karat during the metal making process. Mostly copper and silver is mixed with pure gold. White gold is usually mixed with palladium or nickel. This mixing is done in order to provide strength to the metal so that it can be used for making jewelry. The mark of karat shows the amount of pure gold present in the mix. For instance, 24 karat is knows as pure gold. 10 karat will be having 10 parts of pure gold and 14 parts will be other metals and this mix will add up to 24 parts. Similarly, 18 karat gold will have 18 parts of pure gold and other metals will be 6 parts.

In case yellow gold comes in contact with bleach, it does not get dangerously affected and with some buffing it can be made ok, but this can happen only with real gold, so always remember this point. You can get your gold jewelry tested in order to determine whether it is real or fake. Your jeweler can either perform an acid test or use any new electronic gold tester for this test.

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