In July I posted Emeralds. The reviews are in! You loved them!!
But... July is almost over and I'm looking forward to August. In fact, I'm jumping the gun.
I just received the first of my new shipments of rings and I can't wait to get them listed and share them with you. Of course, I love all the designs... I picked them... but I think you will too. One very special ring might just blow your socks off... and I have the AIG certificate that goes with it!!!! I've not seen anything like it and I do love a ring that gets attention.
Today I'll be listing natural stones (Diamonds, Rubies, Topaz, Opals, Amethyst to name a few) as well as Cubic Zirconia to die for...(one large stone has such fantastic sparkle and clarity it seems equal to that *D* stone offered by one of our favorite shopping networks)... and created sapphires.
I have sterling silver, 10K gold and 14K gold rings... also one gold plated that is a big chunky unique style... I have anti-tarnish papers coming in next week so each sterling or plated ring will be delivered to you with an anti-tarnish paper and zip lock box to protect it as well as a ring box.
Shopping for you is a pleasure...I hope you are just as pleased when you receive your jewelry or other purchase.
Watch for the listings... they should be going up shortly!!!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Down Time
I should be posting new items to Dragonfly-Treasures.com. Thats what I should be doing, but Auctiva image hosting is down. If you've found my store with broken images and you've found your way here, I apologize. They promise to have the images and the Auctiva blog working soon.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Gemstone/Diamond Carats
Is there a woman today who has not been wandering the television channels and become entranced by a shopping channel? Especially if there are bright shining jewels on the screen? If so, she is made of stronger stuff than I am. One thing those programs have done, however, is educate those who are listening while hypnotized by the screen. We all want a perfectly cut diamond that is just as bright on our finger as it is in those television lights...and we'd like it to be as many carats as possible.
When is a carat not a carat?
In 1913, in the United States, .200 grams or 200 milligrams was established as 1 carat. That is the accepted standard around the world. A carat is an expression of the weight of the stone. Size is also expressed as points. It's easy to hear the number of points and think number of facets, but points has nothing to do with facets. If a stone is .50 carats or 50 points, it's 1/2 carat. 2.00 carats or 200 points is 400 milligrams.
Because a carat is a measurement of weight it's possible for a smaller diamond to weigh more than a larger diamond...if we measure by diameter. The difference is in the cut. If a stone with a small diameter is cut DEEP, it can weigh more than than a stone with a larger diameter that has a shallow cut.
Why is a carat not a carat?
Diamond cutters can get more dollar value out of a rough stone by if they produce undersized stones. Research tells me that a very fine cut stone would measure 6.4 to 6.5 millimeters. That same source tells me that most "1 carat" diamonds today measure between 5.9 ad 6.3 millimeters. If a well cut diamond had the same diameter they would actually weigh .75 to .99 carats. The under sized stones are not a true 1 carat in weight and acceptable brilliance. The cut of a stone maximizes how light travels through it. If the cut is done with the object of removing as little weight as possible, brilliance is sacrificed.
The GIA, EGL, IGI may be included with a stone, but those reports do not address or assign a grade to the cut. The buyer must examine the symmetry, polish, depth, girdle thickness and more.
When is a carat not a carat?
In 1913, in the United States, .200 grams or 200 milligrams was established as 1 carat. That is the accepted standard around the world. A carat is an expression of the weight of the stone. Size is also expressed as points. It's easy to hear the number of points and think number of facets, but points has nothing to do with facets. If a stone is .50 carats or 50 points, it's 1/2 carat. 2.00 carats or 200 points is 400 milligrams.
Because a carat is a measurement of weight it's possible for a smaller diamond to weigh more than a larger diamond...if we measure by diameter. The difference is in the cut. If a stone with a small diameter is cut DEEP, it can weigh more than than a stone with a larger diameter that has a shallow cut.
Why is a carat not a carat?
Diamond cutters can get more dollar value out of a rough stone by if they produce undersized stones. Research tells me that a very fine cut stone would measure 6.4 to 6.5 millimeters. That same source tells me that most "1 carat" diamonds today measure between 5.9 ad 6.3 millimeters. If a well cut diamond had the same diameter they would actually weigh .75 to .99 carats. The under sized stones are not a true 1 carat in weight and acceptable brilliance. The cut of a stone maximizes how light travels through it. If the cut is done with the object of removing as little weight as possible, brilliance is sacrificed.
The GIA, EGL, IGI may be included with a stone, but those reports do not address or assign a grade to the cut. The buyer must examine the symmetry, polish, depth, girdle thickness and more.
Caring for Sterling Silver Jewelry
SUBTITLE: Has this happened to you?
My favorite silver earrings turned. They were so beautiful...big, bold hearts covered in prong set czs. I wore them for years and then for some reason I put them away. When I discovered them again the silver had turned and I couldn't wear them again without cleaning them or polishing them. There was no such thing as the internet way back when, so my special earrings went back into the case.
If that *has* happened to you, you probably tend to shy away from buying more silver jewelry no matter how much it sparkles or calls to you. Well, this is 2008 and we do have the internet and it has all the answers, right? Ok, it's hasn't given me the location of a source for money trees, but I did find some good advice as I was searching out jewelry to offer in my e-store.
Sterling silver is a soft metal that is usually combined with copper (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper) to add the strength needed to allow its use and prevent damage to the precious metal. Over time, sulfur and oxygen cause tarnishing.
The key to keeping our silver jewelry bright is to follow these recommendations:
1. Avoid wearing your jewelry during physical activity. Perspiration will encourage your silver to tarnish.
2. Put on your jewelry after you have applied your make-up, hair spray, lotions and perfume. All those things that make you look and fee so beautiful are harmful to the finish of your silver.
3. Do not shower while wearing your silver jewelry.
4. I actually read this next one while researching, so just in case you haven't thought of it...Don't wear your silver jewelery while applying hair color or applying permanent solution.
5. Store your silver jewelery in a cool, dry place, individually in pouches or plastic bags.
6. Some Silver is coated in Rhodium to prevent it from tarnishing and scratching. While Rhodium coated or plated jewelery should be stored as listed in #5 above.
Ok...so what do you do after your jewelry has turned?
Gently wash your jewelry with a mild dish washing liquid diluted with water, then rinse well and dry with a felt cloth or a jewelers cloth. Tissue is not a good idea. Make sure to dry your jewelry well to avoid water staining. Silver polishing cloths are recommended and offer the best cleaning.
Silver dip is very harsh! If your silver item has a rhodium finish or is set with gemstones, turquoise or pearls do not use silver dip. It has been known to change to color of some gemstones, turquoise and pearls. No mention of opal was made in the articles I found, but I believe it should be included here.
Sonic cleaners can damage some gemstones! Check before you risk it!!!
I'm off to locate some felt and try my luck with those earrings!
My favorite silver earrings turned. They were so beautiful...big, bold hearts covered in prong set czs. I wore them for years and then for some reason I put them away. When I discovered them again the silver had turned and I couldn't wear them again without cleaning them or polishing them. There was no such thing as the internet way back when, so my special earrings went back into the case.
If that *has* happened to you, you probably tend to shy away from buying more silver jewelry no matter how much it sparkles or calls to you. Well, this is 2008 and we do have the internet and it has all the answers, right? Ok, it's hasn't given me the location of a source for money trees, but I did find some good advice as I was searching out jewelry to offer in my e-store.
Sterling silver is a soft metal that is usually combined with copper (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper) to add the strength needed to allow its use and prevent damage to the precious metal. Over time, sulfur and oxygen cause tarnishing.
The key to keeping our silver jewelry bright is to follow these recommendations:
1. Avoid wearing your jewelry during physical activity. Perspiration will encourage your silver to tarnish.
2. Put on your jewelry after you have applied your make-up, hair spray, lotions and perfume. All those things that make you look and fee so beautiful are harmful to the finish of your silver.
3. Do not shower while wearing your silver jewelry.
4. I actually read this next one while researching, so just in case you haven't thought of it...Don't wear your silver jewelery while applying hair color or applying permanent solution.
5. Store your silver jewelery in a cool, dry place, individually in pouches or plastic bags.
6. Some Silver is coated in Rhodium to prevent it from tarnishing and scratching. While Rhodium coated or plated jewelery should be stored as listed in #5 above.
Ok...so what do you do after your jewelry has turned?
Gently wash your jewelry with a mild dish washing liquid diluted with water, then rinse well and dry with a felt cloth or a jewelers cloth. Tissue is not a good idea. Make sure to dry your jewelry well to avoid water staining. Silver polishing cloths are recommended and offer the best cleaning.
Silver dip is very harsh! If your silver item has a rhodium finish or is set with gemstones, turquoise or pearls do not use silver dip. It has been known to change to color of some gemstones, turquoise and pearls. No mention of opal was made in the articles I found, but I believe it should be included here.
Sonic cleaners can damage some gemstones! Check before you risk it!!!
I'm off to locate some felt and try my luck with those earrings!
The birth of an Emerald
Emerald...its name means 'green gemstone.' I would have thought that a stone that is formed under traumatic circumstance would have a more dramatic name.
Emeralds are of the beryl family. Pure beryl has no color until it combines with traces of other elements. For beryl to develop its green color, it must come into contact with traces of chromium and vanadium. What makes the Emerald a rare stone is that the chromium and vanadium are not found in the same part of the Earths crust as beryl. The Earths Tectonic activity...movement of the plates, orogenisis (mountain building), metamorphism (heat and pressure), and erosion brings beryl, chromium and vanadium together and gives them a chance to chrystalise. All the drama and trauma of their birth is what produces the fissures, flaws, bubbles,inclusions sometimes called 'jardin' by gemologists. Jardin from the French 'garden', the inclusions being the contents of the garden. The 'jardin' give the stones their own unique fingerprint.
Fine inclusions do not devalue the stone. A dark color in a stone with inclusions makes it more valuable than a lighter colored stone with fewer or finer inclusions.
These green stones have the reputation of having a healing quality. They are seen as good luck. The color green is a symbol of life, spring, beauty and with Venus, the goddess of beauty and love.
In Astrology , the emerald is the birthstone of May... a spring month...and an earth sign. I was always disappointed that I had such a boring sun sign. Yes, I'm a Taurean. After reading about the birth of the emerald, I will hold up the stone as a sign of strength and growth...and no longer be disappointed.
Why am I writing about a May birthstone in July? Ah... I'm adding a few Emeralds to my offerings this weekend. I hope you like them!
Aliz
Emeralds are of the beryl family. Pure beryl has no color until it combines with traces of other elements. For beryl to develop its green color, it must come into contact with traces of chromium and vanadium. What makes the Emerald a rare stone is that the chromium and vanadium are not found in the same part of the Earths crust as beryl. The Earths Tectonic activity...movement of the plates, orogenisis (mountain building), metamorphism (heat and pressure), and erosion brings beryl, chromium and vanadium together and gives them a chance to chrystalise. All the drama and trauma of their birth is what produces the fissures, flaws, bubbles,inclusions sometimes called 'jardin' by gemologists. Jardin from the French 'garden', the inclusions being the contents of the garden. The 'jardin' give the stones their own unique fingerprint.
Fine inclusions do not devalue the stone. A dark color in a stone with inclusions makes it more valuable than a lighter colored stone with fewer or finer inclusions.
These green stones have the reputation of having a healing quality. They are seen as good luck. The color green is a symbol of life, spring, beauty and with Venus, the goddess of beauty and love.
In Astrology , the emerald is the birthstone of May... a spring month...and an earth sign. I was always disappointed that I had such a boring sun sign. Yes, I'm a Taurean. After reading about the birth of the emerald, I will hold up the stone as a sign of strength and growth...and no longer be disappointed.
Why am I writing about a May birthstone in July? Ah... I'm adding a few Emeralds to my offerings this weekend. I hope you like them!
Aliz
July is about Jewelry
All those cool things left over from June are now listed in store inventory. You know those things you left on your Ebay watch list? The cool blue summer cotton dress, or maybe you like the pink or the sage? A few of the sexy chiffon blouses are there too. Make sure you take a look at the sale prices!
OK. NOW! June's over. Let's talk about July. It's that explosive, hot and sparkling month. I have some fireworks lined up for you in the sparkle department. All this month I'll be adding listings for jewelry. Vintage jewelry. Designer Jewelry. Costume jewelry. Pure 14K gold... silver... and gold over silver...created gems, natural gems..cz, Diamonique AND diamonds as well as emeralds, sapphires, tanzanite and more.. earrings, pins, chains, necklaces, rings, pendants, watches... I keep going back to the treasure chest to see what I can find for you. So watch my listings! Bookmark the store!
Sarah Coventry, Avon, Joan Rivers, Trifari, Diamonique, all coming at you!
It's going to be a bright and shining month. When your done with your BBQ or nursing that sunburn come celebrate with Dragonfly Treasures. We're open all night!
Don't forget to email me and let me know if there is something special you are looking for!
Ok.. so maybe I'll add a few more pieces to the clothing listings too. Just in case you didn't get enough in June.
Stay tuned!!!! OH, and watch for our new domain address!!! (Auctiva hosts www.Dragonfly-Treasures.com and has problems with the blogging portion, so all blogs are republished here!)
OK. NOW! June's over. Let's talk about July. It's that explosive, hot and sparkling month. I have some fireworks lined up for you in the sparkle department. All this month I'll be adding listings for jewelry. Vintage jewelry. Designer Jewelry. Costume jewelry. Pure 14K gold... silver... and gold over silver...created gems, natural gems..cz, Diamonique AND diamonds as well as emeralds, sapphires, tanzanite and more.. earrings, pins, chains, necklaces, rings, pendants, watches... I keep going back to the treasure chest to see what I can find for you. So watch my listings! Bookmark the store!
Sarah Coventry, Avon, Joan Rivers, Trifari, Diamonique, all coming at you!
It's going to be a bright and shining month. When your done with your BBQ or nursing that sunburn come celebrate with Dragonfly Treasures. We're open all night!
Don't forget to email me and let me know if there is something special you are looking for!
Ok.. so maybe I'll add a few more pieces to the clothing listings too. Just in case you didn't get enough in June.
Stay tuned!!!! OH, and watch for our new domain address!!! (Auctiva hosts www.Dragonfly-Treasures.com and has problems with the blogging portion, so all blogs are republished here!)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
