Tag: rings

There is no better way to express your vow or commitment for purity than with having or wearing purity rings. Because of popular young celebrities like the Jonas Brothers sporting and making statements with their rings, more and more young people are getting into the bandwagon. A good majority of teenagers and young adults are now making a vow to remain pure by showcasing their rings.

[Pufity rings]

These rings are also known as chastity rings or promise rings. Most of the time, they are embellished with words like “True Love Waits,” or “One Life One Love,” constantly serving as a reminder to the wearer about his or her commitment to chastity and waiting for the right one.  This practice was originally started during the 1990’s and was a way to discourage premarital sex among young people especially. Today, decades after the movement was first started, purity rings are still popular.

Promise rings are usually worn in the left hand of the user.  This signifies that the person wearing the ring has made a commitment to himself and God that he will not desecrate his body by engaging in sex before marriage. Some people prefer to wear them as a necklace instead of a ring. You may not be able to see a hint of it in movies and general society, but every day the concept of wearing purity rings is gaining ground. There are teens who are making a choice to be different from their peers, thus, they feel that this is a good way to differentiate themselves; by not giving in to temptation.

[Christian purity rings]

Made specifically for both men and women, purity rings are a great way to showcase ones commitment to celibacy until marriage. Upon first hearing the term “purity ring,” the first idea that comes to mind would be abstinence from sex, however, there are other kinds of purity or promise rings.

A “second virginity,” promise can be made and signified with a purity ring. This promise is usually done by people who have indulged in sexual activity way too young in their lives and are now regretting it. Wearing their promise ring helps them to commit their virginity a second time and promise to wait for the right person. Even though they cannot change what they did in the past and the things that they’ve done, they can make a commitment to change the future. Giving them the courage to start and pick up the pieces again.

Other types of promise rings usually worn by people are rings that promise abstinence from alcohol or drugs. People who have suffered from drug abuse and alcohol abuse and are looking to change their lives, wear these rings to mark their commitment to sobriety and being drug free. This isn’t limited to alcohol and drugs. Anything that a person is addicted and feels that they have to get over their addiction can use these rings for strength and motivation; addiction to gambling, or food, or other sexual addictions can also be the motivation behind it.

Purity rings are certainly making a comeback. Whatever reason a person may choose when deciding to wear one, it is still welcome news. As long as the intentions are pure and sincere, purity rings can definitely help any individual overcome any hurdles they may have, even if the rest of the world is against them.

[Click here for more info]

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , ,

An increasing number of people are becoming bolder with their fashion statement, but more and more people are also establishing their faith by proudly proclaiming it using Christian jewelry. Wearing Christian jewe lry is fast becoming a popular choice for most people today. Most believers are no longer hesitating to be seen wearing or sporting something that identifies them as Christians. Letting them act as a proud witness of the Lord through the jewelry that they wear.

There are many kinds of Christian jewelry that are available. You can definitely find the right one for you without any problem. Some of the most common forms include necklaces, bracelets, rings, brooches, and pendants. The designs also vary, from simple crosses to intricate roses or other symbolic designs. Most of these items are available in 14K, 18K, or 24 K gold. Sometimes, they are silver plated.

[Christian Jewelry]

Finding Christian jewelry shouldn’t be a problem, there are ideal places where you can actually look for and buy them. When it comes to buying them, you have two main options. Your first option is to buy them through local Christian organizations or retail shops. Your second option is to look for it online. Christian jewelry not only turns into great accessories and statements for yourself, it also makes great gifts.  Little girls will enjoy receiving charm bracelets. If you want it to be extra special, you can also have the jewelry customized. Maybe adding the child’s initials will do the trick. This will help make it more meaningful. Moreover, Christian jewelry is also popular when it comes to weddings. For rings, it can be combined with diamonds to make it more appealing. Wearing Christian jewelry particularly rings, to your wedding will not only show your commitment and love for you partner, but also to God.

In fact, Christian jewelry is most definitely popular with weddings. Crosses can be incorporated in necklaces, pendants or rings set with white gold. Wearing these, not only shows your vow of love.

Wearing Christian jewelry entails plenty of reasons for the wearer. Some people think that whenever they see a Christian wearing such, they automatically assume that he is showing off his faith.  However, there are plenty of reasons why Christians wear such jewelry. Let’s take a look at some of them.

[Christian Bracelets]

1. Having Christian jewelry means that you are proclaiming your faith in God. You don’t need to be up on the podium with a microphone on hand all the time, just to let people know about your decision to follow Him.

2. Another good reason is for evangelizing unbelievers. As followers of Christ, we always try and find ways to share our faith without being imposing. If someone comments on our jewelry, it opens up the path to share your faith and passion for your belief.

3. Being labeled “Christian” sometimes entails a bad connotation for some people. This is not true. Christian jewelry is not only personally significant to the wearer, but they can also be great fashion pieces. Regardless of who you are, there should be a proper jewelry for you.

4. It is important that those who wear such jewelry should not forget that they are not the center attraction, the Lord is. People will form ideas about you based on what you wear, so it’s best that you prepare yourself for it. However, wearing Christian pieces will help you reach out to people. If someone starts asking you about the jewelry, it can be a great opportunity to share your faith.

[Christian Rings]

There are so many ways to showcase and proclaim your belief in God to every person you encounter. Wearing Christian jewelry is just one of the many; you proclaim your faith in God and let people know that you do follow the Him. Every Christian should think about having one.

 

 

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , ,

There are plenty of holidays coming up now that the fall season has come underway. It seems as though all the major holidays like Christmas are right around the corner, and boy do they come at you fast. So the time old question arises, what will I get for the special someone? There are plenty ideas available when you go grocery shopping or walk down the street. There are billboards that showcase exotic trips across the world, and then there are grocery store aisles full of cute and snappy greeting cards. But there has to be a happy medium for the person who doesn’t want to spend too little on a simple card, but doesn’t want to purchase plane tickets across the globe. A person needs to find a gift that can be timeless and yet meaningful as well. And one of the most versatile gifts of all is personalized jewelry. Whether it is an engraved watch or personalized bracelets, jewelry with a personal touch makes it one of the best gifts of all.

Jewelry is a useful gift because it can be worn every day, or on all those special occasions. It is a gift that may match with anything, and may be worth a thousand words. Personalized jewelry makes those precious gifts like wedding rings meant just for one person, instead of suitable for anyone. A person’s name engraved making personalized pendants or having a birthstone set into a ring reflects the person receiving the gift. When a person sees a little bit of themselves in their gifts, they can become instantly attached to it. Just as well, a personalized gift of jewelry makes the giver showcase their thoughtfulness. There is no better idea when struggling to find the perfect gift than to make it personal and from the heart. A gift always comes better to a person when it is coming from the heart. There is natural instinct when a person decides to trust their soul and give a gift that has a personal touch.

There is no limit to the size and style of jewelry, such as watches or personalized rings. There is no shortage of gift ideas if you were to ever walk into a jewelry store. And knowing the person’s favorite color or style makes choosing a jewelry gift even easier. But the truth is, seeing one’s name on their gift, and knowing that the gift could last forever, is already a special surprise, regardless of style.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

When people go looking for jewelry items they expect to find many options and not only just options but very attractive options as well. In this regard it is important that you first understand just what makes gold jewelry and more particularly white gold jewelry so attractive and popular and in addition you also should know why gold that is normally of yellow color is made to look white. The answers to these questions will help you out to know whether white gold jewelry is for you or not.

White Gold Jewelry Really Is Gold!

Though you may have your doubts about whether or not white gold jewelry is in fact gold or not the plain truth is that even white gold is actually real gold though it has a gold alloy mixed with it along with another metal which might be nickel and also palladium? To check the purity of white gold jewelry is really no different than checking yellow gold jewelry’s purity and the two are in fact measured in terms of carats which in turn show the amount of real gold content plus the mixture of metals.

Be sure that you understand that you won’t normally get pure gold jewelry and so it is reasonable to assume that some metal or the other will have been mixed with the gold to give its appeal. In the case of white gold jewelry too there are metals mixed with the gold content and so if you want this kind of jewelry it will certainly pay for you to first understand what purposes are best served by white gold jewelry.

Any nickel that is added to white gold jewelry gives the jewelry item added strength which in turn means that you can make excellent rings and pins from such kind of gold while if you add palladium to the gold you will get softer as well as more workable white gold jewelry items.

Unfortunately, white gold jewelry will not shine on its own as is the case with the other yellow gold jewelry items and so in order to get white gold to shine it is necessary to coat the surface with rhodium that adds a lustrous look though you must be prepared to find that in some cases such luster might not last for too long.

The bottom line is that white gold jewelry is better suited for making modern jewelry items and that is why it is so much in demand among the younger buyers. Gold costume jewelry on the other hand is different as it is basically a kind of jewelry that is plated and is not really pure gold. This coating of the gold is generally done with rhodium while the metal mixture is generally that of tin alloys and/or brass.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

design a wedding ring

Wedding rings are one of the oldest and most universal symbols of marriage. For thousands of years, since the time of the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, the giving of a ring has been associated with marriage. In fact rings along with other token symbols were often used as a pledge for important agreements and this happened with the important agreement of marriage too.

Marriage rings have been made up of a variety of materials over time, often depending on what people could afford, such as horse hair, leather, wood, iron and silver. But ultimately the gold wedding band has been the best preference, mainly because of its value, purity, rarity and durability

The ring is a perfect circle and this symbolizes eternal love, a love without end, the perfect lasting love of the love that is to be united. The unbroken circle is an age-old symbol of eternity and for marriage, everlasting love. It is also a symbol of the couple’s love and commitment and a token of possession. This doesn’t mean that the man has taken possession of the woman, but symbolizes the woman receiving something precious from her beloved which is hers to treasure. Hence the relevance of using a precious metal, such as gold or platinum and often the inclusion of a diamond or precious gem. The diamond in diamond wedding rings traditionally represents innocence in the bride.

The ring is usually worn on the third finger in line with an ancient tradition which connected the vein line of the third finger straight to the heart where it was thought that love resides. The left hand is a bit closer to the heart than the right, so it became the tradition to have the wedding ring on the left. In some cultures, however, the ring is worn on the right hand because in this case the right hand is associated with righteousness and good conduct.

For many people today wedding rings are a way to publicly announce that they have found an intimate and loving partner that they are committed to sharing the rest of their lives with. Wedding rings symbolize commitment and eternal love

In modern times, the value of the ring, how it looks, its attractiveness and design are all important considerations to be made in deciding upon a ring to fit the occasion. Using diamonds to include in a wedding band whether it is for a man or a woman, has become a popular way of designing a ring these days. people are no longer settling for the usual plain band oin yellow gold, narrow for the lady and broader for the man , but are being offered much more creative and personalized choices, designed to suit an individual’s taste and preferred style, perhaps encrusted with. The marriage ring is a very important and emotional piece of jewelry that needs some thought before purchasing because it is hopefully going to be around for a very long time

For more information about wedding rings and unique and personalized wedding ring designs go now to www.designaweddingring.net

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In every culture, holidays are standpoints. People live for celebrations of life, for that is what holidays and special occasions are. A testimony to life, holiday gatherings involve everything from fine food to lively parties. With so much jovial celebration, there is no mystery as to why people look forward to holidays so intently. These are the times when people come together to show their love and endearment for one another. Of course, for most holidays, there are gifts involved. Gifts can even have more importance to someone wanting to make a good impression with someone such as a new family member or a new love. The best presents are those that have a little creativity to show that the giver really cares about the person. Also important are gifts that can withstand time and wear to last a lifetime. Therefore, jewelry gifts are just right for almost any occasion. Jewelry, which is sturdy and able to be personalized, puts the perfect touch on the holidays.

To present someone with a beautiful piece of jewelry can be daunting. What with the choices between styles and being on the lookout for the right prices, it can be overwhelming. But the truth is, jewelry comes in very shape, size, and price. If you are a bargain hunter, there are still ways to find breathtaking jewelry for that loved one without emptying your whole wallet. What is more of a question is finding the right jewelry to pierce someone’s soul with love. The best way to make jewelry special and less impersonal is by adding something of your own to the piece. Perhaps you want to present that adorable person a series of personalized bracelets with their name engraved in them or sweet messages printed on the sides. These kinds of gifts are what make simple jewels and metals into heartfelt works of art.

So the next time you are out shopping for the holidays, keep an eye out. There might be the perfect set of personalized rings sitting in a window. It all depends on how you go about your hunting. You never know what might come up when you least expect it. Jewelry makes a perfect gift for any occasions, remember, as long as you put forth the effort to make it stand out.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

Oftentimes, it is difficult to find the right gift when it’s time to show how much you care. It’s hard to go wrong with the gift of jewelry, especially when you’re giving to that “someone special.” Jewelry gifts have universal appeal, and when you choose wisely, never evoke that feeling of having chosen something at the last minute. Initial jewelry — perhaps an initial pendant — allows you to tailor the gift for a specific individual. This extra level of personalization really can make the recipient feel special, and make an ordinary piece of jewelry extraordinary.

You can find initial pendants and jewelry that flatter every personality type. For men, large and bold block letters on a chunky gold chain are stylish, especially if he favors an urban personal style. You can even find gemstone encrusted styles for the really adventurous. For the professional man, a gold ring with block initials is classy and appropriate for every situation. Women, of course, are also fans of the gritty urban style; so don’t assume that bold block styles are only for men! However, if she is fonder of understated looks, delicate scripts make for a lovely choice.

Though initial pendants are particularly popular, you can find initial jewelry in every corner of the jewelry universe. Rings, bracelets, and earrings are among the options available to those seeking initial jewelry.

For those in a committed relationship, but aren’t ready to get engaged, there is always the option of a promise ring. Traditionally, promise rings are similar to engagement rings – albeit on a lighter scale – but you need not feel bound by tradition. By using your first initial with the first initial of your partner, you create a lovely commemoration of your relationship. Every time your partner looks at the ring, she will be reminded of your commitment and devotion.

Gemstones are a possibility to consider that give the piece a splash of color and sparkle. A smartly situated gemstone draws the eye of the observer, and elevates the “wow” factor of the piece. Of course, a diamond or cubic zirconium are classic and will match practically every outfit. Consider, too, a garnet or an emerald for your piece of initial jewelry. A bold splash of color can really set a piece off in a stunning way. Birthstones, too, are an option to consider, especially if the wearer has other birthstone jewelry.

Regardless of which type of initial jewelry you settle upon, it’s the kind of gift that has universal appeal. Choosing a gift is sometimes a challenge, but it’s hard to go wrong with the gift of jewelry.

 

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , ,

Buying mens rings online is probably very popular and it’s very rare that you’ll meet someone who doesn’t  wear any trinkets or jewels simply because it’s become so popular. However, sometimes some people get it very wrong so when you’re  shopping for yourself make sure you do some research.

Mens jewellery is a little trickier to find but there are plenty of options available. If you’re interested in buying something  for yourself then you’ll have a few things to think about before you begin. Firstly, you’ll need to consider your budget because  obviously, this sort of purchase can be expensive.

Heading over to Google and typing in “mens wedding rings” is a great way to do some research in order to  set yourself a realistic and reasonable budget. Make sure that you’ve got a pen and paper with you so that you can make a note of  the prices as you browse the web.

Go through each of the stores and make a note of the prices of things you like. You should then end up with a list of prices from  which you can work out a realistic budget based on fact rather than anything else. Make sure you set yourself a minimum budget as  well so that you don’t buy low quality products.

You may need to spend a few hours finding the best deals but now that you’ve set yourself a budget, it should  be easier for you to spot the good offers. Remember that buying jewellery online is actually a lot easier than you may have first  thought.

Before you part with any cash, remember to do some research into the  company you’re buying from. When you’re purchasing something as expensive as this, it’s important to ensure that you’re getting a  good deal. Keep your wits about you and don’t spend any money until you’re comfortable.

Overall, buying what you need in terms of jewellery, should be really easy. Just make sure that you do your research so that you  can be sure you’re getting the best deals. Mens designer jewellery is always more expensive so bear this in mind but as long as you  set yourself a budget you should be fine. Just remember that quality is really important with a purchase like this.

Writer Natasha S Iqbal talks about buying men’s rings online. Thorn Jewellery has a huge range of options available, you should easily find what you’re looking for.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , ,

A lot of people wear rings and it’s a very rare occasion when you meet someone who doesn’t. However, there are a few people  that struggle to find the right jewellery for them and this is where research comes in. If you’re going to buy things online,  research is always essential.

It can be very expensive to buy jewellery so you’ll  need to bear that in mind. If you’re interested in buying something like this for yourself then you’ll have a few things to  consider. The first thing you’ll need to think about is your budget.

Grab a pen and paper and head over to Google or Yahoo! where you can do some research. Type in “rings” and  see what comes up. You should be able to use this information to set yourself a realistic and reasonable budget. However, make a  note of everything as you search.

To ensure that you don’t buy poor quality goods,  or fakes, it’s important to set yourself a minimum budget. Make sure that you make a note of everything while you’re browsing the  web. You should find that there are a lot of options available.

You may need to spend a few hours finding the best deals but now that you’ve set yourself a budget, it should  be easier for you to spot the good offers. Remember that buying jewellery online is actually a lot easier than you may have first  thought.

Just make sure that you’re armed with information before you part with any cash. You need to ensure that you’re able to get  yourself a good deal without worrying about buying poor quality goods or rip offs and fakes. Be sure to find out a bit about the  company as well, before you spend any money.

All in all,  buying jewellery online is a simple task and it can be really fun. If you’re ever unsure about what suits you, you should head over  to Google again and search for some fashion advice. That’s the beauty of the interent - everything you need is all in one place and  it doesn’t take long to find all the things that you need.

Writer Natasha S Iqbal talks about buying men’s rings online. Thorn Jewellery has a huge range of options available, you should easily find what you’re looking for.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , ,

There are many different ways to personalize your rings and jewelry to make them unique, highly fashionable and definitely yours. Some of the most popular styles for personalized rings include those with the giver or receivers name, a special message or even an important date inscribed or in relief on the band or as part of the design of the ring.

Some of the most popular ways to make a ring uniquely your own is to have your name engraved or displayed on the outside of the ring, either on a band or within a setting or center area of the ring. Mother’s rings are the most common type of name rings. Monograms are a traditional choice for graduation gifts, especially for men. For men rings can be in a variety of styles including the more traditional circular monogram rings, squares, rectangles or even the horseshoe shapes. Women’s monogram or initial rings can be similar in style or may be more ornate with sculpted or stylized shapes and added details.

Name rings that actually include the whole name or the name of a loved one are also very popular as gift items. These rings can also include words such as Grandmother or Grandfather, Mom, Dad or even Best Friend. Word or name rings have very special meaning and are often considered as keepsakes that may even become an item that is passed down from generation to generation. Some rings can become family heirlooms. They may contain a family crest, name, or hometown.

Keep in mind that name and word rings can also be very formal and for special occasions. Adding a precious stone can turn a plain name ring into a more formal and flashy piece of jewelry. These rings aren’t just for women, gemmed men’s name or word rings are becoming increasingly popular and can be found in a wide range of metals including palladium, titanium and sterling silver. Gold is also a popular choice with white, rose and yellow gold options in a variety of different styles. For a more modern style with a lot of bling you may want to consider a two finger name ring which is ideal for longer names or for really drawing attention to the detail in the ring.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: ,

There are many different ways to personalize your rings and jewelry to make them unique, highly fashionable and definitely yours. Some of the most popular styles for personalized rings include those with the giver or receivers name, a special message or even an important date inscribed or in relief on the band or as part of the design of the ring.

Some of the most popular ways to make a ring uniquely your own is to have your name engraved or displayed on the outside of the ring, either on a band or within a setting or center area of the ring. Mother’s rings are the most common type of name rings. Monograms are a traditional choice for graduation gifts, especially for men. Ring styles for men include monogram rings and ring shapes of squares and horseshoes. Women’s monogram or initial rings can be similar in style or may be more ornate with sculpted or stylized shapes and added details.

Name rings that actually include the whole name or the name of a loved one are also very popular as gift items. These rings can also include words such as Grandmother or Grandfather, Mom, Dad or even Best Friend. Word or name rings have very special meaning and are often considered as keepsakes that may even become an item that is passed down from generation to generation. Some rings can become family heirlooms. They may contain a family crest, name, or hometown.

Keep in mind that name and word rings can also be very formal and for special occasions. Gemmed name rings are both elegant as well as breathtaking if they are worn as right hand rings or as dinner and evening type rings. These rings aren’t just for women, gemmed men’s name or word rings are becoming increasingly popular and can be found in a wide range of metals including palladium, titanium and sterling silver. Gold is always a classic and elegant choice, with a variety of karats (10k, 14k, 18k) and colors (yellow, white, rost) to choose from. For a more modern style with a lot of bling you may want to consider a two finger name ring which is ideal for longer names or for really drawing attention to the detail in the ring.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: ,

Who are the Miao?

How do you feel to wear 30 pounds of silver ornaments from head to toe? Well, the Miao are a fascinating group of people who make huge silver ornaments in a way that almost covers their entire body! Living in the mountainous areas of south and southwestern China, the Miao ethnic group love silver and regard silver as a symbol of light of hope. There are so many different kinds of Miao silver ornaments, here are just a few:

Silver headdresses

Miao silver headdresses are quite a sight and are worn only on very special occasions, like weddings or important holidays. They feature three different parts: the horns, the hood, and the hat.

Silver horns: The silver horns are the most important part of a Miao silver headdress, and they are crafted to mimic the horns of an ox. From one horn to another, the headpiece can span almost three feet and will usually reach about the same height. So they can be almost half the height of the wearer!

The patterns of the horn are quite impressive. An image of two dragons playing with a ball is often carved on it. Women like to put a pair of white feathers onto the horn to make it higher and more impressive, or decorate the horn with other kinds of silver jewelry like butterflies and phoenixes.

Silver hat: A silver hat is the base of the headdress and can be a foot tall. It’s completely covered with silver flowers, birds, animals, bells, and

tassels. Behind the hat hang twelve pieces of silver feathers that can hang all the way down to their waist.

Silver hood: The silver hood hangs down from the hat and covers parts of the face and neck. In some Miao areas, there are five glistening ornaments placed on the silver hood, with the biggest one in the middle falling from the forehead and the others dropping around ears.

And in other areas, a silver hood has three distinctive layers. The highest layer features 29 round silver flowers. The middle layer has a round glass in the middle, and 14 warriors riding horses at each side. The lowest layer is fringes.

Silver hairpins

Miao silver hairpins always feature flowers, birds, and butterflies. The most attractive patterns feature 10 silver flowers laid out just like a Chinese fan. In the flowers are some beautiful, glistening beads, and around the center are five silver phoenixes.

Some hairpins look like chopsticks decorated with silver bells or long tassels.

Silver combs

Miao women use a silver comb to decorate their hair. It's in fact a wooden comb covered with thin sliver slices. Patterns of flowers, birds, dragons, or the image of a Bodhisattva are usually carved on the surface. Some combs feature long silver chains falling down.

Silver earrings

Fabulous Miao silver earrings can be in the shapes of flowers, birds, butterflies, dragons, or plants. Miao women often wear 3 or 4 silver earrings at the same time. Reaching directly to their shoulders, a single silver earring can weight 200 grams. But many small earrings have very fine threads which are nearly invisible.

Silver neckbands

Wide silver neckbands are similar to necklaces in the West, but they are rigid and have many pendants hanging down from them. There are various neckbands in the Miao areas.A dragon silver neckband has the image of two dragons playing with a ball and about ten various ornaments falling from it. Another kind of neckband shows off 14 silver rings linked together, with silver birds or flowers dropping from each ring.

Silver bracelets

The Miao silver bracelets are engraved with the images of flowers, fish, or dragons. Some bracelets feature wide bands which is like the cuffs worn by warriors in ancient times. Miao women usually walk around with their arms almost overloaded with silver bracelets at one time, sometimes more during festivals or holidays.

Silver rings

A Miao silver ring is usually quite small and has fine pieces of silver bent and shaped into flowers, birds, or plants. Some Miao women wear rings on all eight of their fingers, only leaving their thumbs free. Some rings reach half the length of their fingers.

Silver garments

Tiny silver slices or threads are commonly woven into the fabric of Miao clothing. There are more than 40 silver pieces in round or square shape that can be used.  When put on the front and back of a silver garment, the clothing gleams bright and catches the light when the Miao walk.

Each piece is engraved with amazing patterns such as phoenix, tigers, lions, butterflies, and flowers.

Also, sometimes as many as 60 silver bells can hang from the garments, which make beautiful sounds and add to the overall look.

Silver waistbands

A silver waistband features hundreds of silver images of Bodhisattvas sewn on a piece of cloth. The images sparkle beautifully when the Miao dance with the waistband around their waist.

Silver anklets

Last but not least are small but sturdy silver anklets that clasp above the foot. Miao children wear silver anklets to keep off evil spirits.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How a ring is made

Buying an engagement ring is something that most people only want to do once in a lifetime. However, buying an diamond ring is a bit more complicated than buying a new pair of shoes or even a new car. Potential ring buyers have to get an understanding not only the qualities and intricacies of a diamond, but the style and tastes of the recipient. The buyer must then figure out how to make those two things meet at a cost which is within the buyer’s budget. To put it bluntly, there are a lot of variables to consider when buying an engagement ring.

Fortunately, many people are able to trust the knowledge of their jeweler, helping to mitigate potential unforeseen circumstances when shopping for an engagement ring. However, there is one variable which neither the jeweler nor guesswork should be used for: ring size.

This is a detail which seems too important to overlook, and yet many people do. One of the most common justifications given for simply estimating a future-fiancés ring size is the need for surprise and the willingness to “just have the ring resized later.” This logic has one rather significant problem with it - not all rings can be resized.

To understand why, it helps to know how rings are actually resized. First, it’s important to know whether the band is being made larger or smaller. For a minor enlargement, a jeweler can sometimes just stretch a ring. However, for major adjustments in size, a jeweler must actually cut the ring. To make a wedding band or any ring smaller, the ring is cut and a piece is removed. To make a ring bigger, the ring is cut and more metal is placed into the ring. The ring is then welded back into one piece, massaged back into a circle, polished to hide the cuts, and finally buffed to a shine.

In an ideal world, the process is quick and the results are not noticeable. But, this obviously cannot be applied to all rings. Why not? Well, there are two critical flaws which can prevent a ring from being resized.

The 1st such flaw is related to ring’s metal. In order for a jeweler to insert new material to enlarge a ring, the jeweler must know exactly what metal, or blends of metals, that the ring is made of. For this reason, most antique rings, family heirlooms particularly, cannot and should not be resized. However, this can extend to white gold rings if the composition of the alloy isn’t known. Mismatching metals can result in spotted or stained rings. Even if metal isn’t being added to a ring, not knowing the composition can certainly cause staining or spotting when the professional jeweler tries to melt and buff the ring back to the right shape.

Another reason why many rings can’t be resized is because of the process of reshaping and buffing. Rings which have detail lines or contain stones around the band would cause design inconsistencies if metal was to be taken away or added. Stones may be lost, destroyed, or damaged, details and decorative lines may blurred, smudged beyond recognition, and the ring is then ruined.

Of course, there are many other options to resizing. A jeweler might be convinced to swap out a ring, if the ring had purchased new. Ring guards, a metal piece inserted into a ring to make it smaller by taking up space, can be used for rings that are too large. However, these are overlooking one very important fact - when you’re on bended knee looking up at the one who just became your fiancé, you want her to be able to wear the ring right away. And believe me, you want it to fit.

The ultimate lesson is that ring size isn’t something you should guess at, nor is it something that you should consider fixable at a later date. Finding a ring size discretely might not be easiest task, but seconds after you pop the question, it will certainly be worth it.

 

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , ,