bangsib's Blog

By: Victor Epand

Jewelry is an expression of the human need to adorn the body and look beautiful. Through the ages, jewelry has been used for a number of reasons and to fulfill a number of functions. A few of them are listed below:

Display of wealth: It is a common known fact that people who flaunt jewelry are associated with status and power in society.



Jewelry display and storage is symbolic of monetary stability. The best examples of such a show are celebrities and the "creme de la creme" of societies around the world.



Functional use: Jewelry such as clasps, pins, and buckles are associated with specific functions, the most common being the holding together of fabric. Such jewelry pieces are unisex and enable a flashy show of intricate designs.



Symbolism: Special jewelry is sometimes created to display membership or status. Artificial gold stars and the gold platted ones play a very important role to the ranks within the aviation industry and the military.

Protection: In earlier times and in the mystical world of wizards, special jewelry was designed in the form of amulets and wands. The idea behind the special designs is to protect the wearer from the elements or other humans or mystical beings.



Artistic display: Jewelry is also designed as display pieces.



Most cultures all over the world have at some point or the other maintained a tradition of accumulating and hoarding large amounts of wealth in the form of jewelry. In numerous cultures, dowries or special wedding give always include jewelry, in the form of multiple chains, coins, or simply pure metal nuggets. In the earlier times, pre historic and later, jewelry was also used as currency for trade. A good example of this are the slave beads that were a common sight during the slave trade in Europe.



Many of the items of jewelry like the dedicated brooches and special buckles were initially designed purely with a specific function in mind. Somehow in time, they evolved into decorative pieces and simply to add glamour and quality. There is religion specific jewelry also available. The crucifix in Christianity and the Star of David in the case of the Jews are good examples of such jewelry pieces. In the west, it is a common practice for couples getting married to exchange specially designed 'wedding bands'.



In some cultures, the wearing of medals and amulets are supposed to symbolize the attempt to provide protection. Such jewelry is usually made with stones, plants, animal body parts or glyphs. In the case of jewelry functions, even though there are examples that highlight the fact that they are used for artistic display, the functions of symbolism, wealth and power are clearly more dominant. In the latter part of the 19th century, the work of masters like Peter Carl Faberge and Rene Lalique became famous and added to the functionality of jewelry.



Jewelry functionality differs from one part of the world to another and individually from person to person. The different types of jewelry available on the market today and the wholesale range have added to the popularity and use of the various designs.



Article Source: http://articles.directorygold.com





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.

 

By: Victor Epand

Are you always in search for new and most unique ways of setting fashion trends? If you want something that is not only a trendy change but also looks attractive and original, then think antique. In jewelry, retro, classic and vintage styles can never go out of fashion and style. If you are wearing the right kind of vintage jewelry, then it can help you make a long lasting impression. According to fashion experts, any woman can look stunning with a beautiful vintage jewelry piece.



This type of jewelry has always been considered collectible and very valuable, but in recent times, it has become fashionable and chic for the rich and the common man. Suddenly there is a rise in the trend of wearing retro and vintage jewelry that isn't real. If you want to access great vintage jewelry pieces then follow these tips:



1. Before you go out to buy jewelry, make sure that you have some basic idea about the history of jewelry in different fashion eras. For instance, it helps if you know the basic difference between Victorian and Art Deco jewelry. You will be able to find good items at great bargains if you have sufficient information.



2. Another way of getting good vintage jewelry pieces could be by becoming a jewelry connoisseur. You can turn yourself into a semi-expert to determine quality craftsmanship with a good observation. By doing this you will be able to determine the item's value before you buy it.



3. You can also browse through consignment shops. These shops are considered to be the best in finding good quality vintage jewelry deals. A wide variety of these jewelry pieces can be found in such stores as they are donated from a personal collection when someone passes away. In many cases, vintage jewelry is donated by people because they don't have an idea about the actual value of an item.



4. Estate sales are another good place for finding vintage jewelry. Surprisingly, such sales happen to have a wide selection of beautiful vintage jewelry pieces that are often signed and have a unique life and history.



5. Garage sales could also be of some help in finding good pieces. This might be time consuming and may not result in finding what you want. Most people will not sell good jewelry at a low price, but you might get lucky. The trick is to visit garage sales that take place in good and old neighborhoods, with some history.



6. Online sales are also effective in finding good vintage jewelry deals. There are several websites that sell vintage jewelry at a low price. Don't forget to ask for a letter of authenticity since you will not be able to study the piece on the Internet.



There are several vintage jewelry stores where you can shop for some unique pieces. No matter where you choose to buy your jewelry, ensure that you buy the best quality at a good price.



Article Source: http://articles.directorygold.com





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 vintage jewelry, loose diamonds, diamond rings, vintage fashion jewelry, fashion earrings, fashion pendants, trendy engagement rings, wedding rings, and wedding bands.

 

By: Derek Dashwood

History indicates that the first civilized settlement was at Jericho, some ten thousand years ago. This area, still inside warm weather zones, was north enough to grow wheat, which the hunter gatherers learned to master and farm. And by now, they were domesticating sheep and goats, cows, finding a need for organizational order and duties clearly defined for all. Warriors would be needed to be trained first, then to learn how to apply their particular skills to those many duties needed, as people began to create in this valley a people who first settled down.



Here at Jericho the first town dwellers did thrive for thousands of years. At this point, pots, artifacts, masks and items are at that edge of no longer being tribal jewelry, but examples of a passage point in human history from hunter gatherers to town dwellers with specific skills. And so we continue, to this day. Each larger settlement becomes grander, draws more bright minds, thrives and always becomes the civilized center, while smaller settlements more on the edge of great fortune and success trade their tribal jewelry for these gleaming great works from the blacksmith in the town.



And soon Sumer and Egypt rose out of the dusty desert, both nearby precious fresh water, which made all their difference. The annual floods brought new topsoil from the mountain each spring to the soils of lower Egypt and Sumerian life. As Sumer salted up, the peoples of this old civilization found a natural oasis at Baghdad, where the otherwise far and separated Tigris and Euphrates rivers come close to each other, creating a desert oasis laden with a full water table under the soil, as with the great cities of Egypt, hugging the Nile.



And this superiority has spread out from the central point of each great civilization on earth, everywhere. Damascus is now the oldest continually inhabited city on earth, with 7,000 years under it's belt. The silk route ended here, and Chinese silk was exchanged for what China may have considered tribal jewelry from the mid east. At any rate, in Damascus are still those who specialized in creating out of raw silk woven Damask from Damascus. Many a merchant trading into the west need go no further east than Damascus, and he had found his connection to trade his European tribal jewelry for some really civilized goods. How times change. Or not.



Article Source: http://articles.directorygold.com





Derek Dashwood enjoys noticing positive ways we progress, the combining of science into the humanities to measure politics, wise use and mis use of power and protective love at Tribal Jewelry

 

By: Chris Robertson

Throughout our lives, there are days that we know will remain etched in our memories forever. There are milestone birthdays, bat mitzvahs, and graduations, along with our wedding day and the days our children are born. For occasions large and small, handcrafted silver jewelry can commemorate special days and help to create lasting memories.



Lockets



Our grandmothers may have worn lockets on silver chains around their necks, but these memory-keepers are enjoying a resurgence today. Lockets make perfect gifts for new mothers and new grandmothers. For someone close to us who is experiencing a recent loss, a locket expresses heartfelt condolences in a way that honors a loved one.



Silver Chains



Artisans who specialize in handmade jewelry have access to silver chains in dozens of different designs. Moreover, because they solder the end caps and the rings connecting to the clasp, their bracelets, necklaces, and anklets won't fall off and get lost - an ever-present danger with commercial produced chains. Because the chains are usually sold by the inch, you can purchase one in any size. That makes them perfect gifts for a variety of recipients, from babies to men, from plus-size women to little girls' dolls.



Pendants and Earrings



Handmade pendants and earrings are made the old-fashioned way, with hand tools, one piece at a time. Set with gemstones, they make wonderful anniversary gifts, Mother's Day gifts, and even bridesmaids' gifts. Thematic pendants - like dragons, pentagrams, or Celtic symbols - are memorable birthday gifts.



Rings



In our society, rings convey an incredible sense of meaning. Depending upon the occasion, they signify commitment, hope, love, or eternity. Handmade silver wedding rings, which are available in a bright polish finish, a satin or brushed finish, or a hammered finish, can make a memorable day even more special.



But rings can also reflect your gift recipient's interests, hobbies, or passions. From traditional Celtic rings and classic pentagram rings to biker rings and puzzle rings, jewelry artisans offer a dazzling array of gift-giving options.



And Much More....



Handcrafted silver jewelry can take many other forms, all of which can add meaning to special occasions. Barrettes are the perfect gift for a little girl on her first day of school, while charm bracelets and cufflinks make wonderful graduation gifts. Religious jewelry is appropriate for to commemorate milestones in virtually all faiths, while cuff bracelets are the perfect "just because" gift.



Finding Jewelry Online



While there are many online sources for jewelry, it's important to select a company that has a long-standing tradition of creating handcrafted silver jewelry. The artisans can either guide you to pre-made pieces, or can work with you to create the perfect, customized gift that reflects your affection for the recipient.



Article Source: http://articles.directorygold.com





Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies. For tips/information, click here: handcrafted silver jewelry

Visit Majon's Jewelry directory.