Jul

30

Beautiful Chinese Miao silver jewelry art

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Who are the Miao?

How do you feel to wear 30 pounds of silver ornaments from head to toe? Well, the Miao are a a people who love to show off their silver ornaments in a way that almost covers their entire body! The Miao are a minority group inhabiting the mountainous areas of south and southwestern China, and for them silver is a symbol of wealth that can bring hope and prosperity. 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 are made up of three individual parts: the horns, the hat, and the hood.

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. The headpiece spans about three feet from one horn to another, and reaches almost the same height. So they are nearly half the height of the wearer!

The designs of the horn can be quite ornate. They usually feature a pattern of two dragons playing with a ball. Women place a pair of white feathers onto the horn to make it higher and more beautiful, or adorn the horn with some silver flowers and butterflies.

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 are twelve pieces of silver feathers hanging 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, the silver hood sports five beautiful ornaments, with the biggest one at the center hanging from the forehead and the others falling around ears.

A silver hood features three layers in other areas. There are 29 round silver flowers which make up the highest layer. The middle layer sports a bright, round glass at the center, and 14 warriors riding horses standing at each side. Beautiful fringes form the lowest layer.

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. Beautiful beads shine in the flowers and five silver phoenixes fluttering around the center.

Some hairpins are in the shape of a chopstick adorned with silver bells and long tassels.

Silver combs

Miao women use a silver comb to decorate their hair. It is made of wood and is covered with thin silver slices. Patterns of flowers, birds, dragons, or the image of a Bodhisattva are usually carved on the surface. Some combs have long silver chains hanging down.

Silver earrings

Fabulous Miao silver earrings are often shaped like flowers, birds, butterflies, dragons, or plants. Miao women often wear 3 or 4 silver earrings at the same time. Weighing 200 grams, a single silver reaches directly to their shoulders. But many small earrings have threads which are as thin as a piece of paper.

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 has about 14 connected silver rings, with some silver flowers or birds falling 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 show off many silver bracelets on any given day, 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 have rings on their eight fingers, only with their thumbs free. Some rings can be half the length of their fingers.

Silver garments

Tiny silver slices or threads are commonly woven into the fabric of Miao clothing. About 40 main silver pieces can be used, all of which are in round or square shape.When put on a silver clothes, the beautiful light shines with the Miao walking.

Each piece is carved with beautiful patterns like lions, tigers, phoenix, flowers, butterflies, and dragons.

And sometimes there are about 60 silver bells hanging from the garments, which make sweet and beautiful sounds.

Silver waistbands

A silver waistband features hundreds of silver images of Bodhisattvas sewn on a piece of cloth. The Miao like to wear it around their waist, and when they walk or dance, the images shake and shine beautifully.

Silver anklets

Last but not least are small but sturdy silver anklets that clasp above the foot. Miao children have silver anklets on to keep away from evil spirits and stay safe.

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Jul

20

In Search Of The Perfect Tiffany Replica Jewelries?

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Tiffany replica jewelries are likely the best selling kind of sterling silver these days.  Its immense acceptance can be attributed to notion that its captivating designs hails from the hands of famous designers. Apart from the very obvious reason that the designs are perfectly attractive this line also boasts of its extremely affordable tag prices. Today, with the increasing market share of sterling silver jewelries created to appear like the authentic Tiffany designs, most people from all levels of the society can afford totally alluring and glamorous jewelry pieces.

Due to Tiffany replica's immense popularity, extreme caution should be practiced when buying these pieces. Tiffany inspired jewelries are now available in all places, and because of the increasing demand inferior imitations have flooded jewelry shops. The safest way to make sure you are buying sterling silver jewelries of high quality is to make sure you are purchasing from a reputable store.

When buying Tiffany replica jewelries, you have 2 options: do it online or go down the nearest jewelry shop, the location doesn’t make a difference. An increasing number of buyers however, prefer to purchase them on the Net for the simple fact that they can get to choose from hundreds of styles, scrutinize each item thoroughly without even leaving the comfort of their homes. Even if it’s a bit tedious and time consuming, still some would like to buy them in-store so that they can try the jewelries on and have the actual feel of the item they wish to purchase.

Basically, Tiffany replica jewelries strong point is the fact that you can get the same expensive look of a real Tiffany jewelry without spending as much. The cost of these replicas are roughly about 20% of the cost of the real ones and one-tenth or less of those designs with expensive stones. The wide gap in prices does not translate inferior workmanship and materials for the replicas. Replicas also use .925 sterling silver which is the same material as expensive designer jewelries. The more noticeable difference in price is between items that have expensive gems. A diamond when replaced with an every bit stunning cubic zirconia is just as perfect aesthetically but the price is just a fraction of the cost of an authentic diamond.

Because it is difficult to distinguish which one is original and which one is a replica, some unethical jewelers may try to sell you replicas at a price approaching that of the originals. For your own sake, if you are looking for the authentic Tiffany, just go down and purchase from Tiffany's or its licensed resellers.

In search of flashy looking jewelries but don’t want to spend a fortune? Try Tiffany replica jewelries and be surprised with its authentic look and feel. Browse thru our website at http://www.overstocksilver.com/ and check out our cool Tiffany designs available.

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Jul

12

Stylish Jewelry Pieces: To Keep Your Outfit Modern

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If we were to all require a seasonal shopping trip to stay abreast of fashion, we'd be broke in no time. Many women rely on costume jewelry to augment costumes of seasons past in such a way as to appear to be the essence of current fashionable dress.

People should take advantage of trendy jewelry. It gives you a lot of styles especially if you know how to pair it with your dresses. Trendy means the latest innovation, almost certainly a fad in the world of fashion, but it places you in a modern society.

The very definition of trendy jewelry conveys a couple of messages to the world at large. First, the fact that you're wearing trendy costume jewelry makes you hip, cool and imbues you with all sorts of other positive connotations in the fashion world. The second message is that you're aware of these trends. You pay attention. This degree of observation is more than enough to keep you out of the old lady or otherwise uncool basket.

This is not to say that trendy jewelry is without merit. Costume jewelry, of the trendy variety, is a fun indulgence that livens up your wardrobe and is ever changing. If you can't afford to update your closet with the latest fashions, or choose not to due to considerations of age and dignity, trendy jewelry is just a fun way to add some spice to your looks.

Surprisingly, a closet filled with classically popular clothing is the perfect foil for trendy jewelry. Classic cuts are typically simple and elegant, but they do stand the test of time and happily coexist with any number of jewelry styles. You can pair a string of pearls, bohemian styled beads, ornate Renaissance rings or trendy jewelry in the form of wild enameled Italian earrings with any of your outfits, to good effect.

You need not be a fashion dud. Costume jewelry is your best fashion friend.

So what must you have in your clothing repertoire to mimic a fashionista? Recommended inclusions are simple garments of the timeless variety. Turtlenecks, flowing skirts, wrap dresses and harem style silk pants are a good beginning. Trendy jewelry is the perfect complement to such a wardrobe.

You can find trendy jewelry by picking up an issue of any of the big fashion magazines, like Vogue or Elle. Take your cues from their pages and then embark on a shopping trip, many stores has the abundance of choices. Trendsetting jewelry must be worn with confidence if you want to pull it off righteously, so choose the pieces you really like and pieces that fit you.

You do have another option. Be a trendsetter. Take a jewelry making class. Shop the retro and antique shops. Spot that unusual piece of costume jewelry at the crafts fair. You can set a trend that could set the heartbeat of Hollywood celebrities on fire. Why not?

Article by Van T, you can learn more about him at his profile

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Jul

11

Charams and Charm Bracelets, Amazing Jewels.

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The charms on a charm bracelet become like a story, showing off some of the most important moments you've had in life. Although the charms that you have on the charm bracelet look lovely, more than likely they mean more than just a little charm on your bracelet. They actually represent some of the most important times in life for you.

There are many people who first get a charm bracelet at an important time in life or often these charm bracelets are given to them as gifts. The actual bracelets are known as the starter bracelets. every time a significant event occurs a charm is added to the bracelet to mark the event. One example of using a charm bracelet is giving one to a mom, then she can add on charms at important moments in the life of her baby, using charms like teddy bears, booties, pacifiers, and more.

Believe it or not charms and charm bracelets have been around for many years. In ancient times the bracelets were actually supposed to be amulets. They would help to banish evil forces. In Egypt, pharaohs wore these bracelets as a status symbol. The advent of the 20th century saw Queen Victoria wearing these bracelets with items like crests and beads and they became immensely popular.

These days people prefer charms and charms bracelets for different reasons. Some use them as a fashion statement and others have them as a special keepsake. No matter the occasion, charms and charm bracelets make wonderful gifts. They are great gifts for a daughter on her graduation from high school or a birthday. Many best friends wear identical charms bracelets to represent their friendship. Some times mothers wear charms bracelets with one charm for each of her children.

You can find charm bracelets at various online stores and regular stores as well and they come in a variety of different sizes. If you are looking for good charms, try a flea market or check out gift shops when you can.

There are several sizes of charm bracelets available, and the size is what determines the links on the bracelet. You do have the ability to remove or add on links to the bracelet if you need to. Each charm has a meaning of it's own, meaning you need to be careful about the charm you choose. Go with an elephant and this is a charm speaking of memories cherished, while a key charm will represent that you have a home that his happy.

Over time you'll find that charm bracelets grow. You'll continue to add on charms and the bracelet actually will become a part of yourself. Various themes can be used on these bracelets, depending on your preference. Some choose a sea theme with the charm bracelet and go with charms with the same theme, such as shells, anchors, or sea animals.

Sometimes, family heirlooms are also charm bracelets where they are passed on from the mother to the daughter. These represent one of the most treasured pieces of jewelry since they have a rich history associated with them.

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Jul

10

What is the best type of pearl jewellery?

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For thousands of years pearls have been worn by the rich and glamorous, and given as extravagant gifts. Traditionally worn by new brides on their wedding day, they have long been a symbol of love, purity and perfection. Nowadays pearl jewellery is available to more people than ever before, and you no longer need to be royalty to afford it. Pearls of all shapes, sizes and colours are grown on farms and with so many varieties to choose from any bride-to-be has no trouble finding the perfect pearls to match her wedding gown. In fact there are so many varieties that it can be difficult to know what to look for, so here are a few things to look out for:

Pearl type – There are two types of pearl, saltwater and freshwater. Saltwater pearls are found in oysters in the sea, and are usually larger, rounder and clearer than the freshwater variety. For this reason they are also usually more expensive. Freshwater pearls are farmed in lakes and rivers, usually smaller and often less regular in shape, though they come in a large range of different colours.

Size – When buying pearls, size really does matter. The larger the pearl, the more desirable it is and the more it will cost. Saltwater pearls are usually the bigger variety, and are more highly sought after.

Nacre – Pearls take a very long time to develop inside an oyster shell. When an irritant is introduced into the shell the oyster produces nacre, which builds up in layers forming the pearl. The thicker the coating of nacre, the more durable the pearl will be. Some saltwater pearls from farms are made with a 'beaded' large nucleus used to speed up the process and ensure a round shape. Most farmed freshwater pearls and all natural pearls are composed entirely of nacre, so their shape is less likely to be perfectly round.

Luster – No pearl is as smooth and shiny as a mirror but they do have a certain reflective quality to them, called the lustre. Pearls that have this shimmery surface are the most popular type.

Colour – The natural colours of pearls are various shades of white, pink and lilac although cultured pearls are often dyed so they are available in the colour of your choice. A pearl necklace made of matching naturally-coloured pearls will cost more than dyed ones, as it can take a long time to collect enough matching pearls for a whole string.

Shape – When we think of the ideal pearls, we usually imagine them to be perfectly round and smooth. In reality this is rare, and perfectly round pearls are very expensive as they are hugely sought after. Small cultured pearls tend to be more rounded and some larger ones are formed around a bead to help the shape develop. Irregularly shaped pearls are also used to make unique jewellery and pendants.

Matching – It can be difficult to find enough pearls of the same size, shape and colour to make a whole necklace, so a string of regular pearls will cost more as it is rarer and more desirable.

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Jul

4

The History of Charm Bracelets

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For many centuries men and women have been wearing charms as amulets to keep them safe from evil or for luck and prosperity. The use of charms on bracelets is thought to have begun in ancient Egypt where the people wore them as signs of their devotion and to carry with them to the afterlife so that their gods would recognize them and give them their correct status.

In Rome the early Christians carried a charm fashioned as a fish to identify themselves to each other. During the Dark Ages, charms were worn for political recognition and to indicate the family of the bearer. In the Middle Ages, knights carried them to safeguard themselves during battle and the common people also carried charms. During the Renaissance their use faded, principally by the wealthier classes, as people became better educated and much less likely to be superstitious. Nevertheless the less educated poorer classes carried on wearing charms as protection against malevolence and to bring them good luck.

The wearing of charms was revitalized in the United Kingdom by Queen Victoria who wore a silver charm bracelet with lockets which contained images of her family. This had a big affect on charm bracelet wearing by the people who started to wear them, not as amulets, but as decorative items. Glass beads, family crests and lockets became the rage of the day. Following the finish of World War 2 there was a huge explosion of charm wearing as servicemen brought home gems and beads to their fiancees from far flung regions of the world. Jewelers in America continued the fashion and started to fashion charms and silver charm jewelry. Ever since wearing charms and charm bracelets has continued to boom.

Nowadays a widespread selection of charm bracelets, necklaces and earrings are offered with bracelets being the most common. Silver and gold are usually used although some people favor bracelets made from pearls or beads with silver or gold charms. Bracelets vary in price from below $100 to over $1000 so are within everyone's budget. There are many kinds of religious charms portraying saints and a substantial selection of charms depicting animals and objects including hearts, cupids, crosses, dolphins etc. One of the most well-liked are angel charms.

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