Posts Tagged ‘Precious Metal’

Bringing Some Style to Men’s Wedding Bands

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Men’s wedding bands are some of the most underappreciated pieces in the world of jewelry. While a women’s engagement and wedding ring is showed off to friends, co-workers, family and common acquaintances, a men’s wedding band just sort of exists, sitting on the man’s hand as a symbol of love, though seriously, not much else.

While underappreciated, recent developments in the men’s ring industry have led to some intriguing new designs featuring stunning metals. While a men’s wedding ring might not be the most distinguishable part of a men’s daily ensemble, it doesn’t mean that it has to be boring. At their core, men’s wedding bands are all about simplicity. While a women’s wedding ring is there to show off, a men’s band is there to simply state: I’m married, hands off. Because of this, men traditionally don’t go for anything like fancy diamonds or other “bling”, they simply stick with a precious metal. While gold and silver are still beloved choices, many men have started to flock towards other metals such as titanium and tungsten. These metals still give off beauty and sophistication, but they also give off something else, something that makes them perfect for men. I don’t want to use the word “macho” because that makes it sound shallow, no, these metals startle the line between endearingly industrial and sophisticated much like a beautifully designed high rise which melds both steel and glass.

The nice thing about metals such as titanium and tungsten is that they are versatile enough to add other precious jewels or metals to the rings. Some sellers add sterling silver rope bands to their rings or engraved art carved faces. One of the most popular materials to add to these “metallic” rings is diamonds. Adding a bit of class to the rings, both white and black diamond’s can be utilized as they go perfectly with titanium and tungsten rings. To give them a subtle sophistication, these diamonds are usually set into the band and not inserted on top of them.

These titanium and tungsten mens wedding bands do not look like a simple fad. What started out as something that was just offered by a few websites has now turned into a multi-million dollar industry. Despite popular belief, men are looking for something intriguing and catchy for their wedding bands. It might not be about the bling, but it’s about bringing out personality in a simple, sophisticated ring. Take a look online and you’ll see just how many choice you have. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Kimberly Green was so impressed with the mens wedding bands found at titanium-jewelry.com that she bought her husband’s ring there.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/bringing-some-style-to-mens-wedding-bands-1783444.html

New Titanium Ring Design Trends

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

There are now more titanium ring design choices than ever before. As titanium ring artisans exand their techniques and tools, the choices for ring designs have expanded greatly over the years.

Titanium rings are very popular due to the design and price options. They are less mcuh less expensive than platinum and gold rings, and the properties of titanium make them to be very durable and ever-lasting rings. A ring made of high grade titanium is hypoallergenic, which means it will not react with human skin. Titanium is also non-reactive to most corrosive agents, so they can be worn while swimming in the ocean or while using common household cleansers. Titanium is also very lightweight.

Here are some new trends in titaniumn ring design

Precious Metal Inlay Rings

Many wedding ring buyers like the color of titanium, but want a little color in the ring. For them a titanium ring with a gold or silver inlay is a popular choice. Due to the strength of titanium, it is an ideal metal to inlay other materials. The result is a ring that not only stunning in appearance, but also durable and made to last a lifetime.

Titanium Rings with Tension Settings

Again, the strength of titanium means that it is an incredibly durable metal  once it has been milled from solid blocks of titanium. As such, tension set rings—those with a gemstone set between two non-touching ends make for a spectacular ring. Popular tension set gemstone include diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. These rings have gained popularity for affordable women’s wedding rings, as well as keepsake jewelry and promise rings.

Titanium Ring Based on Themes

Many ring artisans these days have become very skilled at making themed titanium rings. These are popular with men and women who are seeking a unique, handcrafted ring that reflects their interests or personality. We now see religious-themed rings with crosses and other religious symbols. Another example is nautical themed rings that are popular with sailors, surfers and lifeguards. Titanium rings with native culture designs are very popular with visitors Hawaii. Likewise, event-specific rings for athletic events like the Ironman races are big sellers for those who want to commemorate a special event or athletic achievement.

It is certain that we will see many advances in the design and making of titanium rings in the future.

The Titanium Ring Shop is at the forefront of titanium ring design and manufacture. With over 350 unique titanium ring designs online, we are the worldwide leader in unique titanium ring designs.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/new-titanium-ring-design-trends-1715814.html

What is Custom Jewelry Design?

Monday, January 4th, 2010

For years custom designed jewelry has been created using old world techniques dating as far back as the 1800′s. Until recently, almost all-custom designed jewelry was created using these methods. The introduction of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) has changed all that and in it’s wake ushered in a whole new universe of possibilities. Designs that were never thought possible can be made to the highest quality standards.

Before learning about the benefits of 3D-CAD you’ll need to know more about the custom jewelry design process. Most jewelry is made using a method called lost wax casting. A skilled artisan/jeweler hand carves a jewelry prototype out of jewelers wax using small scalpels and knives. This wax prototype also known as a “model” is placed in a flask and plaster called “investment” is poured all around the model. Once the investment hardens an exact impression of the model is formed inside of the flask. The wax model is burned out of the flask leaving a cavity of the jewelry design.

Next molten metal is injected in the flask mold using vacuum or centrifugal casting. When the metal cools and hardens the investment is broken away revealing the un-finished jewelry casting. This casting is filed, polished and prepped for assembly, which may include setting the gemstones or welding other precious metal parts to the casting.

The process of hand carving the wax prototype has always been the accepted process for creating custom jewelry. The problem with this process is that the human hand can’t be as precise as a computer-aided machine when carving the model. Precision equates to more design possibilities and much higher quality jewelry production. In the end you’ll have a product that looks crisper and won’t be prone to stone loss or breakage.

Like any other occupation or trade there are good jewelry craftsmen and there are bad ones. It is important to pre-screen your jeweler to determine if he/she is skilled at making custom designed jewelry. Ask to see their portfolio and examine their designs to determine if the flair they have for jewelry design matches your style requirements. Also, pay close attention to their communication and interpretation skills because much can get lost in the translation of your ideas if you’re not careful. Once the jewelry is made its too late to make changes and the typical jeweler will not re-make it again without added fees.

At this point higher qualified and better skilled custom jewelry designers have moved to using 3D-CAD to create their designs. If you feel 2 jewelers are equally matched in aptitude and skills then you should choose the one that is using 3D-CAD design. You’ll pay a little more to have your jewelry created in 3D-CAD but the final results will be amazing. The jewelry will look 1000% better than if it were hand carved and it will last much longer because of the precision of the jewelry model.

Andy Moquin has spent 20 years in the jewelry industry with much of his experience in polished diamonds, rings , tacori and custom jewelry design. He is an accomplished business consultant and is available for advice on topics such as marketing, advertising, merchandising and business turnarounds.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/what-is-custom-jewelry-design-1666832.html

Silver Jewelry – 5 Different Meanings on Wearing Them

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

There are people who are fond of wearing gold jewelry. But there are those who also find it appealing to wear silver jewelry. Well, as with wearing gold jewelry, wearing silver versions may also reflect your personality.

People may give several meanings to the fact that you wear silver jewelry. You may also have your own definition on why another person wears a piece made of silver. Well, every individual may have his own interpretation on silver jewelry wearing but the truth is the choice of owning one is more of a reflection of who you are. From there, five different meanings of wearing silver jewelry can be derived.

# 1 – Wearing silver jewelry means that you are not an avid fan of gold
Gold is one of the most classic precious metals used in the making of jewelries. Classic as gold jewelry can be, you may not be a fan of the precious metal. You think that wearing silver is better than getting pieces that are made out of gold.

# 2 – Wearing silver means that you want to fit in the crowd
As mentioned, gold jewelry is more traditional than silver. In fact, if you try to recall Hollywood stars walking via the red carpet, you will notice that most stars of today wear silver jewelry. If celebrities wear these magnificent pieces, then you will also be enticed to wear one.

# 3 – Wearing silver means that you want to be as simple as possible
You have always heard the famous phrase “simplicity is beauty”. Well, the same is true when it comes to wearing silver. Although, these pieces are available in different sizes, forms and shapes, simplicity is a quality that stands out when speaking of silver jewelry. In fact, the simplicity of these pieces also reflects elegance. This being said, you can captivate the eyes of people who notice that you are wearing one.

# 4 – Wearing silver means that you are more of a family person
What does that mean? Well, being a family person means that you care more about the needs of your family. You wear silver because wearing gold may mean more expense on your pocket. Silver jewelries are available in different materials and most of them can be purchased at an affordable price. Rather than spending for a pricier gold or diamond jewelry, you will choose to spend on a price-friendly silver jewelry.

# 5 – Wearing silver means that you are confident about yourself
You do not have to be a Hollywood star to be able to wear silver jewelry. What matters is you have the attitude to flaunt the pieces without actually being boastful about it. It also means that you do not need to brag about wearing 24-karat gold just to get recognized in a crowd. Wearing silver will make you look as stunning as others who opt for gold and diamond versions.

Wearing silver jewelry means that you are modern, cool and confident yet simple and more family-focused. Start by investing on one today and wear it to show the real person in you. Choose from a wide array of options like sterling silver and high fashion silver. Surely, you will find one that will reflect your own style.

If you are looking for silver jewelry that will best suit you, simply explore your options via bulldog jewelry.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/silver-jewelry-5-different-meanings-on-wearing-them-1639921.html

Engagement Rings-Make Your Lady Feel Special and Unique

Friday, December 18th, 2009

Engagement is one of the most important occasions of your life and if you want to make your occasion more memorable and perfect then you can do it by presenting unique and great engagement rings. You can find wide variety of engagement rings in the market but presenting diamond engagement rings to your future bride is a tradition and it will be also the most romantic way of expressing you love. Diamond engagement rings are very popular especially solitaire diamond engagement rings. You can find that the demand of solitaire engagement rings is increasing day by day. But if you do not want diamond engagement ring then there are many more unique options in engagement rings.

Platinum engagement rings

Platinum engagement rings are expensive but are the perfect option for those couples who do not want to go with tradition and are looking for unique engagement rings. Platinum is one of the most precious metal and are durable also. It can compliment any gems whether it is ruby, sapphire or emerald because it has luster of its own.

Antique engagement rings

Antique engagement rings are another option of unique and classic engagement rings. These rings exhibit superior craftsmanship. And are also known as vintage engagement rings and you can use these rings as heirlooms. Generally women love these rings due to its unique look and it has also mixture of tradition. And the best part of these rings is that they are less expensive that diamond engagement rings and you can easily buy then from online jewellery stores or antique stores. You can find rings in different types which represent particular eras. You can find that these rings are basically set in rose and yellow gold. And platinum was dominant in the Edwardian era. In Edwardian era you can find sapphire in platinum and diamond in rose cut. Another type pf engagement ring is Art deco antique rings which are made of stones and gems. These are one of the most popular engagement rings. If you want then you can also go for carved antique engagement rings.

White gold engagement rings

White gold is made by adding different metals in gold. Always remember that compare to traditional gold it is harder and durable and is also very popular. You will find that women love to have to diamond with white gold. And these rings are very cheap compare to other engagement rings.

Hence if you can not afford to buy expensive engagement rings then you can buy any one of these and always remember that your beloved will be amazed and speechless when you will present any one of these rings.

The author provides detailed information on antique engagement rings, diamond engagement rings, solitaire engagement rings,engagement rings, gemstone engagement rings and many more. For further details please visit www.whitefleur.co.uk.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/engagement-ringsmake-your-lady-feel-special-and-unique-1598211.html