Jewelry: June 2009

Wednesday 10 June 2009

Masonic Jewelry - A Symbol of Brotherhood

Masonic jewelry is worn as a sign of membership of the brotherhood or passed down as family heirlooms. Here is a guide to this unique and interesting custom.

-The Brotherhood
The Freemasons have the longest history of any organization in the world. The beginning Grand Lodge was formed in 1717 in Greater London, but there was loose organization and use of conditions and symbols centuries before that. Stonemasons were the founding fathers.

Nowadays, it is not essential to be an actual mason to be a member as the principles of the brotherhood are self-improvement, social acts and self-awareness. They were behind the creation of public schools in Europe and America.

In the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, they also got it upon themselves to be sure orphans, the elderly and widows were taken care of when the system supplied no security for them. There are a lot of conspiracy theories, films and articles surrounding the mystery of the Masons, but there's no real secret to this philanthropic and educated organization.

- Types of jewelry
To designate membership in a Masonic lodge, there are a variety of Masonic jewelry pieces that a member can wear. The conventional piece is the signet ring, but there are other options as well. For the adult male who already owns a Lodge ring, other gift options are cuff links, tie pins, pocket watches and even pendants. These can all bear as is the emblems as the rings.

- The Symbols
Symbols in freemasonry are important and they designate the degree of the member, the lodge and what the member wants to say about his membership. The most common symbols are the square and compass which represent the cornerstone of freemasonry.

In the centre of these tools is the letter "G", which stands for geometry, a principle of freemasonry, and for God, the original builder. Another tools of the trade found in Masonic jewelry are the trowel, the plumb level and columns. There are many other symbols to choose from when designing different pieces.

- Proper wear

Just members should wear membership jewelry, but there are cases where antique Masonic jewelry is passed down as family heirlooms. As far as how to wear the rings, there are no rules on the proper way. A few men like to wear the emblems facing them but other people like to clothing them facing out for others to see. Married men usually wear their rings on the right hand ring finger. Some men choose to wear their ring on the pinkie finger. So, actually it's all about personal preference and comfort on how to wear the pieces.

- How to clean it
In gold or silver, Masonic jewelry can be very simple or quite ornate. The more intricate the design, the dirtier it can get. Gold pieces can be soaked in warm soapy water and scrubbed on a soft brushing. If there are enameled or synthetic colored parts, do not soak the piece, but gently scrub with a soft soapy brush. Regularly polish with a soft cloth. For sterling silver pieces, only use cleaners designed for silver cleaning. These products come in wipes, cloths and creams.

There are millions of freemasons across the world and a gift of men's Masonic jewelry is a great way to recognize his contribution to society and to honor his pride and dedication to his brotherhood.

Bridesmaid Jewelry

Your prince charming has popped the question and you said yes. Nowadays you're in the throws of organizing the wedding of your dreams. The fact is that it is little details like the bridesmaids jewellery that will actually tie your wedding in collaboration to make it a cohesive event that will be remembered for years to come.

However, that could not be as easy as it sounds. The truth is that for any bride choosing your bridal party jewellery can be among the harder tasks. Traditionally, almost brides make a gift to their attendants at the rehearsal dinner to show their gratitude. For many brides this gift is the jewelry that they would like their bridal party to wear the next day.

In opting your bridal jewelry you'll prefer to spend a little of time thinking about what you would like your overall look to be. Traditionally, the bridal party normally wears a duplicate dress and matching jewelry. While this is completely accepted, it has also get acceptable to add a bit of variety to your overall look. Maybe you want your honor attendant to have something special. Or possibly you prefer to provide different pieces of jewelry to each of your attendants that actually display their personalities and fashions. The option is actually yours so follow your spirit and have fun with it.

When you've an idea about what your bridal party style is becoming to be you are able to really begin to have fun by becoming shopping. If you are searching a conventional and classic look then why not look for an ivory faux pearl jewelry set in gold. This standard look is something that your bridesmaids can bring with them through the years while also searching pretty and dressed for your big day. Or maybe you're searching a bolder piece for your bridesmaids. If so then why not select some rhinestone chandelier earrings that actually make a argument and add a few sparkle to your attendants ensemble? Or perhaps you want to coordinate your bridal party jewelry with their dresses. If you select a crimson dress for your bridesmaids you might prefer to accent their look with a ruby red Swarovski crystal bridesmaids jewelry necklace set.

The fact is that there are a lot of dissimilar pieces of jewelry out there for you to look through. Decide what kind of bridal fashion you've and then find pieces that will enhance that style. By doing this you are able to make sure that your bridal party will be dazzling, almost as dazzling as the bride!

Type of ring

Nowadays most citizenry wear rings - a lot of specifically finger rings - just as a form of ornament. But in more ancient times they had a bigger significance. In daytimes elapsed a few rings were trusted to contain magical powers (talismanic rings) and yet others were rings of deeply personalised significance by which one would be classed in society

In earlier Egyptian Empire, rings intended the authority of a individual. These rings were the forerunners of what we now term signet rings and they had carved scarabs or imprinted hieroglyphs. The Greeks then again wore golden bands mostly with carved stone or other forms of engraving. The too soon Romans ruled the wearing of rings by law - during earlier times iron rings were worn by everybody whom were freeborn and top ranking citizens were allowed to wear gold rings under the early empire. Later on the freeborn citizens wore gold rings, slaves that were freed wore silver and all slaves wore iron rings.

The wearing of wedding rings came in as early as the Roman times - matrons wore wedding rings to indicate their authority in the household. Early Christians also wore signet rings. During the Middle Ages bishops obtain a ring as a part of the ceremony of consecration and Popes traditionally received the Fisherman’s ring. These latter ring is a signet ring that takes a symbolisation which represents St. Peter in a fishing boat with the name of the Pope around it. This ring is used by the Pope to attest his Papal briefs and is then destroyed when he dies. Kings are also generally given a ring during their coronation. Not until the sixteenth century delays that the wearing of rings turned popular, commonly with a set of jewels. Rings of completely types including signet rings are, of course,still worn today.

Engagement rings accept also been given since ancient times but not until the 15th century was it that they were made with diamonds. This is similar for wedding rings - the gold bandings only came later during the sixteenth century. In U.S.A. today married women wear some their engagement ring and wedding ring while married men often wear just their wedding band.

Today a lot of signet rings are worked graduating scholars. They contain an engraved logo of their degree or profession and as such they are called in a graduation rings. Some also have a ring made for their organization or fraternity. Some doctors have their own rings given to them after they get their certify to practice. There are rings that are very popular for children - some even come free in their cereal boxes! Mood rings tend to switch their color dependant on the mood of the wearer and special decoder rings that decodes secret messages on a letter it comes with are also examples of ring varieties.

There is lots of different designs that would certainly fit everybody’s taste. Whatever the type, style or reason, the wearing of rings is still popular to this daytime.

The getting married ring

The getting married ring is a ring that will often be made from precious metals, and it will be worn on the left ring finger. It is also worn on the right ring finger in countries such as Norway or Russia. The purpose of a wedding ring is to represent a marriage. Both spouses will wear rings to show that they are commited to each other. The custom originated in Europe, but has spread to many other countries which are outside of Europe. In some cultures the getting married ring is simply one of three rings that will lean when a duo is in the work of getting married.

The other two rings are the engagement ring and the promise ring. The engagement ring is well known, and will be given when a couple has become engaged. A promise ring is not as well known, only will tend once a couple starts courting each other. In many European countries, the name of the soon to be spouse will be placed within the ring. While wedding rings have traditionally be worn by women, getting married rings are now designed for men as well. It is the responsibility of the best man to make a point the rings of the couple are cared for. The best man will present both rings during the marriage.

In extremely involved weddings, a ring carrier perhaps used to carry the rings as well. The ring bearer will generally be a young male who is related to either the groom or bride. He will carry the rings on elaborate pillows. In some European countries, the engagement ring is the wedding ring, and the condition of the ring will change once the couple is married. If a another ring is used for the wedding ring, the bride could still put on it if she chooses. The option of which finger the ring should be worn on has changed over the centuries.

Traditionally, the fourth finger on the left or right hand has all of the time been applied, and when a marriage has on their rings on their left hands, this is a sign that they have eternal love for each other. While wedding sets have historically been endured of women in the US and UK, they are now commonly worn by men. The use of diamonds on wedding ring is highly favorite. The precious metals that are used in the ring will often be gold or white cold, only titanium has also get favorite, specially as gentlemen. Many couples will avoid using diamonds and will use other precious gems such as rubies or sapphires.

Besides this, stainless steel is at present being applied in a number of wedding rings. Stainless brand has a a lot higher enduringness than gold, and can showcase a better finish than titanium. Some metals are poisonous, and are not used for wedding rings. If you want to buy a gem, you will want to measure the quality based on its softness. Gems have a softness scale that ranges from 1 to 10. A gem with a rating of 1 will be the softest, while a gem with a rating of 10 will be the hardest. Gems that have a rating of 7 should not be picked for wedding rings.

Tuesday 9 June 2009

A diamond heart and soul pendant

A diamond heart and soul pendant is not always the first gift that arrives to beware when you're shopping for the right gift for Mother's Day. It is, however, a gift that comes to mind when you want something for a special woman in your life. Do not forget Mom when you consider any important holiday. She will be thrilled with the gift of diamonds and hearts to symbolize your love for her.

A diamond heart pendant is perfect for Mother's Day. It is one of the most important days of the year and it provides you with the opportunity to show your gratitude to the woman who has shown you unconditional love and nurturing for you entire life. You don't have to limit yourself to the traditional flowers and cards, year after year. Give her a gift she will always be able to enjoy.

One of the greatest things about a diamond heart pendant for Mother's Day is that it will be unexpected. She probably never calls for for much a card to acknowledge her day and she would not be expecting a nontraditional gift like this. If you prefer to give her something that is truly unique and that she will cherish for years to come, then give her a heart pendant to show her that you hold her close in your heart.

There are several diamond heart pendant styles to choose from. Diamonds represent the love, trust, and friendship you have with your mother. Decide a style that suits your mother and she will wear it proudly from each one time she sets it on. Give her gift that will make her feel cherished by the single she holds dearest.

A diamond heart pendant projects an understated elegance as it dangles lightly from its chain. When she receive her necklace as a Mother's Day gift, she will feel treasured, just as she should be. Mother's Day is important because the person you celebrate on this day is so important to you. She will make an impressive statement every time she wears her beautiful token of your love for her.


The diamonds in the diamond heart pendant also represent April's birthstone. It is the almost enduring stone; given as a Mother's Day gift, it will also be the most endearing stone. No other stone is as significant or popular as the diamond and there's no major way to delight and surprise your mother than with this bejeweled gift.

If you can not work a diamond heart pendant into your budget for Mother's Day, then consider giving her one that's affection shaped without the diamonds. There is even one to choose from that has "MOM" written down one side so that she can proudly display her special gift and the purpose for which it was given to her.

There are many styles to choose from including those that have "MOM" on them and those that do not. Diamond heart pendants and those with no diamonds are both beautiful choices. There are also some designs that feature other gem stones. Whatever you choose to give your mother, it is sure to be a cherished and favorite Mother's Day gift.