One of the more spectacular collections is the collection of gems in the Museum of Natural History.

There you can see wonderful crystals and minerals in their natural form, as well as some of the most incredible pieces of jewelry every created.

There are crowns worn by royalty, enormous diamond earrings worn by the doomed French queen Marie-Antoinette.

They’re all stunning and awe-inspiring, but nothing is more mysterious than the rare earth-green of the emerald. The Smithsonian is home to the most fabulous emeralds ever known, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have them in this country.

Hooker Emerald

One such emerald is the Hooker Emerald, which legend has it was once part of the belt buckle of a Turkish sultan.

Another brilliant example of emerald jewelry, combined with diamonds is the Spanish Inquisition necklace. It’s a spectacular double row of diamond shapes, ending in a pendant of a chandelier shape with emeralds.

Chalk Emerald

There is also a magnificent 37.8-carat emerald called the Chalk Emerald that is set with diamonds and was found in the mines of Columbia. The Mackay Emerald Necklace is also set with diamonds and is a brilliant example of how a stone like an emerald, which often contains flaws or inclusions, is still a beautiful piece of gemstone jewelry.

The collection at the Smithsonian is not to be missed, not only for the incredible selection of emeralds it contains, but because it’s a chance to be as close to some of the world’s most fabulous gemstone necklace as most of us can ever be! We may never own anything like this, but we can dream, can’t we?

One of the many accessories the person may choose to have is a bag to hold on some stuff and jewelry.

Traditionally, these things come in the form of an earring, a necklace or a bracelet. Lately, there is a new trend and this involves putting jewelry on one’s body.

Where to find body jewelry?

Body jewelry is seldom sold in the department store. This is perhaps because most of the customers are quite conservative. The customer will have to visit tattoo or body piercing shops or check these out in some carts located in the mall.

There are many types of body jewelry readily available. The person can get this for the nipples, the nose, the tongue and the navel. These accessories are not only for women since some men have also purchased it to be part of the crowd.

There are two ways for this to stay on the body. The first will be after someone pierces it to the skin. The other will stay there with the help of a magnet.

Is one better than the other? The answer will depend on who will be the one using it and what occasion will be this worn for.

The prices of these products vary depending on the material that was used. Gold and platinum are the most expensive with silver, titanium, glass and plastic that will cater to the lower end of the market.

If a certain type of body jewelry is not available, some customers may be fortunate enough to find this online. Those that are not happy with what is in the display case can come up with a design and then have this made. Before buying it, the customer should look at it in the mirror to see if this looks good.

There are some people who think that body jewelry is very strange. That may the opinion of those who may not like it but it has not stopped some celebrities from having some fun.

Take for example Melanie Brown, a former spice girl who has a piece of body jewelry pierced in the tongue. Another woman that was featured in one talk show was Janet Jackson who had the same thing done but this time by the nipples.

There are so many other celebrities that have done the same thing. When asked if it hurt, most of these people said yes. Why do people do it? Some say this is one of the trends of living in the digital age prompting others to explore new things.

Studies show that sales in body jewelry have gone up in recent years. One reason is perhaps because a lot of people look up to celebrities as role models. If someone has a fan club and decides to use body jewelry, other people will follow soon and have this either pierced or clipped in places that surprise some would never even dream of it.

Should everyone go down to the store and get body jewelry? This depends on the person. Some find it cool while others don’t. Choosing to buy body jewelry is just another way of expressing one’s individuality. There are other ways of expressing it and this makes everyone a little different.

However, currently choosing the right necklace length is a matter of personal taste.Collar necklaces are between 12 and 13 inches in length. Necklaces of this length will fit snuggly around the center of the neck.

Collar necklaces are often made up of three or more strands of necklaces. They are an ideal accessory when wearing off the shoulder or low v-neck attire.A choker necklace is usually between 14 and 16 inches long. This is a very traditional and versatile length. It can compliment almost any outfit and neckline. In addition it can easily be dressed up or down, depending on what it is paired with.

Anything longer than 16 inches is generally classified as a long necklace.The princess necklace is typically between 17 and 19 inches long. This is the most common length for a necklace, with the end falling right at the collarbone. This length works well for low cut and crew necklines. This is the length you should purchase if you cannot decide which length will work best for you.

The matinee necklace is between 20 and 25 inches long. This length necklace works well for business or casual attire. It exudes confidence and sophistication. This length usually works best with a high neckline.The opera necklace is a lengthy 26 to 36 inches long. This length is best worn with evening wear, preferably with a high neckline.

Because of it length this necklace can be worn is several ways. It can be worn as a single strand, or doubled to create a two-strand choker. It can also be tied in a knot around the bust line to portray a more vintage look.A rope necklace is typically 37 inches or longer. This necklace can be worn as a single strand or doubled for a two-strand choker.

It can usually be tripled to create a three-strand choker as well. A rope necklace may be knotted at the bust, or even worn backwards to compliment a backless number. Rope necklaces are often made with several clasps. The multiple clasps allow the rope to be broken down into separate combinations. It is often worn as a necklace and bracelet.

A lariat necklace is 48 inches or longer. This length of necklace is popular for pearl lovers. This strand is usually unattached t the ends to allow the wearer to knot or wrap it in whatever manner suits them.Some necklaces have adjustable lengths. They have extra links near the clasp that can be added or removed to adjust the length of the necklace.

These necklaces are good for people who are not sure which length is right for them, or if you are giving the necklace as jewelry.When shopping for a specific length necklace you should ask the jeweler if the clasp is included in the measurement. This is particularly important if you are buying the necklace online or through a catalogue where you cannot try it on first.

The clasp will generally add anywhere for three- fourths of an inch to a full inch, so it is important to know if it is included in the overall length.The best way to determine which length necklace works best for you is to try it on, if you can.

Necklaces hang differently on different body types. In addition, you should try to visualize the outfit you intend to wear the piece with. Keep in mind the necklace may look great in the store, but may not compliment the attire you plan to pair it with.

You can find jewelry display cases wherever jewelry is sold. After all, go into any jewelry store and you’ll see that they’re experts at displaying jewelry.

If you need help, ask one of the workers who work at the jewelry store. Displaying jewelry is part of their daily job and they’ll likely be more than happy to help, especially if it means making them a sale.

Size of the display case

When creating a good jewelry display, the first thing you need to consider is the size of the display case and where you plan to place the display. The size of the display case is dependant on how many pieces of jewelry you want to showcase.

If you only have a few pieces of jewelry, a small display case is fine. If you have many, you’ll want to go larger. You’ll want to watch out for crowding. Each piece of jewelry should have at least a half to a full inch space between each item, to make them easier to see.

Placement of your display

The placement of your jewelry display case is important, especially if there’s going to be a lot of traffic or small children around the case. If there’s a lot of traffic, you’ll want to display your jewelry case on a high shelf that’s easy enough to see but not as easy to knock down.

If there are going to be small children around your jewelry display case, you might want to opt for plastic. A plastic case can look as good as a glass case if it’s kept clean. Of course, a glass cases will last longer but not if it’s knocked down.

Display Decoration

To display your jewelry correctly, you should decide how you want to decorate the inside of the case.  You can decorate the inside with a material such as felt or a pillow-like material that will greatly accentuate your already beautiful jewelry.

Displaying your jewelry is a great way to showcase it when you’re not wearing it. It provides an alternative to sticking it in some box when it’s not in use. It looks great as an accent to your home décor and provides conversation fodder during parties.

Just be careful that you’re not too brazen with your most expensive pieces. You don’t want to invite people who can’t be trusted to help themselves to your great collection of jewelry.

Modern uses of beads have extended from jewelry to curtain crafts, embroidery, and just about anything that require decorating.

But typically, among the multiple purposes of beads are being applied for creative works. Jewelry designers and artisans use beads to enhance the value of their works.

Beads appear to be closely related to human’s instincts to have a sense of one’s self.

Beads are commonly being produced mostly by indigenous peoples as part of their culture but people in urbanized countries use them often for glamour, which is the reason for large-scale production of beads.

Beads are cheaper when bought as wholesale. There are various sites that help you find wholesale beads of varying kinds.

Finding wholesale beads

There are several types of wholesale beads available in the market today. There are those that cost lesser compared to pearls and Swarovski crystals that due to rarity are considered precious and more expensive.

When trying to purchase wholesale beads, you can begin by selecting the beads based on their color, size, shape, and price. You can also mix sizes and colors of different beads to achieve various designs. If you opt to buy precious beads, aspects to consider are clarity and precision of cut of the beads.

It’s also helpful to have knowledge on beads sizes and bead terminology. For seed beads, the sizes are between 1.3mm and 3.3mm. For a 16-inch strand close to 130, 3mm size beads are needed, 100 beads for 4mm, 67 for 6mm, 50 for 8mm, and 40 for 10mm. To make a 20-inch strand, 170 beads are needed for a bead 3mm in size, 127 for 4mm, 85 for 6mm, 63 for 8mm, and 50 for 10mm.

For strands that measure 24 inches, you need 200 beads for 3mm, 150 for 4mm, 100 for 6mm, 75 for 8mm, and 60 for 10mm. In addition, 300 beads are required to fill up a 36-inch strand when the bead size is 3mm, 225 for 4mm, 150 for 6mm, 113 for 8mm, and 90 for 10mm. You also need to subtract the number of beads to the length of the clasp you will use.

Arizona Bead Company is a wholesale beads supplier and importer of various kinds of beads, such as Swarovski Austrian Crystal Beads, Sterling silver and gold filled beads, Czech glass beads, Israeli silver, glass bead mixes, fireball beads, fiber optic beads, magnetic hematite and magnetic clasps, stringing wire, stone beads, tools for jewelry making, and many more.

The company features an online catalog where you can view their items. Their website offers more information on wholesale beads.

Fire Mountain Gems has been in business since 1973 and offers a wide array of wholesale beads: crystal beads, gemstone beads, glass beads, metal beads, natural beads, pearls, acrylic beads, seed and bugle beads, and turquoise beads.

Their beads products are made into fashion jewelry in varying designs.  Their website offers best sellers where you can find beading ideas to incorporate in your own designs.

In the last stages of the 1700’s, the stone was not only widely used but even abundantly excavated.

The metal was a raw material in various jewelries such as sterling silver beads that until this juncture are highly appreciated by thousands of people.

History ofSterling Silver Beads

The name sterling silver beads have a historical root. In the twelfth century, there were five districts in the east of Germany that united to establish the Hanseatic League, a body engaged in important business exchange in England.

As a means of payment, the entity employed “Easter lings”, its own currency generated out of the mineral that has been combined with other natural ingredients. Later on, the locals discovered how extremely dependable the stone was.

A soft mineral in genuine form, sterling silver beads have already been formulated with other alloys for the purpose of functionality and stability.

Since the stone is very ductile, where even if little force is applied, will result to breakage, is popular for the mixture and not for the authentic kind.

If you are scouting for a jewelry that contains the purest state of metal, you are just wasting your money because it will not spell longevity.

In just a matter of days, you will see the damage right before your eyes which is definitely, not your interest.

In the United States of America, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) specifies that there can be no ornamentations distributed around the country which is labeled as “solid” not unless, the piece constitutes 92.5 percent of the mineral’s purest variety.

You might be asking how to qualify. There is not much of a problem when the product is comprised of a minimum of 925 parts per thousand of the unadulterated sterling silver beads.

Cleaning Sterling Silver Beads

In taking care of your sterling silver beads, all you have to do is get hold of a detergent that is free of phosphate.

If you desire to get rid of the light tarnish, choose a product that is low abrasive such as the one manufactured by 3M.

As for a low- cost saving measure, there are other people who utilize toothpaste. However, this is not highly suggested by experts since they find it overly rough for a precious piece. Not to mention, there were also findings of dull scratches.

The next time you visit the stores, do not be surprised why there are jewelries labeled as sterling silver beads.

Ruby and Sapphire

Lucky you if your birthstone is sapphire (September) or ruby (July).

These are among the richest-colored of all gemstones with a romance and history as colorful as they are. Rubies are actually rarer than sapphires, and only red corundums are called rubies. Any other color is a sapphire.

When grading colored stones, the density and hue of the color are part of the evaluation, and it’s the richest, deepest colors that are the most prized. In rubies, the most prized variant of color is called pigeon’s blood.

Large gem quality rubies can be more valuable than comparably sized diamonds and are certainly rarer. There is a relative abundance of smaller, (1-3 carat,) blue sapphires compared to the scarcity of even small gem quality rubies, making even these smaller stones relatively high in value.

Stones of Burmese origin generally command the highest prices. The vast majority of rubies are “native cut” in the country of origin.

High value ruby rough is tightly controlled and rarely makes its way to custom cutters. Occasionally, such native stones are recut to custom proportions, albeit at a loss of weight and diameter. Custom cut and recut stones are usually more per carat.

Sapphires exist in all the shades of blue from the deep blue of evening skies to the bright and deep blue of a clear and beautiful summer sky.

Sapphires also come in many other colors, not only in the transparent grayish misty blue of far horizons, but also displaying the bright fireworks of sunset colors – yellow, pink, orange and purple.

So, sapphires are really and truly heavenly stones, although they are being found in the hard soil of our so-called “blue planet”.

Rose quartz takes its name from the flower because of its translucent and delicate pink color caused by traces of iron, manganese or titanium.

Rose quartz is usually very large – meaning that it doesn’t form crystals.

Rose quartz is found in Madagascar, India, Germany and several areas in the USA. Much rose quartz was extracted from a famous site near Custer, South Dakota, but now, most of the world’s supply comes from Brazil.

Rose quartz is one of the most valued varieties of quartz. The pink to rose red color is unique.

Color of rose quartz

The color of rose quartz is still not completely understood. It has been said to be due to a number of different minor impurities present in the rose quartz including titanium, manganese and even colloidal gold.

However, recent studies using micro-analytical methods have discovered that the color of massive rose quartz is actually due to microscopic mineral fibers in the rose quartz.

X-ray diffraction tests on these microscopic fibers yielded patterns similar to the mineral dumortierite, suggesting the possibility of a totally new and as yet unknown fibrous mineral causing the color in massive rose quartz.

The rare transparent crystals of rose quartz owe their coloration to aluminum and phosphorous impurities. Their pink color is photosensitive and can fade in sunlight.

Rose quartz is often called the ‘love stone’. It is associated with forgiveness and compassion and can create a wonderful calming influence. It is soft and delicate inspiring feelings of love and friendship.

Rose quartz is aid to help remove repressed anger and hatred and is said to remove negative influences such as jealousy and avarice. It is said to aid the spleen, kidneys and circulation system.

Rose quartz also eases sexual and emotional imbalance and can also improve fertility. It makes a lovely gift as it is a symbol of love.

In ancient Egypt, glazed quartz served as a substitute when no high quality examples of Turquoise could be found.

The Greeks had originally named quartz, krystallos, the word for ice, but this soon came to mean any crystal.

In China’s Ming Dynasty, quartz often showed up as stone in jewelry work. In Pre-Columbian America, explorations of Mixtec graves have uncovered quartz use for ear jewelry.

Smoky Quartz

In European history, Queen Elizabeth I’s court spiritualist’s crystal ball was Smoky Quartz, which is also the national gem of Scotland, whose national scepter included a large Smoky Quartz on its top.

In modern times, it was the first crystal used in radio transmission and reception and was essential in the development of computers.

Clear quartz

Clear quartz is of the traditional healing stones believed to draw out pain and amplify healing energy. Crystal Healers use clear quartz in rituals meant to treat convulsions, diarrhea, dizziness, exposure to radiation, general pain, hemorrhages, headaches, hypochondria and kidney diseases.

Rose quartz

Rose quartz is used for treating cardiovascular health, fertility, headaches, kidney disease, migraines and sexual dysfunction, as well as those disorders occurring in the throat, ears, nose and sinuses.

Rose quartz is the essential stone for increasing love and for times of extreme emotional turmoil, such as divorce, bereavement or career set backs because it helps to remind the wearer of the importance of self-love. It stimulates the body’s love centers and can result in peace and fidelity in committed relationships.

As one of the most important crystals for attracting love it does emotional maintenance clearing out emotional baggage, converting negative emotions, and calms hot tempers, all of which prepare us for love.

The stone is also recommended for improving mental discipline and making one more responsible, and for meditation and mental tranquility.

It is found in nearly every geological environment and is at least a component of almost every rock type.

It is also the most varied in terms of varieties, colors and forms. This variety comes about because of the abundance and widespread distribution of quartz.

A collector could easily have hundreds of quartz specimens and not have two that are the same due to the many broad categories.

Quartz is usually clear, but in granite it is also cloudy white or grayish in color. It can also be dark (as in smoky quartz). Many gemstones are actually less common colored varieties of quartz. Examples include purple amethyst, yellow citrine, and pink rose quartz.

Because quartz is so resistant to weathering due to its chemical composition and atomic bonds, it accumulates as the other minerals in a rock erode. Light colored beach, Aeolian and alluvial sand is composed of mainly quartz grains.

The use of Crystals for crystal healing or gem healing, has been linked to mental, physical, spiritual health, charkas’ energy, whose Healing Power followers of the New Age, Psychic Healing and Atlantis and Crystal Healers have long revered for relieving pain, stress, depression, anxiety in the mind, body and spirit. Spiritual Healers believe this approach to alternative medicine is essential for ensuring health.

For Spiritual Healers, no stone is as essential to their craft as quartz. Embodying all the qualities they seek, it is the quintessential healing crystal. Part of this faith they place in Quartz comes from its scientific properties that make it useful in electronic devices.

From this one truth, Crystal Healers make huge leaps in logic. They believe that its crystal formation can align the harmonies within the human body, that they can “program” the crystal easily, that acupuncture needles coated with quartz are more effective, and that it has the ability to receive and send energy.