Art of Jewelry

If you’re shopping for sterling silver jewelry via the world wide web, it’s important to know some essential terms that can help you to easily identify and choose the pieces that you wish to add to your collection.

Sterling silver is a precious metal, which means that it is measured by the troy ounce weight system. It is said that approximately 31.1 grams of sterling silver equal one troy ounce. Many jewelry experts agree that any piece of jewelry that weighs at least one gram per inch is a bold design, which means a 7″ bracelet with 7 grams of silver would be considered a substantial presence. Additionally, an 18″ necklace with 18 grams of sterling silver would also be recognized as a bold find.

When shopping online, you may find width measurements noted in either inches or millimeters. It’s important to understand the two and how they translate in order to make sure you are getting the perfect piece of jewelry. A 1/4″ bracelet or necklace may be listed as 6mm, while a 1/2″ design may be noted as 12mm. A 3/4″ style equals 18mm, while a 1″ width may also be described as 24mm wide. It helps if you have a ruler that gives measurements in both inches and millimeters, which will help you to instantly visualize the width of an item as you shop online.

Sterling silver jewelry is hallmarked with a marking of .925. This number symbolizes the content of sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of another metal, which is typically copper or other alloy as allowed. The hallmark is typically found on the inside band of a ring or on the clasp of a necklace. Earrings are typically hallmarked on the butterfly back or on any surface that can accommodate the identifying mark.

If you are already a lover of sterling silver, then you have probably come to recognize the affordable nature and intricate jewelry designs available for purchase. If you are a beginning collector or are simply looking to build an impressive jewelry wardrobe without spending a fortune, sterling silver jewelry may be your answer. Because it is less expensive than gold, wearers can enjoy a bold presence at a fraction of the cost. Whether you are in the market for a simulated diamond, other gemstone recreation or you prefer genuine gems, you will find it all in sterling silver. If you are searching for a clean look that offers nothing more than a fantastic all-metal design, you will find an equally impressive product line in this popular and precious metal.

As a final thought to shopping for sterling silver jewelry online, always keep in mind that buying a product sight unseen means that you are trusting the retailer to give a complete and truthful description of the product being offered. As such, you should always shop with a reputable company who stands behind their product and their service. Sterling silver jewelry is a beautiful way to showcase your good taste, and you will take even greater pride in knowing that you got a great deal from a deserving retailer who appreciates your business.

The lost-wax method is a method of casting metal that has been in use for six thousand years. Virtually unchanged since used by the ancients, the method is used today to create such pieces as bronze sculptures, custom silver jewelry, dental work, or even auto parts.

“Cire perdue,” or lost-wax, is a method of casting metal that has been in use for over six thousand years. In essence, it involves the pouring of metal into a mold created from wax, resulting in complex forms otherwise impossible to create. The lost-wax method is used today to create such pieces as bronze sculptures, a silver pendant, a gold dental crown, or even an alloy auto part.

The lost-wax method is the best way to create intricate designs in metal, it is commonly used for making elaborate custom jewelry. Technology and tools have advanced of course, but the method is essentially the same as it was when used in Ancient Egypt.

The artist will first sculpt his masterpiece out of clay, wax, or another malleable material. Then, the model is encased in plaster or fiber-glass to create a mold. An inner mold will often be created at this time as well, by pouring liquid rubber around the model. This preserves the finest of details, important because when the plaster is broken apart, the original model is usually destroyed.

When the two halves are placed back together, the result is the master mold. Inside is empty space, a “negative” of the original. Hot wax is then poured into the space to coat the sides. Depending on how large the piece, a number of coatings may be needed. The hollow wax copy, an almost perfect replica of the original, is then removed (multiple copies can be created at this time).

The wax copy is then “chased” using heated tools to remove the seams where the mold came together. Each copy is carefully “dressed” to hide any remaining imperfections.

Next, “sprues” are attached to the piece, which are basically small wax rods that will ultimately result in tiny tubes for metal to flow in, and air to flow out.

The wax replica is then coated in ceramic material and fired. At this point, the wax melts out, thus the term “lost-wax.” Negative space now remains (as well as the small pathways left by the sprues). Finally, molten hot metal can be poured into the mold into the exact shape of the original model.

The metal piece is also chased to remove any marks left by casting, and detailed to perfection. If in fact a bronze sculpture, this is when the final act of adding the color occurs.

The lost-wax method can be used with any material that will disappear (melt or burn away) and leave an empty mold. For example, some automakers make engine-block models out of a synthetic foam which will vaporize when heated. This complex process allows for the most minute detail to be fashioned into the most delicate of metals. This makes it ideal for custom jewelry.

When working with small pieces like jewelry the process slightly differs in that metal cannot just be poured into a such a tiny mold. Instead, liquid metal is injected into the limited space by centrifugal casting (a machine that uses centrifugal force) or vacuum casting (uses atmospheric pressure).

Artisans like Jewelry John use the lost-wax method to etch inspiration into their heirloom jewelry. They specialize in hand-crafted silver bells and silver pendants, and with intricate detail they convey emotion in beautiful custom silver jewelry. Such complex designs would not be possible without this ancient casting method.

04/12/2008

Hongkong

The tradition of Jewelry

Jewelry styles were different in every American – Indian – European tribe, but the differences were less marked than with other arts and crafts, because jewelry and the materials used for making it like Beads, Shells, Copper And Silver, Ivory, Amber, Turquoise And Other Stones were major trade items long before European arrival in America. Nowadays dominating the runways the way yellow gold has, silver continues to hold its own in today’s jewellery designs.

About Our Sterling Silver Jewelry:

Every occasion need different style. Every look must be differing then other. In view of that for every personality conscious girls and Women, Our Jewelry makes them beautiful and special then others in every occasion with our special collections for Brides & their Best friends. Silver jewelry is the batter option for now day’s b/c it’s cost effective and many new Sterling Style & Trendy designs are available easily.

We have grand collections of Silver Designer Engagement Rings, necklaces and other smart Jewelry with Bridal collection for her every approaching occasion like engagement, marriage…

Here is the list for jewelry which prefer by me for newly Bride & her friends.

For Marriage – Bride Special collection of Silver Sterling jewelry like Necklaces, Bangles, Bracelets, Roses, Earrings harmonizing with her wedding gown.

Also have huge collections for Best Friends Gifts, like Black Onyx Rings, Bracelets, Trendy Earrings, Delicate pendants etc…

Some of Our Most Popular Designer Jewelry Includes

- Bangles

- Bracelets

- Earrings

- Pendants

- Rings

- Roses

- Sets – Earrings/Pendants

- Black Onyx Jewelry

All our Jewelry is made with 95% genuine silver. Our Jewelry feel, look and weight exactly as the genuine authentic model. If you want to know more about our products & Silver Jewelry, please get a view at http://www.apcsilver.com/

Regards,

Patricia Hayes

http://www.apcsilver.com/