Jewelry refers to ornaments worn by persons, typically made with gems and precious metals. Jewelries worn symbolize the events, the culture, quality and the temperament of the wearer. For instance jewelry, particularly made with precious materials, is generally considered valuable and desirable and the rest are less expensive and are called costume jewelry. It can also be symbolic, as in the case of Christians wearing a crucifix in the form of jewelry, or, as is the case in many Western cultures, married people wearing a wedding ring. Whatever be the reason or events bridal jewelry needs extra attention.
Bridal jewelry can include old piece of jewelry that had once been owned by his mother, grandmother, or past brides in his family or can be from the collection of new or both can be used judiciously. Antique jewelry that has been passed down to brides in the family from generation to generation would reinforce a sense of family, tradition and continuity in a wedding ceremony. And if the bride prefer to go for the latest jewelry then there are thousands of bridal jewelry stores, both the Internet e-commerce sites and bricks-and-mortar stores, offering a dazzling array of accessories to make the bride shine on her wedding day.

And what can add additional sparkle on the wedding ceremony more than a diamond? Diamonds are ranked by four characteristics: cut, carat (weight), clarity, and color that determine the worth of a diamond. Watch out for the better-proportioned facets that are responsible for the sparkle. Carat is another important characteristic feature of a diamond. A carat means 100 points and 5 carats make a gram. And the last is the clarity. The color of the diamond ranges from D-X for white and yellow diamonds but one can also find green, pink, red, blue and brown diamonds that are usually treated to bring the variety. Not to be duped while making a purchase for the diamond jewelry and get the true value for your money does not overlook the fine print. Diamonds are sometimes filled with glass to camouflage the inclusion and make them appear clearer which can be damaged by heat, ultrasonic cleaning, and by re-tipping. Store your diamond jewelry with precious care because they are brittle and get damaged if handled roughly.

Author: Gina Nell

Pearls hold a timeless and classic elegance and catch everyone’s eyes towards them. Here is a list of different ways you can use pearl bridal jewelry on your wedding day:

Pearl Necklaces

Basically, pearl necklaces are divided into six different lengths: choker, collar, princess, opera, rope and matinee. Usually, a pearl choker is 14 to 16 inches long and stays at the collar-bone. The classic length of this pearl choker makes it the perfect jewelry for brides. This goes very well with the bridal gowns or any other wedding dress. You can wear your pearl choker necklace with your semi formal dresses also to mark your presence in the crowd.

Another pearl bridal necklace is the pearl collar. It is usually 10 to 14 inches long and made up of at least three strands of pearls. This pearl collar necklace goes very well with bridal gowns with plunging neckline, strapless or a V-neck. This adds immense beauty to the bride’s make over.

If you are looking for a necklace with the length of 17 to 19 inches, you can go for the pearl princess necklaces. These types of pearl necklaces are famous for their versatility, as they look very amazing with every type of bridal gown. You can also make combination of different pearl necklaces. For this, you can combine, matinee pearl necklace with your small and light weighted pearl necklaces. Usually, the length of these pearl matinee necklaces is 20 to 25 inches long and they look terrific with high necklines.

There are several other options available for brides in pearl necklaces. The opera pearl necklaces are 27 to 36 inches long. These types of necklaces are to be wore with high necklines or wrapped into double strands. The opera pearl bridal jewelry is very famous among all the leading fashion designers as it gives very sophisticated look. Besides these, pearl rope is the option if you want to wear even heavier pearl wedding jewelry. Normally, pearl rope necklaces are 40 to 72 inches long. These can be worn by with every type of bridal dress.

Pearl Earrings

Wedding and bridal jewelry is incomplete without earrings. You can add pearl stud earrings to match with your pearl necklaces so as to look lovelier. These add amazing look to the beauty of the bride. These are simple looking earrings but match very well with the wedding gowns.

The price range of pearl bridal jewelry totally depends on its weight and quality. However, if you compare pearl jewelry with any other metal jewelry, the rates of pearl are much cheaper than any other metal like gold, silver or platinum. Moreover, they are a priced possession; something you will never regret of owning!

Author: Dave Page

NEW YORK — Despite tough economic times, sluggish holiday season sales and soaring prices of metals and gemstones, industry leaders project an increase in jewelry sales for 2008. With inflation rates expected to jump as high as 7-8 percent, the International Diamond Exchange forecast for jewelry sales in the U.S. predicts a 3 percent increase in the upcoming year–from $64.0 billion (estimated) in 2007 to $65.9 billion in 2008.

In a recent article by Ken Gassman “State of the Jewelry Industry–2008 Jewelry Demand,” for Idexonline.com, Gassman highlights the bridal industry’s substantial influence on the forecast. Millennials, or the children of Baby Boomers, are influencing both the jewelry and bridal industries in significant ways. In fact, in less than ten years, the number of weddings is projected to increase by approximately 30 percent among Millennials.

“Not only are Millennials more likely to get married–rather than just live together like children of the 1960s–they are also more likely to spend heavily on bridal jewelry because they have more wealth than their predecessors.”

This trend is especially significant for Platinum since the type and quality of metal is one of consumers’ primary considerations when purchasing bridal jewelry.

A Conde Nast Bridal Group study shows that spending on bridal jewelry has increased over 60 percent in recent years. The report also found that 81 percent of consumers desire Platinum for their engagement and wedding jewelry.

A similar survey recently in Allure magazine underscored that Platinum has the highest commitment of any of the metals for both engagement rings and wedding bands.

As retailers are forced to increase the price of their jewelry to reflect the rise, Platinum is at a noteworthy advantage. Educated consumers expect and are willing to pay more for Platinum because of its distinction and superior quality.

But Platinum’s popularity is not merely based on fashion and reputation. There are several reasons Platinum is the metal of choice for the majority of consumers:

* Platinum is 30 times more rare than gold;

* Platinum jewelry sold in the U.S. is traditionally 90-95% pure Platinum compared to 18K gold, which is only 75% pure; and 14K which is only 58.5% pure;

* Platinum is more durable and will not oxidize or fade; so prongs, patterns and engravings do not wear down like other metals;

* Platinum’s density and molecular structure make it the most secure setting for a precious gems

* Platinum jewelry has a luxurious weighty feel, weighing over a third more than the same piece in gold.

* Platinum jewelry requires a higher level of craftsmanship than other precious metals, meaning that only the finest jewelers offer it;

The bridal industry is often called “recession-proof” because not even a weak economy can stop people from getting married. Many retailers are taking advantage of this notion and engaging their consumers in heavier marketing tactics such as selling wedding bands at the same time as the engagement rings.

Looking beyond the bridal jewelry industry, Gassman explains, that in order for retailers to remain unaffected by a recession, one constant is that consumers want jewelry that is, above all, ingenious.

This demand for unique and high quality designs has inspired designers such as Scott Kay, Phyllis Bergman and Ritani to not only widen their assortment, but also offer Platinum products in lighter weight, lower price-pointed pieces. This strategy has opened the Platinum door and made high quality Platinum available to broader range of price-conscious consumers.

About Platinum Guild International USA

Platinum Guild International, the marketing arm for the worldwide Platinum jewelry industry, is dedicated to promoting Platinum and its pure, rare and eternal qualities to the consumer and the jewelry trade. PGI has offices in each of the world’s major jewelry markets, providing information, assistance and education on all aspects of Platinum jewelry. For further information please visit www.preciousplatinum.com.

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