What are the differences between diamond and CZ, apart from the name? Can you really tell the difference by your naked eye?

Well for most people, even for the trained gemologists, you can’t really tell the difference between this two stones by your naked eye. CZ has a very similar look to the diamonds. The only way you can tell the difference between these two is considered under closer inspection.

Diamond is occurred naturally under certain environment. But the CZ is originally generated inlaboratory, for the alternative diamonds used in laser optic purpose. CZ showed similar results in refractive index, dispersion and hardness index number as diamonds. In order to distinguish the two gems apart, you need to combine tested using gemological equipments together.

First, look for the Moh’s scale for the stone hardness. CZ hardness is ranged between 8.5-9.0 while the diamond hardness is rated at 10 for the same scale. This property make the CZ resisted to chipping or scratching from glass, dust or dirt.

Second, check for the weight. Between the two, CZ gain more weight than diamonds at equal size. In general, CZ with a size of one-carat diamond will give a weight of about 1.75 carat instead. This point is quite a big different point between these two stones.

Then, check for the clarity. Based on the production method, CZ is almost flawless while natural made diamonds are always containing inclusion in their body. Impurities, inclusions or some defective point in diamonds are remarked as natural made status.

The other thing for checking is about its color. Colorless diamond can be found in naturebut it is rarely found. Most of diamonds found in nature contain a tinge of yellow, brown or other color tint inside. While for CZs, in most case, they are all presented in colorless form. Carefully check on color, together with the stone clarity to differentiate between the two stone.

Also, with a closer look using a loupe, you will see the difference in facet shapes between CZ and diamond. The different in facet shape also effect to light dispersion result. This is also effect to the gem’s refractive index as CZ hasrefractive index or 2.176 while diamond’s number is 2.417.

The best way for all diamond lovers to guarantee about the real diamond is asking for the diamond certificate from reliable gemological institutions. Remember that there is nothing wrong with CZ. You can go with the CZ jewelry with an affordable price for a similar look of diamonds. Just about the price, if you pay for diamonds, you should get the real one, not the similar form of diamonds.

The true vintage beads have their own style characters; with larger holes through the beads for the string thread through and also, able to show the hole from the original cord when you wear it.

There are a few things to be consider if you want to go with the vintage beads jewelry. The vintage beads surface also be dull from the wearer’s oil skin. Therefore, the first thing to think about is about the cleaning step for the vintage beads jewelry.

1. Cleaning of vintage beads. Whenever you see the dull sign on your beads, you need to bring them back to their original beauty. There are many factors that can affect to your beads appearance, for example oil from your skin, sweat, your cosmetic and make up, dirt inair and importantly, time. Time is always the worst factor for everything. All these factors will cause your beads to look subdued and unclean. The best way to clean your beads is using baby’s toothbrush with a very mild cleaner. This way is perfectly clean all the dirt away from your beads. If your beads are mixed with other materials, like gemstones, glass or crystal, you should also be more careful in this cleaning step. Ensure that you have check all the materials made in your bead jewelry before start the process.

2. For the beading cord, you need to be quite careful every time you are playing with it. A beading string will enhance your bead’s look and also give the strength to the piece at the same time. Typical materials for jewelry design using beads with pearls. The knots are placed in between to safe pearls from rubbing with other materials. If you don’t like the knot, you can go with the seed beads as a spacer between each of them. Therefore, when you clean this jewelry, you need to carefully check on these knots and these small beads. Don’t overlook all of these things as they are very important to keep your jewelry in shape.

3. For the clasp, you need to go with the stronger clasp. You might like the fashion clasp, but make sure that they are strong enough for your daily use. Otherwise you will lost the clasp quickly and it will end your jewelry usage unless you let it repair at the jewelry store. Make sure that the clasp of each piece is going well with the jewelry design.

With all these caring tips, your vintage beads will look entirely new every time you want to use them.

The main reason for simulated pearls is about their limited in supply source. Although now, people know to culture pearls, not only wait for their natural product but the demand in the jewelry market is still too highand cannot wait for all natural made pearls. Therefore, the simulate pearls have made their way to the world of jewelry.

The origin of simulated pearls was dated back to the first century, based on the document wrote by Wang Chung about a process to make pearls from chemicals in his book in the year of 83 A.D. However, the technique about simulated pearls were back to interest in the 17^th century when Jacquin, the French rosary maker developed a coating of glass beads by fish scales and wax. Not only the above records, but also record of Native American also indicated about simulated pearl using clay beads coated with fish scale solution and bake insunlight.

Anyway, no matter what method used for simulated pearls, the main idea is to capture the beauty and elegance of nature pearls. Fine quality of simulated pearls is created recently for every pearl lovers; girls and ladies. You can get the high quality of pearl simulated from the brand like Majorica and Pearlfection, for the cheaper price with the look of the natural pearl. You can also mix the fine pearl simulates with genuine diamonds, gemstones, gold, silver and other metals for the best look in your jewelry pieces.

If you decide to go with the simulated pearls, you don’t have to be worry about how to take care them. The principal for jewelry clean and care is similar with other jewelry. You need a damp soft cloth for gentle wipe on jewelry surface. Also, avoid the ultra-sonic machine as it can ruin the jewelry surface just like the genuine cultured pearls. Beware of surface scratching and chemical reaction. At the end, you need to let your jewelry dry in a proper way before keep them back in their box. Cover each piece with separated pouch or piece of cloth is the best way to keep your jewelry in their best look. With all these caring, your simulated pearl jewelry will last for a long time.

Did you notice that bangles trend is huge right now? Let’s check out with Grammy Awards 2012 red carpet, when fourteen times Grammy Winner Fergie stepping out from her limo and took unique style with her, Fergie caught the attention of fashions favorite critiques and the camera from a mile away. Known for her innovative set displays and costumes, Fergie took her unique style to the 2012 Grammy Award Red Carpet.  Dressed in an orange sheer Jean Paul Gaulitier Haute Couture gown, her thick gold bangle and large gold hoops also complemented the dress wonderfully. This controversial styling decision was a huge success for fashion icon Fergie, and if she wears something trendy then it’s bound to be a hit. So now you know bangle is so in.

Everyone who loves fashion know that bangle is the key to complete the outfit but how much do they know about the social and cultural significant of these accessories? In India, bangles are not only a piece of accessories but are part of traditional Indian jewelry. For Indian women, the tradition of bangle wearing dates back to ancient times. Bangles are worn not only to enhance a woman’s beauty, but also to signify a woman’s social position. Different types of bangles and colors represent whether she is married, single, or a widower. In some area, when a woman is married it is customary for her to receive and wear white shell and red-colored bangles because white bangles are symbolic ofnew beginning and red bangle are symbolic of energy. Other colors also have meaning too, yellow signifies happiness, blue signifies tranquility, and green signifies happiness. Since bangles are often seen as a symbol of auspiciousness, it isn’t surprising that most Indian women own a variety of colorful bangles to match each outfit.

Now that you know a bit of the history and cultural aspect behind wearing bangles, you can take pride in wearing a few of your own. When you look at the bangles these days, styles of fashion bangles are vary. Some just round in shape while some of the modern styles are square shaped. You may look for the style, color and shape that you see lovely around your wrist. Whether you’re just wearing them for fun or for a symbolic meaning, bangles will add a unique touch to any outfit. No matter if your look is casual or dressed up, anytime is a great time to let loose and dangle your bangles.