Jewelry and accessories are the finishing touch to any outfit, without them one senses something is missing.

There are certain jewelry pieces that are essential to every woman’s wardrobe, the must haves to make it almost effortless to complete any outfit.

The following are a list of essential jewelry pieces every woman should have:

I. A Statement Watch:

With the proliferation of technology in terms of hand held devises (mobile phones, Blackberry/Trio Palm etc.) we have no real need for a watch, which is why watches have become even more like a piece of jewelry.

Look for a beautiful and unique handcrafted or artisan jewelry style watch that reflect your personality.

II. A Classic Necklace:

It doesn’t have to be a string of pearls, if you don’t love pearls, find another classic looking material that you do love. It could be a sterling silver or gold link necklace or a string of semi precious stones.

III. A Cocktail Ring

If it works for you go with a bolder statement ring, if you are more subtle tone down of the size but not the style.

In terms of bold, chunky with a large size stone (imitation or genuine) can be a perfect complement to a little black dress.

For a more subtle look but still stylish choose a band that has intricate detailing on it so the focus is on the detail not the size.

IV. An Elegant Bracelet or Bangle

Whether it is a tennis bracelet, a link bracelet, a strand of semi precious stones or an elegant bangle, having one of these makes it a simple elegant way to complete an outfit.

V. Two Pair of Earrings

If you wear earrings it’s a good idea to have a bolder loop or dangling style and a more classic set such as pearls or diamonds (or imitation diamond).

In many cases the style of earrings, or the choice to wear them will depend on your hairstyle and your ****** features/proportions.
If you wear your hair up or behind the ears, the earrings will be visible, if not you may want to skip the earrings and opt for a statement necklace as the focal point.

VI. A Piece with Meaning:

This could be a family piece or a piece you picked up on your travels, a keepsake that you can pass on and share its story.

VII. A Couple of Pure Fun Pieces:

Have a few fun or trendy pieces that reflect the current season and trends. These can be paired with a casual outfit to help you feel fun and contemporary.

The above are suggested pieces to have in your jewelry box, but they’re a guideline rather than hard and fast rules. There is a lot more flexibility now in making a statement that reflects individuality rather than “playing by the rules”. So if you don’t like to wear earrings don’t feel obligated to have earrings in your collection. If you **** pearls, opt for another stone that you do love.

For the classic pieces invest in quality. In the long run this will save money as you will have a classic piece that will look fabulous for years and you won’t have to keep buying new jewelry every year.

Consider buying artisan jewelry or handcrafted jewelry, these pieces create a more personal statement rather than mass produced pieces and will be pieces you will cherish for years to come.

As the eco and social conscious buying trends build momentum you may also consider buying recycled jewelry and fair trade jewelry. You’ll feel great wearing the jewelry and won’t have a guilty conscious.

Take care of your jewelry with proper storage and being careful not to spray it with perfume or lotions or bang them while wearing.

Have fun and wear your jewelry with love and pride.

The main objective of a jewelry design school is to provide the training and relevant information to the students interested in making a career out of designing jewelry. They also entertain the students who want to upgrade themselves in jewelry designing. There are numerous courses available and some can be taken online.

Many students choose the courses that are offered by reputed schools. The duration of the course is usually six weeks. The first week of the course introduces the students to the multiple techniques of soldering and basic jewelry making. The repair of jewelry is also included in the course. The rest of the course involves repairs of chains, ring making, setting stones, soldering and other such designing tasks.

Schools also concentrate on gemology as a profession, but jewelry-designing schools cover all varieties and styles of jewelry. The course also teaches measurements, piercing, drilling and filing. Later, the students are introduced to different metals such as platinum, gold and silver. The metals are tested with different acid techniques, to determine the carat of the metal.

The creation of different types of chains and repairing them is also taught. Rings and the setting of solitaires is taught, along with how to set diamonds in different styles. The students are introduced to casting and all the other finishing tools.

The main aim of these jewelry-designing schools is to develop sufficient skills to support the jewelry-designing career. It also helps the students by providing part time jobs and certificates to gain a higher degree in future. The feeling of satisfaction when people design their own jewelry is beyond description. The candidates should upgrade themselves for an upward thrust in their careers as jewelry designers. The schools are well- equipped training grounds for the students and provide them with the necessary know-how.

Caduceus jewelry is a popular gift for graduating nurses, physicians and veterinary students but do you know how this symbol came to be used by medical personnel? The Rod of Asclepius is a more appropriate symbol for medicine and medical organisations but the caduceus is also used, although, unlike the Rod, it has no medical significance. In fact, just the opposite as the symbol is associated with Hermes, god of the market place and travel, of the cunning of thieves and liars, who was a patron of commerce and generally associated with mischief as a deified trickster. He was also the conductor of souls to the underworld so the use of his symbol for medicine is particularly inappropriate.

The Rod of Asclepius

The more correct symbol is the Rod of Asclepius which is a walking stick or staff entwined by a serpent. Asclepius is the god of medicine in the Greek mythology and his daughters were Hygieia, Aceso, Aglea, Meditrina, Iaso, and Panacea who symbolise medicine, cleanliness, and healing. Panacea means literally ‘all healing’ and is a familiar word in modern English. Asclepius was the son of Apollo and Coronis and was raised by a centaur called Chiron after his mother was killed for unfaithfulness. Chiron taught Asclepius the art of medicine.

In Ancient Greece, around 300BC the cult of Asclepius was popular and his healing temples were called Asclepieia. Snakes were used in the healing rituals and non poisonous snakes freely crawled around the temples. The Oath of Hippocrates originally began with the words ‘I swear by Apollo the Physician and by Asclepius and by Hygieia and Panacea and by all the gods…”

The Caduceus

The caduceus is usually depicted as a herald’s staff with two entwined serpents and very often a pair of wings. Originally the staff was carried by Iris who was the messenger of Hera. Only in later myths was it borne by Hermes. It may be the basis for the astrological symbol for Mercury, who was the Roman equivalent of the Greek Hermes. It is often used as a symbol for medicine especially in the United States. Why is there confusion between the Rod of Asclepius, an appropriate symbol for medicine and the caduceus which is inappropriate, associated as it is with Hermes, patron of thieves and tricksters and conductor of the dead to the underworld?

The Use of the Caduceus by Medical Personnel

It appears that it was used mistakenly instead of the Rod of Asclepius in the nineteenth century. It was first used as a medicine symbol around 1856 in the US on the uniforms of army hospital workers and was worn by medical officers from about 1902. The Surgeon General noticed the error a few years later but did not change it. The name is thought to come from a Periodical of military medicine called La Caduc?e and it was used by the Navy Hospital Corps and the Army Medical Department after the first world war. Although the American Medical Association used the caduceus for a time it was replaced by more correct symbol for medicine, the Rod of Asclepius, in 1912.

Modern Use of the Caduceus in Jewelry

Nowadays caduceus jewelry is popular especially among nurses and it is available as a charm for bracelets or a pendant or necklace. A medical caduceus is a popular gift for graduating students whether nurses, physicians or veterinary personnel. One theory of why the caduceus, rather than the Rod of Asclepius, is more popular is because it simply looks better!

You may well recall the song in which Marilyn Monroe sang about diamonds being a girl’s best friend in the 1953 movie – “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”? Well, if they are to come in an entire jewelry set (diamonds, that is), then all the better for sure! However, not every female’s preference leads them to selecting diamond necklaces. A number of girls choose pearl strands, others opt for a timeless gold chain, whereas there may be others choose to produce their very own individual necklaces made out of beads and other small items – like bijou or costume type jewelry.

Regardless of what type, pattern and materials you choose, it is to your advantage to care for your precious gems or artefacts to make sure they keep in the best condition for countless years. One beneficial means to protect and also to arrange your jewelry could be to invest in a jewelry stand or in a necklace stand.

If you are managing or you own a jewelry store, an accessory retail outlet or just about any retail store which holds necklaces and other types of jewelry, then jewelry stands and necklace stands are a fundamental buy in your case. It really is true that store owners – particularly jewelry store owners – get display cases to protect their items from possible burglars, but there is also one more key reason here. Display cases showcase the items in the most effective way possible. Once you buy a stand for your necklaces and jewelry, you can appropriately show off the items in the manner in which they will be worn on the neck.

Each bead, stone, as well as pearl can easily be displayed prominently in an appealing manner. This can be a better method of exhibiting your jewelry instead of merely laying them side by side inside the counter-top, where they are usually sure to lose their shapes and lack some of their potential appeal to the customer.

Necklace stands are of course, not just for store owners. Should you be a lady who is fond of buying pieces of jewelry and already possesses quite a few pieces in your collection, then it could be time for you to think about buying a display stand. You won’t need to purchase those velvet or neck-shaped types. There are plenty of designs available, like a tree type where you are able to just hang your necklaces and thus stop them from becoming misplaced and show them off at their best too.

The majority of the time if we can afford to we are going to own at least one piece of dear jewelry and it is important to take care of your precious piece of jewelry, if it is a diamond necklace or two earrings. If you own a bit of Swarovski jewelry then simple cleaning tips for Swarovski jewelry are the same as what is outlined below. Even if you don’t own a diamond necklace but have polymer clay jewelry, it remains important to look after it so that it will last you a lifetime and you can pass it on to your children.

We are fascinated with the beauty of our jewelries, and actually we even see ourselves more stunning wearing those sparkling and eye-captivating stones on our body. Whether valuable or semi-precious jewelries we know that the better the jewelry is looked after the longer it’ll last and will keep its original shine. Having done some intensive research, here are some of the finest jewelry care tips I gathered :

Do not spoil jewelry on clothing. Do not wear your jewelry before dressing, and remove it first before taking off your clothes. There are some pointed or edgy areas on the jewelry that can destroy both your jewelry and your clothes.

Keep a sterling-silver polishing cloth handy for a quick wipe before wearing your jewelry. This can help you clean and shine your jewelry in a moment. This type of lint free material is available in most jewelry shops and discount stores.

Do not wear you jewelry if you’re intending to go for a swim in a swimming pool, spa or any other water that will contain chemicals, or use it around household chemicals that we customarily use for daily cleaning, they contain substances that will easily oxidize jewelries. Chemicals that are included in some perfumes, hair and body sprays, and even body lotion could be a cause of discoloring too.

Store jewelry made from silver and other metals that are susceptible to tainting in an air-tight or zip-lock plastic bag. This low tech methodology of storing your jewelry will keep them looking as new, for a long time. Don’t store pearl jewelry in sealed bags!

Most jewelry can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild detergent added to water if needed, rinse with clear water and dry with a soft material. Test an inconspicuous area for color fastness before cleaning the whole piece.

If you employ a jewelry cleaning liquid, read the instructions conscientiously before using. Some types of beads and gems, including pearls, turquoise, opal, and other soft stones, shouldn’t ever be put into any cleaning solution.

Remove jewelry before retiring to bed. Sleeping in your jewelry can add additional stress to chains, joints, etc, and shorten the life of your things. If you do some more research on a guide to wearing jewelry then you will find lots additional info to help you wear your jewelry and at the same time protecting it from damage.

If you are just getting started in the jewelry business or if you are hosting a jewelry party and looking for a neat idea for favors, making your own style of jewelry boxes is a great way to go. While most people typically think of a wooden jewelry box, there are several different materials and types of boxes you can make depending on the event and the situation. All one needs is a little creativity and the ability to complete a simple project that anyone can accomplish, regardless of how good or not you may think you are with crafts.

Paper Jewelry Boxes

By using a thicker type paper or cardboard, you can quickly create several types of jewelry boxes. These work great for parties or favors involving engagements, weddings or other jewelry parties. You can find many different templates on line for making your own box. The nice thing about using a heavier paper is you can go with many different colors so each box will look unique if you have many quests. It also allows you to color, stamp or put some other type of design on the outside that will make each box personable to the person that is receiving it.

Jewelry Boxes for Kids

The neat thing about designing your own jewelry boxes for kids is that they can be a part of the process. For this type of box, household items that are able to open and close and can also be decorated work best. One example of this is an empty egg carton. It allows for multiple pieces of jewelry to be stored in the egg holders and it is easy to decorate, meaning the project can be done in a short amount of time and provide your kids will many hours of enjoyment and memories.

Jewelry Box Kits

If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to buying a wood or metal jewelry box but aren’t that big on doing the crafts or designs yourself, there are several different types of jewelry box kits that be purchased either online or at a local craft store that will allow you still create a nice jewelry box to hold your pieces in.

The exact dating of when pearl jewelry, and specifically the pearl necklace, became the prerequisite gifts for bridal wedding jewelry cannot be pinpointed with exactitude. However, there is evidence attested to by by the scholars of ancient Greece, which dates the pearl’s relationship to the bride back to at least the time of classical Greece, circa 600 B.C. At this time, pearl jewelry was offered as tribute to the goddess of love, Aphrodite. Aphrodite, known as Venus to the Romans, was one of classical Greece’s most important and influential deities. In classical Greece, Aphrodite was a highly revered goddess of the ‘Olympian’ pantheon ruled over by Zeus.

However, her existence in Greek mythology actually dates far further back, to the time of the earlier pantheon of ‘Titan’ gods more than one thousand years before the birth of Christ. Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty, often depicted with her entourage of ‘Oread’ mountain nymphs. Nubile and infinitely desirable, mythology states that any man who laid eyes upon Aphrodite instantaneously fell under her spell. Aside from her engaging characteristics, and like all deities of the Greek Pantheon, she was said to hold special status over; doves, swans, dolphins, roses, apples, pomegranates, oyster shells and of course the pearl.

Aphrodite was linked to, and usually portrayed in relation to the sea. In etymological terms her name reflects this; ‘Aphros’ was Greek for ‘Foam’, her full name ‘Aphrodite’ meaning ‘Risen from the foam.’ Legend has it that Aphrodite was born from the foaming sea around the islands we know today as Cythera and Cyprus, located in the Mediterranean off mainland Greece. Both islands were pivotal to her worship, where she was known respectively as Cytherea and Kypris: it is here that she is believed to have made her first appearance in Greek culture. At the end of every classical Greek calendar year, which in our terms ran from the first of July to the next, Aphrodite was honored by a festival called the ‘Aphrodisia.’

The celebration of ‘Aphrodisia’ fell on the 4th day of ‘Hekatombaion’ at the end of the Greek calendar year; this is our month of June and the date we presently hold as tradition in which a bride is married. The ‘Aphrodisia’ festival was widely celebrated throughout Greece, but nowhere were the festivities more devout than at the temples of the Agora in Athens, and the Acrocorinth in Corinth. By today’s standards, the ‘Aphrodisia’ festival was a slightly bawdy, pagan celebration of female fertility, with athletic games, dancing and feasts lasting many days. Although not a wedding as we define it, the principal rite of the ‘Aphrodisia’ consisted of the pairing of young women with priests of the temple.

The remainder of the general public paid their tribute to the goddess with the highest value offerings possible; the gift of pearls. In classical Greece, as in the Roman Empire, pearl gemstones were the most valued of all jewels, their high prices ensuring their status above all other gemstones and even gold. The divergence of all these historical factors: the worshiping of the goddess of love, the ancient fertility ceremony of the ‘Aphrodisia’in June and the tribute of pearls upon the unison of two beings, are undeniably linked to the gift of a pearl necklace to a June bride on her wedding day in modern culture.

Having bathroom accessories is the best way in which you can update your bathroom and that too without any big investment. Apart from decorating your bathroom with these inexpensive accessories you can also accessories, you can also use them in decoration your kitchen. Making small changes like getting a new cabinet or a chest of drawers with some excellent hardware in the form of knobs or pulls on them can add a whole new look to your bathroom and kitchen.

Getting new knobs, hooks, towel rods, pulls for cabinets, door and drawers can not only be an inexpensive investment but can also give a chic look to your kitchen and bathroom. When looking for these accessories, you will come across a variety of them in different metals like brass, stainless steel, iron, wood, etc. Deciding on which would be long lasting and suit the d?cor is a difficult task.

According to designers and architects hardware, made of brass and stainless steel not only are sturdy but also are long-lasting in use. It is seen that accessories made of these metals do not wear soon and have a long life. Apart from this they also offer a good look to the doors and cabinets. Bathroom accessories also find good use in the kitchen as you can use them for knobs or pulls on the kitchen cabinets. The towel rod or hook can also be used to hang a hand towel near the sink.

There are, a range of accessories that you can use to decorate your bathroom and kitchen. These accessories from different metals come in various designs, colors, shapes and finishes. You can search online to know about some of the accessories that would match well with the interiors of your bathroom and kitchen.

There are many things you need to setup your iguana’s enclosure properly. Besides the essentials like heating and lighting, there are a few accessories you also need to get. This article will discuss some of the most important iguana accessories.

Dishes

It should go without saying, but you will definitely need food and water dishes for your iggie. It’s best that the dishes are relatively shallow so that your iguana can use them easily. They should also be sturdy since they’ll probably take a lot of punishment. You’ll also need to clean them out on a daily basis, so the water and food dishes should be easy to clean.

Tub

You can also choose to get your iggie a tub for soaking. It needs to be sturdy enough for your iguana to access without tipping over. However, it’s equally important that it’s not big enough to prevent him from getting into it easily. The tub also needs to be easy to clean since you should clean it each time your iguana uses it.

Climbing

Climbing structures are also good accessories for your iguana’s enclosure. Two of the best options are custom-made shelves and branches. If you use shelves, make sure there are several sizes for your iggie to choose from.

You can also provide your lizard with branches to bask and climb on. Just make sure that the branch is sturdy enough to support your iguana’s weight. If you get a branch from a live tree outside, you need to make sure that it hasn’t been sprayed with chemicals that can harm your iguana. Also, certain types of trees and plants are toxic to iguanas.

Every celebrity has a signature jewelry style – be it demure, pink gemstones; bold, big designs; over the top with jewels; or elegantly simple diamonds. Here, explains the distinct, graceful style of supermodel Tyra Banks and challenges you to make it work for you. Read on to find out how you can copy the look – without breaking the bank.

Tyra Banks – Elegant Length

Tyra has all the height and elegance of a supermodel, and she plays it up with ultra-long eyelashes, heightened hairdos and long, gemstone and diamond cascade earrings. The two to three inch, linear style earring designs mirror her already elongated look and add balance to an updo. The gemstones, which are typically white or clear in color, bring out the subtle green tones in her eyes, making for an incredibly striking overall look.

Recently Spotted Jewels: Multi-diamond cascading earrings.

Jewelry is the secret weapon of every female celebrity, whether she’s strolling the red carpet or stepping out to the corner store for another box of ginger tea. A sparkling pair of chandelier earrings, a bracelet dangling sentimental charms, or a striking gemstone pendant necklace all add a precisely personal touch to their outfits and over time, each individual celebrity’s accessory style becomes part of her signature look. Unlike clothing, the most beautiful jewelry is timeless, so it can be worn again and again, with almost any outfit. However, just like clothing, jewelry colors and designs must be tailored to the individual wearer to complement her natural features best. So although Tyra wears her jewels well, keep in mind that accessories are your opportunity to make your ensemble specifically yours and to develop your very own personal style.