Bracelets in Precious Metals by Maggie MacLean

April 25, 2008
An Article from Jewelry Weblog

Precious metal jewelry is a favorite adornment as well as a treasured possession. Since the time men unearthed the secret to metal craft, precious metal jewelry has been made and worn by men and women of all ages. Irrespective of time and space, the craze for gold, silver, and recently platinum jewelry has been on the rise. Although the patterns and the processes keep changing, the appeal of precious metal jewelry is everlasting.

Eight metals are considered precious: gold, silver, and the six members of the platinum family - platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium.

Precious metals have been a part of human civilization for thousands of years. Often believed to have mystical powers, precious metals have long been appreciated for their value and their beauty. Over time, precious metals came to symbolize wealth, power, and strength.

Precious metal bracelets are the perfect accessory to the backdrop for richly-patterned fabrics, like those we see in fashions for spring and summer 2008.

GOLD
Throughout history, gold has been the foundation of many monetary systems and remains important to our economy today. Gold is also a popular metal of jewelry designers because of its versatility. It can be molded, shaped and carved into intricate jewelry designs. Its warm color is very appealing, and it doesn't rust, tarnish or corrode. The major source of the world's gold is South Africa.




SILVER
The standard for sterling silver has remained unchanged since 1300, when Edward I of England established an early trade practice for silversmiths, decreeing that sterling must consist of 92.5 percent pure silver alloyed with 7.5 percent copper. The term sterling refers to the composition of the metal.

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Something New: Wedding-Jewelry Trends

An article from the Wedding Channel

When most people think of wedding jewelry, visions of sparkling rings tend to dance through their heads. But while rings are certainly the most important aspect of wedding-day jewelry, a bride must also give consideration to the other pieces she'll be wearing. From gorgeous bands to beautiful bracelets, we've got the skinny on all the current jewelry trends.

Rings

What's old is new in engagement rings right now. Cushion- and Asscher-cut diamonds - all the rage in the 1920s - are currently gracing the hands of today's bride. The squarish, diamonds were created to reflect candlelight and draw the eye into the stone. Stunning alternatives to brilliant-cut gems, both cuts complement the pavé-set bands that are the hottest trend in settings. Featuring tapered holes that hold round gemstones to create a "paved" look, a pavé setting can also be designed to show off diamonds from three sides. Color decorates the season with two-toned bands dominating Novell Design Studio's bridal-jewelry line, and pink and yellow diamonds on display everywhere from your neighborhood jeweler to Harry Winston.

Bracelets

Thick cuffs of silver and gold sprinkled with gemstones are currently flashing on the runways of fashion. Tiny rhinestones or beads add an air of daintiness to chunky designs of semi-precious stones. The look is wide and antique, with brides walking down the aisle with family heirlooms on their wrists for an old-fashioned, sentimental air.

Earrings and Necklaces

The look in wedding jewelry now is bold, and the hottest trend in the spotlight is the chandelier earring. The dangling pieces of jewelry boast diamonds, pearls, or even glass beads, evoking a glamorous, Art-Deco look. Long, thin, shoulder-skimming lines are also showing up on brides, a sleek counterpart to the bold chandelier. Dramatic necklaces utilize the bigger-is-better theme as well, dripping gemstones and setting off demure necklines. Dramatic cascading pendants show-off two, three, or more linked-stones, and even classic chokers are emboldened with up to six strands of pearls.

The classic stand-bys of delicate pendants, classic diamond studs, and bare wrists are always in style, so don't despair if the bold look in wedding jewelry isn't your taste. But for the up-to-the-minute bride who wants to reflect the latest look, big is definitely beautiful.

For more ideas, browse jewelry specifically designed for weddings here: http://www.jewelrycrossings.com/wedding-bridal-jewelry.php

To view the Wedding Channel article, please click here: http://www.weddingchannel.com/fashion/buildArticle.action?assetUID=3017#