Archive for the ‘Jewelry’ Category

You don’t have to be Chinese to have an appreciation for Chinese symbols. Many people get tattoos that contain Chinese symbols, and Chinese symbol necklaces are becoming very popular. You can choose your Chinese zodiac sign, or you can choose a word that describes your personality and the symbol that goes along with that word. Whether they wear them on their body or have them permanently inked on their bodies, many people are sporting Chinese symbols. Tattoos are one way that people are showing them off, and jewelry is another. Chinese symbols are a very exotic and attractive design all on it’s own, but the extra meaning behind the symbol makes it extra special. Additionally, since few people in the US know Chinese, it can be a very private meaning that only you and whoever you choose to tell the meaning to will ever know. So, you have a design that is attractive, meaningful and very private.

The striking and showstopping appearance of Mokume gane metalwork is something that one must simply see to truly appreciate. Additionally, the remarkable styling of Mokume gane look has an enthralling heritage, something that will forever be a great conversation piece.

The Japanese word translates to English as “wood eye metal.” There are a few other historical names for the metalwork, which translate to “cloud metal” and “wood-grain metal.” The translations to English are apt, as the undulating patterns of the Mokume gane metal look very similar to wood grains. The wood grain comparison is certainly apt, but the patterns artisans can produce in this metalwork are as varied and gorgeous as clouds themselves.

It was 17th century Japanese katana makers who came up with the process of creating Mokume gane metal, which was used as sword fittings. When sword use declined in Japan, the artisans refocused and found a new market for their skills in the decorative arts. They created their unique metalwork by liquefying soft metallic elements, which would form liquid phase diffusion bonds. This means the metal bonds together, but doesn’t entirely melt. The resulting patterns are striking.

Modern Mokume gane rings are made from such metals as titanium, platinum, iron, brass, bronze, sterling and nickel silver and assorted colors of karat gold. Since there are a wide variety of metals available for use in the Mokume gane process, it results in an extremely diverse possibility of looks in the final product.

Those artisans who make Mokume gane rings are creating something unique every single time they create a piece. Because the process is a result of a series of twisting, rolling and forging, you can be sure that no two pieces of jewelry will be alike.

Since Mokume gane metalwork has only been in the U.S. since the 1970s, there isn’t much heirloom jewelry in this country. If you’re seeking an unique piece that has heirloom potential, Mokume gane is worth investigating further. For some of the finest Mokume Jewelry in the world, visit www.ChrisPloof.com in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Chris creates beautiful meteorite and damascus steel jewelry in addition to his mokume work.

Mothers jewelry that carries the names or birthstones of a mothers children has been a popular gift for hundreds of years and will continue to be popular for many more. A new variation on this popular trend is family jewelry, geared towards grandmothers. Family pendants can hold many birthstones for all grandchildren – often as many as 10 or12. There are many styles and designs available including traditional such as trees and leaves, and more abstract designs. The pieces can be created as both a pendant and a brooch. Family pendants are a wonderful gift for grandmothers that celebrates family and generations.

Choosing the perfect ring can be overwhelming. Whether engagement, wedding, or other special occasion, it’s certain that you’re seeking something truly singular.  You’ll find that there are many unique options for a very special ring, and one of the most missed is to look beyond the traditional precious metal choices.  Mokume Gane rings are an ideal way to separate your ring from the rest.

an amazing, unparalleled] history, tracing its [origins  Once used for sword fittings, artisans eventually began creating decorative items as the need for swords waned.  The soft metallic metals that make up Mokume-gane include titanium, platinum, iron, bronze, brass, nickel silver, and different colors and karat of gold and silver.  The look is one of absolute elegance, with flowing layered patterns creating a rich look.  The gorgeous appearance a result of the metals forming bonds together without completely melting.

If you’re seeking out something a bit more traditional, consider the icy look of damascus rings.   A diffusion bonding of 304L and 316L stainless steel creates a unique look that is absolutely corrosion-resistant.  A high-quality Damascus ring takes several weeks to create, a labor-intensive process that produces an exceptional piece of craftsmanship.  Damascus rings are a fantastic choice for those who desire the handsome look of steel, with an appearance that is just a cut above.

Another unique metal to consider for your ring is meteorite.   Meteorite rings are created by artisans forming solid pieces of nickel iron meteorite into rings.    It is the high percentage of nickel in the meteoric iron that gives it its special look and quality.

Meteorite rings are a fantastic conversation piece.  After all, when asked about the ring, the wearer can describe how it was forged of “iron from above.”  There is something inherently interesting about a precious metal that doesn’t originate on earth.

Choosing the perfect ring can be nerve-wracking, but there’s no reason for it to be that way.  By choosing a ring made from a unique metal or with a unusual process, you can give something attractive and distinctive.  Whether you choose the undulating patterns of the M0kume-gane ring, the handsome look of Damascus steel, or the exotic appearance of a meteorite ring, you can’t go wrong with one of these unique choices.

Jewelry is always in style and always a welcome gift. But don’t choose the tired old designs that are mass-produced and available to everyone. Instead have a custom piece created that is personalized with a message that has personal meaning for you and your recipient. Personalized jewelry can be a ring, pendant, bracelet, cufflinks, or any other piece. It can hold a date or names or words or symbols that have meaning only to the two of you. That is inspirational jewelry that will always be in style.

One of the easiest ways to honor employees can be done by simply purchasing corporate logo jewelry. In order to properly honor your employees though, you can purchase many different types of gifts. In fact, the best gifts you can purchase for your employees is likely corporate jewelry though. This type of jewelry highlights the great work your employees have been doing for you through the years.

The best part about this type of jewelry is the fact that you can purchase all kinds of custom jewelry for your employees. Whether you need to purchase a product that honors the significant contributions your employees have been making, or you simply need to purchase a product that shows an affiliation between your employees and your company, you can purchase pieces of jewelry that match your needs.

Even if you need to honor different genders with your jewelry, you can easily do so, because there are many different types of personalized jewelry available today. You can honor a woman by purchasing them pieces of jewelry that match the specific desires women often have when it comes to jewelry. On the other hand, if you need to purchase jewelry for men, you can always purchase products like cuff links in order to purchase a product that men at your company will commonly wear.

Many owners of corporations believe that they must wait for a special occasion in order to purchase this type of gift for their employees. In fact, productivity within your company can easily be increased by purchasing this type of jewelry for your employees. You can even impress customers, along with employees, by purchasing this type of jewelry for your employees.

One of the primary benefits of making this type of purchase for your company is the fact that employees will likely work harder and be driven to succeed once they realize that they are honored for their hard work. So, employees of your company will be impressed by the amazing gifts you provide them with and customers will be impressed by the tremendous devotion your employees maintain for your corporation.

One of the easiest ways to honor the incredible jobs your employees are doing can easily be done by purchasing corporate jewelry for them. Once you purchase this type of commemoration for your employees, they will not only be grateful for the gifts they have received, but they will also be devoted to improving their productivity in order to receive more honors in the future.