Jewelry in ancient Rome is no exception. There are literary accounts and pictorial depiction such as in the Regina tombstone, plus an abundance of other artifacts available that help us to understand the role jewelry played during this fascinating time.

Regina Tombstone

Jewelry  was worn by men and women though it was subject to conventions of the time; particularly with regards to the appearance of men. Male jewelry was typically practical in nature. Men usually wore a single ring. The ring would serve a functional purpose. Typically a signet ring, the male jewelry item was used to seal official documentation. The male signet ring was initially iron but was later produced in gold as it displayed status and wealth more clearly.

Other practical uses of the signet ring included the inlay being a type of key for a strong box. Literary evidence suggests that propriety regarding male jewelry (joias) was ignored by a minority of fashion fanatics, as with any other social group. Trends and attitudes also changed from the time of Emperor Augustus. The emperors were established with official state clothing during his reign which included jewelry as a display of status and power.

Jewelry also had a protective function in ancient Rome. Boys wore an item of jewelry known as a bullah. This was worn from being a baby. It was worn around the neck and was a form of chain with a pouch which contained an amulet. This was a jewelry item worn by most classes, but the rich upper class had bullahs made of gold. The amulet was often phallic in design, as boys were considered to be the stronger species and so needed protection. Another item worn by boys was a small gold ring which was again carved with a phallus for good luck

Bullah

With regards to women, jewelry  was mostly  a display of wealth and status. Women had no very obvious status distinction through their dress like Roman men. That’s why hairstyles and jewelry were the only distinction possible. The importance of jewelry to the status of women is apparent through certain historical events: When the Oppian law was passed in 195BC curbing the use of jewelry and suggesting it be handed over for war materials, women demonstrated against this in the streets. During the campaigns of Marcus Curellius, women chose to donate their treasured jewelry  to get enough gold in order  to send a huge gold vase as an offering to Delphi. Then their behavior was rewarded with speeches at funerals which had previously been only for men.

The type and amount of jewelry worn by women varied, but the richest women were the most flamboyant in terms of amount and style. Amber jewelry was only worn by lower class women and was thought vulgar by the wealthy who favored gold jewelry. Other items used to make jewelry include pearls, colored glass beads and polished stones. These would be inset in gold and would vary in size and style, depending upon status. It was possible to tell a lot about a woman in ancient Rome by the jewelry she wore.

Amber Jewelry

The types of jewelry worn include necklaces with adornments such as pendants, amulets. Fibula which are similar to safety pins were used as fasteners and so were often adorned to make them a piece of jewelry that was both function and beautiful. Earrings were popular and came in both hoop and drop styles. Rings were usually inset with stones or carvings.

Fibula

Particularly popular jewelry  items were engraved gems which were referred to as intaglio. These were gems such as carnelian, jasper and chalcedony that had a sunken or engraved image, created with the use of wheels and drills.

Tomb jewelry findings suggest that bracelets were usually worn in pairs with one on each arm. Some tombs have revealed up to 7 items of jewelry on each arm which shows how the conventions for men and women differed. Even gold thread hairnets have been discovered.

According to a 2006 report in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 24 percent of Americans ages 18 to 50 have at least one tattoo, and 14 percent have at least one body piercing.

That makes more than 30 Million wearing body piercings, and that’s only what is reported, my estimates are much higher, but I bet in this article you will learn a couple of new things about body jewelry!

I believe knowledge is the best weapon we can use when we take important decisions, the more you know about piercings and body jewelry, the higher chance you will have to do it the right way and your friends will see with jealousy how attractive is your new piercing

From ancient times, the concept of using body jewelry has been followed by many cultures and heritages as a part of their rituals. As an indispensable part of clothing and dressing, body jewelry was also used in distinguishing the difference in classes in society. Now, crossing all boundaries, body jewelry is already a part of the trendy and nicer look that brings out a difference in the wearer.

Nowadays, the craze of body jewelry is on its heights. It has never been so popular but latest trends have really increased the sale of this funky jewelry that articulates your cool and different personality. Usually, body jewelry is meant for particular places on the body that includes, ear plugs, genital jewelry, naval rings, tongue piercing, eye brow piercing and pierced nipples that have become a big thing about jewelry these days reflecting great sense of fashion and the particular style of a person. Piercing often show your cool attitude.

Available in numerous designs and sizes, body jewelry states their own style and charm on wearers. You can find jewelry for every convenient body parts that enhances the overall art of the body. Depending upon your budget that can be high or low, a whole range of prices are available in the market and  which one you pick it says about  your approach and understanding regarding fashion about body jewelry. Choose your jewelry not only fashionable but also good for your body (i.e. it does not cause any kind of allergic reactions and rashes on the body). Be careful about the piercing process too and ensure its sterilization as well. (Always get pierced by professionals)

You can also go online to choose between a myriad of collections in body jewelry. Online also you will find good and useful information explaining every pros and cons of body jewelry. They also provide jewelry in affordable and reasonable prices

Funky and cool body jewelry is not only stylist but depicts your own personal fashion statement and makes you really different. That’s why; you can notice celebrities wearing this hip-hop and peppy jewelry pieces to gain popularity these days. If you have the charm and fashion, carrying glittering body jewelry, will definitely separate you from others with more common body jewelry.

So on another words, is important that your body jewelry looks good and be high quality, also remember that you want it to be done by a professional always and trust me: I have seen so many crooked and infected body piercings to support that claim, and you will find that having piercings can be a lot of fun!

Now you can go to www.vegantattooartist.com if you want to learn more about tattoos and body piercings, and by the way everything he does he does it in a vegan-friendly way.

“I am too old for an eyebrow piercing but too young for an eyebrow lift.”  (Max Cannon)

Do it right. You try to take care of yourself, don’t you?

By German Verzegnassi

Elizabeth Taylor will always be remembered for her glamorous and beautiful look.  I cannot remember any time that I have seen Elizabeth without her jewels to adorn her.  This was a lady with a fashion style like no other.  From gorgeous pearls adorning her face to beautiful diamonds adorning her neck.  She knew how to make a fashion statement!

Ava Gardner was a woman with a glamorous fashion style that did not go unnoticed.  Whether she choose to wear her best diamond earrings or her favorite Trifari necklace she always looked spectacular.  There are many of us who could pick up a few tips from Ava’s flare!

Joan Crawfard and Joan Collins are another two that simply can’t be outdone.  One must wonder how a women so easily learns to be that refined and beautiful at all times.  Like Cleopatra it seems to be bred deep within the soul.

Let us not forget about royalty.  Although not perhaps celebrities as we think of them still important figure heads that are within the public eye.  How about the gorgeous jewels of the Duchess of Windsor or Umbero II of Italy.  Then there was Princess Mary of Great Britain who was seldom seen without her jewelry adornments.

To more modern times, what about that beautiful engagement ring that Camela Parker Bowls was seen wearing.  An outstanding piece of jewelry on a women that quite commonly presents herself in a very traditional refined style.  No glamour here except for that drop dead gorgeous ring!

Whether we are talking about Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Kate Winslet, Kate Hudson, or Katie Holmes celebrities give us the opportunity to see jewelry designs in play.  They instantly help develop a desire for a certain jewelry piece or look.

We’ve got plenty we can learn from the styles of celebrities.  And once these designer jewelry pieces grab hold it isn’t long before someone is making a similar piece that our pocket books can afford.

So keep watching the stars for great jewelry to make your fashion statement!

What people don’t know about gemstones is that they are just a bunch of colorful stones and rocks polished and precisely cut to be made into jewelries. Attractive as they seem, these stones are usually minerals dug out of the planet, others are tossed out. These gemstones posses certain characteristics that made them valuable to those who adore them.

These crafted rocks go a long way. They have soft textures but majority are mostly hard. Lustrous ones are used for jewelry making. Some would address to these stones as semi-precious or precious. These stones are also used for therapeutic or aesthetic purposes.

Mineral value would most likely depend on the rarity of the stone and how hard it is to find. The more exotic and difficult the area and location where the stone was found, the more expensive it is to purchase. Pebbles are also addressed as gemstones in some way. Some would come out big some just the right size.

Who identifies gemstones?

Gemologists are the ones who identify these stones. They have the authority to describe the minerals using terminologies that is within the scope of gemology. These people are the ones who give out certain gemstone characteristics and identify them according to their composition as chemicals.

How are they characterized and what are their classifications?

Gemstones are characterized through:

• Chemical composition
• Dispersion
• Cleavage
• Refractive index
• Specific gravity
• Hardness
• Fracture
• Luster

These stones may exhibit double refraction, luminescence and a particular spectrum that is distinct from other typical stones. Gems may have flaws that are presented as inclusions.

Classifications may vary. They may be introduced as the cubic crystal system, trigonal crystal system and the monoclinic crystal system. But the general approach for classifying is according to varieties, species and groups.

Gemstone values

The most valuable gemstone of all time is the diamond. Amounting up to millions of dollars, diamonds are priced based its properties which would be its brilliance and defiance. Unlike other gemstones, the diamond has its purpose. This magnificent yet available resource can cut through glass without being broken into tiny pieces.

A gemstone’s value is based on its characteristic and rarity. It all depends on how clarity is shown, the cut and phenomena to its optical reasons. Great demand in the market lessens the price of the gemstone unless situations may occur. Example, the diamond would be a need by millions, yet the supply offers only thousands.

With this kind of situation, distributors can increase the price of the material. It is only when the stone is that scarce that people tend to adjust its value. But other than that, there are a wide variety of gemstones these days. Some are surprisingly cheap.

To determine the value of a particular gemstone, water is used. Water is referred to as the combination of different colors and transparencies marked in gemstones. First water would pertain to the finest of all stones. Byewater would be the opposite of the latter.

Some of the most precious stones are the emerald, ruby, opal and sapphire and are precious enough to reach such a surprising amount.

Size also matters when predicting a price of a particular stone.

In this era, gemstones are placed on a pedestal to be known as fashion material. Designers have used such stones to include in their piece of artwork thus making it priceless and elegant in such a manner.

Based on color variety, a person is defined by what they choose. Experts say that if you’re the red type of person, you are considered passionate and loving. Others say that this type of color represents anger and fury. Thus, the list goes on.

Colored gemstones are formed through mixtures of different kinds of elements aided by the change in climate.

There are 3 types of gemstones. Type 1 would be the usual colored gemstone that doesn’t contain any inclusions. Examples would be Aquamarine, amethyst, blue topaz, etc. Type 2 are those gemstones showing inclusions visible to the naked eye. Examples would include Ruby, Peridot, tourmaline, etc.

And the last type would have to be those gems that possess inclusion both visible and invisible to the eyes and normally are always included due to the influence of the environment. Examples are emerald, watermelon, etc.

Principles of grading a gemstone are determined by 4 aspects.

• Color – considered as one of the most vital ingredient to determine the grading of a gemstone. A gem’s color must be standard. Every detail must be vivid, leveled and elaborated throughout the body of the stone. Variations would equate to the gem’s value.

• Clarity – this would pertain to a flawless gem. Inclusions must not be visible. Inclusions are used to tell how old the stone is and it helps gemologists identify what kind of gem it is under. If you’re planning to buy a stone, consider the placement and type of inclusion. If you could find a gem without flaws or inclusions, that would be very expensive because seldom it is that you find no inclusions in a gem.

• Cut – it is in the cut that light communicates with the gemstone. Cutting in a certain kind of proportion affects the color and liveliness projected.

• Carat – this refers to the heaviness of a stone. The heavier it gets, the more expensive it becomes. The carat lets you know how much is stripped off from the stone. It is a stone’s weight, whether heavy or light, that is often measured in jewelry making.

A gemstone has different colors. It doesn’t mean that when you think of red gemstone, only ruby would ring a bell. It takes more than one to identify a gemstone based on its color. Sometimes, a single gemstone can contain 3-4 different auras or a name can produce variable hues. Here are the families of gemstones under shades of different colors.

Red
• ruby (yes, you have thought of that)
• garnet
• spinel
• coral
• tourmaline
• alexandrite

Blue
• topaz
• turquoise
• tanzantine
• sapphire
• spinel
• zircon
• lolite
• aquamarine
• lapis lazuli

Green
• alexandrite
• peridot
• sapphire
• emerald
• jade
• garnet
• hiddenite

Pink
• garnet
• topaz
• kunzite
• sapphire
• ruby
• spinel
• beryl

Violet
• spinel
• garnet
• jadeite
• amethyst
• sapphire

Orange
• fire opal
• garnet
• sapphire
• topaz
• citrine

Yellow Gold
• beryl
• Mgarnet
• amber
• tourmaline
• citrine
• topaz

Naturally multicolored
• tourmaline
• ametrine
• opal

Throughout time, man has sought to decorate the human body and this has manifested as body painting, tattoos, piercing and for those a little squeamish or less brave, decoration by the wearing of adornments generally know as jewelry.

In ancient times, jewelry may have been simple pieces made from natural materials such as shells plucked from the seashore or pebbles worn smooth and polished by years of being tumbled along the sea or river bed. These would have been strung together perhaps as necklaces or wrist pieces as early examples of a charm bracelet. Nature gives up so many beautiful things that can be used to make items such as earrings, rings, bracelets, hair pieces and so the list goes on.

Skilled craftsmen would have laboured for many hours intricately carving small pieces of bone, ivory or wood to fashion exquisite unique pieces of jewelry, no two of which would ever be the same.

To ancient man, jewelry was not just decorative but very symbolic and the wearer often held the belief that these trinkets were lucky, that they would ward off evil spirits or that they would even help them defeat their enemies in battle.

To the Romans and Ancient Egyptians the wearing of jewelry and the type of jewelry worn was a direct indication of a persons standing in the community. Large heavy ornate pieces forged from solid precious metals such as gold, encrusted with precious or semi precious gemstones were a sign to say – look how rich and important I am.

Styles and materials may have changed over time but the wearing of jewelry has always been a practice adopted by both men and women.

Over the years there has even been functional jewelry such as the medical alert items, which have saved many peoples lives. Identity type bracelets worn by a person who has a medical condition or requires vital medication have helped medical personnel decide on appropriate treatment when faced with a person who has been rendered incapable of communicating because of for instance an accident.

Over recent years, popular items have been the brightly colored rubber bracelets sold in aid of various charities, which demonstrate that the wearer supports that cause and has donated money to help raise funds for that cause.  Some traditionalists may not regard these strictly as being jewelry although who said that the article had to be expensive or made from precious metals to qualify for the name.

In modern times, we have seen a huge increase in the type and variety of jewelry available and the discovery of new strong and lightweight metals such as titanium or other alloys has given rise to new many new possibilities. Man made materials such as acrylics and plastics also lend themselves very well to the manufacture of affordable, colorful jewelry and in the shops you can see many examples of wonderful, bright and modern fun items, to be worn on any occasion as the mood takes.
Whilst most of us choose to spend a little extra on that special piece of jewelry such as our wedding rings, we now have an endless choice of less expensive everyday jewelry which we can change to suit our mood or match our outfit.

Who knows what the future holds with regard to the designs and materials we will have at our disposal to make attractive pieces of jewelry to be worn by both men and women.  One thing is for certain and that is that there will be a never ending supply with something to suit all tastes and all budgets from the most traditional to the most contemporary.

There are only twelve months in a year but there are different Crystal Jewelry colors to choose from for your birthday but you have no idea what kind of color that will match for your birthday presence.  This article will help you ask for a gift from your father a particular crystal beads that will match not only in your gown but matches also in your birth month.

Let’s say that you was born in the month of the Aquarian – that’s January, your primary birthstone is Garnet.  Then upon seeing the beauty of the world in the month of February, your ultimate birthstone is Amethyst.  Swimming around the womb and finally move out to live the world in March you will be dedicated for the Aqua birthstone.  They say that you are fool when you were born in the month of April that’s why you were only assigned a simple precious stone like Crystal.

The beauty of the land you’ve seen during the month of May with to much precious stone like Emerald will sparkles in your eyes.  Then, a White Opal birthstone matches most especially during the month of wedding days like June, that’s why you were giving a new light as white means new hope.  But if were born in the first month of the second half of the year that will be sold to you is a Ruby stone that mentioned during the era of Joseph the Dreamer in the Holy Bible – Old Testament at the end of Genesis that their precious half brother were thrown away to the Egyptians and became powerful at the start of Exodus.  And as Augustus Caesar came into power the sign of a Peridot stone was very splendid.  The month of August was named after Augustus Caesar kingship.

If you were born in September and your name will start the letter “S”, the precious birthstone is Sapphire will surely sparkle your eyes.  As the first month of last quarter of the year, your birthstone Rose is purely match for the month of October.  As we all know that October is the tenth month of the year and if you observed that most of the rose flower had ten petals.  Topaz will be leading your birthstone if you were born during November while a Blue Zircon beads will beautify your skin matching your birth month of December.

As you ask for a gift from your father the above mentioned birthstones will surely made your birthday celebration a sparkling celebration from your anklets, bracelets, necklace as well as your hair clip or crown beautify the right birthstone for you.  If your father can’t afford the ready made anklets, bracelets, necklace and other jewelries for your debut, you can advice him to directly buy your precious birthstone to Swarovski Corporation and buy some Sterling Silver wire and you are the one to handicraft it.

Looking back the history of Crystal Jewelry, even before the time of Moses, there were already crystals but not that precious as today.  The most precious that time was water because of the heat from the desert.  But today most of the people can risk their life to get a precious stone because their dream will move positively if they got it.

So, make sure if you got your birthday presence from your father the right birthstone don’t ever wear those necklace and bracelets in the public that will eventually risk your life against other people.

People have been buying and investing on jewelry since the dawn of civilization. Some cultures see it as adornments that enhance the overall appeal of the person. Some have considered it as symbols of their status in society while some consider it amulets that protect them from harm and disease.

Over the years the design and function of jewelries have evolved from its simplest metal forms to crystal jewelry and even to synthetic jewelries of the modern times, different ages’, different uses and meaning but one thing remains true. Throughout the ages jewelries have formed a bond with human civilization as part of their culture and tradition and no matter what the meaning or the use, it will remain part of our societies for the eons to come.

The history of jewelry dates back to the time of the pharaohs in ancient Egypt. But it could have been older than that. Some experts theorize that when man form the very first communal settlement, adornments may have been part of their culture thus making jewelry far older than anyone can imagine. As for the time of the Egyptians, part of their culture was to adorn their loved ones with gold and other jewelries made by hand.

It is even true that they brought their jewelry with them to the death as some archeologists have unearthed chambers in the pyramids that were filled with the riches of the departed. Some say that these adornments were cursed with black magic and whomsoever touched them were cursed to their last days.

Cursed or not one thing remains true for these people; part of their rich heritage was dedicated in the improvement and development of the jewelries that they bestowed upon their kin. These improvements were very much seen in the crafting of the embellishments and the designs of their jewelries.

The development of jewelries did not stop; instead it was carried on through out the ages. During the time of the empires and the kingdoms, jewelry making were considered a one of the noblest professions, it was a very important task that only duly deputized jewelers of the royalty were allowed to craft jewels and only nobility were given the privilege to try it out.

In modern times jewelry making is still a very lucrative profession and only a handful of individuals have made their mark in the jewelry business. Part of the human need to seek out different things and better ideas is improving what is already there. One of the most notable improvements that man has promulgated is making use of natural crystalline rocks and synthetic crystals as jewelry pieces or adornments in jewelry sets.

Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see crystalline rocks and synthetic crystal jewelry sold in almost every corner of the world. Some companies have even specialized in selling and crafting crystal jewelry. The Swarovski crystal jewelry pieces are one of the most top selling crystal jewelry in the market. The company has set new boundaries in crafting and designing raw crystals in to the eye candy that is crystal jewelry.

But they are not the only ones that have made their mark in the crystal jewelry business, some Asian countries, one particularly being China boasts about the fine natural crystal jewelry that they produce. Regardless though of where it is from crystal jewelry has broken grounds in the mainstream accessory business.