Use of Simulated Gemstones in Fashion Jewelry

What are they?
They are exactly what it means "simulated" meaning made to look like but not the same as natural gemstone. They do not have the same chemical composition like color, hardness or luster as natural gemstones. They can be made from plastic or glass or crystal and treated to look like natural gemstones. Simulated gemstones are inexpensive and mostly used in fashion jewelry. They are set in sterling silver or metal with gold, silver or rhodium finish depending on the design. Beautiful colors of ruby, emerald, sapphire, turquoise, coral and more are recreated in these simulated gemstones.
Some examples
Moissanite
A mineral which is man-made in the laboratory as silicon carbide. It shares similar chemical composition as the diamond. A tough competitor to CZ it is also used widely in fashion jewelry.

Rhinestone
Another most popular simulated diamond used in jewelry manufacturing. It is made from rock, crystal or acrylic. It doesn't have the same brilliance like CZ or Moissanite but it still adds its distinct beauty to the jewelry piece.

Cubic Zirconia or CZ
It is widely popular as a simulated diamond. Chemically speaking CZ is crystallized zirconium dioxide. It has the brilliance that matches the diamond. It comes in different colors like transparent, pink and yellow.

Glass, Crystal and Plastic
Glass, crystal and plastic beads are chemically treated on the outside in the laboratory to simulate precious and semi precious stones. They have none of the same chemical composition as the real stones. Mind you they do not look cheap, in fact they look very close to the real thing.
Simulated gemstones are being widely used in fashion jewelry because of its low cost. Jewelry buyers are not always looking for a genuine gemstone with a big price tag. They would like to buy a designer jewelry piece with their favorite gemstone look alike at a low price. Not all precious and semi precious stones are certified. So if the price of the gemstone is too good to be true ask whether it is a simulated gemstone and you will be surprised with the answer.

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Victorian Style Jewelry Part ii - Modern Era

The Victorian era ended in 1901 with the death of Queen Victoria but the fascination for it did not. The mystr of Victoria's Secret has ended. 

Over the last century Victorian designs have been reincarnated in gold, and precious stones set in filigree work.  These Victorian pieces of jewelry have become a collector’s item.  Their ornate design with huge gemstones makes them unique. However in the last decade or so Victorian Styles have influenced the fashion jewelry world.

The Modern Era Victorian Style Jewelry is very affordably priced thanks to the fashion jewelry designers. They have incorporated Victorian styles in everyday wear. Today Victorian style jewelry pieces are made in gold or silver plated metal with semi precious and natural stones.  Some are also using different colored glass beads to represent the colors of precious stones. Although today’s Victorian style jewelry may not have the same look, designers have managed to capture the essence of the Victorian era.

Shop for reproductions from Victorian Era at http://www.duelonjewel.com

Fashion Jewelry For Every Occasion

Victorian Style Jewelry Part I – The History

The Victorian Era started when Queen Victoria ascended the throne in 1837. It spanned over 60 years from 1837 to 1901.

Jewelry designs from this era were coined as Victorian Style Jewelry.

 All throughout this era the designs were influenced by the life of Queen Victoria.

The era started with a romantic period when young Queen Victoria ascended the throne and married Prince Albert. 

 Jewelry designs in this period were mostly symbols of love like hearts, love knots, clasped hands, anchor and so on. Lockets that could hold a picture or a lock of hair were very popular. 

 Gold was limited, so filigree work can be seen in the jewelry pieces of this period. Bright colored gemstones were used to reflect the happiness of Queen Victoria.  

In 1861 Prince Albert died. Queen Victoria was devastated and mourned for over 20 years. During this period jewelry designs became more heavy and dark. Black onyx and garnet were used along wit lack enamel. 

Around 1890’s the Queen finally came out of her mourning. Jewelry designs became flashy and trendy. Diamonds were used in abundance. Symbols of life like flowers and butterflies were incorporated in jewelry designs. Travel and sports were popular leisure activities. They influenced the jewelry designs towards the end of the Victorian era.  

Shop for Victorian Style Jewelry in Semi Precious Stones, Classic Pearls, Silver and Gold Plated at http://www.duelonjewel.com

Alluring Anklet

Anklet is the most alluring piece of jewelry that adorns your body. We are so busy choosing the right jewelry for our upper body that we forget those pretty feet of ours. Anklet is one piece of jewelry that looks good on most ankles yet fewer people wear them. They add daintiness to your ankles. 

Fashion Anklet

Anklets or Ankle Chains or Ankle Bracelets have been worn since medieval period but became very fashionable in the west during the late twentieth century. In India it is a cultural tradition to wear anklets in both feet. In the west it is either worn in the left or the right ankle.   

 
Sterling Silver Anklet

Worn with short or long skirts, Capri or shorts, it adds a lot of appeal.  Pair that fashion anklet with dainty sandals or flip-flops.  Fashion anklets are an excellent wear to the beach where you are barefoot most of the time. 

Select ankle bracelets that have a delicate chain with 2 to 3 small charms. A simple black thread with a small charm or a thin braided leather cord with beads looks charming on ankles. 

Ankle cuffs look best when worn in only one ankle. Choose an ankle cuff of up to 3 inches wide if you have long legs. Avoid them if you have short legs instead opt for ankle bracelet. 

Fashion anklets are a very casual but chic affair. Avoid wearing them for a formal occasion. 

Shop for trendy and alluring anklets at http://www.duelonjewel.com