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As Egypt is the cradle of civilization, no doubt that it is also the cradle of the arts and the home of craftsmanship. Personal ornaments appear to have been among the very first objects on which the invention and ingenuity of man were exercised. In the beginning, natural objects, such as small shells, dried berries, small perforated stones, feathers of variegated colors, were combined by stringing or tying together to ornament the head, neck, arms and legs, the fingers, and even the toes.

The earliest examples of Egyptian jewelry which have come down to us are those of the Pre dynastic period (more than 3000 years B.C.), where the Egyptians had been making beads and ornaments of semi precious stones such as amethyst, lapis lazuli, cornelian, Quartz, Garnet, Turquoise , and other objects. They also used man made materials such as glazed objects and colored glass imitating semi precious stones. Most of the materials used in making these beads were chosen for their color symbolization or amulet significance especially the ones used in making funerary jewelry, as they had a religious and magical significance in the Egyptian ancient world by protecting the wearer from evil. Turquoise for example was a symbol of fertility, good luck, and as protection from the evil eye.

So as it appears, ancient Egyptians wore various shapes and kinds of jewelry, some of which are:

• Bracelets and Bangles: these ornaments often came in matching sets. Ancient Egyptians also used the same term for describing anklets.
• Finger rings: its earliest form was as simple as rings made of stone. Later, rings were made of small strings of beads, gold-foil bands and wires of copper or silver closed by twisting the ends together.
• Amulets of semi-precious stones: these were charms worn by the living or placed on a mummy to ward off evil spirits or bring good luck.
• Cartouches: These were elliptical symbols encircling the inscribed birth and coronation names of the king. They were usually worn as pendants.
• Pectorals: These are large pieces of jewelry, usually in the form of trapezoids, worn on the chest.
• Necklaces: These were widely used among wealthy people, and were usually made of precious metals such as gold and silver, and decorated with colored glass beads and semi-precious stones.
• Earrings: Theses were worn by both men and women.
• Crowns: These were reserved for royalty. They were made of gold or silver and decorated with semi-precious stones.
• Belts: These included waist belts and belts with hanging vertical straps ornamented with colored beads. They were usually found in tombs.
• Vests: This kind of jewelry is only found in ancient Egyptian jewelry. It was worn around the chest. It was usually made of gold or of gold-plated metal. Even when it was made of a cheap material, it was painted yellow to give a golden impression.

Gold and silver Egyptian jewelry:
The real start of Egyptian jewelry was when ancient Egyptians had access to precious metals, for even in ancient times, Egypt was envied for its underground treasures. At first they got these metals from the Eastern Desert and Nubia , later too as tribute and spoils of war from Syria and the north. Mining was often carried out by convicts under military control. This was a dangerous endeavor from which many of the laborers probably never returned.

Up until the Middle Kingdom, silver was considered as valuable to the Egyptians as gold, but after that time frame, Egyptians seem to have become fanatical over gold. Egypt was richer in gold than any other country of the region. Statues, furniture, vessels and jewelry, above all in the royal household and the temples, were often created from these precious metals.

Jewelry working techniques:

The Egyptians knew two kinds of bonding metals: welding and soldering. As early as the Middle Kingdom little pieces of jewelry were welded together. Soldering was known since the 4th dynasty at least. The work of Egyptian gold and silversmiths also included Hammered work, engraved, incised and chased work. The combinations of layers of gold plates, together with colored stones were also present. Gold was also widely used in gilding other less precious materials such as wood and stone. Cloisonné and filigree were already known at that time. The cloisonné technique was used in pectorals and pendants. It created outlines of figures and symbols with gold wires that were then soldered to sheets of beaten gold and later inlaid with colored stones or glass. Filigree, a delicate, lacelike ornamental work of gold or silver wire, was mostly used in buckles and clasps of gold. Granulation was the technique of creating various designs by soldering very tiny gold balls to the surface of gold sheets. The stones used in the inlays were considered to have magical properties based on their color.

Egyptian craftsmen:

The standard of work of the Egyptian goldsmiths was high from the beginning of the pharaonic age. Craftsmen in ancient Egypt were usually trained and skilled laborers. They were often well-respected in the community and had a comfortable lifestyle. Yet every craftsman’s lifestyle and social standing depended on the quality of his skills and experience. Most craftsmen worked in temple workshops or palace workshops, for gold and silver jewelry were mostly reserved for the use of the gods, the kings and, to a lesser extent, the rich and powerful. Very few Egyptian commoners possessed any gold jewelry.

The art of jewelry making reached its peak in the Middle Kingdom, when Egyptians mastered the technical methods and accuracy in making pieces of jewelry. During the New Kingdom, this art flourished in an unprecedented way because of regular missions to the Eastern Desert and Nubia to extract metals.

Famous discoveries:

It is to the tombs of ancient people that we must look for evidence of the early existence of Egyptian jewelry. The jewelry of the ancient Egyptians has been preserved for us in their tombs, sometimes in, and sometimes near the sarcophagi which contained the embalmed bodies of the wearers. This is due to the ancient Egyptian funerary beliefs that required that the mummified body should be wearing the finest jewelry. A large number of such jewelry was found on the mummies; for example, wreaths, crowns, or hair bands. On the head or wig, they fixed different types of ornaments, such as small roses, golden bands, and some simple bands of jewelry. There were also different types of belts, including waist belts and belts with hanging vertical straps ornamented with colored beads. Other types of jewelry included earrings, bracelets, anklets, rings, and necklaces.

The earliest known example of Egyptian jewelry goes back to the first dynasty. It is a set of four bracelets found in the tomb of Zer at Abydos . By the Twelfth Dynasty the jeweler’s skill had attained something as near perfection as is possible in an imperfect world. For technical skill, delicacy of handling and for the love of nature which the design reveals there is nothing more fascinating than the two coronets of Khnemit, representing floral garlands used at festivals and including most of the flowers and fruits grown in Egyptian gardens
One of the best known examples of the magnificence of Egyptian jewelry is the jewelry of Tutankhamen’s time (18 th dynasty). Its treasures include gold filigree and granulated gold-work, and you hardly know what, amid such splendors, to admire most. The gold mask of the adolescent king, the headdress and collar inlaid with colored glass, or the smaller specimens of the ancient jewelers’ art including the pectoral ornaments inlaid background of cloisonné. Tutankhamun’s collection is the most complete royal treasure ever discovered.

If we have to speak of the production of jewelry as a modern art industry, we should say that nowadays, the craftsman of the twentieth century follows methods and traditions which his distant ancestors would recognize and understand, as these techniques come down to us from very far days.

A. Basel
http://www.bazaarway.com

There are so many different minerals out there. For a novice jewelry buyer, she can easily be confused.

What should she buy?

One astounding fact about gemstones is that you can find a wide assortment of color.

Here are the colors available and the type of stone available. The color is caused by metal ion impurities such as chromium, iron and copper.

Red - Ruby , garnet , spinel, coral, alexandrite, Tourmaline

Blue - Sapphire, Aquamarine, Topaz, Tourmaline, Paraiba Tourmaline, Tanzanite, Spinel, Zircon, Lapis Lazuli, Iolite, Turquoise

Pink- Ruby, Sapphire, Spinel, Garnets, Kunzite, Morganite Beryl, Topaz, Tourmaline

Green - Emerald, Tourmaline, Tsavorite Garnet, Demantoid Garnet, Peridot, Jade, Sapphire,Chrome Diopside, Chrysoprase, Alexandrite

Yellow- Sapphire. Citrine, Chrysoberyl, Topaz, Zircon, Amber, Andalusite, Tourmaline, Garnets

Violet- Amethyst, Garnets, Sapphire, Spinel, Tanzanite, Jadeite

Orange-Sapphire, Garnets, Mandarin Garnet, Citrine, Topaz, Fire Opal

I know that diamonds are the star but colored gems can share equal billing.

Royalty and movie stars have in their possession treasures which include emerald and sapphires and rubies.

The gemstone which have a distinguish long history are the emerald , ruby and sapphire.

Most importantly, how do you value a gemstone?

It is the same as diamonds which is the 4 Cs. The most important C for diamonds is Cut whereas color is the most important for gemstone.

You should look for pure colors rather than a mixture of two different colors in the gem. The tone should be moderate . It should not be too light or too dark.

The gem should not look dull and lifeless.

Clarity- Try to get a gem without inclusion. However this may be a natural phenomenon. Inclusion may tell the origin of the gem. Sometimes the gem may even be prized for its inclusion such as star in the star sapphire or the eye in the cats eye.

The gem should be cut in such a way as the light is reflected and refracted back to the observer resulting in brilliance and sparkle. If you can see through the gem that means that light has passed through the gem. Also beware of dark areas in the stone.

Durability- Check out whether the gem is hard. The harder the better . Diamond is the hardest substance at all. Next, comes sapphire followed by topaz. The gem should also not be brittle that means easily broken or inability to resist strong impact.

Carat- Gemstone are sold by weight in carat which is 0.2 grammes. However different gems have different densities. So a 1 carat emerald is much bigger than a 1 carat sapphire.

Rarity- actually rubies are even rarer than diamonds but diamonds are harder and cutting makes it sparkle. Sometimes a gem may be rare but the value is not as high as the gem is relatively unknown.

You can break up the price range of the different gem varieties into 4 categories. Ruby, emerald and sapphire are the most expensive but these are the perennial favorites. The next price range consist of connoisseur gems such as black opal, jadeite, fancy colored sapphires, pink topaz, chrysoberyl cat’s-eye, demantoid garnet and alexandrite.

The mid range price consists of gems such as tanzanite, tsavorite garnet, aquamarine, tourmaline, red spinel, precious topaz and spessartite garnet. They are relatively new gems but they are in hot demand and are popular.

The affordable gemstone are the following : amethyst, white opal, citrine, ametrine, peridot, rhodolite garnet, blue topaz, iolite, kunzite, andalusite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, onyx, chrysoprase, nephrite jade, and amber.

You can find all these gemstones set in jewelry at http://www.alljewelry.info Here is where you can find Ruby jewelry

Diamond Solitaire Rings on you mind? Does your lover cherish diamond solitaire rings? Here are tips on choosing a beautiful diamond solitaire ring for your lover. Like most other purchases, start your search by browsing the net for diamond solitaire rings. Here are some useful tips on comparing and buying diamond solitaire rings.

Diamond Engagement Rings

What are the most exciting diamond engagement rings on the market? Perhaps, the most elegant diamond engagement are diamond solitaire rings in popular styles including basket diamond engagement rings, trellis diamond engagement rings, cathedral diamond engagement rings, bezel set diamond engagement rings and of course the Tiffany classic diamond solitaire rings

Unique Engagement Rings

For unique diamond engagement rings, browse online antique style engagement rings and antique looking diamond rings. Many couples design their own unique engagement rings. There are also unique engagement rings based on reproductions of engagement rings through the centuries. These unique diamond engagement rings include antique diamond solitaire rings, antique platinum engagement rings, plain antique ring settings and antique wedding diamond bands.

Certified Diamonds - Diamond Solitaire Rings

Certified diamonds are a wise choice when buying diamond solitaire rings. The major organizations that issue certified diamond certificates are the GIA and EGL. Buying certified diamonds gives you a sense of security as to your diamonds quality. Equally important, certified diamonds are readily accepted by insurance companies. Also, if you ever want to sell or trade, certified diamonds will bring more money and sell much quicker then other stones that are not certified diamonds.

The Diamonds Company is a leading diamond and jewelry store offering diamond solitaire rings, unique engagement diamond rings. Find the best selection of certified diamonds at the best prices. Visit The Diamonds Company.

For anyone in the sales industry, the ultimate accomplishment is making a great sale. When it comes to a luxury item like jewelry, the sale can be an even harder goal to achieve. With the right approach, doubters and misers buy products and services everyday. So why not that 3-carat diamond ring? Here is a review of a few fundamental techniques used by the best jewelry sales people:

1. Know Your Product

Know everything about your merchandise: strengths, weaknesses, and any unique features. Also understand factors that influence its demand in the industry and popularity in fashion. All of these will strengthen your presentation and make the customer more willing to buy. There should be nothing that anyone can tell you about your own product that you don’t already know. You will definitely be asked questions and be given myriad objections, so be prepared to elaborate on all aspects of your merchandise in response.

2. Know Your Customer

Make every effort to know all you can about your potential clients. Gain an understanding of their purchasing habits and what motivates their choices. Why have they come to you? What are they looking for and for what occasion? Tailor your approach to suit their needs. When you know the buying habits of your prospect, you can use it to develop a relationship that will lead to repeat business. Learn their names and use them in conversation. Don’t forget to be friendly!

3. Build Value, Create Desire

Jewelry purchases are oftentimes emotional decisions. By building the value of a piece, you will be one step closer to making that sale. Apply the information the customer shared by joining the beneficial features with his/her buying motivation. Draw on their sentimentality to identify the right item for them. Tell them the rewards of owning such a piece. This will add that needed sense of value and will help quell potential objections.

Creating desire involves building your customer’s interest and excitement. Compliment the customer’s taste in order to validate their choice. Allow them to try it on, or suggest modeling it for them. Show your own interest in the piece as you respectfully hand it to them. Subtly play to their reactions. Create scenarios involving the jewelry that will appeal to your customer’s excitement, intrigue, or even vanity. Remember, you’re not just selling jewelry; you are selling a relationship as well.

4. Trial Close

Attempting a trial close tests your customer’s readiness to buy. Ask questions that imply the customer already owns the piece: “Shall I wrap it up?” “I’ll have your ring ready momentarily. Size 7, right?” Possible objections will arise here. Depending on their reasons for not committing, ask them questions to figure out what will make them more comfortable. Reinforce the positive aspects of the jewelry to remind your customer how much they like the piece. The more they talk, the easier it is to find the main objection. Then attempt another trial close. Stay happy!

5. The Close

This is when you ask for the sale if necessary. The customer might offer the sale with, “Do you accept credit cards?” If you’re not so lucky, ask a few more questions that receive positive feedback then ask something like, “How would you like to pay for that?” Attempt an add-on close after making the initial sale. You will come across as helpful (so long as you’re not too aggressive) by suggesting matching items. If the add-on sale isn’t made right away, you have already planted the seed for future purchases.

Making the sale does not mean you are finished. Remind them when they need to get their jewelry serviced and cleaned. Teach them proper storage and handling. Follow up with your customer and keep the relationship going. Give them your card and collect their information so you can call on birthdays and other special occasions to remind them of important dates when jewelry would make a great gift. Send “Thank You” cards or written notes for memorable dates that you should keep on file. Keeping these tips in mind will increase your chances of making more sales and will boost your career.

About the Author: Vicky Therese Davis, A.J.P. is the Founder and President of Indulgence Jewelry Corp. (www.indulgencejewelry.com), based in Miami Beach, Florida. Her company has specialized in the wholesale of sophisticated and unique fine diamond jewelry since 2003. Her pieces can be found in jewelry stores and boutiques nationwide.