Purchase Wholesale

A lot of people wonder how to get the exotic cuts and stones along with the great deals. One way to do this of course is to have your business credentials; sales tax certificate, business license etc., whatever is needed for you to operate a business in your city and state and purchase through wholesale dealers or shows.

Some of the better deals and best vendors are those you can find at the Tucson show; however, many of those same dealers travel around to regional wholesale shows. I often will attend these over any ‘open to the public’ show, since the dealers and product are often much better at the wholesale shows. Check with your favorite vendors to see what shows they attend and make note over the year. This is really the best way to get the best deals on quality, exotic cuts and stones.

Here is a small list of several producers of wholesale shows:

Gem & Lapidary Wholesale Inc.
International Gem & Jewelry Show
Parker Trade Shows

And check the blog Gem Shows for information on gem, jewelry and lapidary shows, information and resource links.

Egyptian Influence on Western Jewelry Trends

Fashion and jewelry have always drawn influence from different cultures, both near and far. But what you might not know is that many of the top picks of beauty editor's 'must have' accessories for this season are inspired by the ancient cultures of Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Long before celebrities walked the red carpets adorned with giant gemstones and stylish statements of fashion, Egyptians were creating arm bands, bracelets, earrings and collars for royalty hierarchy, wise scholars and skilled warriors. Today, these pieces have re-emerged into the limelight, as glamorous Hollywood 'It' girls and socialites don giant oversized gold cuffs, art deco themed chokers and arm bands reminiscent of ancient Egyptian culture.

Much of Egyptian culture has roots in architecture and those influences carry over into the intricate and beautifully adorned jewelry designs of the culture. Gold was a favorite, and rare precious gems such as the olive-hued Peridot were often used as accents and symbols of power. Now, we see celebrities such as Amy Adams wearing jewelry inspired by the Egyptian culture. The stunning statement necklace she wore to the recent Academy Awards ceremony was a cascade effect of rubies, emeralds and diamonds. It was a beauty that would make even Cleopatra jealous.

Another trend we can't seem to get enough of is the golden cuff bracelet. The serpent cuff bracelet adorned with gemstones for eyes is a hot seller that has been spotted on the arm of fashion mavens Madonna and Fergie. The beaded lotus cuff bracelet, which is accented with turquoise and blue grass stones looks almost Safari-like and is similar to the designs at many major department stores and retailers. Both of these cuffs are very similar to the arm bands worn by royal Egyptians in ancient times.

As evidenced by the patterns of modern day jewelry, it's easy to see the origin of these pieces dating back to Egyptian roots. From hammered metal pendants to ornate arm cuffs, the culture is carried on and adapted in many beautiful ways.

Chunky chains necklaces: A Fashion 'Do'

If you feel like being a bit edgy this spring, then it's time to get on board with one of the hottest jewelry styles of the season – chain link metal. Featured on the pages of In Style and on the necks of the style-setters like Blake Lively, this is one piece of jewelry advice you simply can't ignore.

Reminiscent of 80s punk rock and 90s hip hop, gunmetal open chain link necklaces are back and they're all the rage right now. With a layered or wound together look, these pieces can be eye-catching and chic. To add interest to a single strand chain link necklace, look for a piece with texture, try wrapping a few times or combine with other more polished jewelry for a fun flirty look. Chain metal jewelry is meant to be interesting, so don't be afraid to play around by adding sterling silver or sparkly charms.

If you can't see yourself piling on chain metal link necklaces, then try an asymmetrical style, with mini chains on one side and a statement flower or rhinestone knot on the opposite side. This is a more polished, yet still unique way to wear the trend. By incorporating heavier chains with more delicate or glamorous pieces, you'll achieve a more balanced and feminine look. For a night out, try incorporating an oversized mesh chain link choker to pump up the volume of a basic black dress.

Chain link necklaces are playful and fun, so the outfits you pair them with should be too. For example, wear one casually with a simple t-shirt and cardigan. Or, play to the layered effect and try one with a t-shirt, open vest and skinny jeans. This style should look completely effortless – like you just threw on the necklace and let it speak for itself.

Katie Holmes: Fashion & Jewelry Icon

Gracing the cover of Glamour magazine on newsstands this month, Mrs. Tom Cruise has made a name for herself both on and off-screen. Katie's risk-taking wardrobe choices and mix and match approach to jewelry have made her one to watch.

Katie is a romantic at heart, and it's reflected in her jewelry choices. She has no problem wearing a vintage bejeweled brooch as a hair accessory for a big awards show. She also loves diamonds and sparkles, though she knows what works and tends to shy away from oversized pieces, in favor of classic settings and stones.

She wore an interlocking ring plus a candy colored amethyst lavender cocktail ring, piles of thin gold bangles and a gold watch to a recent photo shoot. Although most of us would have a hard time pulling off so many pieces of jewelry, Katie wore them well.

For a movie premiere, Katie donned stunning sapphire stud earrings that dressed up an otherwise basic black ensemble. Though the choice wasn't exactly cutting-edge, sapphire earrings became an instant hit because she wore them so well. She rocked the same earrings during several casual public appearances. It just goes to show that when she finds something that works, she isn't afraid to wear it multiple times.

Katie is a classic beauty, so it's only fitting that she knows that sometimes, less is more. For another recent photo shoot, she wore a pair of simple pearl stud earrings as an elegant and stylish compliment to a white collared shirt. We love that Katie would look chic and sassy in any type of jewelry, but she's not about all the latest fads. She sticks with chic and stylish necklaces, earrings and bracelets that are understated. When she does mix it up, she still manages to look as pulled together as the classic beauties of the 50s and 60s. Katie is one to watch.

Lampwork Coins Copper & Magnesite

Lampwork beads are incredible since they rarely come out the same every time. These particular coin beads in this necklace are swirls of green, yellow, black, cream, and copper. Giving the necklace the highlight between chunks of white magnesite that have a slight brown matrix brought out by the loose copper spacers; then I added some ‘bling’ in light topaz crystals.






Looking to add a little balance and increase hopefulness? Or how about more energy, better concentration and clarity in decision making? Some of the colors in this necklace reflect the Chakra; Green is for Heart Chakra to increase love, empathy and compassion; Yellow is the Solar Plexus Chakra that symbolizes personal power, fulfillment, abundance, courage, and self confidence.

Visit Timeless Designs for more gemstone jewelry.

Hot New Rock - Sonora Sunrise

A beautiful and lovely new gemstone known as Sonora Sunrise or Sonora Sunset is emerging onto the marketplace. Blending color combinations of red, green and even into dark blue, Sonora Sunrise is a mixed blend of two more common gemstones Chyrsocolla and Cuprite and comes out of Sonora, Mexico. Look for this stone mostly in pendant or brooches jewelry designs.

Fashion Jewelry Forum

Welcome to Fashion Jewelry Forum. Join the conversation and talk about jewelry and fashion, also, you can promote you site here.

Costume Jewelry: An Easy Way to Wear a Big Trend

It's hard not to be inundated with pictures of what designer duds your favorite celebrity is wearing and who's got the biggest and blingiest jewelry at an awards show. But for the average girl, it's just not an option to actually go out and purchase a piece of jewelry that costs more than a car or a house. So instead, we turn to costume jewelry to fulfill our fantasy of getting decked out in diamonds. And at the end of the day, it all looks the same. So why not have fun with affordable gems that don't require a vault and a security guard? Here, we examine some of the glittering gems that won't break the bank:

Beautiful costume jewelry - Statement cocktail rings in colors that pop like canary yellow, royal purple and emerald green are a fun way to dress up for a night on the town. Giant oversize stones in a princess cut top the list of must haves. Stars like Angelina Jolie and 'Posh' Victoria Beckham have worn rings like these to add color to basic black. Now, you can afford to steal the look for a fraction of the cost.

Costume Jewelry: Pendant necklaces – If you love the look and the sparkle of the Hope diamond, or lust after one of the giant gems that Beyonce regularly wears on the red carpet, then look for an opulent imitation that will convey the same message. Enormous rhinestone pendant necklaces can easily be worn to a special event such as: prom, a wedding day or for a black-tie event to add sparkle and glamour to the overall look.

So, the next time you're aiming to make a fashion statement that won't soon be forgotten, consider adding costume jewelry like a statement cocktail ring or pendant necklace. The pieces should be over-the-top, exuberant and enjoyable to wear.

Cocktail Ring - A Fashion "Do"

Fox Cocktail Ring

Pink Hued CZ Cocktail Ring

Buddha Cocktail Ring

Champagne Cocktail Ring

Macaw Cocktail Ring

Horse Cocktail Ring

Zebra Cocktail Ring

Pearl Cocktail Ring

Purple Cocktail Ring

Pink Elephant Cocktail Ring

Retro Fashion Jewelry: 40s,50s,60s,70s,80s Jewelry

Fashion trends seem to have a way of repeating themselves every few years, so it's no surprise that retro fashion jewelry is making a comeback this season. 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s inspired designs and colors are reminiscent of times past. Let's take look at what each era is bringing to the table today:

40s fashion jewelry: Plastic beads, whimsical designs and florals were all popular jewelry choices back then, and we're seeing a lot of them today in the form of broaches, oversized bangles and giant cuffs.

50s fashion jewelry: Victorian designs, bows, Lucite and art deco dominated the scene back then. Today, we see Carrie Bradshaw wearing a dainty bow necklace (Search for necklaces) in Sex and the City. We also notice Lucite bracelets (Search for bracelets) as a fashionable favorite.

60s fashion jewelry: Modern styles of black and white, ethnic pieces, hippie jewelry, giant pendants and multi-strand necklaces were all the rage. Today, these jewelry looks continue to rock the catwalk and have inspired the likes of beaded necklaces, leather bracelets and rhinestone butterflies, to name a few.

70s fashion jewelry: Enamel, flowers, modern shapes and a little bit of edge gave this generation a new twist on old bejeweled favorites. Now retro inspired watches, funky rings and over the top earrings give ode to this free flowing decade and its cool designs.

80s fashion Jewelry: Chains, punk rock style and neon colors defined the jewelry trends of this era. Presently, movie stars such as Madonna and Rhianna are taking a blast from the past and sporting piles of gold and silver chained necklaces to give their look some edge. And shockingly yellow acrylic necklaces are at the top of the "must have" list for this spring.

It's a good rule of thumb to hang onto whatever costume jewelry you own, as the fashion trends will surely repeat themselves again.

Raw Slab Finds

The local Mineral & Rock Show this past weekend yielded some nice raw slabs! Here are a few pictures of what I found, some I’ve included with their beads and jewelry designs – the Owyhee Wild Horse Jasper I don’t have any beads or designs, so I matched it up with one of my wire work Turquoise pendants!


Picture Jasper
Necklace Set is composed of Picture Jasper & Turquoise
Jaspers: Protection, nurturing, joy, awareness; balancing of physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual energies.




Tiger Iron
Necklace Set is composed of the three shades of Tiger Iron; Red, Blue and Gold, all wire wrapped in non-tarnish brass wire.
Tiger Iron: Artistic endeavors, beauty, and vitality.




Owyhee Wild Horse Jasper
Accented by a Turquoise pendant wire wrapped in non-tarnish brass wire.
Jaspers: Protection, nurturing, joy, awareness; balancing of physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual energies.
Turquoise: Spiritual attunement, cleansing, healing, protection, valor, soothing, peace of mind, guidance through the unknown, romantic spontaneity.



Visit Timeless Designs for gemstone jewelry in custom handcrafted individual designs!

Bold Jewelry: Fashion 2009

Bold Jewelry: Fashion 2009

From oversized bangles to huge hoop earrings to a mountain of gold chains, we've certainly seen it all when it comes to large over-the-top jewelry. Designers send costume-y pieces down the runway, but in reality, we see a lot of these trends carry over to the street scene. Celebrities such as Beyonce, Rhianna and Gwen Stefani are often seeing rocking huge earrings while out and about. Upscale retailers such as Nordstroms and Blooomingdales stock a wide variety of this type of jewelry. Even Target is in on the trend, offering statement rings and oversized bangles to the masses for a fraction of the cost. So what's all the fuss about?

It's about getting noticed. It's about making a statement. It's about defying the previous rules of fashion and pushing the envelope in terms of how much is too much. Bold jewelry was very popular in 2008, with everything from neon geometric shapes to layer-upon-layer of chains. Today, we continue to see everyone from pop icons to movie stars to college kids wearing this fashionable trend.

The great thing about bold jewelry is that it's meant to be exaggerated. It's meant to have a sort of costume appeal to it. Therefore, many of the pieces available are inexpensive, simply a replica of the real thing. Since all it takes is one bold piece to make your outfit stand out, most anyone can afford to get in on this fun trend.

If you're a little wary about wearing statement jewelry, start with something low-key like a giant cocktail ring, which can add a whole lot of pizzazz to a basic outfit. Work your way up to Cleopatra style bracelets or arm cuffs, if you're daring. Bold jewelry is meant to grab attention, so just be confident, and let your jewelry sets do the rest.

Color Symbolism in Jewelry

The next time you decide to deck yourself out in a piece of statement jewelry, think about what type of mood you want to achieve. Here, we examine some of the symbolism behind the color of gemstones.

White – This color represents purity, youth, innocence and hope. It's no wonder that pearls, mother of pearl stones and opal necklaces and jewelry sets are the accessories of choice for brides-to-be, as the color connotation goes hand-in-hand with the new life represented by marriage.

Red – The color of red is striking, bold and energetic. Said to represent love and passion, red stones such as rubies add a burst of excitement to an outfit, when worn as a large pendant necklace or statement cocktail ring.

Purple – This color symbolizes royalty, flamboyance and creativity. For example, the use of a large amethyst stone set in a heavy gold necklace ups the style ante, resulting in a rich and exaggerated burst of color.

Yellow – Thought to be happy and fun, yellow gold bangle bracelets and oversized hoop earrings can be used to boost the mood of any outfit, day or night.

Pink – Candy colored playful pink is flirty and reminiscent of spring flowers. Worn in floral designs, hot pink earrings and cuffs can be feminine, joyful and interesting.

Green – A color that symbolizes nature, spring and the environment, green stones are calming and some would say, considered to be lucky. Beautiful emerald earrings can be striking when paired with basic black, whereas natural cut green beaded necklaces can give off a vacation vibe.

Blue – Considered professional, confident, cool and tranquil, blue gems remind us of the earthly elements of air and water. Blue topaz makes a beautiful necklace when set in sterling silver or platinum.

Brown – Rustic and organic, browns and neutrals can be used to achieve a bohemian vibe when incorporated into wooden bangle bracelets and earrings.

Unique Mother's Day & Easter Gifts

At Timeless Designs all things are uniquely handcrafted…..one piece at a time. And with Easter and Mother’s Day just around the corner why not purchase a distinctive treasured heirloom gift for that special someone!
















Visit Timeless Designs for jewelry that is handcrafted from of all natural gemstone, crystals, wire working, and dichoric glass. Browse through necklace sets, earrings, bracelets and pendants; each design is made with individual characteristics.
Bonus! Each purchase comes with a gift box; all you add is the card!

Jewelry Tips for Any Season

With every new season, your wardrobe goes through changes and it's important that you remember to update the look of your jewelry as well. We've put together some useful tips that will help you to decide what type of accessories look best, and in which season they should be worn.

For spring: It's all about freshness, new life, Easter egg pastel colors and delicate designs. The jewelry that works best in spring include designs of sterling silver inspired by nature. For example, butterfly pendants and teardrop earrings are very beautiful and versatile. Cut out florals in the form of metal bangles or matching jewelry sets are feminine and innocent, while mini printed florals also look great.

For summer: The styles are lightweight, fun and inspired by the colors of the ocean and sky. Everyone has vacation on the mind, so this is your chance to explore worldly textures and materials. Try layering long bright beaded necklaces with sterling silver chains for a bohemian vibe. Or, add pops of color into your wardrobe with coral and turquoise colored natural stones in the form of earrings or necklaces. With summer jewelry, it's important to remember to shy away from heaviness and keep things youthful and lighthearted.

For fall: The colors of fall are warm and rich, with deep burgundies and browns dominating the palette for this season. Jewelry should compliment the necklines of turtlenecks and sweaters. Classic pieces such as sterling silver tag bracelets, pearls and statement cocktail rings are a good bet.

For winter: The winter months bring snow and cooler weather but for jewelry, there's a focus on sparkle, glamour and glitz. Don't be afraid to go all out for your holiday party and wear a cascading rhinestone necklace, bracelet, or earrings. This is your chance to dress up, have fun and pull out the special items you've been saving in the back your jewelry box.

Leaf Jewelry 2009 fashion

Gold Tone Leaf Earrings

Glod Plated Bamboo Leaf jewelry

Larkin Break Up Leaf Earrings

Larkin Gold and Silver Leaf Rings

Casino Royale Inspired Bond Girl Earrings

Gold Leaf Necklace

Leaf Bracelets, Leaf Sterling silver jewelry, Leaf Jewelry Sets

Oscars 2009: Star Jewelry Style that Stole the Scene

On the biggest night in Hollywood, all the celebrities flock to the Academy Awards to celebrate their achievements and walk the red carpet in noteworthy stylish designs from head to toe. Each actress primps and prepares for the event weeks in advance to achieve a final look that is drop dead gorgeous. The result is a whirlwind of extravagant diamonds and jewels fit for a queen. Here are just some of the notable actresses and the jewelry they wore:

Angelina Jolie – Always a knockout, Angie wore giant multi-carat $2.5M emerald pear drop earrings and a statement cocktail ring to infuse elements of color to her black ensemble.
Kate Winslet – With an ode to the old Hollywood glamour of the 40s and 50s, Kate stunned in diamond cluster drop earrings that looked phenomenal with her romantic up-swept hair and satin gown.
Alicia Keys – With cascading curls abounding, Alicia donned a feather shaped pair of gorgeous diamond encrusted earrings to compliment her violet colored dress.
Vanessa Hudgens – Youthful and radiant, Vanessa sported opulent opal teardrop earrings in a beautiful platinum setting. These earrings fell just at the collarbone for an ideal fit with her black gown.
Heidi Klum – This model fashionista accessorized with ornate pink and red jewel encrusted earrings to compliment her red ball gown. By keeping her hair sleek and simple, she let the earrings be the center of attention.
Sophia Loren – A timeless beauty, Sophia dazzled in a diamond clover and double strand pearl choker with matching pearl drop earrings.
Jessica Biel – With a tousled up-do, and radiant complexion Jessica easily pulled off a pair of diamond spherical drop earrings that added sparkle and glamour to her silk gown.
This year, it was all about the statement earrings and it was nice to see actresses up the glam-o-meter with such style and finesse.

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Gemstones Raw & Finsished

I get asked all the time “What does this stone look like raw?” I’ve made it one of my goals this year to collect some of my favorites and most used stones in their raw form. I’ll be adding them to pictures with their finished partners, as displays at shows and of course talking about them here on this blog. Here’s the first of a many to come that I’ve collected from Tucson and also a local lapidary shop.



Red Mexican Lace Agate
A common, semiprecious type of chalcedony agate is the compact, microcrystalline variety of quartz. This variety is mined in Mexico and named for it’s deep red banding matrix that gives the stone an almost ‘lacy’ effect.




Rhononite
This stone gets its name from the Greek word rhodon, meaning “rose”, which is the mineral’s typical color. It occurs as rounded crystals, masses or grains, and is often coated or veined black with manganese oxides.



Kyanite
Known more for its deep dark blue coloring, Kyanite occurs principally as elongated, flattened blades, and less commonly as shaped beads or pendants.



Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is one of the oldest, most treasured of all gemstones. Its name is a combination of the Latin lapis for “stone” and the Arabic azul for “sky” or the ancient Persian lazhuward for “blue”. It usually occurs as pockets of white marble with spots or matrix of pyrite.

Jewelry for Your Wedding: Bridal Jewelry

On the most important day of your life, it's important that everything is just perfect, down to the last detail. Of course you'll want to look your absolute best for your special day. Bridal jewelry can do just that. It can help to compliment your dress and complete your look, while making you feel like a princess.
Many brides go for a traditional pearl necklace, but there are actually a lot of other necklace options from which to choose. Your bridal jewelry is your one chance to be extravagant and opulent, so why not take advantage and go all out?

Cubic zirconia (CZ) set against sterling silver can really help you shine in person and in pictures. There are numerous options when it comes to choosing a setting for your pendant necklace. Choices include: teardrop (which is more narrow), peardrop, bezel set, brilliant cut or emerald cut. Alternatively, you can choose to go with a sparkling cluster effect, with a CZ bubble design.
If you're not into massive amounts of sparkle, you can still get a beautiful effect with diamonds by the yard, which spaces the stones every few inches on a long chain. This type of necklace can be draped and worn in multiples, if needed.

Once you've selected a necklace, there are still other baubles which may help to flatter and complete your ensemble. A delicate pair of chandelier earrings can help to pull everything together.
Make sure that your bridesmaids are taken care of as well. It is your responsibility to provide the wedding party with guidance on what type of jewelry you prefer. To make it as easy as possible, offer to purchase necklaces or bracelets for everyone as a part of their bridal party gift. This will ensure that you achieve a consistent and beautiful look on your big day.

Bracelet Combinations

I don’t create bracelets very often, mainly because they are not a big seller. But, I got to looking at stones and come up with these two new bracelets. Both are done in all natural gemstones and combined with crystals, glass, copper, brass and bronze wire.







Turquoise & Topaz Bracelet


Crazy Lace Agate Topaz Bracelet









Browse Timeless Designs for additional bracelets and other gemstone jewelry.