Platinum Facts

by Shalina Khemlani

Platinum, a metal that one can certainly marvel at! Apart from being the most expensive metal, it is one of the most beautiful metals that are used to make precious jewelry. When combined with its enormously high melting point, this metal makes crafting jewelry designs extremely inflexible and intricate, reason being its rigidity, resistances to flexibility and lack of softness.

Platinum, a metal that one can certainly marvel at! Apart from being the most expensive metal, it is one of the most beautiful metals that are used to make precious jewelry. When combined with its enormously high melting point, this metal makes crafting jewelry designs extremely inflexible and intricate, reason being its rigidity, resistances to flexibility and lack of softness.

Conversely, jewelers prefer making use of this eye-catching and striking platinum metal with a blend of gemstones. Out of the lot the most popular being diamonds, the color and smooth luster of platinum blend perfectly well!!! Platinum metal is known to compliment other metals and precious stones. Platinum also features an unusual quality of holding fine gemstones keeping them tightly in place. Hence the jewelry life enhances as the stones remains intact for the life of the jewelry. It is more useful when used as prongs and additional background components parts of the jewelry.

Apart from this, the metal is known for its sturdiness and hard-wearing, and hence make perfect jewelry gifts that is bound to last for years to come. Some of the other metals in the platinum clan are palladium, iridium, osmium, rhodium, and ruthenium. The properties that platinum possess make it ideal for fine jewelry. The incomparable solidity, ductility and high melting point are some of the elements that make it possible to store platinum jewelry for centuries.

A woman’s jewelry gatherings will indeed be imperfect and partial if it doesn’t consist of platinum jewelry. In the recent times they are not only a mere possession but just the right investment and a class symbol for the well-off and the famed. By and large in the past, gold metal used to be the only one considered as far as jewelry was concerned as this metal is quite pleasing to the eyes and can be easily worked upon and has grabbed a lot of attention. However in the present era, Platinum has made a bigger picture for itself. Even though it may belong to the equivalent splendid and precious gold metals family, nevertheless it is one of the newest and greatly a younger member to have made a stand for itself!

Considering its white radiance, flexibility, resistance to acids and its extremely high melting point, platinum metal has been extensively used in jewelry since only 19th century onwards. Jewelry items such as rings, watches, earrings, necklaces and bracelets are extensively being created out of 90 percent platinum along with mixed alloys. The reason why platinum metal is acknowledged as being rarer than gold is because gold is often associated with several alloys involved in the jewelry making process. Whereas platinum jewelry contains very little alloy, and hence becomes the perfect preference for those who are susceptible to metals.

Platinum metal is now regarded rarer than gold. Consequently, it’s on its way to replacing gold as the precious metal of pick for jewelry. In fact platinum has now been well thought-out as a metal that can be compared to the equivalent platform of that of diamonds as it is said to be everlastingly. Platinum is an exceptionally valuable and expensive metal that is basically used to create fine jewelry. Its profound weight and toughness provides platinum metal to withstand and not get easily dilapidated even if it is worn on daily basis.

Platinum metals produce an innate white luster. That luster offers a lustrous backdrop for diamonds, although it’s the platinum metal that is simply graceful and stylish even if used all by itself. Platinum fine jewelry receives maximum appreciation even with a simple polished finished with delicately carved ornamentation. As a matter of fact Platinum metal appears to look even more stunning when combined with contrasting touches of 18K yellow gold. The smooth structure and designs become doubly gorgeous and it appears even brighter.

Platinum Jewelry prices soar in the market for the reason being that is made out of the same category of expensive metals that are most costly and precious metals in the world. So it is quite obvious that a person who is looking forward to buying platinum jewelry needs to shell out more than what he would be paying for any other types of jewelry and that includes gold jewelry as well.

Besides the high price of platinum metal it is better known for a number of uniqueness and distinctiveness elements that it holds. Platinum jewelry is so pure and has faultless hypoallergenic accessory for those who are affected by gold. In fact platinum is an exceptional metal with people with sensitive skin. Platinum jewelry can be worn without any sort of tension of getting allergy or rashes. Platinum jewelry can be cleaned more easily than even wearing it. All you would simply require is mild soap and water.

With increase of demand for titanium jewelry pieces, you are bound to come across ample amounts of platinum jewelry easily available in the market. People have succumbed into the charm and are completely smitten with the qualities that platinum metal has to possess! The intricate designs, white luster, gemstones that are well intact can leave any one speechless!

Making Beaded Jewellery Part 1

by Binasaji

Making your own beaded jewellery can be lots of fun and a great way to set your creativity loose. With the help of the internet, you can become a great designer very soon. Plenty of websites list step by step instructions to make beaded jewellery – or you easily give shape to your own dreams and create a unique look- different from the run-of-the-mill ideas! Before embarking on a beaded jewellery making mission, it would help to understand that although the designs shown on the internet sites look easy, making a piece that looks similar to the one on your computer monitor can take several attempts. Patience and lots of practice will help you perfect the art of making professional looking beaded jewellery from home.

Making your own beaded jewellery can be lots of fun and a great way to set your creativity loose. With the help of the internet, you can become a great designer very soon. Plenty of websites list step by step instructions to make beaded jewellery – or you easily give shape to your own dreams and create a unique look- different from the run-of-the-mill ideas!

Before embarking on a beaded jewellery making mission, it would help to understand that although the designs shown on the internet sites look easy, making a piece that looks similar to the one on your computer monitor can take several attempts. Patience and lots of practice will help you perfect the art of making professional looking beaded jewellery from home.

There are some basic tools required for crafting beaded jewellery and many online stores sell sets of tools required for this purpose. As one gets adept and more adventurous with beaded jewellery making, specialized tools can be bought.

Pliers

Everyone has probably handled or at least seen pliers at some point in time. These are easily available at the nearest hardware store and are the most important tool for making jewellery. Several types of pliers are used in creating jewellery pieces – for making loops, for opening loops, for closing loops for crimping and for cutting.To make perfect, professional looking beaded jewellery, a variety of pliers are required. For a novice, investing in just the basics – like a chain nose plier, wire cutter etc. is essential.
While buying pliers handle them once or twice and pick the perfect size with easy grip handles – some even have foam handles for comfort. Pliers are the most used implement and must feel comfortable in your hands.

Chain Nose pliers

The most basic pliers are the Chain Nose pliers – these pliers are inexpensive and can be bought either at a local hardware store or ordered online or you might even find them in your toolset at home. These are great for almost all the jewellery making work – bending, holding and turning the wire required for making jewellery. These pliers have narrow arms and flat edges making it useful to pick up findings or beads also. Another variation of the Chain nose pliers are the Bent Nose pliers with slightly bent tops making it easy to work with more intricate smaller loops and for putting wires into bead holes.

Round Nose Pliers

look similar to the Chain Nose pliers are but are used to give a professional finish to the jewellery. These may not be readily available at the local hardware store since these are specialty pliers created for the jewellery industry. Making perfect loops with chain nose pliers is tricky, the round nose pliers with their ends finer (measuring 1 to 2 mm at the tip) than the chain nose variety make it easier to turn wires into loops, make more perfect round loops, smaller loops and also to open and close jump rings. These pliers are also great for winding wire which is required in some designs. It is not advisable to use these pliers for holding or gripping wire since the plier can leave visible marks on the wire (unless they have nylon jaws which do not leave any marks)

Flat Nose Pliers

This is another plier used by professionals. These pliers like their name have flat tops and are smooth on the inside making them perfect for gripping or holding wires while you bend them with a round nose plier. The smooth insides make them ideal for holding beads, straightening or opening wires and jump rings.

Long or Needle Nose Pliers

Long or Needle Nose Pliers are similar to Flat Nose Pliers with a difference in their arms. Unlike the flat nose pliers, these have long narrow flat tips. The advantage is that it makes it easier to reach crevices and the increased length of the arms gives more control to the artist than the ordinary flat nose pliers.

Closing pliers

Closing pliers help in closing loops, links, rings etc. These specialized closing pliers can make the difference between an amateur jewellery piece and a professional finish. With smooth insides, these pliers are available with and without grooves for crimping. The smooth insides ensure wires are not dented while closing the loop. Bent Closing pliers serve the same purpose but have angled jaws for easy leverage to work with smaller loops and jump rings.

Crimping Pliers

Crimp beads need Crimping Pliers to even out the beads. The crimping effect can be achieved with other pliers, but they sometimes leave unsightly sharp edges. The crimping pliers usually have small arms which have grooves in them. They are available in several sizes and the one you should buy will depend on the size of the beads used for creating the beaded jewellery piece.

Cutting Pliers

It is important to invest in a pair of good Cutting Pliers for snipping off the wire ends. Depending on the stringing material used to thread the jewellery, cutting pliers can be bought. Often inexpensive, it is advisable to buy a pair which will give a smooth cut wire. Some cutting pliers leave sharp ends which have to be filed manually. Cutting pliers can also be used to trim findings and other flexible beading wires. Some of the common types of Cutting pliers are Side Cutters, Diagonal Flush Cutters, etc.

Most of the above pliers now come with nylon jaws which do not mark the wires or beads. Although slightly more expensive, nylon jaws ensure that your beaded jewellery pieces do not have ugly scars or dents on them. Intrepid manufacturers offer combination pliers For eg. Round nose, Crimping and Closing pliers in one plier or half flat nose and half round nose pliers. The varieties are many and it is up to the beader to decide how many pliers will suffice!

For children, special hobby pliers without sharp edges are also available. Other than the pliers mentioned above, there are specialty pliers for setting gemstones, straightening wires, making chain, working with split rings and plenty more. Most of the jewellery making work can be accomplished with just the basic pliers – Round nose, cutting, crimping pliers etc.
Most manufacturers list the uses of pliers, so before you buy make sure you have a requirement for the specified plier!

Making Beaded Jewellery Part 3
Making Beaded Jewellery Part 4
Making Beaded Jewellery Part 1
Making Beaded Jewellery Part 2

Jewellery Making Tools

by Binasaji

Tweezers:This simple tool is great for picking up and holding small items! Several varieties of tweezers are available for different purposes – Locking tweezers for grasping your jewellery as you work with it; Bent End Tweezers with angled or bent ends for a better grip on small objects; Knotting Tweezers with sharp tips to knot thread to the bead. Beading Awls / Stoppers: Mistakes are a part of learning but undoing knots is an annoying task, even for the most patient beader! The beading awl is ideal to undo irritating knots with great ease. It can also help in knotting and making small loops or winding wires and threads.

Now that you have some information about the pliers required for making beaded jewellery, this article provides some more data about some of the other tools needed to handcraft your special piece of jewellery.

Tweezers

Professionals in every industry have discovered the importance of Tweezers – Beauty Salons, Hospitals, etc. In jewellery making too, tweezers have found their place of importance. This simple tool is great for picking up and holding small items! Several varieties of tweezers are available for different purposes – Locking tweezers for grasping your jewellery as you work with it; Bent End Tweezers with angled or bent ends for a better grip on small objects; Knotting Tweezers with sharp tips to knot thread to the bead. While these are some of the more important tweezer types, it is common to find variations designed for specific purposes.

Bead Storage Box

Working with tiny items like beads is difficult and keeping track of all the tiny items used in jewellery making – head pins, beads and other tiny items can prove to be a challenging task. A storage box to store all these tiny findings is an absolute requirement. Bead storage boxes to suit every requirement can be bought or you make your storage box by collecting small boxes and putting them together in a larger box, but make sure you do have a bead storage box which will save you the time wasted on looking for findings while making your jewellery. A good storage box should be transparent, offer large open tops for easy access to the stored items and have separate sections to keep each item.

Beading Awls / Stoppers

Mistakes are a part of learning but undoing knots is an annoying task, even for the most patient beader! The beading awl is ideal to undo irritating knots with great ease. It can also help in knotting and making small loops or winding wires and threads. Another ancillary tool is the bead stopper which grips the end of the beading thread, preventing beads from slipping out.

Cutters

If you are using thread to string the beads, a small pair of scissors or a sharp thread cutter/ nipper for snipping of the ends neatly is required. Make sure the implement is sharp and can cut the thread without fraying it. Some artists prefer to burn the thread ends using a thread end burner. This is especially good for plastic threads. For metal wires, a sharp wire cutter or Flush Cutter is perfect.

Bead Reamers

Sometimes bead holes may not be cleaned properly by the manufacturers or have small untidy bits sticking to the edges or the hole maybe too small for the wire to enter – for this purpose the bead reamer is helpful. It can be used to clean out the bead hole and to increase the size of the bead hole also. The bead reamer set has two parts the handle and the needles. A set will have several needles (for dealing with different types of beads) of varying sizes which can be interchanged on the same handle depending on the requirement. Separate needles can also be purchased without the handle.

Flexible Beading needles

These are indispensable while making beaded jewellery. Threading beads with large holes is easy but if you want to craft a delicate piece with seed beads a beading needle makes it easy to string the tiny beads. Beading needles are available in various sizes and remember a lower needle number signifies a needle that is thick and vice-versa.

Beading boards

are another great item to purchase if you plan to continue making jewellery. Beading boards have marked lengths which keeps track of the length of your chain or bracelet. Some boards even have deeper indentations so you can to place your findings along with the beads. Another advantage of using the Beading board is that making multiple strand jewellery becomes easier.

Wire Rounders/ Cup Burs

Wires have sharp points and the wire rounder softens the edges of the wire making the wire safe to work with. Cup Burs also serve the same purpose by smoothening out the ends. The same effect can be achieved by a simple file also – although it is likely to take a longer time.

Miscellaneous Tools

A ruler or measuring tape to measure lengths is also required. If your beaded jewellery required soldering or hammering wires, a pair of safety glasses is handy. In fact sometimes even small eye pins or headpins can fly if not gripped properly; the safety glasses essentially protect the eyes against unseen mishaps. Artists working with tiny beads can buy magnifying glasses or Loupes to ensure their eyes are protected against excess strain. A loupe also makes it easier to follow the beading pattern and wire the beads. A small hammer comes of use when making metal beaded jewellery or working with wires where wires or findings to be straightened out or flattened.

Glue

Finally, Glue is sometimes needed to join uneven beads or surfaces for a better finish for your jewellery. Most manufacturers do not sell glue online but it is easily available at local stores. For plastic beads, a simple epoxy glue or even craft glue will do the trick but for metal beads, an epoxy is essential. Some jewelers use Hypo-cement for joining the beads together.

Professional jewelers use hi-tech tools like vacuum wands (an electronic gizmo which creates suction at the tip to pick up and drop tiny objects), solders, gem setting pliers, stone setting pliers etc. Their tools are highly specialized and include expensive tools not essential for an artist working from home or a hobby jewellery maker. Many manufacturers offer complete kits with essential supplies for different levels of expertise.

As the amateur designer becomes confident and graduates to professional jewellery design, it is advisable to invest in the specialized tools for jewellery making.

Roman Period Jewellery Designs

by Shalina

One of the most popular styles of jewelry made-up by the Romans was gold hemispheres that were created into necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The most common fact that is assumed by most is that the ancient Roman jewelry has a similar resembles to the Greek and Etruscan jewelry. However the fact is that there were new and ground-breaking designs and patterns were developed and resultant from other civilizations and remained entrenched all the way through Roman times.

One of the most popular styles of jewellery made-up by the Romans was gold hemispheres that were created into necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The most common fact that is assumed by most is that the ancient Roman jewellery has a similar resembles to the Greek and Etruscan jewellery. However the fact is that there were new and ground-breaking designs and patterns were developed and resultant from other civilizations and remained entrenched all the way through Roman times.

Roman period jewellery designs and trend

The Roman inhabitants were extremely creative and skillful in designing their jewellery. However they still borrowed from Greek motifs. Palmettos, fleeing dogs and acanthus leaves, that were all of the Greek foundation, were over and over again seen in the design and different patterns of the Roman jewellery.

There has been a certain belief that the upper-class Roman women wore a considerable amount of jewellery. Most of the individuals belonging to the greater set of women in the Roman times used to be dressed in wide-ranging amounts of gold or carved stone that mostly included a seal stone for wax-sealing the important documents. A lone design that was persevered throughout the Roman history was known as the fibula which is simply an ordinary pin that was essentially used as a safety pin and as a clothing fastener. The fibula was frequently embroidered that came along with a cameo of a feminine bust or a winged Victory intaglio figurine.

Although roman mostly made use of gold, they sometimes also used bronze or bone and in earlier times, glass beads and pearl were often used. More than 2,000 years ago, Romans traded for sapphires from Sri Lankan and diamonds from India. They also made extensive use of emeralds and amber in their jewellery. In Roman-ruled England, fossilized wood that was referred to as the jet from Northern England was time and again engraved into pieces of jewellery. They worked in crude gold and fashioned clasps, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. They also produced superior and bigger pendants which could be filled with perfume.

The prehistoric Romans made use of a miscellaneous array of supplies and materials. This was for the reason that they had a huge access to an extensive multiplicity of innate resources that were available across the European and Mediterranean continents.

The designs and trends in roman jewellery during the antediluvian times

Roman jewellery at earlier times was also featured in gold plating over pewter, nickel or even lead. Apart from that, a lot of people in those times wore roman jewellery that includes beads or gems.

Most common piece of jewellery in the roman times

Roman brooches are referred to as the most common jewellery items or ornaments that were widely obtainable in a variety of forms that were quite popular in the earlier times of the untimely Rome.
Basically used to secure clothing together the roman created brooches that used to come with a tongue, pin, and while there were other that would feature a loop that could be attached to any garment. The main purposes behind making brooches were to hold the robes together. Supplies such as the Bronze, pearls, bone, emerald and glass beads were used, complementing the gold settings to make a wide variety of brooches with intricate and delicate designs. Apart from gold hemispheres fashioned into necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, brooches were considered to be a popular style of jewellery invented by the Romans. Roman also thought of brooches to decorate women’s garments and attires in an extra-ordinary way. Most of the roman fashion accessories were commonly used by the aristocracy in the Victorian Era. A range of roman brooches chiefly comprises of costume brooches available at those times included the pins, designer and signed brooches studded with semi precious gems and stones, beads and much more.

Roman bracelets

There was a lot of use of different supplies such as stones and glass in order to make exclusive Roman bracelets. People were strangely attracted to the most precious and semi-precious gem stones to make open band roman bracelets. There were pieces of pearls and rubies entwined and cut in an artistic form.

One of the major trends followed in the roman gold bracelets designs were the ones that were shaped and twisted in the form of coiling snakes.

Even the gold bracelet that came with a firm round hoop with rectangular cross section was quite well known. They were spirally warped; sledge hammered flat at one end with an encircling opening and other ends were left pointed.Earrings

The simpler type roman earnings that had gained immense popularity were the earnings where the ends were hooked together, or at times were also fixed with a pendant club or a bezel-set tapering stone. Apart from these there were also an assortment of variations in the hoop with a shield-like ornamentation or similar to the hanging pendant. Some hoops used to come in the form of animal or a human head and beads which is a basic style that is consequent from Egypt and the East during the Hellenistic period. These designs and trends have been prevailing right all the way from the second century. Most earrings at the roman period used to come with had long, S-shaped hooks for insertion into the earlobe.

Roman armlets

A roman armlet is a type of jewellery that is worn around the arm and has its roots since ancient civilizations. Silver, Gold, bronze, copper were some of the type of material used in large scale at those times to make durable and long lasting armlets.

Lip Labrets

by RITIKA CHANGRANI

The Dogon and Nuba tribes of Mali and Ethiopia come to one’s mind while talking about piercing of the lips for the insertion of rings but the same art craft, though with different objects, is practiced all over the world. Other forms of lip piercing involve labrets including the types like ivory, metal or quartz crystals etc. There’s no restriction on the size of the labrets and the same is extended to large proportions. Since ancient times, even high-caste males have adorned their bodies with exotic labrets in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and metal or material type.

A style statement today, the lip labret is becoming increasing popular and you have a wide variety of choices when it comes to selecting a piece of jewelry for the lip piercing.

The Dogon and Nuba tribes of Mali and Ethiopia come to one’s mind while talking about piercing of the lips for the insertion of rings but the same art craft, though with different objects, is practiced all over the world. Other forms of lip piercing involve labrets including the types like ivory, metal or quartz crystals etc. There’s no restriction on the size of the labrets and the same is extended to large proportions. Since ancient times, even high-caste males have adorned their bodies with exotic labrets in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and metal or material type.

A particular kind of lip plates called ‘Pelele’ is worn in the upper lip by the Makololo tribal of Malawi and unlike various guesses regarding the reason behind sporting such a labret, the actual truth is that the same is considered a piece of jewelry for the females.

A RING OR A STUD?

The person interested in the piercing should decide whether he/she prefers a ring or a stud since the piercing will probably last forever after healing. The piercing style differs depending on the selected labret. The labret stud does not fit beautifully in the piercing for a ring because of the fitting angle differences. The wide range of options available for labret studs adds to its versatility and many rate the stud to be far better than the ring in terms of aesthetical looks.

While piercing for a ring, the spot can be chosen along the lip and depending on the type of look you need, you can use rings with varying diameters. A few cases of nesting have also been reported in case of thin gauge jewelry though they heal rapidly. Nesting is the process of movement of position of the piercing inside the lip and this tendency is more regularly seen in case of rings. The choices available for ring bodies are in solid gold or surgical steel or a combination of both.

In case of studs, the piercing is done at an angle or else the back portion of the stud might damage your gum. It is placed at the center of the lower lip or in the upper lip’s corner. A distance of about 5-10 mm below the line of lower lip is the most favored place for the labret stud. The front plate of the labret stud sports a small bolt adorned by a ball whereas the back flat plate is inside the mouth. The versatile stud offers you a wide range of options including the standard solid gold or surgical steel and their combination along with others like Lucite, which glows in the dark. Each of these options allow for the person’s particular choice of attachments or gemstones. The available jewelry options are jeweled studs, colored acrylic balls and spikes, UV acrylic shapes, steel balls with or without gold plating and different shapes.

God planned it perfectly for everyone so that the piercing for the rings or studs does not lead to any infection in the mouth. The mouth has enzymes to inhibit growth of bacteria and the 6-10 weeks of healing is infection-free though a swelling with a life span of a week to a dozen days might be visible after 2-3 days of piercing. It is advisable to prefer longer labrets till swelling lasts and then, shorter labrets can be regularly worn as well.
The nesting process due to rings puts extra stress on the piercing wound. The wound usually settles down and you need not panic if the back plate of the stud embeds in it because the skin is in the process of dying off to form a depression so that the stud can sit fittingly.

DOS AND DON’TS – FEW CARING TIPS

Once you have got your skin pierced, you need to be very careful about the maintenance of the region or portion of body in/around the piercing. This requires the use of a number of aftercare products available at any chemist’s shop. Unlike misconceptions, avoid using hydrogen peroxide, betadine, methylated spirits or alcohol-based cleansers as they can be styptic and can damage the cells. Similarly, creams and ointments should not be used as they allow for moist wounds that will hamper the healing.

Useable products include lavender oil, sea salt, mouthwash, Difflam-G and B-vitamins with Zinc. Check the medicinal grades of the chemicals before using them. Iodine content should be nil in all the chemicals especially, salt because it can affect the healing of the wound. Besides these, paper towels or tissues can be used for hot compressions.

Besides these products, one should be careful enough not to touch the piercing except while cleaning it. Rinse mouth with a suitable mouthwash and also, suck lozenges like Difflam-C to reduce swelling and infection chances. Clean the front portion of the piercing using saline-cotton balls. Lavender oil lubricates the pierced wound to promote healing but any excess of it should be removed after placing the jewelry as it might cause irritation otherwise. Prefer eating cold things like ice cream since it promotes healing and reduces pain and swelling. Gently remove the crust formed on the stud.

While chewing food, be careful not to hit the stud back plate with your teeth. Check hygienically that the jewelry is placed tightly. Playing with the jewelry by chewing on it can damage you teeth. Remove the stud only after the healing period or else the closed up hole would cause you great pain while reinserting the labret. For the first 2 years, removing the ring or labret for more than a day might lead to closing of the piercing.

A labret stud can be changed yourself once the healing period is over but to change the ring, seek a piercer’s help. They can also help to reinsert in the closed hole using their taper pins, if such a situation develops. Studs are usually very small and therefore, while changing them, keep a towel in front of you. Once having developed a firm grip on the stud’s plate, unscrew the stud’s front counter-clockwise and insert new stud after removing the older one. Screw the front finger tightly. Practice a couple of times and you would master the art of looking great with different kind of rings and lip labrets.

Take care of your piercing and sport different lip labrets to suit your style – make heads turn wherever you go!

Making Beaded Jewelry – Part III

by BINA SHAJI KURUP

An important item in every beader’s list is the stringing material to be used for putting together the beads. Natural and manmade alternatives are available in every material – silk, cotton or leather. Most of the manmade cords are stronger but lack the flexibility (important if knotting is a part of the design) of the natural product. If is best to first decide on the design and the type of beads and to be utilized while creating the jewellery and select threads based on these factors.

Threading Options 1

Selection of Threads

An important item in every beader’s list is the stringing material to be used for putting together the beads. Natural and manmade alternatives are available in every material – silk, cotton or leather. Most of the manmade cords are stronger but lack the flexibility (important if knotting is a part of the design) of the natural product. If is best to first decide on the design and the type of beads and to be utilized while creating the jewellery and select threads based on these factors.
Several factors influence the selection of the threading material

Weight of the Beads

While selecting the cords for stringing the bead, the weight of the bead plays an important part. A lightweight bead can be strung on almost any lightweight material – silk, synthetic nymo, silamide etc. but for a heavier bead it is preferred to use a thicker cord like leather, cotton or other synthetic options.

Size

Cords are measured by various methods; some cords like leather are measured in diameters others are measured by the weight of the thread. Before you make the purchase ensure the thickness of the cord and the size of the bead holes are complementary to each other. Buying a cord that is too thin will make the beads hang and ruin the look; on the other hand if is too thick, stringing the beads will be tough. Manufacturers normally suggest the sizes as per the bead so it is recommended a beader thoroughly read all the information provided and then buy the product – especially for online purchases.

Color

Synthetic or natural, the colors of cords available are numerous. Depending on the design, it is advisable to choose a color that coordinates the jewelry piece rather than a contrast color that will divert attention from the beauty of the beads.

Waxed Threads

Most natural products tend to unravel and to the best way to deal with this problem, is to wax the thread either with bee wax or to dip the ends in fabric glue to avoid frayed edges. Waxed thread is smooth and slips through easily. Wax also makes the thread stronger avoiding breakage in the cording material and pre-waxed cords in every material are sold online and in stores.

Resistance to Abrasion

Superior quality beads are finished beautifully without any sharp edges. However, some gemstones, metal beads and some other bead varieties have abrasive surfaces which cut into the threading material over time, increasing the incidence of breakage of the jewellery piece. With the assortment of stringing options available today, picking up non-abrasive material as your threading option is easy!

Types of Natural Threading Options

The varieties and options available in wires and threads are very vast. Major manufacturers often list the advantages of their product along with the prices, colors and lengths available. From cotton, leather to Nylon and Elastic, the list of threading options available is almost unlimited.

While crafting beaded jewellery, the thread used should be durable to ensure your jewellery can be used for a long time. It is preferable that threads do not unravel at the ends making it difficult to string the beads, some beaders recommend using waxed threads or thread conditioners, which make the threads stronger and prevent it from getting into terrible knots.

Beads can be strung together by waxed cotton threads but not the ordinary sewing thread. It is easier to make different types of knots and pass this thread through the bead holes, but while buying cotton threads make sure they are colorfast to protect your jewellery piece and clothes.

To overcome the main disadvantage of cotton threads – easy breakage, intrepid waxed cotton suppliers have introduced two or three fibres of artificial monofilaments/polymers at the centre to give the cotton cords strength, making cotton cords a great option for creating single stone / pendants or large chunky jewellery.

Silk threads have been used since long to thread smaller, lightweight beads and pearls. Easily available in a huge range of colors and effects, beaded jewellery on silk threads should be handled with care since the silk thread can stretch, disintegrate if wet and break if the bead edges are not smooth. Easily knotted, this smooth thread makes designs come alive especially if your jewellery has visible cord effects like knots between the beads. Silk threads come in a range of colors and sizes (referring to the number of strands used to create the silk thread) for convenience.

Both cotton and silk threads will require needles to make beading easy. If threading the needle is difficult, a needle with a larger eye-hole is a good investment. Flexible needles can also be bought for convenience.

Satin is a thicker form of silk and satin cord is also referred to as Rattail or Mousetail. Silky smooth with a glossy, classy glow, satin cords are a delight. The ends tend to unravel when the cord is cut, so wax or fabric glue is recommended while using Rattail. Great for beads with large, non-abrasive openings, especially those requiring knots between beads. The Rattail is a thick, decorative cord available in every color imaginable.

Native Americans utilized the animal sinew/ leather cords and sometimes even Hemp to string together their beaded jewellery. Although now it is rare to find beaders using natural animal products, artificial animal products that look and feel like the original are now widely available. Artificial sinew is stronger than the natural sinew and the natural colors looks great when working with see through glass beads or smaller beads. Leather complements native or ethnic jewellery and is normally available as Leather lace or cord. Care should be taken that the bead holes are smooth else it may cut the leather. Ideal for beads with larger holes, leather is thicker than silk or cotton and its thickness define its size. Artificial leather is stronger, has no fraying edges, is more durable, feels and looks like natural leather.

The simple Hemp used creatively lends itself to beautiful beaded jewellery but again care has to be taken to protect the cord from excess heat and water. Suede is yet another option and Faux suede, the manmade alternative is more resilient and is a common substitute for real suede cord.

Manufacturers are now offering Kevlar thread. This is bulletproof material and its usage in making beaded jewellery is unique and it is completely heat and water resistant with a very low elasticity. Kevlar should not be used with stone, gemstone or any other sharp edged beads since the material gets cut easily, although application of force to break it is a waste of time!

Some of the natural options for threading have been given above. In Part II, some information on the popular synthetic options is given. Continued….

Making Beaded Jewellery Part 1, Part 2, More Threading option
Jewellery manufacturing

Making Beaded Jewelry – Part IV

by Bina Shaji Kurup

A mind boggling range of cords, threads and wires are to be had for the creative beader – bright colors, braids, thin, thick, natural, synthetic and much more – making a choice is not easy. Some of the popular options in synthetic cords are listed below to make it easier

Threading Options II

Polyester Cord: The polyester cord is strong but prone to fraying. Although, pre-waxed the wax tends to come out while beading, making it slightly difficult to thread through the beads. Available in many sizes, the polyester cord can be used with even small size beads and larger metal beads as well.

Elastic Cords

Elasticity in the threading material makes it easy to create the jewellery, just string in the beads, tie up the two ends and voila the necklace or bracelet is ready for use. Made popular by designers who have created jewellery, especially bracelets, anklets, armbands etc, to fit everyone which is the main advantage of Elastic cord – the ornament can stretch to fit anyone! The beaded piece also becomes multi-functional – for eg. an anklet can also become a bracelet since the cord stretches. Elastic cord can be cut by sharp edges and will also loose its elasticity over time so it is not a good choice for beads with sharp edges. Elastic cord is sold in many colors and sizes and it does not fray which makes beading easy. Unlike other materials this does not require clasps, hooks etc at the ends making is a great option for quick to make beaded jewellery. Some of the brand names it is sold under is Stretchalon, Stretch Magic etc.

Memory wire

A steel elastic option, sold under several brand names. Just like the elastic cord, the memory wire remembers its shape and size hence the name. This product is very strong and special pliers are required to cut it. Unlike regular cords, Memory wire is not sold in spools but is sold as continuous loops in several sizes. It takes the shape and size of the wearer due its elastic nature making it easy to create pretty beaded jewellery – even by children.

Illusion Cord

If your design has the appearance of beads strung together without any visible cord, almost floating around your neck or ear or wrist then choose the Illusion cord. This monofilament or nylon cord is transparent and has a slight elasticity to it. Making knots is difficult and many beaders use tiny crimps to ensure beads stay in one place. Unlike a Memory wire, it is preferred, that Illusion cord jewellery be tied together with clasps at both ends.

Nymo

A cheaper alternative to natural silk threads is Nylon. It is stronger than silk and does not stretch as silk does, but it does get cut when used with beads with sharp edges. Also called Nymo, this product is composed of several strands of monofilaments giving it a tendency to fray. Waxing it will reduce the fraying and pre-waxed nymo is also available. Easy to knot, the thinner sizes of Nymo can be used to string pearls, heishi and other lightweight beads, heavy beads are not suitable to this cord. A similar cording material with some modifications, called C-Lon has been also been launched.

Bonded Nylon Threads

Another version of Nymo are the Bonded Nylon threads – stronger, more resistant to fraying and abrasion. Even gemstones can be strung on Bonded Nylon without the fear of the cord breaking. Both Nymo and Bonded Nylon are available in a range of colors and need a needle for easy beading. Silamide, which is waxed nylon twisted thread. It is quite strong and flexible.

Braided Cord

Yet another option for beaders is a heavy, strong, braided thread sold as Power Pro / Fire Line and other brand names. The waxed braid ensures minimal fraying and it can be threaded through a needle for easy beading. Even beads with sharp edges like gemstones, metal beads etc cannot easily cut into this cord. This material is a great option for pieces where the threading material is hidden from the outside view especially since it is not available in too many colors. Easy to knot, with a minimal stretch, necklaces created with this thread look great.

The flexible nylon coated cords range from thin cords with just 5 or 7 strands up to more than 49 strands. Coated and non-coated versions are widely available under brands called Tigertail, Softflex, Beadalon, Accuflex etc. It is a stiffer threading option and does not hold knots well, crimps are normally used to keep the beads in place. The main advantage of these cords is its strength and resistance to fraying. Some of these are coated with real gold or silver.

Craft wire is not recommended for important beading projects since it cuts very easily and is mostly used in amateur crafting projects.

Copper, German Silver wires have also caught the fancy of jewellery designers. The technological advances in making threading material is so advanced, it is difficult to guess which cord is actually a wire and which one is a natural thread. Only after the thread is used to make the jewellery, will the differences between each of the various threading options be visible.

The interested beader can choose from the exciting array of varied threading options.

Making Beaded Jewellery Part 1, Part 2, More Threading option
Jewellery manufacturing

Finger Jewelry

by Nandita Ray

There are the Gothic finger jewelry, the Rappers, the Bling Bling as they like to call it, the Hip Hop, the Bikers finger jewelry, full finger jewelry, two rings or three rings finger rings and their likes. Each design has its own exclusive name, and is oversize; humongous heavy metal ring or a gigantic ring, studded with diamonds or flashing gemstones and this form, this air of lavishness gives it a matchless almost peerless status of its own.

Fashion is unpredictable, non-conforming and fluctuating. Fashion is charisma. It is an individual style that one flaunts with élan. Fashion or the verve of dressing and accessorizing is a personal choice. From the elite suites of Channel and Dior to the foundry of Bling- Bling and Hip-Hop and spilling to the lesser worn designs of the multitudes, man is trying to make his presence felt. A startling, theatrical and thrilling appearance is the surest way to catch the eye of the world! Jewelry has been used to enhance, draw attention, emphasize or protect the wearer. In a world with escalating competition and tight fisted time and schedule, where neglect and disregard go hand in hand, some have to make an impact in the short time handed to them. Physical appearance is always the easiest way to make a long lasting appearance, outrageous and theatrical fashion leave an impression.

Finger Jewelry

To be different is cool. The mantra most touted in and around the fashion world. Staying alive in the media, with fans or with the world at large requires a devoted and conscious effort. Fashion gurus and trend setters have grasped this concept. Items of fashion/ jewelry have graduated from the basic structure to complicated and different model styles and names. The finger ring for example. It is really a decorative and fancy name for huge finger ring which is artistically crafted and beautifully designed and modified with code name finger jewelry. Influenced by various strains of thoughts, cultures, leaders, history and spirituality, finger jewelry are simply the expression of individuality, demonstration of views, mindset and the proclamation of general outlook of life.

Types of finger jewelry

There are the Gothic finger jewelry, the Rappers, the Bling Bling as they like to call it, the Hip Hop, the Bikers finger jewelry, full finger jewelry, two rings or three rings finger rings and their likes. Each design has its own exclusive name, and is oversize; humongous heavy metal ring or a gigantic ring, studded with diamonds or flashing gemstones and this form, this air of lavishness gives it a matchless almost peerless status of its own.

Gothic Finger Jewelry

This genre of rings is worn by Goths. People influenced by the morbid and darker side of life. The somber, subdued, the cheerless side of life almost bordering on the bleaker aspect of human feelings and emotions. Their dark clothes, long and heavy, dark eye makeup and full finger Gothic Jewelry; give them a Sui genre status.

The finger jewelry also called full fingered Gothic ring is usually 3 to 4 inches long and have two or sometimes three rings hinged at three places. It stretches over the entire finger, covering the nail. This allows the ring to sit comfortably on the finger and help maintain finger movement.

They are held at two places, a large ring base very much like a normal ring and a smaller ring at the finger tip. They are not sized. One size fits all. It is worn on which ever finger it fits well. It is usually the index finger.

They weigh a lot sometimes over 100 grams. They are usually made out of steel or silver.

Designs Black Eye Skull is thin and long running along the finger, emaciated skull with large, protruding eyeballs and a long beard that tapers off into a claw covering the finger nail. The ring is worn to exemplify the darker side of human nature and life.

There are many such types of rings the ET ring resembling an alien creature like the famous ET, Bulbous head large slanting eyes, with a snarl like smile covering the first two digits of the finger or the Horned vampire with its curved and thin thorny horns and menacing look, a ring with two loops to fit over one finger and can be adjusted to fit over the index finger or the thumb. The other rings are Black eyed alien, Werewolf, Viking, Knight Knuckles all wicked, wild and whacko rings representing the dark humor that lurks in all of us.

There are rings that carry the shapes of animals. These rings are distortion and over emphasizing of the animalistic traits that is part of Nature. The close connection between God and his creation (s) is sometimes happy and sad. This is what many want to express. These finger rings are heavy and at least 4 to 6 inches long. They can be Dolphins, eagles, whales, bats, lizards, snakes, scorpions and similar animals.

The King Cobra ring is a full finger ring, hinged at three places, weighing about 54 grams. It is a contorted snake with a semi raised hood, nicely etched about three inches long and its pointed tail rests on the finger nail like a cover. The Axe man Gothic full finger ring depicts a masked man carrying his axe, raised as if to strike. The long thin axe handle rests on the nail. It is about 56 grams in weight and is 3 inches long covering the full finger. The Alien full fingered ring is 5 inches long and weighs about 120 grams. The mysterious face lifts up at the second hinge and its pointed chin rests on the nail as a cover. The Dragon full finger ring is about 41/2 inches long and weighs 130 grams and is hinged at three places. Many Goths prefer to wear this ring since it is supposed to bring good luck and success. The Dragon, the mystical animal, representing the Chinese good Feng Shui, the harbinger of male fertility, power and the qualities of an Emperor is preferred by many wearers of rings.

There are numerous designs to choose from. The ventilated rings which have vents, the claw ring which looks like an overgrown nail, jeweled Gothic rings, etched (fully) Gothic rings, normal rings which comes up to the first notch of the finger like the one eyed alien spider or the classic Gothic rose. Then there is the Dr. Von Rosenstein’s Induction Ring also called Induction ring or the Deus Et Natura symbolizing the harmony between nature and the Creator or the Agla Ring, Hebrew word symbolizing the close understanding between God and man. There are Cloister rings, based on medieval England motifs or the Trefoil Sangurus rings, Gothic trefoils and the Chanting rings based on monks meditating.

Slave Rings

These are also quite popular. They are rings with a master ring with curb chains attached to the slave ring. They are adjustable with the smaller ring that can be worn on the smaller joint of the same finger or a different finger. Like the Black bat slave ring which is a bat with outstretched wings with chains hanging from its body. The chains from the wings are 13/4″ long while the curb chains (from the body) are 1″ long. Also in vogue is the Pewter Skull Slave Armor ring which sports an open skull jaw with a chain. Or the dragon slave ring with a coiled dragon and a 3″ tail like chain attached to the smaller slave ring. Or the master bracelet with chains attached to four rings sitting on four fingers or one chain and one ring. If the chains are broad and heavy they are meant for men and are called Master slave ring and if the chains are slim and delicate then they are called mistress slave rings and are worn by women.

Poison Rings

Poison rings are rings which are usually single. But they are huge and broad and have a cup like holder with a lid. The lid which forms the face of the ring is either studded with a single stone, small stones, carved or finely etched to resemble a symbol or a Gothic character. The Hemlock poison ring is a massive men’s ring. The crystal is set on top of the lid in order to camouflage the hidden chamber. The adder Bite is a colossal coiled snake which can snap open to reveal a gap. Made of pewter it is 11/2” long and 3” tall. The carved skull poison ring has the secret chamber beneath the skull while the simple dome shaped Onyx studded poison ring snaps open to disclose the cavity.

Armor Rings

Armour Rings are disguised weapons. Like the claw armor ring, which is a 5″ overgrown looking nail. This ring bends in 3 places and acts like armor. The one eyed alien with a strange long, sharp and pointed horn or the dragon head with stag like horns or the vented finger armor or the warrior finger armor ring which exhibits a huge battle axe with the helmet sporting a pointed tip or rings with pointed teeth under a moveable jaw. The adjustable armor blade ring has a retractable blade slides out and locks into position. Another ring looks like a razor blade but is not sharp. These armor rings are used mostly as deterrents. Armor rings can be full finger rings or smaller versions. They are very popular with rock stars and members of associations.

Hip Hop Finger Jewelry

is usually worn and designed by rock stars. They are also called the Bling Bling jewelry or the Iced Look. That is because most of these rings dazzle the eyes with the gems that are studded on the huge rings. Sometimes the entire ring is studded with diamonds or simply is a huge precious stone is the centre piece and often called a ‘Rock’. These rings are huge and cover half the finger. Sometimes two hoops are placed side by side to fit two fingers and this makes just one ring. The Singer Eminem has a line of finger jewelry (rings) that are gaudy and garish in appearance. Rapper Nelly has a two finger ring with his name spelt out in bright diamonds. P. Diddy the famous rapper turned fashion ‘guru’ has a line of rings all styled to represent the “Bling – Bling” trait. Also available is the Canary CZ Iced out men’s power ring in various shapes. The color of the stone can be blue or pink. These stones are about 3/4th inches high and weigh about 11.0 grams. Huge Swarovski crystal set with the finest cubic zircon on silver and platinum finish adorns many celebrities.

Hip Hop finger jewelry is always huge and full of glitter. It symbolizes the lavish life style of these super celebrities.

Unique Characteristics of Finger Jewelry

All finger jewelry is large. It is supposed to stand out and draw attention.

They are heavy and are supposed to cover an entire finger.

They can be worn on any finger.

Sometimes two fingers are used to wear the jewelry.

There are mainly two kinds of finger jewelry, Gothic and Hip hop or Bling Bling finger jewelry.

Gothic ones are dark and somber in appearance with a lot of black or antique look.

Hip Hop fashion demands lot glitter and color.

Rappers and quirky music icons started this trend.

These are supposed to reflect their lavish life style and power and position regarding their newly acquired wealth.

Costume Jewellery

by Shweta Dhanuka

Costume jewellery gained its existence way back in early 20th century. As the name “costume” specifies it was referred to the clothes, which now is also called as ‘outfit’. Therefore, jewellery that was worn in accordance with the clothes was known as Costume Jewellery. Other than the clothes related jewellery, costume jewellery was also referred to the jewellery worn for stage performance in theaters. Fashion jewellery, glass-beaded jewellery and fake jewellery are its additional names.

Costume jewellery gained its existence way back in early 20th century. As the name “costume” specifies it was referred to the clothes, which now is also called as ‘outfit’. Therefore, jewellery that was worn in accordance with the clothes was known as Costume Jewellery. Other than the clothes related jewellery, costume jewellery was also referred to the jewellery worn for stage performance in theaters. Fashion jewellery, glass-beaded jewellery and fake jewellery are its additional names.

It is created using less expensive material for example instead of valuable metals gold, silver and platinum etc gold/silver-plated brass or base metals are used. Apart from the metals, synthetic stone or stones made of glass or plastic are used for crafting this fashionable jewellery in place of precious stones like diamonds, ruby, emeralds and semi precious stones like amethyst, topaz, and aquamarine and so on. In spite of being made up of less costly material, these jewellery pieces are quite classy and often flamboyant. Therefore, it was preferred less in the royal families but now the trend has changed.

Costume Jewellery History

Famous designer Coco Chanel was the one who deeply admired this fascinating jewellery variant. In her years as jewellery designer, she used this trendy jewellery quite a lot and then after costume jewellery gained the upright identification in the fashion industry. Kenneth Jay Lane since 1960s has been known for creating exclusive three strand faux pearl necklace that was well-liked by many in the fashion cognizant part of the society.In this present century, these are gaining popularity everyday as more and more females are getting fashion conscious, who prefer style and alluring look for their personality. Costume jewellery is mostly purchased by people who wish to carry their attire and jewellery in accord to the prevailing trends in the fashion industry. These are certainly not collected for the keepsakes or investment purpose as that of gold ornaments rather it is ideal for stylish and funky look that keeps changing with time. This classy jewellery is not in fashion forever, it is preferred only when it is in fashion that is for few months or one or two years and after the trend in fashion changes the jewellery also changes. However, the jewelries from 40s to 70s are certainly collectibles as it gains the antique value and importance to it.

Costume Jewellery Types

The costume jewels includes necklace, earrings, bracelets, bangles and pendants. The price of all these jewelries is dependent on the material used for example brass metal jewelries are priced less than those which are made using 18 carat gold or silver plating. Similarly, beaded necklace and bracelets are very much affordable than those created using synthetic gemstones.

Necklace

There are many different types of necklace created and are categorized on the basis of the design and components used such as Resin, Glass beaded and shell etc. Any necklace could be worn with any costume but the look of the jewel is enhanced when worn with the right outfit.Resin Necklace– This necklace is the one that could be worn with any outfit. As the name specifies, the main component for this is ‘Resin’ (resin is a synthetic substance used as the basis of plastics produced by some chemical reactions in the laboratory) which is a liquid chemical hardened, grinded, colored and polished to make fine quality beads. It could be ‘casted’ into different unique shapes and styles in multiple colours. The resin beads are usually large in size therefore resin necklace are created using one single strand. It does not fits in the neck rather is little long. It is usually between 18-20 inches long.

Glass Beaded Necklace – These necklace look dazzling as it is created using array of beads made up of glass, bone, metal, wood, ceramic, brass and terracotta. Colorful or single colour beads are strung in either metal chains having various shape loops or 4-strand terry cot/nylon thread. These are created in two styles- one is very long and other is choker style. The long glass beaded necklace as the name suggests are very like. Its length is more than 30 inches. These are very smart and are suited more for casual or western attire. The choker glass beaded necklace is apt for Indian traditional garments heavy zari saris or chaniya choil.

Bone Necklace– This is only for casual western outfits. This is created using beads made from bones and horns. It is available in natural colours that are all shades of whites, black and brown. However, with modern tools varied shapes are given in accordance to the design. The length varies from 18 to 20 inches.

Brass Necklace– It is made of chains and small pieces in different shapes like round, ovals and squares etc. It also comprises of some figures or cross. This necklace variety is created in heavy as well as simple designs. Some people also refer it as Italian jewellery. At present, it is the most popular and fashionable jewellery. The length of this necklace is also between 18 to 20 inches.

Shell Necklace– This fashion necklace is heavy necklace with minimum 6-7 strands of beads twisted together to give a look of one. It is very colorful and attractive. It is very creatively designed as it involves many beads to be strung in varied knots and styles. The unique feature of this necklace is the colours used in it. The length of this necklace varies from 18 to 30 inches. It goes well with garments worn on festive occasions.

Bracelets

Similar to necklace bracelets too are glass beaded that are created in startling colours and designs. Colorful beads are creatively paired with pearls or any other exceptional pieces to create enthralling bracelets that would suit the costume of the wearer. These are found in two varieties viz. the chain bracelets and bangle bracelet. The beads in all sizes and colours as per the design are strung in brass chains to make the bracelets. The length of these bracelets varies from 7 to 9 inches. At both ends of the chains adjustable clasp is attached so that wearer could adjust the bracelet as per her wrist. For bangle bracelets beads are strung in superior quality elastics for tensile strength and longevity. Apart from glass beads, beads made from bones and horns are also used for creating hip-hop bracelets that are adored by the teenagers.These days, wide bracelets of brass or wood are gaining popularity at a very rapid pace. Mostly the brass metal bracelets consist embossed detailing, adjustable size without any clasp are quite trendy. Many different coloured stones are also set in the center of the metal bracelet in some pattern. The thickness of this bracelet variant varies from 4-8 inches. It goes very well with all casual western attire. This style bracelet is referred as cuff.

Earrings

Earrings are the most important jewellery items as it plays a vital role in defining one’s personality. It is crucial to select the right kind of earrings that suits the wearer. Earrings that form costume jewellery are mostly the chandelier earrings or hanging earrings. These would be seldom found in stud or drop earrings pattern. It mostly possesses large detailing in the design like small curves; lots of small pieces joined together which is further enhanced by the use of beads in it. These earrings are classified in two forms viz. ring and hanging in a line. Ring earrings looks good on females with broad face cut. It does not go well with a narrow face cut. These are created using all metals that is brass, gold plated etc. On the other hand hanging earrings could be worn by anyone, it is sure to look good.The components used for creating the exquisite jewellery pieces are same as in necklace and bracelets. Resins, beads made from bone and horns and so on. Beads in multiple colours are strung together to create lovely designs or in some metal mould the beads are added to complement the metal design. These earrings are more suitable for semi-formal outfit. An earring made from only brass metal, which is referred as Italian jewellery, is also very popular these days. Small round pieces of brass metal are joined together to make hanging earrings look stunning on almost every outfit. The length of these varies from 3to 6 inches. Apart from round shape triangle and other geometrical shapes are well liked by females in all the age group. These brass metal costume earrings look good on teenagers as well as middle aged females.

Pendants

Costume jewellery consists of very innovative pendants made up from resin or brass metal. This centerpiece forms the necklace when attached with 4-5 beaded strands from both sides or else simple plain chain to make it a chain necklace. Resin pendants are created to suits one’s personality and linking in order to bring elegant look to the attire. It also uses different colours and shapes of beads in various styles such as glossy, matt, semi-matt, transparent, translucent and opaque. Another form of pendant is ‘Shell Pendant’. It is made up brass metal. It usually is between 20mm to 60 mm in size. Even it could be further reduces or increased as per the choice of the wearer. Round shape is the most common shape however; square, triangle, oval and other innovative shapes are also created. This shell pendant is laser engraved having numerous colour options.This amazing jewellery variation may not be possessing precious gemstones or metals but they are the ideal choice for any evening party, corporate meeting, and casual attire and so on. Gold or silver ornaments sometimes fail to give that most wanted charismatic look to the wearer that is sure to get by wearing fashion jewellery. Therefore, expensive ornaments may be the asset but not be always modish and chic as not so pricey costume jewellery. Experience the same yourself!!