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heart earrings

heart earrings

Mother’s Day is only a couple of weeks away and once again kids of all ages are wracking their brains for a suitable gift to give to their Mom. Flowers, plants, chocolates, clothing and jewelry are all items that I’m sure she would appreciate but if you are looking for something truly unique that she is bound to love, then why not make her an item of heart jewelry – how about a pair of heart charm earrings?

I made these earrings to complement the heart charm bracelet I made a few weeks ago (see this charm bracelet post from April 4th). If you have already had a try at making the bracelet then you might like to make these pretty heart earrings to go with it. For those who haven’t read the earlier post but would like to make these earrings, read on for the full list of materials needed and instructions on how to make them.

You will probably have some of the necessary materials like tin foil, a glass board or wax paper, rolling pin, oven and small paint brush but you will probably need a visit to your local craft shop (Michael’s, Joann Fabrics, Wal-Mart or other similar stores) for the craft items.

Here are all the things I used to make these cute earrings:

  • 1 pair of sterling silver lever earrings (you can find these in the jewelry making section of most craft stores and Wal-Mart)
  • Bakeable modeling clay (I used Sculpey Pluffey white)
  • Small rolling pin
  • Wax paper, glass board or tin foil to work the clay on
  • Small heart shaped cookie cutter
  • Picture nail to make hole in clay
  • Oven (the regular one in the kitchen!)
  • Acrylic Paint (I used Folk Art Apple Red)
  • Small paint brush
  • Clear glaze
  • 3mm round acrylic rhinestones – 2 for each heart
  • 4 Jump rings (2x7mm and 2x5mm) to attach the charms to the earrings
  • Pair of needle nosed pliers

And how I made the earrings was:

Work the clay and roll out to desired thickness

Cut out 2 heart shapes using cookie cutter

Make hole near the top of heart shape for the jump ring to fit through

Follow the instructions on the clay packet for baking the heart shapes

When cool, paint with your chosen colors. I found it easier to hold them flat with the picture nail while I painted the edges and one side of heart then allow it to dry thoroughly before turning it over and painting the other side. Allow each coat of paint to dry before applying the next coat. (If you don’t want to add the rhinestones you can add your own painted design at this stage.)

When the paint is completely dry finish the hearts off with a clear glaze

Glue a rhinestone jewel to one side of the heart charms. Allow to dry thoroughly before gluing one on the other side.

Attach the charms to the earrings

Your earrings are now ready to be placed in a suitable little box, wrapped up in some pretty paper and presented to Mom with a lovely card. How pleased she is going to be when she opens the package and realizes that you have taken the time and trouble to make these especially for her!

European charm bracelets are becoming increasingly popular world wide. Although they are called charm bracelets, they are different than the gold or sterling silver charm bracelet that we traditionally see: these are really modular bracelets made up of different beads threaded onto either a gold, silver or leather rope bracelet or anklet. There are many different brands of beads on the market such as Biagi beads, Pandora, Trollbeads and Chamilia to name just a few.

Carlo Biagi jewelry is just one company that sells the products to create a truly unique piece of jewelry, whether that is a bracelet, anklet or necklace. The wearer can create a piece that reflects her individual style and character by choosing from the huge inventory of beads the company has to offer.

Just like traditional “dangly” charms there are beads that represent special occasions such as graduation, wedding, birthday or to celebrate a birth, together with others depicting hobbies, vocations, love and anything else you can think of. But, unlike traditional charms bracelets that don’t tend to have a lot of brightly colored charms, there are lots of brightly colored Murano glass beads and Swarovski crystal beads to choose from to add an extra dimension to the bracelet.

Another feature of Biagi beads is the introduction of what they call charm carriers. These are beads with a hoop that allows you to attach a traditional dangly charm with a lobster claw to your European bracelet. The company sells a selection of these charms so you can have a truly authentic Biagi bead bracelet or you can choose charms from other sources as long as they have a lobster claw clasp to fasten them to the charm carrier.

But Biagi jewelry was not the originator of the European charm bracelet. Trollbeads were the first to create these bead bracelets and the name came from the fact that the original ones resembled troll faces (trolls feature a lot in Scandinavian folklore).

Their beads are handcrafted and depict such diverse subjects as mythology, nature, fairy tales and love. They too use precious metals, gemstones, pearls glass and crystals in their designs.

Other popular brands of European charm bracelets are Pandora and Chamilia. Like Biagi and Trollbeads they also offer a huge range of different beads to choose from whether they are for a young girl, a teen, a Mom or a Grandma.

Like traditional jewelry such as a gold or sterling silver charm bracelet these can be built up over time making them an ideal gift as friends and family can add to them over time. If you choose one of the designer brands, the basic bracelet and charms will carry the name of the company on it so you know that what you are getting is authentic. But you don’t have to stick with beads from one specific designer to create a bracelet as most of them will fit each other’s, making them truly flexible.

As with other designer products, buying the real thing can be beyond some people’s budget. If this is the case but you really like these bracelets then don’t worry as there are lots of less expensive versions available and most of the beads are compatible with the more expensive versions. This also means that you can mix and match designer and non designer beads depending on your budget and choice of charms.

The wearing of charms has been around for centuries and the fashion for charm bracelets has never really fully faded away since Queen Victoria popularized them in the 1800s. As with lots of jewelry trends, the styles have changed over time, hence the growing popularity of the European and Italian charm bracelets over the last few years. With the increasing number of charm designs around and the fact that a charm bracelet is such a customizable piece of jewelry I think that this is, like heart jewelry, one item of jewelry that will never fully go out of fashion.

The promise ring is not a new phenomenon, it has been around for centuries. It was originally given as a token of commitment by a boyfriend to his girlfriend as a “promise” of marriage when they could afford it. Although this tradition is still being followed, today promise rings are also being given and worn to cement many different promises made between two people. And the increasing popularity of them means that there is a huge variety of designs to choose from, whether you are looking at the whole range or whether your goal is something narrower such as cheap promise rings or promise rings for men.

Probably the most widely worn promise rings are those given for romantic reasons. Before he is ready to take the step of looking at engagement rings, let alone diamond or cubic zirconia wedding rings, a  young man may wish to give a promise ring to his girlfriend to signify that he wants their relationship to be exclusive. The message given with the ring could be that in the future he will replace it with an engagement ring or that he will remain faithful to her or that he will always be there for her. These promise rings are especially significant if the young couple are going to be apart for a period of time, such as when they are going away to college or for their work. It is a constant reminder of the promises they have made to each other.

Exchanging promise rings is also an ideal way for a couple in a long term relationship who do not want to go down the traditional marriage route, when they wish to show that although they don’t have the traditional wedding band on their finger they are in a committed relationship and not available. There are lots of retailers offering matching promise rings such as the Claddagh ring or the Jane Seymour open heart collection to name just a two examples.

Although a promise ring can be worn on any finger on either hand, usually those representing romantic, everlasting love promises are worn on the ring finger of the left hand. Many societies believed that a vein in this finger is connected directly to the heart, which is a symbol of love, therefore any ring given as a token of love should be worn on the fourth finger of the left hand.

But a promise ring is not just given for romantic reasons. Many parents give a chastity or abstinence promise ring (also called a purity ring) to their children to symbolize a promise made by the child to stay pure until their wedding day or to refrain from drinking, drug taking or smoking. They also make a great friendship rings. The gift of a promise ring is a way of cementing a friendship forever whether you see each other every day or live a continent apart you are promising to be there for each other.

There are lots of different designs and price ranges available when it comes to choosing a promise ring. They come in all precious metals such as silver, gold, white gold and tungsten and the ones for women often have stones in them.

If you are looking for one to give as a precursor to an engagement ring, there are lots of heart shaped designs to choose from with birth stones or even diamonds if your budget stretches that far. When choosing a ring for a man a plainer design ring would be more appropriate as most men prefer not to wear rings with stones in them.

One thing to remember if you are giving a promise ring to someone is to make sure that they understand what the promise is so that there is no misunderstanding. Giving a written note with the specific promise spelled out that can be read before the gift is opened will prevent any heartbreak.

Right hand rings are the hot new accessory in the independent woman’s jewelry collection. From celebrities to career women to Moms these rings are becoming ever more a symbol that the lady is her own person with her own identity, success and money.

When I was asked if I knew what a right hand ring was, I admit that I was taken aback at the question as I didn’t realize that there was any ring that was specifically for the right hand. I assumed that rings could be worn on any finger of any hand, although the ring finger on the left hand in most western societies is usually kept for the wearing of an engagement ring and wedding band. Rings are one of my favorite pieces of jewelry and as well as my engagement ring and wedding ring I wear four others some on my left hand and some on my right. Having been asked the specific question about right hand rings I decided to do some research into these items of jewelry to find out the significance of them.

Until recently the only diamond ring most women wore was the diamond engagement ring bought for them by their fiancé or perhaps a dress ring that their husband might buy as a gift for them. Apart from costume jewelry items, expensive jewelry such as gold necklaces and diamond rings in particular are not pieces of jewelry a woman would normally have bought for herself. But that is no longer the case especially among single women. They have taken control of their lives and realize that they don’t have to wait for some man to buy them a diamond ring because they are successful in their careers, and as a result more financially independent, so they can buy anything they want for themselves including diamond rings.

I was reminded of this recently when I met up with a friend of mine who I haven’t seen for about a year. She is a very successful business woman who enjoys the fact that she is single, has a great social life, enjoys foreign travel and can afford to buy whatever she wants for herself. I noticed that she was wearing a lovely ring on her right hand that I hadn’t seen her wearing before. When I mentioned that she was very much in vogue by wearing a right hand ring she looked at me puzzled and didn’t understand the significance of what I was saying. When I explained that these rings symbolized success, independence and confidence she fully agreed. She told me that she had designed the ring herself and had it made using a diamond from a ring that her parents had bought for her when she was younger. She is a prime example of an independent young women being able to choose for herself, instead of having somebody choose for her.

But it is not just among single women that the trend of wearing right hand rings has begun to gain in popularity. Wives and Moms are becoming increasingly aware that they are not just part of a couple or someone’s mother but that they are an individual with their own identity. Some of the fortunate ones who have their own source of income are able to buy a ring for themselves. But it is equally acceptable for a husband to buy his wife a right hand diamond ring to show that he celebrates her not just as his wife and the mother of his children but as a woman in her own right.

Like a lot of jewelry trends, celebrities wearing particular pieces have a lot to do with making them a fashion item with the rest of the populace. Just as heart jewelry became really fashionable during the reign of Queen Victoria because she favored heart lockets and brooches, so too right hand rings seem to have become increasingly popular in modern times because they appear to be de rigueur among the Red Carpet celebrities. Whatever the reason, women are enjoying wearing them as recognition of their success and independence.

Sterling Silver Charm Bracelet with Purse, Sunglasses, Engagement Ring, High Heel, Cellphone Charms

Sterling Silver Heart Link Bracelet with Puffed Heart Charm 7.5″

Sterling Silver “Love” Charm Catch Bangle Bracelet

Sterling Decorated European Bead PLUS 925 Sterling Silver Snake Charm Bracelet

Sterling Silver Charm Bracelet For Pandora or Biagi Beads 8 Inch Screw End Lobster Clasp

Since the year 2000, charm bracelets have seen a surge in popularity, especially the sterling silver charm bracelet. Often these bracelets consist of a collection of charms that represent important events and periods in a person’s life. But with all the charms that are available nowadays, a charm bracelet can also reflect the wearer’s interests, feelings and individuality.

The wearing of charms has been around since the earliest times. Originally they were worn to ward off evil spirits or to bring the wearer luck. Over the centuries they have been used as a form of identification. In Ancient Egypt, long before the first sterling silver charm bracelet was around, a more basic type of charm bracelet was worn to identify the individual to the gods in the afterlife. During the time of the Roman Empire, Christians had fish charms hidden in their clothing to identify themselves to other Christians and in the Dark Ages they were worn to symbolize religion, family and political persuasions. In more modern times Queen Victoria is said to have popularized the trend for wearing of charm bracelets and this trend has continued to a greater or lesser extent up to the present day.

Traditional charm bracelets consist of a double link chain bracelet on which charms dangle. Charm bracelets with a selection of charms attached are available from the mall jewelers or from Internet retailers. If a sterlign silver charm bracelet is not your preference, take a look at gold, white gold or other precious metal products. If you prefer a more personalized version then buying a suitable chain bracelet and your choice of charms is the way to go. This way you can start off with one or two charms and add more over time. It is usually best to have a jeweler attach the charms to the chain to make sure that they are secure on the chain.

If you prefer to be able to change the theme of the charms on your bracelet, to match the time of year or a particular outfit, then as I have mentioned in a previous posting try to collect charms with lobster claw clasps. This will enable you to change your charms without the expense of buying a new bracelet or the cost of having a jeweler change them for you. If you cannot find charms with these kind of clasps you can always buy the clasps separately at a craft store or online.

Perhaps because a traditional sterling silver charm bracelet with dangling charms might not be suitable for everyday wear in all cases, there is growing popularity for two other versions of the charm bracelet, both of which originated in Europe. And just as there is a huge choice of charms for the more conventional bracelet, there is an equally large selection for these two designs.

The Italian charm bracelet is an expansion band on which interconnecting charms lie flat against the wrist. This means that there are no dangling charms to get caught in clothing or to catch on other objects, making it more suitable for wearing every day. Another huge benefit of this bracelet is that the charms are easily changed with a charm link connecting tool or even with your fingers.

Although you can get the same categories of charms that are available for the hanging-type charms, there are far more personalized charms on offer. For instance you can get photo charms that you can have a picture of your son, daughter, husband, boyfriend or pet put on. Then there are laser charms that enable you to have your own personal message laser cut into it. There are so many colorful and unusual ideas to choose from that you can guarantee that you will have a truly unique piece of jewelry.  Again, look at sterling silver, gold and other variants to find the one you like the best.

The other style of charm bracelet is the European charm bracelet. This kind of bracelet has a thicker starter chain onto which bead charms are threaded. These beads tend to be chunkier than traditional charms and although usually made of sterling silver, gold or Murano glass they can also be encrusted with precious stones such as diamonds.

This kind of bracelet appeals to a diverse group because of the different range of beads on offer, thus allowing the wearer to create their individual fashion statement. Some choose to have a bracelet consisting of a selection of colorful glass beads, a look that is suitable for many events whether casual or formal. Yet others choose to make a bracelet with a selection of silver or gold themed beads with spacers, or a combination of glass and metal beads.

Even though these three styles of charm bracelets are very different they do have some one thing in common. They are a very versatile item of jewelry and can provide the wearer with lots of different looks, whether they choose to wear a heart charm bracelet to go with their other heart jewelry for a romantic date, or change it for one with flip flops and shells on for their summer vacation.

Over the years the charm bracelet has gone through many changes and styles. While charms are no longer only worn as an amulet to ward of evil and bring the wearer good luck, in many ways they are still an indication of identity and individuality.  But a sterling silver charm bracelet can still give you a wonderful ability to personalize it to your own taste as well as adding a fine new dimension to your jewelry options.

All women have their own ideas about what sort of engagement ring they would dearly love to have when the man of their dreams pops the question. In keeping with the theme of romance, some ladies go for a ring from a heart jewelry collection, but as I have mentioned before, my own personal choice was a diamond surrounded by dark blue sapphires while my best friend’s ring of choice was a ruby surrounded by diamonds. Engagement rings that incorporated other stones with diamonds were very fashionable during this era. Nowadays, solitaires and bridal sets seem to be the most popular choices available in engagement ring designs.

However, the fashion in engagement rings may well change following the engagement of Prince William in the UK. He has given his fiancée his mother’s (Princess Diana’s) beautiful sapphire and diamond ring. I’m not sure whether this would have been Kate’s first choice but I’m sure she will treasure this ring. It is well documented that William adored his mother and still mourns her passing, so for him to present his lady love with her ring suggests he must love and respect Kate very much.

Antique or “used” rings are becoming ever more popular with some couples as they look for a unique ring to cement their love for each other. One of the designs they may look at is the Art Deco engagement rings that were very popular during the nineteen twenties and thirties. Art Deco is thought to have originated in Paris and is an eclectic artistic style and design that was adopted in fashion, architecture, interior design and jewelry. Vibrant colors, abstract geometric designs and a sense of opulence are indicative of this particular art period and this is displayed to perfection in the jewelry of the period.

Art Deco engagement rings have luxurious designs with an eye for detail. Black onyx, white diamonds, deep blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies are the gemstones of choice usually set in pure platinum but also featuring yellow gold. The designs are lavish with lots of filigree work incorporated into the pieces. Many of these rings feature a central old European cut diamond, bezel set in platinum with old mine cut diamonds and often other stones such as sapphires and emeralds surrounding it.

To complement the engagement ring, Art Deco wedding bands are equally as lavish and ornate as the engagement rings. They tend to be wider than many modern wedding bands, with beautiful hand crafted designs round them and encircled with diamonds.

Another antique ring you may well consider is the Edwardian engagement ring from around the nineteen hundreds. This was an era of extravagant luxury which was reflected in the clothes and jewelry of the period. The designs of engagement rings reflect this but the focus is on the more romantic traditional styles. The settings were very detailed and the more elaborate and intricate these were the higher the social status of the wearer.

If you are not fortunate enough to have an Art Deco ring as a family heirloom but you want the genuine article then you need to know where to find them. Obviously the Internet is a good place to look. There are a number of retailers of antique and estate jewelry to search on. Other sources are pawn shops, antique stores (especially those that specialize in jewelry) or estate sales. You need to make sure that you get written description of the piece including the size, age, carat, cut and clarity. Ideally you should ask if they have a certified gemologist’s report on the ring you are interested in. This will help to authenticate the ring.

Genuine Art Deco engagement rings do not come cheap, so before you splash out all that hard earned money, check the returns policy of the vendor you choose to buy from whether on the Internet or other source. Choosing a reputable jewelers or antique jewelry specialist is really the best idea as they will also be able to advise you on your purchase. If your budget will not stretch to the real thing then there are retailers that offer new rings created to look like one from the period you are looking for whether that is Victorian, Edwardian or Art Deco. These are usually less expensive than the genuine piece.

Whether you choose one of the modern styles of engagement ring or one from a bygone era the most important thing is that you and your fiancée love it and that it will be a constant reminder of your undying love for each other.

Do you remember when you were a teenager and what fashions and jewelry styles were de rigueur? Was it the mod or hippie era of the nineteen sixties or the disco era of the seventies or the new romanticism era of the early eighties or a later decade? Whenever it was, long ago or only recently, there have been very definite styles in fashion and jewelry, whether it was the mini skirt and large geometric shaped plastic jewelry popular with the mods in the 1960s or the Ugg boots and best friend half heart necklace that are popular today.

It was not until the late 1950s and early 1960s that teenagers really came into their own. Prior to this the clothes they wore, the films they watched and the music they listened to was very similar in style to that of the older generation.

This all changed when rock and roll music became popular with the younger generation and a so called “generation gap” emerged because their parents did not approve of their teens’ taste in music and dances. The marketing people were quick to pick up on this and suddenly there was a whole new range of films and products aimed at them. Instead of being mini adults they were able to express their identity not only through their music and films but also the clothes and accessories they wore.

My teen years were spent in England during the nineteen sixties and what an exciting time it was, London was where the mini skirt and geometric designs of the mod era originated (Mary Quant) and new groups such as the Beatles, Herman’s Hermits, the Rolling Stones and many others were bursting onto the music scene. I remember wearing mini skirts, knee length boots, hipster flared trousers, hot pants, lots of eye make up and false eyelashes, bobbed hair and big chunky geometric jewelry. One of the mod fashion icons of the day was Twiggy with her cool, chic style and this was the style I favored as I loved getting dressed up and looking smart when I went out. Although I definitely loved the look of the era I never slavishly followed fashion, preferring to add my own individuality to my look.

From the mid sixties another fashion style, imported from the West coast of America, influenced my teen years. This was the hippie style with it’s flowing skirts, peasant blouses, Jesus sandals, long hair and jewelry depicting the peace sign or heart charms representing love or flowers hung on leather straps used as either necklaces or bracelets. Although I adopted some of these fashions into my wardrobe they weren’t really the sort of outfits you wore to the clubs we used to frequent in a big city in England.

Since the emergence of “teenagers” as a separate entity, i.e. no longer a child but yet not an adult, the world of fashion, music and film making has recognized the fact and trends have followed on a regular basis. The hippie and mod fashions of the sixties extended into the “disco” era of the seventies but with the addition of platform shoes and afro hairstyles.

By the late seventies and early eighties some teenagers were into shocking and raging against the establishment and this is when the punk rock bands and their outrageous fashion burst onto the scene. Gone was the smart, clean look and in its place came multi colored Mohican haircuts, for both male and female, scruffy, dirty looking T shirts and jeans and Doc Marten work boots. Body piercing became ever more popular and jewelry ranged from leather collars or thick wrist bands with studs or spikes to razor blades or pull tops from cans hung on chains, not a piece of heart jewelry or other sentimental stuff in sight!

The eighties and early 1990s brought the glamor back with the arrival of the new romantic bands and their flamboyant fashions. This was very much a retro era in fashion with frilly shirts and blouses, glamorous outfits and make up not just for the females but for the males as well. Princess Diana was very much a fashion icon for this particular era, with fashion style from the pearl chokers she popularized to her signature hairstyle that many girls wanted to copy.

Every teen thinks that their fashion statements are different than the previous generation and in some cases they are, especially when you contrast the punk style to the fashions both before and after it. Today’s teenagers are no different and, like previous generations of teens, have very definite ideas on what is cool and what is not whether that is music, clothes and jewelry. However I think some fashions come round again over time. For instance the mini skirt is very much a part of the modern miss wardrobe – the only difference is that it is much shorter than in the nineteen sixties. And the same can be said for jewelry styles such as heart jewelry which was very popular during Victorian times and is now very fashionable with women of all ages. The teenage girls that I know love to wear jewelry and heart bracelets and pendants are definitely a favorite with them.

So even though Ugg boots and half heart necklaces may sound like a strange combination of style items, there have certainly been even more oddities of fashion that have preceded them!

With every year that passes I am finding it increasingly difficult to think of suitable gifts for our daughter for Christmas and her birthday. I suppose I could take the easy way out and give her money or a gift card, at least then she could choose something that she really needs. But for me that seems a little impersonal and also I know how much she enjoys opening gifts to discover the surprise that lies inside the wrapping paper. So this year I am really trying to come up with something I know she would really like but not expect to get.

When we were talking over the summer about jewelry in general, and heart jewelry in particular, she did mention that she would like a heart necklace because she didn’t have one. This got me thinking that maybe this was something we could buy for her to show her that although she is now grown up, married with a child and a successful business woman she is still our “little girl” and still has a place in our hearts. There are so many heart necklaces on the market that the only question is which one to choose.

One of my first thoughts was a double heart necklace as this would symbolize the fact that she has a place in both her Mom and Dad’s heart. Even within this category I was faced with a huge selection of designs. Should I choose something with two interlocking hearts or maybe one with a solid heart (this could be engraved with a personal message like “you are always in our hearts”) and an open diamond heart on a chain? Or maybe it would be better to choose one of the open heart pendants in the Jane Seymour collection as our daughter is a very compassionate person with an open heart.

But then I got to thinking about other gifts she might like and I know one thing that she would really tresure is some “me” time. She runs her own business so is working full time and then some and so she treasures every moment she can spend with her young son – but that leaves her little or no time for herself. We all need some down time and so instead of jewelry, perhaps a weekend away at a spa resort with a friend would offer her the chance for a bit of pampering and relaxation, with perhaps some form of massage and beauty therapy and above all the chance to sleep later in the morning.

When she was a teenager she loved going to concerts to see her favorite group perform and I know it is something she hasn’t been able to do for a long time because of the cost and also being able to spare the time. A weekend away in a hotel with tickets to see one of her favorite artists is another idea that came to mind. This time she could either go with her husband (not sure they share the same musical tastes) or again she could go with a friend for a “girlie” weekend.

Another thing that I know she really enjoys is Formula One car racing (she lives in the UK) and one of her ambitions is to go the Monaco Grand Prix race. This may prove to be a bit more than we could afford for one present but I’m sure if all the family members clubbed together we may be able to get tickets for this event.

We haven’t yet finalized what we will give her as a gift for Christmas, it may be a double heart necklace which she could wear when at work or play, or maybe one of the other ideas mentioned – or who knows some other idea may occur to me that seem more appropriate at the time. Whichever one we choose we still have the others in reserve for future birthdays and Christmases! If you are having trouble coming up with fresh gift ideas for a special lady in your life one of the things I have mentioned may be just the right gift for her.

Although ear piercing has been around for centuries, its popularity in the western world has been growing since the 1960s. For three or four decades prior to this, clip on earrings were the norm and were often large in size and more often than not came under the category of costume jewelry. I’m sure we have all seen the old movies and TV series where a lady had to unclip one of her earrings when answering the telephone because otherwise they got in the way. Nowadays the majority of women who wear earrings have pierced ears because there is such a huge variety of earring styles and designs to choose from.

One of the most popular styles of earrings is the stud earring. Usually these are the ones inserted in your ear when you go to have your ears pierced and they come in various designs and sizes. Although the most common shaped stud used when for the initial piercing is the gold ball stud, there is a wide selection of other designs to choose from, including options ranging from cubic zirconia heart stud earrings to ones made of white gold with cut diamonds. Obviously I am biased and I love the heart jewelry options, but whichever ones you choose initially you will have to leave them in your ears for four to six weeks to allow your ears to heal and to stop the holes closing.

Once the healing process has passed you can take your studs out and move on to wearing the earrings of your choice – and believe me the selection is virtually endless. You can choose from studs, chandelier, drop and hoop earrings to name the most common types, although for the first few months studs are the best to wear until the holes have healed fully. One cautionary note, lots of people can be sensitive to non-hypoallergenic earrings so always try to choose those that are marked as “hypoallergenic’ or wear gold, sterling silver or platinum to help prevent any allergic reaction.

So which type of earring should you choose? This all comes down to personal taste, style and occasion. Personally for everyday wear I choose studs, whether it is my white gold heart stud earrings to match my other heart jewelry, my sapphire and diamond earrings to match my wedding jewelry or my gold studs from New York (these are so comfortable). Most stud earrings are subtle and understated and suitable to wear to the office, to the grocery store or for coffee with friends. The more elaborate ones with precious gemstones like diamonds, rubies and sapphires look really sophisticated when worn with a little black dress for more formal occasions.

Some women choose to wear hoop earrings on a daily basis and look really good in them. Some young women look great in the larger hoop earrings but as you get older, if you are going to wear hoops the smaller ones are less flamboyant and I feel that these suit the older women better.

Chandelier earrings and dangly earrings can look very feminine and glitzy especially for those special big ritzy events. Have you noticed how most of the celebrities choose these types of earrings for “red carpet” events and showbiz parties? Of course they are dressed up in their designer gown and want to show it off to perfection, so the more sparkling their jewelry the more it complements their outfit. Mind you, when you see the size of some of those earrings it is a wonder they can hold their head up! I’m not sure I could cope with the weight of these beautiful designs and if I had long hair I would be worried that my hair would get caught in them.

Having pierced ears certainly gives you more choice in the style of earrings available. However, if you don’t want to have your ears pierced you can still get heart stud earrings or even hoop earrings in clip on or screw back.

Some pieces of jewelry are simply attractive or particularly beautiful items that make the wearer look even more attractive and add to her (or sometimes his!) appearance, adding sophistication and charm to the impression they make.  But some pieces of jewelry have more significance and history attached to them, even if it not at first obvious.  And this is especially true of that excellent example of heart jewelry, the gold heart locket, because it exhibits highly emotive symbolism to reinforce it’s intrinsic charm.

One fundamental image that it brings to mind is love, because for centuries, the heart has been considered the seat of the emotions.  Poems have been written about it, songs have been sung, plays have been performed.  The heart has been, and continues to be, the enduring symbol of love.  Be it the love between friends, the love of friendship generally or the love felt in a romantic relationship, the heart symbol is easily recognizable throughout the word as a declaration of feeling.  The shape itself crosses boundaries of language and culture to impart a familiar message.  It is no wonder, then, that the heart shape remains a popular staple of fashion.

So heart jewelry has become an increasingly popular way to show that a person is loved.  Be it simple or elaborate, heart jewelry makes a clear statement to all that see it.  Finding the right piece can be difficult because dozens, if not hundreds, of designs exist, and many carry very specific meanings. Pieces that are appropriate for a family member may be inappropriate for a friend; some pieces contain specifically romantic meanings that would be inappropriate for a casual gift. Some pieces of heart jewelry tend to be excessively “showy”, while other pieces are quite understated.  With the dizzying variety of pieces available, making a decision is not a simple task.  For those seeking a more classic look, a simple gold heart locket may be the right choice.

One of the key advantages of this particular sort of locket is the simple, understated message.  A locket symbolizes not only affection in and of itself, but it also shows that the wearer is keeping someone or something close their heart.  Superficially, it may seem to share quite a bit with heart pendants, especially as a general expression of affection or of love.  Unlike a pendant, though, the gold heart locket draws attention not to the composition of the element itself but to the deeper meaning held by the piece.

Lockets are also deeply personal, infinitely customizable pieces.  Classically characterized by containing either small pictures or engraved messages, the locket can be tailored to a specific person, event, or period of time.  The traditional image is of a locket bearing the photograph of a spouse or close family member; these images can be powerful reminders of a person or place in one’s lifetime.  Rather than being a transient gift, meant only to set off a specific outfit or a certain fashion trend, an item of this sort is intended to be a jewelry piece that lasts a lifetime.

As a gold piece, the heart locket also carries a certain amount of value apart from the emotional core.  These lockets can become valuable family heirlooms if they are taken care of properly.  Even the simplest of gold lockets carries a great deal of emotional value for family and friends – for example, who cannot recall the cliché movie scenes of a person finding a long lost locket with the picture of a forgotten love? In addition, passing the locket down through generations is a common enough tradition amongst many families.

By combining the timeless symbol of the heart, the tasteful and understated look of gold, and the emotional weight of the enclosed inscriptions or images, a gold heart locket is a unique piece of jewelry.  Rather than relying on flashy effects, the locket is very much an accessory that has substance and meaning.  This does not, however, mean that the piece is not appealing on its own merits – rather, the simplicity and elegance, along with the mystery of exactly what is held inside, will attract attention without overwhelming the rest of any given ensemble.

All of these ways in which the images and associations combine together mean that, in so many ways, a gold heart locket can be the perfect piece for any occasion.

I recently asked my female relatives and friends what piece of heart jewelry they would like to receive if they could only have one item. At the same time I asked their husbands, boyfriends and sons which piece of heart jewelry they would buy, who they would buy it for and why – and this article is about the answers that the men gave.

I was fascinated and a little surprised that overwhelmingly I got the same answer from all but one of those I posed the question to. They all said that they would choose a heart pendant necklace if they were going to buy heart jewelry as a present for someone.  It’s definitely not the result I expected before I started questioning them, because I had imagined that the range of ages an social backgrounds would produce answers that were far more varied.

The first one I asked was my husband as he is very good at choosing and buying jewelry that he knows I will like and that will suit me (he has already bought me some heart shaped earrings and a necklace). He said his choice of heart necklace would be one of the Jayne Seymour collections with an open heart design. Another stipulation he made was that it should not be “big and flash and vulgar” but rather it should be “refined and pretty”.  As to whom he thought it would be appropriate to buy it for, he said that he would only think of buying heart jewelry for “someone he had positive feelings for, someone he loved or respected like wife, mother, daughter or close friend – certainly not a stranger”.

As I asked more people about heart jewelry, I found that all of the guys were consistent in their view that they would only buy heart pendants for the women in their life who they wanted to tell how much they meant to them. For instance, my son said he would buy one for his girlfriend to show his feelings for her.  Like his Dad he would choose something delicate but perhaps with a diamond set into it. On the other hand, the youngest guy to answer my questions was my friend’s young teenage son who said he would buy a silver heart shaped necklace for his Mum as “she would look nice in it and she doesn’t wear earrings”.

When asked, my son-in-law said that a necklace or a pendant were the first items to spring to mind.  He thought that earrings could be too clunky and he would never think of buying a bracelet but he suggested that “a heart pendant necklace looks attractive and smart”.

One of our very dear friends said that he would “buy a silver heart necklace for his wife because she wanted it”.  He also said he would let her pick it out for herself so that she got the one she wanted.  The reason he gave for choosing a heart pendant necklace (and I suspect the other men feel the same way but maybe wouldn’t admit to it!) is “because it hangs round the area to which his eyes are drawn first”. At least he was being honest!

Only one of the guys would not choose to buy jewelry for someone special.  He told me he was not into jewelry at all as he doesn’t see the point of it.  The only precious metal jewelry he thinks is okay is engagement rings and wedding bands for women. All other jewelry is a waste of money unless it is cheap fashion jewelry.  I asked how he felt about buying jewelry as an asset especially as the price of gold and silver has soared recently. His answer was that he “would buy precious metals and gemstones as an asset but not as jewelry, because you need to take away the sentimental value that people associate with jewelry”.

All the men I interviewed gave me very honest answers to the questions I asked and I thank them for that and appreciate their participation.  Why not ask your man what piece of heart jewelry he would buy you and why?  I wonder if his choice will turn out to be a heart pendant necklace?

When you you reach a certain age, like I have (let’s say middle age and maybe even a little more, for the purposes of these notes), you realize that you have some pretty entrenched views: for example, ladies are the gentler and fairer sex and have an affinity with jewelry such as heart earrings and diamond necklaces, while men are rougher and often less refined and regard the wearing of jewelry as somewhat effeminate.  But you also realize that other younger people, and maybe the fringe element of people your own age, have some very different views and these can take you by surprise.

Which brings me on to the question I want to pose: have you noticed the increasing trend of men, especially celebrities and NFL and basketball players, having both ears pierced and wearing matching diamond stud earrings?  Is this the start of a trend that will spread?  Maybe history can give us a clue – because while the idea of pierced ears for both men and women goes back centuries, there was a time when the practice for men went out of style.  With it’s resurgence, and the fact that men are now wearing a style that one would usually think of as more for women, does it follow that they too will begin to choose other more traditionally feminine designs such as a heart earring?

As far back as early civilization both men and women have been adorning themselves with jewelry including earrings.  The ancient Egyptians were very accomplished jewelry makers and not only was the wearing of it a sign of wealth and status, it was important in ensuring a safe and trouble free journey to the afterlife.  When the tombs in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt were discovered, such as that of Tutankhamen, the range of different pieces of jewelry found was quite staggering – there were bracelets, amulets, rings, necklaces, earrings, head bands, belts, anklets (and gold vests which were unique to the Egyptian culture).

In Old Testament biblical times there is a reference to the wearing of earrings by both of the sexes in Exodus chapter 32 verses 1-4.  When the Israelites were in the wilderness and they were waiting for Moses to come down from the mountain they asked Aaron to make them an image of a god that they could follow.  Aaron agreed to this and told them to bring him the gold earrings which were worn by the wives, sons and daughters.

Wearing earrings remained fashionable for both men and women until the Early Middle Ages but then the trend died out for a while.  During the 1900s, sailors made the wearing of earrings by men popular again.  One reason for the return of this trend was they believed that if they were lost at sea, when their body washed ashore, whoever found it would take the earring and use it to pay for a proper burial for them.   Having a pierced ear also signified that the sailor had crossed the equator or sailed round the world.

The modern trend of men having their ears pierced goes back to the hippie culture of the 1960s and 1970s.  Lets be honest, this was a time of breaking away from conventionality and the perceived stuffiness of the older generation (my father was in the Royal Air Force, and my father in law was in the Royal Marines during World War Two and I somehow cannot imagine them wearing an earring!).  During this time there was a debate as to which ear a man should have pierced depending on his sexual orientation; gay men should have their right ear done while heterosexual guys should choose the left.  Nowadays, this no longer applies as having both ears pierced is becoming increasingly the norm and even if only one ear is pierced (whether left or right) it is does not signify a man’s sexual preferences.

Now that some men are becoming “metrosexual”, taking more pride in their looks and wardrobe, using products such as moisturizers and make up (things I know my parents would have thought “unmanly”) maybe jewelry designs for men will change as well.  In an earlier post I suggested that men are still not seen wearing a heart chain, but maybe if one of the professional athletes or a male celebrities started wearing some heart jewelry then maybe we would see a heart earring, or heart chain selection in the men’s jewelry section in stores.  So look our for heart bracelets, heart necklaces and heart charms to populate the men’s jewelry section and join up with the heart earring offerings as well.

Without a doubt, what is considered beautiful is very much a subjective matter and it probably always has been.  For example, the concept is referred to as far back as the Ancient Greeks and in 1588 Shakespeare wrote:

“Beauty is bought by judgement of the eye”

And it was actually Margaret Wolfe Hungerford under the pseudonym of ‘The Duchess’ who wrote in 1878:

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”

What does all of this have to do with a ruby heart pendant?  Simple, really – when you see someone wearing one, it is hard to know which the true beauty is, the bewitching smile on the face of the girl or the woman or the beautiful ruby heart pendant on a glimmering gold chain so proudly displayed.  A shimmering ruby heart pendant worn proudly around the neck enhances the beauty of any lady. Her winsome smile is directed outward to the world around her and backward for the person who gave her this treasure. This heart jewelry brings good luck and health to both the person who wears it and the person who gave it for whatever occasion.

These special pieces of jewelry are so much more than precious gems and metal; they surround the person who owns one with love, energy and self-confidence.  They represent fine examples of heart necklaces and readily complement other heart jewelry pieces such as heart bracelets, heart earrings and heart brooches. There are three perfect occasions that immediately spring to mind as the ideal time to give a ruby heart pendant necklace: these are to commemorate a special event, a gift to oneself as a symbol and a bequest. Choosing the right ruby to accentuate that special heart jewelry is easier than you might think.

In general, fine gems and jewelry have been given for centuries on momentous occasions. These could be a congratulation of a job well done, graduation, birth of the child or grandchild, wedding, anniversary, birthday or divorce. Whatever the occasion, it will be a milestone in the life of the receiver. Forever after, that piece of exquisite jewelry, the ruby heart pendant, will be a reminder of the event, the person who thought enough to give the gift and the feelings that went with it. Each time it is used to adorn the chest of the lucky woman, the ruby heart shaped pendant will caress the skin or blouse like the physical supporting touch of the giver.

One does not need to wait for someone else to purchase an exquisite piece of jewelry. It is simply a matter of going to a jewelry store and buying the ruby heart pendant that makes the eyes glisten. Folklore has ruby as the stone of prophecy and loved by gamblers, whether these are gamblers of life or gamblers of chance. This stone fetches wisdom, happiness and health to the wearer and symbolizes success and integrity.

Mature women often gaze upon their treasure trove of jewelry and gems and picture their lovely young daughters, granddaughters and great granddaughters wearing proudly each precious piece, including these heart necklaces. These women of wisdom can take their time in matching each gem to the temperament of the receivers. Which lovely woman deserves the flash and fire of the blood red stone set in the ruby heart pendant? There will be one that is perfect for this ornament and will receive it in a personal bequest at the right time.

There are only a few things the purchaser needs to know about these precious gems. Many gemstones are called genuine and are treated by enhancing the stone’s color usually by heating them creating a deeper, richer hue. This is part of the normal process of polishing and finishing these stones. Natural gemstones have no human interference except for the cutting and polishing.

The ruby’s value is determined by the 4 C‘s. These are cut, color, clarity and carat. The cut is the most important as it brings the life to the stone. The color is made up of three components, which are hue, tone and purity. Clarity has to do with the clearness of the stone; almost all stones have some natural imperfections. Carat is used to determine the size; larger stones are usually more valuable. A few minutes spent reviewing these 4 C’s with a professional jeweler will complete the necessary education required to make a wise selection.

Maybe you want a simple pendant or you prefer something even more elaborate, such as a heart locket with rubies encrusted.  Why not take a look at some examples the next time you are buying for yourself or for someone special and imagine how even more wonderful such an addition would make the lucky wearer?

Do you ever think about the jewelry you wear and what it represents?  Take the bracelet, for example: is it just another adornment to be worn and discarded as you see fit – or do some people wear it with more thought and meaning than others?

For example, what about a silver heart bracelet?  A silver heart bracelet sparkles and glimmers on the beautiful wrist, drawing attention to the fluid motions and artful gestures of the hand and arm. A bracelet has symbolic meanings depending upon the purchaser. This beautiful piece of exquisite heart jewelry can be given to women of all ages; women who will wear it proudly and think of the reason for this appreciated gift often. This is much more than just another piece of jewelry that adorns the body. Best of all, silver can last a lifetime or longer with proper care and retain its bright shiny luster.

Jewelry has been used for centuries to accentuate parts of the body. Most women choose these jeweled accessories to draw attention to features they want to display.  If the woman purchases a delicate silver heart bracelet for herself, she is bringing attention to one of her finer features, the shapely and delicate wrist. Often this piece will match other heart jewelry in a pendant, earrings or brooch creating a uniform, accessorized look.

As the beautiful bracelet rests on the wrist, the touch is comforting to the person wearing this treasure. It is a symbolic reassurance that the person who gave this precious gift is holding that hand from a distance. Every time that fine piece of shiny jewelry is placed on the arm, the well wishes and comfort of the giver surround the charm and bring peace and contentment to the person wearing that gem. The heart shape conveys commitment, devotion, love or passion depending on the relationship.

A mother can give the gift of a silver heart bracelet to a young daughter as a reminder of her love and support as a child walks to school alone. A husband may give one to his wife to surround her with the protection of his love while they are apart. Daughters and granddaughters may reward a grandmother for her wisdom and help with this charming reminder that she is never alone or forgotten. A bracelet is an appropriate gift between friends, between relatives and between lovers of all ages.

These precious gifts are made from silver, most often Sterling Silver. 100% silver is soft, easily damaged and unsuitable for use as jewelry. Sterling Silver is made by adding another metal to harden the silver to stand up to the every day wear. Copper is the metal of choice; it makes this silver more durable and harder so it holds its shape and resists the abuse jewelry takes. Silversmiths add 7.5% copper; this keeps the beautiful luster of pure silver.

Purchasers of Sterling Silver can look for marks denoting such things as sterling, sterling silver or .925 to verify the quality of item. The craftsmanship of each individual piece sets the price; many pieces are hand crafted by experienced and gifted silversmiths in one-of-a-kind design that will be worn and treasured forever. Custom orders can be created for someone looking for exactly the right silver heart bracelet by selecting the charm and the bracelet from a wide assortment of products and assembling the chosen prizes. Silversmiths will even produce original works from a custom design submitted by the purchaser.

The next time a lady moves her wrist and the silver heart bracelet glistens and glimmers, the charm will caress the wrist almost like the touch of a caring hand. This lady may reach out and touch the heart with her other hand unconsciously. She is thinking of the wonderful person who gave her this unique gift that provides her with comfort and self-confidence as she wends her way through the day and through her life. That is the power of heart jewelry and a silver heart bracelet.

10k White Gold Diamond Double Heart Ring (1/4 cttw, H-I Color, I2 Clarity), Size 6

Do you ever give some thought to the jewelry you are planning to wear?  Do you just wear it to enhance your appearance or do you wonder about the symbolism or the relevance of it or the options available?  Most people buy jewelry simply to make themselves or the one they intend to wear it look good, but others are intrigued by the various different types and the emotions behind the trinkets.  So we thought we would take a look into just a little of the background of one particular type of jewelry, the double heart ring, to see what choices and information we could find out.

The double heart ring itself is one of a range of heart jewelry items favored by many people.  Hearts and jewelry are two symbols of love and when put together in a piece of jewelry such as a double heart ring, one gets a beautiful and meaningful gift.

Sisters Double Heart Ring (size: 6)

The double hearts can signify several meanings. They can represent a love between a man and woman or the bond between mother and daughter. To see a woman wearing a ring or other piece of jewelry with a heart is to know someone loves that woman and thinks she is special enough to have a piece of someone else’s heart.

Heart rings are readily available online or in jewelry stores. They are made in many styles, colors, karats, and prices. They come in different price ranges, so there should be one for even the most frugal of budgets. If looking to give one as a romantic gift, there is a beautiful selection at Sears, Reeds Jewelers, and many online stores as well.

The 10-karat interlocking double heart ring is available at Sears. It received 5 out of 5 stars in its ratings. It is a 10 karat yellow gold with pink plate and rhodium, and comes in a standard size 7. It is priced at $32.99 on sale. Reeds Jewelers carries a Diamond Double Heart Ring. It has received 4.7 out 5 stars in its ratings. It features 2 round diamonds mounted in 10-karat white gold, and comes in several sizes. It is currently priced at $230.

If looking into buying a heart ring to give as a promise ring there is a great store online to purchase from.

Diamond Double Heart Ring – Size 7

Ourpromiserings.com has a large selection of rings. Their styles are available in several finishes such as yellow gold, white gold, platinum, and sterling silver. Their prices range from under $100 up to $900. They also offer a coupon for first time online buyers. They will receive $25 off their order of $150 or more. Double heart rings also make exquisite engagement rings because the two hearts are representing the union of two people joining their hearts together to become one. The ring itself represents eternity, so as an engagement ring, one is simply asking for eternal love.

For a mother who wants to purchase a double heart ring to signify a daughter’s birth or the bond between them, a personalized birthstone ring is an option. Heavenlytreasures.com offers personalized diamond and double heart birthstone rings. They are available in white or yellow gold finishes and are $229.

If one is looking for heart jewelry to complement existing rings, online stores such as overstock.com and emitations.com have nice selections. At overstock.com, one can purchase items such as ankle bracelets, necklaces, bracelets, or rings. Prices vary from low to high, and they always offer $2.95 shipping no matter how many items one purchases.

Nickel Free Double Heart Cubic Zirconia Accent Ring .925 Sterling Silver Band Size 7

The jewelry is of good quality and comes in several finishes such as white or yellow gold, and sterling silver. Emitations.com is another online site to purchase heart jewelry from. One will not find any diamonds though. It is a more affordable line of jewelry in cubic zirconium. They do not offer gold or sterling silver, but do offer high-quality gold or silver plating. The jewelry is elegant and understated.

One cannot go wrong when purchasing jewelry for a woman, no matter the occasion. It could be a man proposing to his soon-to-be wife, or a mother symbolizing her love for her daughter. Double heart rings pose a double meaning. The double hearts are representing the hearts of two people who are united by birth or by marriage. Heart jewelry of any kind shows the symbol of strength within any relationship and should always be treasured.

Making jewelry pieces using pure silver is not feasible, because pure silver is not hard and sturdy enough. Therefore, to make silver jewelry, a small quantity of copper is mixed with silver. The silver so produced is called sterling silver. In technical terms, sterling silver has 92.5% silver and the rest 7.5% copper. All kinds of jewelry items like bracelets, rings and necklaces are made using sterling silver, but a sterling silver heart necklace requires a special mention because of it’s irresistible appeal.

Why choose a sterling silver heart necklace?  There are many reasons why one should choose a sterling silver heart necklace over other options in necklaces. To begin with, these necklaces are less expensive than other necklaces such as those made from gold. The heart shaped pendant is ideal to be given to one’s beloved since women have been found to fall in love at first sight with a sterling silver heart pendant necklace. If maintained properly, sterling silver retains its charm and beauty for years. In addition, even if the silver is tarnished after years of wear, one can easily get it polished and make it appear as new as it was in the beginning.

There are many designs available within these heart necklaces. For example, there are double heart pendant designs in which two intertwined hearts, symbolizing the love between two souls, are asymmetrically interconnected. Now, with a sterling silver heart charm necklace, one can also personalize the pendant by getting one’s own and one’s beloved’s name engraved on each of the hearts along with birthstones. Another beautiful design is the one where a solid heart dangles through a hollow heart. With this pendant, one can easily adjust how deep the solid heart drops on one’s neck.

In addition to these popular designs, one can also find a number of sterling silver necklaces of different lengths with a pendant decorated with different stones. Though depending on the stone used, these necklace pendants will cost you more; they are worth considering because of their sheer timeless beauty.

Whom would these necklaces suit?  Heart sterling silver necklaces are meant for both adult women and teenage girls. Since sterling silver has an elegant white shine, these necklaces would suit females of all skin colors, whether white, dusky or dark. These necklaces are perfect for not only big parties and events, they can even be worn to casual dates and parties and even to office as well. These pendant necklaces go well with all kinds of dresses as well, be it an expensive evening gown or a casual party dress.

If you are a male and are looking for a beautiful piece of jewelry to give to any woman in your life, be it your mother, wife, girlfriend or daughter, then you need not look further than these sophisticated heart shaped silver necklaces and pendants. Not only will the woman you give the necklace to be pleasantly surprised and genuinely grateful for your gift, even you would feel a sense of satisfaction seeing the heart shaped mark of your love and affection adorning her beautiful neck and bringing a smile to her face.

Where should you buy these necklaces?  You can easily buy a beautiful heart pendant and sterling silver necklace as well as other types of heart jewelry from a jewelry store. However, a better place to look for it is the web, because it will allow you to check out the available products at different sites and compare prices. Many companies will offer you a 30-day money back guarantee on your purchase, so it is also safe to buy a pendant necklace online. Buying online will also avoid you moving away from the comfort of your own home, as the necklace would be delivered at your doorstep in a couple of days.

So take a look at the sterling silver heart necklace choices you have the next time you decide to buy and do yourself a favor!