Just a thought: head to the store and buy your husband jewelry. It can be the one thing he never expected you to give him, because, really, what man would ever expect to receive jewelry? The question to ask is: why would he even want jewelry? The word brings up images of feminine desires, girly interests, and womanly pursuits; that is to say, jewelry is to female what cars are to male. Not even a self-respecting, politically-correct, well-bred, educated soul could deny that familiar stereotype. So might it be time for the average person to wise up to the limits of jewelry?

The idea of jewelry remains the same, as it is used to accentuate or to amplify the wearer’s wardrobe. It’s perfect for men as much as they are for women (although for the more casual-minded man, earrings and necklaces can generally be considered an acquired taste).

A common item concerns the idea of the ring. Some prefer to call it a band. In spite of preference, the two words describe a circular-shaped metal that slips onto the finger. All too frequent are the golden ones. Ladies, give your hus-bands a little something different. Either spice up the gold-colored “traditional” rings/bands, or give them up. For what some may perceive to be a cheap move, go for the stainless steel or tungsten bands; they at least look different and at the same time cost less than gold. The price a little too, well, small? Top it off with a diamond or two. Believe me, for what men generally like to wear, anything besides yellow can be considered to be more than a solid match.

Now to discuss a more topical, yet still casual, item: bracelets. Bracelets can be just as nuanced as a band or even a tie clip. Who can say that only women can wear them? Bracelets are like watches, only without the watch. And watches can look bulky or even distracting; whereas a bracelet will always be simple enough to accentuate just about any outfit. For those men with a watch they cannot let out of their sights, let them know that they have not one arm but two. A bracelet on the opposite wrist is a perfect compliment for that weary wearer of watches. Just be sure to have them fit snugly, lest it slide and rattle like the getup of a carnival psychic.

If your hus-band is the kind who favors a tuxedo or is a suit-wearing man, then cuff links and tie clips require little to no introduction. Unlike bands, either type of accessory comes in a variety of unique shapes. Don’t be so casual in selecting them. Decide on which of your man’s suit you wish to match, and custom pick each item for it. To give a gift that especially goes with a favorite suit can not only be a fun challenge, but it will also serve as a useful and long-lasting addition to the wardrobe.

Thus consider buying your man jewelry accessories. If he likes to play around with his wardrobe, admires a certain suit, or plain does not want to part with his collection, then jewelry is a certain bet to add to what he already wears.

One of the most thoughtful gifts that you can give to a baby is a gift that will always bring up memories of the baby party. A personalized gift that is engraved with a baby’s name, initials, date of birth, or a sweet message is an excellent option when it comes to gifting a baby. This personalized present will serve as a keepsake that the child will cherish until he/she grows up. Sterling silver or pewter is perhaps that most popular that gets to be engraved often. Whatever item you pick, having it engraved makes it a a well-received baby present.

Engraved Jewelry Gifts for Babies

Jewelry pieces are one of the most popular gifts given to a baby. Obviously, they are cute and lovely, perfect for a precious little one. Many moms are delighted with baby jewelry as a baby shower gift. A bangle bracelet made of pure gold would definitely look cute and elegant on the hand of the child. You can find baby bangles that are often designed with floral inlay, or feature tiny pink flowers made of gold. There are also baby jewelry which are made of silver, too. You can personalized a silver bracelet by having it engraved with name or initials, depending on the style of jewelry. Other than bangles, you can also find other types of baby bracelets with a charm that can be engraved with a monogram of the child. You may also opt for an engraved pendant that makes a sweet baby present, too. Just keep in mind that opting for an engraved baby jewelry may require you an extra charge for the engraving.

Engraved Memory Keepsake Boxes

Memory boxes are one of the most popular baby gifts that are given to infants as well. These boxes are meant to keep baby memories such as baby’s first cut hair, first lose tooth, baby cross, and etc. Keepsake boxes can be engraved with a name, initials, or a line of phrase to make them more special. They come in various types. You can find keepsake boxes made of wood, crystal, glass and pewter materials. Aside from engravings, there are keepsake boxes that can be personalized with a photo.

Other engraved gifts you may want to consider giving to a baby include an engraved piggy bank, sterling silver baby hair brush, comb set, pewter spoons, pewter cups, picture frames and so on. You can also find playful pewter rattles and other decorative toys that can be engraved with baby’s name or initials. Personalized baby gifts are widely available online. Other than engraved baby items, you can also find other custom-made items such as monogrammed baby clothes, embroidered baby blankets, personalized baby books, customized nursery supplies, personalized baby gift baskets and many more. Simply browse the Internet to see some more ideal options that are best to give as baby gifts. Thousands of online stores are offering various needs when it comes to baby parties, from party invitations, decorations, centerpieces, favors, to games.

Handmade jewelry can be a great way to express your unique style and it can even turn into a career. You have been experimenting making your own handmade jewelry since you were young, but you are never quite sure what to do with all of the handmade earrings and bracelets that are piling up. Aside from being a personal gift to give your family and friends, your handcrafted jewelry designs could be the source of a nice extra income for you. Creating your own handmade jewelry is different then trying to sell handcrafted jewelry and these suggestions might be useful to keep in mind.

The hardest part for most people who are dreaming of a handmade jewelry business of their own is just getting their nerve up and going for it. Starting your own business can be a scary process, taking small steps is a good way to get started. The key to beginning any business is to educate your self as much as possible, take a deep breath and just do it. There are few operating expenses if you have a home based business. You need to have jewelry making tools according what type jewelry you would like to make, but you probably already have much of what you need already.

One of the most important parts is bringing your own creative style to the handcrafted jewelry pieces that you make. It is very important that you choose jewelry designs customers want to buy. When coming up with handmade jewelry ideas keep in mind what people would like, not what you would like. The more creative you are and the more unusual materials you use will determine how unique your handcrafted jewelry pieces appear and ultimately how well your handmade earrings and unique bracelets will sell. This is what will set your handmade jewelry apart from the others.

A quick stop at the local arts and crafts store can give you many ideas and materials to make your own unique handcrafted jewelry. It does not have to be difficult or take a lot of time to learn how to make unique jewelry pieces like handmade earrings and handmade bracelets. It is a good idea start thinking about the style of the jewelry that you would like to make. Planning is the most important part. When you are imagining and doing the thinking as to what type of jewelry to make, you also have to take into consideration the techniques, jewelry tools and the parts you will need. So the style and the design of the jewelry will also depend on the abilities, supplies, tool and jewelry making technique that you can use. If it is creating jewelry with using gemstones and beads then it would be easier. All you have to do is to find a jewelry parts and findings supplier and buy the stones, wires, ear wires and tools.

You should find out what other people think about your jewelry, the easiest way to do this is to set up a small exhibition in your own home and invite some people to come and have a look. Your friends and family will be able to give you an honest opinion about what they think about your jewelry. If you have a little bit of luck you might even sell your first piece of jewelry.

Another really good way of showing your handcrafted jewelry is to get a booth at the arts and crafts fairs in your local area. These will give you a fantastic opportunity to show off your handmade jewelry as people that attend these craft fairs will be interested in what you are producing. These events are perfect for getting the word out there about your jewelry. If you are talking with your customers, even making custom design jewelry pieces for them, you can get lots of jewelry design ideas from them. For me, customers have always been a great source of inspiration. If you listen to them you can also mix these ideas with your creative ideas and style. Once you finish your unique earrings or handmade bracelets, you will be able to see the final result of your creation and might like to modify some parts. While you are doing these, you might even get other inspirations. Sometimes great ideas come from while you are fixing a jewelry piece.

The biggest challenge for many handmade jewelry designers is to find inspirations for new designs and techniques to add that personal creative flair to the jewelry designs that will give you an edge in the market place. If you are thinking of creating cat jewelry, watch the moves of the cats how they play. You will notice that cats all have the same characteristic moves and if you can capture them with your imagination you will come up with outstanding cat jewelry bracelets and earrings. You can even design a matching cat necklace for them as people love earrings, bracelet and necklace jewelry sets. There are a number of necessary talents, not the least of which is a good eye, artistic creativity, and a certain skill with small tools.

Nature, animals, wildlife, historical motifs and native designs are also a great source for inspirations for making animal jewelry, horse jewelry and other unique handmade jewelry designs. All it is you need trained eyes to see them and create them in your own style. We might all be looking at the same thing but seeing different things and we all different imagination of seeing things to get inspirations from. Finding your own niche in the marketplace takes time and patience. When you become known for a certain style of handmade jewelry your sales will skyrocket, people will know what to expect and think of you when they are looking for special unique gifts.

Many people are very creative and learn quickly how to combine and use materials to make extraordinary handmade jewelry pieces. There are many jewelry making kits, magazines and websites that can help to quicken your learning process. For those who find creating handmade jewelry difficult, there are many wholesale jewelry suppliers who specialize in unique handcrafted jewelry. Search online to find many jewelry wholesalers who supply unique and unusual jewelry that you can sell to your customers from your handmade jewelry website or at local arts and craft shows.

Many people are surprised how quickly selling their handmade jewelry makes them money. In no time, you may be ready to quit that day job and become your own boss. Try these suggestions if you want to turn your hobby into a successful handmade jewelry business.

Jewelry is a broad term that describes any ornamental adornment on the body. It includes toe rings to tiaras and everything in between. Jewelry has been used in every culture throughout history and in many different ways. While in our culture today jewelry serves mostly an aesthetic purpose, jewelry can serve other functions as well. Jewelry is used to represent social or official rank, age, marital status, and tribal affinity. In addition, jewelry serves as emblems of religious, social, and political affiliation. In fact, one of the very first uses of jewelry was to show religious affiliation. The following are the main cultures that began the use of religious jewelry and the common symbols and uses of their jewelry.

Egyptian Religious Jewelry

Religious jewelry in Ancient Egypt was very symbolic. Some common symbols in Ancient Egyptian religious jewelry include the scarab (beetle), lotus, serpent, falcon, and the eye. The scarab is a symbol for good luck and resurrection while the “Eye of the Horus” represents healing. A common symbol of the time called the “Ankh” is meant to represent eternal life. Religious jewelry was extravagant, consisting of gold and semi-precious stones and were worn by men and women alike. When the Roman Era arrived, Egyptian religious jewelry was made of cheaper materials and more Christian symbols were used. When Islam arrived in Egypt men were forbidden to wear gold jewelry. At this time silver jewelry became more popular in religious jewelry in Egypt. Religious jewelry is still widely used in Egypt, but does not have the same extravagance as the Ancient Egyptian religious jewelry.

Roman Christianity and Religious Jewelry

Art and architecture thrived when St. Constantine Christianized the Roman Empire. At this time several popular symbols were created that are still used in Christian art and jewelry. These symbols include the cross, the rosary, and the Christian fish charm. The cross is a symbol of God’s love and a reminder of Christ’s suffering. Rosary beads are prayer beads that began in the Roman Christian world but are now used predominately by the Catholic Church (officially accepted by the Catholic Church during the rosary approbation in 1520). Rosary beads are also used in the Islam and Buddhist faith. The Christian fish charm came about when early Christians would make an acronym with the Greek word for fish, “ichthys,” Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter (Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior). This symbol attracted less attention to the persecuted Christians. The Christian charm remains very popular today.

Native American Jewelry

Native American religious jewelry was a symbol for nature, played a role in religious ceremonies, and represented status. Natural materials were used in their jewelry including feathers along with minerals such as turquoise and metals like silver. These natural materials were a reminder of the Earth around them. During healing ceremonies and harvest rituals, the people would take care to wear specific kinds of religious jewelry that were the right color, made of the right materials, and representing the right symbol for that event. The jewelry that is worn by a person is representative of the different stages of life an individual has entered into. In several tribes adolescents are initiated into adulthood when they receive the spiritual totem consisting of shells, beads, or symbols from nature. Native American religious jewelry was also given to women after there first menses and to newly married couples. Religious jewelry has played a significant role in Native American culture.

Because our culture today uses jewelry mostly for decorative purposes we often forget the roots of jewelry and how, to some cultures, it can have a deeper spiritual meaning. Recognizing the importance of this religious jewelry in other cultures allows us to see the greater symbolic uses that jewelry can be used for.

Relaxed weddings are very popular these days. Couples love the idea of celebrating their marriage with their family and friends in a less formal way than in the olden days. These pretty centerpiece ideas are perfect for today’s casual weddings.

Everything about your wedding should flow in harmony. If you are the kind of bride who is most comfortable wearing a simple wedding gown with handmade jewelry, then you will want a very different type of wedding decorations than the bride who is wearing an opulent gown with very elaborately handmade wedding jewelry in a hotel ballroom. Your centerpieces should match your general style, and when your wedding reception is more relaxed, you can have fun with more creative table arrangements.

Gerbera daisies are one of the most popular flowers for casual receptions. Their bright colors and cheerful nature are both celebratory and informal. There are several styles of centerpieces which will work wonderfully with gerbera daisies as the main flower. For long tables, plant a “garden” of the daisies in long containers filled with wheatgrass. Choose either a single color, or a mixture of pink, orange, and yellow flowers. Another great idea for daisies is to leave their stems long and have them spring out of a vase which is tightly packed with lemon or lime wedges to add a pop of contrasting color and to help anchor the blossoms. So fun!

Hydrangeas are a perennial wedding flower favorite, and they have the possibility of being made to look very elegant or quite informal. A simple centerpiece idea for an outdoor wedding is to take bunches of hydrangeas and arrange them in pitchers. Find a variety of different pitchers at flea markets to give the table decorations that welcoming homey feeling. It will look as though you just plucked the flowers and popped them into a pitcher before friends stopped over for a glass of lemonade in the afternoon. As a matter of fact, these centerpieces are so easy to make that you can pick the flowers from your own yard and quickly drop them into the pitchers. Centerpieces don’t get much easier than that, and yet the end result will be really beautiful.

Potted plants and herbs make wonderful casual centerpieces. Try a mixture of various fresh herbs and flowering plants in a clay pot for a garden wedding. Or choose container plants which are in season for your wedding. Red geraniums or begonias would be very appealing for a summer wedding, or use orange and deep red mums for a rustic fall reception. Put the flowering plants into pretty but informal vessels, such as wicker baskets or painted tin pails. The flowers will add a cheery look to your reception tables without feeling stuffy or contrived. Simply perfect for an informal wedding!

Rubber bracelets are made from recycled o-rings and rubber bands. They have been around since the 1980′s, and were used as an economical way to promote groups and ideas. Colored rubber bracelets have gained in popularity since then, especially after Lance Armstrong introduced the yellow “Livestrong” bracelet in 2004 to bring about cancer awareness and raise funds for research.

Currently, rubber bracelets are not only symbolic of many charitable causes but have become quite fashionable in their own right. They are worn as a sign of unity and support as well as matching accessories to complete the ensemble of the day. They add color to an otherwise colorless wrist and sometimes are just plain fun to wear. Rubber bracelets are bands of a different color rubber worn around the wrist. They generally come in two sizes, children and adult. They are relatively inexpensive to produce making them great fund raising items. The bracelets carry powerful messages and bring attention and awareness to causes worldwide. The colored bracelets are a great conversation starter as people often ask “what is your cause?”

Rubber bracelets are not only used for charity but have become friendship bracelets that kids trade with their friends at school or around the neighborhood. It is easy to keep track of their friends by wearing each others bracelets. The kids buy a package of bracelets in the color of their choice then with a sharpie, write their name on it before trading with a friend. If you suddenly find yourself on the outs with your friends, they will simply ask for their bracelets back.

If you are allergic to latex products, you may find the rubber bracelets cause a skin reaction such as a rash, hives or itching. You may also suffer a respiratory reaction that may cause the bracelet wearer to develop a cough, sneeze or runny nose. A severe respiratory reaction might cause the bracelet wearer to develop shortness of breath or severe wheezing. If you find yourself with any of the noted symptoms, remove your bracelet immediately and consult your doctor.

The bracelets are available online or through mail order. You have the option to choose the color of the bracelet and the message to be printed on them. The bracelets are relatively inexpensive so buying in bulk is a good option.

Baby’s day out is fun from A to Z, regardless of what the baby does. All the time the child may be enjoying himself and his activities will also be a treat for parents to observe.

Why let this fun end when bathing the child? With some application of mind, you could make baby bathing an interesting activity for the child, and hence for yourself as well. All you need on hand are a few baby-bathing products, bath toys, and robes that are not only baby skin friendly, but also handy bathroom accessories any mom would love to stock her bathroom with.

Baby Bath Products and Accessories

Baby bathing products or accessories are numerous, but there is one item that is most essential – the baby bath towel or baby bath robe. A baby bath towel or robe must be soft on the child’s skin. If the child shows some discomfort while you use it on him, assume your child has not taken a kind view towards the new accessory and it is paining or irritating his skin. Also, the bath robes or towels must be sufficiently large so that it can easily and fully wrap around the baby. If the bathrobe has interesting pictures of animals and birds, it may help your child to remain inside the robe for at least some time. Usually the soft cotton hooded towel sets cater to children right from their newborn days to 12-24 months, depending on the child’s size. Such towel sets also make great baby gift items. It is quite possible to find all of these items on the net from sites such as SpiffyBaby.com where imagination is your boundary.

Baby Skin Care

The same theory of baby skin friendly concept applies to baby soaps, lotions, oils, and toys. While purchasing baby soaps and baby lotions ensure that they are sensitive enough for baby’s skin and do not contain any potential skin irritants. In that sense, if you see artificial or synthetic ingredients in baby skin products, you may want to avoid them. These products can cause terrible skin irritations.

The major task of baby’s bath time, however, remains to be baby’s entertainment in the bath tub. The baby most likely won’t like anyone to disturb his playful mood by pouring water over him in the confines of a bath tub. This is where bath toys play a crucial role, in ensuring that the playful atmosphere indeed carries over to the baby bathroom, giving the little ones full company all throughout the bathing ritual. Bath duckies, rubber animals and shapes, baby bath seats, bubble bath buddies (for kids of certain age), even the bath water thermometer, are some good bath time toys that could give your child good company in the bathroom. These items usually make decent baby shower presents, as well as being relatively low-cost items.

Above all, the most important thing for a child during bath time is the interaction with his caregivers, and the presence of an adult for safety at all times.

Getting a bit of celebrity style for her wardrobe is something every woman aims for. Most women spend countless hours watching awards shows – not to see who wins – but to check the latest fashion trends. Says Mr.Yoshi of MyHawaiianJewelry.com, “We often get customers who want us to create Hawaiian jewelry that reflects what various celebrities wore at different Awards functions. It’s actually a great way to get some classy Hawaiian jewelry at affordable rates. We work hard to adapt the celebrity look and yet retain a Hawaiian flavor to the jewelry. The combination almost always results in stunning and unique pieces!”

As seen by the trends followed at the 2006 Golden Globes and 77th Academy Awards, earrings are currently the most popular piece of jewelry favored by the stars. From chandeliers and diamond drops to studs and some outrageously funky pieces, they were all there. Here are some of the best designs in jewelry worn by celebrity stars to the different Awards functions and how the styles can be adapted Hawaiian style.

o Reese Witherspoon’s triple drop diamond earrings at the 2006 Golden Globes have to be the most coveted piece of jewelry at the Awards. Now most women cannot afford triple globe diamond earrings that possibly cost six figures. However, despair not! Mr.Yoshi of MyHawaiianJewelry.com says women can easily cop Reese’s gorgeous style by choosing to buy triple drop earrings made with Tahitian pearls instead of diamonds. The look is elegant, chic and absolutely stunning and yet the cost a fraction of the original.

o Ziyi Zihng’s of ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ fame wore feminine and graceful long drop earrings at the 2006 Golden Globes. These are also a rage and can easily be created using black Tahitian pearls. They are perfect for petite women or to showoff stunning shoulders in a strapless dress. Black pearls with sparkling diamonds are a great look for a night of partying in Hawaii.

o Christel Khalil from ‘The Young and the Restless’ and was nominated for an Emmy in 2004 for her role as Lily Winters. Christel loves wearing flowers and would in fact be a perfect model for Hawaiian jewelry. Hawaiian jewelry uses many flower motifs like plumerias, hibiscus and orchids. Christel’s playful and colorful flower necklaces could actually be inspired by Hawaiian jewelry!

o Mischa Barton’s pearl danglers featured in the November 2005 issue of OK magazine are simply to die for. Long, elegant diamond earrings that end in a pearl drop. Hawaiian Tahitian pearls pairs with long braided platinum earrings are the perfect option to steal this celebrity look.

Chandelier earrings and long, drop earrings are definitely the latest trends in jewelry being worn by the stars. And Hawaiian Tahitian pearl jewelry is the easiest and most economical way for the regular hardworking woman to add some celebrity bling to her jewelry collection!

Reference:

http://movies.about.com/od/awards/ig/globes01162006/globes200601.htm (link to photograph of Reese’s earrings for your reference).

http://www.emitations.com/pugfauxpeard.html (Mischa barton earrings)

How to make cool bracelets even if you are not so “cool”! If you have thought about a great new hobby and maybe cool bracelets have come to mind, maybe you will want to read on. Years ago I met an elderly antique dealer in upper state New York at an antique show.

I looked over her wares and fell in love with the little parts and pieces she had to make jewelry out of. Ever since then I have been making brooches, bracelets and necklaces out of these parts I purchased from her. Just the process of finding pieces and then creating an piece of art out of them is very rewarding and can put the fun and joy back into your life.

A few pointers I would like to share with you have changed the process into an easier one for me. If you can, buy a good set of jewelry tools. My first set I got at Sears and they were fine for a beginner but I needed sturdier pliers. I bought a wonderful German set and they have lasted me over 15 years. You can find these at jewelry tool websites.

The next tip is unless you can solder your pieces together you will need the proper glue. I highly endorse a glue called “GOOP” or E-6000. This is the same glue by a different brand name and it stays put for well over 20 years. I think you will probably get bored with your pieces before then, but even so you can re-glue them for another 20 years. This glue takes a little getting used to, but it is the one to use. I tried super glue…it fell apart, two part epoxy, it fell apart too.

If you like to make bracelets I would offer this tip also. It’s fun to make charm bracelets and add your special pieces to it. You could solder a ring onto a piece or you could glue those special pieces onto something with a ring and then attach it to the bracelet. The rings, and this is very important, must be sturdy enough and must be closed properly. You must open the ring and slide on the charm, slide the ring through the sturdy chain bracelet and the close the ring together so that no gaps are in the ring. If you leave a gap in the ring this may snag on clothing and pull the ring apart.

If you have a nearby jeweler with a torch you could have him solder your charm creation on to the bracelet. I have another option also, you could also use a split ring. This is a ring that already overlapped and you slide your charm onto it and then slide it onto your bracelet and no gap is present to be concerned about. No soldering is needed. I hope this helped some…it is so much fun to make brooches too.

Collecting little vintage pieces is fun and you could make some gorgeous vintage brooches for yourself and friends too. I would offer this little tip to you. Buy a good sturdy base piece and then pile on your collection. Use a good sturdy clasp back and use the E6000 glue to secure it. So much fun. Enjoy and I’ll be back for more hints on how to make cool bracelets and ideas for settings findings and jewelry ideas.

Also, are these two brands compatible with each other?

I thought that I’d answer a couple of questions that I’m often asked. Trollbeads and Pandora brand charms are made by two completely different companies. Of the two companies, Trollbeads is the oldest.