How to Find Authentic Vintage Turquoise Jewelry and Native American Bead Work

There is a lot of vintage turquoise jewelry floating around in the market today. Real turquoise is as precious as real diamond. For centuries turquoise jewelry has been highly valued and people from Asia, Europe and especially America created beautiful jewelry from this precious stone. The demand for authentic vintage turquoise jewelry is going up every day, especially the Native American bead work and jewelry.

Native Americans were making jewelry long before the Europiens arrived. Though there were differences in styles from one tribe to another the materials they used were very similar. They used beads mostly made out of shells, coral, turquoise, amber and other
semi-precious stones.

Native American bead work was extremely advanced in the Pre-Columbian era. Finely ground turquoise and coral beads were used to make heisi necklaces. Stitchery with thousands of tiny beads were used to make purses, vests or such things.

When the Spaniards came in 1800s, from the Spaniards silversmiths they took their metal inlay techniques and integrating with their own style created exquisite art that we see manifested in the Hopi, Navajo, Pueblo and other South Western jewelry art. One of them is the famous Squash blossom design.

Now, how would you know if the piece you are buying is authentic turquoise jewelry?

Look at the stamp:

If you are looking for a vintage Native American piece and find it has a stamp saying "925" be sure it is not authentic. This stamp is used in jewelry out side of USA. Jewelry that is claimed to be hundreds of years old will not have this modern stamp. Modern Native Americans may use the stamp or sign the word "silver" if that metal is used.

Brightness:

Vintage jewelry is old. It will not have the shiny new look that a more modern piece might have. These days turquoise is stabilized with epoxy or other chemicals or silica dust to make it harder and brighter. Again this is a modern process.

Blemishes and streaks:

Real turquoise has the shade of blue-green with blotches or marks on them, except the ones from Persia, which is very rare and extremely expensive. These marks are called matrix. Depending on the metals that were mixed with it in the natural process of the stone forming stage, the marks or spots may be black, white or yellowish in color.

In modern days these blemishes can be taken off and can be covered up. So if you get very nice, blemish free, smooth, bright turquoise piece then it may be imitation and not real.
The only exception- if it is from Persian mines, it may be blemish free with the robin egg blue shade and it will be extremely expensive. This kind is very, very rare today.

Style:

The style of the jewelry will also say something to you. Before buying something that is claimed to be a vintage turquoise jewelry of a certain period or certain place, do some home work to know their styles. Especially for the Native American jewelry there are significant characteristics that authenticate that jewelry.

Similarly if you are buying vintage turquoise jewelry from Nepal or Turkey you must be aware of their styles to understand if it is really vintage piece or not.

Feel:

If a piece feels much lighter than a similar volume stone it is probably mixed with plastic.

The Pin Test

Heat a pin and touch to the spot that is kind of hidden. If it melts you know that plastic is mixed.

Acid test:

If you have a piece that is not light but quite cheap in price, it could be howlite instead of the real stone- we call it chalk turquoise. A drop of hydrochloric acid (HCL) will prove it. If it fizzes and turns green then it is howlite.

Price:

Real turquoise is like real diamond. Therefore the price will reflect that. In the market today to make it affordable what we get is stabilized turquoise or reconstructed turquoise.

Sometimes there is hardly any real stone but just chalk and colors mixed with epoxy. Sometimes bones, plastic or howlite might be mixed with a little bit of turquoise. This will also be quite cheap. Sometimes only the blotches and marks are erased, eliminated or cut out from a real turquoise piece and polished with silica dust, dyes and epoxy. Depending on the amount of the real stone the price is determined.

In any case if you want authentic vintage turquoise jewelry you must go for that, buy it from a trusted dealer and know what you are getting.

Like the styles it is also important to know about the turquoise mines of the world that generate different kinds of this precious stones. Also some idea about Native American jewelry will give some foundation to find out if a jewelry piece is authentic vintage turquoise jewelry or not.

Tips for Maintaining Your Pearl Jewelry

Durable and delicate at the same time, pearls are a beautiful and unique gemstone created by mollusks instead of the ground and their care is different than what you would expect for a gem. Here are five tips to help you ensure that your pearls are treasured for years to come.

Stay away from acids

If you have ever seen the grammar school science experiment involving an egg and vinegar, you'll remember that the acid in the vinegar dissolved the shell and left a naked egg. That is because the egg shell is made of calcium. Your pearls are made of calcium carbonate too. That is why you want to avoid acids. When we think of acid, we usually picture something dangerous, however, we use acidic substances every day. In addition to vinegar, acids in our homes can include chlorine and citrus fruits. Our sweat also has an acidic pH which is why, "Pearls are the last thing you should put on and the first thing to take off," is advice that has been handed down for generations. Avoid overnight wearing and always make sure to wipe the pearls off with a soft cloth before storing.

How to store your pearls

The best investment to store pearls is a soft cloth of silk, satin, or cotton. These can usually be found at your jewelers. Avoid storing your pearls in plastic as the chemicals released over time can destroy your pearls. You also want to store each of your pearl items individually. The nacre of pearls is hard, but in comparison to the metals and other gemstones in jewelry, it is quite soft and can be easily scratched. Do not store pearls in a dry space or safety deposit box - pearls need moisture. Of course, the best way to keep them hydrated is to wear them!

Be selective with certain pieces

Because pearls are a softer gem, you'll want to make sure that you are limiting the use of rings and bracelets. Not only are you more likely to scratch a pearl ring or bracelet, you are also more likely to soil them. Save your rings and bracelets for special occasions. Earrings and necklaces are much better for daily wear, however, make sure that you are not wearing them when you apply makeup, hair products, or perfume.

Washing your pearls

Occasionally, you may need to wash your pearls. The best way to wash pearls is with a soft cotton cloth dampened with lukewarm distilled water. Tap water has chlorine which can damage your pearls. Gently rub the pearls until they are clean. If just water won't clean them, you can use a natural soap as well. Stay away from steam, detergents and jewelry cleaners that do not specifically say they are safe for pearls. If the pearls are in a necklace, make sure not to pull or stretch the string in between, especially if they are not individually knotted. This can cause wear to the string and cause the strands to break. No one wants to crawl around searching for their pearls.

Inspections

The best way to take care of your pearls is to make sure to check them at regular intervals. Make sure strands holding the pearls are still strong and supple. Make sure that pearls in settings are not loose. For stranded pearls, you should have them restrung by a jeweler every few years. Especially if you wear them a lot. Individually knotting them is more expensive but it pays off in the end. Having pearls on necklaces and bracelets individually knotted is more secure in case you do have a break. Better to lose one pearl than to lose all of them.

Pearls are organic and continue to change with time and they require a different type of maintenance from other jewelry. With the proper care, your pearls will maintain a high luster and be handed down generation to generation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9439363

How To Dress Perfectly on That First Date

 We all get nervous when we get asked out to a date and it's an added bonus if we have been interested in the person for some time before that happens. As soon as we get asked out, our brain hits overdrive and we go through our entire closet in our heads, pairing things and working out an outfit depending on the time of the date.

Don't get too nervous here are some safe bets that you can work with and look fabulous on that first date from your dress to designer jewelry and footwear. So let's go:

1. Go Red

Red is the most opted for color when it comes to dates. Men respond well to red and are attracted to it (research proven!). So if you want to look drop dead gorgeous go for a little red dress along with your fine jewelry. It doesn't always have to be a red dress, you can use a red skirt with a leather jacket or a red blouse but if you think red is not your color, add red to you look by using a simple red lipstick.

2. The Summer Look

You need to look relaxed and happy on your date even if there is a tornado of emotions inside you, so in order to do that go for the perfect summer look. Choose soft fabrics and prints with are feminine and give a happy feel. A summer dress or a plain silk dress with heels works absolutely fine. It needs to be subtle but quirky as well. You don't the guy to think that you are too subtle as well.

3. Know Your Plus Points

Do not experiment on your first date and play your strength. If you have a great figure show it off, that does not mean you expose, it means that you wear something that makes your body look good and which you are comfortable in. if you have great legs, show them off by wearing dress or a skirt. You can wear designer jewelry along with any choice you make to add a bit of zest.

4. Be Confident Of You Style

Confidence is attractive. Don't be uncomfortable or overly cautious of your clothes. If it makes you feel vulnerable or uncomfortable don't wear it. Confidence is your best feature and it should come out from your outfit. So always choose something you like and feel at ease in.

5. Have a Pair Just For Date

Heels always look great for a date unless it is an outdoorsy or walk in the park sort of date. You need a comfortable pair that does not hurt your feet too much like wedges or pumps. Do not wear a new pair of anything be it heels or ballet flats or your date will end in shoe bites and sore feet which you don't want.

6. An Outdoorsy Outfit

In case your date is outside, like in a park where you are going for a picnic or a walk. Try a pair of cute shorts and loose top; you can wear wedges or flats whichever you like. It needs a casual look. Don't dress up too much for this as it will look out of place. A cute outdoorsy outfit is as important as anything. It can be a pair of ripped jeans a white t-shirt or blouse as well.

You can add designer jewelry like a pair of earrings or bracelets and anklets to your outfit.

7. Chill With The Make-up

Please do not go overboard with your make-up. Stick to a natural look which brings out your personality. A natural color foundation, eyeliner and nice shade of lipstick are more than enough. You don't need bright eye shadows and loud lips or rosy/bronze cheeks. Be yourself on a date that is what makes the other person like you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9434962