Gum Runners

Dog collars are one of the most common things a pet owner buys for his or her pet. Most people purchase a normal collar for their pet but there are many more options available today which would delight not only the buyer but also the dog. Dog collars are of many different kinds, depending on the material used. These include cotton, nylon, leather, suede, metallic, handmade, woven, velvet, foam, and even gold, silver and platinum. They are designed in beautiful patterns such as polka dots, python prints, crocodile prints, animal prints, valentine, tuxedo style, denim, bandana, mink, crystal, bone, bows, Victorian, neon, glitter, mink, and others. Some collars are also being fitted with devices like...

The scarab beetle has been a symbolic motif in Egyptian jewelry for thousands of years. The scarab is a symbol of regeneration and rebirth, thus scarab jewelry was thought to bring protection, luck and vitality to the wearer. Egyptian soldiers were given scarabs before going into battle. Women were given scarabs for fertility. Scarab beads and designs were commonly fashioned into bracelets, pendants and rings. Scarab jewelry was made from a wide range of stones and materials. Archeologists have found examples of scarab beads and artifacts made from clay, soapstone, green basalt, glass, bone, precious metals, wood, semi-precious gemstones and many other types of stone. The colors of scarabs were...

What is a Pearl? In simple terms, a pearl is essentially genetically spherical, hard item, which is created within the mantle or living tissue of a shelled mollusk. They are similar in content to the shell as both of them are produced from calcium carbonate. This calcium carbonate is deposited in concentric layers that exhibit crystalline properties. They usually have a smooth texture apart from being perfect round in shape. However, they are available in wide number, which are known as baroque pearls. Why Are Pearls so Expensive? They are quite precious because they are extremely rare. Most of these precious shelled mollusks can be found out there in the wild. They are used for commercial purposes...

Gemstones are precious and are exciting to be worn. They are used to beautify different types of jewelry designs and are thus counted to be of extreme importance. Though, many people are aware about the term but just few know about the different types of gemstones available in the market. Here in this article, we will put a light on various varieties and types of gemstones available in the market. Choose the one that fits your jewelry types the most. Diamond: The first and the foremost gemstones that is popularly demanded and is easily available is diamond. Diamonds are known to be toughest gemstones. They are made of high-carbon crystals and are fused under extremely high pressure. They are mined...

Gemstone engagement rings have been growing in popularity for past many years and have gradually replaced diamonds to larger extent. Diamonds are valued because they are rare but certain gemstones are even rarer. Varieties of colors, shape and sizes are available to the couples when they opt for gemstones to enhance the look of the ring. But the couples should consider a particular stone for its unique quality and select the one as per their taste. Cost of gemstone engagement rings is usually way below and within budget of average buyers, which is an added advantage to the couples, apart from the choice of colors. The stones are also popular as birthstones. So, you can set a birthstone of the bride...

h beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, yet certain items are timeless and precious like antique estate jewelry. They have a special value of their own because they are time tested. Unless you take a closer look at antique estate jewelry, you would never appreciate their worth. Look at the craftsmanship, the brilliance, exquisite luster and of course, the antiquity of the design. I am sure you will be tempted to get one for a special occasion. The other day a friend got engaged and I was sure jealous of the sparkling aquamarine antique engagement ring on her finger. I later learnt that her thoughtful husband-to-be had obtained it from an antique estate jewelry sale for his loving wife-to-be. What...

GEMSTONE THERAPY Crystal and gem therapy is the use of semiprecious and precious stones to enhance mental, spiritual, and physical healing. It is based on the belief that certain crystals and gems possess a powerful energy that can positively affect imbalances in human energy fields and thus promote health and well-being. Practitioners believe that some stones direct their energy toward emotional states, while others affect certain organs through contact with the body's related energy centers (known as Meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine and chakras in Indian Ayurveda). Although there is no formal scientific evidence to suggest that crystals or gemstones have any power whatsoever (in fact they...

Meditation is a wonderful way to quite the mind and reduce stress. This meditation can be as long or short as you need to fully recharge and release all of your tension and stress. The Meditation: Sit in a cool and quiet place and hold a piece of Aquamarine in your hands. Breathe quietly in and out several times and as you do so visualize the stone in your hands. Bring to mind the beautiful blue-green color and feel the smooth, coolness of the stone in your hands. Let your self relax into the color as if you were slowly slipping into a beautiful pool in a desert oasis. Allow the cooling energy of the stone to wash over you. Let it move over you and through you cooling and refreshing each part of you...

Mother's Day is right around the corner but there is still plenty of time to find the perfect gift. Mothers are very special people and they deserve the best; something that says "you're beautiful and I love you". There can be a lot of pressure to find just the right gift for mom - even though she would love a salt shaker if that's what you wrapped up! Have no fear however, mothers of all kinds are sure to love one thing - something shiny and sparkly that comes right from the heart. When it comes to picking out jewelry for your special mom, there is a lot to choose from. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings...the list goes on and on. The best thing to do is to build on what she already owns. Does...

When asked what an engagement ring looks like, most people will probably describe a prong set round brilliant cut diamond. And that is not surprising because the traditional diamond solitaire has become synonymous with engagement. But there is a wide range of other settings you could choose from if you want a more unusual engagement ring. But not all settings suit all sizes and cuts of diamond. So here are your main choices. Bezel Setting This is a beautiful setting which is smooth and comfortable to wear. A stand of precious metal totally encircles and protects the gemstone, giving it an antique yet contemporary look. If necessary, cuts can be made into the metal setting to allow extra light to...

When shopping for a gemstone, diamond fluorescence is a common factor that is often overlooked. It could be that many consumers aren't properly informed of this occurrence. However, it should not be an element that's to be ignored. Let's take a look at this phenomenon and how it can affect your stone. What Is Fluorescence? Fluorescence, also known as photo luminescence, is a characteristic of some diamonds which causes them to glow when exposed to ultraviolet light. This occurs when the boron atoms contained within a stone are stimulated by any source of UV lighting, such as natural daylight and black lights. The amount of glow that a stone emits will depend on the amount of boron atoms it has, and...

Many couples follow tradition when it comes to giving anniversary gifts, and tradition follows that anniversary diamond rings should be given for the sixtieth wedding anniversary. However, there is no rule that states that an anniversary diamond ring cannot be given earlier. With such a wide selection of diamond rings available, it can be difficult to choose the perfect one. One of the most popular styles of diamond rings is the three stone anniversary ring. With this style of ring, there are three diamonds that are individually set and represent the past, present, and future. While this is the most popular setting for the three stone anniversary ring, there are many different styles and settings in...

Solitaire - Classic And Timeless Many people immediately think of the solitaire when they think of an engagement ring. These rings use one single stone on a simple band. The stones can be nearly any size or cut, such as round, princess, trilliant, marquis, pear and heart. However, the most traditional and classic version is a round brilliant diamond on a gold or platinum band. If you want a little more sparkle, consider a wedding band or wrap with diamonds or other gemstones. Solitaires come in a wide range of price points so there's sure to be a ring for any budget. Smaller diamonds that aren't graded or certified by the Gemological Institute of America will be less expensive, but can still have...

Deciding which setting is perfect for your diamond is one of the first and hardest decisions you have to make when buying an engagement ring. This is important because this is the ring that you or your girlfriend will wear for a lifetime. Get it wrong, and it will quickly look dated. When this happens your lady will stop admiring it and eventually stop wearing it on a daily basis. This is a terrible fate to befall any piece of fine jewelry, but especially an engagement ring! So choose carefully! So what are your options? The Solitaire The diamond solitaire because the most popular setting for an engagement ring around the middle of the 1960s, following a high profile campaign by DeBeers. It...

The value of cultured pearls is based on five factors. Cleanliness refers to the skin of the pearl and any imperfections. There may be tiny blisters, irregularities or bumps. Since the pearl was created naturally by a biological animal some imperfections are to be expected. Large irregularities devalue the pearl significantly. If there is only a modest blemish it may be hidden by the setting of the pearl. Or if the pearl is in a necklace or bracelet the drill hole may hide the imperfection. Shapes in pearls comes in three varieties, round, baroque and symmetrical. The rounder, or more spherical, the pearl the more valuable. Symmetrical pearls can be flattened but evenly shaped, think of a button...

Customized, modern wedding rings are today's trend. Couples can choose from many different and nontraditional metals, stone colors and jewel cuts. If you are considering a modern wedding ring, a professional jeweler may have innovative ideas beyond what is shown in their display case. For your first consultation, bring your ideas, preferences and an open mind in order to select the best modern wedding rings. Choosing the Right Metal Yellow gold for wedding rings was the traditional choice. Today's trends for modern wedding rings generally center around the silver colors, with white gold, platinum or even titanium. Titanium is particularly a popular selection for men's rings with its deep gray color...

Victorian Engagement rings are designed in style that reflects what was popular in the later part of the 19th century. The name Victorian derived from Queen Victoria. Today you can buy both antique Victorian rings and modern ones designed in a Victorian style. The Victorian engagement ring most people know as an antique one because of the design and style. These rings are known to be the engagement rings of people who are romantic since during the era of Queen Victoria, she and Prince Albert had a strong romantic love for each other. They are know to be the symbol of true love. Victorian style rings have an alluring design and style. In this kind of ring, not only diamond gemstones can be used...

Most people have heard of the diamond term, cut, but are unclear as to its actual meaning. This term is simply a way to measure a diamond's weight; one carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. The abbreviation use for carat is "ct," which is one unit of diamond weight and the abbreviation used for carat total weight is "ct TW," which is only used for a single piece of jewelry consisting of multiple diamonds. Of course, carat weight can be used as a measurement for colored gemstones but colored gemstones are not equivalent in size to diamonds. This is due to the larger density of gemstones or in other words, the amount of weight in a single space. In regards to a diamond's weight, the term used to...

When you hear the word 'cocktail,' you may think of a party or a certain type of dress. However, there is another use of this term that's making a big comeback in the world of jewelry. First made popular in the 1940s and 1950s, cocktail rings are large oversized rings that feature either clear or colored gemstones. Typically designed as either large cluster or solitaire rings, these bold accessories are making their presence known in a big way. While many of the most commonly spoke about cocktail rings were once designed in diamonds, it's important to note that these popular styles can also feature a rainbow of colors. When it comes down to it, a cocktail ring is any large ring that suits your...

Looking back over the past centuries, it is very evident that jewelry has been a vital part of our society. Beginning with ancient Greece, jewelry has been worn by men and women alike. More recently, during the Georgian period from the early 1700s to the mid 1800s, jewelry designs were predominantly nature themed with flowers, leaves, insects, birds and feathers engraved or carved. Gemstones were favored during this time along with agates, intaglios and cabochon cut stones. Later in the 1800s, during the early Victorian Period, scrollwork, floral sprays and animal themes were the dominant style. These styles were intermingled with multi-colored gold and many pieces of enameled jewelry began during...

Birth month flowers are those flowers that over the centuries have come to represent certain months. Unlike birth stones which are simply single, colored gemstones that correspond to the different months, flowers for one’s birth month can actually be more than one flower and be different colors. Additionally, there are specific meanings attached to birth month flowers. The next time you want to send flowers, remember what month it is then consider selecting a flower that truly expresses your feelings. January’s birth month flowers are either the Carnation or Snowdrop, in either black, dark blue or red. These flowers of the month represent “fascination, love and devotion, consolation...

The traditional engagement ring setting is a round cut, white diamond solitaire probably set into yellow gold or platinum with platinum prongs to make sure the gemstone does not fall out. These days, traditional is not the only way to go and you can choose pretty much whatever you like. So make sure the engagement ring you buy suits the personalities of you both! For example, if you like the idea of a diamond solitaire but think that a round diamond is a bit too conventional, why not choose a baguette, marquise or even a heart shaped diamond instead? They will look stunning and very striking! Or if you want a cluster ring, why not mix and match the diamond cuts within it? For instance you could...

When purchasing any type of gemstone it is important to understand how the price valuation is determined by the color. There are many different and important factors that establish this figure and it is wise to be armed with the knowledge before parting with your money. Gemstones may come in a rainbow of colors, but the jewelry industry uses a universally defined system to grade it. Color accompanies clarity, cut, and carat weight to make up the 4Cs and can greatly affect the aesthetic value of gemstones. Many people mistakenly believe that darker is always better, but what they should be looking for is brightness and vividness. Use the following tips to accurately evaluate the color of gemstones by...

Cut is one of the all-important 4Cs and is used not only to appraise diamonds but gemstones in general as well. Gemstones are often cut with regard to their size alone. But beautifully cut gemstones take their color into consideration as well. If you are shopping for faceted gemstones, one way of determining the excellence of its cut is to check if it is able to reflect light on a consistent level throughout its surface. Look for symmetrical rather than asymmetrical cuts as well. Lastly, be reminded that cut is different from shape. Polish is simply adding the final touches to a gemstone. A well-polished gemstone is one with evenly smooth gloss and with no visible scratches on its surface. What...

Champagne diamonds are fancy colored gemstones which occur naturally in only a few places around the globe. Mined principally in the Argyle mine in Australia, they are light brown or yellow with a touch of brown. Like all Colored Fancies, their hue comes from a range of included impurities. However, unlike other Fancies, Champagnes are Type II colored diamonds. This does not mean that they are not genuine gemstones though! Type I Fancies are gemstones whose color comes from external non-diamond sources, such as included impurities like nitrogen and boron, or natural radiation. Nitrogen is the most common impurity and produces yellow and orange hues. Boron produces fancy Blues. Natural radiation...

Most gemstones are priced according to weight. The exceptions are some carvings and cabochons, which may be sold by the piece rather than by the carat, since the work required to produce them exceeds the cost of the material. But for the vast majority of gemstones, the price is computed on a per carat basis. One gemstone carat is 200 mg, so there are 5 carats in 1 gram. Don't confuse carat, a measure of weight, with karat, a measure of gold purity. The price per carat of different gemstones can vary enormously, literally from $1 a carat to tens of thousands. Many factors influence the price per carat. Here is a brief summary of the factors that determine gem prices: 1. Gem Variety Some rare gemstone...

What is a Ruby? In its simplest terms, a ruby is a red gemstone more officially called aluminum oxide. The name ruby comes from the Latin term ruber meaning red and the redness of the stone comes from the presence of the element chromium. The ruby is one of four precious stones, the other being sapphires, diamonds and emeralds. A ruby is part of the corundum family of gemstones and is also sometimes called a red sapphire. Where are Rubies found? Natural sources for rubies produce the finest examples of the stone; the main areas for mining rubies include Burma (now called Myanmar), Thailand, Cambodia and in smaller quantities Afghanistan. Other sources of rubies include Pakistan, US, Africa, Nepal...

I've seen folks go bankrupt whilst they busied themselves trying to invest hard-earned cash in gemstones in the hope of making a fortune. I hate to sound pessimistic-because I'm always an optimist-but something almost always goes wrong. Don't ask me why, it's just my observation over time and I'm sure a lot of entrepreneurs in the gems industry will attest to that. Unless you have a bottomless bank account the only risk-free way to make money in gemstones is by becoming a broker. As a broker, you neither invest in mining, nor buy gemstones for resale. You simply broker deals and earn lucrative commissions. Nothing makes more sense than that. This article will offer tips on how to become a gemstone...

Myths and legends have always brought more glamour to gemstones. Though mineralogy has a lot to do with the decision of buying jewelery, the mystery that surrounds their stones or metal makes them even more attractive. Let's take for example an alexandrite ring. What can make a woman want such a jewel? The reasons why a woman should have alexandrite rings in her collection of jewels are many and, trying to explain, will be a very interesting journey through time and beliefs. The discovery of the alexandrite is very important for any alexandrite ring owner because, by knowing its history and characteristics, true value can be apreciated. Alexandrite rings with original gemstones are very rare and...

where can I find a plus size ring? Look no further than any web site online that deals with plus size jewelry. There are many different designs that are available for these types of rings. Both men’s and women’s styles of rings are available online. By searching the internet, you will find places that sell plus size rings for both men and women. Everything from wedding bands, to cool looking fantasy rings, they are all here online. With plus size jewelry, you can pretty much find what you want online. There are also stores that sell jewelry for the plus sized person in a physical location that you can go to. What kinds of designs would a wedding ring have? When dealing with plus size...

Bringing a whole new meaning to the natural look, wooden beads have become the latest staple in fashion. The reason why? It's simple, really. Wooden beads are inexpensive and chic. You can still look glamorous without paying an arm and a leg to do so. Not only do these beads add a subtle yet earthy tone to any outfit, but they can be treated and customized in many different ways to provide all sorts of fun and fabulous effects. Wooden beads are ideal for those who like chunky jewelry, because you don't have to worry about the hassle of being weighed down like you would with regular beads. Since they are so light, they make for perfect gifts when made into bracelets, anklets, or necklaces. Extremely...

An engagement ring can range in price from the hundreds to the millions, but the current average price is reported to be between $3,000 and $4,500. When it's time to show your everlasting commitment and enter into holy matrimony, an engagement ring is the perfect way to encapsulate your passion for eternity. It will be a budgeting catastrophe,or it can be a poorly thought out. People who sell diamonds, gold and rings these people like it if you take the average price of an engagement ring and compare it to 2 months worth of a mans income as a starting point and then move up from there. However many young couples should not spend their money on a ring, or on a wedding, Instead they should use that...

Gold belt buckles are luxurious accessories that keep belts tightly in position. As belt buckles are an integral part of clothes for both men and women, there are gold belt buckles of varying sizes, shapes, and designs. These buckles range from the traditional to the contemporary and from the casual to the formal. Generally, gold belt buckles are stylish with simple to complicated designs. Some buckles have a pretty engraving finish and are enameled. Others possess subtle details and elegant lines. The buckles are enhanced with subdued satin or other attractive, shiny finishes. Gold buckles even come with precious or semiprecious stones such as turquoise, diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. There are...