May 16

“Cats are possessed of a shy, retiring nature, cajoling, haughty, and capricious, difficult to fathom. They reveal themselves only to certain favored individuals, and are repelled by the faintest suggestion of insult or even by the most trifling deception.” - Pierre Loti

Ah, where to start? Cats are among the most celebrated creatures of literature. They’re domesticated and at the same time wild, loved and at the same time hated. They stand for stealth and mystery, the power of silence and secrets. And cat jewelry is a testament to that power.

Even before Halle Berry popularized the Catwoman, and before the sleek, sassy villainess ever graced the pages of DC comics, cats were being worshipped all over the world. The way the cat moves, the easy grace and mysterious stillness fuels the imagination and fires up the senses. Bast, the ancient Egyptian cat-goddess, was a wild goddess who was generous in good humor, and ferocious in ill. To kill a cat in ancient Egypt was to call down the wrath of Bast, and was not only considered an act of evil, but a crime against the gods.

To compare a person to a cat is to give credit to his/her capricious, languid, underhanded nature. Cats will only do as they desire, not as they are told. Loyalty is something they only bestow, not give out of a sense of obligation. At the same time they are affectionate to those whom they have chosen, work with reasons they may not disclose to anyone, and perform incredible tasks with absolute secrecy. Sending a person — especially a woman — cat jewelry as a gift would serve as a tribute to these special traits. Wearing cat jewelry would aid in fostering an image of mystery and an instinct for the refined.

The endearing nature of cats has been immortalized not only in classical literature (”The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe, and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” by Tennessee Williams, to name two of many) but also in modern literature, like TV shows and comic strips. We have Garfield and Heathcliff on our Sunday papers, and Top Cat and the Thundercats in our (all right, kind of outdated) Saturday morning cartoon lineups. Cats have been preserved in so many artistic forms — why can’t jewelry be among them?

Cat jewelry might be popular among children, especially little girls who love kittens and probably raise cats of their own. Young women may also appreciate the extraordinary sleekness of the feline motif, and feel especially sexy wearing something so in tune with their sensual nature.

Apr 28

Celtic Jewelry possesses an irresistible charm and appeal to men and women of all ethnicities. Created in all shapes and sizes, Celtic Jewelry makes a lovely gift for anyone that likes jewelry.

Celtic knots add a particularly interesting flavor to any Celtic jewelry piece. The intricate designs create truly fashionable and timeless pieces. Celtic knots have come to be known as symbols that represent eternity, and some versions of the Celtic knot represent the holy trinity. Likewise, depending on the wearer, there are some Celtic knots that represent the maiden, mother, and crone aspect of the triple Goddess, and some people believe that the Celtic knot is a representation that symbolizes the power of reincarnation.

Alternatively, some Celtic Jewelry is created with special jewels included in the piece. Each jewel represents a specific month of the year. For instance, January is represented with the garnet, February is represented with the amethyst, March by the aquamarine, April is signified by the carnelian, May is represented by the emerald or the Jade, June by the Ruby or Pearl, August is typically signified by using peridots, September is denoted with Amber, October is marked with opals or Lapis, November is marked with citrine, and finally December is noted by the use of Turquoise or Topaz. Conversely, not all stones used in Celtic pieces represent months and it is not uncommon to find Celtic fashion wear that has hematite, sapphires, tiger eyes and other gemstones included.

Rings, earrings, ear cuffs, necklaces, watches, headpieces and more can be purchased - all that possess some sort of Celtic design. Wedding rings are particularly gorgeous and even diamond engagement rings with Celtic knots can be purchased from special designers. Celtic knot cuff links are also particularly beautiful and they add the perfect touch to any suit or tuxedo. Dangle earrings, bracelets - both for wrists and ankles, and even toe rings are created with various Celtic designs.

Spirals are another common Celtic symbol and any type of jewelry can easily have a spiral inscribed on its surface. Spiral brooches and pins make splendid stocking stuffers at Christmas, and if you want to spice up a little girl’s Easter basket offerings, a pair of spiral earrings adds a lovely touch. Likewise, Celtic dragons and dolphins can also be purchased from designers who specialize in Celtic art and jewelry design. In fact, you can even purchase a harp brooch with a Celtic knot border or you can also opt to for the traditional Celtic Cross pendant.

Triquetra cuff rings are particularly popular among jewelry lovers as are Triquetra necklaces. As a matter of fact, one can easily purchase jewelry that is marked with the different Celtic astrological symbols. Without a doubt, when it comes to jewelry and Celtic designs there is something to suit everyone’s tastes and preferences and all products can be ordered from online jewelry designers.

Apr 21

The mysterious and the mystical have always had the power to hold human beings in thrall throughout the millennia. Celtic jewelry is no exception to this, since they are an extension and a reminder of the traditions and rituals of the Celts, an ancient European people. Today, men and women of all ages wear Celtic jewelry not only for their beauty, but also for their symbolism and metaphysical connotations.

Also popularly — though inaccurately — known as Claddagh jewelry, Celtic designs are appreciated for their intricacy and beauty. Numerous patterns of Celtic origin, such as the spiral and the cross, are used by jewelers in their creations. The Celtic spiral symbolizes eternity and is used abundantly in many Celtic jewelry items today. Just as popular is the Celtic cross, which pre-dates the Christian cross by about two centuries. The Celtic cross is thought to bring greater knowledge, understanding and the fortitude to deal with trials and adversities, as compared to the Christian cross, which is believed to protect the wearer from harm.

Claddagh rings and bracelets are two more examples of popular Celtic jewelry items that are replete with symbolism. Rings that have the Celtic knot design symbolize eternal and undying love; this is why they are exchanged by the bride and groom in present day wedding ceremonies – to signify their fidelity and never-ending commitment to each other. Such rings and bracelets are also given to friends as an indication of loyalty.

Necklaces and pendants are likewise integral parts of a Celtic jewelry collection. Depending on the wearer’s preferences, the pendant may depict the image of Celtic figures such as the ever-popular knot, spiral, Celtic cross, serpent or dragon. Such symbols have deep spiritual and religious meaning, and it is one of the main reasons why Celtic jewelry items are popular dress accessories today.

A person does not have to be Irish or Scottish or to have any other Celtic connection in order to appreciate Celtic jewelry. Whether given as gifts or maintained as personal keepsakes, these unique pieces can be enjoyed just for their beauty alone. But a little awareness of their meaning, as well as their place in history and tradition add to their air of enigma and allure.

Apr 16

Celtic jewelry like the Celts themselves has a rich history and a proud tradition. Immensely beautiful with intricate Celtic symbols and delicate designs, Celtic cross jewelry, Celtic knot jewelry, and beautiful Claddaugh rings have been admired and desired for thousands of years.

Celtic Cross Jewelry

One of the most enduring, and coveted “gifts” of Celtic culture is jewelry featuring the Celtic Cross. According to Irish legend, St. Patrick created the first Celtic cross by drawing a circle over a Latin cross.

For an Irish Catholic, the circle in the Celtic cross may be a symbol of eternity and the endlessness of God’s love. It can even represent a halo emanating from Christ.

Some say the four “arms” of the Celtic Cross represent the elements (fire, earth, air, and water). Others believe the cross denotes the four directions of the compass, and still others feel it is a representation of human existence - mind, body, soul and heart.

Celtic Knots

The most distinguishing characteristic of Celtic knots is their intricate patterns and design…and the debate as to the meaning of those designs. While it is unquestionable that many of the ancient designs had some significance, those meanings changed from tribe to tribe and location to location.

Many believe that the intricate looping in knots was a way to keep out evil spirits. It is also generally accepted that the looping Celtic knot design denotes eternity and interconnectedness. Still, there is no definitive guide as to the meaning of Celtic knots which, adds, perhaps to their mystery and appeal.

Claddagh Rings

Named for the town of Claddagh near Galway in which they are said to have originated, Claddagh rings are beloved Celtic symbols of Irish culture and sentiment. Unlike other Celtic symbols, the meaning behind the Claddagh ring is well-documented. The Claddagh design has a heart (symbolizing love) topped by a crown (symbolizing loyalty) held in two hands (signifying friendship). The phrase that is usually associated with the giving of a Claddagh ring is “Let love and friendship reign.”

It’s not surprise that the Claddagh is a popular marriage band. In Celtic times, it was worn on the right hand with the heart turned outward to show that the wearer is unattached or with the heart turned inward to show he/she was “spoken for.” If the Claddagh ring is worn on the left hand with the heart turned inward, it shows that two loves have been joined in marriage.

Celtic Then and Now

At one time, Celtic people could be found throughout Eastern and Central Europe, as well as in the British Isles, where the earliest examples of Celtic jewelry originate. The emergence of the powerful Roman Empire encroached on the lifestyle, traditions, and homeland of the Celts who were forced to move to abandon their homes and relocate in remote areas in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Cornwall in southern England.

Despite their hardships at the hands of the Romans, Celts endured, thrived…and continued to produce Celtic jewelry. The tradition has remained strong for centuries. Irish Celtic jewelry and Scottish Celtic jewelry have enjoyed a huge resurgence in their homelands and with “ex-pats” around the world, as people seek to rediscover and celebrate their cultural traditions.

Apr 12

intage or antique jewelry is worth a lot of money in most cases and it can get really expensive trying to acquire a collection. Actually with a little research and effort you can find antique jewelry wholesale just like any other product if you are willing to invest a little time.

The majority of the population would probably tell you to look on eBay or other online auction sites but the fact of the matter is that these really aren’t good sources for finding antique jewelry wholesale because the sellers at the sites usually know the value of what they are offering up for sale. There are other ways to find vintage jewelry at or even below wholesale so let’s take a look.

One very easy no cost way of finding antique jewelry wholesale is checking your local paper for garage sales, estate sales, and even divorce sales. In a lot of cases these people may have items that they don’t know the value of and your chances of finding something are great. It is very possible for you to pick up items worth thousands just buy rummaging through sales like these on a weekend.

When you are trying to pick up jewelry in this way don’t study the items too hard, you don’t want to give the hint to the owner that it may be worth a lot of money. The best thing to do is kind of glance over the items. Don’t feel bad about getting a good deal or feel like you are taking advantage of someone. If it was truly important to them they would have taken the time to have the item appraised. If all they want for something you are looking at is a quarter, give it to them and get out of there before the look of surprise and joy on your face gives it away!

Looking for jewelry in this way is a lot of fun, almost like being on a treasure hunt. You never know what you will find on these weekend excursions. I have found very valuable items in this way. I once found a vintage cedar hope chest worth hundreds of dollars that I paid $30 for! You can also give eBay a try, just bear in mind there thousands and thousands of other people doing the same thing!

Try misspellings to lessen the competition and have a better chance at getting the jewelry you are looking for at the lowest price possible.

Apr 10

If you are considering making jewelry to make a little bit of money on the side, you’ll definitely want to think about buying wholesale jewelry supplies. Buying wholesale will allow you to buy the supplies that you need at drastically discounted prices so that when you sell the jewelry at retail prices you will make more off of each piece. If you do not buy wholesale supplies you might find that the cost of your product has to be very high to simply make back what you have spent to produce the finished product.

One of the best things to do is look at buying your jewelry supplies in bulk. Even stores that do not offer wholesale rates will typically sell supplies at wholesale cost when you buy in bulk. Whether you are dealing with stores online or in a shop in your own town it’s just important that you know what you are getting in your bulk orders. Many wholesale vendors can be a bit vague about the quality of items that you are getting in the bulk order. If you are just getting started in the jewelry business you may want to deal with local people so that you can establish good working relationships with these people.

Buying online is a great way to get your wholesale jewelry supplies. While you may need to be very clear about what you want and need, you can get some great deals on auction sites such as Ebay as well as independent jewelry websites. If you are not sure about the quality or quantity of a specific item, do not be afraid to ask for specific information relating to the product. If the vendor cannot provide all of the information you need, you may be better off buying the supplies locally where you know the quality of the items because you can see them. Buying online helps most jewelers make more money on their finished product because you can buy your supplies for deeply discounted rates. If you have worked with an online vendor before and you know that they will deliver exactly as promised, then you should definitely go for the best deals as it can save you a lot of time and money.

Visiting wholesale jewelry shows is a great way to stock up on some of the things that you use regularly. You’ll often find that there are shows in your area a few times a year so that you can buy all the things that you believe you will use regularly at great prices. Not only will you be able to buy the items cheaply, you won’t have to pay for shipping or anything of the sort, which will allow you to make even more on each piece of jewelry that you create!

Wholesale jewelry supplies really are the way to go whether you create jewelry just for friends and family or whether you’d like to start selling the jewelry you create as a full time business. Buying at retail prices is something that you may need to do from time to time, but if you can avoid spending so much on each piece, why not? As you become more experienced at the wholesale jewelry business you’ll find that you can find wholesale prices almost anywhere if you are willing to buy in big numbers. While you always want to use quality products, there is a way to get almost any product for cheaper than it is currently being offered, which allows you to earn more on every piece of jewelry that you create! Who wouldn’t want to earn more on each piece?

Even if you don’t plan to sell any of the jewelry that you make, you can benefit from wholesale prices. If you simply like to make yourself jewelry to go with each outfit that you own, you can do it a lot cheaper if you buy wholesale. Remember that wholesale prices can be found online in big or small quantities, so don’t be afraid to look for better prices, regardless of what you are making jewelry for. Wholesale jewelry can help you create beautiful jewelry for yourself or for your family and friends as well as if you decide you want to start selling it for much cheaper, but the same product. With the money you save you can make several more pieces to wear, to give as gifts, or even sell!

Mar 31

Although it also applies to traditional brick and mortar jewelry retail stores, the surge of e-commerce through the advancing internet infrastructure and a significant decrease in overhead costs enable many entrepreneurs to start their own businesses online. Combined with the exponentially increasing number of web users, online retail has become an attractive opportunity for people who want something for their own.

The online retail sales grossed about $110 billion in 2005 and jewelry category accounted for 5% of the total. Other major categories include books, apparel, computer related, electronics and drugs. The reason why jewelry is particularly attractive to a lot of entrepreneurs is that the startup capital could be small and the logistics is easy to control. The reason is that the spectrum of jewelry range from costume jewelry to silver jewelry to diamond luxury items, which offers a flexible startup capital requirement. Also, due to the nature of jewelry, it does not require a large storage space in the beginning and is relatively easily to package and ship.

For someone who is already convinced that jewelry store is a feasible online business, the next question would obviously be where to get the merchandize. To answer this question, we have to state the characteristics that one should look for when selecting a vendor. I know some of you are thinking “prices”. Sure, different vendors have different prices for similar items, is the one with the lowest prices odd to be the one we should work with?

Granted, your vendor’s pricing is crucial to the success of your business, this is all about money after all. Nonetheless, in order to be competitive in the market, there are many other facts you might want to get from a wholesaler before any decision is made.

Firstly, especially in jewelry and apparel industry, the vendor has to have the sense to the changing fashion trends. New styles come out every day and popular styles are changing every season, it makes a huge difference between your vendor selling styles that were hot last summer rather than styles that just got exposed in a French fashion show. You should do your own research, of course, but a vendor with the good connections and senses propels your business and saves you a lot of time.

Secondly, if you decide to carry some unique styles that can rarely be found anywhere else, do make sure you get them from a vendor who guarantees the availability of the stock. By doing this, you can maximize your effort for processing each item. Typical pre-processing of an item are photo-taking, editing, copywriting and data entry. If the vendor runs out of stock for most of the items you purchased, and not being able to perform back-ordering, the effort for maintaining the inventory will be dramatically increased.

Also, the reputation for a vendor is very important. The authenticity of goods is vital to building a successfully business. Ask for reference if possible and get multiple of them for the same vendor. Selling counterfeit or fake jewelry not only will harm your business, it is illegal. Watch out for fake gemstones such as diamonds and sapphires, treated gemstones for enhancing colors, incorrect purity of metals such as 14k, 18k gold and 925 silver not having the amount of metal as claimed.

Finally, like any business relationships, vendors with good customer services can help your business in many ways. For instance, custom jewelry manufacturing, resizing and repairing are typically services that a jewelry wholesaler might provide.

Mar 26

Body jewelry and body piercing practices have been observed by various groups of people all over the world throughout the centuries. For some tribes it is a rite of passage, for others it is an indicator of social status. For many, body jewelry is used to enhance personal beauty and as devices to rise above the rest of the pack. Today’s celebrities have been at the forefront in making body jewelry much more mainstream and acceptable – even desirable.

“What’s a little pain if it’ll make me look hip” seems to be the prevalent thought among the young and the old who are turning out in increasing numbers to participate in the body jewelry trend. Not so long ago, only punk rockers and those with ‘bad boy’ images, such as former NBA star Dennis Rodman, were seen sporting body piercings in mainstream media. Today, body jewelry is endorsed by pop celebrities with mass followings, including Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Fiona Apple and Lenny Kravitz. Britney Spears has an extensive collection of navel rings, and Christina Aguilera is said to wear the most interesting body jewelry in areas that are covered by her clothing.

Some celebrities with an otherwise ‘serious’ image are nevertheless fans of body art. Actress Camryn Manheim of the television drama ‘The Firm’ sports multiple earrings on the cartilage of one ear. Gillian Anderson, who played the cynical and skeptical FBI agent Dana Scully in the television series ‘The X Files,’ has a pierced belly button. Performers with tongue piercings include former Spice Girl Melanie Brown (Scary Spice) and dancer Jimmy Gulzar, while supermodels Christy Turlington and James King are proud of their piercings. Some sports celebrities also wear body jewelry, including WWE wrestlers A-Train and Billy Gunn, as well as football player Ricky Williams.

Body jewelry has also been used throughout the ages to enhance sensation, and by extension, sexuality and sexual performance. Genital and nipple piercing in both men and women, while not as widespread as nose, ear, tongue, navel and eyebrow piercing, still has its own following. Singer Janet Jackson has stated on the Oprah Winfrey talk show that she likes the sensation that her pierced nipples give her. Other celebrities with pierced nipples include rock musicians Axl Rose and Tommy Lee, Icelandic singer Bjork and rapper Lil Kim. Pop princess Britney Spears likewise has a pierced nipple.

Celebrities, whether they like it or not, are oftentimes looked up to as role models and the influence they wield over their fans is considerable. Fans emulate their idols’ preferences: from clothing, mannerism, even to the wearing of body jewelry. More and more, they are playing a leading role not only in the direction of today’s fashion trends but also in the shaping of modern pop culture.

Mar 20

Since ancient times body jewelry has been a part of the culture and heritage of different religions. It has been known to be an essential part of the clothing and appearance of the people in many regions of the world. At different parts of time through the centuries it was also used to signify the class demarcations prevalent in society at that point of time.

However in recent times it has acquired a new dimension. Body jewelry has never been in such high demand. The human body is not merely a body, it is a piece of art which has its own innate beauty and body jewelry is the perfect way to enhance the beauty of your body. Not only can you decorate your body with it, but you can also use it to bring into focus certain parts of your body or to enhance the beauty of certain parts.

Body jewelry items are usually for particular places on the human body. These more common places for body jewelry include the nose, eyebrow, nipple, ear lobes and naval, along with ear plugs (both curved and straight barbells). As fashion trends keep changing, the various parts where you can use body jewelry and the manner in which you can use it also keeps changing.

Nose body jewelry comes either in the classic captive circular barbell, or in the form of a nose screw. The nose screw can either be jeweled or plain, depending upon your preference. Eyebrow body jewelry is similar to that of the nose, in the sense that the eyebrow body jewelry also has the small captive barbell. This is now being made with a dangling, sparkling charm to hang from the upper most part of your eyebrow barbell. The eyebrow body jewelry can be either curved or straight with a charm of any style or color dangling from the top.

Nipple and naval body jewelry is one of the more popular types of body jewelry, it is especially popular amongst the youth or the more adventurous in spirit. Nipple body jewelry includes the nipple barbells and the nipple shields. Naval body jewelry designs are also endless.

Whatever kind of body jewelry you use or wear it is important to keep some pointers in mind. Such as what kind of material is that specific body jewelry made off, is your skin allergic to it and is the piercing for the body jewelry done in a sterile and antiseptic environment.

This kind of jewelry is available for almost every conceivable part of your body. There are endless styles, designs, colors and textures in which body jewelry is made. What ever your budget, whether it is low end or high end; body jewelry is available in every range to suit your pocket as well as your tastes.

Body jewelry is not merely a decorative fixture; it is also a personal style statement. You can use it to bring attention or to take away attention from a specific part of your body. It is quite in vogue these days and has been in existence since time immemorial. If you have the attitude and the panache you can carry of any kind of body jewelry.

Mar 16

Piercing has been practiced in many cultures for many centuries. Body piercing was often identified with royalty and portrayed courage and virility. Egyptian pharaohs pierced their navels as a rite of passage. Roman soldiers pierced their nipples to show their manhood. Piercings aren’t just done to ears. People have their nipples, navels, eyebrows, clitoris hoods, penises, labia, and other body parts pierced, and bits of metal permanently in the piercings. Some even say that nipple piercing can cause problems with nursing because there are many milk ducts in an average nipple, so the chances are good that nursing can still happen, but nothing is certain

Here are the average times for healing from body piercings.

Piercing Location - Average Healing Time

Nipple - 3 to 6 months -

Eyebrow - 6 to 8 weeks -

Nostril - 2 to 4 months -

Nasal septum - 6 to 8 months -

Nasal bridge - 8 to 10 weeks -

Tongue - 4 weeks -

Lip - 2 to 3 months -

Navel - 4 months to 1 year -

Female genitalia - 4 to 10 weeks -

Male genitalia - 4 weeks to 6 months -

Cheek - 4 to 5 months -

Is this what you really want?

Non Piercing Nipple Jewelry and body jewelry is your alternative. All the pleasure and none of the pain. All of pleasure and no healing periods. And of course, none of the pain and discomfort associated with body piercing.

Non-piercing nipple jewelry and nipple rings give you that “stand at attention” appearance that no one can resist. Turn heads and gain confidence with a sexier look. Today, everyone seems to be “showing” and it is very sexy and attractive. You will look great from under your most sheer top or lingerie! Everyone will come back for yet another look!

Are you in the alternate lifestyle or into fetish jewelry? Non piercing body jewelry is a prefect accessory. You can be as discreet as you want or let everyone know you are fun and like to show off!

An example of non-piercing nipple jewelry is Nipple-Charms.com http://www.nipple-charms.com. They are an online retailer has all flavors of non piercing nipple jewelry and jewelry for existing piercings.

Nipple-Charms.com has been review by Fetish Engine (fetishengine.com) and their EDITORS REVIEW reads: “A site with bunches of non-piercing body jewelry. They even tell you about the effect the jewelry has on your different body parts. An easy to navigate site. They have also been reviewed by Jane’s Sex Guide and was reviewed “Quality and Original.”