Home Made Foundry

The Do It Yourself movement is certainly not a new one. The term, DIY was popularized in the 1950s but the concept has been around for ages. The concept behind DIY is undertaking a variety of projects either home improvement, restoration, or arts and craft without the help of paid professionals.

Recently the DIY movement has received a boost of popularity with the aid of the internet. Many are finding that DIY projects are easier to undertake with the help of instructional websites which provide step by step instructions and real advice from people who have actually accomplished the DIY process. Several of these sites provide ideas, photos, message boards, and a sense of community for Do It Yourselfers that was simply not available years ago.

Do It Yourself projects really have no boundaries and can be anything your mind can create. Certainly the most common projects include home improvement such as cabinetry or installing plumbing fixtures, but one of the oldest DIY projects has to be metal casting.

Metal casters everywhere have been doing their own metal casting at home since metal casting was created years ago. Metal Casting is so basic in the fact that you melt the metal and turn it into another shape of your choice. Metal casting has been used in the ancient world for the use of making weapons, jewelry, and even religious icons. Today, DIY metal casting is used to create parts and items for use in a variety of hobbies and restoration projects. This includes home improvement items as well. Metal casting can be used to make door knobs, cabinet handles, and other such items. For the DIYers out there a lot of smaller parts for models or miniatures of larger parts can be created. Even artists use metal casting for sculptures and jewelry creation.

Metal casting possesses the true spirit of Do It Yourself. Many metal casters are drawn to the skill because it provides a cheap alternative to purchasing items or having commercial foundries make custom items. Nearly everything used in metal casting can be made by the caster. The furnace, molds, tools, and many others are made by most casters.

Like other DIY projects, the DIY casting movement is being helped along my communities that are found online. These communities act as meeting grounds for casters to share and exchange knowledge and ideas, not to mention blueprints for furnaces and ingredients for casting materials.

Metal casting is the pinnacle of DIY projects as it involves the fabrication of items from metal. After creating a mold of the desired item the caster will melt down iron, brass, or aluminum in a furnace. The molten alloy is poured into the mold and allowed to cool. The cast is removed to reveal a copy of the original pattern. There are several casting methods so undertaking a DIY casting project can be very involved and addicting.

In the spirit of DIY, metal casters strive to make the best for the least. A great source for aluminum is soda cans and many casters gladly travel to scrap yards for iron or brass.

The DIY casting movement is really gaining steam as many realize how cheap and fun this alternative is.

Metal Casting Zone is the place to be for your one stop shop for a community about Metal Casting. Come by today and join the site for free and you get a free Metal Casting Basics EBook just for signing up! Come by MetalCastingZone.Com Today for your free Ebook on Metal Casting.

Tags: Backyard Foundry, Home Foundry, Home Made Foundry, Home Metal Casting

What else is a stunning as the shimmer and sparkle of well cut diamonds? No matter what your attire, from jeans to formal evening wear, a diamond tennis bracelet completes your ensemble. Nothing says elegance and style like diamonds. Nothing quite adds to a look quite as much as a diamond tennis bracelet.

Diamond tennis bracelets come in a variety of settings: marquis, emerald-cut, pear-shaped, round or square. When you’re buying a diamond tennis bracelet, be sure to select a style that fits your tastes. Note that the wrist size is an important factor. For a small wrist, choose a bracelet in a delicate setting. For a larger wrist, perhaps an carat emerald-cut setting is best. Balance is key to selecting the right tennis bracelet.

Another aspect of choosing a diamond tennis bracelet is how well it will coordinate with your earrings, pendants, necklaces and rings. If you want the focus on your diamond tennis bracelet, choose additional pieces of jewelry that flatter and accent the sparkle and beauty of the graceful addition to your wrist.

Your diamond tennis bracelet should speak a language all its own when coordinated with your clothes. A little black dress looks great when paired with a diamond tennis bracelet. Add diamond studs to your ears and heads will turn.

Tennis bracelets were originally worn as an accent for a sporty fashion statement. Wearing a tennis bracelet with sportswear can take your look to a whole new level. It shows everyone that you are as relaxed in jeans as you are in diamonds.

White gold diamond tennis bracelets make wonderful gifts for those who mean most to you. As a graduation gift, it’s a momento of a milestone in your grad’s young life. Diamond jewelry is a traditional tenth anniversary present. A diamond tennis bracelet is perfect for this. A diamond tennis bracelet for a tenth anniversary symbolizes love and commitment in the same that an engagement ring does.

Diamonds can make a great investment for the future because they hold their value. A well-chosen carat-weight for your diamond tennis bracelet is a great investment.

Though tennis bracelets are worn mainly by women, many men like the class a tennis bracelet can add. The designs for men reflect a more masculine fashion statement. Imagine your man’s face when he receives a diamond tennis bracelet to accent his wardrobe? A chain link design can work great for many men. For a unique idea, choose matching design for his and her.

Tags: diamond, fashion, gold, Jewelry, silver, tennis bracelet

How to Pick Your Bridal Jewelry Set

If you are shopping for a bridal jewelry set you are going to want to make sure that you choose just the right piece for your wedding day which is one of the most important days in your life. It can be hard to decide on a single bridal jewelry set but if you know what the right things are for you to do here, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Jewelry holds a true special place in the celebration of a marriage, and is used to symbolize your love for each other…and of course it makes you into the beautiful bride that you want to be.

When it comes to your jewelry, you can get anything from a tiara or necklace to earrings and a bracelet. Or maybe you want a bridal jewelry set that includes all of these, it is really up to you and your own personal preference.

Try Some On

If you want to find the right bridal jewelry set for yourself, the best way to go about it is to try some on. Sure you can see some here and there that you may think look pretty, but unless you try them on yourself and see how they look against your skin tone and with your dress, you are really not going to be able to make the best decision here.

Any respectable jeweler will allow you to try different jewelry pieces on, including bridal hair jewelry, so that you can see how you like them.

Get Opinions 

You should always bring someone with you when you are trying on something like bridal hair jewelry, so that you can get opinions other than your own. Bring your best friends or even your groom along for his point of view…just don’t let him see you in the dress!

You can even make a real event of it and get all your bridesmaids in on it with you. These days, you can even have people see the jewelry as you are trying it on without them even being there, what with cell phones and digital cameras. So even if you have some members of the wedding party or friends who can’t actually go with you while you are trying to find that special jewelry, you can do it this way.

Your jewelry is going to play a major role on the way you look on your wedding day, and no bride is complete without jewelry.

Tags: bracelet, bridal hair jewelry, Bridal jewelry set, bridesmaids, wedding day

People can project a higher social class with luxury watches. A luxury watch is very much like a house or car in that so many people compete for them and always want the best one. Most wealthy people own at least one high end, luxury watch. They can run from 1000 dollars to about 20000 dollars. There are even watches costing six figures that many celebrities have been known to wear to special performances, awards, or sometimes even just out for a night on the town.

Luxury watches have been around since the mid 1900's. Ever since there has been people making a lot of money and people that consider themselves upper class society, there has been extravagant watches. The Platinum World Time watch made in 1939 sold for a little over four million dollars, which was quite the amount back then. The 1953 Model 2523 Heures Universelles sold for almost three million dollars and was 18 carat gold. Now the most popular brands include Cartier, Rolex, Guicci, Movado and Omega. Anytime you see a red carpet event there are sure to be tons of these accessories on most people's wrist.
All these watches are made with only the best metals. Gold, silver, and platinum are all popular metal choices.

You have to really be wary of fake or replica watches with the huge hype in recent years of luxury watches and so many people wanting them. Most normal people would not be able to tell the difference in real vs. replica. Because of this, many people purchase the replica watches they see on celebrities. For a much cheaper price, you can get a very similiar look. When shopping for a real, authentic watch it is best to go to reputable jeweler or jewelry store. Many people never realize that they are buying a replica watch and will get ripped off of thousands and thousands of dollars.

Because they are easy to imitate, replica watches have become quite noticeable. They are not as large as a house or car, so many common people feel like a nice expensive, even if not authentic watch would make a great way to keep up with the rich and famous while actually saving some money.
Always be sure to research your choice first as high end watch scams have been at a high the past few years.

Tags: breitling, cartier, chronograph, luxury, omega, rolex, watch, watches

The Best Places to Shop for Handmade Bridal Jewelry

It can be hard to get a grip on anything for your wedding because there are so many different decisions and you already have enough on your mind so it can definitely be difficult.

If you want handmade bridal jewelry for your wedding, which is not uncommon because it is so genuine and unique when compared to the jewelry that most brides wear, there are a few jewelers in particular that you are going to want to check out.

Blue Heron

For the most gorgeous handmade bridal jewelry, you will want to visit the Blue Heron site. They even feature handmade bridal jewelry that is diamond bridal jewelry, which is really quite extravagant.

From classic pearls to sparkling crystals, precious metals to fine gems, they have the perfect jewelry that will add that finishing touch to your special day, your wedding day.

The artist is Emily Palm, and with over a decade of experience originating in the time honored trade of ship building, she has that kind of eye for detail that is necessary for something like jewelry to be crafted so beautifully because she has such an attention to detail.

The marriage of wood and silver, of gemstones and gold, is made real in her skilled hands and you know that you can always find the perfect handmade bridal jewelry piece when you shop here.

Fresh Collections

The Fresh Collections Company is another great option if you are looking for handmade bridal jewelry. They are an independent jewelry design boutique and on their site you can browse their handmade jewelry, beaded jewelry and bridal jewelry collections. Their selection is always being updated with new, modernized jewelry so you can always check back and find new pieces.

Each of their piece is completely handmade and originates from a visual inspired by a beautiful gemstone, complimentary color combinations and exotic travel destinations or whatever other element provokes their creativity.

No matter if you have certain preferences for your jewelry, certain colors that you would like to work with or a certain style that you want to go for, you will be able to find it here.

There are so many tremendous options out there when it comes to bridal jewelry, so you should definitely take some time to see what is out there and find the perfect pieces to finish off your beautiful outfit and make you that blushing bride that you imagined of being your whole life since you were a little girl.

Tags: Blue Heron, diamond bridal jewelry, Handmade bridal jewelry

The roaring 20’s saw the birth of costume jewelry in the United States. Fabulous Fakes is a term used for Antique American Costume Jewelry. It is generally fashioned of sterling silver, gold plated metals, colorful glass stone as well as stunning rhinestones. Many designers such as Miriam Haskell began producing their lines of jewelry styles near the mid-twenties. Meanwhile during the 20’s and 30’s, many immigrants from Europe began producing their own lines of superb jewelry styles in places such as New York, Chicago and Providence, Rhode Island.

In the 1940’s Hollywood celebrities began wearing costume jewelry in films as well as in their everyday lives, this helped increase the popularity of this type of jewelry. Joseff of Hollywood is one of the most well know designers of such items, while other popular designers include, Nettie Rosenstein, Eisenberg Originals, Hattie Carnegie as well as Napier and Ciner. The most difficult to find are pieces that date from the 1930’s and into the mid-fifties. While the most desirable of all, are pieces that are signed by the designer or bear hallmarks as they are the most valuable to possess.

Today collecting vintage costume jewelry is very trendy and popular. It is possible for various antique pieces to sell for more than a few thousand dollars. One of the boldest of fashion statements is wearing classic costume jewelry. Today you will find that many celebrities enjoy wearing their favorite costume jewelry, such as Demi Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Diane Keaton, Nicolette Sheridan and of course, Madonna. With all those bright, bold and vibrant colors on a larger than life scale, who can blame them for showing off their antique costume jewelry? Vintage pieces are extremely stunning and original owing to their thoughtful craftsmanship.

Costume Jewelry Collector Tips

While searching for precious antique pieces, you should keep these tips in mind, since they can be difficult to fix, make sure the pin clasps function properly and avoid pieces that are turning green. You should also avoid pieces that are missing their stones, since they are not easily replaceable. Some of the best places to look for vintage costume jewelry include flea markets and antique fairs and garage sales, since they generally turn up some very interesting pieces at good prices, sometimes even unbelievable deals. Another interesting place to find great deals on such pieces include rummaging through church bazaars, since you may be able to find jewelry that has been packed away by someone’s dear old aunt or grandmother.

You can build your own memorable family heirlooms by purchasing discount costume jewelry. Besides you can build your own personal collection of breathtaking modern pieces, and possibly have in your collection something as desirable and valuable as those sought by collectors of antique pieces today. For instance, if its affordable it would be beneficial to you to purchase several pieces from designers such as, Prada and Armani, especially considering their couture collections. Especially since these pieces are genuinely original and made only in very small quantities.

Tags: antique american costume jewelry, costume jewelry, costume jewelry collector tips, unique costume jewelry

Fashion jewelry began as a form of jewelry that was pasted onto various dramatically decorative theater costumes, which was called costume jewelry and even paste jewelry. However, as the years past, an assortment of materials were utilized for fashioning some very unique and stunning jewelry pieces. Some of the various metals useful for making fashion jewelry included nickel, pewter, brass and lead. Sterling silver, silver and gold may be electroplated over other metals such as copper or brass, offering the appearance of more valuable pieces, while being inexpensive. Other types of materials for fashion jewelry may include, wood, Lucite, rhinestones, or simulated gemstones, semi-precious stones as well as various crystals and lab created gemstones.

Since jewelry that is fashionable for celebrities, is the most often sought by the general public, many jewelry designers are regularly creating less expensive fashion jewelry that are similar in appearance to that of the designer jewelry worn by the celebrities. This means that even though the majority may not be able to afford such luxurious designer brand jewelry types, they may find their designer replicas to be more wallet friendly. For instance, take a look into the pages of many popular fashion magazines today, and you will find an assortment in showcases for both clothes and jewelry that are similar in appearance to the more expensive designs within budget of the everyday individual.

The best thing about fashion jewelry is that you can easily buy a lot more pieces of jewelry to compliment all your attire, because it is so inexpensive. Besides when you buy fashion jewelry, there is no need to fret over buying insurance, as with expensive designer jewelry. It is easily located nationwide in various department and discount stores and outlets. While you are always sure to find just the right designs and styles that are dazzling to compare with designer jewelry, for a fraction of the price, when you shop online for your fashion jewelry.

Properly Caring for Your Fashion Jewelry

To enjoy the long life of your fashion jewelry, even if it is less expensive, you will need to care for it properly, to ensure its appearance of newness and striking beauty. You can extend the lifetime of your fashion jewelry by never getting it wet. Keeping it nice and dry, means taking it off for bathing or swimming, since moisture can cause its colors to turn or even rust. Actually, it is best not to wear your fashion jewelry continuously, rather you should wear it occasionally and then take it off, because the acidity of our body can cause color changes in fashion jewelry. Remember, it will stay beautiful longer by taking care of it properly.

Leaving it on for extended periods of time can cause fashion jewelry to change colors due to the acidity of our bodies. Fashion jewelry is beautiful, less costly, and can last a surprisingly long time provided that it is cared for properly.

Tags: caring for fashion jewelry, Fashion Jewelry, fashionable jewelry, Jewelry, less expensive fashion jewelry

Since the beginning of time, humans have made use of creating ornamental jewelry for their personal adornment. In fact recently, there have been located Nassaruis shell beads, that date back as far as one hundred thousand years. That is a very long time when you consider the manufacturing of functional and decorative jewelry. However, historically many jewelry items were first created as a means of fastening ones clothing, the display of wealth and status in society as well as for creating storage units for coins and other trinkets in jewelry boxes. With a bit of research, you will find that various cultures have their own cherished wealthy possessions of precious metals and gemstones. Long ago, wedding dowries included such treasures as the family jewels for a daughter about to be married.

The Early Age of Jewelry

The Cro-Magnons were some of the first jewelry makers, approximately 40,000 years ago. The graves of Cro-Magnons, were commonly found with jewelry made from anything from mother-of-pearl, to stones, bones, teeth and mammoth tusks. Bracelets and necklaces were strung onto pieces of string or animal sinew. They held their clothing together with carved bones. Around 7,000 years ago, copper appeared on the scene of jewelry making.

Some of the most well-known jewelry makers were the ancient Egyptians, who began incorporating gold into their jewelry, which was one of their most favorite metals to work with, approximately 3,000 to 5,000 years ago. Although, the ancient Egyptians had an abundance of precious gemstones to work with, they often preferred to use colorful pieces of glass in their jewelry. They had some very impressive formulas for creating the desired color glass, since various colors were important and significant for fashionable jewelry of that time. For example, the color red symbolized the need of Isis for blood, while green represented new growth and fertility in crops. Most often Egyptian jewelry workshops were attached to their temples and palaces.

Ancient Greece was the birthplace of several types of fashion jewelry worn today, such as the cameos fashioned by Greek jewelry makers. Most often ancient Greek women wore jewelry for commemorating the special occasions of their lives as well as for any appearances in public. They were especially fond of precious metals, such as gold, silver and bronze, while they enjoyed the stunning appearance of pearls, emeralds and amethyst as well as other interesting gemstones. Jewelry then was most often given as gifts, while showing off their social status of wealth as well as for the beauty. Later they incorporated the use of clay and ivory into their jewelry ensembles. Most often their jewelry held special religious symbols, while other styles offered the comfort of lending the owner mystic powers and protection.

Meanwhile, the ancient Romans added their own special flair of creative artistry into jewelry making styles, such as the ever popular brooch. However, their pinning creation was born of the need for securely fastening their clothing. The ancient Romans were very fond of imported goods and made beautiful use of such gemstones as diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and amber. Although the majority of Roman men wore one ring upon a finger, however, there were some who wore more, their women usually wore many more pieces of jewelry than they. Rings of that time were often carved of beautiful gemstones, and utilized for sealing documents with an engraved wax seal, as was customary during the middle ages by kings and noblemen alike.

Considering that our ancient ancestors had a lot to do with the constantly evolving world of jewelry making, we owe them a great debt of thankfulness, for their inspirational means of fashioning functional and ornamental jewelry styles of various gold and stunning gemstones.

Tags: ancient jewelry, Fashion Jewelry, Jewelry, jewelry styles

cut diamonds

With all of the potential for scams concerning white diamonds, buying diamonds online almost seems unthinkable! However, you actually can purchase diamonds online, without any problems – as long as you are careful.

Instead of making a purchase from a local jewelry store, you must first rethink your reasons for wanting to buy the diamond online. The most common reason is price. Due to low overhead costs, online jewelers and wholesalers are able to offer lower prices. However, you must be careful – sometimes a price that is too low is a sure indication of a scam.

One of the best things about purchasing online is the unlimited selection. When shopping offline, you are limited to the selection in the stores in your general area. There are no limits online. But again, you must use a great deal of care and consideration before handing your money over to someone that you cannot see and have never met!

Learn as much as you possibly can about diamonds before deciding to buy. When you are knowledgeable about diamonds, it will be harder for a con artist to rip you off. Once you know more about diamonds, you will be ready to start shopping.

Take your time. Don’t purchase the first diamond that you see that interests you. Instead, look for similar diamonds on sale. Finding the lowest prices would have to be done while doing some comparison shopping. Once you have found the lowest price, start doing your investigation. You know about synthetic diamonds, you’ve found a diamond that you love, and you’ve found the lowest price – but you are still quite a ways away from actually purchasing that diamond!

Ask about the seller’s credentials, such as professional jewelry associations that they belong to. View and print the seller’s return, refund, and upgrade policies. Also inquire about additional services, such as settings and mountings, sizing, and free shipping. Do a search for customer reviews on this particular company around the Internet. The BBB Online is a great source to verify if there have been any complaints.

Independent laboratories such as HRD, GIA, AGS, and EGL are great sources when asking for a diamond report. You should see this before making a purchase. Finally, use a reputable escrow service for high dollar diamonds – preferably one that will have the diamond appraised while it is in their possession. The seller sends the diamond to the escrow service, and you send the money to pay for the diamond to the escrow service. The escrow service has the diamond appraised, sends the diamond to you, and sends the money to the seller. This is the surest way to protect yourself…again, make sure that you use a reputable escrow service!

Tags: blue diamonds, cut diamonds, loose diamonds, man made diamonds, synthetic diamonds, white diamonds

The advent of beads in jewelry-making has brought about nothing short of a revolution. No fashionable trinket is complete these days without some beads stitched on. To satisfy the growing demand, beads come in a range of colors, sizes, shapes, and motifs.

If you are thinking of making your own beaded jewelry and are wondering where to start, here is a guide to some of today’s most popular types of beads: 

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  • Seed beads: Tiny beads capable of producing a detailed and fine design.
  • Metal beads: Sterling silver, gold, platinum or bronze-plated beads are best for lending a metallic shimmer to bead jewelry. Brass and nickel beads can also add brilliance to any jewelry item. If you want to try something wild, experiment with pewter bead ornaments which mainly display animal, skull and flower motifs.
  • Cut beads: They are bigger sized beads, which can only be sewed on using a sinew.
  • Crow or pony: Similar to seed beads, but larger in size.
  • Charlotte: Opaque, round, true-cut beads with fewer facets. They are extremely rare in the market.
  • Bugle beads: Small tubular beads, used for a variety of decorations.
  • Plastic beads: Inexpensive alternatives to glass beads.
  • Glass and crystal beads: Crystal beads lend more dazzle and sparkle to your jewelry than any other beads, and crystal beads are highly cherished. The major name in this segment, boasting the finest cut and purity, is Swarovski crystal beads. A Swarovski crystal can be a good facelift for any traditional jewelry. But if you don’t mind compromising on quality you can go for glass crystals, which are less expensive. Both glass crystal beads come in a spectrum of colors like turquoise, pink, cobalt, black, green etc.
  • Bone beads: Meant for fashion lovers with ethnic and tribal tastes. These beads are made from bones of mammals and birds etc to reflect a tribal affinity.
  • Clay beads: Though called clay beads, they are not solely made from clay. Clay beads originate from a combination of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a color pigment and a product that gives it a plastic-like texture. Bead jewelry made of clay beads reflects a special earth tone, which is best suited for summer or fall designs. Moreover, clay beads are usually not in the hefty prices category and are affordable to the general crowd.

Given such variety, are you surprised that beads have become the most innovative forms of expression for a whole bunch of creative souls?

Tags: beaded, beaded jewelry, beads, crafts, fashion, Jewelry, shopping