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Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Saturday, April 2nd, 2011
The art of jewelry making involves buying supplies that can cost you such an amount to rival the amount a family of eight will spend on groceries in a month.Realization that you are spending more than your car payment than on your supplies brings you to the conclusion you need to find a better way. In the process of your search to find different places to purchase your supplies you should create a supply list and a budget.
Tips for saving money when you purchase your supplies for making jewelry:
Online purchase will offer you the chance to purchase wholesale at discounted prices through the multiple sites that offer jewelry making supplies. The best savings will happen when you make your purchases in bulk quantity. Use the strategy of keeping track of your inventory for the best results in saving money. Stock up on your jump rings, clasps, or ear wires in bulk for the lowest individual price possible.
When deciding to use online stores, check to see which one offers your jewelry making supplies with free shipping. One of the most popular sites is artbeads.com, simply for the reason of their free shipping with no restrictions on order size.
Another wonderful place to allow the stocking up of jewelry supplies is trade shows. After getting organized you will be able to search for just those specific items in which you are in need. Trade shows can sometimes be slightly overwhelming, so you need to keep focused to avoid over spending. While some trade shows will require a resale number or tax ID for entry, there are also those which are generally open to the wholesale buyers at a different time.
You can also make it a regular event to check local fairs, thrift stores, and antiques shops to find inexpensive jewelry. By taking those items apart you can turn them into your needed supplies in the creation of your design projects.
Jewelry making supplies at a lower price are available for those on a budget can be found at discount craft stores such as Michaels, Hobby Lobby or Joann Fabrics. Those stores will usually make the best starting place for you in the beginning of your venture into jewelry making. Learning the names and brands of the different supplies will make finding the best deals online a much simpler task.
Some of the jewelry making supplies can easily be found in your local hardware supply store. Commonly used wire from the dark-annealed steel wire in a variety of gauges is easily acquired at these locations. Silver wire will add to the cost of your supplies, while the cheaper steel wire will not only be less expensive it can add a unique look to your design.
You might ask yourself if you can accumulate supplies without spending a fortune. Yes, it is possible if you know where to look. Old jewelry boxes can be filled with countless treasures waiting to be reborn.
Purchasing your supplies is not the only way of acquiring them, recycled materials and found objects are perfect examples of wonderful supplies. Even screws, bottle caps, washers, or unused buttons make for unique touches at a very low cost. You may also need ultrasonic cleaners, bergeon tools and renata batteries and those can now be bought online.
Tags: Bergeon Tools, Carat Scales, Electronic Scales, Gold Scales, Renata Batteries, ultrasonic cleaners Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Saturday, April 2nd, 2011
All those people who are interested in the amazing world of handmade jewelry designing will have to consider purchasing the jewelry making equipments and tools required for making quality jewelry.
At the same time, it is quite difficult for the jewelry artist just starting out to select the right tools and equipments.
Many people dream of purchasing all the gizmo that they see in the stores. However, that is an impossible thing to do because everyone’s budget is limited.
On the other hand, with the right tools trained people can easily create quality handmade jewelry.
In the following paragraphs one can get information related to these fascinating tools. It will provide some basic information related to how to start this type of thing and also about investments that are needed.
There are many pre-made kits for beginners that are manufactured by jewelry making companies. These kits generally contain the basic gadgets. But it also includes other tools that are not needed immediately. Another disadvantage is that one cannot add other jewelry equipments that may be needed more. Those who want an affordable option would be better off by purchasing each item separately. It can be more economical to shop around.
For purchasing the jewelry supplies and jewelry making tools one of the best options is to visit the jewelry supply store Rio Grande.
Following are some of the examples related to jewelry making tools for beginners that can be purchased. The information has been also divided into various processes used in jewelry making from using metal-clay, beading to metalsmithing.
All those who are interested in metalsmith will greatly benefit with the following information that relates to the jewelry-making equipment for beginners.
For checking out individual suppliers website one needs to click on the pictures.
A jewelry apprentice kit is offered by the jewelry supply company Rio Grande for $1375.00.
For $240.00 a basic kit for jewelry making is offered by Otto Frei.
For $216.75 a basic kit for jewelry making is offered by Contenti.
Before deciding on a particular kit it is important to conduct some research. It is a good idea to purchase an inexpensive starter kit initially and then add separate tools later on.
Earlier there were some jewelry kits that could be purchased for as little as $80.00 with all the required basic tools. It allowed the person to start the basic jewelry making process. It also used to have some coppers for practicing.
The following basic list will provide a simple beginning to those who are interested in starting their first collection of jewelry making tools.
Sawing
Copper that allows practicing
It is must to have safety glasses
Wax of bees (one can also manage with a wax candle)
Saw blades – one can find different size sets
Saw frame of jeweler
Soldering
Solder: easy, medium and hard
Torch
Tweezers that resist heat
Sparker
Pickle and pickle pot �” from a thrift shop one can use a crock pot
Surface that is fire resistant �” charcoal brick, pad or firebrick
Copper Tongs
Brushes for flux
Flux
Anti-Flux
Hammering down another expensive option
Utility mallet �” plastic or rawhide
Hammers:
- Dead blow
- Cross Peen
- Chasing
- Ball Peen
Anvil or bench block
Hammer kits are also sold by jewelry making equipment and supply companies. One will realize immediately that the kits help in getting started with the basic jewelry making process.
Bezel Setting
Painter tape (provides protection to the stone while it is being set)
Dental Floss (When bezel is being tested, the stones are prevented from getting the stock)
Burnisher
Bezel Pusher
Finishing
Flex shaft (requires a big investment indeed)
Flex shaft kits are also sold by jewelry supply companies. Money can be saved by purchasing it at the time of sale offered by some company.
Polishing cloth
Tooth brush
Brass brush
Files of different sizes
For affordable option one should keep abreast of news about any jeweler retiring or going out of business. One can also purchase some good quality jewelry-making equipments from e-Bay or Craig’s list. At the same time, consumers should be careful about where they purchase their tools and equipments. Nowadays, one can also purchase Gold Scales, Carat Scales, Ultrasonic Cleaners and Electronic scales online.
Tags: Bergeon Tools, Carat Scales, Electronic Scales, Gold Scales, Renata Batteries, ultrasonic cleaners Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Thursday, March 3rd, 2011
Each January, the entertainment community and film fans around the world turn their attention to the Academy Awards. With hundreds of million of movie lovers tune in to watch the glamorous ceremony and learn who will receive the highest honors in filmmaking—no doubt actors and actresses are put on with so much pressure. Actors and actresses put on their top notched outfits and accessories ready for the red carpet.
During the awards night, it’s as if diamonds are the main theme for these hot celebrities when it comes to accessories.
Celebrities such as:
Oscar Host, Anne Hathaway wore her vintage Valentino Haute Couture taffeta gown with a pair of 10 carat diamond earrings, a 5 carat antique style asscher cut diamond ring, and a 94 carat diamond necklace worth $10 million. WOW! check her here
Nicole Kidman wore a stunning 150-carat Fred Leighton diamond necklace that drapes down her back! check her here
Mandy Moore with her gorgeous glitter dress and a matching pretty cluster diamond earrings. Check her here
American sweetheart and last year’s Best Actress Oscar winner Sandra Bullock looked remarkable. She paired a scarlet red Vera Wang gown with a set of fine understated diamond studs and two diamond bangles. check her here
Tags: anne hathaway, mandy moore, nicole kidman, sandra bullock Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Thursday, January 27th, 2011
There are many ways to clean jewelry. Household items can be used for your average discerning owner, while those with their own personal Gold Scales and Carat Scales can obtain more prominent things, such as Ultrasonic Cleaners. The method used depends on the jewelry and the jewelry owner.
Ultrasonic Cleaners are the most effective method without getting out a set of Bergeon Tools. The technology behind the ultrasonic cleaner is really quite simple when it is diluted down. They can work with or without a cleaning agent, although using a cleaning agent will encourage the process. These machines are little more than a box that produces an electrical current. It creates vacuums and refractions, electricity and plasma, but for the average consumer the main thing to know is that it gets very hot inside.
Temperatures can reach up to 5,000c in specific spots and bubbles are created. Millions of little bubbles are what actually do the cleaning. When the bubbles hit the object, they clean it by knocking off the dirt, removing it entirely. It is a very effective and relatively quick way to clean jewelry.
If a person just wants a simple, cost effective way to clean their jewelry than there are plenty of options for that as well. If a person does not care about carat scales and cleaning gadgets, there are plenty of things around the house to use instead. Toothpaste, alcohol and salt can all be used to effectively clean and shine jewelry.
Put a moderate amount of toothpaste onto the jewelry that needs a clean or shine and proceed to scrub it thoroughly with an old toothbrush. The bubbles will quickly begin to darken from the dirt that is being removed and when the scrubbing is finished simply rinse it off with plenty of water and it should look much better. For hard gemstones such as diamonds a person could soak it in alcohol for one or two minutes and then scrub it well, soak it again for two minutes and finally dry it off. Another option is to take a bowl and line it with aluminum foil then fills it with warm water. Add some salt and a splash of liquid dish soap; once you place the jewelry in the water on top of the salt, the natural chemical reaction will begin to clean it.
With a variety of ways to clean jewelry there should be no reason why it cannot be done. A person should use whatever method they are most comfortable with that fits their price range. In addition, it is important to note the hardness of the gemstone.
Tags: Bergeon Tools, Carat Scales, Electronic Scales, Gold Scales, Renata Batteries, ultrasonic cleaners Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Monday, January 24th, 2011
Every business wants to make a profit and in the jewelry business, your profit can be increased with the use of gold scales. Through accurately weighing your gold to a thousandth of a gram, you will add small amounts to each and every purchase, making a significant difference at the end of every month.
When weighing gemstones or precious metals, it is important to accurately weigh them. This is because although gemstones may be equal in size, this does not automatically mean that they will be equal in weight. This is because of the different density of different gemstones, with the range being significantly different depending on the type of gem.
When choosing scales, it is important to decide initially upon the type of material that you will be weighing. Carat scales give results in carats (0.02 grams) whilst gold scales display grams. It is possible to do the calculation manually if you wish to transfer a gram weight to carats or vice versa, although a simpler alternative is to purchase electronic scales, which give results in both carats and grams.
Available in both desktop and portable versions, scales are an essential item for any jewelers. Although it may almost insignificant to get weight results, which are in the 0.02 range, when dealing with gemstones or gold, this in fact can mean a significant difference in price. As a result, although electronic scales are expensive, in the end they will save you far more than the initial outlay price.
Obviously it is essential that your scales are in full working order at all times. As a result, the battery of choice is that of Renata batteries. These are very long lasting and rather than simply fading, giving you inaccurate results, they simply expire.
In addition to gold scales, all reputable jewelers require a variety of tools. Although there are a range of cheap imitation items in the market today, Bergeon tools are of a superior quality and are considered the ultimate brand for jeweler tools. As part of their range, Bergeon tools sell scales, precision screwdriver sets as well as spring bar tools, to name but a few of their products.
When working with gemstones and precious metals, there is a need for ultrasonic cleaners. These work through a vibration system, which means that they are effective on the cleaning process but do not harm your precious gems or metals. Ultrasonic cleaners come in a variety of sizes and corresponding prices. The smaller size holds around two to three quarts, with a price range of approximately $ 250 – 375, whilst the larger size, which accommodates approximately one to two gallons, may have a price range of a little over $ 1,000.
Overall, gold scales are the answer to many jewelers’ problems, offering a chance for you to increase your profits whilst continuing to be fair and honest with your customer. Although the initial outlay may seem large, in fact, these scales are an investment for the future and all too sure you will not only have covered your costs but be making a regular and significant profit.
Tags: Bergeon Tools, Carat Scales, Electronic Scales, Gold Scales, Renata Batteries, ultrasonic cleaners Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010
When you hear the word Personal steam machines, images of dark wooded saunas or Sharper Image-esque humidifiers are often the first things that come to mind. However, steam machines are an important tool among the jewelry cleaning equipment stockpile.
Steam machines for jewelry have the same basic function as steam machines in saunas, but the application of these machines is drastically different. While saunas clean through a slow, steady, and sweaty process, jewelry steam machines are like pressure washes for your gems.
A professional jewelry cleaner will place the piece of jewelry onto a tray or hold it between a pair of rubber tongs and direct a pressurized stream of steam over the piece. The steam will blast away any dirt or grime clinging to the surface and able to flush out stubborn sediments inside crevices and corners.
Although the steam is hard enough to lift the foreign contaminants from your jewelry, it is gentle enough not to damage it. A jeweler will be able to adjust the settings and calibrate the machine for each specific piece so that nothing will get damaged – not your great aunt’s antique brooch or your brand new engagement ring.
No matter what the piece, whether its value lies in its sentimentality or its monetary amount, a thorough personal steam machine cleaning will bring you gems back to life and make them sparkle anew as if they had just come back from an invigorating day at a sauna-filled spa.
Tags: jewelry cleaning equipment, jewelry supplies, personal steam machine, Personal steam machines and polishers, steam machines Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010
Dirt, dust, oil, grease, and pigments from all kinds of sources are the enemies of your sparkling jewels and gems. These agents of grime can sneak up on an unsuspecting piece of jewelry and imbed themselves deep within cracks, bumps, scrapes, nooks, and settings and go unnoticed until it’s too late, and a dull sheen coats your once glossy prize. All is not lost, however; ultrasonic cleaners can power through the dirt and release your precious jewelry from the grips of grime to restore them to their original luster.
Ultrasonic cleaners, part of the super team of jewelry cleaning supplies, base their arsenal of cleaning powers on high frequency sound waves. The sound waves, normally ranging from 20-400 kHz, agitate the water or solution in the container and cause bubbles, which seek out and separate the grime from the piece of jewelry.
The two most important parts of this jewelry cleaning process are the liquid used and the frequency of the sound waves. Although simple tap water can be used for the needed liquid, it is not the best choice and often is not able to get deep down into grooves and joints to bust up the foreign contaminants. Jewelry Cleaning Solutions specially designed to be used by ultrasonic cleaners are tough enough to lift sticky sediments from your precious jewels while are gentle enough not to damage the polished pieces. The different frequencies create slightly different results, and can be altered to handle a slightly dull gem in a fragile setting more delicately or power through the years of dust on a family heirloom.
When used with the best solutions at the most effective frequencies, ultrasonic cleaners can bring your jewels, gems, and precious metals back to their sparkling origins. No matter how the sullying powers of dirt and grease have crept up on your jewelry or where they’ve infiltrated, ultrasonic cleaners will blast the forces of grime away while keeping your jewels safe for years to come.
Tags: jewelry cleaning, jewelry cleaning supplies, ultrasonic cleaners Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 16th, 2010
One of the most important appeals of jewelry is the way a glittering sapphire or a glint of silver catches the light and plays with it, creating dazzling colors and fascinating patterns. The playful twinkle of gold hoop earrings and potent flash of class rings catches eyes and creates intrigue on multiple levels. However the more a favorite piece of jewelry is worn, the faster the metal dulls and stone setting weakens from body oils, soap residue, scratches, bumps and bangs, and other various elements of daily life. The best way to restore the original intensity of jewelry is to treat it with the utmost care, and invest in professional jewelry cleaning equipment.
Professional Personal steam machines and polishers are calibrated to clean the jewelry thoroughly without damaging the piece, which increases both the luster and the life of precious metals and stones. You can either purchase a personal steam machine from a professional jewelry wholesale dealer or have your jewelry cleaned or polished from a professional jeweler.
A professional jeweler is trained to handle each piece as a distinctive item; no matter how “generic” it may seem. Each stone and each setting is different, and jewelers are trained to recognize these unique features and adapt their jewelry cleaning processes and techniques to best suit the piece. A skilled professional jeweler is also able to identify possible defects in or damage done to the piece, and can adjust the process accordingly and suggest possible repairs to extend jewelry’s lifetime and boost its brilliance.
Professional personal steam machine equipment is not simply an investment in the sparkle of a diamond ring, the glow of a pearl necklace, the shine of a gold watch, or the flash of platinum cufflinks, but it’s an investment in the value and pleasure these items can bring over many years and many generations. Keep jewelry clean and maintained by consulting professional jewelry cleaners and using professional jewelry cleaning equipment.
Tags: jewelry cleaning, jewelry cleaning equipment, jewelry wholesale, personal steam machine, Personal steam machines and polishers, professional jewelry cleaning Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Friday, July 30th, 2010
 Innovative designs, attractive prices elevate silver
Silver pieces such as Daniel Gibbings’ “African Warrior Shield Ring” in pure silver with 18-karat yellow gold shank, hand-carved detail and brown zircon center stone, were go-to pieces in Las Vegas. Suggested retail price is $1,452. (877) 565-1284 or DanielGibbingsJewelry.com
As a perusal of the showcases at Las Vegas Market Week made evident, precious metals prices hold an unrelenting influence over design trends, with silver providing an affordable ying to gold’s pricier yang.
While gold is the go-to metal for small, stacking rings and delicate pendant necklaces, designers use silver to go bold, both in terms of size and metalworking techniques.
Even jewelers once skittish about silver are now striding into the category with confidence, as consumers demand friendlier price-point pieces that are high in both quality and value. Heeding the call, designers have been keen to create silver designs that their brand names can proudly stand behind-and, that can help offer margin-making opportunities to retail customers.
To view our full spread of silver jewelry, click here.
Design trends
Silver’s entry-level price points are not just an attraction for consumers. At press time, the metal was trading at $18.25 per ounce as compared to gold at $1,162 per ounce, providing designers with the chance to experiment-an opportunity they are grabbing with aplomb. The silver designs of the moment are big and bold, and come in all shapes and forms, from smooth, sculptural designs to highly textured styles, hammered, etched and oxidized. For luxe, higher-end offerings, look for pieces studded with diamonds, especially versions featuring colorless stones set against oxidized silver, a major trend at the moment. For wallet-friendly options with character, look to designs accented with colored gemstones. The market is currently brimming with new, colorful looks.
Margin matters
The Silver Promotion Service (SPS) has been putting the emphasis on silver as the “metal with margin,” a tag line that is proving true, at least according to two National Jeweler surveys. More jewelry retailers (46 percent) said that their margins increased on sterling silver jewelry as compared to any other jewelry category, according to the results of National Jeweler’s exclusive Post-Holiday 2009 survey. Meanwhile, according to National Jeweler’s exclusive Profit Margins Survey, sterling silver jewelry topped more than 30 categories as the leading margin-maker for retail jewelers.
Marketing moves
The SPS, the marketing arm of the Silver Institute, has been busy over the last year bringing attention to silver jewelry. The service has expanded its Web site, SavorSilver.com, to include new designers, silver products and services, and has also amped up its presence at trade shows, including the recent Couture and JCK shows in Las Vegas. In addition, SPS has partnered with National Jeweler to launch a monthly e-newsletter, “Silver Jewelry News.” SPS also continues to remind jewelers that, just like gold and platinum, silver is one of the noble metals, SPS Director Michael Barlerin said during an informational seminar at JCK Las Vegas.
Source: National Jewelry Network
Tags: african warrior shield ring, diamond, gold, JCK, jewelry, las vegas market, ring, silver Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Monday, July 26th, 2010
Residual inventory from the bankruptcy of multimedia retailer Gems TV (USA) Ltd. will be available beginning next week at the JA New York Summer Show, National Jeweler has learned.
Yogesh Madhavani, chief executive officer of SimplexDiam, said that his company beat out four other bidders in a closed auction for 10,000 pieces of Gems TV inventory. The inventory is a mix of gold and diamond and/or colored gemstone pieces as well as silver pieces set with gemstones and a number of watches. Wholesale prices for the pieces range between $20 and $1,000.
Facing financial struggles, Reno, Nev.-based on-air retailer Gems TV (USA) Ltd., which sold mainly colored gemstone jewelry via its 24/7 home shopping network, filed for bankruptcy in April and went off the air shortly thereafter. Since that time, its Singapore-based parent company Gems TV Holdings Ltd. has successfully acquired a 32 percent stake in Gems TV’s one-time rival, Knoxville, Tenn.-based Jewelry Television.
Madhavani said the Gems TV inventory consists of fashion forward pieces of good quality, with many offering “bigger looks.”
“It’s unlike some other inventories that are more traditional,” he said.
SimplexDiam will exhibit at Booth #2340. JA New York will take place July 25 through July 28 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.
Source: National Jeweler Network
Tags: gems, Gems TV, jeweler, jewelry, new york, SimplexDiam Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
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I bought your steamer and it is fantastic. My diamonds look like they should be back in the showcase. Thanks for selling me a great product. Sincerely, Penny Carter. read more ... |
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