COSTUME JEWELRY / FASHION JEWELRY

The USA and many parts of the world over the last several years have been struggling with sluggish economy's and with that people have been turning to alternatives for their jewelry desires.


One way they have done this is to start purchasing alternatives such as silver instead of gold or platinum.  Another is materials such as  tungsten, titanium or stainless steel jewelry as well as wood, leather, plastics, etc.


There also has been a resurgence of purchasing costume jewelry / fashion jewelry in recent years.


Costume jewelry also called fashion jewelry came about in the 1930's as a way to inexpensively complement a particular fashionable garment or outfit.  It was originally meant to be an inexpensive, disposable accessory and not meant to be handed down from generation to generation.  Inexpensive jewelry has existed throughout the centuries but it's popularity came about in the 19th century.


Costume jewelry went though different periods such as Art Deco, Retro and Art Modern.  Many famous designers made it further popular in the mid-20th century.  Designers such as Coco Chanel, Napier, Trifari, Dior, Monet, Sarah Coventry, Kenneth Jay Lane and others.  


Hollywood further helped popularize costume jewelry as the female stars of the movies wore and endorsed many of the pieces produced by these famous designers.


Costume jewelry has changed throughout the years.  It was originally made with materials such as   pewter, nickel or brass with rhinestones simulated gems, lucite and other materials.  Now in modern costume jewelry they are using materials such as CZ, high end crystals, simulated diamonds and even semi-precious gemstones.  They still may use metals that include pewter, nickel or brass with silver, gold and even rhodium plating.


Costume / Fashion jewelry definitely allows the consumer a choice to have very fashionable jewelry for a much more affordable price but yet allows much versatility to match to many garments, outfits or occasions.  


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JANUARY BIRTHSTONE - GARNET

As we end one year and move into the first new month of the new year we start off fresh with a new months birthstone. January babies enjoy the gemstone Garnet for their birth month.

Garnets are available in many colors but red seems to be the most popular. Other colors such as violet, lavender, green and other reds or golden hues are available. Garnet occurs in every color except blue. Choose a color you like and enjoy wearing it everyday of the year for years to come.

Garnet was given it's name by either the Greeks or English. The Greek word "Punica granatum" from the red seeds of the pomegranate or possibly from the Middle English word "gernet" (dark red). Garnet has several species and varieties each with their own names.

Garnet folklore through out history has had a supposed magical side to it. It has been said that it protects the wearer from negative energy or intentions. It has also been used to protect against poisons, toxins and help inflammation of the heart as well as blood circulation. Garnets have also been a valuable source in protecting friendships, preventing nightmares and to help prevent depression. People have worn it to build self confidence, help with success in business and also for love.

This beautiful gemstone is also associated with the birth signs of Capricorn and Aquarius as well as in numerology with the number 2.

Please take a moment to visit our website for some gift ideas for the month of January.
http://www.equallycommitted.com/

A SPECIAL HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL CELEBRATION JANUARY BIRTHDAYS!

There's Still Time to Find the Perfect Valentine's Day Gift!

Are you feeling the pressure to get just the right gift for Valentine's Day and feel that you are running out of time? Look no further...we have a wonderful selection of jewelry to choose from. Check out our Top 10 Gift Ideas and enjoy FREE Shipping on all orders within the U.S.


Top 10 Gift Ideas

14 Carat White Gold Studs Starting at $285

"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies" – Aristotle
There are, in all our lives, moments and occasions of such paramount significance that they defy our ability to adequately express, in words, the amount of love we profess for our partner.

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Holiday Savings & FREE Shipping

Just in time for the holidays! Check out the latest from Equally Committed, including some great deals on jewelry, FREE shipping and our top 10 gift ideas for the special people in your life.

Hurry, these deals won't last long!

View Details and share with your friends.

Jewelry in Bad Economic Times

Over the years it's been ingrained in our minds the old adage that when one wants to purchase an engagement ring one should spend up to two months' salary. Personally I think this is very interesting when this idea came from the jewelry industry. Since this would be like the drug or vitamin companies giving results from their own studies and expecting you buy the product.

Unfortunately a statement like this does not give a real concern about you personally as a customer or your personal finances regardless of what they are. Especially in not so good economic times like we are in now.

Fortunately the current economic time has created a lot of affordable buys in the market place for all types of goods, including jewelry. It has created options for all income levels to take advantage, including you. Whether or not you are shopping for engagement rings or any other kind of jewelry you should be able to find something that will fit your, or anyone's budget.

We are going to explore some of the options from engagement rings to earrings. A few things we must keep in mind when searching for our purchases. There are many factors you can utilize in getting a better price:

• The material or metals used. For example, 10K, 14K, 18K gold or some type of alternative.


• You can also work with the quality of the gemstones for instance in a diamonds case, clarity, color, cut and carat weight.

By working with the different options you can obtain results that just might please you and best of all no one knows but you and your jeweler.

I have selected three choices that offer great value at a good price. All selections are gold and diamond jewelry.

The first selection is an engagement ring:

14k White Gold Preset Solitaire Engagement Ring With 0.50 Carat Excellent Cut Round Shaped Diamond Having HI Color and SI Clarity.
Retail Price $1879.50 -
Sale Price $895.00

A second selection was earrings with freshwater cultured pearls and diamonds:

Freshwater Cultured Pearl And Diamond Earring with diamond color HI and Clarity SI1-SI2.
Retail Price $205.02 -
Sale Price $85.00

And my final selection is a pair of diamond stud earrings:

14K White Gold Diamond Stud Earrings With 0.50 Ct. Total Weight Having HI Color and SI Clarity.
Retail Price $871.50 -
Sale Price $415.00

All choices had in common 14k white gold, diamond clarity in the SI1-SI2 range and diamond color in the HI range. All offer a great product for a great price and very affordable even in bad economic times.

Please check out our Product Knowledge Center sponsored by Jewelers of America (JA).
http://www.equallycommitted.com/ja-education.html

Regards,
Richard A. Nehls
http://www.equallycommitted.com/

Affording Jewelry In Tough Times

Well yes - we are back to that same subject of purchasing jewelry in a bad economy.

Can it be done - of course. Now a days almost everything is selling at lower prices. Even those fancy upscale places that claim they don't discount or have sales. Look closely they have ways of lowering the price even if they are not having an official sale. They give discounts by using your credit card or other means.

Jewelry has been around from ancient times and it is not going anywhere. People still need to purchase jewelry items for engagements, weddings, birthdays and special holidays. There will always be a need for jewelry. Budgets may be tighter and we may cut back on our list of giving but we will still be giving - so why not give jewelry.

Do your research and you will find great deals out there on jewelry items. Shop the stores and the Internet. Compare items. Look at alternative metals, different types of gemstones and check the quality. Many times you can find items of great quality and not necessarily made by a very famous designer that may commend higher prices.

There are many choices at very affordable prices these days.

Happy Shopping and go for the jewelry!

Richard

www.equallycommitted.com

In Todays Economy Can We Still Afford to Purchase Jewelry for Gifts?

Absolutely - keep in mind as prices go up and our budgets get tighter we can still afford jewelry to give that special gift to that special someone. No matter what the economy brings we still have to purchase those birthday gifts, anniversary gifts, wedding gifts, etc.

When shopping keep in mind that there are plenty of alternatives to gold and diamonds.

Now a days many jewelers are offering silver jewelry set with diamonds and other gemstones to help offset the high cost of gold. The jewelry is very beautiful and will last a long, long time.

Also many jewelers are carrying alternative metals such as titanium, tungsten as well as stainless steel. These also offer great choices to the consumer in a very affordable price range.

If you do your research you can find so many great choices in jewelry and still receive an affordable gift of good quality.

Jewelry makes a great gift for everyone! Happy shopping!

Feel free to send me your thoughts, ideas and suggestions for future topics of discussion.

Richard
www.equallycommitted.com