Why Are Sterling Silver Curb Chains So Popular?

lement Sterling Silver, Ladies', P3076B, Black Cubic Zirconia Teardrop Pendant on 46cm 

Diamond Cut Curb Chain 

By Robert Edwards

Sterling silver curb chains have been an extremely popular style for many years. There are several good, solid reasons for this popularity. They are attractive and fashionable, they are available in a huge variety of styles and they are a strong basic chain.

Many chains are as thick as they are wide. Curb chains are more wide than thick, so they lie flat on the wearer. This design is a modified cable chain. Both are simple link in link chains. Curb chains are flattened, so the links nest inside each other.

A simple sterling silver cable chain can be placed between two pieces of leather and lightly hammered with a rawhide mallet to flatten it into a basic curb chain. There are many variations on the basic style, of course. These popular sterling silver chains are made in a good range of sizes less starting at less than 1mm wide to heavy styles more than 10mm wide. Women usually opt for the finer chains; the classic man's style is a big, bold silver curb chain.

Another reason this style is so popular is because jewelers use it as a component part. Most ID bracelets are made with this type of chain; it is also popular for key rings and is often used as a component in watch chains, eyeglass holders and ID tag holders.

Traditionally this design is made with round wire links. Round wire curbs have a very smooth and fluid appearance. Many men like large sized filed curb chains -- the top surfaces of the round wire are filed flat and polished. This style is sometimes called diamond cut or Cuban link chain. The links can also be elongated or stretched into longer, oval shapes for a completely different look.

A common twist of this style is the Figaro chain. This attractive and very popular design features long and short links in a set pattern -- the most common type is 3 short links, then one long link in a repeating pattern. Similar designs can be one short and one long in an alternating pattern, or five short links followed by one long link. Another very popular variation of the basic curb is the Mariner or Marina chain. This style has a bar across the center of the oval links dividing them into two halves; other than the shapes of the links or long/short pattern these styles are made just like the classic curb design.

It can be difficult to find a gift for men, but an attractive sterling silver chain is always a welcome surprise! The average man wears an 8 to 8 ½ inch long bracelet, and a big man may need up to an inch more. Most men prefer chains that are at least 5mm wide and wear neck chains between 22 inches and 28 inches long, but this really depends on personal taste.

Jewelry is one of those little luxuries we just do not want to go without. Everyone likes to look good, and a bit of sparkle adds a nice accent. In tight economic times we all need to get the best value we can when we spend our money, and right now sterling silver chains are a smart buy for the amount of money spent. When compared to the cost of other precious metal jewelry, sterling jewelry is still reasonably priced. Silver chains can be worn for many years, and can even be passed down to the next generation. Sterling silver jewelry always has value, even if it is broken. If a silver chain is broken, it can usually be repaired. Some things just never go out of style, and the curb will always be a popular choice when it comes to choosing a new silver chain!

Robert Edwards is a jewelry designer and metalsmith in New York City with more than 30 years of experience in the jewelry trade. He is the webmaster of a very popular silver jewelry site that features 50 silver chains custom made by the inch. Visit the  White gold Neckwear Gallery to find a bracelet or necklace with a perfect fit!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Edwards

http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Are-Sterling-Silver-Curb-Chains-So-Popular?&id=2193530  

Hints and Tips About Wearing Jewellery

Revoni 9ct White Gold 18 in. Chain & 5/16 in. (8mm) tall Teeny Heart Pendant, w/ 0.16 Carat Baguette & Brilliant Cut Diamonds

  

By Joan Booth


Topics Covered -
What Gemstone for My Colouring?
To Match or To Contrast?
What Length Chain?
What Style of Earring Will Suit Me?
How Much Jewellery Should I Wear?


What Gemstone for My Colouring?
The following tips are useful guidelines to steer you towards the most suitable gemstone colour palette.
Is your hair solid silver or dark without golden highlights?
Do you have dark eyes?
Is your skin tone olive, cool or sallow?
Do you look better in silver than in gold?
Then you are amongst the majority of white Caucasian people.
You can wear clear, clean, bright colours particularly with a lot of white in them. Your best basics are black and navy.
Most semi-precious gemstones will suit you but the following are ideal:
Garnet
Amethyst
Lapis Lazuli
Moonstone
Rose Quartz
Black Onyx
Turquoise
Blue Topaz
Does your hair have golden or red tones?
Do you have medium to dark eyes?
Is your hair dark or medium dark?
Is your skin tone golden or peachy?
Do you look better in gold than in silver?
Then the colours of a typical sunny Autumn day suit you - browns, greens, burnt oranges, teal, deep aubergine.
Your best basics are olive green and brown.
The following semi-precious stones are ideal for your colouring:
Peridot
Carnelian
Tiger Eye
Coral
Turquoise
Citrine (especially the golden yellow to orange shades).
Amber
Smokey Quartz
Labradorite
Does your hair have golden or red tones?
Do you have clear, light to medium eyes?
Is your hair medium to light?
Is your skin tone golden or peachy?
Do you look better in gold than in silver?
Then neutral tones are your best basics highlighted with purpley-blue, soft coral or turquoise.
The following semi-precious stones are ideal for your colouring:
Turquoise
Smokey Quartz
Coral
Labradorite
Amethyst
Aqua Chalcedony
Is your hair medium to light with cool tones?
Is your complexion a typical English Rose - radiant with translucent skin and apples in your cheeks?
Do you look better in silver than in gold?
Then all shades of pastel blue, pink and mauve suit you and your basics are grey and a greyed navy.


The following semi-precious stones are ideal for your colouring:
Blue Chalcedony
Moonstone
Rose Quartz
Amethyst
Blue Topaz
Fire Opal


To Match or To Contrast?
- As a rule of thumb contrast the jewellery to stand out on a plain understated outfit e.g. Turquoise or Lapis Lazuli against all black, Coral or Citrine against dark brown. Equally successful is a contrasting but toning colour e.g. Peridot against dark greens, Blue Topaz against navy.
- As part of the same rule, pick out a colour in a print and coordinate to that colour e.g. if you are wearing a multi-coloured pastel print pick out the pink, blue, aqua, lemon, lilac etc. and use a gemstone of that shade to match or tone in.
- Pearls are pretty universal and will add light to most outfits


What Length Chain?
If you're pondering the length of chain you need to wear with a pendant the first thing to decide is what you will wear the pendant with.
Inside an open-necked shirt, over a jumper or with a V-necked T shirt?
A small and dainty pendant will look better on a lighter, shorter chain but a larger, heavier design will suit a more substantial chain and could look stunning worn low on a longer chain.
Once you have made this decision all you need is a piece of string long enough to go round your neck and finish at the point at which you want the pendant to drop.
If it helps you to visualise the finished effect, thread the string through the bail and knot it at the desired length.
Measure the length of string and this is the chain length to buy.


What Style of Earring Will Suit Me?
Jewellery is a very personal affair and you have to feel comfortable wearing your choice.
However, here are a few guidelines to consider:
Face shape and hair style will influence what suits you.
- A pair of large earrings on an elfin face will overpower the face's fine features.
- Similarly, over-large earrings with a short hair cut can look unbalanced.
- Long hair can hide a discreet earring so something more dramatic may be called for.
- A long neck can carry off a long chandelier or drop earring but this style will emphasise a short neck. If you're not a swan, choose a short drop earring instead.
- Hair worn piled up on the head adds height and lengthens the neck. This is an ideal opportunity to wear a drop or dangly earring and it's so sexy!
- Consider the neckwear you have chosen and balance the earring. A dramatic statement necklace requires a discreet, minimal earring. If no necklace is being worn then the earrings can take centre stage.
- Stud earrings suit most face shapes and are practical for everyday.


How Much Jewellery Should I Wear?
- If you are wearing a statement necklace - something large and bold - keep the earrings minimal and discreet. Otherwise the effect of the necklace is lost and your head and shoulders are in danger of looking like an overdressed Christmas Tree. Remember that jewellery is an accessory and should not overpower you. After all it's you who wants to shine!
- Similarly, think carefully about your hands. Many rings of a similar type worn together can create a certain "look". However a special or statement ring needs space around it and does not require accompaniment.


- Avoid over coordinated looks. If you have the matching necklace, earrings, brooch, bracelet and ring they don't all have to be worn together. Be selective and think about the outfit they are accessorising - what does it need?
Joan Booth has spent over 20 years as a Fashion Buyer for some of the UK's most illustrious department stores. She now owns and runs http://jewlleriessets.blogspot.com/2012/06/different-types-of-ladies-footwear-and.html where you will find a unique range of gem set sterling silver jewellery.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joan_Booth
http://EzineArticles.com/?Hints-and-Tips-About-Wearing-Jewellery&id=145182 

How to Create an Orphan Bead Necklace and Choker Set

2-Row Swarovski Crystal Choker Necklace (Silver Plated)

By Sheri Hill


This Is A Great Project For All Of Those Leftover Seed And Bugle Beads And Your Bead "Orphans" 


DIFFICULTY LEVEL: FAIRLY EASY 

TIME: ABOUT AN HOUR.


SUPPLY LIST:
VARIETY OF BUGLE AND SEED BEADS, MIXED
5-6 CZECH FLOWERS LENGTH DRILLED
4 CZECH FLOWERS SIDE DRILLED
10-15 SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS, 4mm and 6mm MIXED
VARIETY OF OVAL, ROUND, RONDELLE AND SQUARE CZECH GLASS BEADS, FACETED
1 FOCAL LAMPWORK BEAD
8" OF 22 GAUGE WIRE, NON-TARNISH SILVER
1 HEAD PIN
1 BUTTON CLASP
2 SILVER CRIMP BEADS
SOFTFLEX BEADING WIRE, FINE, AT LEAST 22"
1 1/2 TURNS MEMORY WIRE FOR NECKLACE


TOOLS:
SCISSORS
WIRE CUTTERS
ROUND NOSE PLIERS
CRIMPING PLIERS
FLAT NOSE PLIERS

Directions for necklace: Decide the length of your necklace, mine is about 18", and trim your beading wire, leaving enough for tying off at end. Add male end of clasp and secure with crimp bead. There is no perfect order for stringing, but my rule is to have a "patternless symmetry"..that means that about every 1 1/2" I add a bigger bead to break up the smaller czech beads, bugle and seed beads. Keep in mind what colors you are using...and make sure that your color doesn't "pattern"...i.e. a lot of gold, then a lot of purple, etc...you need to really break this up. When you've reached your desired length, add female end of clasp and secure with crimp bead.

Directions for choker: Cut your length of memory wire to 1 1/2 turns...you can make it smaller later. I prefer the extra length to layer around the back of my neck for security...no need for a clasp! Go ahead and create a small loop at the end of your memory wire with roundnose pliers, then tighten the loop with your flat nose pliers. This will keep any of the smaller beads you may use on the end from coming off. Using the same "patternless symmetry" string your beads on just under 1/2 of the length of your memory wire. Then you will string on 3 1/2 drilled czech flowers. Then string the rest of your wire as you did the first, in the "patternless symmetry", leaving 3/4" to turn with pliers and tighten, creating your end loop.

Now for the tricky part! Take your 8" of 22 gauge wire and create a loop on the end. On this you will string in this order...3 seed beads, 1 1/2 drilled czech flower (matching the others in the center of your choker)1 small crystal, your focal lampwork bead. Then, you will take the remainder of the wire and wrap around the 3 czech flowers on the center of your choker. This is done by bringing the wire between the center and right flower from behind and back down, then up again between the center and left flower, and back down the front again. Then "wrap" the remainder wire on the wire between the focal bead and your center flowers to secure. Trim with wire cutters. This may take a couple of tries, so don't be frustrated! To finish off your focal piece, put a crystal on the head pin, create a loop and string through the first loop you created at the bottom of your focal bead. Create your last loop to attach your crystal drop.

Sheri Hill is a stay at home mother of three and a self-proclaimed bead enthusiast. Having recently joined the Catholic Church at he age of 41, she loves to share her faith with others. Visit her website at 
Bestsellers in Pendants an Neckweat 
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheri_Hill
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Create-an-Orphan-Bead-Necklace-and-Choker-Set&id=628306