COMPARISON OF GOLD AND SILVER

Everyone wants to know about gold but some special person is want to know about gold but as well as silver. Here we discussed and comparison between gold and silver which are as follows:

Silver and gold are the most famous metals, especially between women. They are the masters of every lady's jewellery. But, have you ever asked yourself why these two metals are that much important and more expensive than many other types of metals? What are the main features of each one? Is gold or silver has the properties that you are looking for in a metal? The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast two types of metals (Silver and Gold) in order to clarify their properties for students and those who work in related jobs, or even to add something useful to your knowledge. The features that will be compared include type of metal, symbol, atomic number, atomic weight, conductivity and uses.

There are many shared features between silver and gold that make them similar in many ways. First, both of them are of the same type of metal. Silver is a precious metal, and gold is too. Second, silver and gold were discovered in the same period of history. That was in pre-historical time. Then, another similarity between gold and silver is their atomic radius. Silver has the same atomic radius as gold. It is 1.34. Furthermore, they are also similar in their melting point. Both silver and gold melts at the point around 1000 C. Next, the conductivity properties of silver are the same as those of gold. Silver's electrical and thermal conductivity are as good as gold's. Finally, the use is the last similarity between the two types of metals. Silvers and gold are used to make jewelry in plating, due to their flexibility.

If we contrast silver with gold we can notice some differnces. The symbol of each metal is the first difference between silver and gold. While the symbol of silver is Ag, the symbol of gold is Au. Secondly, the atomic number of each metal is different. Silver has an atomic number of 47. In contrast, gold has an atomic number of 79. Moreover, the atomic weight of silver is not the same as gold's. While the atomic weight of silver is 107.87 gm, gold weighs 169.97gm.When it comes to the specific gravity, silver and gold are different. Silver has a specific gravity of 10.5. However, gold has a specific gravity of 19.3. At last, they differ in their boiling point. Silver boils at the point 2212 C. Unlike silver, gold boils at the point 2966 C.

In this essay we compared two types of metals: Silver and Gold. We compared some of their features such as discovery, atomic radius, specific gravity, melting and boiling points. The comparison shows that both metals have a good ability to conduct electricity and thermal. Also, they could be plated in order to make and design jewelry. Although silver and gold are very similar, they show some differences that make each one special with its features. What I advice you to do is to list the similarities and differences between the two types of metals in your mind, and pick up the metal that matches with what you need or what you are looking for.

IS OUR HANDS MADE JEWELLERY?

Handmade jewelry is jewelry which has been assembled and formed by hand rather than through the use of machines. According to the guidelines of the FTC, in order to be stamped or called "handmade" the work must be made solely by hand power or hand guidance . In essence, this means that jewelry may be made using drills, lathes, or other machinery, but it must be guided by human hand. This precludes the use of punch presses, CNC machinery and casting to name a few processes that would not qualify as "handmade". Beyond that caveat it can be anything made out of anything that would be considered jewelry. The American Gem Trade Association Spectrum awards , the Gem Center Idar Oberstein, and the De Beers Awards include awards specifically for handmade jewelry.

Although there is much mass produced jewelry in the world, there are many people who prefer to have work that is hand-crafted by a real artisan, and the arena of hand made jewelry and other items will likely remain healthy because of that fact. Much jewelry that is marked or sold as "hand made" often is not truly so, though it may be essentially so. (source: http://www.wikipedia.org/)

TAKE CARE OF YOUR JEWELLERY... PLEASE CLEAN IT

Following are the some important information about jewellery cleaning which is pasted from http://www.wikipedia.org/, I assured you that it is very helpful to all of us.

Methods and risks

Maintaining a clean diamond can sometimes be difficult, as jewellery settings can obstruct cleaning efforts, and oils, grease, and other hydrophobic materials adhere well to a diamond's surface. Some jewelers provide their customers with sudsy ammonia cleaning kits. Many jewelers use steam cleaners. Some other jewelers sell small ultrasonic cleaners. Home-based cleaning methods include immersing the diamond in ammonia-based or ethyl alcohol-based solutions, or even a solution of mild grease dissolving detergent and warm water. Silver jewelery can be cleaned using aluminum foil, baking soda, and hot water. However, this practice is not recommended by most jewelers.

Certain types of cleaning can damage some jewellery. For example, some class rings are coated with a dark pigment to reduce their shininess. Some gemstones, such as white topaz, have an overlay to produce certain colors. Ultrasonic cleaning can remove this coating, if it is not a quality piece. Ultrasonic cleaning is also contraindicated for opals, pearls and amber, and any other gemstone that is porous. Gemstones that are glued in (a common practice with semiprecious stones in non-precious methods, and in class rings) should not be placed into an ultrasonic cleaner. An ultrasonic cleaner can cause stones that are loose in their settings to come out. Jewellery should always be examined for overlays and loose stones prior to cleaning with an ultrasonic cleaner or a steam cleaner.

Jewellery Care

There are a number of things you can do to prevent build up of dirt and prevent jewellery becoming tarnished. Namely; Store jewellery carefully in its original packaging or a jewellery box. Clean jewellery using warm water, mild soap and a soft bristle toothbrush. Use a non abrasive silver cloth or soft lint free cloth to polish jewellery and remove tarnishing. Don't expose jewellery to harsh chemicals or perfumes as this could cause damage and discoloration. Don't wear jewellery when doing anything heavy duty and avoid unnecessary knocks and scratches. Try to avoid spraying your jewellery with beauty products such as hair spray, cosmetics or perfume as this can tarnish or discolour the jewellery. Always put your jewellery on last. Clean your jewellery on a regular basis. Bangles, earrings (particularly those manufactured from hollow tubing) and chains should be worn with care in order to avoid surface damage, and should be removed before going to bed. Check for signs of wear and tear regularly, especially on catches and joints. Stone settings can become loose over time, especially if they have been hit against a hard surface or snagged on clothing.

Beauty of gems

Although it is not one of the 4 C's, cleanliness affects a diamond's beauty as much as any of the 4 C's (cut, carat, color, clarity).

A clean diamond is more brilliant and fiery than the same diamond when it is "dirty". Dirt or grease on the top of a diamond reduces its lustre. Water, dirt, or grease on the bottom of a diamond interferes with the diamond's brilliance and fire. Even a thin film absorbs some light that could have been reflected to the person looking at the diamond.

Colored dye or smudges can affect the perceived color of a gem. Historically, some jewelers' diamonds were misgraded due to smudges on the girdle, or dye on the culet. Current practice is to thoroughly clean a gem before grading its color as well as clarity.

Cleanliness does not affect the jewellery's market value, as jewelers routinely clean jewellery before offering it for sale. However, cleanliness might reflect the jewellery's sentimental value.

JEWELLERY OF TODAY AND IMPACT ON SOCIETIES

Jewellery makes high and important impact on the society. It is related to the cultures of the nation and languages in the modern world. Jewellery has been used to denote status. In ancient Rome, for instance, only certain ranks could wear rings; Later, sumptuary laws dictated who could wear what type of jewellery; again based on rank. Cultural dictates have also played a significant role; for example, the wearing of earrings by Western men was considered "effeminate" in the 19th and early 20th centuries. More recently, the display of body jewellery, such as piercings, has become a mark of acceptance or seen as a badge of courage within some groups, but is completely rejected in others. Likewise, the hip hop culture has popularized the slang term bling-bling, which refers to ostentatious display of jewellery by men or women.

Conversely, the jewellery industry in the early 20th century launched a campaign to popularize wedding rings for men — which caught on — as well as engagement rings for men - which did not, going so far as to create a false history and claim that the practice had Medieval roots. By the mid 1940s, 85% of weddings in the U.S. featured a double-ring ceremony, up from 15% in the 1920s. Religion has also played a role: Islam, for instance, considers the wearing of gold by men as a social taboo, and many religions have edicts against excessive display.

JEWELLERY WORN PERSONALLY

Someone wear jewellery as a personally attachment. Jewelry personal adornments worn for ornament or utility, to show rank or wealth, or to follow superstitious custom or fashion. The most universal forms of jewelry are the necklace, bracelet, ring , pin , and earring . Its use antedates clothing, and it has been made of a variety of materials including berries, nuts, seeds, perforated stones, feathers, hair, teeth, bone, shells, ivory, and metals. Although bronze and silver have been used by primitive peoples and in modern handwrought jewelry, gold has usually been the preferred metal. Jewelry has been decorated by engraving, embossing, etching, and filigree, and by application of enamel, mosaic, gems , semiprecious stones, and glass.

WATCHES IS USING AS A JEWELLERY

We can use watches as a jewellery by men and women both. A watch is a timepiece that is made to be worn on a person. The term now usually refers to a wristwatch, which is worn on the wrist with a strap or bracelet. In addition to the time, modern watches often display the day, date, month and year, and electronic watches may have many other functions.

Most inexpensive and medium-priced watches used mainly for timekeeping are electronic watches with quartz movements. Expensive, collectible watches valued more for their workmanship and aesthetic appeal than for simple timekeeping, often have purely mechanical movements and are powered by springs, even though mechanical movements are less accurate than more affordable quartz movements.

Before the inexpensive miniaturization that became possible in the 20th century, most watches were pocket watches, which often had covers and were carried in a pocket and attached to a watch chain or watch fob. Watches evolved in the 1600s from spring powered clocks, which appeared in the 1400s.

GOLD IS SECOND TYPE OF MONEY / FOREX

Everybody knows that gold is a type of forex. It also called hard forex/hard cash. We can earn lots of money by selling old gold, new gold, gold jewellery making and etc.

An increasingly popular way to raise extra cash for people by is selling their old gold and unwanted jewellery.

The boom in the sale of scrap gold has spread across the Atlantic from the USA to the United Kingdom. Advertisements for the sale of scrap gold and jewellery regularly appear on the TV screens as well as in the rest of the media. On the high street there are shops who now offer a service buying the items from members of the public.

People are increasingly selling their scrap gold and jewellery for two main reasons. The economic downturn has left people strapped for cash and they cannot afford to allow their gold and jewellery to just remain in boxes.

Secondly, the price of gold seems to be rising all the time so the demand from buyers is high which of course means the sellers, ie the public, will get a much higher price than normal for their gold.

Unfortunately, because the market is so vibrant at the moment, there are a lot of companies jumping on the gold buying bandwagon and some sellers have been less than pleased with the payment they have received.

It has to be said that most of the complaints about receiving low payments have happened in the United States but if you are planning on selling your scrap gold and old jewellery in the UK than there are some sensible safeguards you can put in place.

One safeguard is to deal only with reputable companies who are already established. This is especially important if you are dealing with these companies by post. Dealing with a gold buying company by any means other than by face to face is fraught with danger, but such an organisation dealing by post should have a gold calculator on their website. This will allow you to calculate how much money you will receive for your scrap gold and many reputable companies will offer a price that is guaranteed.

It is best to compare the various scrap gold buying shops and companies. This is best done on the internet rather than via the local press ads. Also, you are more likely to gain the best prices from nationally known companies.

Just put the terms "gold buying shops" or "gold buying centers" into your search engine and that will give you the names of the best people to do business with. Always check to see if they a have gold price calculator on their website and do not forget to check their terms and conditions of service.

Must read this amazing information.

YOU CAN'T IMAGINE THE ECONOMIC CRISIS FINISHED THE FOREX RESERVES FROM ALL MARKET SPECIALLY JEWELLERY MARKET

APPRECIATION TO THE JEWELLERY MAKERS IN THE WORLD'S ECONOMIC CRISIS

In the Jewellery market man required lots of money and forex reserves for making amazing types of jewellery. It is very expensive and difficult for jewellers to continue to making gold, diamond, platinum and find more and more thing in this jeweler world. In the economic crisis it damage all fields money become honey but amazingly jewellery makers (jewelers) continue their effort in this crisis. I appreciated to all jewelers. Money is very important in all field specially jewellery, because gold, diamond and platinum wants money, jewelers want money, and other expenses want money. So, my dear jewelers I solute to you and hats off to you.

MOST USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT DIAMOND

Diamond is one the expensive and unreachable metal in the world. We use diamond as a jewellery wearing and now I post some useful and amazing information about diamond like color combination, clarity of diamond, carat weight of diamond and cut of diamond etc.

COLOR Diamonds range in color from colorless to yellow. Even though most diamonds appear colorless to the untrained eye, the majority of diamonds contain traces of yellow or brown. The closer the stone is to colorless, the more valuable the diamond.

Clarity Most diamonds contain very tiny natural birthmarks known as inclusions. However, the fewer and smaller the inclusions are, the less likely they will interfere with the passage of light through the diamond, and the more beautiful the diamond will be. Diamond is nature's material that is most capable of producing a maximum amount of brilliance. A diamond that is free of both inclusions and surface blemishes is very rare and therefore more valuable.

Carat Weight This is the weight of the diamond measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 'points', so that a diamond of 75 points weighs 0.75 carats. Carat weight is the easiest of the 4 C's to determine. But two diamonds of equal weight can have very unequal value, depending on their cut, color and clarity.
Cut Diamond cutting techniques have been refined since the fifteenth century when master craftsmen passed down their art form from generation to generation. Today, the finest diamond cutting still occurs in the hands of a skilled craftsman. Cut determines the fire and brilliance of the diamond. If the diamond is cut with just the right proportions and at certain precise angles, the stone's ability to reflect and refract light will be maximized. When a round diamond is cut to ideal proportions, light will bounce freely within the diamond, and reflect back out of the crown without escaping through the opposite side or the bottom of the stone. The skill and experience of the diamond cutter will determine the stone's brilliance and scintillation.

The diamond jewellery is best for rich person who buy it very easy but it is not made for poor people. I think when we buy diamond jewellery take care of its facts, information and facts.

STATISTICAL INFORMATION AND FACTS ABOUT GOLD

The following is a random group of facts about gold and what I think will be useful gold information.

Other Names for Gold: Oro, Tesoro
Periodic Table information:
Symbol=Au
Atomic Number=79
Atomic Weight=196.96
Melting Point=1337.33 degrees Kelvin
Melting point= 2,063 degrees Fahrenheit
Specific gravity is 19.32
Tensile strength=19,000psi
Hardness=2.75 on Mohs scale
Is one of the "Transition Metals"
Gold is measured in many ways but for some reason this precious metal is weighed in a system of measurements called "Troy Measurements". Troy measurements are such that one pound (lb) is divided up into 12 Troy Ounces and each Troy Ounce is divided up into 20 units called Pennyweight (dwt). Therefore, you must be careful when talking to someone about a quantity of gold. Make sure that the ounces you are talking about are the same ounces you are thinking about. Here are a few conversions to help you convert to other systems of measurement of mass.

One Troy lb (pound)=12 troy ounces
One troy oz=20 pennyweight (dwt)
One troy oz=480 grains
One troy oz=33.3 grams
One pennyweight = 24 grains

Formula to convert grams to pennyweight
____grams X .6006006 = dwt

Formula to convert grams to Troy Ounces
_____grams X .03003 = troy ounces

Other conversions that might help

one mg (milligram) = 1/1000 g
one g (gram) = 1000 mg, 14.4 gr (grains)
one k (kilogram0 = 1000 g, 35 oz, 2.2 lbs.
one gr (grain0 = .65 g (grams)
one oz (ounce) = 38.35 g
one lb (pound) = 16 oz, 454 g, .45 k

WHERE TO BUY GOLD JEWELRY?

When you buy gold jewelry, whether it's for yourself or a gift for a loved one, you are investing in timeless beauty.

For such an important purchase, you want to be sure to make the selection that best suits your needs. Your jeweler can answer any questions you may have, and offer you the widest selection of gold jewelry. With his experience, he can help you find that piece of gold jewelry that can be cherished for a lifetime and even become a family heirloom.

Rely on your a reputable jeweler. He or she is an expert.

HOW DO YOU KNOW ITS REAL GOLD?

All that glitters isn't gold! When buying gold jewelry, always look for a karat mark, such as 18K, 14K, 10K, etc. plus the manufacturer's trademark. Stamped somewhere on each piece, this mark of quality indicates you are buying real gold.

The karat mark refers to the purity of gold. Gold in its purest state, 24 karat, is generally considered too soft for practical use in jewelry.

It must be alloyed with other special metals to increase its durability and workability.

Twenty-four karat is 100% pure gold, or 24 parts gold; 18K is 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metal; 14K is 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metal; and, 10K is 10 parts gold and 14 parts other metal.

Nothing less than 10K can legally be marked or sold as gold jewelry in the United States. Alloys of less than 10 karat gold cannot be stamped with the karat mark and are not considered real gold. For example, some jewelry is processed with a layer of gold which has been mechanically bonded to a base metal. This jewelry cannot have a karat mark unless it is qualified. In other words it must be marked "gold filled" preceded by the karat fineness; e.g. "14K gold filled."

Summing up, with gold an ever more precious and fashionable metal, the karat mark on a piece of jewelry is becoming increasingly significantly. Only karat gold jewelry is real gold, offering the lasting characteristics of this precious metal.

THE UNIQUENESS OF GOLD

The uniqueness of all the world's precious metals, only gold combines the four basic characteristics that make it a universally and eternally treasured possession:

Lustrous Beauty - The naturally intense color and distinctive luster of gold combined to give this precious metal its unique and lasting beauty. Gold's natural beauty is further enhanced by the soft and exquisite shades of color achieved by combining it with small amounts of other special metals.

Yellow, pink, green and white golds - each exquisite in its own right. There is always fashion acceptance of all colors and color combination of gold. One of today's trends features combining colors of gold - yellow, white and pink - in jewelry.

Rarity - Although gold is everywhere around us - in the earth's crust, in our seas, rivers and plants - the difficulty and expense of obtaining gold from these diverse sources makes recovery of any great amounts unlikely.

First of all, any new gold mine represents a capital investment of hundreds of millions of dollars! Then, where gold is found to exist, several tons of ore may be required in order to extract just one ounce of the precious metal.

This rarity alone is enough to bestow a certain symbolism of status to gold. Now, combined with its other inherent characteristics, this lustrous and beautiful metal becomes an even more desirable possession.

Durability - Gold lasts, and lasts. Since it does not rust, tarnish or corrode, gold virtually lasts forever. An example of this incredible durability is witnessed in the gold coins found in sunken galleons centuries-old - they're as bright and shiny as the day they were cast! Another familiar example has overwhelmed the millions of people who have seen the Treasures of King Tut. When the boy King Tutankhamum died in 1350 B.C., he was buried with vast quantities of gold artifacts and jewelry. Today, more than 3,000 years later, viewers marvel at the breathtaking golden array, as gleaming and lustrous today as on the day it was buried with the young king.

Today, when you buy gold jewelry, you are buying enduring beauty. Reflecting the properties of the precious metal itself, a gift of gold has always been the symbol of lasting love and devotion.

Ease of Workability - Gold has the best working qualities of any metal, thereby making it the ideal precious metal for fine jewelry whose designs are meant to reflect and appeal to so many different personalities.

To give you an idea of its workability, gold is so soft and malleable, one ounce can be stretched into a wire an incredible 50 miles long or hammered into a sheet so thin, it covers 100 square feet!

It is gold's workability that enables it to be alloyed with the other special precious metals to produce special effects or to achieve variations of color.

Gold can be re-melted and used again and again. And, gold works for everyone. From the most intricate baby bracelet to the heaviest man's chain, gold's workability gives it the ability to achieve the look and the feeling of importance.

DISTINGUISH BETWEEN DIAMOND NECKLACES AND DIAMOND PENDANTS

It may be easy to get confused as to what diamond necklaces are and how they differ from diamond pendants. But actually the difference is quite simple: a jewellery necklace is just any chain that was manufactured out of precious metals, or a chain of precious gems that have been attached to one another.

DIAMOND PENDANT MORE POPULAR THAN DIAMOND NECKLACE

If you are in the market for a pendant or necklace, there are almost infinite varieties, shapes and sizes to choose from. Whether it is circle of life diamond pendant or black pearl necklace, they are a great treat or gift to give on birthdays and holidays. Here are the top five choices people are making.

REAL DIAMOND

Diamond is the hardest known metal in the world. It is also one of two known forms of carbon useful of jewellery and industrial applications. The other mineral form of pure carbon is known as graphite. Diamond have very impressive physical qualities. They are so strong that only another diamond can cut them.

GOLD NECKLACE WHILE GIFTING TO SOMEONE

With so many celebrities getting press these days for the births of their babies, an old tradition has been rekindled, albeit with a new millennium name the Push Present or more eloquently, a birthing gift to honor the hard work of labor for the mother of a new baby. Traditionally, a birth bauble was something. We can gift gold necklace to wife and loved ones.

IMPORTANT TIPS OF PURCHASING GOLD NECKLACE

If there is one alternative to diamonds that would be gold and especially gold necklaces. If you are a gold jewellery aficionado necklaces are definitely the hippest. Yet if you want to get only the best gold necklaces you should start setting your standards to get the best quality you can afford.

COLOUR COMBINATION OF GOLD NECKLACE

The color of gold is dogged depends on 2 factors: Firstly, the type of metal alloys included and secondly, the percentage of each metal alloy.

These days you can be availed by opting for convenient choices from yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. Now elegant gold necklace can be easily available within reasonable price so need not to worry about the budget. Gold necklace is quite preferable in times of marriages, or any social function. People can also try out something different wearing white gold necklace or gold diamond necklace. Gold necklace comes in array of choices and design which keeps customer away from other problems as like it was in before times. To widen the scope of gold in market, now some of the jeweller also provides warranty of 6months or 1year along with minimal maintenance charges of polishing, interesting a new lock etc. While the other new jeweller if stepping into the market also buys gold from the people to closest margin rate of gold prevailing in the market. Even to promote more, some of the shopkeeper of their jewellery shop also offers gold necklace and many other items on installment system.

NECKLACE OF GOLD MODERN AND SPECIFICATOIN OF GOLD

In modern times, you can easily get chic and classy gold ornaments from any good jewellery shop. Gold necklace emerged in the same way like as diamond, pearl or silver necklace. Gold is expensive because of its peculiar feature namely it won't be dull, rust or oxidize and comes easily in the eye of beholder. Initially, it is also processed after taking away from gold mine. Gold also contains some scientific elements which make it strong to fight against corrosion. After the completion of process, it is then purified as per the jeweller wishes. The purity of gold is checked according to how much karat it contains. The specification of gold necklace is done on the number of karat. And as the number of karat increases it becomes more pure to be called as Pure Gold. If the people are unware of the number of karats that a gold necklace should contain to get the pure gold, it can be scrutinize as follows:

• 24KARAT = 100% GOLD
• 22KARAT = 91.7%GOLD
• 18KARAT = 75%GOLD
• 14KARAT = 58.3%GOLD
• 12KARAT = 50%GOLD
• 10KARAT = 41.7%GOLD

Thus, gold necklace it's always going to exist, through high demand of diamond or pearl necklace may rise. Gold necklace has its own significance and so it is really valuable too.

NECKLACE OF GOLD CLASSICS

The tradition of gold is known from ancient culture. Some people even worship gold as it is the symbol of richness, power and aristocracy. It is a general belief that some person estimates his/her financial status according to the possession of gold he holds. First wearing of gold necklace was supposed to be showing of social status but with the changing time it has now become common amongst all. Today you can see every class of people wears gold jewelry and now wearing of different forms of gold necklace is in vogue.

JEWELLERY DESIGN

Jewellery design is the art of profession of creating, crafting, fabricating or rendering designs for jewellery. This is an ancient practice of the goldsmith or metalworker that evolved to a billion-dollar industry with the odyssey from ancient cultures into the machine age. Jewellery design falls under the category of wht is commonly known as "functional art", being art that can be worn or used.

Before an article of jewellery is created, it is typically rendered by a jewellery designer, a professional who is trained in the architectural and functional knowledge of not metallurgy but also design elements such as composition and wearability.

Once the essay is rendered, the design is then constructed using the necessary materials for proper adaptation to the function of the object. For example, 24K Gold was used in ancient jewellery design because it was more accessible than silver as source material. Before the 1st century many civilizations also incorporated beads into jewellery. Once the discovery of gemstones and gem cutting became more readily available. The aret of jewelleryy ornamentation and design shifted. The earliest documented gemstone cut was done by Theophilus Presbyter (c. 1070 - 1125), who practiced and developed many applied arts and was a known goldsmith. Later, during the 14th Century, medieval lapidary technology evolved to include cabochons and cameos.

Early Jewellery design commissions were often constituted by nobility or the church to honor an event or as wearable ornamentation. Within the structure of early methods, enameling and repousse became standard methods for creating ornamental wares to demonstrate wealth, position, or power. These early techniques created a specific complex design element that later would forge the baroque movement in jewellery design.

FORM AND FUNCTIONS OF JEWELLERY

Most cultures have at some point had a practice of keeping large amounts of wealth stored in the form of jewellery. Numerous cultures move wedding dowries in the form of jewellery, or create jewellery as a means of store or display coins. Alternatively, jewellery has been used as a currency or trade good, an example being the use of slave beads.

Many items of jewellery such as brooches and buckles originated as purely functional items, but evolved into decorative items as their functional requirement diminished.

Jewellery can also be symbolic of group membership, as in the case of the Christian crucifix or jewish star of david, or of status, as in the case of chains of office, or the Western practice or married people wearing a wedding ring.

Wearing of amulets and devotional medals to provide protection or ward off ev is common in some cultures, these may take the form of symbols (such as the ankh), stores, plants, animals, body parts (such as the Khansama), or glyphs (such as stylized versions of the Throne Verse in Islamic art).

Although artistic display has clearly been a function of jewellery from the very beginning, the other roles described above tended to take primacy. It was only in the late 19th century, with the work of such masters as Peter Carl Faberge and Rene Lalique, that art began to take primacyy over function and wealth. This trend has continued into modern times, expanded upon by artists such as Robert Lee Morris and Ed Levin.

REASONS OF JEWELLERY

Jewellery has been used for a number of reasons:

• Currency, wealth display and storage
• Functional use (such as clasps, pins and buckles)
• Symbolism (to show membership or status)
• Protection (in the form of amulets and magical wards)
• Artistic display

WORLD'S LARGEST JEWELLERY MARKET

According to a recent KPMG study the largest jewellery market in the United States with a market share of 30.8%, Japan, India and China and the Middle East each with 8 - 9% and finally Italy with 5%. The authors of the United States will have dropped to around 25%, and China and India will increase theirs to over 13%. The Middle East will remain more or less constant at 9%, whereas Euraop's and Japan's marketshare will be halved and become less than 4% for Japan, and less than 3% for the biggest individual European countries: Italy and the UK.

ENGAGEMENT RING

In Western tradition, an engagement ring is a ring worn by a woman indicating her engagement to be married. Conventionally, the ring is presented as a betrothal gift by a man to his prospective bride while he proposes marriage or directly after she accepts his marriage proposal. It represents a formal agreement to future marriage.

In some countries, such as the United States and United Kingdom, it is worn on the left-hand ring finger, while in other countries, such as Poland and Ukraine, it is customary for the ring to be worn on the right-hand. Similar traditions purportedly date to classical times, dating back from an early usage reportedly refferring to the fourth finger of the left hand as containing the vena amoris or "vein of love".

In the United States and Canada today it is becoming more common, but still quite rare, that a woman will also buy her partner an engagement ring (also called a promise ring or 'management' ring) at the time of the engagement.

INITIALS OF JEWELLERY

Jewellery (jewellery also spelled jewelry, see spelling differences) is an item of personal adornment, such as necklace, ring, brooch or bracelet, that is worn by a person. It may be made from gemstones or precious metals, but may be from any other material, and may be appreciated because of geometric or other patterns, or meaningful symbols. Earnings and other body rings are also considered to be jewellery, while body art is not. Also, items affixed to a garment, such as buttons, are not considered to be jewellery, even if they are unusual and highly decorative. Also, items such as belts and handbags etc. are not considered to be jewellery, and are considered to be accessories.

The word jewellery is derived from the word jewel, which was anglicised from the Old French "jouel" circa the 13th century. Further tracing leads back to the Latin word "jacale", meaning plaything. jewellery is one of the oldest forms of body adornment, recently found 100,000 year-old beads made from Nassarius shells are thought to be the oldest known jewellery.

JEWELLERY BECOME WEALTH

Jewellery is sometimes seen as wealth storage or functionally as holding a garment or hair together. It has from very early times also been regarded as form of personal adornment. The first pieces of jewellery were made from natural materials, such as bone, animal teeth, shell, wood and carved stone. More exotic jewellery was probably made for wealthy people or as indications of social status. In some cases people were buried with their jewelllery.

MATERIALS OF JEWELLERY

Jewellery has been made to adorn nearly every body part, from hairpins to toe rings and many more types of jewellery. While high-quality jewellery is made with gemstones and precious metals, such as silver or gold, there is also growing demand for art jewellery where design and creativity is prized above material value. In addition, there is the less costly costume jewellery, made from lower value materials and mass-produced. Other variations include wire sculpture (wrap) jewellery, using anything from base metal wire with rock tumbled stone to precious metals and precious gemstones.