Classic Jewelry – Journey Pendant Necklace

A couple's enduring and ever-growing love over the passage of time... what sentiment could be more timeless and endearing? A concept that began as a marketing idea for the diamond industry has evolved into one of the most recognized, popular and classic jewelry pieces of all-time – the drop-style Journey pendant necklace.

Journey Gems Go from Smallest to Largest

In its most classic form, a Journey-style pendant is made of four or more differently sized diamonds which are set to progress from smallest to largest in a straight line that drops from a necklace chain. Another extremely popular Journey design is the seven- or nine-diamond serpentine or S-shaped pendant. Other Journey designs include circle, spiral, heart, ladder patterns, and more. Some pendants feature decorative gold, platinum or other metal around the Journey-set gemstones. In each case, however, the gems must graduate in size – smallest to largest – in order to be true to the original Journey concept. Any number of gems may be used, as long as there are four or more.

Given the design's significant and tenderhearted message, a Journey-style pendant is the quintessential gift to symbolize lifetime-love and commitment – whether it be as a promise, engagement, wedding, or anniversary gift. Plus, the overall classic style, simple elegance, and good balance of the designs make each pendant extremely wearable for anyone of any age, style, and level of dress-up or dress-down. In other words, whether one is old or young, large or small, the Journey design works equally well with a sweatsuit or ballgown and may be worn for special occasions or 24/7.

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Braided Friendship Bracelets

Embroidery floss comes in a wide variety of colors and textures, making it the perfect material for creating unique and pretty friendship bracelets. The floss is inexpensive and the steps are simple, so you can make one to match every outfit and enough to share with all your friends. Once you have learned the basic design, you may also modify the pattern to put your own touch on the bracelets.

How to Make a Braided Friendship Bracelet

Materials

* Embroidery floss

* Masking tape

Instructions

1. Measure four pieces of floss, each 25 inches in length. Tie all four strands into a knot about 2 inches from the end.

2. Tape the strands to your work surface so that they lay flat without overlapping.

3. Pick up the strand at the farthest left with your right hand. Pick up the strand next to it with your left hand; hold it between your first and second fingers.

4. Wrap the strand in your right hand around your left, first finger and over the left hand strand. Bring the right hand strand up from the bottom, through the figure four-shaped opening. Pull it tight. Repeat the knot with the same two strands.

5. Keep the same strand in your right hand. Now, pick up the next strand in your left. Repeat the knot twice with these two strands.

6. Hold the same strand in your right hand. Pick up the last strand with your left and repeat the knot twice with these two strands. This will leave the right hand strand at the far right side of the design.

7. Pick up the strand that is now on the far left with your right hand and the second strand with your left. Repeat the knots across the strands, using the same one in your right hand all the way across.

8. Continue the rows of knots until you reach about 2 inches from the end. Tie a knot with all four strands.

9. Tie the bracelet around your wrist or share it with a friend.

Decorating Your Friendship Bracelet

When you have mastered this basic pattern, embellish your design by adding small beads to the ends of the strands for tassels. You may also stitch beads on top of the braided section to add highlights and personal touches.

Make the bracelets in school colors and sell them to raise money for school clubs or service projects. You can also make the bracelets and share them with younger students, if your school has a peer mentoring program.

Use holiday colors of floss and add charms to the bracelets to celebrate holidays all year long. Use orange and black for Halloween, yellow and brown for Thanksgiving, and red and green for Christmas. For Valentine's Day, use different shades of reds and pinks, while St. Patrick's Day calls for varied shades of green. Easter means pretty pastels, and Independence Day, of course, needs red, white, and blue.

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Jewelry Box Must-Haves

Not every woman may stop and stare each time they pass the windows by Cartier or Van Cleef and Arpels, but the majority of women at least wear “staple” jewelry pieces. There are five key items that every woman must have in her jewelry box to get her through any occasion.

The Five Staples of Women's Jewelry

Pearl Earrings – One of these jewelry staples is a pair of pearl earrings. If only one set of pearls is desired, stick to the classic white pearl, about ¼ or ½ inch in diameter. Pearl studs are a classic, timeless addition (and necessary addition) to a woman’s jewelry box. Pearls can be worn with a casual outfit, professional attire, or an evening gown – even to a cocktail party or black tie event. The perfect pair of pearl studs will never go out of style and can complement or enhance any style. Pearls range in price and one can easily find a pair fit to any budget! Pink and silver pearls are also gorgeous additions to any jewelry case.

Diamond Studs – Another set of earrings that is an absolute must are a pair of diamond studs. Diamond studs will last a lifetime and will complement a range of looks from casual to extremely elegant. When purchasing a pair of diamond studs invest in a good quality pair and pay attention to the 4 Cs: Cut, Clarity, Carat, and Color. A nice pair of diamond earrings will not break the bank, but they are something you will have forever.

Cocktail Ring – A great way to add excitement and glamour to an outfit is with a cocktail ring, which is why it is one of the five jewelry staples. A large, fun, glitzy cocktail ring can adorn any finger – it looks best on the ring or pointer finger – and is a great attention getter. Cocktail rings are sold at numerous retailers, and they can be bought very inexpensive at stores including H&M and XI Forever for under $10. Make sure at least one cocktail ring is in the jewelry box, but at prices under $10, purchase a few in different stones and designs.

Wristwatch – A timeless – no pun intended – jewelry piece is a watch, another item on the list of must-haves. A classic style to own would be one in silver or gold (depending on what matches most with the other jewelry in the jewelry box) or one with a leather strap. A boyfriend style, one with a bigger face, is a great addition to any wardrobe, and most consumers find a watch a necessity, especially in the workplace. Michael Kors makes amazing watches at prices around or under $250 in all colors and materials. For a leather brand, try a classic watch by Timex.

Conversation Piece – The last jewelry must have is a piece of costume jewelry, mainly a necklace. A fun, colorful necklace can add a pop of color or a bit of pizzazz to an otherwise simple outfit. A costume necklace can also completely change the appearance of the neckline and give a whole new look to an outfit. Costume items can also be purchased at many different retailers, so purchase a few and add new looks to that wardrobe without spending a fortune.

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Jewellery Making - Threading Materials

In jewellery making, a threading material must be used, to enable the stringing, knotting, weaving or linking beads and findings together, it unites all the materials to form the piece of jewellery. The threading materials available come in a vast and varied selection. The size (thickness) of thread required for a handmade jewellery project will depend upon the item of jewellery being made, the size of the holes in the beads; they're weight, and the intended flexibility of the piece.

Jewellery Making Threading Materials: Wire

Precious-metal wire such as yellow/white gold and sterling silver are luxurious options, usually used to create professional pieces, can be hard on your wallet for the cost is priced by weight. Due to their expense, beginners do not usually start working with these precious-metal wires until their skills have been practiced and mastered on cheaper materials. For a more economical wire, a gold or silver plated copper wire can be a very convincing substitute. Copper based wire also comes in a rainbow of enamel coatings which can add other dimensions to your project. These wires are measured by length and cost much less than their precious cousins.

Memory wire is a steel wire that is pre-coiled into a necklace, bracelet or ring shape. It permanently holds this coiled shape making it strong and durable. It is usually sold in strings of coils and is one of the reasonably priced threading materials. The simplicity of its nature allows the stringing of beads to flow easily. Ends must be capped, curled or bent to prevent escaping beads. Pre-coiled wire is very affective for making chokers, beaded rings and wrist cuffs.

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