The 'New' Silver (a.k.a. Silver-filled)

The cost of precious metals, like gold and silver, used by jewelry artisans can be quite expensive, and subsequently that cost is passed on to the consumer.  In this era of rising metal costs, jeweler's have begun to seek alternatives, and one such alternative to sterling silver, is "silver-filled" - or as we call it, "new silver." 

Much like the gold-filled we purchase when solid gold seems too expensive, silver-filled is a cost effective alternative as well.

View the difference with the following  picture from the Fire Mountain Gem's website. The wire on the left is silver-filled while the wire on the right is silver-plated.  Notice that the silver-filled wire has a thicker layer of silver. Either a 5% or 10% layer of sterling silver is bonded to (filled with) a copper or brass alloy. It is not the same as silver-plated in which a very thin layer is laid on top of a copper or brass core.

Silver-plated metals are not as durable and in time, will wear off and expose the underlying metal. With silver-filled, the layer is sufficient enough to handle small damage without exposing the alloy, and will not wear off.

Sterling silver is defined as 92.5% pure silver. With silver-filled metals, the manufacturer will label it as 95/5, 90/10, .925/10, .925/5, 1/10th or 1/20th.  Notably, if one is allergic to silver-plated jewelry but can wear sterling silver, one should be able to wear the silver-filled without causing a reaction.

Due to the rising cost of sterling silver, Cliptomania's jewelry manufacturers have made this  'New Silver' a viable economic alternative to help us offer fine silver jewelry at a fraction of the cost. We've taken advantage of these opportunities to bring this saving to our customers. If you are a frequent sterling silver shopper on our website, you may have noticed that some earrings have been restocked these past months but in the new silver with a subsequent price decrease. We are happy to pass this savings on to you.

New-Silver Shiny Square Non-pierced Button Clip Earrings 

Cliptomania remains committed to bringing you fine non-pierced earrings that are not only beautiful, but affordable. With over 500+ clip on earrings in a variety of styles, colors and metals, we are confident you will find what you are looking for.

We look forward to your shopping with us!

www.cliptomania.com

Sources:
www.artfire.com
www.cointrackers.com

Gemstone Highlights: Alexandrite

What is it?
Alexandrite is a main variety of Chrysoberyl, and very scarce due to its chemical composition.  Known for its ability to change color, called the alexandrite effect, the phenomenon occurs with a change in the source of illumination. The stone exhibits green or bluish-green in daylight, yet will turn a soft shade of red, purplish-red or raspberry in incandescent light. Chromium, as the major impurity, with iron and titanium are the elements that facilitate the change.

Discovered by a Finnish mineralogist, Nils Gustaf Nordenskiold (1792-1866), it was named "Alexandrite" in honor of the future Tsar of Russia, Alexander II.

Cool & Warm Colored Crystal Petite Non-pierced Earrings

Ancient Usages.
Found in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830, the old Russian Imperial colors were green and red, so Alexandrite was initially only mined for royalty. It wasn't until other deposits were found in various locations that the gemstone gained worldwide recognition.

Where is it found?
Russia was named the prime source for these gemstones, yet in the 1990's other deposits were located in India, Madagascar Ceylon, Brazil, Burma, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Sri Lanka, but said not to hold the color changing qualities of those found in the Ural Mountains.

Some gemstones are lab-grown (synthetic) and are not actually chrysoberyl, but corundum laced with trace elements or color-change spinel. These are referred to as 'simulated alexandrite' or 'Czochralski alexandrite' after the process that grows the crystals.

Aurora Collection Crescent Moon Non-pierced Button Earrings

Cleaning & Care.
On the Moh's Scale, alexandrite is a solid 8.5 and is noted for being tough, hard and durable. A simple cleaning includes warm water with a few drops of dish detergent, rinse and polish with soft cloth. Alexandrite jewelry  can be cleaned in an ultrosonic bath or steamed cleaned without problems.

Alexandrite jewelry should be stored separately because of it's capacity to damage and scratch other jewelry and stones, as well as be scratched itself.

The Mystic & Folklore
Alexandrite is the birthstone for the month of June and the 55th year marriage anniversary stone. It is also known as the stone of Friday, or the stone of "Friday's Child."

Because it's relatively a 'young' gemstone, there is not much information for this category. However, since it's discovery, the gemstone has been attributed to luck, good fortune and love, and in Russia, good omens. It is also said to increase creativity, imagination and intuition.

Cliptomania has been in business for over 15 years, and offers over 500 non-pierced earrings in a wide range of styles, colors and sizes.  Including designer, gemstone, gold, sterling silver, big & bold, specials, glitter...and more! On a daily basis, over half our customers are first time shoppers! Find clip on earrings you love by browsing the website.

Sources:
www.gemstone.org
www.khazargems.com
en.wikipedia.org
www.jewelsforme.com

Skin Tones, Color & Jewelry

Cool Undertones

(Skin looks Rosy)

Skin Color: Fair

Skin Color: Medium

Skin Color: Dark

Warm Undertones

(Skin looks Golden)

Skin Color: Fair

Skin Color: Medium

Skin Color: Dark

Flatters All Undertones

Skin Color: Fair

Skin Color: Medium

Skin Color: Dark



The fair blue of aquamarine

Cliptomania.com has some wonderful non-pierced earrings that fall into all these colors. Check out our Rainbow section to see a vast array of clip on earrings. You can also use the Advanced Search feature to look for a specific color, style, designer, and more!



 Cool shades of blue in these crystals, cat's eye beads,and dyed freshwater  pearls in these Michal Golan non-pierced earrings 



Looking for reds in all the right places!



Crystal dotted in  nectarine...yummy!  

See these and others at

www.cliptomania.com

Gemstone Highlights: Emerald



Image: www.dreamstime.com

What is it? 
Translated "green gemstone" it orginates from the Greek "smaragdo" via Old French "esmeralde." Emeralds are beryllium-aluminium-silicates with traces of chromium and vanadium which give it the green color. Flaws (or in the case of the emerald and similar to the gemstone amber) are actually inclusions that make the gemstone more valuable. Emeralds with inclusions verify authenticity, and account for the desired darker green color. Some specialists call the inclusions, cracks and fissures "jardin" as they resemble the tiny green plants in an emerald garden which allude to its all-natural origin.

Where is it found?

It is speculated that the best emeralds are mined in South America, particularly, Colombia.  Other notable mines are located in Brazil, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Madagascar, India, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Russia.

Image: www.dreamstime.com

Ancient usage:

In South America, emeralds were found by the Incas and Aztecs who regarded them as holy. Their beliefs, according the Vedas (holy scriptures) say emeralds hold healing properties and promise good luck.

In ancient Rome, the color of Venus - goddess of beauty, love, sex & fertility -  was green. The emerald's green color was said to be the color of life and springtime, as well as the color of beauty and of love. Emeralds were also used in wedding rings denoting faithfulness.

The Egyptians, who believed in the emerald's metaphysical and magical powers, exhausted the finds near the Red Sea between 3000 and 1500 B.C.  These mines were later referred to as "Cleopatra's Mines" as she wore many pieces of jewelry containing this magnificent gem.




The Emerald Buddha is a statue that surfaced in northern Thailand in the Lannathai kingdom in 1434. One account of its discovery tells that lightning struck a pagoda in a temple in Chiang Rai, after which, something became visible beneath the stucco. The Buddha was dug out, and the people believed the figurine to be made of emerald, hence its name.




Research shows that emeralds have been mined and sought after for well over 4,000 years by many civilizations, and continue to be one of four highly valued gemstones - the others being: diamond, ruby and sapphire.

Care of Emerald Jewelry:
Although the emerald has a Mohs Scale hardness of 7.5 to 8, the inclusions, cracks and fissures within the stone increase the possibility of fractures and damage. Therefore, to protect your jewelry, certain care instructions should be noted.

One suggestion I read encouraged one to purchase emeralds that have been bezel set, thus protecting the stone from accidental bumps, as well as emeralds surrounded by other stones offer increased protection.

Ask the jeweler if the emerald has been "oiled" to minimize the appearance of internal fractures that could lead to breaks in the stone.

Cleaning is basic. Put warm water in a basin. If the water is too warm for your hand, it's too warm for your emerald. Add a mild dishwashing soap to the water. Place jewelry in the water to soak for no longer than ten minutes. Remove and clean with a toothbrush, rinse and pat dry.  Emeralds should not need cleaning more than a couple times a year.  If the stone has been oiled, after several years of wear, it may need to be re-oiled.  Check with your jeweler. Never clean your emeralds with ultrasonics, steam or petroleum distillates (in many jewelry cleaning solutions) as these remove the oil from the gemstone.

Store your emerald jewelry separately to avoid scratching.  Put emerald jewelry on last and take it off first so that chemicals in cosmetic and hair products do not damage or dull the stone. 

Folklore and the Mystic:

The traditional birthstone for the month of May and a traditional gift for the 35th Anniversary

 , emeralds are believed to have many positive properties for body and mind.  Known as a "tonic" for the body, it is said emeralds aid in alignment, and in strengthening the eyes, heart, immune and other systems, including balancing the wearer who seeks truth. Said to ward off negativity and strengthen spiritual perception, it has been used as a scrying stone to foretell the future.

As the sacred stone for love and romance, it is said to enhance joy, memory, harmony and bring a lover closer.  For some, the emerald has been considered a stone of prophecy bringing the wearer wisdom and insight.

Christians view the emerald as a symbol of faith and hope.  Biblical narrative depicts a rainbow around God's throne shining like an emerald.


Cliptomania.com offers emerald colored crystals and glass clip on earrings in a variety of styles and sizes. Also visit our Gemstone pages.  In business since 1999, let Cliptomania be your first source for beautiful non-pierced earrings including gold, silver, pearls, gemstones, sea glass, designer earrings and more!

Sources

http://www.gemstone.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=84:sapphire&catid=1:gem-by-gem&Itemid=14

http://www.minerals.net/gemstone/emerald_gemstone.aspx

http://www.luckygemstones.com/emerald-legends.htm

http://www.ehow.com/info_8210686_different-uses-emeralds-egyptians.html

http://simplygemstones.com/emeraldfacts.htm

http://www.ehow.com/info_8675929_use-wedding-rings-ancient-times.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerald_Buddha

http://www.ehow.com/how_2189858_care-emerald-jewelry.html

Birthstones: April & May

April's Birthstone is Diamond.

The diamond is a widely known stone with outstanding physical properties, in particular the qualities which originate from the bonding of its atoms. The result is that the diamond is recognized for its hardness (10 on Moh's Scale) and it's thermal conductivity. 

Did you know a large and perfect (aka flawless and having no inclusions) diamond is called a paragon? A diamond with a weight of 12 carats held this title in the 16th century, but today, more than 99 carats are needed.



April's Alternate Birthstone is Quartz.

Quartz in it's purest form is called "Rock Crystal" or "Clear Quartz" because it is colorless and translucent.

Did you know the largest, recorded quartz crystal was 20 feet long and weighed more than 48 tons?

April's Birth Crystal is Cubic Zirconia.

Cubic Zirconium (CZ) is a lab-created gemstone that closely resembles a diamond, yet is heavier. Most people need a jeweler's eye to confirm if the stone is a diamond or a CZ.

Did you know that CZs are the biggest competitior against diamonds since production began in 1976?

May's Birthstone is Emerald.

Inclusions found in emeralds are considered part of their character, and used to assure the purchaser that the stone is natural. Such inclusions in most other gems are not acceptable.

Did you know that the emerald is one of the traditional four precious stones? The other three are ruby, diamond and sapphire.

May's Alternate Birthstone is Chalcedony.

Many precious gemstones are a form of chalcedony and include: Onyx, Avernturine, Agate, Mtorolite, Heliotrope, and Chrysoprase.

Did you know that hot wax will not stick to chalcedony? It was carved and used to make seal impressions.

May's Birth Crystal is Emerald.

Emeralds are considered brittle stones, and internal cracks may develop if the stone is banged against something or subjected to significant temperature changes.

Did you know the "Emerald Cut" was devloped for this particular gem in order to reduce the amount of pressure during the cutting process?

Sources:

www.gemselect.com/gem-info/emerald/emerald-info.php

en.wikipedia.org

Images:

www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-images....

Spring is Here!

....and so are our Speciality Section earrings including some of the below styles and themes!

EASTER, will be celebrated on April 1st of this year.

Here in Indiana, as of this writing,

we have received (hopefully)

our last snow of the season.

Yet, in other areas of the country,

 FLOWERS are popping up,

 BIRDS are singing,

and young ladies are getting ready for Prom- Clear Glitter &  Colored Glitter .

Cliptomania.com is an clip on earring internet only store featuring over 500+ non-pierced earrings in a variety of styles including Gold, Sterling, Hoops, Vintage, CZ, Childrens, Nickel-Free, Designer, Gemstone, Pearls, Museum Reproductions and more.  See our Homepage and begin shopping with us!

Feature Birthstones: February & March

Image: www.Dreamstime.com

 February's birthstone is Amethyst.

Amethyst is the purple form of quartz, and the most desired of the quartz family. Shades include dark purple, lilac, lavender or mauve, yet top quality stones will be a medium deep purple with rose colored flashes.

Did you know ancient Romans and Greeks made drinking glasses of Ameythist in belief it would keep them from getting drunk?




February's alternate stone is Onyx.

Onyx is formed of bands of chalcedony in alternating colors.  The black variety is the most famous, yet not as common as onyx displaying colored bands. 

Onyx is a main feature in these Michal Golan clip earrings

Did you know slabs of onyx were famously used by Mies van der Rohe in Villa Tugendhat at Brno to create a shimmering semi-translucent interior wall?





February's birth crystal is also the Amethyst.

Amethyst stones can fade in sunlight. It is recommended that jewelry not be worn while sunbathing, swimming, in a solarium, or near a black light. Sudden temperature changes can also be harmful.

Did you know in 1993 a 9-foot cave was found near Maine which contained more than a ton of amethyst crystals? 

Amethyst Swarovski crystals feature  on these Michal Golan Clip Earrings

Sources:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amethyst
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onyx
www.gemstone.org
www.dreamstime.com

Aquamarine Solitaire Ring and Aquamarine Earrings

March's birthstone is Aquamarine. 



Aquamarine (Latin's "aqua marina"  means "water of the sea") is a blue or teal variety of beryl though the most desired shade is a deep aqua-blue color. Brazil has the largest mine.

 

Did you know the largest aquamarine ever to have been cut is the "Dom Pedro" weighing 26 kg and designed by Bernd Munsteiner in 1992?




Image: www.dreamstime.com

March's alternate is Rock Crystal.

Rock Crystal is the name given to all clear colorless quartz.  The best source are in the famous Hot Springs area of Arkansas, USA.

Did you know that after the time of the Roman Empire, Persians made large vessels from rock crystal?



March's birth crystal is also Aquamarine.

Aquamarine is a very hard stone (Mohs Scale = 8), and trace amounts of iron give the stone its color.

Did you know that sailors believed wearing aquamarine would protect them from danger at sea, and prevent sea sickness?

Sources:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquamarine.

www.gemselect.com/Aquamarine

www.galleries.com/Rock_crystal
www.ehow.com/about_5481182_rock-crystals.html#ixzz2K9Uj9OGs
www.ehow.com/facts_5464965_aquamarine.html#ixzz2K9WFKMeO