All posts by xaarenee1

Final Thoughts

Creating this blog site at first seemed to be an hassle because my personal lack of creativity had made choosing a topic out of the many options a bit overwhelming. Once I finally set on discussing the subject matter of jewelry, narrowing the focus down had my thoughts everywhere. Since I am not a expert jeweler it was critical to me that I provide the most reliable resources and accurate facts to my viewers. Given that this topic about picking jewelry to compliment your style was chosen based upon my interest, I wanted to present enlightening information about jewelry while limiting any bias opinions. This experienced allowed me review other blogs and websites reporting on the same topic, which provided helpful insight for my blog. In addition I enjoyed, updating my knowledge on jewelry when doing research for my post.

Take a moment to admire the detail in this Austrian Gothic Bracelet made of gold and encrusted, carnerlian, malachite, moss agate, amethysts, aquamarine, ruby stones.

Using WordPress made this process easy-going overall. The format and tools used for creating post and pages are easily accessible for first time users in my experience. I prefer simplicity as a beginner blogger and this site catered to that by not overwhelming the format with advanced user features or designs. One notable con I encountered was the general accessibility to wordpress. I could not access editor features on my account using a phone or tablet which was a drawback because there were many instances I personally did not have access to a lap top or computer hard drive. For me, this affected my ability to remain creative going weeks without posting. This then directly impacted the quality and time viewers were provided access to new updates on my blog. Before this blog, I may have not volunteered my time to this task but after engaging in the creative process I definitely see this as a hobby for sharing my other interests. Overall creating this blog is a great vehicle for expression, while developing basic technology skills for regular internet users.

Rockin’ Rocks PT 2

Now that we have explored some background information about the natural evolution of gemstones, I will briefly discuss characteristics about the various types of gemstones anyone could accessorize their every day clothing with! Before choosing or purchasing a ring, necklace, bracelet or pendant your, budget is always a factor determining the authenticity, size and style of a piece.

There are three types of gems on the market consumers should be aware of if interested. Stimulated gemstones appear shiny and flawless, and usually are the cheapest formation of stone jewelry on the market because they are not made of raw minerals as discussed in part 1. Synthetic gemstones range in price and are made in laboratories with physical and chemical conditions simulating the environment of the natural process. These gems appear almost identical to natural gemstones but are still not considered genuine. Natural or raw gemstones made into jewelry tend to be the most expensive due to the authenticity and rarity of a stone. These are stones found in nature such as diamonds and opal, then manipulated and customized into jewelry. The quality of raw minerals exuded from genuine stones can be examined by following the 4 C’s and other distinctive characteristics.

A photo of my first gemstone pendant. Amazonite hanging form 14k gold rope chain.

The hardness of a raw stone is a critical characteristic observed when determining what is suitable for jewelry and is typically tested using the MOHs Scale The 4 Cs, color, clarity, carat and cut are commonly used to grade diamonds as well as gemstones too. Color is used to classify the hue gem belongs in, which can appear completely solid, transparent or saturated with many colors. Clarity can be tricky to grade because naturally authentic stones have inclusions but after processed into a custom pieces, fewer imperfections represent a quality piece. Carats are a significant factor because the price is heavily valued on the weight of stones. Lastly the cut of a stone can be achieved in many fashions and has a important role in the perceived value and style of an jewelry item. Check out this credible jewelry retailer providing further information for consumers ready to spend a pretty penny on enticing gems!

Rockin’ Rocks PT 1

Welcome back to my blog! As promised, this post will provide insight for those who have interest in rockin’ rocks also known as gemstones or crystals in some cultures and spiritual communities. As a consumer I believe it is always good to acknowledge the background information on any product, and entities affiliated with a service one chooses to use. Gemstones are a treasure from Earth that have been vastly integrated in the lifestyles and cultures of mankind for many years. Jewelry was heavily traded among civilizations dating at least back to 300 B.C. Egypt, The Roman, Byzantine empires have been known to use gemstones for jewelry, tombs and symbolic art. Along with civilizations in the Mediterranean, jewelry has been given as offerings to ancestors, gods and the higher power of the people. Overtime crystals have been associated with the folk lore of providing healing powers, but before any of this could be said, mined and worn, Earth undergoes an fascinating process to create such alluring and raw forms of nature. Let’s briefly discuss gem formation!

Here is a shot of raw gemstones I have collected the past few years . From the right is Celestite, Amethyst, Quartz, Green Calcite and Kyanite.

Like most pleasant things of this land, Earth is the foundation for nurturing growth. Crystals begin “growing” in the cavities of Earths crust. Temperature, pressure and fluids in these specific placements together promote crystallization. The chemical properties of the fluids contribute to the vast color spectrum seen in rocks and crystals. When the conditions of an environment change, the composing minerals undergo changes commonly known as metamorphism, creating new and unique species. For example rare mineral species, have been found in Africa and no other continent because this location on Earth has suitable conditions for metamorphism. These are only a few of the processes that occur before one can even go out searching for this luxury. The Gem Society provides all you need to know on stones before they are turned into alluring pieces of art. Click here!

Gold Review Pt 3

To conclude this trilogy post covering gold, I have reviewed other blogs about the same topic. Many pages provide further detail on aspects pertaining to gold that I have briefly introduce in parts 1 and 2. Many of the blogs I came across heavily report on the market value and statistical numbers, for these blogs do not confine the use of gold strictly for jewelry as I have with my blog.

Find more information on gold here!

Today I will share, I website that stuck out from the others. Usagold.com provides information about the gold market and investing, purchasing gold coins, and opinion based blog posts on the industry. On this website, each subtopic is organized on its on page, making user navigation easy. The page provides live daily market updates on the fluctuating prices of gold. The creators take a step further and break down the pricing of the various karats and colors. Although this site does not sell or provide information on gold jewelry, they do provide consumers the option to purchase pure gold coin. Which we have discussed prior, in this state, gold is most valuable. For example this site sells both American gold eagle and buffalo coins, Canadian gold maple leaf coin, Austrian philharmonic coin, South Africa gold Krugerrand and the Australian Kangaroo coin. each of these coins are about an ounce of gold with asking prices of $1900 and up!

Gold Pt 2 Karats vs Colors

I began to realize I lacked proper knowledge of gold when it was time to purchase it with my funds. The information I present is for the basic consumer to use without becoming overwhelmed by jargon and many options available on the market. I had always thought gold was gold until I became educated on the various karats, colors. Undeniably, differentiating gold-filled, plated and solid jewelry is a significant factor in quality I recommend consumers consider when purchasing gold jewelry within financial means. Continue reading for a brief overview of gold.

A photo of myself accessorizing my shirt with 14k yellow gold hoops and a custom 10k yellow gold grill piece to match.

Solid gold being the purest and most expensive, can be manipulated into many forms and will sink in water no matter the amount of structure. Gold is extremely malleable and can require additional alloys to provide durability, hardness, and color. Gold-filled and gold plated are similar because pieces manufactured this way contain only a fragment of real gold melted on to other solid metals. Brass and copper are common metals used as bases for wrapping gold, which results in budget-friendly products compared to metal bases made of sterling silver, also known as gold vermeil. For gold jewelry that isn’t solid but has some gold can be considered plated or filled, with at least a layer of 10k gold adhering to another metal. The significant difference between gold plated and filled jewelry is the amount of gold used or the number of layers. Gold plated pieces will always have the least amount of gold but is most affordable out of the types.

However gold becomes affordable when pieces are mixed with alloys requiring lesser amounts of pure gold. 18K gold is mixed with on average e 25% other metals, 14k has about 41% alloy and 10k gold has 58% of other metals is mixed with other metals. To the eye, jewelry with high amounts of alloy appears as a softer gold yellow tone. Also, alloys provide a variety of colors. Yellow gold the most common type of gold accent is created when combined with copper, silver, or zinc. White gold, which can be mistaken for silver is formed by mixing pure gold with palladium, nickel, or zinc. Rose gold, which appears as a faint pink is an alloy with majority copper, some silver, and gold. This information is helpful for any consumer buying authentic jewelry with quality and costs in mind. Here, the FTC details what qualifies as authentic gold by legal terms.

Gold Pt 1: Value of Gold

As stated before, gold happens to be one of my favorite elements to accessorize with. I am not an expert and do not seek gold for income, but I am very intrigued by gold as many others are. I can only conclude my passive obsession over this type of jewelry began when I was a toddler, reaching for the yellow glossy beam that reflected light out of the mouths of my great grandmother, mother, and father, known as gold teeth or grills. Since a child, my parents accessorized me in gold, like a little minion. During my elementary school years, I acquired free and authentic gold more than any other time in my life. Earrings, necklaces, pendants, one ring. I truly was the golden child. For me, the value of gold is priceless because I become very nostalgic when I wear this form of memorabilia passed down to me from loved ones. I could go on for days about the sentiment attached to jewelry however, I cannot neglect to discuss the evident monetary value gold has in this post.

A photo of myself at age 9 with my father after purchasing matching gold cross pendants.

I believe gold is a historical marker that has always provided financial empowerment and the overall influence it has had on societies over time, is why this luxury of Earth will remain prevalent for many more years to come. I’m sure we all have heard of the California gold rush of 1848 and the beneficial impact it had on settling west in the United States. Well before that, gold was used immoderately in Egypt, and in 1500 B.C. became the standard exchange for international trade. During these times gold had a higher appraisal because it was widely used. The monetary value of gold has decreased over time but today 1 gram of gold will cost $55! Whenever purchasing jewelry, the gram weight of the piece is a factor that determines the price and its value.

The National Mining Association provides more Historical facts about Gold. Click here to access!

Jewls, Jewels, Jewels

The information I will be sharing about my interest in particular types of jewelry can be used for insight or to accessorize your style. This blog will consist mainly of the pieces I own which add an statement to my style! I Believe there can be misconceptions towards the expense of owning jewelry but I will share ways to accessorize on a budget and how some pieces can be profitable in the long run. In my opinion one common way individuals express themselves is through fashion and style the best way we can. Jewelry, sunglasses, bracelets, hats, bags can definitely add the finishing touches to an look if that is one preferences. I prefer jewelry…and hats when I am trying to maintain a low profile.

My jewelry collection

By now you may be wondering, “Well what type of jewelry are you into?” In all honesty as much as I love the eccentric styles that have been made into wearable art, I tend to remain in my safe zone. Gold. I love gold from my 10k nose piercing to my faux gold ankle bracelet. My parents wore it and gave me some of my very first pieces as an kid. Another favorite of mine are pieces made from crystal rocks or gemstones. I find it remarkable how the laws of science, allow for fashion items to be created from the natural elements of this Earth. For example, the malleability of gold is why I am able wear Au as a chain or ring, and even tooth cap/grill. Many other unique and pleasant jewels can be mad from ther elements such as silver and platinum. Fly pieces are even made from clay, wood, plastic and many other materials we will explore on this blog site. Until next time, check out the link below with access to over 100 types of jewelry! Click here!

Welcome!

Hi I’m Xaviera Tucker a native to Texas born and raised in Austin. I’m in my 20s. I’m currently a senior at Texas state university majoring in nutrition and food science. I’m interested in many things and become more intrigued with life the more I experience situations and fulfill endeavors. I am huge fan of music, healthy lifestyles and fashion. 

This blog post will specifically be catered to my love for jewelry. A common interest of many. I have always been drawn to accessories as a kid whether it’s jewelry, sunglasses, scarfs or anything that gives the perfect outfit the finishing look. The cool thing about jewelry in my opinion are the many natural resources they are made from. I think we are all familiar with Gold and diamonds found on the periodic table that have been customized into flashy jewels. However, some of my favorite pieces are made from natural crystals and stones. I find it fascinating the many things jewelry can create with natural elements of this Earth and I will use this blog site to share my favorites jewels and hidden gems.This blog post will provide detail on the elements used to create jeweler, differentiating authentic pieces from knock off or plastic/ glass made jewelry, and ways to style jewelry with your own personal fashion preferences.