Jewelry Sizing: Make sure your Jewelry Order fits!
It can sometimes be difficult to buy jewelry online because we are never sure exactly how the jewelry will fit us. The jewelry descriptions might have lengths listed, or a fancy name noted, which is supposed to let us know how long the necklace is. However, most of us are unable to imagine how the jewelry will display on our necks or wrists.
This article is written to serve as a guide to buying jewelry online when you only have an image or description to evaluate. If you are a frequent handmade jewelry client for online jewelry businesses, I would recommend cutting some string or having a measuring tape (for sewing use) on hand. These are simple ways to measure around your neck or wrist to see where the jewelry will fall. If you are still unsure if the jewelry will fit you, take some measurement from your neck and wrists and let your online jewelry designer know what length you would like the necklace to be. Don't do a complete redesign, but if the necklace is 17.5 inches and you want is to fall at 18 inches, you could ask about adding a couple of links to the necklace. While this may be a complimentary service from some jewelry designers, some may charge a small fee, but it's worth the extra money for your handmade jewelry purchase to fit you perfectly.
Necklaces
We'll start with necklace lengths. Standard Necklace lengths are 16", 18", 20", 22" and 24". There are more sizes, both smaller and larger, but those are standards. You can usually buy chains in these standard length. If you go smaller you are entering collar or choker territory. The collar necklace, which is 12-13 inches, fits snugly around the middle of the neck. These necklaces are often made of fabric, or woven beads, so the necklace will lay flat against the neck rather than irritating the neck with large beads, especially mis-shapen beads. The choker, which is 14-16 inches, falls perfectly around the base of the neck. This length is very popular and classic, and it works with most necklines.
Next we have the Princess necklace, which is 17-19 inches. The princess necklace falls just below the throat and is usually worn with lower necklines. You'll find that necklaces with large pendants or y-necklaces tend to be 17-19 inches in length before the pendant or the drop. The princess necklace length makes for a more natural drop from the weight of the pendant or for the V of the Y-necklace.
The Matinee necklace is 20-24 inches, which falls a few inches below the collarbone, or at (or above) the neckline. Many women wear this style necklace over a blouse or high collar top. You'll see the Matinee necklace in the workplace or on older women who don't like to wear necklaces too tight or close to their neckline. If you are wearing a necklace with a whimsical pendant or of a locket of some kind, and you frequently enjoy looking at it while you wear it, the Matinee necklace is perfect due to the longer length. The same goes for our next necklace, the Opera necklace.
The Opera necklace ranges from 26-34 inches in length. The trend right now is to wear multiple opera length necklaces at their longest length. These necklace are extremely versatile, and depending on the length, the opera necklace can be doubled up to make a double strand necklace. This style of necklace can easily be transformed from day to evening wear.
The longest necklace style is the Rope necklace, which can be over 45 inches in length. This is perhaps the most versatile necklace style there is, as it can be worn day or night and transformed into a multi-strand necklace or even bracelet. Some people even refer the rope necklace as a necklace scarf or beaded scarf. They can be worn in any number of ways, be as creative as your fashion sense will take you. You can even wear these around your waist as a decorative belt.
Bracelets
There aren't any fancy names for bracelets, but there is a size chart. To ensure that your bracelet will fit you when it arrives, make a note of your wrist size in the comments box on checkout, I would imagine that most jewelry artists will verify that the bracelet will fit you before shipping your order. Don't forget to add 1-1.25 inches to your bracelet measurement, you don't want to bracelet too tight. If the bracelet is a gift and you don't know their wrist size, refer to the chart below and estimate. The average person is 7.25-7.5 inches.
Bracelet Size Chart:
Extra Small: 6-6.5 inches
Small: 6.5-7 inches
Medium: 7-7.5 inches (Standard)
Large: 7.5-8 inches
Extra Large: 8-8.5 inches and up.
If you are still clueless, buy a small or medium bracelet with an extension. A bracelet extension not only adds versatility to the length, but it's also a nice decorative touch. At Kincaidesigns Handmade Jewelry, many of the bracelets have extensions which adds anywhere from 1" to 2.5 inches to the length of the bracelet. This guarantees your bracelet will fit.
There you have it, refer to this article when you are buying from an online jewelry designer. And remember that when you buy from a handmade jewelry designer, you have more control over the specifics of your jewelry. If you would like links added or removed, just ask your online jewelry designer and they will let you know what can be done. When you shop at Kincaidesigns Handmade Jewelry, we want to make sure that your jewelry fits the way you want it to. Please add notes to the comments box when you checkout with your wrist size and necklace preferences. We will make sure your jewelry fits you before your order is shipped.
Host a Jewelry Home Party
Host a Jewelry Home Party
Do you want to throw a party, earn Free Handmade Jewelry and find unique artisan crafted gifts all at the same time? Host a Kincaidesigns Jewelry Home Party and shop at home with your friends and family. Avoid crowded shopping malls, save time, avoid traffic, and have fun! You'll find unique, one of a kind, artisan crafted gifts for yourself and your family and friends. When you host a jewelry home party you automatically earn $25.00 towards handmade jewelry. PLUS you'll earn 10% of total sales towards more handmade jewelry for yourself. You've got nothing to lose, only unique handmade jewelry to gain for your accessory collection.
To shop for jewelry from Kincaidesigns, visit the Handmade Jewelry and Glass Art Boutique. You'll find artisan crafted, unique handmade jewelry.
Jewelry Home Party FAQ's
Where are you located? Kansas City, Missouri. I can easily do jewelry home parties in the Kansas City area and I'm willing to travel within a few hours outside the city for a party scheduled on a Saturday or Sunday. If you would like to host a party somewhere else in the US, contact me for special consideration and availability, or ask about online jewelry parties. Frequently travelled cities include: Portland, Oregon; Los Angeles, California; Seattle, Washington. Please contact me if you are interested in throwing a jewelry home party in these areas and I'll let you know when I'll be in town again.
Do you supply the Invitations? Yes, when you book a jewelry home party simply let me know how many invitations you would like to mail out. I'll have them printed and mailed to you.
When do you arrive at our home? To setup the jewelry party I'll need about 1.5 - 2 hours. I will arrive 2 hours prior to the jewelry party for setup unless directed otherwise by the host. Taking down the party takes less time, approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
Do you take Credit Cards at the Jewelry Home Party? Yes, at Kincaidesigns we accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. We also accept cash and checks during the jewelry home parties.
Do you have special jewelry home party pricing? Sometimes, I usually have some pieces on clearance, multiple purchase discounts, free gifts or a drawing of some kind at jewelry home parties. It depends if we are nearing a holiday or if I am having a special at the time.
What is your price range? The handmade jewelry and lampwork glass beads have a wide price range. Our glass beads start as low as $10 and our three strand necklaces are $240. There will definately be something for everyone, no matter what their price range.
For more information on throwing a jewelry home party, see Jewelry Home Parties at our website at www.kincaidesigns.com.
Do you want to throw a party, earn Free Handmade Jewelry and find unique artisan crafted gifts all at the same time? Host a Kincaidesigns Jewelry Home Party and shop at home with your friends and family. Avoid crowded shopping malls, save time, avoid traffic, and have fun! You'll find unique, one of a kind, artisan crafted gifts for yourself and your family and friends. When you host a jewelry home party you automatically earn $25.00 towards handmade jewelry. PLUS you'll earn 10% of total sales towards more handmade jewelry for yourself. You've got nothing to lose, only unique handmade jewelry to gain for your accessory collection.
To shop for jewelry from Kincaidesigns, visit the Handmade Jewelry and Glass Art Boutique. You'll find artisan crafted, unique handmade jewelry.
Jewelry Home Party FAQ's
Where are you located? Kansas City, Missouri. I can easily do jewelry home parties in the Kansas City area and I'm willing to travel within a few hours outside the city for a party scheduled on a Saturday or Sunday. If you would like to host a party somewhere else in the US, contact me for special consideration and availability, or ask about online jewelry parties. Frequently travelled cities include: Portland, Oregon; Los Angeles, California; Seattle, Washington. Please contact me if you are interested in throwing a jewelry home party in these areas and I'll let you know when I'll be in town again.
Do you supply the Invitations? Yes, when you book a jewelry home party simply let me know how many invitations you would like to mail out. I'll have them printed and mailed to you.
When do you arrive at our home? To setup the jewelry party I'll need about 1.5 - 2 hours. I will arrive 2 hours prior to the jewelry party for setup unless directed otherwise by the host. Taking down the party takes less time, approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
Do you take Credit Cards at the Jewelry Home Party? Yes, at Kincaidesigns we accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. We also accept cash and checks during the jewelry home parties.
Do you have special jewelry home party pricing? Sometimes, I usually have some pieces on clearance, multiple purchase discounts, free gifts or a drawing of some kind at jewelry home parties. It depends if we are nearing a holiday or if I am having a special at the time.
What is your price range? The handmade jewelry and lampwork glass beads have a wide price range. Our glass beads start as low as $10 and our three strand necklaces are $240. There will definately be something for everyone, no matter what their price range.
For more information on throwing a jewelry home party, see Jewelry Home Parties at our website at www.kincaidesigns.com.
Lucky December Birthstones
Lucky December Birthstones
Why are there so many December birthstones? They must have gotten to the 12th month of the year and had so many gemstones left over that they gave them all to December. Who knows why or when they were distributed to December, but whoever was born during this festive month has plenty of gemstones to choose from. First we'll start with the traditional birthstones, Lapis Lazuli and Zircon.
Lapis Lazuli
A semiprecious gemstone. Lapiz Lazuli is a deep blue gemstone mineral which is often speckled with sparkling pyrite inclusions. Lapis Lazuli has been used for jewelry for thousands of years with many ancient cultures treasuring it. The main component in Lapis Lazuli is Lazurite and accounts for the intense blue color. The best quality lapis lazuli is an intense dark blue with minor deposits of white calcite and brassy yellow pyrite. It is extremely rare and commonly found in forms of crystalline limestone. Ancient references to "sapphire," the "sapphirus" of the Romans, usually refers to lapis lazuli. Its modern name originates in the Persian word "lazhuward," meaning "blue," and the Arabis word "lazaward," meaining "heavan" or "sky." Currently, much of the Lapis Lazuli on the market is mined in Afghanistan.
Zircon
A semiprecious gemstone. Zircon is one of the few stones to resemble the diamond in fire and brilliancy is zircon. It's colorless stones have been intentionally and mistakenly substituted for the diamond. The natural color of zircon varies between colorless, yellow-golden, red, brown, and green. Unlike the Diamond, Zircon exhibits double refraction and bottom facets seen through the top of a cut stone will appear double, diamond doesn't share this property. Zircon is also significantly softer than diamond and cut stones will show wear on the edges of the facets. The name Zircon is from the Arabic "zargun," derived in turn from Persian zar, meaning "gold," and the Arabic "gun," meaning "color."
Now that you know and understand the traditional birthstones, you can begin to explore the modern birthstones of Tuquoise, Topaz and Tanzanite. What a set of three beautiful gemstones.
Turquoise
A semiprecious gemstone. Turquoise is an azure or greenish soft mineral that derives it's color from copper. Turquoise is very soft and porous, and it's high water content makes it vulnerable to destruction by drying, and absorbing impurities. Turquoise is often stabilized with a resin to preserve it's color, protect it from environmental pollutants and drying. Turquoise was one of the first gemstones to be mined and some turquoise beads found in Mesopotamia, (present day Iraq), date back to around 5000 BC. It varies in color from sky-blue to green, depending on the amount of iron and copper it contains. Turquoise from several sources was first transported through Turkey, probably accounting for its name, which is French for "Turkish." Turquoise is mined in Iran, Tibet, northern Africa, Australia, Siberia, England, Belgium, France, Poland, Ethiopia, Mexico, Chile, and China.
Topaz
A semiprecious gemstone. Topaz is a very hard and lovely mineral that has been known and valued both in ancient and modern times. Topaz is found in a wide range of colors, the sherry-yellow being particularly valuable and the pink topaz (natural pink topaz) being the most valuable and rare. The yellow topaz becomes pink on exposure to a moderate heat, and most pink topaz today is heat treated yellow topaz. Other colors of topaz include blue, which is sometime indistinguishable from aquamarine, brown topaz, and white (which has been mistaken for diamond.) Ancient legends associated topaz with several different 'sungods', dispelling of enchantments, and improving eyesight, as well as crediting it with the ability to change colors in the presence of poisons. Topaz is one of the sources of the island Zebirget in the Red Sea. This island has had a few previous names, one of which was Topazios. The word Topaz is also thought to derive from "tapaz", the Sanskrit name for "fire." Many authorities believe that the stone called topaz today was unknown to the ancients and that the name topazos referred to olivine (peridot), which is known to be found on the island of Topazios (Zebirget) as well.
Tanzanite
A semiprecious gemstone. Tanzanite is a gem variety of the mineral Zoisite and it comes from a small area in Tanzania. Nearly all tanzanite on the market has been heat treated to generate it's lovely blue violet color. When first mined, tanzanite is usually a muted green color. Tanzanite is similar in final color to iolite, though iolite is usually of weaker intensity and has less fire. The sapphire-blue variety of Zoisite, Tanzanite is the most valuable of it's kind. Other colors zoisite comes in are yellowish-green, green, white, green-brown or gray. Tanzanite is found in the veins of quartz and pegmatites. They are commonly mistaken for sapphires and they are often color treated to remove any browns to enhance its color. They may appear more violet in incandescent lights.
You thought we were done, didn't you. Well there is yet, another birthstones that comes from the Mystical December birthstones. Onyx is our final December birthstone.
Onyx
A semiprecious gemstone. Onyx is a variety of chalcedony or microcrystalline quartz with a hardness rating of 7. Very similar to agate, and treated agate is often sold as black onyx. Onyx may be brown, white, grey, or black.
Onyx is the striped, semiprecious variety of agate with white and black alternating bands. It's a rare stone that can be artificially reproduced by dying pale, layered agate. The name come from the Greek "onux", meaning "nail" or "claw", referring to the mineral's color. The name onyx is properly applied to the agate variety only. Other varieties include carnelian onyx (with white and red bands), and sardonyx (with white and brown bands.) Natural onyx comes from India and South America and is commonly used for cutting cameos and intaglios because its layers show a color contrast.
There you have it, the long list and decriptions of the December birthstones. You can find out more about other birthstones at www.kincaidesigns.com. We have an extensive birthstones chart, anniversary gift traditions chart, and much more information on gemstones and other jewelry components. While you're there, don't foget the shop online a the Handmade Jewelry Boutique. We have handmade jewelry, handcrafted glass ornaments, unique gifts and much more. Visit www.kincaidesigns.com for all your jewelry shopping and informational needs.
Why are there so many December birthstones? They must have gotten to the 12th month of the year and had so many gemstones left over that they gave them all to December. Who knows why or when they were distributed to December, but whoever was born during this festive month has plenty of gemstones to choose from. First we'll start with the traditional birthstones, Lapis Lazuli and Zircon.
Lapis Lazuli
A semiprecious gemstone. Lapiz Lazuli is a deep blue gemstone mineral which is often speckled with sparkling pyrite inclusions. Lapis Lazuli has been used for jewelry for thousands of years with many ancient cultures treasuring it. The main component in Lapis Lazuli is Lazurite and accounts for the intense blue color. The best quality lapis lazuli is an intense dark blue with minor deposits of white calcite and brassy yellow pyrite. It is extremely rare and commonly found in forms of crystalline limestone. Ancient references to "sapphire," the "sapphirus" of the Romans, usually refers to lapis lazuli. Its modern name originates in the Persian word "lazhuward," meaning "blue," and the Arabis word "lazaward," meaining "heavan" or "sky." Currently, much of the Lapis Lazuli on the market is mined in Afghanistan.
Zircon
A semiprecious gemstone. Zircon is one of the few stones to resemble the diamond in fire and brilliancy is zircon. It's colorless stones have been intentionally and mistakenly substituted for the diamond. The natural color of zircon varies between colorless, yellow-golden, red, brown, and green. Unlike the Diamond, Zircon exhibits double refraction and bottom facets seen through the top of a cut stone will appear double, diamond doesn't share this property. Zircon is also significantly softer than diamond and cut stones will show wear on the edges of the facets. The name Zircon is from the Arabic "zargun," derived in turn from Persian zar, meaning "gold," and the Arabic "gun," meaning "color."
Now that you know and understand the traditional birthstones, you can begin to explore the modern birthstones of Tuquoise, Topaz and Tanzanite. What a set of three beautiful gemstones.
Turquoise
A semiprecious gemstone. Turquoise is an azure or greenish soft mineral that derives it's color from copper. Turquoise is very soft and porous, and it's high water content makes it vulnerable to destruction by drying, and absorbing impurities. Turquoise is often stabilized with a resin to preserve it's color, protect it from environmental pollutants and drying. Turquoise was one of the first gemstones to be mined and some turquoise beads found in Mesopotamia, (present day Iraq), date back to around 5000 BC. It varies in color from sky-blue to green, depending on the amount of iron and copper it contains. Turquoise from several sources was first transported through Turkey, probably accounting for its name, which is French for "Turkish." Turquoise is mined in Iran, Tibet, northern Africa, Australia, Siberia, England, Belgium, France, Poland, Ethiopia, Mexico, Chile, and China.
Topaz
A semiprecious gemstone. Topaz is a very hard and lovely mineral that has been known and valued both in ancient and modern times. Topaz is found in a wide range of colors, the sherry-yellow being particularly valuable and the pink topaz (natural pink topaz) being the most valuable and rare. The yellow topaz becomes pink on exposure to a moderate heat, and most pink topaz today is heat treated yellow topaz. Other colors of topaz include blue, which is sometime indistinguishable from aquamarine, brown topaz, and white (which has been mistaken for diamond.) Ancient legends associated topaz with several different 'sungods', dispelling of enchantments, and improving eyesight, as well as crediting it with the ability to change colors in the presence of poisons. Topaz is one of the sources of the island Zebirget in the Red Sea. This island has had a few previous names, one of which was Topazios. The word Topaz is also thought to derive from "tapaz", the Sanskrit name for "fire." Many authorities believe that the stone called topaz today was unknown to the ancients and that the name topazos referred to olivine (peridot), which is known to be found on the island of Topazios (Zebirget) as well.
Tanzanite
A semiprecious gemstone. Tanzanite is a gem variety of the mineral Zoisite and it comes from a small area in Tanzania. Nearly all tanzanite on the market has been heat treated to generate it's lovely blue violet color. When first mined, tanzanite is usually a muted green color. Tanzanite is similar in final color to iolite, though iolite is usually of weaker intensity and has less fire. The sapphire-blue variety of Zoisite, Tanzanite is the most valuable of it's kind. Other colors zoisite comes in are yellowish-green, green, white, green-brown or gray. Tanzanite is found in the veins of quartz and pegmatites. They are commonly mistaken for sapphires and they are often color treated to remove any browns to enhance its color. They may appear more violet in incandescent lights.
You thought we were done, didn't you. Well there is yet, another birthstones that comes from the Mystical December birthstones. Onyx is our final December birthstone.
Onyx
A semiprecious gemstone. Onyx is a variety of chalcedony or microcrystalline quartz with a hardness rating of 7. Very similar to agate, and treated agate is often sold as black onyx. Onyx may be brown, white, grey, or black.
Onyx is the striped, semiprecious variety of agate with white and black alternating bands. It's a rare stone that can be artificially reproduced by dying pale, layered agate. The name come from the Greek "onux", meaning "nail" or "claw", referring to the mineral's color. The name onyx is properly applied to the agate variety only. Other varieties include carnelian onyx (with white and red bands), and sardonyx (with white and brown bands.) Natural onyx comes from India and South America and is commonly used for cutting cameos and intaglios because its layers show a color contrast.
There you have it, the long list and decriptions of the December birthstones. You can find out more about other birthstones at www.kincaidesigns.com. We have an extensive birthstones chart, anniversary gift traditions chart, and much more information on gemstones and other jewelry components. While you're there, don't foget the shop online a the Handmade Jewelry Boutique. We have handmade jewelry, handcrafted glass ornaments, unique gifts and much more. Visit www.kincaidesigns.com for all your jewelry shopping and informational needs.
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