If you are struggling to figure out how to tie your Christmas party them together, you might be missing one of the most overlooked items at any party: a backdrop.

Additionally, if you are trying to set up family pictures or Christmas card pictures, a backdrop can be the best way to get great pictures that will really feel like Christmas.

What is a Christmas Backdrop?

A backdrop might be familiar to you if you have planned a wedding or if you take photos for a living, but for many people, a Christmas backdrop might be a new thing.  Basically, a Christmas backdrop is a large background that you can pose in front of for photos. It also ties the room together and creates a center of focus.

Backdrops are typically made of canvas or poster paper, is displayed in the room where your party will be held that help to set the tone for the whole event and to provide photo opportunities for guests. You can select from many different styles of backdrop and your choice will make the feel of your party unique.

When Do I Need a Christmas Backdrop?

A backdrop is a great addition to any gathering, no matter what size.  If you really want to make your party stand out and feel totally cohesive, a good backdrop is a must. The best spaces for a backdrop to really stand out are large rooms, but you can also select a smaller backdrop if you are working with a cozier space.

For photos, the backdrop that you choose can be the difference between pictures that feel like an accident and pictures that feel professional. You always want a Christmas photo shoot to turn out photos that feel just like Christmas. A good Christmas backdrop can do just that.

Knowing what kind of backdrop to pick can be as big a challenge as deciding on the theme itself.  There are many different ways to set the tone and enhance the theme of your party or photo shoot and just as many Christmas backdrops as there are themes. If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the choices available to you, don’t fret! We can help!

Types of Christmas Backdrops

1. Christmas Fireplace Themed Backdrop on Vinyl

This beautiful image is the perfect blend of cozy wooden cabin feel and artistic modern Christmas elegance. Nothing feels homier than a fireplace but this backdrop adds a touch of class that will make your event or your pictures feel dressed up without being forced.

Photos taken with this backdrop will feel natural and will have a great sensation of space and light. This is the kind of backdrop that really transports guests to the location and it is large enough for a big space.

2. Wooden Backdrop with Christmas Lights

If vinyl isn’t for you, this clever wooden backdrop comes complete with a charming chain of Christmas lights and a built-in wreath runner. You can buy just one segment or multiple if you want to cover more than a single wall at your party with this festive backdrop.

The wood gives it a rustic, natural feel evoking Christmas and sets a happy, merry atmosphere for your party. If you are using this backdrop for photos only, you will be pleased with the natural feeling it communicates and you can add props as needed.

3. Cozy Fabric Backdrop

This gorgeous fabric backdrop offers all the cozy good feelings of Christmas complete with Santa and his sleigh.  You and your guests will be transported to a Christmas cabin on Christmas Eve complete with a fire in the grate and a comfortable chair to sit on. 

Fabric backdrops always feel softer and more comfortable than vinyl backdrops but as this one’s been coated with glare-free vinyl, you still get all the benefits of vinyl without the glare.

4. Whimsical Christmas Backdrop

Are you holding a themed Christmas party that has a touch of zany sensibility? If so, this backdrop is for you! Large enough for a middling size room or bigger, this creative and whimsical backdrop will transport your party to the North Pole.  The sense of falling snow and also the charm of the subject matter will immediately set a wintry and fun feeling that would be hard to achieve with any other type of backdrop.

This is a great fit for a casual party of for a party designed to have a sense of travel to a foreign winter wonderland. If you are using this backdrop just for photos, add striped clothes and glittery items and you will have a whimsical and fun photo shoot that will communicate Christmas fun to everyone!

5. Manger Scene Backdrop

If your party is going to be held at a Church or if you want to keep the original history of Christmas present in the minds of all of your guests, this beautiful and delicate nativity is the right choice for your event.

You can almost feel the mist rising and the sense of wonder and rebirth is palpable when looking upon the backdrop. This is the kind of Christmas backdrop that sets a very specific tone but does it so well and thoroughly that everyone will remember your party long after Christmas.

When used for photos, this backdrop can take serious and moving pictures or it can also be a great location to take some costumed photos of children who have acted in the local nativity. This is a classic backdrop that works for many uses.

6. Sparkly and Red Christmas Backdrop

Photos may not be your main focus for having a Christmas Backdrop as your event. You might instead want to ensure that your whole room follows a specific theme. If that is the case, this beautiful fabric backdrop is great for your needs.

You can buy one or more of these lovely fabric backdrops and surround your guests with beautiful and serene Christmas feelings without the sense of being photo ready. That being said, if photos are your goal, this awesome backdrop will take care of all of your needs beautifully.

7. Headboard Backdrop

Maybe you don’t need a backdrop for a party but are instead trying to get clever night before Christmas photos of your kids or your family. This great backdrop can be hung on the wall behind your bed and offers up the perfect background setting to really bring a family picture in a cozy setting together.

Add a Christmas-themed bedspread to the bed and voila! You have the perfect means for the perfect Christmas pictures! And while it looks exactly like metal, this is in fact, paper or vinyl.

8. Whimsical Wooden Backdrop

Looking for something that is not fabric and not vinyl but still has a sense of whimsy and fun? This well-made wooden backdrop comes with a fun moose friend, some cleverly cartoonish trees and a string of lights and decorations to hang up. 

This is a charming and fun backdrop that will really set a ton of wintery delight without being too serious. Your whole party will love this cute backdrop and it will both set the tone of your party and also be the perfect setting for memorable photos.

9. Perfect Christmas Card Backdrop

If your goal is to make memorable pictures for a scrapbook or for a Christmas card, this is the right choice for you.  The backdrop comes complete with your well wishes and is everything a Christmas backdrop should be.

The bright and vibrant red color and the glitter make this backdrop pop and the well-crafted message is right to the point. Gather your family together and take some great photos so you can get those Christmas cards into the mail!

Wrapping Up

If your goal is to get the perfect Christmas photos or to hold the best Christmas party of the year, any of these backdrops will help you to achieve that goal! Picking a high-quality backdrop can really set the right tone and feel for your event and your pictures.

Take into consideration any other props or additions to your backdrop that will be needed to make the setting complete and then pick out your favorite! You will be very pleased with your party or your pictures with the addition of a good backdrop and you will likely never plan to take photos or hold a party without a Christmas backdrop again!

Sterling silver bracelets with sayings are among the most popular type of message jewelry. Silver is affordable, beautiful, a precious metal and can be moulded into pretty designs. With all this going for it, you might be tempted into getting your very own engraved sterling silver bracelet! Keep reading for our top 11 unique and creative silver bracelets with sayings.

1. Love never fails.

This bangle bracelet is unique in its design. It is engraved on both sides and because it is slightly twisted at one corner, this results in the message never actually ending!

There is no beginning or ending to the bracelet or its message, which is a symbolic representation of the quote itself. A beautiful gift for a loved one or close friend.

2. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.

It can be frightening to move towards our dreams, especially when there are voices telling us that we can’t do it. But go confidently, move with purpose, and you will reach your goals. This bracelet is perfect to remind ourselves of our dreams and our purpose for that little bit of extra inspiration.

3. Coordinates charm bangle.

Remember when Angelina Jolie had geographical coordinates tattooed on her arm, denoting where her husband and children were born? Doesn’t matter if you don’t, the point is that coordinates pinpoint an exact location on the globe.

Is there a place that you would like to remember? Perhaps a first date, first solo travel, or even a place you would like to go in the future. These can be added to your bracelet, where its visible yet inconspicuous. This is one of our favorite ways to personalize jewelry.

4. Morse Code Bracelet BFF

Here is a different way to wear a silver bracelet with a saying. The saying is in morse code, so it’s not immediately (if at all!) noticeable to anyone else. This particular bracelet spells out BFF for Best Friends Forever. Give it to your best friend, or why not buy two for each of you? What’s more, because the design is so delicate and minimalist, you can wear it along with other jewelry or any outfit. It’ll blend right in.

5. Morse Cuff

The same concept but presented in a different way, here you have a silver cuff stamped with a saying in Morse code. You can customize the bracelet with words of your choice. This unisex bracelet is a perfect gift not only because it is beautiful on its own but because the secret code adds a whole new level of meaning to the cuff.

6. Charm for your bracelet.

If you already have a silver charm bracelet and are in the habit of choosing meaningful charms for it, here is a humoros, tongue-in-cheek charm to have a laugh over. It’s ideal for those with a playful sense-of-humor and who love wine!

7. Custom name and date bracelet.

Perfect to commemorate a special day or event, this silver bracelet allows you to have two names carved into the silver and a date stamped on it. The day you met, the day you got married, the day you welcomed your child, the day you decided to renew your vows… the possibilities are endless.

8. Future musings bracelet.

Another silver cuff with a meaningful quote: The Future Belongs to Those Who Believe in the Beauty of Their Dreams. The surface is smooth, polished and flat with the engraved words standing out in stark contrast clearly.

9. Soundwave bracelet.

This is one of the most unique and creative ways to engrave a message. Rather than using words, you’re using the soundwaves of a message that you have recorded.

This is then engraved onto the hammered and polished silver plate. This beautiful piece combines art and music in one design and is especially perfect for someone who loves music. You’ll get brownie points for being so creative, that’s for sure!

10. Handwriting personalized bracelet.

Choose a meaningful message for this beautifully crafted handwriting bracelet. As the letters are stylized, the message is not immediately obvious and when worn, looks just like a work of art.

11. Quote Bracelet

This design displays an engraved plate attached onto a simple chain. You can find it in a few different metal options. Perfect for someone who loves minimalist jewelry designs with almost rustic simplicity.

Before You Buy

As we’ve seen, there are lots of unique and creative ways to wear a silver bracelet with a meaningful saying engraved on it. But before you buy, here are some things to consider:

Why Silver?

You don’t have to stick with silver but if you decide to, you’ve made a good choice. Silver is one of the 4 precious metals (along with platinum, gold and palladium) and has a long and prestigious history. Even so, it is an affordable metal and you don’t have to break the bank to own a silver bracelet. It is also very durable and can withstand daily wear.

Choose the Right Silver

However, take care when purchasing silver online, especially when purchasing from overseas. Some countries, such as China, are known to sell silver plated jewelry as sterling silver.

Do some research before you buy to make sure that your silver is real. One tip off is the price. If it is much too affordable, and below the base value of silver, then something isn’t quite right.

Also look for the Hallmark stamped on the piece of silver. It should have the numbers 925 stamped on it. This denotes the purity of silver in the piece. Always check with the vendor before you buy.

Meaning and Symbolism

Choose a quote that has meaning to you or to the person you plan to give the gift to. Think of the sort of things they like and lean towards.

Is it travel or perhaps music? Are they philosophical in nature? Maybe they’re going through a hard time and need a little bit of inspiration to keep on track. Do they like minimalist designs are something a bit more flashy and loud?

Considering these factors will ensure that your gift will be appreciated and meaningful to the person you buy it for. If the gift is for yourself, then it makes it a lot easier!

Consider the Size

It’s important to pick the type of closure you prefer. Some bracelets are adjustable and are easier to slip on and off. Others are closed and may be uncomfortable or even painful to put on and take off. If you’re buying for someone else and aren’t sure about the size, go for an adjustable bracelet.

Lobster clasps attached to a chain are ideal as they have a wide adjusting range.  Cuffs almost always fit any hand and can be adjusted accordingly, unless the wrist is much too small for the cuff.

Purchasing Sterling Silver Bracelets

Keep a line of communication open with your vendor regarding your purchase. Ask questions about the silver if in doubt. Also, if you are prone to metal allergies, check about the sterling silver alloy and what metals have been included in it.

Check the after sales policies as well as returns in case of any issues. Most vendors are helpful and want you to have a good experience with them so will go out of their way to answer your questions and help you make your purchase. 

Wrapping Up

Silver bracelets are affordable and durable. By picking the right saying or message, you’ll be able to not just flaunt your style but also have a reminder or motivational quote close at hand. And finally, enjoy shopping for that unique and meaningful sterling silver bracelet you’ve been looking for!

We often wear jewelry to remind us of something, to keep motivated, relaxed, focused or inspired. Like the dumbbell pendant or charm that you wear to remember your commitment to go to the gym. Or the little engraved quote on your bracelet to remind you of what matters in life.

Inspiration jewelry can be different for everyone, chosen according to how you’re feeling or what situation you are in. Sometimes the meaning can be direct and at other times it can be subtle and hidden. Here is our list of 17 inspirational jewelry picks. We’re sure you’ll be inspired!   

1. Mountain Range Design

We’ve all got our own mountains to climb and our own challenges to face. Sometimes, it’s easy to focus only on the peaks and forget the journey.

Whether inscribed on metal or shaped by metal, a mountain range design is a simple reminder to focus on the whole picture and to enjoy the journey, peaks, valleys, slopes, and all.

2. Just Breathe

The simplest messages can be the most powerful. When you’re stressed out, nothing works quite as well as taking a long deep breath. A bracelet or pendant with the words JUST BREATHE can be all you need to remember to slow down, take a deep breath, and be easy on yourself.

3. Wanderlust

Perfect for the avid traveler, this beautiful quote by Tolkien reminds you that it’s ok to wander. Others may not see your goal but you do. You know where you’re going, you know that you’re not simply wandering around lost, but are wandering around, enthralled by the beauty of life.

4. Be Grateful

Whenever things aren’t quite going your way, remembering that there are still things to be grateful for is one sure way of keeping things in perspective. Just seeing the words BE GRATEFUL is a quick reminder to focus on the things that matter the most in life and to be thankful for what you have.

5. Look to the Future

Inspiring and hopeful, these antique charms in copper, silver, and brass tones keep you looking forward. Why waste time ruminating about the past? The future awaits! 

6. Be Your Best Self

Sometimes we get a little lazy, unmotivated, or uninspired. We might choose to be a version of ourselves that we aren’t all that proud of. These words are a reminder that you are amazing, that you can be better, and that your best version is enough.

7. I Am Enough

Just as we remind ourselves that we can be our best selves, it’s also important to remind ourselves that we are enough as we are. There’s no need to strive to emulate someone else – why would you do that, when you are enough – exactly as you are.

8. The Journey is the Reward

Although the road may be twisted and narrow, it’s part of the fun of life. Why rush to the end? Why forgo the joys of the road simply to make it to the destination?

Much of life is the journey – so think about how much you miss out when you simply focus on the destination.

The journey is indeed the reward as you will become the person you want to be when you make it to the end successfully.

9. Good Vibes Only

Light, positive, and fun, the simple quote Good Vibes Only is a reminder to let happiness into your life and to ignore or leave behind the negativity.

10. Stay Strong

We all have hard times in life, and some of us may be going through harder situations than others. If you’re going through tough times, this is a nice way to quietly but steadily remind you to keep going. The dark times will end.

11. Be Humankind

Be human and be kind. Be humankind. Why simply choose one?

12. A Morse Message

Morse code jewelry is one of our favorite ways to convey a message in code. Only you will know what it means, because the message is written in morse code! If you are into minimalist designs, then this is sure to be a winner!

13. Dream

There shouldn’t be an expiry date for dreaming and this bracelet reminds you to keep your dreams alive and well. And if you’re dreaming, why stop at small dreams? Make your dreams count – make them big. As a wise person once said, if your dreams aren’t scaring you, you aren’t dreaming big enough.

14. All the Words You Need

This inspiring bracelet has all the words you need to describe yourself or your life – marvelous, serenity, fantastic, spectacular and more! With its three tones, it also matches any outfit you wear and is a beautiful statement piece

15. Live in the Moment

A reminder to live in the moment and be present, this is something that we all need to hear with our busy modern lives. We truly enjoy life when we live in the moment. As they say, life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.

16. Hamsa Pendant

The Hamsa is a symbol of happiness, good health, luck, and fortune. It is a protective symbol that has been popular throughout history in various cultures, believed to take away negative energy. It features a hand, pointing either up or down, sometimes with an eye in the middle.

17. She Believed She Could

This one is specifically for the ladies and requires no explanation! Sometimes, society tells us that we can’t do so many things. It takes guts to go after your goal, with your own words in your head, rather than all the negativity that may be surrounding you. And when you get the job done, break that glass ceiling, the achievement is sweeter than anything else you can imagine!

How to Choose Inspirational Jewelry

When choosing your inspiration jewelry, here are some factors to consider:

1. Hidden or visible

If you want your piece of motivational jewelry to be something that you see easily, it is best to choose a bracelet, cuff or ring. Every time you look at your hand, you will see your piece of jewelry reminding you of its message. A pendant or pair of earrings, on the other hand, will not be easily visible to you.

2. Covert or overt

Do you want your piece of inspiring jewelry to be easily decipherable by everyone? Do you want it to be a talking point or a subtle message just for you? If you want this to be a private little message, there are lots of unique designs that give you this – such as jewelry with messages in a different language (think Sanskrit or Spanish) or in code (morse code).

3. Every day or occasionally

Will this be a piece that you wear everyday? If so, choose something that is durable enough to withstand daily exposure. For example, sterling silver and stainless steel are good for regular wear.

If you only plan to wear this every now and then, durability is not very important. You can choose fabric or suede, delicate beads or wood.

In any case, most jewelry will need to be protected from harsh chemicals and even water in order to maintain its life.

4. Symbol or words

What type of message do you want on your jewelry? Only you can choose what inspires you, so this is totally subjective. 

However, you may wish to consider whether you want:

1. A symbol: an anchor to symbolize stability, a dove to symbolize peace
2. A word: breathe, life, love
3. A sentence message: Words like If you think you can you can, Nevertheless she persisted, and so on, can give you that boost and remind you that you aren’t alone.

Decide what works best for you and choose accordingly.  

Wrapping Up

Having a piece of inspirational jewelry can be a great way to motivate you and push you out of lethargy. We all need some inspiration so why not wear it and keep it close to you every day?

However, not many people have heard of this gemstone or know much about it. Whether you are an avid gemstone collector or someone looking for a new piece of jewelry to wear, rhodonite has something to offer you.

Let’s take a look at what you need to know before you purchase your own piece of rhodonite.

What is Rhodonite?

Rhodonite was first discovered in the late 1800s, in the Ural Mountains of Russia. It became a very popular gemstone in Russia and this popularity later spread to other parts of the world. Rhodonite has since been found in numerous other locations, including Finland, Australia, Japan, the USA, South Africa and Tanzania. However, rhodonite is not a common mineral and these natural supplies are not plentiful.

Rhodonite is a silicate of manganese with other minerals such as magnesium, iron and calcium in its composition. Most rhodonite contains black manganese oxide in the form of dendrite veins that form interesting patterns and matrixes on the stone, similar to turquoise.

Rhodonite Color

Ranging from light rosy pink to dark red, rhodonite stands out because of its eye-catching color. In fact, the stone has been named after its color as rhodon is the Greek word for ‘rose-colored’. Rhodonite can also be found in orange and fully black varieties, but it is the pink and red hues that are the most sought after.

Rhodonite Clarity

Rhodonite is generally found in transparent to opaque varieties. Transparent rhodonite is rare and the most expensive. Most rhodonite used in jewelry is of the opaque variety, often containing inclusions.

While inclusions can heavily reduce the value of the gemstone, this isn’t the case for rhodonite. The dendritic moss-like inclusions, made of manganese oxide, found in rhodonite create beautiful patterns and contrasts with the main hue of the stone. These inclusions add to rhodonite’s intriguing appeal.

Rhodonite Cut

Rhodonite is often cut into cabochons, tumbled stones and beads, while some are carved into beautiful designs, patterns and figurines. Large rhodonite specimens are sometimes sold directly to gemstone collectors after they have been shaped and polished.

High quality transparent rhodonite is often faceted to maximize its luster and reflection of light, and may be cut into common gemstone shapes such as pear, oval, trilliant, marquise and emerald.

However, rhodonite remains one of the hardest gemstones to cut due the cleavage and crystal structure of the stone, and requires skill and expertise from the cutter.

Rhodonite Treatments and Synthetic Versions

Rhodonite is not known to be enhanced or treated in any way.  No known synthetic versions of rhodonite exists, which means that any rhodonite you buy is likely to be natural and unenhanced.

Rhodonite Value

Even though rhodonite is very rare, it is quite an affordable gemstone and can be found to suit most budgets. However, a high quality, transparent, eye-clean stone will come at a much higher price.

To put this in perspective, compare this translucent rhodonite bangle with this average rhodonite bangle. The difference in price is over $600, which highlights the difference in rhodonite quality.

Rhodonite Jewelry

Rhodonite has always been a popular material for jewelry designers, partly due to its beautiful hue and affordability. Rhodonite easily adapts to formal or casual styles, depending on its setting, and suits almost all skin tones. Here are some things to consider when choosing rhodonite jewelry.

1. Metal Color

Because of its beautiful color, rhodonite pairs well with almost all metal colors. When matched with silver, rhodonite has a modern and unique touch. Pair with yellow gold, brass, or bronze for a striking ethnic look.

Rhodonite with rose gold is an interesting and attractive combination. The rose gold tends to highlight the pink hue of the stone and enhances its color.

2. Pairing with Other Gemstones

Rhodonite pairs well with other gemstones because of its neutral color. Often, rhodonite beads are combined with gemstones such as aventurine, labradorite or amazonite for a beautiful, bohemian look. It’s best to pair rhodonite with other gemstones of similar opacity especially in bead necklaces or bracelets, as this gives a harmonious appearance.

3. Jewelry Style

One of the allures of rhodonite is that it suits a range of jewelry styles. Whether it is a sophisticated, elegant look that you are after, ethnic, hippie, bohemian, casual or basic, rhodonite can suit every occasion.

Although it is easy to assume that rhodonite is a stone for women due to its feminine color, in fact, many men’s items have been made from this beautiful stone too. In this way, it is also a gender-neutral gemstone.

Types of Rhodonite Jewelry

Rhodonite goes well with most types of jewelry. It is particularly attractive when made into larger statement pieces.

Choose a rhodonite statement necklace for a stunning eye-catching look, for a formal party or event. The intriguing earthy colors of the stone will suit most types of outfits, but will be especially attractive with neutral colors, such as a black or navy cocktail dress.

A large rhodonite cocktail ring brings attention to your hands while remaining classy and subtle in color. This dressy addition again suits any formal event or occasion.

Rhodonite dangle earrings are a beautiful addition to your jewelry collection, and add a touch of class and sophistication. A simple well designed piece can be a jewelry staple.

For every day wear, choose delicate smaller pieces of rhodonite jewery. Delicate rhodonite studs, pendants and rings are perfect for work wear or casual occasions.

Rhodonite Symbolism and Meanings

Rhodonite has been an important gemstone in crystal healing. It is highly valued as a stone that can assist in healing emotional issues and providing mental clarity. When worn, it is believed that rhodonite assists in calming the mind and bringing peace and clarity to the wearer.

Rhodonite is also believed to assist with physical disorders of the skin, such as rashes and scars. It is also thought to bring back energy to someone suffering from trauma.

Rhodonite Care and Maintenance

Rhodonite is a fairly soft stone, ranking at 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Rhodonite is easily scratched by objects harder than it, even by dust.

Due to the stone’s cleavage, it is susceptible to breakage. This is why it is important to protect rhodonite jewelry from knocks and bumps, especially during strenuous activities. This applies especially to rhodonite rings which will likely be more exposed than earrings or pendants. Generally, opaque rhodonite is considered tougher and harder than transparent rhodonite.

When cleaning rhodonite, avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners as these can cause the stone to fracture. Instead, wash with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Once washed, rinse thoroughly and dry. Don’t store rhodonite jewelry with other items, as it can be scratched by these. Instead, place within a fabric-lined box or soft pouch separately.

Rhodonite does not respond to heat well so keep it away from heat sources.

Always take off your rhodonite jewelry when taking part in physical activities, or when exposed to chemicals such as household detergents, make up, body lotions, hairsprays and perfume.

Where Can I Buy Rhodonite?

It is best to take your rhodonite search online, as most brick-and-mortar stores will not have rhodonite jewelry in stock.

Many beautiful rhodonite jewelry pieces can be found on artisan stores such as Etsy. Always ensure that the retailer is reputable and communicates with you effectively and honestly about their jewelry. Don’t forget to check Amazon, which also has a good rhodonite collection.

Wrapping Up

Rhodonite is an affordable and beautiful gemstone, that particularly suits bohemian and rustic styles. It’s also used extensively for crystal healing and in decorative items. While rhodonite is typically inexpensive, high quality specimens can cost hundreds of dollars.

You can narrow down your chain choices by focusing why you’re buying the chain and what type of chain you prefer aesthetically (more on this below). Some chains are predominantly pendant chains, while others can stand on their own. Some look amazing on women, while others suit men more. For the best places to buy necklace chains, check out our detailed article here.

With that said, here’s a look at the most common types of necklace chains that you need to know about, including their pros and cons.

Gold Chain Types

1. Anchor/Mariner Chain

Solid Flat Mariner Chain

Puffed Mariner Chain

This is a unique chain that is inspired by the nautical world. Called the Mariner/Anchor chain because of its similarity to the chains connected to anchors, this is a beautiful choice for anyone who is fond of the sea. Or just fond of a sturdy, strong necklace chain in general!

The mariner chain is composed of interlocking ovals, with a bar across the center of each oval, giving it a distinct and intriguing appearance. You can find mariner/anchor chains in a variety of widths. The thicker mariner chains are more popular among men, while smaller, more delicate ones are commonly chosen by women.

Traditionally, mariner chains were flat, but a new trend is the puffed mariner chain. The mariner chain can be worn as a stand-alone accessory while smaller widths can be paired with a pendant for an eye-catching look.

2. Ball / Bead Chain

A ball / bead chain is composed of a series of tiny beads that are linked together to create a chain. The balls can be either connected very close together or have small spaces in between them to allow for some movement.

Ball chains are commonly worn with dog tags, and gives a cool, street smart look. Ball chains don’t perform well as a stand-alone accessory and look best paired with pendants. The flip side of this beautiful chain is that they tend not to be as sturdy as some of the other chains mentioned here, and can break relatively easily.

3. Box Chain

The box chain is made of square links, rather than ovals and rounds, which are connected to make a continuous smooth chain. Box chains are a very popular form of necklace chain and worn by both men and women. They are found in a variety of widths, with the wider ones being popular among men.

Box chains are strong and don’t easily break. If a link does break, it can be replaced without difficulty. The chain can also be reattached without the broken link replaced, without affecting the design. You can choose the length of your box chain depending on your preference and to suit your outfit.

4. Cable Chain

Cable chains are among the most basic types of chains and looks very similar to common iron chains. They have been used for centuries for numerous functions, from anchoring ships to creating small and delicate pieces of jewelry. 

A cable chain is possibly the most common form of necklace chain used in jewelry and consists of a series of identical oval links that are interconnected to form a functional and beautiful chain. You can find cable chains where the wire has been textured or flattened rather than left round to form a flat version of the chain.

On their own, delicate cable chains aren’t very eye-catching but are perfect when paired with a beautiful pendant. Cable chains are sturdy and because they are uncomplicated, it is easy to fix a broken or misshapen link. However, a cable chain link can sometimes tend to come apart where it’s joined if the chain has not been properly crafted.

5. Curb Chain

This common chain style is a basic, timeless design, made of a series of interconnected, uniform links. These links are designed to lay flat even while interlocked.

Curb chains have been a top choice when it comes to necklace chains, and heavy, chunky curb chains have a masculine touch and are especially popular among men. Smaller, thinner curb chains are feminine and delicate, pairing well with pendants.

Curb chains are very sturdy and are easy to maintain and care for.

6. Figaro Chain

This popular type of necklace chain is fairly simple but fancier than cable chains. Originating in Italy, Figaro chains consist of an alternating pattern of flattened links in different sizes. Generally, the pattern is of one long link followed by either two or three shorter links.

Figaro chains are worn by both men and women, making it an ideal gender-neutral design. They’re a sturdy choice as Figaro chains are generally made using thick wire, and it is easy to fix a broken link. However, due to the pattern of the chain, you cannot remove a broken link without replacing it, as it will mess the pattern up.

7. Rope Chain

A rope chain is one of the most beautiful chain types, consisting of a number of metal segments with the pattern twisting around to give the appearance of a real rope. This solid chain is one of the most popular types and is worn around the globe.

Rope chains are among the most durable and heaviest of chain types and possibly the most textural. They are perfect to wear with pendants as they are very strong, whether thick or thin, and don’t easily come apart. Delicate rope chains are perfect when worn with a pendant, while larger chains are ideal on their own, as a statement piece.

Because of the twisting pattern which reflects light from various angles, rope chains tend to be quite lustrous and shiny.

8. Singapore Chain

The Singapore chain is a durable and strong design made up of a series of interlinked segments. When stretched out, it is a beautiful and twisting open chain, that moves with almost a liquid touch.

Singapore chains are popularly chosen to hold pendants as they are very strong regardless of width. It is a classic, sleek chain that pairs well with a beautiful pendant and can be worn daily.

9. Snake Chain

It’s easy to see where the snake chain gets its name from; it looks like the body of a snake and moves with a similar flexibility. The snake chain is made up of a series of small rings, either plates or bands, that are connected tightly together to form a smooth, sleek chain. You cannot see the rings of a snake chain, as these are knit close together. Snake chains aren’t very textural, as compared to some other chain types listed here.

Snake chains are somewhat delicate, but they look stunning when paired with pendants. Because of their semi-rigid structure, they don’t tangle easily, nor do they catch on hair or other objects. Snake chains are also easy to maintain and clean, making them a good choice for an everyday accessory.

10. Spiga / Wheat Chain               

Spiga (meaning wheat) chains, are generally made up of twisted oval links, that are plaited together in one direction, to create a delicate and symmetrical chain. A Spiga chain looks like a series of metallic fibers running into each other at their points, creating a beautiful textural appearance. The chain tends to look the tips of wheat stalks, hence the name Spiga / wheat.

This semi-rigid chain is very durable and sturdy and can be worn with pendants or as is. This strong chain has a classic and timeless look.

Notable Mentions – Chains That Didn’t Make the Top 10 List

The following list of chains are not among the most popular, but they’re still worth mentioning. They each have their pros and cons.

• Herringbone Chain: A herringbone chain is composed of connected thin, flat segments of metal. Each segment is bent at the center to create a herringbone shape. The result is a chain that looks solid, has less flexibility and has a statement look.

• Omega Chain: Like the herringbone, the omega chain is also made of flat metal segments connected together. They kink and bend, making them less durable than most other types of chains. However, they look very stylish and are typically worn as chokers.

• Byzantine Chain: These are among the most elaborate and complex chains, with beautiful texture. The links are intricately woven to create a textured look. The chain also alternates in direction, with links alternating from left to right.

• San Merco Chain: This distinct style of chain isn’t well-known but is easy to recognize. Each link is slightly oval in look, like a grain of rice. Each link is connected with a little pin.

• Rolo Chain: Similar to a cable chain, the rolo has symmetrical links that are typically perfectly round. Each link is joined to the next individually to create a strong chain. Rolo chains are very strong but they have a very unique look, with each round link very clearly visible. Some don’t like the look of this chain.

Best Necklace Chains

The answer to this question depends on what you consider ‘best’. This goes back to your purpose for buying the chain and what you think is aesthetically pleasing. Depending on your reason for buying the chain, there can be several ‘best’ types of chains.

The answer to this question depends on what you consider ‘best’. This goes back to your purpose for buying the chain and what you think is aesthetically pleasing. Depending on your reason for buying the chain, there can be several ‘best’ types of chains. Here are some options:

Strongest Type of Chain:

It’s always important to consider the strength of the chain, as this will ensure its longevity as well as determine whether the chain can hold heavy pendants. The strongest types of chains are those that contain interconnected links, which contribute to the chain’s flexibility.

Rigid chains (like snake chains) are more likely to break. Independently soldered links also contribute to a chain’s durability as they don’t pull apart and replacing a broken link is easier. With that said, some of the strongest types of chains include cable, curb, Figaro, mariner and rope chains. These chains hold pendants well, especially if they’re thick. Always consider the weight of the pendant and try to pair it with the appropriate chain, because not every pendant and chain will work well together.

Most Stylish Looking Chain:

This depends on your preference. If you’re looking for a chain that works well on its own, consider a more complex style like Spiga, puffed mariner, rope or Figaro. For men, thicker chains tend to look more stylish, while for women, thinner chains with a pendant are often the preferred choice.

Most Affordable Chain:

The affordability of a chain is related to the materials used to make it, rather than its style. However, the most common styles used in inexpensive chains tend to be ball/bead chains, rolo chains and cable chains.

Weakest Types of Chains:

Chains become weak when they have limited flexibility, which causes the chain to kink and bend. This results in the links becoming weak and then breaking. Chains with flat thin links can also easily get damaged, and extra care must be taken to maintain them. Some of the weakest chains include herringbone, snake and omega chains. The ball/bead chain is also among the weakest chains as the narrow bars that hold the beads together can bend or break.

Best Metals for Necklace Chains

Platinum:

Platinum is durable but its also among the most expensive. Most people avoid this choice, if they’re on a budget. You can get a similar look with white gold.

Gold:

Gold is one of the most sought-after options for chains. Because gold comes in a variety of purity levels, there are more options in terms of durability and price. 14k and 18k gold are the most popular options, with 14k being cheaper and more durable than 18k. However, gold is still fairly soft, so there will have to be some upkeep to ensure that the chain lasts. Gold also comes in several colors, including yellow, white and rose.

Silver:

Silver chains are perfect for inexpensive costume jewelry. Most designers opt for 925 silver (also known as sterling silver) as it’s more durable than fine silver. However, it’s inevitable that silver chains will tarnish with time and will require periodic polishing to ensure that the chain remains shiny.

Titanium:

Inexpensive, light and highly durable, titanium has a slightly darker appearance than white gold or silver. Titanium chains also require less upkeep. There are other metals such as stainless steel and tungsten carbide. When purchasing chains made of alternative metals, always consider the durability, price and appearance. Also watch out for zinc and nickel in the alloys, as these tend to be common allergens that cause reactions in people with metal sensitivities.

FAQs About Necklace Chains

If you’re looking to buy a gold chain, check out our article here. Want to know more about how to choose a gold chain? Check our comprehensive guide!

Garnets have been garnering attention for a long time now and are a popular gemstone for jewelry. It is classy and vibrant, and when well-chosen, garnet jewelry can elevate your look and make you dazzle!

Garnets look very similar to rubies but do not come with a hefty price tag, making them an excellent alternative. Because they are quite affordable, you don’t need to break the bank to own your own piece of garnet or to gift garnet jewelry to a loved one.

For January-born babies, garnets provide that extra special touch, because it is the traditional birthstone of this month. A well-chosen piece of garnet jewelry will be ideal for any person celebrating their birthday in January. Garnets are also gender-neutral gemstones and look stunning on both men and women.

Garnets are also chosen as the gemstone for commemorating the second anniversary of a wedding. You can choose matching garnet rings or gift each other a piece of garnet jewelry to commemorate your special day. For gentlemen, surprising her on your anniversary with garnet jewelry demonstrates thoughtfulness, sensitivity, and romance. You’ll earn brownie points for sure!

When choosing garnet jewelry, searching online will always give you a lot more options than shopping at a physical store. But if you aren’t quite sure where to start, don’t worry! We’ve done the work for you.

Keep reading for our top 17 garnet jewelry picks, to gift to yourself or your loved ones!

A Symbolic Gift

Made of yellow gold, this ring contains the symbol of infinity, an ideal statement for your relationship.  As a friendship or promise ring, it is the perfect way to symbolize the importance of the relationship. As it is a dainty and elegant little piece, it goes perfectly with other jewelry and is great as a stackable ring too. The rustic look of the gold setting adds that extra touch of simplicity and character.

Super Simple but Super Stylish

This stylish little pendant shows the contrast of garnet against gold, with just that perfect hint of color to energize your outfit. A great addition to any jewelry collection, this piece is bound to be one of your staples.

An Everyday Tennis Bracelet

This round rope bracelet set in sterling silver is a versatile piece, going well with formal or casual outfits. Simply slip on for an immediate upgrade in style and sophistication!

An Emerald Cut Inspiration

While many feel that yellow gold doesn’t pair well with red garnets, this is not always true. The beautiful ring is made of 14K Yellow Gold, with oval garnet and diamond accent. The yellow hue of the metal highlights and enhances the attractive reddish hue of the garnet gemstone, making for a gorgeous ring that is bound to look amazing on any finger!

Garnet and Gold

These super stylish garnet earrings are beautifully designed and simply stunning. The bezel setting of the earrings completely surrounds the garnets, providing a halo of yellowish contrast to the red sparkle of the stone.  Ideal for a formal occasion or anytime you want to look pretty and dressed up!

Keeping It Simple

Set in a simple sterling silver bezel setting, this cushion-cut garnet is great as a stackable ring or on its own. This is a basic item that can be worn for pretty much any occasion.

An Alternating Pattern

Want a bit more garnet in your ring? This Princess Birthstone Eternity ring has an alternating pattern of cushion-cut garnets and crystals. Slip-on and show off your garnets!

Nature Inspired Earrings

Inspired by nature, the Sunburst oval garnet stud earrings add that extra touch of sparkle to your look. With a halo of white topaz crystals surrounding the oval-shaped faceted garnets, these earrings are a blend of elegant, playful, and eye-catching.

Hammered Gold Rocks

Hammered gold jewelry is appealing simply because it appears unrefined, rustic, and attractive. These oval garnets in their hammered gold bezel settings are a unique addition to your collection and are sure to get you lots of compliments!

Mixing It Up

Mix it up with a combination of metals for a striking look. The contrast of the cabochon cut garnet against the hammered gold and silver setting is unique and attractive, making a statement without going overboard.

A Garnet Droplet

Ideal for lovers of minimalist designs, this round-cut garnet sparkles against its simple silver setting. This item layers well with other necklaces for a fuller look or can be worn as a stand-alone item.

A Unique Minimalist Design

Here’s another minimalist design that is simple yet attention-grabbing. The faceted cushion cut garnet rises in the center, giving the ring depth and character. It catches the light beautifully when seen from different angles.

A Garnet Anklet

Try something different with this basic anklet, or ankle bracelet, that adds just that right amount of vibrancy and color to your look. You can choose to adorn just one foot or both feet with this beautifully designed anklet, or layer with other anklets for a stunning look.

A Garnet Claddagh Ring

The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish design, that is full of symbolism: The hands stand for friendship, the heart symbolizes love and the crown is a symbol of loyalty. A Claddagh ring is often given as a gift for a loved one or to close friends. It is the perfect promise ring and makes for an excellent engagement or wedding ring. Because red is the common symbol of love and passion, the hue of the garnet adds an extra touch to the symbolism of this beautiful rose gold ring.

A Personalized Pendant

Add a personal touch by having your name engraved on this gold pendant. Perfect as a January birthstone gift, this is one gift that is sure to be appreciated and loved.

A Hamsa Symbol

The Hamsa is a symbol of happiness, good health, luck, and fortune. It is a protective symbol that has been popular throughout history, believed to take away negative energy. This stylized Hamsa pendant stars a garnet in the center, for perfect symmetry and balance.

Grapes and Vines

Inspired by nature, these elaborate dangle earrings feature vine leaves and smooth chalcedony and garnet beads, resembling grapes. Beautifully designed and crafted with high-quality materials, this is a pair you don’t want to miss!

Some Things to Know Before You Buy

Before you buy your garnet jewelry, take into consideration that garnets are relatively soft stones with a Mohs ranking of 6.5 to 7.5. If you plan on wearing your jewelry every day, there is a high chance that your garnet will get scratched and even break depending on how it is treated and the setting it is mounted in.

For rings, ensure that the garnet is set in a protective setting such as a bezel or halo. This is because rings are often exposed to rough wear and knocks and bumps. Such a setting will minimize this damage to the garnet and offer more safety. Pendants and earrings are less exposed and therefore not as likely to be damaged.

However, with reasonable care and maintenance, garnet jewelry can last a very long time.

Read our garnet buying guide to learn more about this gorgeous gemstone.

If you want to try your hand at jewelry-making or you’re toying with the idea of opening up your own Etsy handmade jewelry store, there are certain basic items that you’ll need to get. If your interest only extends to trying something like this once you might want to only rent these tools or visit a jewelry-crafting atelier. However, if you’re serious about it, here’s what you’ll need to get before you start making your own jewelry.

Having these tools will ensure that you can start making your own jewelry right away!

Jewelry Wire

Wires come in various types, materials, and thicknesses. They are also the cornerstone of artisan jewelry so you’ll need to either have the exact type of wire for the project you have in mind or, better yet – a collection of the most common jewelry wires.

The most common materials for jewelry wires include copper, aluminum, rose and yellow gold, sterling silver, as well as gold-filled wires among others.

The size of the wire is also vital – wire sizes are measured in gauges and, to the dismay of a lot of novices, the larger the gauge number of a wire used, the thinner the wire is going to be.

• 28- and 30-gauge wires are very thin and are intended for small precious stone beads with tiny holes.
• 26-gauge wires are thin yet strong, providing the perfect balance
• 24-gauge wires are meant specially for jewelry pieces that require strength and stability and for beads with larger holes.

Wire Cutters

A wire is useless if you don’t have the tools to cut it. Also, you’ll want to make sure that your wire cutters are of a good enough quality – lots of wire cutters sold online or in stores are quite flimsy and break quickly, especially when used for thicker wires. If you’re thinking of turning jewelry crafting into a full-fledged hobby or maybe even more than that, do yourself a favor and purchase a set of quality wire cutters.

Pro-tip: For really thin wires, you can also use nail clippers.

Flush Cutter

An alternative to wire cutters (and nail clippers) when it comes to thinner wires is flush cutters. You can use them the same way you would standard wire cutters and they help prevent loose ends from hanging around too. Just make sure you don’t use them for thicker wires as you’ll ruin them very quickly. These are simply smaller micro cutters that are ideal for more delicate work.

Flat Nose Pliers

This tool will likely be the one you use the most. Flat nose pliers are excellent for opening jump rings, wrapping wire ends, and many other tasks including just holding wires and jewelry pieces. You might want to get two sets of flat nose pliers too so you can use them both to hold bigger and more complex pieces. Also, make sure to get plier pairs that have a smooth surface between the jaws.

Nylon Tipped Pliers

Nylon-tipped pliers are especially good for novice jewelers but experienced artisans love them as well. The big benefit of using nylon-tipped pliers is that they help minimize the damage you can accidentally do to the wires, metals, and other materials you’re working with. You won’t dent your wires or cut them off by accident. They are especially useful for safely bending or straightening wires without scratching them.

Round Nose Pliers

Another good pliers option for a variety of functions, is round nose pliers are very good for shaping wires into perfect loops, hoops, clasps, and jump rings. Every time you want to craft a smooth curve you’ll want a nice set of round nose pliers as standard flat nose pliers can’t achieve the same result.

A Jeweler’s Saw

This tool is priceless for smaller designs with lots of intricate cuts. This will help you create the finest details with ease and craft truly spectacular jewelry pieces. A good jeweler’s saw comes with blades in many different sizes – from incredibly small blades that can barely part the metal to bigger and stronger blades that can remove large chunks of metal at once.

There are also blade frames with deeper throat depths – those are excellent for longer cuts on long pieces of metal or larger jewelry pieces. Smaller blade frames are much easier to control, on the other hand, and are better for achieving finer details.

If you only want to try and craft a particular jewelry piece but don’t have plans for a long-term hobby or career, you can just get a jeweler’s saw with a blade size that suits your current needs. However, if you have bigger plans for your jewelry-crafting practice, it pays to get a saw with multiple different blade sizes.

Pro-tip: Use a lubricant when you’re working with the saw to avoid accidents and reduce the risk of breaking the blade.

Disk Punch/Cutter

If you want to be able to produce identical shapes such as squares, hearts, circles, or others, you’ll need a disk punch. This tool allows you to sandwich sheets of metal between the two layers of the punch, insert the proper shape template you want, and hammer out a disk in that exact shape. This makes the disk punch very useful if you want to sell the jewelry pieces you craft as it allows you to produce multiple copies of the same piece.

A Brass Hammer

Speaking of hammering disks into certain shapes, when it comes to your jewelry hammer we’d recommend a brass one. Brass hammers are heavy enough to offer extra power but are also soft enough to minimize the bounce-back effect of most hammers. This is a great quality-of-life purchase that also minimizes the risk of accidents.

A Ruler

This is one basic item that you probably already have but it is necessary so we had to mention it anyway. Rulers are essential for jewelry making and they also work best if they are see-through. A good graphing ruler will serve you great so if you don’t have one you’ll need to get that as well.

Lots Of Practice Material

Finally, this is something that sounds unnecessary and may seem like it’s only useful for novices but having enough cheap practice materials on your hands is always useful. It allows you to test out your jewelry concepts on affordable practice materials without wasting any of that precious gold or silver. Copper wires and other base metal wires are always useful for something like this.

Wrapping Up

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it’s an excellent list of tools to get your project underway and set you on the path to becoming an excellent artisan jewelry maker. As you go further into your craft, you can keep adding other tools that will be necessary for continuous development.

You have pledged your lives to one another and now you are growing your family.  Your wife is the center of your daily life and the person who knows the most about you. Doesn’t she deserve a gift that will let her know how special she is to you?

If you have been struggling with selecting the right jewelry to give to your wife to thank her for sharing your life and to celebrate the baby that she is carrying, you are not alone! There are tons of jewelry options on the market at many different price points. 

We have created a list of the top 12 jewelry gift ideas for a pregnant wife to help you to choose.

Budget-Friendly Jewelry Gifts

You might just be starting out in your life together or maybe you don’t think she would want a large or extravagant piece of jewelry.  If your goals are to stick to a budget and to pick an item that is not too over-the-top, this part of the list is for you.

1. Sonogram Bracelet

This adorable and sweet bracelet comes with an included bangle that can be customized with a sonogram picture of your baby-to-be.  You can also add a cute little bangle that shows baby footprints.  This adjustable bracelet is stainless steel but has a nice high-quality finish. This is a great way to commemorate your upcoming baby that will remind your wife of the exciting days of her pregnancy long after the little one is born.

2. Bola Full Moon Necklace

Italian folklore says that these delicate charms will protect your unborn baby from harm and illness.  The beautiful shimmery ball encases a tiny bell that chimes softly when the necklace is worn.  The necklace is made long enough to hang over the baby as it grows. Each necklace is made by hand with love and care and promises to whisper softly to your baby as it develops and grows. This lovely necklace won’t break the bank and will be special to your wife both during her pregnancy and afterward.

3. PAVOI Love Knot

This lovely bangle is plated in 14k gold. It signifies the strength of your bond and the unity of your two hearts with simple eloquence. The bracelet is adjustable for any size wrist and the simple design is timeless and matches any outfit or any other jewelry your wife might want to pair with it. This is a symbol of your eternal love and your commitment to both your relationship and to your unborn baby.

4. Tree of Life Pendant

The tree of life symbolizes eternity and the health of the spirit. Your married lives are growing like the spreading branches of a tree and this clever design commemorates that bond.  This necklace comes in many different colors and it promises to be tarnish-free. The pendant is very lightweight and can be worn on any length chain.  Pick your wife’s birthstone or select from the related chakras that the stones are meant to protect.

5. Pandora Knotted Heart Bracelet

This beautiful bracelet is made with sterling silver. It contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals for durability and is backed by the Pandora certification of authenticity.  The knotted hearts symbolize your love for one another and the lightness and simplicity of the ring make it practical for everyday wear. This is the kind of jewelry item that can be worn with anything and will hold up to daily life, just like your love.

Mid-Range Jewelry Gifts

Perhaps this is your second child or maybe you really want to add to your wife’s selection of quality pieces of jewelry.  Picking in the mid-range can offer up some really unique items as well as guarantee great quality for your money.

1. James Allen White Gold Heart

This lovely necklace is 14k white gold and is graced with 42 small diamonds which make it glitter and gleam.  The delicate chain makes the pendant seem as though it is floating on air when it is worn.  This is the perfect symbol of your ongoing commitment and a testimony to the depth of your affection.  The whimsical shape of the pendant feels as natural as true love and your wife will be the envy of all of her friends when she wears this necklace.

2. Diamond Rope Ring

While technically an engagement ring, this gorgeous ring can be made in gold, rose gold, or white gold. Despite being an engagement ring can also be an enduring symbol of love and affection.  The design is unique and exceptionally feminine. This is a company that crafts each ring by hand, so your purchase is made with love and great attention to detail. No one else will have a ring like this one and your wife with be thrilled to wear it each and every day.

3. Eternity Band

Eternity bands are not just for anniversaries or for renewals of your vows. Adding a band to your wife’s wedding ring is a great way to commemorate your love for one another while also making a lasting tribute to your new baby. While diamonds are the most traditional choice for eternity bands, other gemstones like blue sapphire are gorgeous, with different colors and symbolism. Eternity bands pair well with wedding and engagement rings and will be a fitting testimony to your love for years to come.

4. Heart-Shaped Diamond Earrings

These gorgeous mini heart earrings are made with 14k white gold and are speckled with beautiful, high-quality diamonds. This is a classic choice to attest to your affection for one another and symbolic of your shared love in your growing family. For the woman who doesn’t wear necklaces or rings, these lovely earrings are a classic choice to demonstrate your love.

5. James Allen Love Necklace

Why not just say it in plain English? This beautiful necklace comes in various gold styles and glitters with high-quality diamonds. The chain is 18 inches long and delicate. The cursive script is feminine and elegant, and the offset chain makes for a whimsical and charming touch.  This is a beautiful piece that cuts right to the chase and says what you need to say upfront.

High-End Jewelry Options

If your budget allows, high-end jewelry can make for long-term memories and the giving of a truly extravagant jewelry item is always memorable for everyone involved.

1. Blue Nile Halo Ring

This stunning vintage-inspired ring is the perfect gift if you want to make a statement. The center stone is emerald-cut and there are 20 brilliants that surround it. This is a timeless design that speaks volumes about your love. This ring is fit for everyday wear or just for special occasions and it will make others stop and stare when they see it.

2. Diamond Hearts Necklace

This stunning diamond necklace is fit for the queen in your life. It comes with an 18 inches chain and its high-quality diamonds glitter and sparkle. This is a fantastic symbol of your love and will gather compliments whenever it is worn. This is a timeless style that is the epitome of classic love jewelry.

3. Moissanite Ring

Motherhood is about softness balanced against strength and this ring summarizes those ideals perfectly. Moissanite is one of the hardest gemstones out there and here it’s set in a delicate-looking gold mounting. The vintage design is truly unique. This is the perfect design if you want to make a non-traditional statement that still speaks of the organic beauty of motherhood.

Wrapping up

Motherhood and the building of a family is a huge milestones in a woman’s life. Commemorating that experience is important and a thoughtful gift can really express the emotions of the moment forever.  Selecting a jewelry item for your pregnant wife will reaffirm your mutual affection for one another and remain a symbol of your love for years to come.

Getting into jewelry crafting is fun but also a slow and skill-testing process. Whether you’re looking to become a professional or an amateur craftsperson, if you want your rings, necklaces, earrings, and other complex jewelry pieces to look good, you are going to have to go through quite a lot of research, jewelry making books, and training.

Fortunately, as with most other crafts and professions today, there is a seemingly never-ending stream of information and guides online to help you become as good as possible at what you want to do. How do you navigate through all of them, however?

The huge diversity in the available materials such as jewelry making books for beginners and guides is so great that distinguishing the good from the not-so-good ones can be challenging to say the least.

So, to that end, here’s our list of the best jewelry making books for beginners you can find online right now:

1. Professional Jewelry Making: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Jewelry Techniques

Where else should we start our list from other than from the classics? This book is a recent reprint of the original 1991 Professional Goldsmithing book written by the famous master goldsmith Alan Revere.

One of the bestsellers in this niche, the original book quickly became a standard text in the field. If you are serious about jewelry making, the second and revised edition is not one you should miss.

• The revised edition of Revere’s book offers new projects and a lot of new photos to the old ones.
• The quality and detail of the photos and guides in Revere’s Professional Jewelry Making contemporary guide are astonishing.
• The learning curve on a lot of the jewelry projects in the book can be a bit steep leading a lot of people to view it as an “intermediate level” guide. All projects are very well detailed and explained, however, making them suitable even for dedicated beginners. Additionally, the sheer significance of this contemporary guide makes it a must-have in our eyes.

2. Wire-Wrapped Jewelry Techniques

Next on our list is a book on a favorite subject for a lot of jewelry artisans, especially in the amateur sphere but not exclusively – Wire-Wrapped Jewelry Techniques by Lora S. Irish.

This book is an excellent first step into jewelry making for a lot of reasons, including its great design, a wonderful assortment of jewelry projects, easy-to-follow photos, and its budget-friendly price.

• This jewelry making guide for beginners includes 30 expert wire wrapping techniques.
• The book also includes 8 stylish and cool DIY projects that anyone from beginners to intermediate level artisans will likely want to try their hands at.
• The book is very beginners-friendly, making it a great first book to buy.
• All projects and techniques in the book are comprehensively detailed with photos, step-by-step instructions, as well as lists of the tools and materials you’ll need.

3. Teach Yourself VISUALLY Jewelry Making and Beading

Beading is a great first skill to learn when you start looking into jewelry making and the Teach Yourself VISUALLY Jewelry Making and Beading guide by Chris Franchetti Michaels is a great book for that and for many other techniques. It goes over hundreds of crafts designs that include bead stringing, bead weaving, wire wrapping, and others.

• All jewelry projects in this book are accompanied by detailed, precise and colorful photos.
• Each project also comes with specific step-by-step instructions.
• There are hundreds of helpful tips that are great for beginners to quickly climb the jewelry making learning curve.

4. Bench Tips for Jewelry Making: 101 Useful Tips from Brad Smith

Brad Smith brings us his book Bench Tips for Jewelry Making: 101 Useful tips and it’s a great inclusion in the library of any aspiring jewelry artisan. Brad, an artisan and a teacher himself, expertly summarizes his 17 years of experience in the field in this book. In it, you’ll find various illustrated tips that will be helpful all throughout your work on jewelry – from the beginning stages through the rest.

• The book goes over the 101 most common problems you’ll encounter on the bench while working on jewelry.
• These 101 tips include 20 practical ways to save time while polishing and soldering, as well as the 8 most common hazards you should avoid.
• All tips and tricks in the book are accompanied by colored and detailed photographs.

5. More Bench Tips for Jewelry Making

Not long after releasing his original book Brad Smith seems to have decided that his two decades of experience go beyond the 101 tips he’d included in his first book. His second guide, More Bench Tips for Jewelry Making, includes 86 more tips and tricks for jewelry making. It’s a great guide with or without the previous volume and teaches how to keep your costs down, how to utilize your tools as much as possible, and what are many of the common hazards to keep an eye on.

• The second volume of Brad Smith’s jewelry guides offers 86 excellent tips for beginners and intermediate-level artisans alike.
• Each tip is carefully detailed and explained in more than a page so the reader has plenty of contexts and additional information.

6. Soldering Made Simple

Soldering is one of those things beginner jewelers tend to fear – it looks complicated, hard, and risky. Fortunately, Joe Silvera’s book Soldering Made Simple does exactly what its title promises. It offers a lot of useful and practical tips for how to easily practice jewelry soldering in your home. Even if you’ve never held a torch in your hand before, this jewelry making book is a great starting step for any beginner.

• Joe Silvera offers detailed step-by-step instructions with his every point and tip.
• The Soldering Made Simple book is also littered with a lot of photos and visual aids to help you delve into soldering as easily as possible.
• The book also includes 10 excellent jewelry soldering projects for the reader to practice on.

7. 200 Beading Tips, Techniques & Trade Secrets

If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck in terms of the sheer volume of tips a single book can offer, Jean Power’s 200 Beading Tips, Techniques & Trade Secrets is a great choice. The book is 160 pages long so most of the tips are described as concisely and briefly as possible, however, photo and other visual aids help guide the reader through them.

• All 200 of the tips in Jean Power’s book are vital know-hows for any beginner whether you’re looking for advice on beading, wiring, stringing, or other techniques.
• The book is full of photos, diagrams, and simple, understandable advice that will make any beginner get into the subject matter as quickly and as easily as possible.

8. Mastering Wirework Jewelry: 15 Intricate Designs to Create

For another great suggestion on wirework jewelry, the Mastering Wirework Jewelry book offers over a dozen amazing wiring projects for you to learn and practice on. All of them have very intricate and beautiful designs that you’ll be very happy to wear yourself, to gift to friends and family, or sell to customers.

• The book includes 15 great wirework jewelry designs for you to work with.
• Each of the designs’ crafting process is shown via a step-by-step guide accompanied by extensive photo aids.
• The book also includes very comprehensive sections on materials, tools, and techniques you’d want to know in order to master wirework jewelry.

Conclusion

There’s a lot to read, look at, and practice if you are to become a good jewelry craftsperson. With the right jewelry making books and materials in hand, however, you’ll be one step closer to your goal. Whichever ones of our suggestions have caught your eye, we hope they will be of great help to your practice not just as a beginner but even further down the line as you are becoming more and more experienced.

Tiffany diamonds are some of the world’s most sought-after stones. Known for their quality, their cut, and their captivating fire and brilliance – Tiffany & Co only sells diamonds with excellent cut grades. This value alone sets the company apart from other manufacturers within the industry.

But that’s not all the famous diamond jewelry company is known for. Tiffany & Co is praised for its approach to ethical jewelry manufacture, ensuring that all its diamonds are responsibly sourced and mined.

At a time where manufacturers have come under scrutiny for selling what is now known as conflict diamonds, Tiffany & Co are using responsibly sourced diamonds that are mined in areas free from civil war and unrest. Aside from this, the company’s jewelry innovations are highly coveted. Their stylish designs crafted from sterling silver, as well as their rare colored stones like the yellow diamond, have become a modern trend.

With Tiffany, you get the brand and you get consistent quality. However, the biggest obstacle for most people is the price. Which is why we’ve compiled this list of alternatives to Tiffany’s iconic style, some high-end, others more affordable. What these shops all have in common is a commitment to quality and reasonable prices.

Here’s an overview of the best alternatives to Tiffany & Co, together with reasons why they make such great substitutes for Tiffany’s highly desirable designs.

1- James Allen

James Allen is a diamond bridal jewelry company with a mission; to offer consumers the highest quality diamond and the largest selection of designs at an affordable price. The company was only founded in 2006 but has since become one of the most reputable diamond jewelry manufacturers in the world.

Although they have some products similar to Tiffany’s, like Tifanny’s signature 6-pronged engagement ring setting, they also create a huge range of stunning diamond designs of their own, and an even larger selection of gemstones compared to Tiffany & Co. Tiffany teams up with mines that they have built long-standing, trusting relationships with.

James Allen, on the other hand, sources widely, but works continuously with ethical conflict-free diamonds, making them a great alternative to Tiffany & Co diamonds. They also pride themselves on higher customer satisfaction ratings than Tiffany and offer a large selection of colored diamonds similar to Tiffany’s highly coveted yellow diamond jewelry designs.

2- Vrai

The word “Vrai” translates to “True” – a concept that is synonymous with the inspiring diamond jewelry designs created by this company. Vrai has dedicated years towards creating distinct designs that leave zero carbon footprint.

Epitomizing meticulous craftsmanship using ethical materials and conflict-free diamonds that have been exclusively mined, these pieces of jewelry define elegance. At Vrai, all of the company’s jewelry uniquely spotlights the iconic diamond. These reimagined, timeless pieces, just like Tiffany & Co designs, make for beautiful engagement rings.

Vrai believe that it’s difficult to completely rule out a conflict-free diamond, so their stones are all lab-grown at the Diamond Foundry, with zero carbon footprint and no mining. For a smaller price tag, you can own a classic-looking engagement ring from Vrai, and even customize your own ring design using a stone of your preference.

3- Catbird Jewelry 

Catbird was established in 2004. The company’s designs, which meld the modern with the traditional, are created in Brooklyn and feature delicate designs using an array of precious metals. The company has also collaborated with several designers establishing an iconic style imbued with clean lines and a high-end feel. Catbird makes stunning jewelry designs that are on par with the values of excellence and the levels of quality that Tiffany & Co pride themselves on.

They are a company that represents social and environmentally responsible designs. More often than not, their materials are recycled as opposed to mined. Catbird, like Tiffany & Co, are fully committed to making fine handmade jewelry using conflict-free designs, but for a more favourable price.

4- Whiteflash

Known for their exceptional diamonds, Whiteflash provides stunning high-quality diamond engagement rings online and via their store in Texas. From simple solitaire styles to more complex ring settings, the designs offered by Whiteflash are arguably of equal quality to Tiffany without the high price tag.

While Whiteflash items are considered high-end and come with a premium, there’s no denying that you won’t break the bank like you would at Tiffany’s. Whiteflash have a reputation for only working with diamonds of supreme sparkle. The quality of their settings is on par with the famous brand. Whiteflash is ideal if you want stunning quality at a reasonable price.

5- Miansai 

Tiffany has created some beautiful nautical-inspired jewelry designs over recent years, many of which are similar in style to a piece of Miansai jewelry. Miansai’s prices are significantly cheaper than Tiffany’s but still exude the same contemporary elegance using a selection of premium materials.

The rings, diamond necklaces and diamond-adorned cuff bracelets available from Miansai echo the attention to detail and fine finishes of Tiffany & Co jewelry. Therefore, if you’re looking for a modern piece of jewelry with a more appealing price tag than a Tiffany design, the elegant ranges from Miansai are a great place to start your search.

6- AUrate 

AUrate is a New York-based jewelry manufacturer that pitches itself incredibly well against Tiffany since its designs are priced up to 75% cheaper. The company’s fine jewelry designs are special enough to purchase as a self-indulgent treat, yet the store is also a great place to shop when on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring.

AUrate’s colored gemstone jewelry designs make for lovely alternatives to Tiffany’s sought-after yellow diamond jewelry pieces, and their prices are unbeatable.

7- Alex & Ani 

Alex & Ani’s site has a special eco-friendly section where unique designs crafted by talented designers are showcased. These designs are made from recycled materials and crafted independently in the United States, combining an innovative contemporary style with a sense of character and charm. Alex & Ani make for a great alternative to Tiffany jewelry.

The company’s diamonds are handpicked individually by a diamond specialist looking for perfection in each cut. Similar to the standard upheld at Tiffany & Co, Alex & Ani’s premium diamonds are set inside desirable, highly sought-after jewelry designs that empower the wearer whilst also educating on an environmental, socially conscious level.

Wrapping Up…

Finding the best alternatives to a Tiffany diamond isn’t as difficult as you may think. By doing some thorough research into companies offering similar values and quality to Tiffany, you may be pleasantly surprised at how many designers out there can match the luxurious, supreme feel and sparkle of a Tiffany diamond for the same price or less.

If you’re looking for a bespoke service that will enable you to add you own stone into a design, consider companies like James Allen or Vrai. If ethically-sourced materials and responsibly mined diamonds are important to you in a design, Catbird’s range of guilt-free, beautifully elegant designs can be enjoyed the whole year through.

If diamonds, however, are a dealbreaker for you, look for manufacturers like Whiteflash and James Allen, who adhere to the most stringent quality tests and examinations when choosing a diamond for their exquisite jewelry designs.