Which Finger Will You Choose?

Thumb

• self-assertion and will-power. 
• carnelian, garnet and ruby 
• fashion statement on either hand in modern times.
• men will often wear a ring from a loved one on their left or right hand thumb if it isn't an engagement or wedding ring.

Index Finger

• self-confidence, leadership, ambition and spirituality.
• lapis lazuli, amethyst and blue topaz.
• history tells us a ring worn on the left or right index finger aannounced a man's wealth and status. Often a ring with the family crest was worn here. In certain cities men below a certain rank were banned from wearing anything on either index finger.
• A ring worn on the either hand's index finger is sure to get noticed. Wear a high impact piece.
• Traditionally in Jewish culture the right index finger is the proper place for a wedding ring. Some Jewish women will choose to place the wedding ring on the left ring finger after the ceremony and others will leave it on the right index finger.
• class rings or fraternal rings quite often are worn on the index finger of either hand by men.

Middle Finger

• balance, justice, the law, responsibility and soul-searching.
• rose quartz, coral and aquamarine
• most cultures do not place a significant meaning to the middle finger on either hand.
• prominent in it's placement it communicates leadership, strength or power.
• wearing a statement piece is viewed stylish when worn on either hand's middle finger.

Ring Finger

• relationships, creativity, the love of beauty
• moonstone, jade, amethyst, sapphire and turquoise.
• people believe the custom designating the left ring finger to be the proper place to wear a wedding ring dates back to ancient Romans. Long held belief that a vein travels directly from the left ring finger to the heart.
• also believed to be an ancient Roman custom is wearing a ring on the left ring finger will announce the wearers engagement or commitment to soon be wed. At the time of the wedding ceremony, the bride can choose to continue wearing the engagement ring along with the wedding band or put it on any other finger.
• many young people will wear a promise ring, meant for the seriously romantic promises or a chastity (purity) ring, representing their personal commitment to abstinence from intimate relationships until marriage.
• some countries like Germany, Russia, India and others place the same significance on the ring finger but on the right hand.

Pinkie

• intelligence, communication, persuasion and intuition.
• moonstone, amber and citrine.
• a pinkie ring worn on the right hand represents professional status, a symbol of graduating with a degree in that field.
• a pinkie ring worn on the left hand in Great Britain as well as some Western countries symbolizes family and status. This type of ring,featuring the family coat of arms is passed down through generations. 
• most professional rings are simple bands made of iron, silver, stainless steel or other metal.
• members of the mafia were known to designate themselves by wearing pinkie rings.

Left Hand

• indicator for character and beliefs.
• wedding band
• yin (feminine)
• "rocks the cradle" De Beers 2003 campaign
• says I'm married.
• receiving in
• we

Right Hand

• greater visibility, fashion statement.
• engagement ring.
• yang (masculine)
• "rules the world" De Beers 2003 campaign
• says I've made it.
• sending out
• me

14 Unknown Facts About Jewelry

Wearing Your Jewelry

Long drop earrings give the illusion of length to your face.  So they're a great thing for those who have chubby cheeks or maybe a double chin.

Perfume oils will discolor gold, pearls and other gems.  Don't spray perfume over your jewelry.  This goes for hair spray too.  This can easily be avoided by putting your jewelry on after you are completely dressed with hair and makeup in place.

Cleaning Your Costume Jewelry

Jewelry made with some stones and with imitation gold & silver can be washed in mild dish washing liquid and warm water.  Wash in bowl not sink ( you don't want to take the risk of losing something down the drain).  Individual pieces of jewelry should not touch each other in solution so as not to scratch.  After soaking for a minute, brush individual piece with soft toothbrush and dry with chamois cloth or facial tissue.  Before you dump left over solution make sure to check the bowl for lost pieces.  DO NOT use bleach because it will damage metal mounts beyond repair.

Absolute Clean Online

Special Treatment Required

     Ivory - Dust ivory pieces regularly with soft cloth; using a clean, soft toothbrush to reach into carved areas.  Sunshine keeps ivory from yellowing but too much sun can cause ivory to crack.  Perfume and hair spray can cause discoloring.
     Jade - Combine 1 tablespoon ammonia and 1 cup hot water.  Swish jewelry briefly and dry immediately with soft cloth.  Jade scratches easily.
     Jet - Never soak in water or any type of chemical solution.  Just wipe with damp soft cloth.
     Diamonds - Swish these stones briefly in 1 tablespoon ammonia and 1 cup hot water.  Then dip in rubbing alcohol and pat dry with tissue paper.

Interesting Jewelry Facts Not Well Known

• Only one natural pearl will form out of every 10,000 oysters. That's it. 
• 100,000 year old beads made from Nassarius shells is officially known as the oldest ever found
• Americans spell it jewelry, everyone else spells it jewellery.
• "Jewel", from the old French jouel, which comes from the latin jocale, translation - plaything.
• For the past 100 years Africa has been the top producer of gold.
• The #1 producer of silver is Mexico. A close second is Peru.
• Real Amber, fossilized tree resin at least a million years old, will float in water.
• In Asia, the Middle East and Africa, 24K gold is used in the making of jewelry.
• In the USA and across Europe, most jewelers believe 24K is too soft for jewelry making.
• A large, perfect, gem quality ruby is worth more than a diamond the same size and quality.
• Peridot, Lapis Lazuli and Pearls were ground up and used as eye shadow in ancient times.
• Naturally colored diamonds are extremely rare. The most expensive and rarest are red, purple and then pink. Their white cousins are abundant and cost considerably less.
• Burma Rubies are not allowed out of Burma. These rubies are quite valuable and can only be purchased on the secondary market.
• Live insect jewelry was popular at certain times in history. You heard me right. Egyptians wore scarab beetles into battle. A Mexican Maquech Beetle and the Giant Madagascar Hissing Cockroach  were also used in jewelry. Victorians in Britain could often be seen sporting live beetles attached to their clothing by tiny, fine gold chains.

    Lots of jewelry history to be found at this link by by clicking here.

   Instructions for jewelry you can make. I especially like the dainty knot ring. #13

Tips For Sizing A Ring For Your Finger Or Toe

• Finger ring sizes are equivalent to toe ring sizes.  

• Toe rings are mostly worn on the 2nd toe, next to the big toe. 

• It's usually the same size as your pinkie finger.  

• It's always acceptable to wear your toe ring on any toe you choose.  

• Choose the toe that is most comfortable for you.

• An easy way to measure for the correct size is with a piece of string or ribbon, or even a strip of paper no wider than 3/4".  Wrap it around your finger or toe at the widest part.  Make a mark where the ends meets.

• Measure by laying it out next to a ruler which will tell you how many millimeters or inches the finger or toe measures.  If you are in between sizes, use the next size up.

• If knuckles are large, you may want to find an average size between the circumference of your knuckle and the circumference at the base of the finger.

• The style of the ring is something to consider too.  If the ring is wide, it should be half a size bigger. 

• If the ring is narrow, it can be half a size smaller. 

• Unless your knuckle joint is smaller than the fleshy part, always choose a half size smaller (wide or narrow ring) otherwise your ring could slip off.

Fashion Tips For Looking Younger

Women over a certain age should avoid wearing chokers because this will only draw attention to the neck.  Instead wear a pendant necklace that forms a v-shape, that hangs down from the throat, drawing the eye upward.

Drop earrings will lengthen your face.  Great news for those of us with chubby cheeks.

    Circle necklaces worn with rounded necklines are a definite no-no for the mature woman.  The line they create repeats the line of the breast, drawing attention to a less-than-pert bust line.

Instantly update a classic outfit with a splash of color.  Look for funky with a bold color.

A single string of pearls and pearl studs for your ears will always have an aging as well as a regal look about them. Update the look by wearing several strands together or find expensive fakes with larger chunky-sized stones, which looks more modern.  Pearls will make skin appear more luminescent.

Choose vintage over bling.  Vintage adds personality.  Vintage pieces are high quality and very collectible.  Check out fashion magazines to see how to wear your pieces.

If you have a tiny waist, show it off with a wide belt.  A low-slung belt that cuts across the hips can disguise a bulging tummy.

A studded belt with a highly decorative buckle will attract the eye, but always consider where to place it for maximum effect.  Unless you have great abs, choose hip-slung, as a belt around the middle tends to cut you in half and shorten the body.  A decorative belt replaces the need for long necklaces.

Celebrities have the confidence to pull off vintage dressing.  The rest of us end up look like we are wearing hand me downs.  Good vintage finds to look for, to create your unique style, are accessories, jewelry, silk scarves, or an awesome purse.  One size fits all.