Titanium Rings: The Real Reason Why Men Love Them

Everywhere you look, people sell the user benefits of titanium…. strength, scratch resistance, hypo allergenic but I think they are all missing the real point. We sell four times the quantity of titanium rings to every steel ring, but they are virtually identical except for a slight difference in colour. So why are men so drawn to titanium rings?

The answer lies in the very word ‘Titanium’ and the reassuringly masculine emotions that it conjures up. For instance, the base of the word itself, Titan conjures up ideas of titanic brute strength. The ’ium’ bit some how makes the word a bit more tecky and exotic. Then there are the real life applications that Titanium is used for. Engineers use Titanium because of its very high strength to weight properties especially in the aerospace industry and other super tecky, masculine applications. This gives a hint of cutting edge and ’latest design’ giving even more social kudos. Even the finish men like, matt grey, allows for more a masculine expression. Only the sleek, minimalist designs give a small concession to sophistication and feminine elegance.

All this gives a Titanium ring the perfect mix of masculine emotions to give men the reassurance to wear jewellery. (You know its’ true!)

John Greed owns and manages a jewellery shop in the historic quarter of Lincoln, U.K. They specialise in wedding rings especially for men. They sell online, http://www.johngreeddesign.co.uk

Jewellery Insurance Claims

Thinking about the possibility of a theft or loss of a favourite piece of jewellery is certainly not pleasant, however the possibility cannot be ignored. So often victims of a theft or loss find that claiming on their insurance is complicated and unsatisfactory. Insurance companies have an extraordinary ability to 'wriggle' when it comes to claims and the small print all of a sudden becomes far more important than it seemed at the time of signing the original contract.

How often do we hear that a victim of theft has been unable to claim compensation for a loss because the circumstances did not qualify the 'terms of the insurance policy', or that the amount paid out was not nearly enough to find a comparable replacement for the item lost. Then there are the insurance companies who refuse to pay out for the loss in cash, instead insisting that the customer must purchase jewellery to the value of the loss from 'associated' jewellery stores - many of which may stock jewellery that the claimant feels is inferior to the treasured item that was lost.

Much of this frustration can be avoided by taking a few simple, precautionary steps in advance of any unfortunate incident which may result in the necessity of making an insurance claim. Firstly, when purchasing jewellery, always ensure that you are provided with a purchase invoice or receipt. Check that the store selling you this jewellery provides a clear and detailed description of the goods purchased. This should include the type and grade of precious metal used including its weight. Any gemstones should be detailed with the quality, grades and weights. Finally the price must be stated preferably also showing the original shop price if a discount was given. This receipt must be safely retained in a filing system at home so that it can easily be found if a claim should become necessary at some date in the future.

It is not sufficient simply to have an original purchase invoice to identify and prove the value of a treasured item. As the years roll on the value of that item is likely to steadily increase. In order to maintain a clear idea of the value of the jewllery to be insured it is vitally important to maintain a current valuation. The value of the insured jewellery should be updated regularly every three to four years by a qualified jeweller. In the case of a loss the insurance valuation will have two important purposes:

• Firstly the detailed description will enable the police to clearly identify your lost jewellery if it is recovered. Without this proof the police are sometimes unable to return jewellery to 'a rightful owner' because it cannot be proved that the jewellery is actually theirs. The detailed weights and measurements, along with photographs, contained in a valid valuation leaves no room for doubt when identifying recovered items.

• Secondly a current valuation will enable you to check you have adequate insurance cover and that in the case of a loss the insurance company pays you out an amount that is realistic and up to date.

Unfortunately not everybody is as well prepared as this. What happens if you incur a loss and can't find the original purchase receipt or what if you never obtained a valuation certificate for the item?

All is not lost .. but be prepared to act quickly before submitting your claim to an insurance company! Find whatever information you DO have for the lost jewellery including any family snapshots etc that may help. Then approach a qualified jeweller and ask for a 'post loss valuation'. With the information you are able to supply the jeweller can build up a picture of the lost item and in this way produce a detailed valuation certificate based on the details you can remember. Insurance companies will normally accept a carefully constructed post loss valuation, produced in this manner, and it means that you do not leave yourself open to an unrealistically low valuation when your claim is eventually settled.

One of the biggest frustrations for insurance claimants is when insurance companies issue 'vouchers' for replacement jewellery. This imposes a serious restriction on finding a suitable replacement for the item lost. For example how can a treasured antique heirloom be replaced in a 'High Street' jewellery store belonging to one of the large multiples? Quite simply it cannot and for this reason the Insurance Ombudsman has made a ruling stating that, in principle, this is wrong. I can quote from the Insurance Ombudsman Bureau Report (1987 and restated in 2003):

"The option to replace jewellery is not properly exercised by offering a policy holder an authority to buy jewellery up to an agreed value at a particular jeweller's shop. That is wrong in principle, although it seems to have become a hallowed practice. It is in fact a denial of true indemnity."

AR(87) p.31

In a great many cases in which I have been asked to help with a claim, the claimant has received more favourable treatment once this ruling had been pointed out to Insurance Companies offering 'vouchers'. It is worth retaining a copy of this ruling should you need to quote from it in the future!

It is hoped that, with some forethought and a little planning, at least some of the distress and frustration of sustaining a loss can be avoided. The simple steps outlined in this article will prevent much of the pain and hopefully result in a more suitable jewellery replacement should the worst happen. When in doubt always seek the advice of a professional.

As a small family run business Paul Wright Jewelley has exhibited its handcrafted silver and gold jewelery throughout the United Kingdom since 1995. Paul Wright Jewellery offers a full jewellery valuation service and helps claimants with important claims. His website is

Handmade Silver Jewellery

Diamond Wedding Rings

Choose Your Metals Carefully When Buying Jewelery

The feeling of wearing exquisite jewelery is, for many, second to none - after all, a great piece of jewelery doesn't have the same rigid time scale on it as a fashionable dress or a trendy pair of shoes. But choosing jewelery can be a time consuming process, especially if you're trying to find a special necklace or bracelet for someone you care about. But buying jewelery doesn't have to be difficult; instead, if you focus on some key guidelines when making your choice you'll be able to find the perfect item of jewelery in no time.

Regardless of whether you're looking for earrings, bangles or rings, it's crucial to choose the right metal when buying jewelery and establish what your budget is. For instance, platinum is the most expensive type of metal you can buy, while nine carat gold will be more affordable than 18 carat gold if you're looking for gold jewelery.

Additionally, you'll need to consider the personal taste and skin type of the person you're buying for. Not everyone likes yellow gold, while for others it might be all they consider when picking jewelery for themselves. Make sure you know what type of metal you're buying, and if you're not sure of the properties of a particular metal, ask someone who knows.

Choosing the right type of gold, for example, can be tricky. Gold can make a great finishing touch to an outfit, but make sure you don't go overboard. Pure gold is yellow and can look overpowering if worn in large quantities; opt for delicate yellow gold hoops - a piece of jewelery worn frequently by Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria, to finish off a an outfit with an air of casual grace. Or, if you're looking for a larger piece of gold jewelery, opt for white or rose gold which tends to be more subtle in tone and often appeals to people who are reluctant to don flashier yellow gold items.

Conversely, if the person you're buying jewelery for prefers to stay away from gold altogether, opt for an alternative precious metal like silver, platinum or tungsten, now widely used in all types of jewelery including earrings and neckalces. Platinum is becoming increasingly popular as a jewelery metal, with the likes of Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Hudson sporting platinum jewelery pieces at this year's Academy Awards.

Tungsten is also a rising star among the world's top jewellery designers, especially when it comes to men's jewellery. Tungsten rings are fast gaining currency with fashion-conscious men eager to set the trend - so if you're looking for jewellery for men, then tungsten is likely the best way to go. In fact, tungsten jewellery has received support from the likes of actors Kiefer Sutherland and Gary Sinise, while watch manufacturers like TAG Heuer and Baume et Mercier have been using tungsten in watches for years.

Another lesson that's essential to remember in any jewellery buying spree is to check the hallmark of the jewelery you've decided to buy. Particularly when purchasing gold jewelery, ensure that you check and understand the hallmark of the piece on question. A hallmark is a quality control mark that's placed on gold, silver and platinum and guarantees that the metal a consumer is about to buy lives up to legal standards.

Moreover, hallmark symbols allow you to identify quickly the carat of your jewellery, as well as its purity levels. And once you've approved the standards of the metal you've chosen, and the style of the piece of jewellery, there's only one thing left to do - make your purchase!

Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist.

Designer Accessories

A gorgeous designer dress that fits you perfectly can be complemented with accessories that will accentuate not only the beauty of the dress but your features, skin color and body shape. Knowing yourself and the basics, knowing when to accessorize and what to use, will allow you to assemble a wardrobe that is fabulous and functional.

The right accessories and jewellery can embellish any outfit. From hats to hoses, scarves to shawls, shoes to slip-ons, one has to consider the current fashion trends, the season and the occasion you are going to attend.

Depending on the dress you are wearing, you could accessorize almost all of your visible areas like the neck, ears, wrist and shoulders. Choose a matching bracelet and necklace. A line of real or cultured pearls around the neck is classical, elegant and never fails. A tennis bracelet such as a single line of diamonds makes a bold and sexy statement. Or consider a nice designer watch instead of the bracelet. Pearl or diamond studs in the ears, vintage clip-ons, dangling or hoop earrings also work marvellously. Of course, depending on your neckline, you could choose to vary your accessories as well. For a V neck wear a necklace and stud earrings, for a closed neckline wear only striking earrings, for a halter wear long earrings.

Your jewellery can be real or costume jewellery. The latter is relatively inexpensive, but still look good and is available at all department stores and boutiques. While an ankle bracelet will highlight your legs, sparkling clips, tortoise shell barrettes, or fresh flowers adorned in your hair will enhance your looks.

Put on your fancy shoes no matter how elegant or expensive they may be. Choose stockings in a neutral color and if you want one with a design, choose a subtle one. If you are going to a ball or the races, wear gloves. A shawl or a scarf can lend glamorous style to the outfit; ensure that it matches in texture and color with the rest of the attire. Carry an evening purse or a beaded bag large enough to hold business cards, keys, cash and lipstick. Do not take anything bulky and inelegant.

Evaluate your formal outfit carefully. Is it simple and elegant? Does all the jewellery, scarf, shoes and stockings work together to give you a stunning ensemble? Accessories offer your outfit with style and dimension. Incredible fabrics and textures accent your wardrobe well with supple belts, woven scarves, impressive gloves and tantalizing hats.

William Brister - http://www.designerfashions.tv - We keep you up to date on fashion.

Latest Tattoo Designs?

If you are thinking of getting a tattoo, you should definitely check out and consider some of the latest tattoo designs. With so many people getting tattooed now days, it's important to do some research into finding a unique tattoo design that not many people have. Here are ways to find the latest tattoo designs:

1. Tattoo magazines.

You are going to find a lot of different designs in tattoo magazines, many of them current and unique. You may not want to get the exact tattoo that you see photographed on someone else, but it can definitely open up some ideas on designs and styles which you can further look into.

2. The Street.

Anytime you are at a public gathering or just out and about on the street, pay attention to recently inked individuals. Just like the magazines, you may be inspired to look further into a certain design or style. The good thing about seeking current designs off the street, is that you can approach the person and ask them where they had their work done. From there, you can hit the actual parlor, talk to the artist and see which current designs he recommends.

3. Online Tattoo Gallery.

Here's a real convenient, and easy way to view the latest tattoo designs right on your computer through the internet. There are tattoo gallery sites which are updated constantly, bringing you the latest designs that come out. Here you can view literally hundreds of different designs, making sure that you have seen everything available, before making the final decision on which tattoo to get permanently inked on.

This is one of the best Tattoo Online Galleries, which houses the latest, top quality, unique designs, many of which are not found anywhere else. Check out - http://top-tattoo-designs.blogspot.com/

Here you can browse through hundreds of designs at your leisure to find your ideal tattoo - http://top-tattoo-designs.blogspot.com/

Celtic Cross Tattoo Designs - A Complex and Powerful Design

Celtic cross tattoo designs are one of the most popular tattoo designs out there today. Seeing them on somebody is becoming commonplace. In this article, I want to tell you a little bit about the history of these Celtic cross tattoos and where to find the best designs for them.

The Celtic cross tattoo designs that we all see around today are derived from ancient Celtic drawings and pieces of art. Celtic artwork is very complex and often has very deep meaning behind it. Perhaps this is why they make such great tattoos.

Celtic designs, particularly the Celtic cross, are very strong in culture and history. The Celtic way of life ruled over Europe for many years and when that time ended, Christians took over. Thus the cross was blended with traditional Celtic art.

Now I want to explain to you where to find the best Celtic cross tattoo designs. The places to find them that I recommend very highly are printable tattoo design databases that exist on the internet. While the best ones will charge a small fee, you will get unlimited access to thousands of tattoo designs.

The level of convenience that these services provide is immense. You will save hours of time and find designs quickly to print and bring straight to the tattoo shop. While many websites supposedly offer tattoo designs, the prints will be very low quality and you will end up unsatisfied.

In closing, I highly recommend using a printable tattoo design database when looking for the best Celtic cross tattoo designs. This is a beautiful design and you want to make sure you get the best one for you. Enjoy getting your next ink without worrying about the design quality!

Check out the best Printable Tattoo Designs.

My blog, http://printtattoodesigns.blogspot.com, explores the best options for printable tattoo designs.

The History of Silver - As a Metal and in Jewelery

Silver - A Bright Metal

Today, women are seen wearing silver chains, silver pendants and silver earrings in the parties. Silver has become the trendy metal these days.

Silver has been widely used since the time immemorial. It is used in various forms like utensils, jewellery and currency. It is a soft lustrous metal which has its own look and shine which is widely admired by its users. Silver is a chemical element with a high electrical and thermal conductivity.

History and Discovery

The discovery of silver was done after the discovery of copper and gold in around 4000BC. At that time, silver was popularly used in making jewelry and also as a means of exchange.

Silver is commonly found in nature in a mixed state along with copper and lead. The Spanish people claim the discovery of silver mines in Mexico, Peru and Bolivia. By the 16th century, the South and Central America became the largest silver-producing areas. By 2000 BC, the silver-bearing lead categories were smelted and mined and an impure silver-lead alloy was obtained from the lead ores that were smelted. Later, they were refined by using fire and that process was known as "cupellation". The ancient silver mines were located in Greece at the Laurium lead-silver deposit.

With the advent of time, the "Patio" process was used for the new- world mines recovery. In this process, silver bearing ore was churned and mixed with roasted copper ore, salt and mercury. Therefore, silver was converted to a finely separated state and was finely dissolved by mercury. This was refined repeatedly by the process of cupellation.

In the 19th century, the Cyanidation procedures displaced the Patio process and Thum Balbach and Moebius electro refining procedures were introduced. A huge silver deposit was found in the mid 19^th century in Nevada. After that, by the end of the 20th century, the United States emerged as the largest producer of silver in the world.

Properties of Silver

The metal is a soft and mouldable metal that has superb lustre and is slightly harder than gold. Silver is white in colour and has the characteristic of having the highest optical reflectivity. Also, it remains stable in pure water and air. But, when silver is exposed to ozone, sulphur and hydrogen sulphide, it gets tarnished.

Silver jewellery- Girl's Best friend

Silver is widely used in jewellery as a precious metal like in silver earrings, silver chains, silver pendants and silver necklaces. Women also prefer wearing silver earrings that comes in different colours and designs. Various kinds of stones are embellished on silver earrings to give them a graceful look.

With the changing fashion, sterling silver is used massively. As silver is a soft metal, it is prone to damage. For this, 92.5 percent pure silver is mixed with 7.5 percent copper so that it becomes stronger. Also, while some people are allergic to gold or other metals, sterling silver does not have any side-effects on the skin and the body. Silver rings and silver pendants are demanded more by women these days so that their style and status is enhanced in the social gatherings.

You can find more info on sterling silver and sterling silver jewelry at http://www.DreamlandJewelry.com