Archive for January 2011
The Age of Titanium
Although Titanium is an abundant element on earth it was not discovered until 1791
but it would be another hundred years after that before it was possible to isolate the
metal.
In appearance the metal is grey and lustrous and has often been used to make
alloys which are light and resistant. Titanium has also been detected in meteorites
and in the moon rocks brought back from the Apollo 17 mission.
It is because of its desirable properties which make Titanium an ideal metal for this
technological age that has lead to a huge rise in popularity of this metal.
In industry the uses for titanium are many because of its resistance to corrosion
even from salt water, alkalis and acids and even corrosive gases. Because of its
corrosion resistance and the fact that it is also physiologically inert and
hypoallergenic, Titanium is also used extensively in the field of medicine and in
particular for prosthetic implants such as hip and knee replacements.
This wonderful metal has very high strength to weight ratio and it is much utilised
in critical and demanding applications such as in the aerospace industry. The use of
Titanium has made space exploration possible and the earlier rockets such as
Mercury, Apollo and Gemini were all made largely of this metal. The Space Shuttle
also has many parts made from Titanium as have many jet fighters, submarines,
ships and tanks.
Titanium therefore is used across a broad spectrum of applications making it very
much a metal of our modern age.
Aircraft grade titanium is now becoming increasingly popular in the jewellery trade
and has found favour particularly in the manufacture of mens jewellery because of
it’s hard wearing properties. Titanium rings have become increasingly popular as
wedding rings in part because they will stand up to more wear and tear than
precious metals but probably just as much because of the look. Titanium really is a
very versatile metal and lends itself very to the making of fine jewellery and a variety
of looks can be achieved utilising different finishes and even the application of heat
which brings about a change in colour ranging through the whole spectrum.
This property of colouration by heat has been used particularly in the manufacture
of ladies jewellery for making eye catching unique designs in earrings, necklaces
and modern, trendy titanium rings.
In the making of rings, titanium can also be inlaid with precious metals and set with
precious stones and although the material is more difficult to work with because of
its strength, once made you will have a beautiful piece of jewellery that will look
good and last a lifetime.
The durability, strength and looks of titanium will ensure that it continues to grow
in popularity as a metal in the manufacture of jewellery and in particular for the
making of titanium rings.By J Lewis
Diamond Anniversary Rings: Buying Guide
Anniversary bands are awesome ways for married couples to commemorate their wedding vows. There are couples who may not have been able to secure lavish rings when they first got married. And by the time they have financially secured their lives, it is perhaps time for some upgrade. For many couples, anniversary bands are simply a way to remember their commitment to one another. The tradition of celebrating marital anniversaries started during the medieval times when the only years celebrated was the 25th and 50th years. A husband usually crowns his wife with a silver wreath on the 25thyear and a gold one for the 50th year. Nowadays, anniversaries are more than gold and silver celebrations.
Whatever reasons they may have, there are plenty of ring options for couples to choose from. Some may opt for the more classic look like gold and diamond rings. Others may want unique vintage rings or maybe gemstone rings.
The Diamond Stone for 60. Traditionally, the 60th year is for diamonds but you don’t have to wait that long. Contemporary women today love to be lavished with expensive jewelry. Diamond rings are usually made up of a series of stones that go all the way around a ring.
The Diamond Ring and its Meaning. A diamond ring’s symbolism is part of its unique design. Diamond stones need to go around the ring to mean an unending circle of love. But diamond stones all around can get really expensive for many. There are stunning eternity bands designs which may have few diamond stones but bigger ones.
The Diamond Rings’ Demand in the Market. Among the most popular anniversary ring designs these days is the 3-stone diamond ring. The design features one big and two smaller identical diamonds. This type of design symbolizes how the couple’s past, present and future are bounded together in love. And you can always add that personal touch to your rings. You always have the option to engrave love messages on your ring, or anything that means a lot to you as a couple.
A Matching Pair of Diamond Rings for Him and Her. It is less common to see men wearing diamond rings these days but definitely not unheard of. It would be nice to have two rings that have complementary designs. A man’s ring should be wider, larger and something that matches his ring size. It should also be something more masculine. Consult a jeweler for a matching pair of anniversary rings. Precious gemstones are beautiful and will definitely last a lifetime. Diamonds tend to shimmer in any light featuring that exquisite quality.
Figure out which type of diamond band you will buy. Anniversary diamond bands are eternity rings that would symbolize your commitment that will last until eternity. How this love is symbolized in the gemstone world is through this precious metal band with glittery diamonds around a ring’s circumference. These diamonds can be tiny chips around the ring or one big stud, depending on your need for flash and budget. A woman’s birthstone is also a popular choice among many for anniversary bands. Most women would still love getting a diamond anniversary ring so it’s probably worth shelling out some cash for her response. Make sure you give some thought on the meaning of this gift before even giving out this token of affection to your partner.By Oded Nahum
Wedding Bands Buying Tips
Wedding rings are important things that you’d to consider when planning a wedding. A plethora of wedding band choices await couples these days so stick to something that fits your style and taste as a couple. Here are easy tips on purchasing these precious eternity rings that will bond your love for a lifetime.
Begin shopping for rings at least six months before the wedding date. Most rings these days are pre ordered and you may also opt for a special engraved message on your ring. Many couples have their wedding date engraved on rings as a popular trend. Ordering these rings may take up to six to eight weeks so don’t wait for the last minute. You wouldn’t want a ring that doesn’t thrill and excite you. Your wedding ring is something you put on your finger everyday so make sure you put this item on your ‘wedding to do list’.
Do not skimp on your wedding band budget. While your engagement ring symbolizes your promise to one another, the wedding band symbolizes a lifelong commitment that will mark this significant transition in your life. Make sure you allocate a good wedding band budget to ensure that these rings will make you happy for a lifetime. Choose rings that will wear well through time and avoid the ones that wear down easily or needs replanting from time to time for it to maintain its luster and color. If for the time being, you are not able to afford the rings that you really want, then you can always purchase affordable bands and perhaps save up for your permanent rings. This is wiser option than spending all your money on something that you really don’t like.
Work together as one married couple. Wedding rings don’t have to match but they should be something that complements a couple’s being together. Women may not wear their wedding band with their engagement ring on one finger. Plenty of active women would prefer to wear their wedding ring during the day and their engagement ring for special occasions. There are also others who wear their engagement ring on their right hand and wedding ring on the left. If you intend to do this, you may resize your engagement ring since your finger sizes may slightly vary.
Select a design that works well with your taste and hand. Look for a variety of widths and finishes and see how they look on your hand. If you have short fingers, it would be best to stick to narrower bands, or a ring with a vertical orientation design. You can also opt for a nontraditional ring type and not really a band style. It would be important that you don’t overwhelm your hand for the sake of having a ‘bling’. If you are planning to wear your wedding ring together with your engagement ring, don’t upstage the ring with a band that is too flashy on its own. Platinum wedding bands, diamond wedding bands and white gold wedding bands are some of the famous trends today. Choose something that fits your sophisticated style and taste.
Pick a wedding band that composed of the same material as your engagement ring. Different materials will wear at different rates. If you are wearing your engagement ring and wedding band together, then both of them will eventually rub against one another. The predominant metal will always win and will wear away the other.By Oded Nahum
How to Make a Smart Investment in Watches
I’m sure you have all heard of record breaking prices of vintage watches at auctions and are considering making an investment in watches. The phenomenal success of quartz watches in the seventies and eighties drove up values of old mechanical watches as they became rarer.
It is this enthusiasm for mechanical watches that has spur manufacturers to come up with new innovation in mechanical watches.
So how do you choose a mechanical watch that will not only hold its value but also rise in value?
Buy a brand which is reputable and has a long history of preferably at least a century old.
Check with auction sites and used watch dealers and find out the value of a 5 year model. Is it worth any value? How about older ones? Are they worth more than the new models? If yes, then this brand may have good investment potential. Whether a time piece appreciates in value depend on the simple law of economics. The rarer it is the more highly prized it is. That’s why rarity is so important. A reputable manufacturer can issue a special edition with only a limited number of watches available, preferably of less than 100.
Going deeper into this issue there may be many different brands but they may buy the watch movement supplied by one main supplier which means in essence they are basically the same watch.
For a watch to be unique , the watchmaker should design and manufacture most of the different parts rather than simply source components from another supplier.
The watch should be of high quality. It should have a quality movement.
Look at the case finish and design too. Check out the innovation in the watch.
Collectors are also interested in complications such as Perpetual Calendar, tourbillon, moon phases, power reserve indicator and day and night indicator. These are extra features besides the standard time telling. Perpetual calender accurately keeps track of the day, date, month and year. You do not have to worry whether the date is correct and set the correct date. Tourbillon is one of the most complicated components in watches which minimizes timekeeping errors caused by gravity.
The appreciation in value in mechanical watches is not as quick as other forms of investment. You should treat it as a long term investment. A investor wouldn’t buy a watch today and sell it off the next day.
Potential watch investor should also know that value of a watch is dependent on the amount a buyer is willing to buy. In other words, a watch is worth only as much as a buyer is willing to pay for it.
Therefore it is very important that you like the watch and has emotional and sentimental value to you.
Lastly, you have to take good care of your watch and maintain it too . Remember to keep all the papers and documents too.
By Ian Tham