Celebrate Pregnancy by Creating a Birth Necklace

Creating a Birthing Necklace is a beautiful way to honor yourself and Baby during pregnancy. There are so many ways and of course no 'right' or 'wrong' way of designing a piece of art to symbolize what is most important to you. I like to encourage mothers to create their own piece or to take part if they choose to have an artisan make the jewelry for them. Maybe there is a particular color you have been drawn to during your pregnancy or a color that represents this child to you which could be the color focus of the necklace. Maybe you have a pendant you would like to have as your focus. One of my birthing necklaces was created during our blessingway. Each friend was asked to bring two beads. One was to represent Baby and the other myself. As we gathered in a circle each friend took their beads and presented them to me as they were placed on the string. The night I birthed, the beads were hanging above me on the wall as a visual focus for the birth.

My last birthing necklace I created during our blessingway day. I chose a goddess pendant which was to represent myself and the divine feminine. To the sides of the pendant were two beads for the Baby and for each of my other five (yes 5:) children. Each had their own unique color and style. In between each were seven small rainbow beads which in numerology is Spirit. Each bead was deliberately placed and blessed as I strung them. I wore the necklace the last several weeks of pregnancy and it was placed above me the night I gave birth.

However you choose to design your birthing necklace or jewelry may it be an expression of the beauty of this journey into Motherhood.

Teenage Fashion Necklace Styles

Jewelry is a great way to dress fashions that you are wearing. You can take a plain black dress and give it many looks with the jewelry that you choose to wear with it. There are many different styles of jewelry that you can choose from cheap custom to expensive. Being a teenager you will want to be fashionable and wear pieces that make a statement, look good and you can afford.
 
Teenagers will choose necklaces that will be delicate or big and powerful. This is a decision that each person would make. You can wear the necklace that will make a bling statement that everyone will see and will be a major part of the outfit. The nice thing about the bling necklaces is that you can wear it with simple clothing and have everyone's eyes go right to the piece of jewelry. For a daintier look with the softer looking pieces of fashion, wearing the single chain with a little delicate charm will give you the look that you are trying to achieve.
 
One of the most popular types of necklaces is the personalized name one with your name on.  These come with and without small stones in them.
 
The other popular type of necklace is the Friendship Necklace, where each one of the friend will wear a part of the chain and the charms will intertwine. This is really popular when you are dating someone. 
 
You don't have to spend a lot of money on your jewelry but you will want to pick great pieces out to start your jewelry collection and make the statements that you want to make when you wear it. You will keep adding to it over the next years but you will want some great pieces to start out with.

A Macaroni Necklace

Jewelry is often a woman's most prized possession and can express a lot of different things at one time. Making jewelry for your mom can be a fun craft and is something you can do quite easily on a rainy day or when you are inside playing. Pasta is great for dinner but can also be used for many other things like jewelry. Here is some information on making jewelry out of macaroni and other pastas.

Pasta is great for making all kinds of different crafts and can be used for jewelry as well. One of the reasons that it can work for jewelry is that it is hard and can withstand a certain degree of impact without breaking. Some other materials found at home can be too delicate or too difficult to work with to make good jewelry. Another thing about macaroni and other pastas that make them great for jewelry is that they already have holes in them and you don't have to drill out anything. This also makes using pasta for jewelry easy to work with and to make.

To start out with, you will need some supplies. Depending on what kind of jewelry you are making you will need a bracelet or necklace clasp that can be used to keep the jewelry together after it is finished. If you will be making earrings, you'll need some empty earring hooks. You will also need some fishing line or other thin thread that can be used to thread the macaroni on. Colored markers can also be used to decorate the pasta after the necklace is made, and if you plan on using colors, you'll also need something to keep the color from bleeding onto clothes or skin, like hairspray. With all of your supplies gathered you are ready to start your macaroni jewelry making.

Find a flat clean area where you can lay out all of your supplies and organize everything you will need for the jewelry. If you plan on making several different pieces of jewelry to make a set, then only have out the items you need for the one you are building first. Keep the other supplies in a pile or container off to the side so they don't get mixed up with the ones you are already using. Begin by cutting a length of fishing line or string long enough to make the entire necklace or bracelet. It is better to have too much string and need to trim it than to run out before you are done and not be able to complete the project. You can always trim off some line, but it is very difficult to add more if needed. You also don't want to have too much string because then it can get tangled and make it very hard to work with.

Next, tie the clasp on one end of the line or thread and make sure that it is secure. You can also use a very small amount of super glue to tie on the knot you tie with the fishing line to make sure the knot doesn't come undone. Start threading the macaroni on to the line and make a pattern if you are using more than one kind of pasta. Periodically check the length of the jewelry to make sure that it is long enough and not too long. You can make a necklace that is so long that it can wrap around the neck of the person wearing it twice to make it look like two necklaces. When you have finished putting on the pasta and are satisfied with the length, tie off the necklace onto the other end of the clasp and secure it tightly. Then after you have finished your necklace, you can give it as a gift or use it for yourself.

How To Make A Hemp Necklace

Materials to make a hemp necklace.

Hemp

Beads

Scissors

Optional materials.

Glue

Shower ring

Step 1. Cut your hemp cord.

a) Cut two cords that are 5 feet 8 inches in length. This is going to be your knotting cord.

Tip - I don't whip out a tape measure every time I need to measure my hemp. I measure it against myself. I pull it out to the width of both my arms spread to their max and cut it their. It's much quicker than measuring it with a tape measure.

b) Cut one thread or thin cord that is 2 feet 10 inches in length. This is going to be your center string. If you are using beads the will go on this string so make sure they fit. I measure it from my finger tips to my neck.

Tip - I like to use more hemp than I need. It's always easier to cut a little bit off than to fix the necklace if their isn't enough.

Step 2. Starting out.

a) Take the two knotting cords they are the thicker and longer cords and tie them together using an over hand knot. To do an over hand knot make a loop go threw the loop and pull tight.

b) Take the shorter thinner center string and both knotting cords and tie them together using an over hand knot two inches from where you made your first over hand knot.

c) Braid all three cords together for about 2 inches. Then tie them off with an over hand knot.

Step 3. Add beads.

a) Add the beads you want to use.

Tip - If it's hard to push the center string threw the beads because they have small holes. Place a drop of general purpose glue on your index finger then position the center string on the glue 4 inches from the end and pinch in place with your thumb. Then pull the string threw your thumb and index finger distributing glue along the final four inches of length. If some areas are still dry repeat. Hang the glued end in the air to dry for thirty minutes to an hour or until hard.

Step 4. Macrame.

Tip - The knots are much quicker and easier to tie if the center string is tight. So I take the loop that I created in step two and put it on a shower ring then I attach the shower ring to a hook or wall. I then take the center string and tie it to one of the belt loops on my pants.

a) Take your two knotting cords. Pull them to opposite sides of the center string.

The basic knot is called a square knot. It can be started from the left or from the right.

Their are two designs that can be created spiral and flat.

The flat design is created when you alternate your knots. Left, right, left, right or right, left, right, left.

The spiral design is created when you tie the same knot. Left, left, left, left or right, right, right, right.

It doesn't matter which knot you start with it matters which knot you follow up with.

Tying a left knot.

a) To tie a square knot starting on the left you take the cord on the left and lay it over the center string creating a loop on the left.

b) Next take the cord on the right and go over the left cord then under the center string and up threw the loop on the left of the center string.

c) Pull tight.

Tying a square knot starting on the right involves the same process started on the right side of the necklace.

When you are ready for a bead move the bead up behind the last knot you tied then tie your next knot on the other side of the bead.

Continue tying knots and adding beads until you get to your desired length.

I usually stop a necklace when the macrame and bead portion is long enough to stretch around my neck and touch ends.

Finish the macrame portion of the necklace by tying all three cords together in an over hand knot.

Step 5 finishing the hemp necklace.

a) Braid all three cords together for about 2 inches. Then tie them off with an over hand knot.

b) Cut off the remaining length of the center string.

c) Take the two knotting cords and tie them together using an over hand knot.

d) Cut off any remaining length and you are done.

Tip - The braided portion and loop on the end is for tying it off. You give them 4 inches of braid and four inches of loop so that they can tie it off to the length they desire and dispose of the rest.

Black Pearl Necklace 101

If you’re looking for the best accessory to sparkle up your wardrobe, look no further. Black pearls, or what is also known as Tahitian pearls, come all the way from the lagoon of French Polynesia or the deep recesses of Japanese ocean. They come in a wide range of colors – black, blue, gray, green and brown.

Color really depends on the personal taste of the wearer but most of the time black pearl necklaces have blue, gold, silver pink, eggplant and peacock green overtones.

About the cost, the rate is that darker the Tahitian black pearl, then the more valuable it is in the pearl industry. Also just like any pearl, the rounder the shape, the more expensive it is. This is because pearl industry aficionados know how difficult it is to obtain a perfect spherical pearl from oysters and mussels.

Another rule of thumb is that overtones also affect the price of the pearl. A black pearl that is solid in color and has no overtone whatsoever does not even amount to half of a black pearl containing overtones.

Pearl makers know that a good way to capitalize on the variety and beauty of the Tahitain black pearls is to make a strand containing various overtone shades. In that way, not only will the buyer have the liberty to add dimension to the outfit she’ll we wearing the pearls with, she can also play up her looks – from professional to casual.

Black pearl necklaces often come from the South Seas, most of which from Tahiti. Famous to be expensive because of their demand in the pearl-making industry, South Sea black pearl necklaces are also known for their size which is larger than the usual pearl. Tahitian black pearls ranges from 8 mm to 18 mm. The ironic thing is that of all the South Sea black pearls out there, the Tahitian black pearl is the cheapest – but the most popular.

If buying a black pearl necklace, it is important that you know what you exactly you are looking for. You must know the value of the necklace you’re fancying as well as whether you could still stretch your buck and allow you to get the best possible Tahitian black pearl necklace for you.

Getting a black pearl necklace is often suggested to each and every woman out there because it will revamp any wardrobe, making it fashionable, elegant and classic.

Here are some tips that can help you decide whether the black pearl necklace you are fancying is worth paying the price for.

1.) Always check the color. Yes it really depends on the preference of the buyer on what kind of color to get but as much as possible, try to not get the solid black pearls if you regard it as an investment. The more overtones a pearl has, the more valuable it is. Therefore choose a pearl that has blue, green, red, purple or pink overtones.

2.) The luster provides the shine to the pearl. This is the most valued feature. In fact, it is more important than the size and the shape. The clearer the reflection, the more luster the pearl has.

3.) Because it is extremely hard to get pearls to begin with, getting pearls that are perfectly round is harder. Therefore, another rule is that the rounder the pearl, the more expensive it must be in the pearl market.

4.) Just like all things that are living, no two pearls are alike. There will always be a difference with each one. The blemishes to a pearl are like the veins to a leaf. This what sets it apart from the other pearls. If you’re skimming through Black Pearl Necklaces, check the surface. Avoid the blemishes. A solid black pearl necklace that has no scratch or blemish whatsoever is a rarity.

You must also check the strands of the necklace you are buying. Make sure that they won’t tarnish. A tarnished pearl necklace is awful to look at.

In the pearl industry, cultured pearls are also more valuable than the natural pearls. Natural pearls were obtained straight from the nacre of mollusks and oysters underneath the sea whereas the production of cultured pearls have been assisted by expert pearl farmers.

A cultured black pearl necklace is slightly more expensive than the natural black pearl necklace all because of the added labor to producing it.

Regardless, black pearl necklaces are an investment and any woman would be so happy getting one – especially this Holiday season.

The Right Jewelry Piece For Your Mother

Any woman would want to receive any piece of jewelry. This is why jewelry pieces are also one of the top choices when you want to find a gift for your mother, wife or sister. Even if they can be your instant choice, there are still some considerations that you will need so that you will be sure of your choice.

Sending a gift for your mom will definitely take your time. Even if there is no occasion, you can simply want to send your mom a token that would show how important she is for you. Also, you might want to pick a design that will match her preferences. You know your mom well so this will not be too difficult for you. All that you will need is to think of the way she dresses, the people around her, and the type of environment that she belongs to. Through these things, you will be able to pick a design that can match the personality of your mom.

You can start checking designs of moms necklace in the Internet so that you will have an idea on what you might like in the market. When you visit the mall or any jewelry store that you prefer, there might be too many choices. Hence, a quick visit to online store can give you an idea on what to expect and you can also have a design in mind so that you can ask the one who is going to make or alter the jewelry pieces. This will make the piece more personalized.

As you browse through the moms necklace available, you might also want to consider mother child pendants. These can accentuate the design of your necklace. Also, there are pendants that can contain your name and birth date. In effect, it can show your character more and your mom will be reminded of you and how thoughtful you are to her. All of these are through a well selected necklace with mother child pendants.

Aside from your choices, you will also need to consider your mom's age. There are designs that can fit her and make her look elegant. Also, there are some who also prefer a simpler design or those pieces that can match the outfit that your mom normally wears.

In picking the jewelry pieces, you will need to keep in mind that it must be functional, wearable, and elegant at the same time. When you have considered these points and considered the choices that you have online, this will lead you to the perfect gift that you are looking for.

Women wear various jewelry pieces to augment her look. Also, it normally catches the attention of other people so if you are going to send a gift to a person, check your options online and select the type that you think would be best liked by your mom. Lastly, don't forget to buy the jewelry in a reputed store so that you will be sure of its quality.

Considerations to Determine Appropriate Pearl Necklace

Pearls are a good material for a necklace since they give both a natural and a sophisticated look. Thus, women have loved pearls since time immemorial. In many families, it is among the heirloom pieces that are handed from one generation to another. Choosing the right kind of pearl has many considerations namely the size, shape, design, type, color, and cost.
Choose a style that enhances your personality

Cultured pearls are the popular choice of many women today. The length of the necklace should be chosen carefully when planning to buy a necklace. Look for a length that will flatter your personality. A long necklace will slenderize and draw out the neck. A short necklace will give a chic and classy appeal.

Decide which kind of pearl to use

You can choose the perfect cultured pearls for you by looking at catalogs or taking time to visit jewellery stores. If you will use it for a certain occasion, you must carefully match the proper pearl to go with the situation and your outfit. If it is a wedding, the more formal rounded pearls may be recommended. If you want to use it for the beach or for frolicking, a free-forming keshi pearl necklace may be desired.

Compare the color to your skin tone; you will get the feel if it is not suited for you. Ask for help if you are not sure which color complements your personality. Decide whether it is small pearls that you need or a bigger one.

If you are economizing, it is best that you stay within the budget. There are designs that may not need big beads. The bigger and the rounder the pearls, the more expensive your necklace can get. There are also low-priced deals that you can find if you scout around. Compare prices with several sellers if you are doubtful.

Various lengths of necklaces you can choose from

From different types of pearls to different lengths of necklaces, there are a variety of options that the pearl enthusiast can choose from. If you have already settled on your choice of pearls, the next thing to do is to determine a necklace length which would fit your preferences and your personality.

The choker is the necklace with the shortest length; the maximum length is 15 inches. It should rest at the collar bone. This type can be used by those who have longer necks. The princess type is usually 18 inches in length, and a little below the collar bone but not too much. Matinee type is normally at 22 inches, and rests at the cleavage portion. The rope is a necklace that falls below the breastbone and its normal length reaches to more than 36 inches. A pearl necklace can also be made into a bib-type, like the ones Egyptian used. It is a cascade of multiple lengths in one necklace.

You can also use graduated sizes of pearls, tapering downward from bigger to smaller pearls. However, if you are uneasy with wearing various sizes, you can also opt for one size of beads to get the uniform look.