Now the world famous jewelry design team Erickson Beamon has teamed up with one of the web’s most well liked new online jewelry retail sites, Bauble bar  Their collection for Bauble Bar is one of the first official designer collaborations with the site.  The collection is exclusive so you won’t be able to find these Erickson Beamon pieces in any other stores.  The collection’s pieces have quickly become editor picks, many having been recently featured in Vogue.

The collection includes necklaces, bracelets, and earrings all of which are hip, festive, and glamorous with a slightly art deco influence.  Some of the standout pieces in the collection features many loose synthetic gemstones in multiple hues, namely firery red, emerald green, bright canary yellow, bold royal purple, clear, and even sky blue – a brilliant combination.  The colorful mix of loose stones that were used in the pieces has spurred a multicolor trend in the jewelry industry.  Now designer collections that incorporate many different colored cz’s or loose set man made stones are popping up all over.  Other pieces from the collection feature, such as the “dirty glam earrings” and the “dirty glam necklace” feature only clear brilliant manmade crystals.  These pieces put a twist on the classic look of glamorous diamonds by pairing loose stones with dark hematite toned metal.

Pieces in the new Bauble Bar Erickson Beamon collection can be found at www.baublebar.com and start around $140.

The most common type of gemstone setting is the basket setting, which can hold gemstones of many gorgeous shapes, colors, cuts, and sizes in place using just a few tiny metal prongs.  To set a gemstone into a basket setting, you’ll need a rule, a pre-made basket setting, prong setting pliers, and of course the loose cut gemstone or gemstones of your choice.  Not sure where to find your gemstones?  Loose cubic circonia stones from Pehnec Gems are affordable and available in a wide variety of colors and cuts.  Pehnec’s lab created gems sparkle beautifully just as natural gemstones do.

After ordering and receiving your gemstones, you’re ready to choose your basket setting.  First measure the size of each gemstone you want to set.  Determine the gemstone’s width, length and depth in millimeters using a ruler.  You will need to do so because basket settings are categorized according to their size in millimeters.  In addition, you’ll also need to identify the cut of your loose gemstone to be set since basket settings are also categorized by shape as well.

Once you have both the basket setting and the gemstone you want to get started with, begin by positioning the loose gemstone in the basket setting with fronts facing upward toward the ceiling.  You will then need to use your prong pliers to bend the settings metal prongs down over the gemstone.  Once your gemstone is set securely snug against each prong, voila!  You have set a gemstone using a basket setting.  You’ll feel like a pro jeweler after you see your piece of jewelry illuminating the room.

Proper party attire always requires accessorizing with the appropriate jewelry.  The type or style of jewelry you should wear will depend on how formal the event is supposed to be.  Be sure to ask your host, hostess, or point of contact what the dress code will be.

If your party host tells you that the dress will be business casual, you’ll want to wear just a little more jewelry than you would on a regular work day in order to create a festive atmosphere.  An easy way to incorporate just enough jewelry for a business casual holiday party is by choosing only earrings and/or
bracelets.  You can skip the necklace if you’d like.

If the party you’ll be attending is semi-formal, you’ll want to kick it up a notch.  Incorporate jewelry that stands out a little more such as statement earrings with noticeable cz stones in any color.  Try incorporating royal colors like navy blue, deep green, red, or metalics like sparkling gold and silver into your jewels for the evening.

In the event that you’re holiday is more of a “holiday gala,” or in other words a very formal affair, you’ll certainly want to pair a jewelry set that sparkles a bit with your dress or luxurious womens suit.  Remember, you don’t have to break the bank by wearing a set with diamonds.  A set sparkling with beautiful loose cz stones will also be formal enough.  Wear a piece with clear cz stones, if you’d like to play it safe with a traditional formal look.

The newest toys can leave the average parents a little short when it comes to gifts for each other. The gift doesn’t have to be expensive though, just thoughtful. The affordable jewelry made with cz loose cut stones can be a help in this regard.

Lab created gems like the cubic zirconia ruby and emerald are just the thing for a holiday gift. The colors of Christmas in a bracelet or necklace, or one of each, can last for many Christmases to come. They are more durable than many naturally mined stones and the created emerald is clearer than its naturally occurring namesake.

The cz ruby also appears much clearer to the naked eye and it is much more affordable than a comparable mined stone. These gems are only the start of what is available to jewelry makers that want to buy loose cut gems wholesale.

The jewelry that is created with these purchases can sell at such a good price that the average family can afford to buy more than one piece. With all of the readily available shapes, sizes and colors it is easy for jewelry artists to create the types of pieces that will satisfy just about any holiday shopper.

The story also noted the deal was made possible in part to China’s continued rising wealth. It seems as though there are many more customers for diamonds in China with the increased wealth. The wealth of China and other nations continues to keep diamonds at lofty prices. No word on any news that might make these gems more affordable to those not so fortunate.

The more practical bride and groom may believe that there are alternatives to competing with couples from other countries for engagement rings made with diamonds. Those couples could be shown rings made with cubic zirconia. AAAAA loose cut cz stones compare quite nicely to any high quality naturally mined diamonds but cost only a fraction of what natural diamonds cost. The comparison shouldn’t stop at the price tag either. These stones are not as hard as diamonds, but they are 8.5 on the Mohs scale for hardness and that is a very hard stone indeed.

These stones can be in many different pieces of jewelry, not just engagement rings. Christmas and anniversary gifts made with these cz stones are every bit as stunning as ones made with diamonds from the mine. The AAAAA is very impressive to look at and can stand next to any diamond and look every bit as flawless.

A steadying after a 35% increase must be creating a lot of envious sales people in other product markets. Housing prices have plummeted along with just about everything you would buy for a house. Americans still do have a desire for jewelry and the savvy jewelry maker can use this desire to increase their profits by using less expensive gems in their creations.

Purchasing loose cubic zirconia has been a great way to maintain low overhead while offering attractive and affordable jewelry in the less than booming American economy. Cubic zirconia stones don’t even need to play up how much they look and shine like diamonds anymore. While that is still true they make a beautiful statement without the direct comparison.

Many couples have sought out this option for engagement rings in an expression of their love. To them the ring still symbolizes their bond of love but so does their down payment on a house. They see the more economically priced ring as a way to have more available funds for their future. With the 35% increase in diamond prices the market for jewelry made with wholesale loose CZ gems should stay strong.

Anniversaries can also be celebrated with these jewelry pieces as well as birthdays and any other gift giving occasion. With the holidays approaching the demand for loose cut CZ gems will continue to rise. The good news for consumers is that the wholesale prices of lab created gems won’t be inflated by this increased demand as naturally mined diamonds would.

In order to actually be able to afford a beautiful, high quality piece of wedding or engagement jewelry many couples need to seek out less expensive alternatives. A piece of jewelry crafted from a loose cubic zirconia stone instead of a natural diamond can deliver the very same look for a much more reasonable price.

Most people recognize cubic zirconia as a replacement for a natural diamond in an engagement ring but few realize just how versatile or durable this lab gem actually is. High quality cubic zirconia can certainly deliver an incredible and affordable engagement ring but this amazing diamond substitute is capable of a whole lot more.

Creative designers are now regularly using high quality cubic zirconia stones in a wide variety of classic and custom creations. Cubic zirconia can be found as the focal point of cocktail rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets to create the most stunning looks imaginable for the lowest prices.

In addition to being incredibly beautiful and easily affordable, cubic zirconia can also stand up to everyday wear. The outstanding rating of 8.5 on the Mohs scale shows that cubic zirconia is more resilient than a number of natural gems that cost quite a bit more.

Cubic zirconia helps designers create fun, functional and fashionable accessories that will stand the test of time without costing a fortune. High quality fine jewelry crafted from cubic zirconia allows consumers who are bound by budget to achieve the most glamorous looks without spending too much.

Many of the latest trends feature big, bold diamonds and brightly colored natural gems set in the finest metals. These pieces featuring naturally mined gems are undoubtedly beautiful but the cost puts them well beyond the budget of most consumers.

In order for the average person to be able to achieve the perfect look they need to have access to accessories that are affordable. Thankfully these big bold looks can be achieved for an affordable price when cubic zirconia and other lab created gems serve as the focal point.

AAAAA rated loose cubic zirconia stones are capable of delivering the very same beauty as a completely flawless natural diamond for a fraction of the price. These high quality stones can easily replace a natural diamond in a fine metal setting to create a magical piece of jewelry that can fit into any budget.

Cubic zirconia is a perfect fit in engagement and wedding jewelry, rings, pendants, earrings for creating a powerful look with an appealing price tag. The wide array of cuts, sizes and colors of loose lab created gemstones in our catalog will allow creative designers to achieve virtually any look for an affordable price.

The perfect accessory can increase confidence and help you to stand out in business and social situations. Finding the right accessory for the right price is much easier when you opt for cubic zirconia and lab created gems in place of diamonds and other natural stones.

Diamonds may be the first thing that comes to mind when considering engagement rings or other fine jewelry but naturally mined diamonds can be incredibly expensive. A flawless natural diamond in the desired size and cut could drive the price of a custom ring or pendant well out of the comfort zone of most consumers. Depending upon the size of the stone a custom designed diamond ring could easily cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.

By replacing a natural diamond in a custom design with an equally stunning loose CZ stone a consumer can dramatically reduce the cost of the final product without sacrificing beauty or quality. An AAAAA rated cubic zirconia stone can easily rival the beauty of the most perfect naturally mined diamond for a fraction of the investment.

Cubic zirconia is also an excellent choice in terms of durability. An exceptional rating on the Mohs scale lets consumers know that this lab created stone is hearty enough to stand up to the rigors of everyday wear. This makes CZ a perfect choice to replace a natural diamond in a piece of jewelry that will be worn with regularity like an engagement or wedding ring. If you are interested in generating a completely unique, custom ring or pendant without spending beyond your means, consider opting for CZ as the focal point instead of natural diamonds.

As in many recent successful auctions, many of the highlights in this Dallas, Texas sale featured stunning diamonds in fine metal settings.  There were certified diamonds on hand ranging from 3 carats up to more than 18 carats and many single pieces fetched in excess of $100,000.

The leader of the pack was a brilliant 18+ carat emerald cut diamond ring which brought in close to four hundred thousand dollars.  This platinum set prize sold for more than twice the $175,000 that auctioneers had predicted.

The very successful run of jewelry auctions to close out 2010 seems to bode very well for the fine jewelry market moving into 2011.  Unfortunately though, not every consumer interested in wearing fine jewelry has $100,000 dollars to spend on jewelry.

This is precisely the reason that many talented designers are starting to use high quality cubic zirconia in their fine jewelry creations.  Wholesale cubic zirconia looks every bit as beautiful as a naturally mined diamond in a platinum or gold setting, but is available for a fraction of the price.

Loose cubic zirconia works well in everything from pendants to tennis bracelets and even the most incredible engagement ring designs.  A designer using cubic zirconia can simply focus on making the most beautiful fine jewelry imaginable without having to worry that the final product will cost more than the target consumer can afford.