What Is a Cocktail Ring?

Once a popular accessory reserved only for more formal occasions, cocktail rings are given their name for the cocktail parties at which they originally made their appearances. Originating during Prohibition, the ring quickly became a statement of style in the 1940's and 1950's. They are typically very large in size and comprised of either one oversized stone complimented by smaller stones or several smaller stones made up into a design such as an animal or flower.

Made of precious, semi-precious or synthetic stones, cocktail rings come in an array of shapes and colors all meant to attract attention. Rings made of precious stones may be extremely expensive and hard to find today. Many antique cocktail rings feature elaborate metalworking and large center stones. Popular center stones included opals, rubies, emeralds, diamonds, pearls and sapphires. These are incredibly beautiful pieces, but they are typically priced above the average consumer's jewelry budget.

Choosing The Best Gemstone Beads For Your Jewelry Project

Gemstones, also called gems, precious stones and semi-precious stones, are pieces of attractive minerals. They are cut and polished and used in making jewelry and adornment. Many gemstones are hard, and there are also some soft ones that are also considered in jewelry making because of their physical properties and luster that bring aesthetic value to the finished product.

Beaded jewelry, especially those made of precious and semi-precious stones, are adoring to look at and wear. Most people love to create their own jewelry pieces using gemstones, but sometimes they become overwhelmed by the vast range of choices available. You know this should not be the case, because choosing the right kind of gemstone beads is a task which is simpler than you think it to be.

Your Jewelry Business' Sales, Production and Storage Areas

All jewelry makers and designers are spending most of their working time in their workshop or bead studio. This is also called their production area. The set up and design of your production area can greatly contribute to your self satisfaction of producing your crafts in it.

The number one rule of any business is maintaining low overhead, and this is especially true when you are just beginning your jewelry making business. Operating your business from home will not only help you save some money. It can also free you from having a long list of liabilities and signing a lease long term. You also save commuting time and expenses.

When planning your production and work area there are some factors to consider. Some are the following: