Monthly Archives: October 2010

Organic Gemstone

Organic Gemstone

Organic Gemstone

Organic gems are a group of gem stones whose creation is associated with living organisms which are formed from once living material changed over time into a stone.

Organic gemstone jewelry was popular with the Victorians in the 19th century. Shells were carved to make cameos, delicate seed pearls were used to make elegant parrures or sets of jewelry consisting of pendant earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Coral was also fashioned into parrures or coral beads with red and pale pink being the most popular colors.

Some stones which we refer as ‘Gemstones’ were once living organisms or were formed by living organisms. In other words, Organic gemstones are gems that are derived from animals, plants or other organisms while they are living or after they die and the usually do not have cleavage as do rock gemstones.

There are several types of Organic Gemstones used to make Gemstone Jewelry. The gems in this category are pearl, amber, coral, ivory, ammolite, shell and jet.However, the most popular among these stones is Pearl. Red Coral is also a popular choice of many.

Types of Organic Gemstones

Amber

Amber is the fossilized resin of a tree. The color of Amber varies from transparent to semitransparent and generally from light yellow to dark brown, but can be orange, red, whitish, greenish-brown, blue, or violet. This stone resembles and is named after ambergris, a sweet smelling secretion of the sperm whale once used in perfume making. Amber has a hardness of 2-2.5 Mohs scale. Amber was the much preferred jewelry of Victorian era. This gemstone is considered as a good luck stone.

Jet

Jet is a shiny black stone and is formed from the remains of wood in a similar process by which coal is made. Jet is also called lignite. This stone has a hardness of 2.5-4 Mohs scale. This stone became extremely popular as mourning jewelry after Queen Victoria wore it on the death of her husband Prince Albert in 1861. This stone is considered as a gem for spiritual enlightenment.

Ammolite

Ammolite is the fossilized remains of ancient sea anemones. Ammolite is similar to the opal in appearance and often has a cracked or mottled surface. This cracking can give the stone the look of ‘dragon scales’ or a stained glass window.

Pearl

Pearl is considered the king of all organic gems and is formed inside the shells of oysters and mussels. Pearl has a hardness of 2.5-4.5 in the Mohs scale. Natural pearls come in various shapes: round, pear, drop, egg, and others. They also come in various colors, such as white, cream, light rose, cream rose, black, gray, bronze, blue, dark blue, blue green, red, purple, yellow, and violet. Pearl Jewelry is considered as the Symbol of Beauty and Elegance and was part of the royal jewelry.

Ivory

Usually the elephant’s tusk is referred to Ivory but these days’ teeth of hippopotamus, walrus, wild boar and some other mammals also serve as ivory. Ivory jewelry was popular during the Victorian period. Since many animals that have ivory tusk were killed to get their tusk the import and sale of ivory is strictly banned in many countries of the world.

Coral

Coral is the skeletal remains of marine animals. Coral has a hardness of 2.6 to 2.7 in the Mohs scale and is found in semi translucent to opaque and occurs in white, pink, orange, red, blue, violet, golden, and black. Coral is used to make figurines, cameos, carvings and beads

Everything is beautiful…

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Betawi Bride Accessories

Betawi Bride Crown

Betawi Bride Accessories

Betawi, one of Indonesian culture, which is mostly live in Jakarta. They have interesting outfit regarding their marriage appearance. The integration of various cultural elements appear in a wedding dress of Betawi woman who impressed so festive.

Beside the dress and make up, Betawi bride has something particular on their wedding dress, which are the accessories. The using of headdress is quite complex. One of them is siangko veiled that symbolizes a girl’s chastity.

Siangko veiled always in golden color, because originally it made of gold, or silver material. Usually decorated with precious stones, even diamonds. The veil is 30 cm long, made of beads. Apart from the veiled, other siangko has 3 pieces. Used as a cover behind the siangko veiled.

Siangko veiled that serves to cover the bride’s face is a symbol of holiness, symbolized by the bride’s face should not be seen by someone else. On top of this Siangko veiled, there is Sigar or crown with motifs of flowers filled with jewels. Other hair ornaments are flower nail or nail puncture about 10 or more which is intended as a repellent reinforcements.

There are also 5 plugs flowers or kembang tancep, that symbolizes pillars of Islam, the obligation to be performed by the bride as a Muslim. Moreover, there are 20 pieces of kembang goyang or flutter flower ornament that put together with 2-4 pieces of coconut flower that is placed on the left and right bun.. They are 20 because it symbolizes the recognition of the greatness of God’s 20 properties, which shall be revealed and taught to children later descendants; the coconut flower is a symbol of hope for marriages that do remain strong, strong like a coconut tree, so it will be a lasting, prosperous and happy marriage.

Phoenix decoration or known as a big flower is also should not be missed. The number four symbolizes the four Rasullullah’s companions, Prophet Muhammad SAW. Meanwhile, the phoenix itself regarded as a symbol of paradise bird that symbolizes happiness of the bride and groom. The location of the phoenix also has its own meaning, relating to the match between the family of the bride and groom.

Beside the bride’s headdress, there is one form of jewelry that is believed have magical powers is a sunting or sumping ear. If the sunting is worn by a bride who is not a virgin or not a girl anymore, then the user will be headache, feel dizziness and even fainting.

Beside sumping as a complement to support harmony, there is also a pair of ear bride kerabu. Kerabu is a combination between earrings and studs which are rolled together, and pierce or tusuk konde.

In addition to jewelry to the head, the bride also wore a dispersive necklace jewelry that used circular neck above the lotus Betawi. Listring bangles and bracelets, and gold rings jewelry to garnish arm, wrist and finger of the bride.

Originally, all of the jewelry that worn by the Betawi bride made of gold and decorated with diamonds. Today, however, generally those are only gold gilding, while the more decorative uses beads.
But they are still beautiful indeed.

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Suntiang, The Minang Bride’s Crown

Minang Bride

Minang Wedding Crown

Minangkabau people is one of Indonesian tribes, like any other tribes in Indonesia Minang has strict rules concerning their custom and way of life. One of those rules are applied in marriage system.

The tradition of marriage according to Minangkabau traditional event that is typically through a number of processions, it is still upheld to be carried out, involving a large family of both the prospective bride, especially from the female’s family.

While, on bride particular outfit, Minangkabau women has wedding crown that should be wear during the wedding feast. It is Suntiang, suntiang flowers are generally graded by odd starting from level seven to eleven. There is also a storied suntiang ranging from three to five which are usually used for bridesmaids or also known as Pasumandan.

However, for the reasons of practicality and adjust the shape of the face, now lthe evel on Suntiang is keep in odd number and adjusted by the ability and willingness of the bride. The crown is heavy, that makes the bride feels inconvenient during the wedding feast. The weight is about more than 5kilograms.

The first layer Suntiang begins with flattering flower arrangement that is used by every bride. At the bottom layer is used flattering flower Suntiang called Bungo Sarunai consisting of three to five rows. The second layer is used flattering flower called Bunge Tower which also consists of three to five rows. Located at the top is Kambang Goyang with other decorations called Kote-kote. In the back there is Tatak Kondai bun and bun Pisang Saparak covering the back.

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Corundum

Corundum

Corundum is a crystalline form of aluminium oxide with traces of iron, titanium and chromium. It is a rock-forming mineral. Corundum is the second hardest natural mineral known to science. The hardest mineral, diamond is still four times harder than corundum. The hardness of corundum can be partially attributed to the strong and short oxygen-aluminum bonds.

The name “corundum” is derived from the Tamil word “kuruntam” meaning “ruby”, it is derived from the Sanskrit “kuruvinda”.

Corundum is rare gem and has crystal lining in their atomic structure. When these are taken nearer to the light, these look like sparkling starts. Star sapphires should be used to render proper guidance and should be minimum 3 carats. The purer variety of corundum is colorless.

The most important of the gem families, corundum provides us with two of the best-known stones: ruby and sapphire. The popularity and price of these gemstones remain strong due to the beauty, durability and versatility of the material. Unfortunately, however, the ongoing development of synthetics, imitations and enhancement treatments has made the task of choosing and buying sapphire or ruby complex and sometimes risky.


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Diamonds Are Forever

Diamond

Diamond

Diamond, looking from the ancient Greek it has meaning as “unbreakable,” “proper,” or “unalterable”. It is one of the best-known and most sought-after gemstones. Diamonds have been known to humankind and used as decorative items since ancient times; some of the earliest references can be traced to India.

Diamonds are the hardest substance on earth. They are more brilliant than any other natural gem. Their sparkling fire, durability, and rarity make them the most prized of gems.

The most popular diamonds are colorless. However, most diamonds have a light tint, usually yellowish or brownish. Yellow diamonds as of recently have gained popularity and are commonly available. Perfectly clear diamonds are much more valuable than tinted diamonds. Very rarely, diamond occurs in deep hues of red, blue, and green. Such diamonds, known as “fancies”, are extremely valuable.

The cut, or facet of the diamond, is the manner in which the diamond is cut. The most preferred cut is the brilliant cut, a facet specially designed to bring out the most “fire” in the stone. Sometimes, this cut cannot be given, either because of flaws or cleavage habits. Other cuts are not as valuable as the brilliant cut. Much planning must be taken before cutting a diamond, as a slight error in the facet may greatly decrease the value of the stone.

The size of a diamond is measured in carats (abbreviated as “ct”). A carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams (about 0.007 ounces). Another weight measurement sometimes used for small for diamonds is the point measurement (abbreviated as “pt”). Each point is one/one hundredth of a carat. For example, a stone weighing 34 pt weighs .34 ct. Larger diamonds are worth more than proportionally smaller ones, meaning a 3 ct. diamond surpasses the value of three 1ct. diamonds.

Diamonds from Indian deposits were known in ancient times. In the West the limited use of diamonds began in the late Middle Ages. The diamond, was thought to give its wearer strength in battle and to protect him against ghosts and magic.The first river-bed diamonds were probably discovered around 800 B.C.

Diamond has some types, which are:
Bort – dark colored, imperfectly crystallized, opaque diamond. May also refer to a fragment of a gem quality diamond.
Fancy – deep red, green, blue, or purple diamond
Canary Diamond – diamond with a deep yellow color

Diamond is a great assistance for all brain diseases. It is beneficial in stomach area. Diamonds strengthen the owner’s memory.

Moreover, diamonds give faith, purity, life, joy, innocence and repentance. They assist in developing concentration and in beeing straight-forward and honest. It is believed the diamond loses its brilliance with the health of the wearer, regaining it only when the owner recovers. Diamond is an antidote to poison and is capable of detecting poison by exhibiting a moisture or perspiration on its surface. Supposedly, the higher quality the diamond, the better it supports these qualities.

Last, Diamonds are forever. It symbolizing persistence, loyalty and a woman.

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Boulder Opal

Boulder Opal

Boulder Opal

Boulder opal from the Opalton mine is often characterized by many many veins of colorful, fiery opal running through the hard ironstone. Most boulder opal is mined in Australia where thin veins of opal form within the brown ironstone matrix, creating a wonderfully unique picture stone.

Boulder opal occurs in two main forms, ‘seam’ and ‘matrix’. When opal intrudes into cracks and seams in the host rock (usually ironstone), it is called SEAM boulder opal. Seam boulder opal is often ‘split’ along the seam so as to produce one or two faces of opal material.

The gemstone Opal is the official October birthstone as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912. It is also the birth stone for the Zodiac sign of Libra.

Boulder opal is very durable due to the ironstone backing the opal forms on. Because water content within the opal is very low it almost never cracks or crazes as it ages.

It is believe that boulder opal is good to aids inner beauty, faithfulness, and eyesight and helps recall past lives.

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Dayak Jewelry

Dayak Earring

Dayak Earring

Dayak is one of Indonesia tribes who mostly live in Borneo Island. Like any traditional tribe in Indonesia, Dayak people is having a thick tradition concerning their rules and the way of living. The appearance of the men and women are are also particular and interesting to be discovered.

The main jewelry from Dayak people are earrings, bracelets, necklaces and head ornaments. Those jewels can be made from anything like rock, metal, animal bones, tusks, horns, bird feathers, and beads, the motives can be plain or have pattern. The Motif in jewelry is usually drawn from the surrounding flora and fauna. There is also a motif taken from mythology such as the dragon motif, which is probably the most popular and most often found.

A simple geometric motifs like circles, lines and angles, are rarely used for jewelry and it is only used as a fabric motif, carving and tattoo. There is jewelry that can not be used by everyone. The jewelry made of hornbills feathers or in the form of hornbills patterned. It may only be worn by aristocratic class or it being called as The Patent.

Dayak Women

Dayak earrings are generally bulky and made of heavy material. This is because in Dayak culture, a person is considered more attractive if you have long ears. Big and weight earrings is have function as a decoration and also it helps to pull out ears longer. The use of earrings is done in stages starting from the not-too-heavy and small to widen the hole so that it can be added by next earrings. This is also to prevent tearing of the ear.

For jewelry, Dayak bracelets also has another function. The bracelets made from materials such as ivory, bone, tusks and certain timber and usually not motivated, has a function as a protector for the user of things that are evil and bad. These bracelets are usually full circle as the symbol of the user is surrounded or guarded by ancestral spirits and ancestors.

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Uncal Necklace

Uncal Neckace

Uncal Necklace

Uncal necklace was an attribute from Kutai Martadipura from Mulawarman reign. It wore by the Sultan of Kutai Kartanegara after the Kingdom of Kutai Martadipura was successfully conquered and united with the Kingdom of Kutai Kartanegara.

It made from 18 carat gold and the weigh is 170 grams. The necklace is decorated with reliefs of the Ramayana story.

According to history, the possibility Uncal necklace was from India. In Indian language necklace was called Unchele and in this world there are only 2 pieces or one pair, which was one for men and for woman.

Currently, this necklace is the only one in India. According to the Indian ambassador who give visit Tenggarong in 1954, the Uncal necklace in Kutai having the same form, manner and size with a necklace Unchele that exists in India. Thus, there is a possibility that King Mulawarman Nala was one of the descendants of the Kings of India in the past and bring the necklace Uncal to Kutai district.


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The Royal Crown Of Kutai Kartanegara

The Crown Of Kutai Kartanegara

Kutai Kartanegara Crown

Kutai Kartanegara kingdom was the eldest kingdom in Indonesia history, and officially at recent time located in Tenggarong city, East Borneo province. The first King was Aji Batara Agung Dewa Sakti in 1300-1325. Like a common king, he has power and, or course, he has a crown that symbolize his authority as a king.

The crown of Kutai Kartanegara is being called as Ketopong. It was made by gold and precious gemstone. It had shape named brunjungan and in the front side was in storeyed shape, adorned with curls or spiral motif. In back form the shape was like an eagle ornament decorated with carved floral Mungkur, deer and birds. It has 2 Kg weight. This ketopong was first used by Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman in 1845-1899.

It is estimated that the crown was made in the mid-19th century by goldsmiths of the Kutai Kartanegara kingdom. Sultan Sulaiman has 6 to 8 goldsmith who was hired specifically to make any gold and silver for the Sultan.

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The History Of Bracelet

Women Bracelet

Bracelet

As we know, a bracelet is an article of jewelry which is worn around the wrist. Bracelets can be manufactured from leather, cloth, hemp, plastic or metal, and sometimes contain rocks, wood, and/or shells. The earliest known bracelets dated back to 2500 BC, it worn by the ancient Sumerians of Southern Mesopotamia. Bracelets, along with other jewelry like anklets, earrings, necklaces, and rings, were worn by the women to show off the wealth of their husbands. As such, they were a symbol of status, much like some jewelry is to this day.

Bracelets were enjoyed for many centuries after this time but emerged as highly coveted pieces of jewelry in Ancient Egypt in 2000 BC. During the Georgian times bracelets remained popular. Paris jewelers were known for their gold bracelets set with pearl edging. At early Victorian jewelry enjoyed some mystic with hidden meanings being popular. The acrostic bracelets where the first letter of each gemstone spelled a word of friendship were very popular. For example a bracelet set with Lapis, Opal, Vermeil [hessonite garnet] and Emerald would spell Love.

The history of bracelets spans ages, reaching up to the present time. They have been crafted from different materials, and have always been popular, bracelets have varied according to dress styles and, of course,dictated by fashion, not only for women but men also.

From 1910 to 1939 women’s fashions saw sleeveless or short sleeve dresses appear. The result was flexible bracelets and bangles worn on the upper arm. These arm bracelets were often adorned with gemstones or diamonds. From 1940 to 1949 US designers were greatly influenced by the designs from the French house of Van Cleef & Arpels. Bracelets with ribbon of hexagon lines centered on fine gemstones fastened with heavy clasps became very vogue.

From the 1980s to the present, bracelet fashions have been mixed and varied. Bracelet styles have become more of an individual fashion statement than a trend. Gold has always remained popular, as have gems, however sterling silver has become very popular and recognized for its versatility and wearability at affordable prices. In the last few years we’ve also seen an increase in demand for titanium bracelets. While, today a woman’s fashion statement is about her. What she likes, what she feels good in.

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