Jewellery
Jewellery is an extremely treasured possession. In ancient times jewellery signified status and wealth and today wherever you see beautiful designer jewellery it again signifies a person's class. But thanks to imitation jewellery, bead shops, markets and online fashion stores people of all classes can afford to own a few pieces of exquisite and bold hand crafted jewellery.
The right jewellery can bring out the colour of your eyes and accentuate your décolletage. Whatever celebrity or runway look you are trying to create you can find a great range of vintage and contemporary jewellery to suit, and draw attention to your outfit.
To locate the best jewellery stores in Australia both offline and online you can use our directories. Our directories list jewellery retailers who stock the finest and most extravagant necklaces and neckpieces, chokers and pendants; earrings; bangles and bracelets; rings, engagement and wedding ring, friendship and eternity rings; and watches. Find your local jeweller or browse our online accessory stores to find the right piece of jewellery for you or your loved one. If you can't find what you want but have a design in mind then you can search for the contact details of a store that will make individual pieces to suit your requirements.
Types of Jewellery
Silver jewellery and accessories
The profile of silver jewellery has been raised in recent years especially with the hype surrounding companies like Tiffany's who tout beautiful silver designs. Silver has a shimmery surface which looks gorgeous against anyone's your eyes, hand or wrist. Silver is a very fine metal which is why sterling silver has a copper alloy added to it to provide strength. But as the amount of silver declines the more sterling silver tarnishes. Silver jewellery requires much greater care and it is important to use proper jewellery cleaning and care products to preserve and maintain the beauty of your pieces. For more on silver jewellery designs go to www.silverring.com.au
Gold Jewellery and Accessories
Gold has always been popular for its status. It is expansive and makes us feel special. Buying gold jewellery for someone is the perfect gift and will really make them feel loved. In Australia we have 9ct gold, 18ct gold, 22ct gold and the most expensive of them all 24ct gold. One carrot is one part of 24.
White Gold
White gold is growing in popularity and is a great choice for those who want the status of gold but prefer the elegant shimmer and glamour of platinum silver. When yellow gold is mixed with silver and palladium in the alloying process what you get is a white gold alloy. White gold rings which are very bright have been enhanced with rhodium plating. Wearing over time reduces rhodium's brightness. To maintain your white gold jewellery's brightness you can have it periodically re-rhodium plated.
Gemstones
The value of a gemstone is determined by its beauty and rarity. The most precious gemstones are diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. While amethysts are a popular gemstone it dropped off the most precious list in the 19th century when a bulk discovery was found in Brazil. Diamonds are most definitely the most popular gem and if you're currently shopping for loose diamond or diamond setting you can search for more information on the variety of shapes, colours, clarity and cut of diamonds at www.jewellerymaker.com.au
Wedding & Bridal Jewellery
Your engagement ring proves your commitment to marry and will be flashed around till the day you do. Then the focus will turn to your wedding rings. Wedding rings need to be chosen carefully because you'll want to be happy wearing them forever. There is a great range of stunning jewellery for brides and bridesmaids. Whatever the style of your dress you can find gorgeous earrings and necklaces to add the finishing glamorous touch.
Wire Wrapped
Wire jewellery artists creatively wrap gorgeous gemstones with wire to create pendants that are distinctive pieces of artwork.
Imitation & Costume Jewellery
Imitation jewellery designs replicate the same fashion trends as gold and silver manufactures. Imitation jewellery is much less costly but can deteriorate if not keep in a dry place and protected from hair sprays and perfumes. Silver-plated jewellery and gold-plated jewellery make it much cheaper to stay with the trends. Imitation jewellery is great for children or adults who have a bad habit of losing their jewellery. Synthetic and artificial gemstones are manufactured to imitate other gemstones. The best example of an artificial stone is the cubic zirconia which replicates the look of a diamond. Cubic zirconias are extremely popular because you can have a big sparkling rock for a fraction of the price. Synthetic gemstones possess characteristics near identical to the real thing, so synthetic sapphires and rubies much the same as owning a natural stone for a relatively small cost. Coloured synthetic diamonds have recently grown popular.
Fashion Jewellery
Jewellery made from beads, shells, glass, wood and pieces of plastic have really taken off over the past few years. This type of jewellery can be very cheap with causal designs or can be very sophisticated and expensive. Bead earrings, necklaces and bracelets can be brought in a range of colours and designs and because they are generally cheap you can buy them to match all your outfits.
Jewellery Accessories
Jewellery boxes are great for storaging your jewellery and are especially good for protecting your costume jewellery.