Nita Creations is commitment to providing our customers with the most comprehensive jewelry information available on the web. Portions of the jewelry information section of our website have been used in the "History of Jewelry" by Cheryl M. Cassidy.

"History of Jewelry" by Cheryl M. Cassidy

The Claddagh Story...

An original symbol of the "Fisher Kings" of the Galway town of Claddagh, Ireland, (pronounced clada) the design was first fashioned into the traditional ring back in the 17th Century during the reign of Mary II.

Legend has it that an Irish young man, Richard Joyce, bound for the West Indian slave plantations – no doubt the Irish Caribbean island of Montserrat – was kidnapped himself in rough seas by a band of Mediterranean pirates and sold to a Moorish goldsmith who over the many long years of his exile helped him perfect the skills of a master craftsman.

When in 1689 King William III negotiated the return of the slaves, Joyce returned to Galway – despite, it said, the Moor's offer of the daughter's hand in marriage and a princely dowry of half of all his wealth.

Back in Ireland a young women had never stopped faithful waiting for her true love to return. Upon which time when he presented her with the now famous Royal Claddagh gold ring – a symbol of their enduring love. Two hands to represent their friendship, the crown to signify their loyalty and lasting fidelity, and the sign of the heart to symbolize their eternal love for each other.

They soon married, never to be separated again.

The Claddagh Tradition...

The traditional wedding ring of the Irish since the 17th Century, the Claddagh ring is worn by people all over the world as a universal symbol of love, loyalty, friendship and fidelity.

Traditionally handed down from mother to daughter the Claddagh ring has also become a symbol of our ties with the past and generations gone by. As Irish people we remember the many many of our people who had to leave Ireland with nothing but their lives during the Great Famine of the 19th Century – many leaving from here in Cork harbour to make the long voyage across the Atlantic to America. The gold Claddagh ring was to become for many the only enduring link with their home country and practically their only savings and family inheritance.

Further reflecting the troubled history of Ireland itself, a hundred years ago the Fenian ring, with two hands and two hearts, was distinguishing by its lack of a crown to represent the struggle for Republican Ireland – however the traditional Claddagh ring has always remaining the Irish standard proudly wearing the crown as a symbol of loyalty, a remembrance of our ancient Irish Kingdoms, and of our own British heritage.

Notable wearers of the Claddagh ring have included Queen Alexandria and King Edward VII of Britain and Queen Victoria of Britain and Ireland as it was then. And in the little principalty of Monaco, the Claddagh tradition lives on in the Royal family of Monaco and the memory of the beautiful Irish princess – Princess Grace of Monaco.

The Claddagh Design...

Labels: Claddagh, Claddagh Jewelry, Claddagh Ring, Engagement Ring, Ring, Wedding, Wedding Rings

How did the heart shape become the symbol of true love? Nobody knows for certain. But, during the seventh century B.C., the city-state of Cyrene had a lucrative trade in a rare, now-extinct plant named silphium. The silphium was so important to Cyrene's economy that coins were minted that illustrated the plant's seedpod, which looks like the heart shape we know today. Theory suggests that the heart shape first became associated with sex, and eventually, with love. Ancients believed the heart contains all human passions. Regardless or its origin the heart has become the all inclusive symbol of love.

This season the heart has emerged as a key theme with designers. Jewelry designers will offer bold new sculptural and three-dimensional designs. The latest trend includes brawny rings, large pedants and bold earrings. Other heart designs include the emblem dangling from charm bracelets, drop earrings and on hefty gold link chains. The latest designs will shun the traditional pink and red colors associated with hearts for more distinct colors like blue, yellow and green. Designers have sprinkled their heart creations with diamonds, color gemstones and enamel highlights.

Nita Creations offers a huge selection of Heart pendant, Heart lockets, Heart rings, Heart Jewelry.

Labels: Heart Earring, Heart Jewelry, Heart Pendant, Heart Ring, Jewelry Fashion, Jewelry Trends, Love

Jade also known as Feicui or Bi in Chinese can come in two different varieties. The first variety known as soft jade or nephrite is original to China. The second variety known as hard jade or jadeite was imported from Burma into China. Even though the traditional jade of china is nephrite, feicui or jadeite is much more popular and valuable. The importation of jadeite began during the Quing dynasty (1271-1368).

The earliest indication of jade objects in China can be traced back to the early Neolithic period which was around 5000 BC. Today the Chinese love jade not only for its beauty but also for its culture and meaning. Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC) says the following about jade, “In ancient times, men found the likenesses of all excellent qualities in jade. Soft, smooth, and glossy, it appeared to them like benevolence. Fine, compact and strong, like intelligence; angular, but not shard and cutting, like righteousness.”

The Chinese have a saying about jade, “Gold has a value; jade is invaluable." They believe that jade stands for beauty, grace and purity. The Chinese also considered Jade to be "the essence of Heaven and Earth." Jade is an essence produced through the natural forces of rivers and mountains over eons. In Chinese culture jade symbolizes beauty, nobility, perfection, constancy, power, and immortality.

A selection of Jade rings, Jade earrings and red jade jewelry can be found at Nita Creations.

An interesting article on how to buy jade can be found on the genuine gems for pearl girls blog.

Labels: Feicui, Jade, Jade Chinese History, Jade Earrings, Jade Jewelry, Jade Pendants, Jade Ring, Jadeite, Nephrite

There are many ways to say Pink...

A look inside a box of crayons will reveal original descriptions such as “Tickle me Pink”, “Carnation”, “Flamingo”, and “Bubble Gum”. Shades of pink can provide the viewer with a realism of contradictions– calming shades verses electrifying hues: an innocent pink verse passionate magentas. Pinks can also reflect the mental state of the wearer– sweet, healthy, or romantic. And nothing says “Pink” better than Pink Sapphire.


Natural Pink Sapphire

Almost all of the sapphires sold today are heat treated to enhance the color of the gem. In the world of gemstones, the term “Natural” means that a gem is not treated in any way, other than cutting. “Natural Fancy Colored Sapphire” is just that– natural. The color you see is the color that your gem was born to be.

Natural Pinks from Nita Creations are available in limited quantities in three sparkling shades: Baby Pink, Flamingo Pink and Rose. Various sizes of round, oval, emerald–cut, marquise, pearl shape, square, trillion or straight baguette give you the opportunity to create dazzling jewelry designs.

Check out Nita Creations collection of sapphire rings, sapphrie earrings and sapphrie necklaces.

Additional information on Sapphires can be found on the jewelry trends blog.

Labels: Blue Sapphire, Color Gemstone, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, Sapphire earrings, Sapphire Jewelry, Sapphire rings

There seems to be some agreement that the origin of birthstone goes back to the time of Moses and he directed the Breast Plate of the High Priest be made with the twelve colors representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The number twelve have great importance. There were twelve tribes of ancient Israel, twelve apostles, twelve foundation stones of the Holy City, twelve signs on the zodiac and twelve months of the year. A corresponding gemstone was assigned to each color. In the beginning people want to own all twelve stones of the sacred Breast Plate and began to wear one piece of gemstone jewelry each month changing it as each month changes. As time passed people began wearing only his or her stone of birth all year. Thus, the twelve birthstones were born. There are three different approach of classifying birthstones. (1) Modern birthstones as defined by a list published by the Jewelers of America in 1912, (2) Traditional birthstone established during the 1600’s in Tibet, (3) Mystical list of birthstones details the healing qualities of lore associated with the birthstones. Most jewelers utilize the modern list of birthstones which also incorporates alternative gemstones for each of the months.

A great article on this months (October's) birthstone is located the Jewerly Trend Blog.

Labels: Birthstone, Birthstone Earrings, Birthstone History, Birthstone Jewelry, Birthstone Pendants, Birthstone Rings

Did you know you can perform the following simple test to see if a diamond is real or fake?

Put the potential diamond in front of your mouth and fog it like you would try to fog a mirror. If it stays fogged for 2-4 seconds, it’s a fake. A real diamond disperses the heat instantaneously so by the time you look at it, it has already cleared up.

However, there is a downfall to this test: oil and dirt on the stone can affect its reliability and the test is not accurate at all on doublets where the top of the stone is diamond and the bottom is cubic zirconia glued together.

This is a quick and dirty test that you can perform to find out if you in fact have a real diamond. However, Nita Creations recommends you take the potential diamond to a jewelry professional to verify its authenticity.

Labels: Diamond, Diamond Fog Test, Diamond Testing, Diamonds, Fog Test

Are lab grown diamonds an emerging trend that environmentally as well as socially aware consumers are picking up on?

Laboratory grown diamonds as environmentally friendly:

Did you know it takes the removal of around 275 tons of ore to produce a one-carat gem quality polished diamond? Diamonds are generally mined in one of two different ways depending on the type of diamond deposits. The most common type of deposit knows as primary deposit occurs near volcanic pathways that connect Earth’s mantle to its surface. Diamonds are carried up these volcanic pathways known as pipes as a result of volcanic eruptions. The diamond containing soils that surround these volcanic pipes are known as either kimberlite or lamproite. Open pit mining is conducted around volcanic pipes. These diamond containing pipes are subject to erosion which leads to the second form of diamond mining.

Alluvial mining takes place along ocean shores and riverbeds. This mining technique results in building walls to protect the mine area from surf and bulldozing or pumping sand or other marine soil located above the diamond containing layer.

Open-pit mining as well as alluvial mining destroy ecosystems, pollutes the environment and adversely impacts indigenous communities inhabiting areas where the mines are located.

One of the benefits to lab created diamonds is the fact that no water or air pollution results directly from the production of these diamonds. Electricity is the only resource that is consumed in modest amounts.

Laboratory diamonds as conflict free:

Diamonds that are mined in conflict zones are generally used to fund terrorism, civil wars or armed conflicts. These diamonds are known as “blood diamond”. Conflict diamonds were estimated to be around 4-10% of the total world annually production. These diamonds contribute to the deaths of millions of people.

The Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was introduced to assure diamonds entering the world market are conflict-free.

The KPCS originated from a meeting of Southern African diamond producing states in Kimberley, South Africa in May 2000. In order for a country to be a participant, it must ensure:

1) That any diamond originating from the country does not finance a rebel group or other entity seeking to overthrow a UN-recognized government.

2) That every diamond export be accompanied by a Kimberley Process certificate proving (1).

3) That no diamond is imported from, or exported to, a non-member of the scheme.

Although KPCS is a major step towards eradicating conflict diamonds, illicit conflict diamonds continue to mix with diamonds from legitimate sources.
An advantage of lab created diamonds is that they are conflict free by definition.

Labels: Blood Diamonds, Diamond, Diamond Mining, Diamonds, Environmentally Friendly Diamond, Loose Diamond

Do you know why wedding rings are worn on the third finger of the left hand?

Wedding rings are well known as a symbol for love and marriage. Early Egyptians viewed the circular design of a ring as having no beginning or end which symbolized eternity. The circular design of modern wedding rings symbolizes the endless love and unbreakable bond between both the bride and groom. Wedding rings are given as a token of love due to the fact that it represents a promise of eternal unity.

In western cultures placing the ring on the third finger of the left hand originated with the Greeks. In the third century B.C. Greek physicians mistakenly thought that a vein ran directly from the third finger of the left hand to the heart. The called this vein vena amoris, or the vein of love. Putting two and two together, it was logical that the third finger would be a perfect part of the body to bear a ring which symbolizes eternal love and commitment.

This practiced was then adopted by the Romans without any interpretation of their own. In the 12th century Pope Innocent III ordered that marriages must be celebrated in the church and that the ceremony must include a marriage ring. The giving of a ring as a token of love and fidelity was thus adopted by Christians who gave the wedding ring a religious significance. During the 16th century King Edward VI officially designated the third finger as the ring finger and the left hand (the side of the heart) as the marriage hand.

Despite the modern science of the human anatomy, the tradition of wearing wedding rings on the third finger of the left hand lives on and is recognized in many countries around the world. It is interesting to note that in some countries in Europe wedding rings are worn on the right hand.

More information can be found on Universal Facts Blog.
Duo Wedding rings, engagements rings and aniversary bands.

Labels: Bridal, Bridal Jewelry, Wedding, Wedding Ring, Wedding Rings, Wedding Tradition

There are so many varieties of pearls on the jewelry market. Have you ever wondered what the difference is from a mabe pearl and a south sea pearl?

Let’s take a look at the differences between common pearls seen in the jewelry industry.

Akoya Pearls
Akoya Pearls come to mind when the layperson thinks of a pearl. It is the most common pearl; nearly all pearls that originate from Japan are termed Akoya pearls. The mother oyster are usually palm-sized and produced relatively small pearls ranging in size between 2mm and 10mm.

Black Pearls
These pearls are produced by black-lipped oysters in the south sea. Tahiti is well known as one of the leading produces of black pearls. These pearls can be either black, dark green or dark gray. Dark green with a reddish sheen black pearls are known as "peacock green" and are considered very valuable.

South Sea Pearls
South Sea Pearls are produced by white-lipped oysters which is the largest of all of the pearl oysters. These pearls can be up to 15mm in diameter. Larger sizes are rare and considered very expensive.

Mabe Pearls
These pearls are semi-circular and are produced by Mabe oysters. These pearls have a unique rainbow-colored sheen. These are hemispherical, taken from Mabe oysters, and give off a unique rainbow-colored sheen. Round Mabe pearls can now be produced thanks to developments in pearl culturing technology.

Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater pearls are formed in freshwater mussels known as unionidae, which live in lakes, rivers, ponds and other bodies of fresh water. Most are imported from China but some are raised in Lake Biwa in Japan. These pearls can come in an assortment of colors ranging from white to orange. Pearl culturing technology has produced specimens so large that many people mistake these large cultured pearls as Akoya pearls.

A wide selection of Pearl Earrings, Peal Rings and Pearl Bracelets can be found at Nita Creations.

An interesting article on fresh water pearls can be found on the pearl information blog.

Labels: Akoya Pearls, Black Pearl Jewelry, Freshwater Pearls, Mabe Pearl, Pearl, Pearl Jewelry, Pearls, South Sea Pearl

Have you ever wondered what would be the easiest way to clean the tarnish off of your silver cufflinks, silver earrings, silver rosary or any silver jewelry using common household products?

Here is a great hint which will remove tarnish from your silver jewelry in 4 easy steps.
Stop up your sink and run around a quart of hot water into it.Add one tablespoon of washing soda (or laundry water softener) and one tablespoon of salt into the hot water.
Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom of the sink.
Place tarnished silverware on top of the aluminum foil in the sink.
Silver that is touching the foil and covered with water should become clean in around 10 seconds.

Labels: Cleaning Silver, Remove Tarnish, Silver, Silver Jewelry, Tarnish

Have you ever wondered when to take off your heart pendant, birthstone ring or other precious piece of jewelry?

Taking care of your jewelry will ensure that it will lasts for many generations.

Here are some situations where we recommend that you take off your jewelry: When you are cleaning around the house or using harsh chemicals (harsh chemicals can especially pearls and silver jewelry). When applying lotion, perfume, hairspray, shaving cream and other beauty products.When doing the laundry. When swimming in the pool. When bathing or taking a shower.And finally…If you are wearing pearls, when eating a salad. Vinegar which is a common ingredient in salad dressings will damage pearls.

Labels: Jewelry Tips, Wearing Jewelry

Have you ever had a question about what numbers mean when stamped onto jewelry?

Let’s cover some basics before getting into more obscure numbers and markings.

14K is commonly marked as 585 even though it technically 583.

18K is marked 750.

How did they come up with these numbers? Let’s use 18K as an example.
24K is pure gold. 18 parts pure gold divided by 25 is 750.
The gold is therefore 75% pure gold or 750 parts gold with 250 parts other metals out of 1000 parts.

Silver is commonly marked 925.
Platinum is commonly marked PLAT.

Common Acronyms:

GF = Gold Filled (heavy plating), usually has a fraction,
For Example:1/20 10K GF
GS = Gold Shell
HGE = Heavy Gold Electroplate
K = Karat
KP = Karat Plumb (exact amount of gold)
K.P. = Karat Plate

OK let’s take a look at some marks that you may or may not have heard of sorted by category.

Gold:
375 = 9K (England and Canada)
417 = 10K
500 = 12K
583 (585) = 14K
625 = 15K
667 = 16K
750 = 18K
833 = 20K (Asia)
917 = 22K (Asia)
999 (1000) = 24K pure gold

Silver:
999 Fine = Pure Silver
925 (.925) = Sterling
925 NV = Nevada Silver, possibly made in England
835 (.835) = lower quality of British Sterling Silver
MEXICO
STER
Sterling
Taxco

Platinum:
Pt (atomic symbol)
Irid. Plat.
Pt 900
Pt 950
PLAT

Stainless Steel:
316L = High-grade Stainless Steel

Labels: 14K gold Marking, 18K gold Marking, Jewelry Markings, Platinum Marking, Silver Marking