Now a days it is difficult to determine what constitutes a designer watch as opposed to a normal one. Designer watches were born out of the fashion industry with famous designer brands like Armani, Cartier, D&G, Sesky, DKNY and Guess launching their own ranges of watches. The design of these is very fashion orientated and often in line with the latest fads and couture ranges. These designer brands offer a wide range particularly when buying watches for women. They also offer jewellery & bracelet watches many of which go well with their jewellery accessories. If you are buying for a fashion orientated person then you will need to have a specific look or dress in mind that the designer watch will go with. You can then accessories with earrings, neckwear or wrist wear jewellery either from the same fashion designer or any one you like.

However we cannot forget the traditional luxury watch makers whom have a history in making classic time pieces for men. This then developed to wrist watches for women and men. Now they are also attuned with fashion designs of the modern day and put a lot of thought into watch design. This has resulted in multi-functional watches made with precision engineering that are also very fashionable in design. So it is not surprising that famous watch makers like Tissot, Hamilton, Breitling & Timex are now making designer watches as well. If you are looking to buy watches for men then consider whether they are gadgets lovers or would prefer a classic and clean looking watch design. Tissot does the T-Touch Titanium watch suitable for both women and men. It is made of Titanium, comes with compass, altimeter, thermometer, barometer and is water resistant to 30 meters. This, one of many designer watches manufactured by Tissot, comes with a two year warranty.

There are also watch designs based on themes like sporting events, famous celebrities or whatever is the latest fashionable fad. If the man you are buying a watch for is a petrol head or a sports fan then you will find a number of watch designs themed on famous sporting events like the Moto GP or the Olympics. There are a huge number of sports watches on offer that also look like designer watches. For a classic clean look go for chronograph watches from Armani, Oris, Hamilton or Tissot for men. For the ladies then Armani, D&G, Rotary & Hamilton ladies watches are a must. These are designer watches yet maintain a classic clean look. Price of these watches depends on materials, functionality, craftsmanship and watch brand. The more expensive designer brands can increase in worth over time particularly if the watch is part of a limited edition.

As consumers, we are highly receptive to the word luxury; luxury cars, luxury boats, luxury vacations, luxury homes – all come attached to visions of high-end quality and instant status recognition. Included in these sought after luxury items is the luxury watch; part timepiece, part style accessory. Purchasing a luxury watch these days isn’t as easy as it once was. In fact, if you’re considering a luxury watch purchase in the next few months, here are some things you might want to think about.

Since the inception of the wristwatch owners have found new and better ways to showcase its beauty – encasing it in diamonds, adorning it with gems, and wrapping it in silver and gold of every variety. The luxury watch is held in just as much esteem today, its purchase considered an investment – much as a ring or other precious jewelry.

For many, the luxury watch is simply about style. While less expensive watches are swapped to match different outfits, a luxury watch is classic as an accessory – it goes with anything and everything. Further, in many cases the luxury watch – such as a designer watch – is considered something of a status symbol, much like a high-end vehicle. It tells of the owner’s success and ability to treat themselves to the finer things.

For others, the luxury watch is an investment in the future; an heirloom that can be handed down from generation to generation. Perhaps the owner received their own luxury watch through the passing down from a family member. In this case, the watch is esteemed for sentimental – as well as monetary – value.

While a luxury watch can be expensive, it is wise to remember that you are purchasing more than just a watch. You are purchasing a commitment from the manufacturers to uphold their standards by maintaining the high quality operation of your watch. Should you have repair needs in the future you can return to the manufacturer or authorized dealer and be assured that your watch will be treated with the same care with which it was made.

There are many different names for silver jewellery on the market today. This article will educate you so you understand what the different terminologies are when you are buying Wholesale silver jewelry or silver gemstone jewelry.

What is silver?

Silver is a metal which has been used for hundreds of years. Silver is mined from many countries but the biggest producers are Mexico, Peru and Australia.

Silver in its pure form, is normally considered too soft for everyday use. Therefore, other metals are added to the pure silver such as cooper.

The different types of “Silver”

Sterling silver is the main type of silver used in jewellery, ornaments & dinnerware today. This is solid silver. Sterling silver is a mixture of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% metal alloy.

Sterling silver is hallmarked as “925”.

Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver and is normally considered too soft to use for most items. It is also solid silver.

Silver plating is common and sometimes dishonest sellers try to pass this off as sterling silver. It’s also call electroplated silver or silver coated as well. Silver plated items are made using a base metal, normally brass or nickel, which is then put through an electroplating process. Electroplating is a process which adheres a very very thin layer of pure silver onto the base metal.

The result is a sterling silver looking item at a much reduced price. It may look like sterling silver but the silver plating tends to wear off quite quickly exposing the less than beautiful base metal.

Alpaca Silver or German Silver is not actually silver at all. It is a greyish looking alloy which resembles silver. It is sometimes referred to as nickel silver, paktong, and new silver. It is also used as a base for silver plated items because of its appearance. If you want real silver, stay away from this.

Also, beware of sellers selling this as “fine jewellery” to consumers that don’t know the difference between sterling silver and alpaca silver.

Mexican Silver is silver is used to describe silver made in Mexico. It must have more than 90% pure silver content to be Mexican silver. Most silver jewellery from Mexico today is actually sterling silver.

Britannia Silver has a pure silver content of 95.85% and no more than 4.16% copper. This silver is marked in the U.K. and Ireland as “958 silver.” It is an even more pure form of silver than sterling silver. Hence it’s higher valuer.

Antiquing of Sterling Silver Jewelry

Antiquing is very common in the silver industry today and is the practice of applying a finishing process to sterling silver to give the item an appearance of age. Like giving the item an appearance of age, it also helps to produce a contrast which makes the details of intricate designs stand out better.