Explore the evolving jewelry preferences across generations, from classic pearls to dazzling crystals, fast fashion to enduring elegance. Let this article guide you in the right direction.

Dive deeper than mere space-age aesthetics and get hands-on with raw materials. In this article, discover the materials sourced from or inspired by outer space.

The goth trend in jewelry has remained a fascinating and enduring subculture since its inception in the 1970s. Learn about this fashion movement to design jewelry that captivates individuals of all ages.

This undersea trend has merfolk of all ages flipping their fins. Dive in headfirst to learn how you can bring the fluidity and beauty of these mythical creatures ashore.

Brass is the metal of the moment according to fashion mavens. Learn all about this age-old material and how to incorporate it into your designs.

The unit of weight used for precious stones. One carat equals one-fifth of a gram. Also a measurement of fitness in gold. Pure gold is expressed as 24Kt.The term ''carat'' dates back to the traders of the ancient world. A standard weight was required for precious gems as merchants of the ancient Mediterranean and Middle East were dependent on the ability to trade with a reasonably consistent unit of measurement. It was this need that led to the adoption of seeds and grains as widespread units of measurement.The carob seed and the wheat grain, both of which had been used for food purposes were found to be ideal units of weight. For centuries the carob seed remained the weight measurement for precious gems. By the Middle Ages, however, changes in the trade routes had occurred and large centers of trade were now found within Europe. The carat, as it had become known, became linked to 4 grains Troy weight, with the carob seed having been abandoned at some point during the shift of trade centers. The Troy carat was the equivalent of approximately 205 milligrams. This measurement of weight lasted for the carat until the 20th century. It was between 1907-1914 that the carat was married to the metric system of weights. By 1914 the United States officially abandoned the former Troy measurement of 205.3 milligrams for the carat, and adopted the current metric carat measurement of 200 milligrams.

Come along as we string the fascinating history of seed beads from the ancient Mediterranean, through the Roman Empire and Middle Ages, up to the 20th century.

Carnelian was the stone of courage to the Romans, for the Egyptians it assisted the dead in their afterlife journey and in the Middle Ages was used to release energy of other stones.

Metal beads and components which have a human-created patina which alters the surface colors and gives the appearance of age.

(see also Antiqued) A patina created on metal beads and components that alters the surface colors and gives the appearance of age.

Said to possess powerful protective qualities and a warrior’s fighting spirt, obsidian has been adored by humans since the Stone Age.

Becky Miller was able to capture the regal flair of the Victorian era with a modern spin in her The Age of Victoria necklace.

See a unique way to use undrilled gemstone chips in this simple, rustic, metallic earring set. The subtle way that the tarnished copper adds a sense of age to the otherwise beautiful piece really makes it shine.

Encouraged at a very early age by her mother, Dale "Cougar" Armstrong made a hobby of prospecting and collecting rocks, minerals and fossils. She enjoyed many years of one-on-one training with a variety of well-known artists including old world master Karl Drerup. Nearly thirty years later she became a professional crafter and a nationally recognized jewelry artist who creates beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art.