Fleur De Lis Sterling Silver Ring only $13.80 plus Free Shipping

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Silver Jewelry Rules in Recession

There are some industries and sectors that thrive during a downturn. People do traditionally invest in precious metals when money deflates in value, so sterling silver has a tendency to rise in price, but nowhere near as much as gold. Gold skyrockets and thus gold jewelry becomes so expensive many people can’t afford it. The good news is, this actually strengthens the silver jewelry market. Gifts will always be given, and the giving of jewelry is considered one of the more thoughtful and intimate gestures.

Sources show that diamond jewelry sales are also suffering and are being replaced, to some extent, by silver jewelry. In other words, we are picking up the slack. So don’t listen to the media about all the doom and gloom. In times like these, silver jewelry is a safe and sure bet.

                          

Behind the Scenes – Making of Millefiori
Millefiori owes it particular beauty to a very complicated and skillful process which was discovered by the glass makers of Murano. It starts out with Murano glass rods. These rods are made from taking a 1.5 meter metal pole with small mass of molten glass on it. (Please see picture 1). It is then dipped into different pots of other molten glass of various colors. (Please see picture 2). The multiple colors used in the glass create beautiful flower-like patterns, granting its name, Millefiori. As this mass increases in size, the molten glass is squeezed into a star or flower-shaped mold, which gives the final form of the pattern. (Please see picture 3.) A last layer of glass is applied to maintain the cylindrical shape of the rod. A second metal pole is then attached to the other side of the glass mass. (Please see picture 4). Two glass makers, one at each pole, pull the glass into a long, find rod by walking in opposite directions. (Please see picture 5).

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After the cooling process, these glass rods can be sliced to reveal the pattern. The glass rods are sliced into desired thickness and size, resulting in the production of murrines. A murrine is each slice or piece of the rod. These individual pieces are then laid into a mold and melted. The most outer layer (the one used to maintain the cylindrical form) of each murrine will melt into each other. Once cooled, it can be removed from the mold and be incorporated into making various Millefiori jewelry items.

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Although, the Venetian Murrina originates from ancient Roman, Alexandrian and Phoenician glassware, it wasn’t until 1968, when the production of murrine pendants began. All it took was a simple invention of a copper band in various forms (circles, drops, hearts, crosses, etc.) to create beautiful pieces. The slices of the Millefiori rods called murrines were placed into the copper mold and inserted into a kiln. There the murrines fuse together forming a compact shape. It is cooled and then polished to form a thin layer which is slightly convex. A final polish heightens its shine and is ready for use.

                          

Millacreli, designed by Alan K., is an inspiring combination of exquisite Murano art glass and crafted Millefiori design. The sterling silver settings and bright floral patterns merge a laissez faire demeanor with a touch of class and distinction. Made from .925 sterling silver and durable, scratch-resistant colored resin and glass.

Millefiori fittingly means “a thousand flowers” and originates from the ancient Roman and Phoenician tradition of handcrafting floral glass. Thin colored glass rods are bound tightly together and then fused into tiny mosaics that look like miniature, magical gardens. A resplendent look that spells summer in any season.