ZoyasJewelsThanksgivingAway Winner

Happy New Month everyone. 

I finally know who gets to have the jewelry display tray. In all fairness, the instructions were simple. Comment on this blog. Not on the facebook page or through my contact link.

Congratulations Mirah B. Please leave me a good contact for you in the "Contact Me" link.

I do appreciate everyone who left me messages on what I need to work on. Would put them all into my next plans for Zoyas Jewels.

So far its been an amazing year with you all. As the year rounds up, I wish you more days filled with all the good things ZOYA (Life) has to offer. :)


Thanks
xoxo
ZJ

HAPPY THANKS THANKS

This year, my list of things that I am thankful for is practically endless. 

Most especially, it has been an amazing year for Zoya's Jewels; thanks to everyone who has shown me support by liking my facebook page, following up on the blog and personally checking up on what I have been up to. I truly appreciate you all.

The #ZoyasJewelsThanksgivingGiveaway is still on till Saturday, 11/30. Participate to win a fabulous jewelry display tray. Go HERE


HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

#ZoyasJewelsThanksgivingGiveaway

I truly love and appreciate everyone that stops by to view this page. I am very thankful for that. And in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would like to show my thanks, by giving away a jewelry display tray to one lucky person, for all your fabulous accessories.

The process is simple, for readers to qualify for the display tray they have to do the following:

• -         Comment below on what I need to improve on, (don't worry, I can handle constructive criticism well, LOL), with your email address and the winner will be chosen by a random number generator. 

• -         Follow/Share/Like us on Facebook and you need to comment with the hashtag #ZoyasJewelsThanksgivingGiveaway.

• -        Reside in United States or Nigeria.

P.S: Giveaway ends 11/30/2013.


XOXO
ZJ

Emmy Awards Re-Cap

First, I want to say thank you to everyone who still comes to view my blog. I really appreciate it, even though I haven't posted anything new for a really long time now but you still check in. Thank you. Working full time, blogging, and running a business at the same time, isn't easy AT ALL!!! I respect those who do it all and get it right. I need to learn from y'all. Kudos to you. :)

Anyhu, quick recap on the Emmy Awards, the red carpet is literally the main event for a lot of us with all the big labels, celebrities and of course jewelry...... that's all we want to see. Well, for me it is anyway.

There were a lot of bling bling rocking that red carpet and a girl could only wish for at least a carat of any diamond on there.

But the bling that brought it home, was Sofia Vergara's $7,000,000.00 (Seven Million Dollars) worth of jewelry. That's a lot of zeros. She wore Lorraine Schwartz gems which came up to 161 carat. 

Platinum earrings, set with rubies, sapphires and Colombian emerald which was 100- carat. A 40-carat Colombian emerald-and-diamond ring and a 21-carat Asscher-cut diamond ring.

My only reaction was WOW!! She killed it

ZOYA'S JEWELS GIVE-AWAY

Just to show my appreciation, I would be giving away to one lucky person, a jewelry display tray.

More information on how to be that lucky person would be coming soon.

Tip: Make sure you know what Zoya's Jewels is and has been about.

Unfortunately, this give-away would be for those in the US alone.


xoxo
ZoyasJewels

Jewelry Care 102 - Effects of Chlorine

This summer, I have had the pleasure of educating a couple of people who made complaints about their fine jewelry pieces. I asked them one question: How often did you get into water with your jewelry on?

 A lot of us are unaware of the effects chlorine, salt water and even some household cleaning agents have on our jewelry pieces. Here's an article I found, that can help educate you better.

 Enjoy the read....:)

 

The Effect of Chlorine or Saltwater on Jewelry

Precious metal and gemstone jewelry are often prized possessions and are usually carefully cared for by their owners. Unfortunately, there may be environmental influences that can damage precious metals and gemstones; often without the wearer of the jewelry being immediately aware of the damage. Once serious damage to the piece has occurred, it is often impossible to repair the jewelry and it must be repurchased or recreated. This can be devastating to the owner of the jewelry, especially if the damaged jewelry was an heirloom piece.

Before you dive into any body of water while wearing your jewelry, take chlorine and salt water into consideration.

 

Chlorine and Gold Jewelry

One chemical that is often found in daily life is not usually thought of as harmful or destructive to something as solidly built as jewelry. Chlorine, whether it is found in chlorine bleach used for cleaning, in the swimming pool or in the hot tub can degrade gold jewelry to the point of disintegration. The actual damage to the jewelry piece is due to something commonly called stress corrosion cracking. Whether there is already stress in the joints of the jewelry or it has been repaired, these existing stress points cause a failure in the integrity of the jewelry when exposed to chlorine. A gold ring, placed in undiluted bleach, can disintegrate within minutes of exposure. The higher the karat of the gold in the jewelry, the longer it takes for the chlorine to cause stress fractures.

 

Chlorine and Gemstones

It is generally recommended to have all jewelry cleaned professionally or clean pieces at home with warm water, a soft bristle brush and very mild detergent soap. Gemstones, including amethyst, tourmaline and turquoise are very susceptible to discoloration when exposed to harsh chemicals. It is always good practice to remove jewelry prior to cleaning the house, performing any household chores requiring the use of chemicals, swimming or soaking in the hot tub. Some gemstones require special care, depending on the hardness of the gem and the actual cut of the gemstones. For example, an amethyst necklace with a princess cut should not be piled in with a diamond necklace which could chip the corners of the gemstone and dull the finish.

 

Saltwater and Precious Jewelry Metals

Saltwater is another corrosive substance that can cause significant damage to jewelry. Due to the harsh nature and salt content of sea water, exposure to salt water can erode the soldered joints of custom jewelry. Most gold and platinum rings are made with mounts soldered to the main band with white gold or silver. These solder joints take the most wear in any situation; however, saltwater can erode the joints and cause mounts and settings for gemstones to fail. Platinum and titanium are sterner, more durable metals and can withstand some light exposure to saltwater or sea water. It is recommended by most jewelers and jewelry care professionals to remove any precious metal jewelry prior to swimming in a saltwater pool or the ocean.

 

Saltwater and Gemstones

As with chlorine and other harsh chemicals, saltwater can cause significant damage to gemstones in jewelry settings. Along with degrading the mounting joints, which can potentially cause the gemstone to be lost, the saltwater can also damage the facets and appearance of the gemstone itself. Even a simple jewelry piece, such as an amethyst necklace, can be damaged beyond repair by saltwater. It is recommended by jewelry manufacturers to leave jewelry at home if going on vacation or removing all jewelry prior to entering a saltwater swimming pool, saltwater lake or the ocean. All of the oceans and many inland seas contain significant amounts of salt that can cause irreparable damage to precious jewelry.

 

Caring for jewelry and precious gems

All precious metals and gems require specific care to keep them clean and in original excellent condition. Any cleaning with chemical cleaners, exposure to household and pool chemical or exposure to saltwater situations can cause irreparable damage to precious jewelry pieces. With the overwhelming majority of jewelry, simple cleaning with warm water, a soft bristle brush and a very mild detergent will keep jewelry well maintained and in excellent wearable condition. A large number of jewelers recommended home cleaning be done with the softest bristle toothbrush available. Gemstones should only be polished with soft felt cloth or jeweler’s cloth in order to keep from scratching gemstones. As with gemstones, precious metal jewelry should also be polished carefully in order to prevent etching marks in the metal. Any precious jewelry piece should be periodically inspected and professionally cleaned by a jeweler.



Source: www.hubpages.com. (2010). Saldie Valentine

Business Connects

For a while now, I have been working on building business connections that would help boost Zoya's Jewels to the next level. :)

Anyhu, Zoya's Jewels is now in partnership with Ghfinest. Ghfinest is an online retail outlet that caters to the fashion needs of Africans in the diaspora, majorly those in the United States, Canada and United Kingdom. Its HQ is in Ghana. 

But nevertheless, Zoya's Jewels still delivers internationally to other locations. 

So far, Zoya's Jewels would be offering sales promotions through this outlet. So be sure to watch out for when a SALE is on going.

I hope to have more partnerships with other businesses in the future, would be sure to keep y'all posted.


xoxo
#ZJ

Grateful!!!

I just want to say a big thank you to everyone for their love and support. God Bless you all. Have a wonderful day ahead.

PS: Keep spreading the word about Zoya's Jewels :)


xoxo
#ZJ

DEALS and STEALS

Yes people, all the new items on Zoya's Jewels Etsy store, retails for under $20. Get those deals now, before they are all gone.

SHOP HERE
 
;)


xoxo
#Zoya's Jewels

Something New....

Hi Everyone,

New Handmade Products now available on Zoya's Jewels Etsy Store.

Get all the fine details about this Coral Rose Earrings and more on HERE

Have a mighty fine week y'all...
xoxo
#ZJ

CUSTOM ORDERS

 2 Layer Neck-piece.

 Cross Pendant with Black Chains. (Unisex style).

 Chunky twist Statement Neck-piece, made with 3 different types of beads.

 African inspired traditional beads.

Did you know that Zoya's Jewels accept orders for custom handmade jewelry pieces? Yes, I do!!!

All you have to do is contact me via email - amaka_z@yahoo.com. And start a conversation with me on the type of piece you want. If you want something I already have made in a different color, its also very possible to have it custom made to suit you. 

You can also visit my etsy account Shop Zoya's Jewels and leave me a message. ;-)

Thanks
xoxo
#ZJ

Etsy Buys

Have you visited Zoya's Jewels on Etsy today? Visit www.etsy.com/shop/ZoyasJewels and get great deals on handmade jewelry. 

Zoya's Jewels delivers within the United States and to Nigeria. :) 

Support your girl - make a purchase or two or three. LOL!!! ;)

xoxo
#ZJ

Zoya's Jewels Now On Etsy

 So as promised now you can shop Zoya's Jewels on Etsy. Please feel free to browse around, favorite the page and of course make purchases. You gats to support your girl now! *wink*.

To shop Zoya's Jewels go HERE

Thanks.

 

Vogue To Africa Fashion Show - Update

Hello everyone. Sorry I have been away for quite some time now. I truly apologize. Anyhu, The Vogue To Africa Fashion Show turned out to be a wonderful experience for myself and Zoya's Jewels. The amount of love and favor I got was so overwhelming. I got to meet other young fashion designers like myself, it was just amazing all round.

I wish I had clearer pictures to put up, but for now you just have to manage the ones my friend was able to take with my camera, ((I have a terrible camera. LOL)), until I get the event pictures from the organizers.

Thank you all for your Love and Support. :)

 

 

Would put up more pictures once I get them from the organizers. Abeg manage this one like this. LOL

Statement Jewelry - Necklaces

Already we have a feature on Bangles as statement jewelry, if you missed it read it HERE. Today lets talk necklaces. 90% of the time, when the topic of statement jewelry comes up, people think necklaces. Yeah, I totally agree with that, because necklaces are a hard feature of an outfit to miss.

Some people prefer to wear statement necklaces while keeping the earrings simple. Well my opinion is "To each her own". As long as you look fabulous in them, the jewelry police wouldn't arrest you.

Here are a few necklaces I found and love. You can shop the first two pieces at SHOP

love,
xoxo
#ZJ

VOGUE TO AFRICA FASHION SHOW

I am so excited to be a part of the Vogue to Africa fashion show. So grateful to God for this opportunity and of course to Nana Osei, the organizer. Anyhu, Zoya's Jewels would be showcasing some of her handmade jewels on the runway during the Fashion Show on July 12th, 2013 @ Admiral Hotel 1507 N Watson Road Arlington Texas 76006 by 8pm. Tickets are just $10. The 3rd annual beauty pageant Face of Africa USA Pageant would be hosted on July 13th, 2013 @ UT Arlington University Center 300 W First Street, Arlington TX 76019. Tickets can be gotten from EventBrite

Come out and support your girl if you are in the Dallas Area.

Thanks
xoxo
#ZJ

#MYLITTLEBEGINNINGS

In'Genius Youth is a development initiative that is aimed at providing solutions to problems in developing countries. This month of July has been tagged #MyLittleBeginning by In'Genius Youth. #MyLittleBeginning is a feature that tells the story of small business owners, innovators and inventors.

Zoya's Jewels had its feature on up today. Please go read My Little Beginning

Thanks for your support. Y'all are amazing

xoxo
#ZJ

To Bee Honest

Hi y'all. Recently, a friend of mine asked me to contribute a write up to her blog which I did. The write up is titled Buy Diamonds. It's a response from an article she read "Diamonds Are A Sham And It’s Time We Stop Getting Engaged With Them”. Please visit her blog To Bee Honest. Read, Follow, Comment and Share. 

Thanks. Have a wonderful day y'all.
xoxo
#ZJ

AVON

Hello y'all. 

I just recently became an AVON Representative and I am so excited about the opportunity. AVON has been around for yearssssss, and it only tells you that their products are worth using. 

Right now, there are great sales and discounts going on. From their cosmetics to jewelry to clothing. Save some extra money and get great deals from AVON.

Here's a link to the store SHOP AVON

Becoming a representative is very easy, if you are interested send me an email amaka_z@yahoo.com

Start shopping!!!! :)

Statement Jewelry - Bracelets and Bangles

Bling Bling Bang Bang!!!! That's one way of defining statement jewelry. Its big, bold and in your face.  Statement jewelry doesn't fall under any season, it can be worn at any time of the year. But how do you wear it without feeling overwhelmed by it? When it comes to fashion let the fashion work with you and fit your style.

Some fashion theories suggests you wear only one statement jewelry at a time - maybe a chunky necklace and go soft with the earrings; some other theories beg to defer. Well, my two cents on that is "To each her own". Just make sure the style is right for the event. You don't want to attend a black tie event looking like you're towing your jewelry box with you. Lol!

A new trend with bracelets and bangles is mix and match, you can't go wrong with it.

Here is how I do some of my bracelets and bangles.

 Chunky bracelet - Forever21. Charm Bracelet - I stole took *coughs* from a friend

 Bangles - Liz Claiborne

Cuff bangles - Liz Claiborne

A new online store I found for jewelry is Jewel Mint. They have really amazing jewelry collections.

Can't wait to stock up on some jewelry :)

Sssshhh....IT'S A SECRET

Please under no circumstance should you tell anyone that I told you this.

Okay so this is top secret, a lot of people wouldn't let you in on this, but since I like to share *coughs*, I would spill the beans.

Do you know that you can get great jewelry bargains at Jewelry Exhibitions and Fairs? Yes, you can! In fact, those are one of the best places to go scouting for unique jewelry pieces. I remember my first jewelry exhibition experience. It was how I spent my birthday last year. I and my bestie went to one since I was in her town and I had being dying to attend one.

My favorite exhibition show would be Intergems. They have exhibitions all year around and all over the US.

To find exhibitions taking place from now till the end of the year, visit BizTradeShows. Make out time and attend one nearest to you. You are going to love it. :) Thank me later.

Father's Day - Fashion Day

So what are we getting our dad's for father's day? Ditch the usual tool gift ideas and get him some cool stuff.

- writswatches
- cufflinks
- neck tie pins
- etc

 

There are so many ideas out there. To make them even more unique, personalize them; write a heart touching message on a piece of jewelry. He would never forget it.

Thank me later..;)

Jewelry Care 101

I bet a lot of ladies have jewelry collections that look like this

  And it would be so unfortunate if your favorite piece of jewelry gets entangled in there. 

Well, not to fret, Zoya’s Jewels is going to show you how to organize your jewelry in 1, 2, 3. That easy!

One – Storage: Get a jewelry organizer, box or a display kit. Jewelry boxes and displays are very easy to get and can be customized. For DIY lovers like me, you can easily make up one for yourself.

Two – Organize: Never, Ever put different jewelries together. Have your pieces arranged and placed separately. All earrings should be placed together; the same assortment should be given to your neck, hand, finger, waist and ankle pieces. This way, you can easily spot your jewelry pieces.

Three – Stay Fabulous.

More info on Jewelry Care coming soon, and maybe with a video *fingers crossed*