Emphasis is on semi-precious stones: Jade, agate, garnet, and coral, mother-of-pearl and faux pearls - natural, synthetic, and imitation stones of every color, shape, and size -aquamarine, tourmaline, turquoise, as well as glass beads.
Many of the hair ornaments are encrusted with semi-precious stones and Beads. With modern technology we can grow stones that are difficult to distinguish from their natural counterparts.

Imitation stones may at first look like the real thing, but don't share physical characteristics with natural or synthetic stones. Many are made of glass or plastic and a jeweler can detect most easily but Moissanite is a newer diamond substitute that a pro can't always detect.

Often stones are assembled using a larger chunk of an inexpensive stone [or glass] that's topped by a thin slice of the genuine stone. These are 'doublets' and usually can't be detected unless magnified. One type of doublet sandwiches contains a colored bonding agent layered between two clear stones in order to simulate a colored gemstone. Then there are 'triplets', which are assembled in three parts; usually done in the opal industry. Certain colors of clothing require stones of certain colors. Example:

Pale to deep charcoal gray: citrine, topaz, ruby, moonstone, pink or red spinel, blue Zircon, black onyx, amethyst, and pearl.

Pastels with an accent on blue: blue topaz, Peridot, citrine, iolite, Amethyst, aquamarine, pearl, turquoise, Tsavorite Garnet, and green Jade.

Hot neon colors: Emerald, Rubalite, Tanzanite, Lapis Lazuli, hot pink Sapphire, and Opal.

Burgundies, Wines, and Clarets: blue Sapphire, Ruby, Opal, Rhodolite Garnet, and Tanzanite.

Earth Tones: peach and golden Topaz, Tourmaline, Spessartite Garnet, Hessonite Garnet, Rhodolite Garnet, Spinel, Zircon and Peridot.

Many earrings consist of fabulous silver dangles that hang about 2 inches long. Some have bead and crystal accents.

Body jewelry is increasing in popularity for those who don't wish to through the trouble of piercing: no needles, no piercings, with fake non-pierced hoops that work perfectly on the ears, eyebrows, nose, lips, upper ear, septum, nipple and/or navel.

As an alternative to jewelry, big bold body art is attracting not only rebels, but supermodels, actresses, and even really mainstream women who are committing to permanent body markings or, as an alternative, wash-off tattoos.

Margot B may be contacted at http://www.freewebz.com/margot margot@authorsden.com