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[H378]Hip Hop Jewelry Wholesale

by Greg Peterson, Gre

When the first introduction of the "Rap" style hit the music industry, few would have predicted that the impact of "Hip-Hop" culture would go mainstream. But it definitely has done exactly that, as seen by the increasing number of celebrities showing off their "Bling-Bling", the standard term for hip hop jewelry. The upsurge in popularity of this particular style of jewelry, owes its claim to fame to the recording artists whose reputation was built on sporting expensive, flashy rings, pendants and earrings. In fact, this term has become so widely used, that the Oxford Dictionary has included it, along with "jiggy" and "phat". Credits for this term go the Hip-Hop artist B.G, who recorded a 1999 hit song that brought "Bling-Bling" as a popular catchphrase into the mainstream.

There is no doubt about the broad appeal of the hip-hop jewelry style, it plays well on our human desire to be seen and by extension, when you have "bling-bling" it also refers to obvious and appealing wealth. While hip-hop fashion, the distinctive style of dress originating from urban culture, is only one element of this lifestyle, the attention given to the jewelry of this movement has far outpaced that of the clothes.

But truth be told, the wearing of large, extravagant jewelry was popular with artists like Elvis Presley and Tom Jones, a long time before hip-hop became the current cultural phenomenon, but it has completely altered the jewelry market of today. Because fans want to emulate their favorite celebrities and jewelry has always been at the top of the list when it comes to making a big impression. In today's age of instant information, the hip-hop jewelry scene changes as fast as the record chart hits and the reputation of many celebrities can be boosted or deflated by who is wearing the most fashionable "Bling-Bling".

There is an abundance of designs to choose from when it comes to hip-hop jewelry, all made with one point in mind; to catch the eye and attract attention. "Bling-Bling" can be seen on celebrities when they appear in music videos, on the catwalk or on the red carpet. From the late-1990s, hip-hop artists began wearing platinum jewelry, adding more than a little flash to their marketing material. After platinum replaced gold as the most popular precious metal in hip-hop fashion, fans and artists began to compete to see who could wear the most outrageous "bling-bling" of platinum often with a dazzling display of diamonds. Hip-Hop performers began to take their bragging rights directly from who was wearing the most platinum jewelry.

Now with an ever growing community on the internet, the mainstream acceptance of is confirmed. There are hip-hop jewelry web sites offering completely 'iced-out' bling-bling; rings, bracelets or watches, encrusted to the hilt with real or faux diamonds. And the latest money daze of hip-hop jewelry is the so-called 'spinner' watches and rings. The influence of hip-hop has even extended to the world of dentistry; platinum fronts are in demand, some going as far as to replace their own teeth with an entire mouthful of permanent platinum teeth. Others who have opted for a little more modest display have their dentists create platinum grills-removable metal jeweled teeth coverings.

History has produced and left behind many distinctive items that are magnificent cultural indicators of the times and hip hop jewelry is no different. In the early days of man, decorative pieces fashioned from bone, stone and seashell was worn on the wrists, around the neck and from the ears. Just as in modern times, the jewelry of man's progenitors was meant to denote status and sometimes even affiliation with certain groups.

The earliest form of hip hop jewelry is said to have emerged sometime in the 1970's. The trend stuck with a number of musicians, actors and athletes and moved on into the 80's and 90's. However, with each decade, this form of jewelry grew not only in popularity but size as well.

These days, it is not uncommon to flip on the television and see some of the brightest and most talented hip hop stars performing with distinct and eye catching pieces of jewelry. Sometimes the piece is simply a long chain and nothing else. Other times it is a number of pieces such as a thick chain with diamond-studded initials, several rings, a jewel encrusted wristwatch or flashy earrings.

Jewelry is an element that not only complements the performances of these artists but their lifestyles as well. Extravagant, attention grabbing and hard to miss, hip hop jewelry is larger than life. It is a celebration of hard work and an expression of the individual's success both now and in the future.

While everyone may not be able to afford the high dollar jewelry of a successful multi platinum artist, hip hop jewelry is not totally out of reach for the everyday individual. Seeing that there was a demand for these types of accessories, a large number of quality jewelers have opened up to a whole new market. One can find exactly what they want and need in a high quality replica simply by going online.

Many of these replicas are anything but cheap dime store knockoffs. Typically, jewelers will use the same types of precious metals and gemstones used in the original piece. However, instead of solid gold a piece may be gold plated and the gemstones may be of a smaller carat. This is what allows one to not only emulate their favorite celebrity but also purchase the same high quality without the heavy price tag.

Along with pieces being designed for both men and women, hip hop jewelry comes in a number of designs that are perfect for all occasions. There are also pieces that are designed to go specifically with a certain outfit. These types of jewelry may be of any size and use a specific geometric design, gemstone color or both.

One of the most popular looks are the pieces that are referred to as iced out, or studded with diamonds. As diamonds are one of the most precious jewels to be had, owning an iced out piece of jewelry can be very costly. To keep the expense down, smaller diamonds, less diamonds or faux diamonds are always an option.

Faux diamonds are nearly impossible to tell from the real thing with the naked eye. This is especially true when items are of extremely good craftsmanship. Items using faux diamonds are a popular choice and are available for both men's and women's pieces.

While opting for understated pieces of jewelry is the common path for most people, this is generally because it is a purchase meant to enhance or round out a person's appearance. Hip hop jewelry is all about making a statement and making it loud and clear. It has never been and never will be about modesty.

Article Source : Love Bracelet

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Both Greg Peterson & Andy West are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Greg Peterson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Silver Jewelry, Jewelry and Silver Jewelry. Greg Peterson got his MBA from MIT business school and is now working as marketing manager for jewelry businesses featuring .. Greg Peterson's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.

Andy West has sinced written about articles on various topics from Hypnotherapy, College Education and Bail Bonds. Andy West is a freelance writer for www.Itshot.com , which offers quality. Andy West's top article generates over 1830000 views. to your Favourites.