Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Cookie Lee Jewelry
I love my Cookie Lee jewelry. If you ever get the chance to check out a Cookie Lee Jewelry Party. please go!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Designing Your Own Designer Diamond Rings Online
Shopping for the perfect designer ring for your engagement or wedding ring can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. Jewelry counters are filled with hundreds of diamond and gold rings, but sometimes none are 'just right'. Perhaps you see a beautiful ring in platinum, but you would prefer a diamond ring in yellow gold. Or, maybe you are looking for a unusual setting for a diamond ring to give your fiance a designer ring that reflects her unique personality. Designing your own ring online lets you create a beautiful ring that you won't find in any store.
Creating your own diamond designer ring online has many advantages. As the designer of the ring, you can make it to your exact preferences, choosing the setting for the engagement ring, the size and type of gemstone you want in the ring, and the color of the metal. Create a completely unique diamond ring in yellow gold, platinum or silver. Add other gemstones such as Tanzanite, emerald or rubies to your diamond designer ring. Using you and your fiance's birthstones, or the stone from the month that you met is an extremely romantic way to add extra special meaning to your engagement ring and is just one of the ways that you can create a one-of-kind designer ring that has personal meaning.
Browse through a selection of settings for engagement rings online to get an idea for what style you are looking for. Do you want something simple and classic, such as a plain band with a princess cut solitaire diamond? Or maybe you want to create an unusual setting for a diamond ring, with trillion cut gemstones and an asymmetrical design? When designing settings for an engagement ring, try to imagine what you (or your fiance) will wear. You want to design a beautiful ring that will be worn every day, and will match the wearer's sense of style. An unusual setting of diamond ring might not be appreciated by someone who has a more traditional style, while the simpler, popular settings for an engagement ring might seem boring to a woman to likes to look different.
One big advantage of designing rings online is that you are able to work to your budget. By changing the size, quality and type of gemstones in your designer ring, or the metal in the setting of an engagement ring, you can adjust the cost. For example by choosing a setting for your diamond ring in yellow gold you may be able to afford a larger gemstone than if you opted for one of the more expensive platinum settings for an engagement ring.
Another plus is that you can design in your own time, playing with an almost endless selection of settings for an engagement ring, swapping gemstone shapes and colors, and even letting friends and family preview the designs to get their opinion on your designer ring. You will save time by not trailing around the jewelry shops trying to find the perfect, beautiful ring and will have fun creating your own, unique diamond designer ring.
Creating your own diamond designer ring online has many advantages. As the designer of the ring, you can make it to your exact preferences, choosing the setting for the engagement ring, the size and type of gemstone you want in the ring, and the color of the metal. Create a completely unique diamond ring in yellow gold, platinum or silver. Add other gemstones such as Tanzanite, emerald or rubies to your diamond designer ring. Using you and your fiance's birthstones, or the stone from the month that you met is an extremely romantic way to add extra special meaning to your engagement ring and is just one of the ways that you can create a one-of-kind designer ring that has personal meaning.
Browse through a selection of settings for engagement rings online to get an idea for what style you are looking for. Do you want something simple and classic, such as a plain band with a princess cut solitaire diamond? Or maybe you want to create an unusual setting for a diamond ring, with trillion cut gemstones and an asymmetrical design? When designing settings for an engagement ring, try to imagine what you (or your fiance) will wear. You want to design a beautiful ring that will be worn every day, and will match the wearer's sense of style. An unusual setting of diamond ring might not be appreciated by someone who has a more traditional style, while the simpler, popular settings for an engagement ring might seem boring to a woman to likes to look different.
One big advantage of designing rings online is that you are able to work to your budget. By changing the size, quality and type of gemstones in your designer ring, or the metal in the setting of an engagement ring, you can adjust the cost. For example by choosing a setting for your diamond ring in yellow gold you may be able to afford a larger gemstone than if you opted for one of the more expensive platinum settings for an engagement ring.
Another plus is that you can design in your own time, playing with an almost endless selection of settings for an engagement ring, swapping gemstone shapes and colors, and even letting friends and family preview the designs to get their opinion on your designer ring. You will save time by not trailing around the jewelry shops trying to find the perfect, beautiful ring and will have fun creating your own, unique diamond designer ring.
Perfect Diamond For the Perfect Love
Diamonds are associated with the finest things in life, and a diamond engagement ring is possibly the most significant diamond purchase that you will make during your lifetime. Browsing jewelry stores and catalogs can be overwhelming, with each one guaranteeing that they offer the best quality selection. So how can you be sure that you are getting a great diamond in that designer ring?Finding the perfect beautiful ring for the woman that you love can be a difficult job if you don’t know what you are looking for. When you propose you want her to know that only the finest, superior quality diamond ring is good enough for her, and you should also take care to find a designer ring that suits her style and taste to make the ring more personal.
When it comes to diamonds size matters, but is only a part of what you should look for in an engagement ring. The physical size, or weight, of a diamond is measure in carats, but just because a diamond is large doesn’t mean that it is high quality, or even attractive. In fact, many of the largest stones that you see on display in jewelry counters may not even be real, or natural diamonds. To truly appreciate a diamond you need to take into consideration the other 4 ‘c’s of diamonds, namely cut, clarity and color.
The finest diamond designer rings will display exquisite cuts, a high level of clarity, and a pure color. However, if you are looking for a cheap engagement ring you can opt to choose a higher grade of one element over another to keep the price of your designer ring within your budget. For example, if you are happy with a diamond that has flaws ‘only visible under close inspection’ then you will be able to afford a larger carat. A diamond with a cut that is not quite perfect might be technically less valuable but could create an unusual fire and sparkle to enhance the clarity of the gem.
Each piece of diamond jewelry that you purchase should come with a certificate to show you exactly what the rating is for each ‘c’. The beauty of buying a diamond designer ring online is that a good site will often display that useful information right alongside each beautiful ring. Some may even let you search by settings for your engagement ring, by diamond type or by price range letting you find a precious engagement ring within your budget.
Modern designer rings now also offer choices in other gemstones for engagement rings in tantalizing color combinations such as diamond and tanzanite rings or pink saphire and diamond rings. Settings for engagement rings can also vary, ranging from modern designer styles to classic and traditional settings.
The important this is to choose a diamond ring not based on size or price alone, but to choose a designer ring that you feel she will love and treasure forever, because that is was an engagement ring symbolizes.
How to Securely Buy Jewelry Online
Buying jewelry online has become so much more secure than it was years ago, when e-businesses first opened up online. There are courses offered in colleges to teach programmers how to come up with new security programs. I buy jewelry online at many different places. There are ways to protect yourself, and things you can look for from a merchant to keep yourself safe. I always look for certificates of trust and security like the one put on a website by VeriSign.
The online retailers are doing a great job with keeping their websites secure. I have not had any problem with my private information getting out. I like to purchase things online, because I can stay at home and do it in my pajamas if I want to. I can also look around and do a little research about my purchases to see who offers the best prices and information about the seller. I am not one that likes the malls, they are way too crowded. I prefer to stay at home and shop and have the item shipped to me.
I save money by purchasing jewelry online due to the lower overhead of the online storefront. The brick and mortar jewelry stores have utility costs, building rental cost, and have more employees to pay. The savings of the online retailer is passed on to me as a buyer. I also communicate with the seller by e-mail to ask specific questions about the jewelry that I want to buy. There are those out there that will try to take advantage of people who are not knowledgeable about online business practices. That is why you should know what you are doing and what to look for when buying online.
I made sure to look into online buying when I first started. I did not know the first thing about it, and was reluctant to give my credit card number to a business. Once I knew how to look for secure sites, I have been buying online ever since. I find that most jewelry sites seem to have good security. I think it is because of the nature of their business.
VeriSign, and other security certificates are shown on safe websites, and you will know when you are entering a secure site. You can feel comfortable that the diamond bracelet that you ordered will get to you safely, and that your payment will be secure. If you do not see any type of security certificate on a website you want to purchase from, I would not give them any information just to be on the safe side.
I use PayPal and it has allowed me to purchase online from many jewelry retailers. Some are not set up to accept secure payments through their own business for their merchandise, so they
use PayPal. I trust PayPal and they offer buyer protection for some purchases. E-bay users have used PayPal for years, and now retailers are also starting to use them more often. PayPal is a secure site for your information to be stored for purchases.
If there is a PayPal sign on a website you can feel secure in paying them. If they have their own payment system there will be certificates like VeriSign and other trusted certificates. Jewelry is often a major purchase, and you want to be sure that you receive the product that you expected. Most jewelers will offer a money back guarantee; it is usually good for 30 days. This allows you to get the product at home and make sure it is what you expected. This is something that you should look for on a jeweler web site before you make a purchase. I always make sure that they have a return policy though I have seldom had to use it. Most people are honest with you, because they want your repeat business.
Honest jewelers will offer to take back or exchange something that is not the correct size in a ring or color you expected in a stone. Whether it be a diamond, tanzanite, amethyst, or a garnet you want to be assured that it is as described. Often you can get appraisal certificates of major jewelry purchases that are made for your specific item. This is given out most often by a GIA certified appraiser. This is your defense against a crooked seller. I ask for these on larger purchases of rare stones or large karat weights of stones. It is a smart practice.
There are many good jewelry stores online. Type in the name of a stone or a piece of jewelry that you want into a search engine and you will find many places to check out. I shop on E-bay, Bidz .com, and I have a retailer that I like to purchase from called the Jewelry Nest. I collect Invicta watches and rare stones and all types of jewelry. I have found that they are very fair in pricing at the Jewelry Nest, and I have never had to return anything. I feel very secure in dealing with them. With E-bay I have had to make a few returns. Bidz.com gets you on their high shipping costs, but if you are looking for a few pieces of jewelry at a fairly low price they are a good place to look, the quality at Bidz.com is sometimes not as expected. I look for testimonials on the retailer sites from their customers. This can be helpful to you in deciding whether to trust where you are buying from.
There are a few bad apples that can give all of the good sellers a bad name. Once you have bought from a jeweler, your trust will grow, I know mine did with the Jewelry Nest and E-bay.
Transparency is a key element to look for when purchasing jewelry online. The jewelry merchant needs to ensure the quality of their items just like you need to ensure your payment. Check for any business complaints by doing a web search about that business. Look for the trusted signs on the website. You need to be proactive as well when purchasing online. I took this approach, and I have done pretty well so far.
The online retailers are doing a great job with keeping their websites secure. I have not had any problem with my private information getting out. I like to purchase things online, because I can stay at home and do it in my pajamas if I want to. I can also look around and do a little research about my purchases to see who offers the best prices and information about the seller. I am not one that likes the malls, they are way too crowded. I prefer to stay at home and shop and have the item shipped to me.
I save money by purchasing jewelry online due to the lower overhead of the online storefront. The brick and mortar jewelry stores have utility costs, building rental cost, and have more employees to pay. The savings of the online retailer is passed on to me as a buyer. I also communicate with the seller by e-mail to ask specific questions about the jewelry that I want to buy. There are those out there that will try to take advantage of people who are not knowledgeable about online business practices. That is why you should know what you are doing and what to look for when buying online.
I made sure to look into online buying when I first started. I did not know the first thing about it, and was reluctant to give my credit card number to a business. Once I knew how to look for secure sites, I have been buying online ever since. I find that most jewelry sites seem to have good security. I think it is because of the nature of their business.
VeriSign, and other security certificates are shown on safe websites, and you will know when you are entering a secure site. You can feel comfortable that the diamond bracelet that you ordered will get to you safely, and that your payment will be secure. If you do not see any type of security certificate on a website you want to purchase from, I would not give them any information just to be on the safe side.
I use PayPal and it has allowed me to purchase online from many jewelry retailers. Some are not set up to accept secure payments through their own business for their merchandise, so they
use PayPal. I trust PayPal and they offer buyer protection for some purchases. E-bay users have used PayPal for years, and now retailers are also starting to use them more often. PayPal is a secure site for your information to be stored for purchases.
If there is a PayPal sign on a website you can feel secure in paying them. If they have their own payment system there will be certificates like VeriSign and other trusted certificates. Jewelry is often a major purchase, and you want to be sure that you receive the product that you expected. Most jewelers will offer a money back guarantee; it is usually good for 30 days. This allows you to get the product at home and make sure it is what you expected. This is something that you should look for on a jeweler web site before you make a purchase. I always make sure that they have a return policy though I have seldom had to use it. Most people are honest with you, because they want your repeat business.
Honest jewelers will offer to take back or exchange something that is not the correct size in a ring or color you expected in a stone. Whether it be a diamond, tanzanite, amethyst, or a garnet you want to be assured that it is as described. Often you can get appraisal certificates of major jewelry purchases that are made for your specific item. This is given out most often by a GIA certified appraiser. This is your defense against a crooked seller. I ask for these on larger purchases of rare stones or large karat weights of stones. It is a smart practice.
There are many good jewelry stores online. Type in the name of a stone or a piece of jewelry that you want into a search engine and you will find many places to check out. I shop on E-bay, Bidz .com, and I have a retailer that I like to purchase from called the Jewelry Nest. I collect Invicta watches and rare stones and all types of jewelry. I have found that they are very fair in pricing at the Jewelry Nest, and I have never had to return anything. I feel very secure in dealing with them. With E-bay I have had to make a few returns. Bidz.com gets you on their high shipping costs, but if you are looking for a few pieces of jewelry at a fairly low price they are a good place to look, the quality at Bidz.com is sometimes not as expected. I look for testimonials on the retailer sites from their customers. This can be helpful to you in deciding whether to trust where you are buying from.
There are a few bad apples that can give all of the good sellers a bad name. Once you have bought from a jeweler, your trust will grow, I know mine did with the Jewelry Nest and E-bay.
Transparency is a key element to look for when purchasing jewelry online. The jewelry merchant needs to ensure the quality of their items just like you need to ensure your payment. Check for any business complaints by doing a web search about that business. Look for the trusted signs on the website. You need to be proactive as well when purchasing online. I took this approach, and I have done pretty well so far.
The Advantage of Buying Brand Name Watches
So, you’ve decided that you definitely want brand name watch and you’ve done the research, you know the differences between a brand name watch and a replica, but you still haven’t figured out what name brand you want to purchase. With a little name brand watching, you’ll have it figured out in no time at all.
Where to start your name brand watch search
The best place to start is consumer reports. Read what other people think about the make and model of the brand name watch that you’re interested in. Know what each brand offers. Know how the quality of the different brands measure up to one another. This is a lot like researching the make and model of a new car.
Each company has their rendition of the sedan, but the Infinity and the Jaquer are a lot nicer looking than say, the Camry, but what about quality? Which one is made better? This is something that you need to research while you’re “name brand watching”. It’s also vital to look at what else the company has made, and how long the company has been around.
Sometimes new companies evolve, and put out a great product for a minimal cost, just because they are trying to break into the market. Don’t over look those guys! Read ratings, other peoples opinions, ask around! You may find that you’re getting twice the quality for half the cost.
But buyer beware, sometimes, unfortunately, you do get what you pay for, so don’t make a hasty decision with your fingers crossed and expect to come out on top. Look for something reliable. A brand name watch is an investment
Also check into a warranty just in case something does go wrong. This is another great thing to look into during your “name brand watching”. Some companies offer a better warranty system than the others. And with an investment like this, you want to be protected.
These are just a few ways to get your feet off the ground and do a thorough study to learn and watch different name brands.
There are few site that offers free online help comparison when buying a watch. A huge range of online resources including . Brietling, omega, cartier, rado , invicta and much more
Don’t be Fooled by Enhanced Diamonds
The phrase ‘too good to be true’ can be applied to everything in life, including diamond jewelry. If you find a cheap engagement ring or bridal ring, or see signs for wholesale diamond rings, be sure that the seller isn’t cutting their price by cutting quality. While there are excusive retailers who can offer you genuine designer diamond rings and other natural diamond jewelry at a great price, many offer low prices because they are using enhanced diamonds.
Unlike high quality natural diamonds, enhanced diamonds are inferior stones that have been artificially treated to hide cracks, repair ugly inclusions and improve their color. These treatments are unnerving by any standard and include laser drilling and boiling in sulfuric acid to remove black or dirty inclusions, exposure to radiation to enhance or change the stone’s color, placing the diamond in extreme heat and pressure to improve clarity, using a sealant to hid cracks and pits in the diamond, and being coated with a substance to add a reflective effect.
While all of these treatments can result in a gemstone that is cheaper than a natural diamond, don’t be fooled. Enhanced diamonds cost less because they are lower quality, and therefore less valuable. In fact, there is heated debate in the jewelry industry about the use of treatments to enhance diamonds, as it can make stones difficult to grade and certify accurately.
Under US law , all enhanced diamonds must be declared and sold as such. One of the most common practices to enhance diamonds that must be declared is laser drilling to dissolve inclusions to improve clarity. These holes are clearly visible under a jeweler’s microscope and it is debated whether or not this process damages the integrity of stone.
The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is the leading organization in studying and grading diamonds and all other gemstones, and they also require that all diamonds that have been laser drilled must be disclosed as enhanced. When buying diamond jewelry make sure it comes with a clear appraisal that discloses full information about each stone.
If clear information about stone enhancements is not immediately available, or a customer service rep does not want to talk about this process openly then walk away and look elsewhere for a natural, high quality diamond.
Unfortunately, just because a diamond has not been laser drilled does not mean that it hasn’t been subjected to other enhancement treatments such as a being boiled in sulfuric acid. Most inferior stones actually have fractures that extend to the surface from inclusions deep in the stone that allow the acid to travel into the inclusion without holes being bored.
Would you consider buying a diamond ring if you knew the diamond had been immersed in sulfuric acid? Or buy a diamond bracelet that had been exposed to radiation? Would you buy any kind of gemstone jewelry that you knew had cracks that had to be filled with a sealant?
The GIA has announced that new treatments to artificially enhance diamonds are being developed all the time, making it more difficult for customers to identify and buy a genuine, natural diamond. They have reported finding diamonds being sold with “an uneven texture with abundant fractures” and “unevenness in their color”[1] although they couldn’t identify what techniques had been used to treat the stone. Another report noted that High Press/ Heat Treated (HPHT) annealing of diamonds is “one of the most serious challenges the diamond industry has ever faced”[2]
This worrying trend makes it even more important to only buy diamond jewelry from a source that you trust, and who are dedicated to only creating designer diamond jewelry using the highest quality, natural diamonds. Look for sites that advertise that they don’t use enhanced diamonds, and have clear certification for all of their diamond jewelry from
While enhancements may not be visible to the naked eye, they will certainly be visible to a trained jeweler or appraiser. While you may not be immediately concerned about the resale price of your diamond bracelet, engagement ring or gold diamond ring, any valuable piece of diamond jewelry is an investment in the future, and you will certainly want to make sure that any jewelry passed down from generation to generation is the highest value that it can be.
Sources:
[1] http://www.gia.edu/newsroom/issue/2798/1003/insider_newsletter_details.cfm#4
[2] http://www.gia.edu/gemsandgemology/18578/1826/524/back_issue_article_detail.cfm
Unlike high quality natural diamonds, enhanced diamonds are inferior stones that have been artificially treated to hide cracks, repair ugly inclusions and improve their color. These treatments are unnerving by any standard and include laser drilling and boiling in sulfuric acid to remove black or dirty inclusions, exposure to radiation to enhance or change the stone’s color, placing the diamond in extreme heat and pressure to improve clarity, using a sealant to hid cracks and pits in the diamond, and being coated with a substance to add a reflective effect.
While all of these treatments can result in a gemstone that is cheaper than a natural diamond, don’t be fooled. Enhanced diamonds cost less because they are lower quality, and therefore less valuable. In fact, there is heated debate in the jewelry industry about the use of treatments to enhance diamonds, as it can make stones difficult to grade and certify accurately.
Under US law , all enhanced diamonds must be declared and sold as such. One of the most common practices to enhance diamonds that must be declared is laser drilling to dissolve inclusions to improve clarity. These holes are clearly visible under a jeweler’s microscope and it is debated whether or not this process damages the integrity of stone.
The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is the leading organization in studying and grading diamonds and all other gemstones, and they also require that all diamonds that have been laser drilled must be disclosed as enhanced. When buying diamond jewelry make sure it comes with a clear appraisal that discloses full information about each stone.
If clear information about stone enhancements is not immediately available, or a customer service rep does not want to talk about this process openly then walk away and look elsewhere for a natural, high quality diamond.
Unfortunately, just because a diamond has not been laser drilled does not mean that it hasn’t been subjected to other enhancement treatments such as a being boiled in sulfuric acid. Most inferior stones actually have fractures that extend to the surface from inclusions deep in the stone that allow the acid to travel into the inclusion without holes being bored.
Would you consider buying a diamond ring if you knew the diamond had been immersed in sulfuric acid? Or buy a diamond bracelet that had been exposed to radiation? Would you buy any kind of gemstone jewelry that you knew had cracks that had to be filled with a sealant?
The GIA has announced that new treatments to artificially enhance diamonds are being developed all the time, making it more difficult for customers to identify and buy a genuine, natural diamond. They have reported finding diamonds being sold with “an uneven texture with abundant fractures” and “unevenness in their color”[1] although they couldn’t identify what techniques had been used to treat the stone. Another report noted that High Press/ Heat Treated (HPHT) annealing of diamonds is “one of the most serious challenges the diamond industry has ever faced”[2]
This worrying trend makes it even more important to only buy diamond jewelry from a source that you trust, and who are dedicated to only creating designer diamond jewelry using the highest quality, natural diamonds. Look for sites that advertise that they don’t use enhanced diamonds, and have clear certification for all of their diamond jewelry from
While enhancements may not be visible to the naked eye, they will certainly be visible to a trained jeweler or appraiser. While you may not be immediately concerned about the resale price of your diamond bracelet, engagement ring or gold diamond ring, any valuable piece of diamond jewelry is an investment in the future, and you will certainly want to make sure that any jewelry passed down from generation to generation is the highest value that it can be.
Sources:
[1] http://www.gia.edu/newsroom/issue/2798/1003/insider_newsletter_details.cfm#4
[2] http://www.gia.edu/gemsandgemology/18578/1826/524/back_issue_article_detail.cfm
A Gem Amongst Gems
A gemstone is a breathtaking sight that in some mysterious way to capture our imagination and causes a gasp of admiration. But despite the fact that a gemstone may look great to the eye, it is necessary to inquire carefully about the gemstone quality in order to avoid further disappointment. The factors to consider are the gemstone color and cut as well as the quality of the metal setting.
Sparkling and colorful, all gemstones styles can arouse a wide range of emotions, but not leave anyone indifferent.
Their shine and brilliance is sure to implant admiration even into the most callous soul. In terms of universal respect and recognition gemstone quality jewelry outshines any other object used for personal adornment. Gemstone articles get a great deal of appreciation from those who find true beauty in their dazzling brilliance and the subtle glow of the setting, and this fact triggers the development of gemstones trade.Precious gemstones are also valued and recognized for their durability and their main positive attribute apart from breathtaking beauty, is their permanence. However, there is still risk that due to poor gemstone quality or any external detrimental factors, gemstones of any styles and types will lose their initial look and begin to look pathetic rather than breathtaking. In that case it appears appropriate to use gemstone enhancement methods as a remedy to improve gemstone quality.There are several types available: permanent methods (namely laser drilling, heating and radiation) and temporary methods (bleaching, oiling and waxing) that can be of considerable help and applicable for all gemstones styles.
Speaking about the gemstones styles available, it is necessary to mention that there is a staggering diversity of options in that respect. To name just a few of those available would be: pear, round, oval, marquise, and others. There are a few even more sophisticated ones like bow-tie style. Before purchasing a gemstone jewelry , it is crucial to take proper care in assuring the gemstone quality as well as the reliability of the metal setting. The notion of gemstone quality is made up of several aspects, namely the gemstone color and cut, size and weight, as well as whether the gemstone has undergone any kind of treatment.
It seems opportune here to provide the reader, who is likely to be the lucky owner of a collection of gemstones, with a few tips concerning the storing of gemstones and their maintenance.
It goes without saying that gemstones are appreciated not only for their appealing look, its amazing glow and shine, but also for their durability, which was recognized already in the earliest times as an intrinsic gemstone quality. Notwithstanding the fact, the certain rules of gemstone wearing and storing, similar for all gemstones styles, are obligatory to observe in order to prevent the precious mineral from losing its charm.
First and foremost it is essential to keep articles of jewelry with gemstones away from each other in order to prevent them from scratching each other; there is additional risk that the gemstone that is intrinsically tougher than metal may damage the surface of the metal setting.
In terms of maintenance occasional cleaning using gentle soap and a soft tooth brush (referred to as gemstone bath is required in order to get rid of the dust maintain the appealing look. Provided that good care of them is taken, including occasional cleaning and appropriate storing, they are sure to last for centuries and therefore successfully acquire the status of a family treasure and be passed on to successive generations.
Mystical Aquamarine, The March Birthstone.
Aquamarine gemstones vary in color and intensity, depending on their quality, and come in a range of shades from the pale blue of a waterfall to the strong azure of a deep ocean. Some aquamarine's also display a slight sea green tinge. It is this similarity to water colors that earned the stone it's name, which literally meant 'sea water' in the ancient Italian used by Romans. Aquamarine jewelry was popular even then, with gemstones rin, earrings, necklaces and brooches. Aquamarine gemstones have also been believed to hold many mystical powers related to water. It was thought to be able to purify water and grant it special healing powers, and early mystics would place aquamarine gemstones into vessels of water to be used in their healing and divination rituals. In the Middle Ages, the stone was also thought to have been a powerful antidote, and was used to treat poisoning.
Modern day healers still believe that Aquamarine has healing properties, particularly against infections, and it is said that wearing aquamarine earrings or an aquamarine necklace can help to ease the symptoms of tonsillitis and throat infections.
Sailors also believed that aquamarine gemstones would protect them at sea, guarding against evil spirits and helping to bring them good fortune on their journeys, so they created necklaces using the gemstone as a talisman.
Traditionally, aquamarine is said to bring good fortune to those who wear it, and many believe that the stone can rekindle romance, and increase trust and harmony in relationships. For this reason, aquamarines make a sentimental and meaningful choice of gemstone to add to a diamond eternity ring, or other designer ring. Aquamarine gemstones look truly beautiful in rings, and their soft blue shade is bound to be admire and appreciated by everyone.
The stones are found all over the world, but most gemstones used in designer rings, necklaces and earrings come from mines in Brazil and Russia. Aquamarine jewelry is highly desirable, as most of these gemstones are naturally pure with few blemishes, inclusions or other flaws. This means that they are also more affordable than some other gemstones such as sapphires. Pale, sparkling aquamarines make beautiful but cheap engagement rings, and there is no reason why a semi precious engagement ring should look any less beautiful than a diamond engagement ring. They also symbolize security and safety for long term relationships, so what better gemstone to use in a designer engagement ring
Aquamarine comes from the 'beryl' family of stones and is closely related to the emerald. emerald gemstones are more rare, and therefor more expensive, but they make beautiful emerald and diamond rings, and emerald stud earrings look great with any outfit. Aquamarine or emerald jewelry make ideal gifts for loved ones with birthdays in March. Or why not treat your Mom to a stunning 3 stone emerald diamond ring for Mother's Day
Modern day healers still believe that Aquamarine has healing properties, particularly against infections, and it is said that wearing aquamarine earrings or an aquamarine necklace can help to ease the symptoms of tonsillitis and throat infections.
Sailors also believed that aquamarine gemstones would protect them at sea, guarding against evil spirits and helping to bring them good fortune on their journeys, so they created necklaces using the gemstone as a talisman.
Traditionally, aquamarine is said to bring good fortune to those who wear it, and many believe that the stone can rekindle romance, and increase trust and harmony in relationships. For this reason, aquamarines make a sentimental and meaningful choice of gemstone to add to a diamond eternity ring, or other designer ring. Aquamarine gemstones look truly beautiful in rings, and their soft blue shade is bound to be admire and appreciated by everyone.
The stones are found all over the world, but most gemstones used in designer rings, necklaces and earrings come from mines in Brazil and Russia. Aquamarine jewelry is highly desirable, as most of these gemstones are naturally pure with few blemishes, inclusions or other flaws. This means that they are also more affordable than some other gemstones such as sapphires. Pale, sparkling aquamarines make beautiful but cheap engagement rings, and there is no reason why a semi precious engagement ring should look any less beautiful than a diamond engagement ring. They also symbolize security and safety for long term relationships, so what better gemstone to use in a designer engagement ring
Aquamarine comes from the 'beryl' family of stones and is closely related to the emerald. emerald gemstones are more rare, and therefor more expensive, but they make beautiful emerald and diamond rings, and emerald stud earrings look great with any outfit. Aquamarine or emerald jewelry make ideal gifts for loved ones with birthdays in March. Or why not treat your Mom to a stunning 3 stone emerald diamond ring for Mother's Day
Sterling Silver 925 Cubic Zirconia JEWELED STAR Toe Ring
Sterling Silver Toe Ring. Made with Finest Quality of Cubic Zirconia .925 Silver with .925 Engraved on the Inside of the Ring. .925 Sterling Silver, Genuine Cubic Zirconia, Adjustable.
Sterling Silver 925 Cubic Zirconia JEWELED STAR Toe Ring
Sterling Silver 925 Cubic Zirconia JEWELED STAR Toe Ring
Sterling Silver Toe Ring. Made with Finest Quality of Cubic Zirconia .925 Silver with .925 Engraved on the Inside of the Ring. .925 Sterling Silver, Genuine Cubic Zirconia, Adjustable.
Sterling Silver 925 Cubic Zirconia JEWELED STAR Toe Ring
Time: The Priceless Gift
Luxury watches have always been a symbol of style and status. There is no mistaking the look of designer wristwatches by name such as Cartier,Invicta, Breitling Bulova or omega. Their exquisite quality cannot be immitated , and of course, this quality comes at a price. While it may seem more difficult to justify spending hundreds of dollars on a designer wristwatch in times of financial insecurity, luxury watches have proven to be good investments time and time again.
Luxury wristwatches, especially swiss-made luxury watches by well known brands like Bulova and Cartier are highly fine collectible and often sell for many times their original price. Signed jewelry is also a stable investment, and any luxury timepiece bearing an engraved signature from names such as Breitling or Wittaneur is sure to command a high price in the future.
The quality of swiss-made luxury watches is world renowned, and purchasing one of these designer timepieces you can rest assured that it will work accurately for many, many years to come. If you only have limited money to spend, why spend it on cheap unreliable watches that may only last a few months? Spend your money wisely on a quality watch that will not only look great and work well for decades to come, but will also hold it's value and act as an investment.
The designer brands behind some of the world's most distinctive watches have certainly done their homework when it comes to technology, and it is this dedication to accuracy that adds to the value of a luxury watch over a cheaper alternative. For example,Acutron uses a minute tuning fork to regulate it's timekeeping, while Citizen created the worlds first timepiece with voice recognition.
Designer wristwatches from brand names like Breitling, Bulova, Cartier and Wittanuer stand the test of time, regardless of how fashions change, thanks to their classic design and attention to detail. Each timepiece is a work of art, reflecting the best craftsmanship as well as time keeping technology. A luxury Cartier watch from fifty years ago looks as stylish today as contemporary designs, and the brand name alone is enough to command respect for the wearer.
While cheaper watches are disposable, a luxury wristwatch is for life. Our days as a 'disposable' society are numbered, and we are placing more value and importance on quality and things that last. We are also becoming more aware of our impact on the environment. Not only do designer luxury watches represent money well spent, but they are a 'green' purchase, preventing the waste of energy and resources spent on making 'throw away' cheaper watches.
A luxury designer timepiece makes a meaningful gift for a graduation, retirement, anniversary, wedding or any special occasion. Unlike any other gift, designer wristwatches can be passed on from generation to generation, forming part of your estate. Vintage watches from days gone by from designers such as Cartier and Wittanuer still have value, and in many cases have increased. By giving a loved one a gift of a designer wristwatch you are investing in their future and giving them more than just a beautifully crafted timepiece.
It is said that to judge a man, you should look first to his watch. Invest in a quality designer wristwatch and you will always look successful, confident and stylish.
Luxury wristwatches, especially swiss-made luxury watches by well known brands like Bulova and Cartier are highly fine collectible and often sell for many times their original price. Signed jewelry is also a stable investment, and any luxury timepiece bearing an engraved signature from names such as Breitling or Wittaneur is sure to command a high price in the future.
The quality of swiss-made luxury watches is world renowned, and purchasing one of these designer timepieces you can rest assured that it will work accurately for many, many years to come. If you only have limited money to spend, why spend it on cheap unreliable watches that may only last a few months? Spend your money wisely on a quality watch that will not only look great and work well for decades to come, but will also hold it's value and act as an investment.
The designer brands behind some of the world's most distinctive watches have certainly done their homework when it comes to technology, and it is this dedication to accuracy that adds to the value of a luxury watch over a cheaper alternative. For example,Acutron uses a minute tuning fork to regulate it's timekeeping, while Citizen created the worlds first timepiece with voice recognition.
Designer wristwatches from brand names like Breitling, Bulova, Cartier and Wittanuer stand the test of time, regardless of how fashions change, thanks to their classic design and attention to detail. Each timepiece is a work of art, reflecting the best craftsmanship as well as time keeping technology. A luxury Cartier watch from fifty years ago looks as stylish today as contemporary designs, and the brand name alone is enough to command respect for the wearer.
While cheaper watches are disposable, a luxury wristwatch is for life. Our days as a 'disposable' society are numbered, and we are placing more value and importance on quality and things that last. We are also becoming more aware of our impact on the environment. Not only do designer luxury watches represent money well spent, but they are a 'green' purchase, preventing the waste of energy and resources spent on making 'throw away' cheaper watches.
A luxury designer timepiece makes a meaningful gift for a graduation, retirement, anniversary, wedding or any special occasion. Unlike any other gift, designer wristwatches can be passed on from generation to generation, forming part of your estate. Vintage watches from days gone by from designers such as Cartier and Wittanuer still have value, and in many cases have increased. By giving a loved one a gift of a designer wristwatch you are investing in their future and giving them more than just a beautifully crafted timepiece.
It is said that to judge a man, you should look first to his watch. Invest in a quality designer wristwatch and you will always look successful, confident and stylish.
The Hunt for a Perfect Diamond
Diamonds are associated with the finest things in life, and a diamond engagement ring is possibly the most significant diamond purchase that you will make during your lifetime. Browsing jewelry stores and catalogs can be overwhelming, with each one guaranteeing that they offer the best quality selection. So how can you be sure that you are getting a great diamond in that designer ring
Finding the perfect beautiful ring for the woman that you love can be a difficult job if you don’t know what you are looking for. When you propose you want her to know that only the finest, superior quality diamond ring is good enough for her, and you should also take care to find a designer ring that suits her style and taste to make the ring more personal. When it comes to diamonds size matters, but is only a part of what you should look for in an engagement ring. The physical size, or weight, of a diamond is measure in carats, but just because a diamond is large doesn’t mean that it is high quality, or even attractive. In fact, many of the largest stones that you see on display in jewelry counters may not even be real, or natural diamonds.
To truly appreciate a diamond you need to take into consideration the other 3 ‘c’s of diamonds, namely cut, clarity and color. The finest diamond designer rings will display exquisite cuts, a high level of clarity, and a pure color. However, if you are looking for a cheap engagement ring you can opt to choose a higher grade of one element over another to keep the price of your designer ring within your budget. For example, if you are happy with a diamond that has flaws ‘only visible under close inspection’ then you will be able to afford a larger carat. A diamond with a cut that is not quite perfect might be technically less valuable but could create an unusual fire and sparkle to enhance the clarity of the gem. Each piece of diamond jewelry that you purchase should come with a certificate to show you exactly what the rating is for each ‘c’. The beauty of buying a diamond designer ring online is that a good site will often display that useful information right alongside each beautiful ring.
Some may even let you search by settings for your engagement ring, by diamond type or by price range letting you find a precious engagement rings within your budget. Modern designer rings now also offer choices in other gemstones for engagement rings in tantalizing color combinations such as diamond and tanzanite rings or pink saphire and diamond rings. Settings for engagement rings can also vary, ranging from modern designer styles to classic and traditional settings. The important this is to choose a diamond ring not based on size or price alone, but to choose a designer ring that you feel she will love and treasure forever, because that is was an engagement ring symbolizes.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
How to Tell if a Pearl is Real
In order to be able to tell the difference between genuine and artificial pearls, it's helpful to understand a bit about how real pearls are made. A pearl begins as an irritant in a mollusk. In nature, it might any bit of matter. At a pearl farm, the pearl starts when a farmer inserts a tiny, perfectly round irritant in the oyster or mussel. In either case, the mollusk secretes a nacre, which hardens around the small foreign invader. After months or years (depending on the mollusk species and the desired pearl size), enough nacre is hardened around the original irritant that a lustrous, prized pearl is formed.
This process of creating pearls through months or years of setting down layers of nacre creates a different texture than any of the factory procedures for making artificial pearls. This difference in texture is what allows one to differentiate between real and fake pearls easily and quickly.
Give it a Rub
If there's more than one pearl available to test, the easiest method is the Rub Test. Simply take two of the pearls and rub them gently together, moving the pearls in circles against each other. If the pearls are artificial, the surfaces will be glassy smooth. If the pearls are genuine, the surfaces will have a bit of texture, a bit of tooth. This slight roughness isn't discernible just by feeling the surface of the pearl, but it is noticeable when two genuine pearls are rubbed together.
The Tooth Test
Suppose there's only one pearl in question—the Rub Test isn't possible. Instead, rub the pearl gently against a top incisor, one of the large front teeth. When rubbing a genuine pearl against the tooth, that slight natural texture will be discernible. An artificial pearl, whether made of glass or plastic, will feels completely slick and smooth.
Practical Application
Either of these tests is particularly useful in situations where decisions need to be made quickly, or where information about a product is either unavailable or unreliable. For example, genuine pearl jewelry is often found in garage sales, estate sales, and auction houses, jumbled in with costume jewelry. Buyers can use these methods to determine if an asking price is justified or a spectacular deal. Sellers can accurately price pearl jewelry and ensure quality.
A Word of Caution
Sellers unfamiliar with the Tooth Test don't take kindly to having their products put in the mouths of potential customers. Either get permission before trying the Tooth Test or do it discreetly. It can be useful to wear a piece of genuine pearl jewelry or carry a small pearl around if it's likely a pearl will need to be tested.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Dazzling Diamonds, April's Birthstone
"She who from April dates her years,Diamonds shall wear,lest bitter tearsFor vain repentance flow."If you were born in April then you may be lucky enough to receive a large amount of diamond jewelry in your lifetime, as this is your birthstone. Diamonds are formed when carbon deep in the earth is compressed under massive pressure to form a clear stone, this diamond ore is brought closer to the surface by volcanic activity. Diamond's are the hardest natural mineral in the world, and this, along with their ability to reflect light makes them highly desirable in jewelry.
Roughly 130 million carats of diamonds are mined each year, and almost 50% of these come from Africa. Diamonds are also found in Australia, Russia and even the US.Diamonds have always been considered attractive and valuable gemstones, and have been associated with engagement rings and weddings. Although many men struggle to find just the right engagement ring, with the huge selection of designer diamond rings available at reputable locations, there are hundreds of beautiful rings available to suit any budget or style.
Diamonds are believed to pass their clarity and longevity to the wearer and their relationships, helping them to find balance, strength and courage. The stone is associated with the crownchakra, meaning that when worn it is thought to be able to encourage clearer thinking and focus.
Diamond jewelry is a gift to be treasured forever, and diamonds have been included in the designs of rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and broochesfrom as early as the 8th century BC, when they were only found in India. Traditionally, alongside diamond engagement rings, diamond tennis bracelets are one of the most popular jewelry designs to use the stone, and these are often given as a special gift to express love.
Sapphire is sometimes considered an alternative birthstone for April, and with the popularity of colorful gemstone rings , why not treat your loved one to a beautiful diamond and sapphire ring with a dazzling pink, blue or yellow sapphire.
A Tanzanite and diamond ring is another beautiful combination, as the vibrant purple Tanzanite is highlighted by the clear, white sparkle of diamonds.
The traditional birth flower associated with April is the daisy, so what better gift that a piece of jewelry which incorporates both diamonds and daisies? Flower designs in jewelry have been particularly popular over the recent months, and the trend looks set to continue. Diamond and daisy jewelry is a wonderful birthday gift for milestone ages such as 18, 21, 30 and 40, as the diamonds add class and significance while the daisy shape creates a feeling of fun and youth. These diamond daisy earrings are cute and fashionable.
Of course, if you like things simpler, what woman wouldn't be overjoyed to receive a classic pair of diamond stud earrings for her birthday? And if she was born in April, your gift will hold even more meaning.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Investing In Gemstones, Part I: The Market
by Richard W. Wise, G.G.© 2009Bye, Bye Bling:Perhaps it’s the tenor of the times. Increasingly I find myself fielding questions about gems as an investment. With government printing presses working 24/7, many people are concerned that deficit spending, coupled with Government stimulation of the credit markets in the U. S., Europe, China and Japan, will eventually lead to hyperinflation. With
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Contrary to popular belief...
HG and I did not get into a fight and decided to stop working together on I am Fashion and started our own blogs instead. (Even our mutual friends wondered about it!) We still email each other daily about the intricate details of our lives and random thoughts we have, and feel extremely empty when the other is away and has no access to the internet. When I freak out, she is the first person I call and she is still my maid of honor when I fantasize about my wedding. Our reasons for closing down I am Fashion still stands, though I do think that my later rationalization of it in this blog is a better articulation of how we feel.
As for us continuing to blog even more regularly than before, I attribute it to the "newness" of our blogs. Starting a new blog is like starting a relationship. At the beginning everything is new and exciting as you get to know the other person and watch your relationship grow and mature. Every up and every down is a significant moment. Then the honeymoon phase eventually wears off and you reach a happy medium, where your relationship becomes a part of your daily life. With any luck, you will live happily ever after in this state with a few surprises here and there to spice up the norm. If not, your relationship will wane and you grow apart, eventually deciding that you are both better off parting ways.Clearly I'm in the honeymoon phase. We are starting to explore new things together, trying to figure out what works best for the both of us. Every new post is an adventure. Every comment and email is exciting. I want to spend every moment of everyday with it, checking on its progress i.e. stalking the traffic, the incoming and outgoing links etc. It's an exhilarating feeling that I'd almost forgotten about!
Analogy aside, it is heartwarming to read everyone's encouraging comments and to know that we were able to leave a small footprint on some people's lives. We appreciate your support and remember that we've not left the blogging world for good. Come visit us some time at our new blogs -(Find the links to our new blogs in the post below). We miss you guys!Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Designer Jewelries for Men & Business System Top Pick
Gone are days when jewelries were meant primarily for women.
They now form an integral aspect of a men's fashion as well. However, the idea of men using jewelries to add an extra spark to their attire is not entirely modern. A look at the past will reveal that men considered jewelry as a symbol of royalty and well-being. As years have gone by, the designs have evolved to compliment the contemporary fashion. Men's designer jewelries are handcrafted to go with their corporate, professional and casual styles.Rings belong to the class of most popular forms of men's jewelry. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit the style of diverse fashion preferences of men. Usually men's rings look heavier and bolder as compared to women's. Inscribed, hand-engraved rings adds a new dimension altogether. A short piece of poetry or even one's name engraved on a ring gives it an identity of its own.
Who said that necklaces are meant for women? They are meant for men too. Unlike women, men usually do not prefer to wear a glittering necklace. Even though they may be golden, beaded or having glass, a certain element of boldness is always there to give it a look that is meant exclusively for men. A lot depends on the kind of occasion when the necklace is to be worn. Wedding or any royal affair can definitely have a sparkling designer necklace whereas darker and colorful necklace go down pretty well with casual attire.
Bracelets are another form of popular men's jewelry. Men are always conscious about their wrists and that explains why they like to sport snazzy watches. Hand engraved designer bracelets adds up as good decorative for the wrist. Men with good forearms can sport a broad bracelet and the ones with small frame can go for the narrower ones.
Designer jewelry for men has increasing become very popular due to the celebrities. Rings, body piercing, necklaces, bracelets and even earring have become fashionable for men. The variety is diverse and what matters is to choose the right kind of jewelry that compliments one's personality perfectly.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Tupperware for Sale!!!
You can win a Tupperware eGift Certificate just for registering. All you need to do to register is email me at tonyak123@gmail.com . Please include Tupperware in the subject line and have the email tell me you want to be registered for the Tupperware giveaway. Feel free to register for other giveaways also. The Tupperware eGift Certificate will be given away on March 12 (one month from original blog posting date.
You can use the $200 Tupperware eGift Certificate to buy anything from Tupperware's website. Here are some products highlights.
Tupperware Spring Fruit of the Season TumblersNew, limited-release set features a uniquely festive design with blueberry, strawberry, lemon and orange fruit that evokes the season with a special flair. Each tumbler also includes a new hinged, flip-top seal that’s perfect for inserting a straw.These durable tumblers are stylish enough for even a more formal gathering and are perfect for dressing up outdoor parties. This stylish, perfect-for-casual-or-elegant entertaining beverage set can serve delicious refreshments for up to four guests. Inserts packaged with each tumbler include nutritional information, health benefits and smoothie recipes.Set includes four 12-oz./360 mL tumblers with collectible spring fruit artwork design* and hinged, flip-top seals in matching colors.Smoothie recipe inserts included with each tumbler.Dishwasher safe.
Tupperware Servalier® Bowl Set
These serving bowls will brighten up your kitchen, refrigerator or serving table. And with 5 popular sizes, storage options are virtually endless.Each bowl features large, tapered handles and virtually liquid-tight, One Touch® seals that close with a simple push. Just place your thumb in the center and press down. To remove the seal, push down with your thumb or heel of your hand and lift the edge of the seal with your fingers.Set of 5.In 3-cup/700 mL, 4-cup/946 mL, 8-cup/1.9 L, 11-cup/2.6 L and 17-cup/4 L capacities.Tropical Water, Orange Peel, Fuchsia Kiss, Purplicious & Lime Aid.Dishwasher safe.Not intended for microwave use.
Tastefully Simple Recipes: Cheesy Pepper Au Gratin Potatoes
Cheesy Pepper Au Gratin Potatoes
Ingredients 6 peeled, sliced large potatoes2 Tbsp. Garlic Garlic™Cheesy Pepper Soup Mix5 cups hot water1 Tbsp. Bacon Bacon™1 Tbsp. Seasoned Salt1 cup shredded cheddar cheeseDirections Boil potatoes in water with Garlic Garlic™ until tender. Prepare soup as directed on package with water; add Bacon Bacon™. Drain pototoes; place in greased 9 x 13 baking pan. Sprinkle with Seasoned Salt and cheese; pour soup mixture over top. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until top is golden brown. Makes 6-8 servings.
Ingredients 6 peeled, sliced large potatoes2 Tbsp. Garlic Garlic™Cheesy Pepper Soup Mix5 cups hot water1 Tbsp. Bacon Bacon™1 Tbsp. Seasoned Salt1 cup shredded cheddar cheeseDirections Boil potatoes in water with Garlic Garlic™ until tender. Prepare soup as directed on package with water; add Bacon Bacon™. Drain pototoes; place in greased 9 x 13 baking pan. Sprinkle with Seasoned Salt and cheese; pour soup mixture over top. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until top is golden brown. Makes 6-8 servings.
Creekside Wedding Chapel in Gatlinburg, TN
The Creekside Wedding Chapel in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a full service facility that provides complete wedding packages including photography, flowers, video services, limousine service, receptions, and many more specialties to make your special day a moment that you will cherish forever.
They believe that your wedding is one of the most important days of your life and that you deserve to have the wedding of your dreams. Our goal and commitment is for you to have a completely satisfying wedding experience. We will support and serve you in every way possible. There is nothing more important to us than your wedding.
They believe that your wedding is one of the most important days of your life and that you deserve to have the wedding of your dreams. Our goal and commitment is for you to have a completely satisfying wedding experience. We will support and serve you in every way possible. There is nothing more important to us than your wedding.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Combat the Cold of Winter with the Warmth of Garnet
"By her who in January was bornNo gem save Garnets shall be wornThey will ensure her constancyTrue friendship and fidelity."- Poem in the Gregorian Calendar, as re-printed by Tiffany in 1870 Garnet is the traditional birthstone for January, as well as the gemstone associate with the Aquarius zodiac sign. Although mostly known for it's deep, red color it is found in many variations and colors, including green, yellow and black. Within the last decade, small amounts of unusual blue Garnet have even been found in Madagascar and other locations. These colors are more rare, however, and the abundance and affordability of red Garnet, along with it's beautiful appeal, has made it one of the most widely used gemstones. Garnet can be found all over the world, although most commercial, red Garnet comes from mines in the US, Russia and India. Garnet is the official gemstone of New York and Connecticut.Garnets have been used in jewelry for thousands of years. Archaeologists have found the gemstones in jewelry and ornaments dating from Egyptian and Roman times, as well as long before. The Bible even mentions Garnet in a very special way: it is said that Noah guided his Ark at night by the light from a Garnet lantern. The idea of Garnet having luminescent properties carried on throughout the ages, and was carried by travellers and explorers as a talisman to help guide them in times of darkness. Garnets do seem to sometimes give off their own light, and this is caused by the high refractive index of the mineral, bouncing back a high percentage of any light that hits it.Garnet is often used by natural healers. In color therapy, wearing Garnet is said to attract light from the red spectrum. It is believed that this light is then absorbed by our body and can have a healing and strengthening effect on our muscles. Historically, many healers used Garnet to help treat conditions of the blood, lungs and heart. Reiki practitioners use red Garnet to connect with and treat the root Chakra, which governs our basic instincts and sensuality. Many New Age healers or meta-physicists believe that Garnet is the stone of love and passion, and that wearing it has a positive effect on sexuality and romance. All of these ideas point to Garnet as an ideal gemstone to be given as a gift around Valentine's Day, and many jewelers use heart shaped Garnets in romantic designs. Garnets look particularly good when paired with warm, yellow gold. Our Garnet and pearl earrings make a beautiful gift for any woman at Valentine's Day, with heart shaped gemstones and creamy, white pearls set in luxurious 14kt gold settings.
Treat yourself, your girlfriend or wife to a piece of Garnet jewelry to rekindle the romance and passion in your relationship. Even without any mystical properties, buying Garnet jewelry is always a great way to say 'I Love You.'
Treat yourself, your girlfriend or wife to a piece of Garnet jewelry to rekindle the romance and passion in your relationship. Even without any mystical properties, buying Garnet jewelry is always a great way to say 'I Love You.'
How to Securely Buy Jewelry Online
Buying jewelry online has become so much more secure than it was years ago, when e-businesses first opened up online. There are courses offered in colleges to teach programmers how to come up with new security programs. I buy jewelry online at many different places. There are ways to protect yourself, and things you can look for from a merchant to keep yourself safe. I always look for certificates of trust and security like the one put on a website by VeriSign.
The online retailers are doing a great job with keeping their websites secure. I have not had any problem with my private information getting out. I like to purchase things online, because I can stay at home and do it in my pajamas if I want to. I can also look around and do a little research about my purchases to see who offers the best prices and information about the seller. I am not one that likes the malls, they are way too crowded. I prefer to stay at home and shop and have the item shipped to me.
I save money by purchasing jewelry online due to the lower overhead of the online storefront. The brick and mortar jewelry stores have utility costs, building rental cost, and have more employees to pay. The savings of the online retailer is passed on to me as a buyer. I also communicate with the seller by e-mail to ask specific questions about the jewelry that I want to buy. There are those out there that will try to take advantage of people who are not knowledgeable about online business practices. That is why you should know what you are doing and what to look for when buying online.
I made sure to look into online buying when I first started. I did not know the first thing about it, and was reluctant to give my credit card number to a business. Once I knew how to look for secure sites, I have been buying online ever since. I find that most jewelry sites seem to have good security. I think it is because of the nature of their business.
VeriSign, and other security certificates are shown on safe websites, and you will know when you are entering a secure site. You can feel comfortable that the diamond bracelet that you ordered will get to you safely, and that your payment will be secure. If you do not see any type of security certificate on a website you want to purchase from, I would not give them any information just to be on the safe side.
I use PayPal and it has allowed me to purchase online from many jewelry retailers. Some are not set up to accept secure payments through their own business for their merchandise, so they
use PayPal. I trust PayPal and they offer buyer protection for some purchases. E-bay users have used PayPal for years, and now retailers are also starting to use them more often. PayPal is a secure site for your information to be stored for purchases.
If there is a PayPal sign on a website you can feel secure in paying them. If they have their own payment system there will be certificates like VeriSign and other trusted certificates. Jewelry is often a major purchase, and you want to be sure that you receive the product that you expected. Most jewelers will offer a money back guarantee; it is usually good for 30 days. This allows you to get the product at home and make sure it is what you expected. This is something that you should look for on a jeweler web site before you make a purchase. I always make sure that they have a return policy though I have seldom had to use it. Most people are honest with you, because they want your repeat business.
Honest jewelers will offer to take back or exchange something that is not the correct size in a ring or color you expected in a stone. Whether it be a diamond, tanzanite, amethyst, or a garnet you want to be assured that it is as described. Often you can get appraisal certificates of major jewelry purchases that are made for your specific item. This is given out most often by a GIA certified appraiser. This is your defense against a crooked seller. I ask for these on larger purchases of rare stones or large karat weights of stones. It is a smart practice.
There are many good jewelry stores online. Type in the name of a stone or a piece of jewelry that you want into a search engine and you will find many places to check out. I shop on E-bay, Bidz .com, and I have a retailer that I like to purchase from called the Jewelry Nest. I collect Invicta watches and rare stones and all types of jewelry. I have found that they are very fair in pricing at the Jewelry Nest, and I have never had to return anything. I feel very secure in dealing with them. With E-bay I have had to make a few returns. Bidz.com gets you on their high shipping costs, but if you are looking for a few pieces of jewelry at a fairly low price they are a good place to look, the quality at Bidz.com is sometimes not as expected. I look for testimonials on the retailer sites from their customers. This can be helpful to you in deciding whether to trust where you are buying from.
There are a few bad apples that can give all of the good sellers a bad name. Once you have bought from a jeweler, your trust will grow, I know mine did with the Jewelry Nest and E-bay.
Transparency is a key element to look for when purchasing jewelry online. The jewelry merchant needs to ensure the quality of their items just like you need to ensure your payment. Check for any business complaints by doing a web search about that business. Look for the trusted signs on the website. You need to be proactive as well when purchasing online. I took this approach, and I have done pretty well so far.
The online retailers are doing a great job with keeping their websites secure. I have not had any problem with my private information getting out. I like to purchase things online, because I can stay at home and do it in my pajamas if I want to. I can also look around and do a little research about my purchases to see who offers the best prices and information about the seller. I am not one that likes the malls, they are way too crowded. I prefer to stay at home and shop and have the item shipped to me.
I save money by purchasing jewelry online due to the lower overhead of the online storefront. The brick and mortar jewelry stores have utility costs, building rental cost, and have more employees to pay. The savings of the online retailer is passed on to me as a buyer. I also communicate with the seller by e-mail to ask specific questions about the jewelry that I want to buy. There are those out there that will try to take advantage of people who are not knowledgeable about online business practices. That is why you should know what you are doing and what to look for when buying online.
I made sure to look into online buying when I first started. I did not know the first thing about it, and was reluctant to give my credit card number to a business. Once I knew how to look for secure sites, I have been buying online ever since. I find that most jewelry sites seem to have good security. I think it is because of the nature of their business.
VeriSign, and other security certificates are shown on safe websites, and you will know when you are entering a secure site. You can feel comfortable that the diamond bracelet that you ordered will get to you safely, and that your payment will be secure. If you do not see any type of security certificate on a website you want to purchase from, I would not give them any information just to be on the safe side.
I use PayPal and it has allowed me to purchase online from many jewelry retailers. Some are not set up to accept secure payments through their own business for their merchandise, so they
use PayPal. I trust PayPal and they offer buyer protection for some purchases. E-bay users have used PayPal for years, and now retailers are also starting to use them more often. PayPal is a secure site for your information to be stored for purchases.
If there is a PayPal sign on a website you can feel secure in paying them. If they have their own payment system there will be certificates like VeriSign and other trusted certificates. Jewelry is often a major purchase, and you want to be sure that you receive the product that you expected. Most jewelers will offer a money back guarantee; it is usually good for 30 days. This allows you to get the product at home and make sure it is what you expected. This is something that you should look for on a jeweler web site before you make a purchase. I always make sure that they have a return policy though I have seldom had to use it. Most people are honest with you, because they want your repeat business.
Honest jewelers will offer to take back or exchange something that is not the correct size in a ring or color you expected in a stone. Whether it be a diamond, tanzanite, amethyst, or a garnet you want to be assured that it is as described. Often you can get appraisal certificates of major jewelry purchases that are made for your specific item. This is given out most often by a GIA certified appraiser. This is your defense against a crooked seller. I ask for these on larger purchases of rare stones or large karat weights of stones. It is a smart practice.
There are many good jewelry stores online. Type in the name of a stone or a piece of jewelry that you want into a search engine and you will find many places to check out. I shop on E-bay, Bidz .com, and I have a retailer that I like to purchase from called the Jewelry Nest. I collect Invicta watches and rare stones and all types of jewelry. I have found that they are very fair in pricing at the Jewelry Nest, and I have never had to return anything. I feel very secure in dealing with them. With E-bay I have had to make a few returns. Bidz.com gets you on their high shipping costs, but if you are looking for a few pieces of jewelry at a fairly low price they are a good place to look, the quality at Bidz.com is sometimes not as expected. I look for testimonials on the retailer sites from their customers. This can be helpful to you in deciding whether to trust where you are buying from.
There are a few bad apples that can give all of the good sellers a bad name. Once you have bought from a jeweler, your trust will grow, I know mine did with the Jewelry Nest and E-bay.
Transparency is a key element to look for when purchasing jewelry online. The jewelry merchant needs to ensure the quality of their items just like you need to ensure your payment. Check for any business complaints by doing a web search about that business. Look for the trusted signs on the website. You need to be proactive as well when purchasing online. I took this approach, and I have done pretty well so far.
The Hunt for a Perfect Diamond
Diamonds are associated with the finest things in life, and a diamond engagement ring is possibly the most significant diamond purchase that you will make during your lifetime. Browsing jewelry stores and catalogs can be overwhelming, with each one guaranteeing that they offer the best quality selection. So how can you be sure that you are getting a great diamond in that designer ring
Finding the perfect beautiful ring for the woman that you love can be a difficult job if you don’t know what you are looking for. When you propose you want her to know that only the finest, superior quality diamond ring is good enough for her, and you should also take care to find a designer ring that suits her style and taste to make the ring more personal. When it comes to diamonds size matters, but is only a part of what you should look for in an engagement ring. The physical size, or weight, of a diamond is measure in carats, but just because a diamond is large doesn’t mean that it is high quality, or even attractive. In fact, many of the largest stones that you see on display in jewelry counters may not even be real, or natural diamonds.
To truly appreciate a diamond you need to take into consideration the other 4 ‘c’s of diamonds, namely cut, clarity and color. The finest diamond designer rings will display exquisite cuts, a high level of clarity, and a pure color. However, if you are looking for a cheap engagement ring you can opt to choose a higher grade of one element over another to keep the price of your designer ring within your budget. For example, if you are happy with a diamond that has flaws ‘only visible under close inspection’ then you will be able to afford a larger carat. A diamond with a cut that is not quite perfect might be technically less valuable but could create an unusual fire and sparkle to enhance the clarity of the gem. Each piece of diamond jewelry that you purchase should come with a certificate to show you exactly what the rating is for each ‘c’. The beauty of buying a diamond designer ring online is that a good site will often display that useful information right alongside each beautiful ring.
Some may even let you search by settings for your engagement ring, by diamond type or by price range letting you find a precious engagement rings within your budget. Modern designer rings now also offer choices in other gemstones for engagement rings in tantalizing color combinations such as diamond and tanzanite rings or pink saphire and diamond rings. Settings for engagement rings can also vary, ranging from modern designer styles to classic and traditional settings. The important this is to choose a diamond ring not based on size or price alone, but to choose a designer ring that you feel she will love and treasure forever, because that is was an engagement ring symbolizes.
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