Buying American Indian Jewelry Helps Keep Native Traditions Alive

Posted under Beauty on Thursday 21 August 2008

American Indian jewelry is a great example of Native life and culture. This exquisite style of jewelry is usually crafted by hand, giving it a unique quality unlike cheap fabricated jewelry. These days, Indian Tribes often make a living by selling their beautiful hand crafts, jewelry, and other intriguing works of art as a means of survival. Buying Indian jewelry gives you the opportunity to help them support their culture and continue living their traditions.

As with all Native American art work, each piece of jewelry comes from a Tribe of intriguing historical legend and unique traditions. For example, Native American jewelry made by the Tigua Indians, a Puebloan tribe, is truly remarkable due to the fact that around the 1930s, their Tribe was thought by some to be extinct. It wasn’t until they reunited and began to articulate themselves as a people, reclaiming the land that had been taken from them, that they were at last identified in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson as a tribal nation. The signing of the law by the president made Ysleta Del Sur, their new land near El Paso, Texas, into a reservation where they still live today.

Like many Indian Tribes, the Tigua Indians make jewelry and hand crafts for a living. Their jewelry is similar to the jewelry created by the Navajo Tribe of the southwestern part of the United States, and is recognized for its great design and intricate detail. By incorporating natural elements, beads and glass, along with beautiful pieces of sterling silver, they make beautiful works of art that exemplify the best of American Indian culture and hand made Native American jewelry. Investing in a piece of Tigua jewelry provides you a true appreciation of their talented art work and a look into the Tigua way of life. Traditional craftsmanship is what makes these pieces unique, and a great buy for those who love Native culture and jewelry.

When purchasing American Indian jewelry, it is important to look around and not be deceived by cheap substitutes. Purchasing genuine items, hand crafted by Native Americans, will ensure the quality of your jewelry, and give you the assurance of knowing that your piece is the real thing. As you shop for American Indian jewelry, you will realize that it can be very expensive, as is most jewelry made by hand. Fortunately, with a little work, you can locate great pieces at low costs if you know where to look. Shopping online is one of the greatest ways to come across terrific deals as well as a great variety of jewelry available.

Authentic American Indian jewelry makes a great gift idea for jewelry collectors and for those who are fascinated by American Indian culture. From a wide range of bolo ties, bracelets, necklaces, watches, rings, and more, you won’t have trouble deciding on the perfect gift for young or old. Whether buying for yourself, a friend or loved one, remember that buying true pieces of Native jewelry is not only a great choice in fine jewelry, but also an investment in the American Indian culture. You will enjoy helping keep their customs alive while owning elegant pieces of American Indian jewelry.

Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about purchasing American Indian jewelry. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

All That Glitters is Gold

Posted under Beauty on Thursday 21 August 2008

Since the dawn of civilization, gold has been used by humankind for both decorative and daily use. Gold art objects and jewelry have been discovered as far back as 3,000 B.C. to be used by the Ur civilization what is now Southern Iraq. Similarly, gold objects have also been discovered in Peru by archaeologists that date back to 1200 B.C. Gold’s nearly indestructible nature is virtually unaffected by the effects of elements such as oxygen and water. Although gold does wear over time, its durability to resist tarnishing, rusting or corroding has made it a symbol of permanence and therefore the first choice for many when purchasing jewelry.

If cared for correctly, gold will not only last a lifetime but may be handed down to future generations as heirloom pieces.

Cleaning Gold Jewelry
Gold jewelry should be cleaned with a gentle cleansing solution, such as dish soap mixed in warm water or a gold cleaning liquid. After cleaning, gold jewelry should be dried and polished with a chamois or lint-free cloth. Paper towels are not a good option for cleaning as they are too rough for the gold’s surface.

Furthermore, while gold is very durable, abrasives should not be used in cleaning as it may scratch gold jewelry. Harsh chemicals often found in household cleaners may also weaken or damage gold jewelry. Owners of gold jewelry should always wear cleaning gloves or take the jewelry off altogether before cleaning with these types of products. Above all, the worst enemy of an alloy like gold is chlorine. Always take gold jewelry off before entering a pool or Jacuzzi.

Repeated exposure to dust, moisture, makeup and other daily wear can cause gold to lose its luster. Regular gentle cleaning keeps gold glittering like new. It’s also a good idea to have gold jewelry cleaned by a professional jeweler periodically.

Maintaining Gold Jewelry
Gold wearers are often confused when their gold jewelry begins to discolor skin or clothing. Faulty manufacturing or under-karating is not the problem. The most common cause of discoloration is metallic abrasion which can be caused by cosmetics on the skin or clothing. Cosmetics, which often contain compounds harder than the jewelry, rub off very tiny particles of the gold piece. This dust, when in contact with skin or clothing, sticks to the surface and forms a black smudge. If this occurs, consider switching cosmetics. Otherwise, make sure to apply makeup before putting jewelry on and use soap and water to clean areas of the skin that come in contact with gold jewelry.

Through years of wear, gold jewelry should be regularly inspected for any damage or weakness that will inevitably occur. Particular attention should be paid to jewelry that is secured with a clasp or prong, as well as bracelets or necklaces with links. These and other pieces such as rings may eventually thin out and break. Any pieces that show damage should be taken to a local jeweler who can address any repair problems.

Proper storage of gold jewelry is also a must. Storage prevents damage of gold jewelry, preserving its luster for years to come. Gold jewelry should be stored in a jewelry box with separate compartments or wrapped in a soft, lint-free cloth when not being worn. Keeping pieces stored separately will prevent them from scratching one another or getting tangled.

Preserving Heirloom Gold Jewelry
Family pieces or antique jewelry must be handled with the utmost care. Use a soft chamois cloth to wipe jewelry clean, or have them cleaned by a reputable jeweler. Avoid storing heirloom pieces together in a container. And store genuine gold jewelry apart from costume jewelry. Jewelry of different karatages should also be stored separately to prevent scratching or damage.

With some consistent maintenance, the care of gold jewelry can reap benefits for many years. Favored gold jewelry pieces can be turned into family heirlooms and passed down to future generations. Your children’s children will thank you for the thoughtful care of your gold jewelry.

Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. Pandora bracelets, Pandora charms and Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more information, Lewis Jewelers, 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit the website.

Extend the Life of Jewelry with Careful Cleaning

Posted under Beauty on Thursday 21 August 2008

From inexpensive baubles to family heirlooms, jewelry reflects new trends and the cherished moments of a woman’s life. Careless treatment of any kind of jewelry, however, shortens its life, value and beauty. Careful cleaning of jewelry extends the wear and value of a collection.

Gemstones
Gemstones are a popular choice for jewelry aficionados because of their beauty. They are also some of the most durable choices for jewelry. Still, care and maintenance are important factors to maintaining their good looks and value. Some gemstones such as sapphires, rubies and other single-crystal gems can be cleaned with a precise mixture of ammonia and water to remove any film that may be present and to restore shine to the stone. Gentle soap and warm water may also provide a safe mixture to clean specific gemstones. If a piece of gemstone jewelry needs extra cleaning, it may be feasible to employ the use of a soft toothbrush to scrub behind the stone.

When it comes to ultrasonic cleaners, be very selective. Not all gemstones can be safely cleaned using this method. Opaque gemstones such as lapis lazuli, turquoise or malachite should never be cleaned with ammonia or an ultrasonic cleaner. These stones can absorb chemicals or soap, resulting in discoloration, due to the porous makeup of these gems. Instead, these gemstones should be wiped with a moist cloth.

To avoid scratching a gemstone or another softer stone near it, keep all jewelry separate from one another. Also, remember that gemstones are often harder than the metal it has been set it. Gems can scratch the finish on gold, silver or platinum.

Diamonds
The hardest substance known to man, diamonds, need special care as they are some of the most often-worn jewelry. Lotions, styling products, and the grime accrued from daily wear can leave a diamond looking dull and lifeless. Avoid waiting too long in between cleanings to decrease the buildup of adverse materials.

Diamonds may be hard but they should not be cleaned with just any cleaner available. For diamonds in need of a really good cleaning, a professional ultrasonic cleaning is often necessary to remove encrusted dirt. However, the method should not be used on fragile settings without having been inspected by your jeweler, as ultrasonic cleaners may shake loose stones from their mounting.

A safe and gentle method for cleaning diamonds starts with soaking the piece in a formula of three parts water to one part ammonia and a tiny drop of mild liquid detergent such as Ivory. Use a soft brush to remove dirt. Do not use a stiff bristled brush as this will scratch the ring’s metal setting. Rinse the diamond thoroughly in warm water and follow up with a lint-free cloth to dry the piece.

Store diamonds in a fabric-lined jewelry case or in a box with separate compartments. Diamonds may also be wrapped individually in tissue paper and stored in a box. Do not store diamonds with other jewelry in a drawer or jewelry case. This can result in scratching of other jewelry. Perhaps most importantly, avoid leaving a diamond ring on the rim of a sink where it may slip down the drain.

Pearls
Pearls are more fragile than most other gemstones. They should be handled gently to keep them in the best condition. Most of today’s pearls are cultured pearls. That means they have been created by the initiation of humans who place a bead or other object into an oyster. The oyster then coats the bead with nacre, the patina that gives pearls their much-loved appearance. The thickness of nacre dictates the quality and durability of the pearl.

An excellent rule of thumb to maintain the beauty and value of your pearls is: your pearls should always be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off when dressing. To maintain the luster of a pearl, avoid applying hand creams or lotions while wearing a pearl. Also, put a pearl on after using hairspray, makeup or perfume. When cleaning a pearl, use mild soap mixed in warm water. Solutions such as ammonia or harsh detergents will damage a pearl, as can an ultrasonic cleaner.

Because pearls can scratch easily, store them separately from other pieces of jewelry. Pearls may also be kept in a soft bag made of chamois for safe storage. It’s a good idea to have pearl necklaces restrung from time to time to ensure the silk or nylon cord connecting them is in good shape.

Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. Pandora bracelets, Pandora charms and Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more information, Lewis Jewelers, 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit the website.

Wedding Rings: A Glimpse at Cultural Traditions

Posted under Beauty on Thursday 21 August 2008

The wedding ring - a romantic expression and symbol of fidelity and love - is an important element to today’s marriage ceremony. Through the centuries, the wedding ring has symbolized many things for couples - and not always the romantic notions we hold today.

The tradition of the wedding ring goes as far back as ancient Egypt, more than 4500 years ago. The Egyptians were the first to link the symbolism of a ring with the supernatural - an unending circle representing eternal love. Egyptians used materials such as hemp or the stems of plants into circles which could be placed on the finger of the bride. Romans, on the other hand, fashioned wedding bands from iron, considered to be a symbol of strength. That was later replaced with silver and gold because of their durability against rust.

Both the Egyptians and Romans supported the belief that the “ring finger” or fourth finger on the left hand, led directly to the heart. And while science has since disproved this theory, couples still hold the belief that the wedding ring is a direct path to the heart. However, for the Romans this practice was not based in romanticism. In Roman society, wives were considered possessions of the husband. A ring simply symbolized ownership. In fact, women had no voice in this decision. Once she was “ringed,” a woman became a possession of the man.

In the Far East, a man presented his wife with a “puzzle ring” that was meant to keep her faithful in his absence. The ring was designed to collapse if taken off and could only be put back together again if one knew the correct arrangement. Puzzle rings were employed especially during times of war or if a husband traveled for business.

The Irish bride has sported a “claddagh” since its creation in the 17th century. Used as both an engagement and wedding ring, the ring features a heart and two hands on the sides and is still in wide use today. Meanwhile, some Jewish brides have a wedding ring placed on their index finger, the same finger used to point to the Torah as it is read.

For the Puritans of early American colonization, the wedding ring, like other forms of jewelry, was considered wasteful and immoral. Men instead presented their wives with thimbles as a symbol of their live and fidelity. Interestingly, this tradition gave way to new brides who would cut off part of the thimble to create a makeshift ring.

Wedding rings worn by men are a fairly new innovation. For centuries, men had no need of a ring indicating their betrothal, as they were considered the dominant partner in the union. However, with the events of World War II separating men for years at a time from their wives, men began wearing a wedding band to indicate their marriage and as a sentimental reminder of the wife waiting at home. The motive was purely romantic which has been carried on in modern times.

In some cultures, the wedding ring is considered the last gift in a series of gifts presented to the bride. This has given way to newer ring traditions, which may begin with a promise ring, presented during serious courtship, followed by an engagement ring and then the wedding ring. Eternity rings are also being given as to symbolize a renewal of marriage or in honor of a special anniversary.

While many countries practice the tradition of wearing the wedding ring on the left hand, some cultures, such as Germany, Norway and Greece wear the ring on a the right hand. In other European countries, the engagement and wedding ring are the same. Their status is indicated through engraving or according to which hand the ring is worn.

Today’s couples give much thought to the choice of wedding rings, choosing most often rings made of precious stones and metal. These rings represent more than simply adornment for the wedding day. Wedding rings will remain an important symbol of a couple’s love throughout their lifetime.

Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. Pandora bracelets, Pandora charms and Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more information, Lewis Jewelers, 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit the website.

Reshaping Our Lives with Laser Technology

Posted under Beauty on Thursday 21 August 2008

In the heyday of poodle skirts and fuzzy dice, Americans were fixated on keeping their cars in top shape. They’d work hard to remove the slightest dent or scratch and rebuild engines to keep them young and responsive. By the emergence of the ’60s revolution and the movements of the ’70s , it was our clothes that defined us. We wanted our jeans or bellbottom cut just so, our miniskirts or cranberry sweaters in perfect condition. We could argue that, by the turn of the new century, our focus began shifting in yet another direction, towards technology, caring for our mobile phones, decorating our laptop computers and accessorizing with our iPods.

Although fads and fashions have kept us busy over the years, in today’s world we all tend to concentrate on protecting and rejuvenating the things that matter most - and those begin with our own bodies. We understand the benefits of healthy lifestyles and the importance of looking healthy as well. We’re all living much longer than we did half a century ago, so our bodies require more attention to stay in top shape and to keep us feeling young longer.

Technology has responded to this renewed interest in looking and feeling healthier and younger, led by tremendous advances in laser technology. Now, with a combination of light, heat and radiofrequency waves, professional laser clinics are helping men and women alike to reshape their bodies and their self-image.

The newest capability is reflected in a leading laser center’s service called VelaShape. It’s the first (and only) process approved by the FDA to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite and reduce thigh circumference. VelaShape is a clinically proven procedure that many Americans are choosing instead of surgical techniques. The non-invasive VelaShape device uses something called el’s technology, invented by laser developer Syneron. It employs bi-polar RF waves and infrared energy to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of cellulite and cut down on localized fat deposits by literally shrinking your fat cells.

Improvements from VelaShape often are visible within as few as four office visits. It obtains results much more quickly than other techniques because it uses high-powered, but safe, forms of energy. Typically, with four to six treatments spaced one week apart, patients see thinner thighs and better skin texture.
The el’s technology is also used in devices for skin rejuvenation in FotoFacial treatments. When a FotoFacial treatment is followed by microdermabrasion every two weeks, skin irregularities begin disappearing and the process stimulates production of new collagen. The result is reduction of fine wrinkles, more even skin tones and the creation of a more youthful, healthier appearance.

Closely related to skin rejuvenation is skin tightening. Again a non-invasive procedure, use of ReFirme skin tightening device helps remove wrinkles, tighten the skin and improve skin laxity on the neck and face. Laser-based skin tightening boosts production of collagen that fills in wrinkles at the jaw line; along the brow line; and around the eyes, mouth and cheeks. It’s a much more comfortable process than injections of foreign materials; instead, it uses a natural method to restore young-looking skin.

Permanent hair reduction was one of the earliest applications of laser technology; and with a leading laser center’s proprietary treatment protocol it’s become much more effective, succeeding even with the darker skin tones or light-colored hair that were not amenable to treatment by more conventional lasers. In the dermis, the top layer of the skin, lie both active and dormant (inactive) hair follicles. Laser hair removal destroys the active follicles through a series of treatments. Lasers destroy hair follicles during their growth stage, so multiple treatments are required to manage all the active follicles, since they grow at different times. The dormant follicles may become active and start producing hair tomorrow, 20 years from now or never. Hormones in your body are responsible for activating these follicles and due to natural hormone changes throughout a person’s life, minor touch-ups may be necessary over the years. The process combines pulsed, high-intensity light with precisely controlled radiofrequency waves to destroy the active follicles. The result: Permanent hair reduction in the treated areas that may only require a handful of “touch-ups” rather than daily shaving or frequent, painful waxing.
All across the country, people have found a way to take advantage of new ways to look younger and healthier without enduring the pain associated with other methods, nor the surgery that once offered the only means of improvement.

As in other aspects of health care, technology now makes it possible to take better care of our appearance in a far less disruptive way than has been available previously. Often, the ability to look younger and fitter longer can lead to happier lives.

In the 21st century, Americans understand what truly is most important - not our gadgets but our wellbeing, both physical and psychological. Keeping our bodies in prime shape on the surface may encourage us to pay more attention to other aspects of our health. We should all want to be more appealing individuals and more confident personalities with more healthful lifestyles. The new, safer laser technology can enable us to enjoy the kind of life that we all deserve.

AmericanLaser.com is the largest and most successful laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation and cellulite reduction therapy company, with more than 220 locations in the United States. For more information, please visit AmericanLaser.com.

Play it Safe: Choose Lasers to Fix Beauty Flaws

Posted under Beauty on Thursday 21 August 2008

For those of us who were fans of the Naked Gun movie trilogy, Priscilla Presley, wife of the King, went from ’80s comic beauty to a tragic beauty train wreck as the oldest contestant ever to appear on the reality TV hit, Dancing with the Stars. It is heartbreaking to see someone, who probably would have aged very gracefully by nature, have such a bad experience with plastic surgery, exposing her to additional
unavoidable criticism.

Many celebrities like Presley, including Tara Reid, Kenny Rogers and Joan Rivers, have fallen victim to bad plastic surgery. With celebrity tabloids criticizing each and every beauty flaw from cellulite, to wrinkles to weight gain, the pressure to perfect each nook and cranny - no matter the risk to your health, wellness or appearance - remains intense.
Although celebrities continue to feel pressure to look good, there are safer, modern day advances in beauty laser technology that do not require going under the knife. These alternatives yield great results with little if any downtime. And, even though your bad beauty photos may never grace the cover of the National Enquirer, it’s always a great confidence boost when you look and feel your best.

For those you who might be considering a facelift, there are safer laser treatments available that smooth wrinkles and rejuvenate skin. Technology has responded to this renewed interest in looking and feeling healthier and younger, led by tremendous advances in laser technology. Now, with a combination of light, heat and radiofrequency waves, major national aesthetic laser treatment clinics are helping women and men experience a virtual face lift without surgery, scaring, downtime or permanent face-altering tragedy. These safer modern-day treatments produce excellent results without the risk living the rest of your life in hiding because of a botched plastic surgery experience.

The newest capability in virtual facelifts comes in the form of a treatment called skin tightening. This non-invasive procedure helps remove wrinkles, tighten the skin and improve skin laxity on the neck and face. Laser-based skin tightening boosts production of collagen that fills in wrinkles at the jaw line; along the brow line; and around the eyes, mouth and cheeks. It’s a much more comfortable process than injections of foreign materials like Botox or Restylane, yet generates similar results. It can make wrinkles in the forehead disappear; helping to lift the brow line as well as iron out dreaded Crow’s feet. It uses a natural method to restore young-looking skin.

To complement the benefits of skin tightening, there is also a treatment that can help reduce the slink flaws caused by sun damage or acne, such as age spots and scarring. A treatment called Affirm uses fractional laser technology to smooth both scars and wrinkles, while evening out any uneven skin tone. This helps prefect the overall appearance of the skin, leaving you with an even-toned, flawless appearance.

The technology used in skin tightening treatments like skin tightening is also used in devices for skin rejuvenation in FotoFacial treatments. When a FotoFacial treatment is followed by microdermabrasion every two weeks, skin irregularities begin disappearing and the process stimulates production of new collagen. The result is reduction of fine wrinkles, more even skin tone and the creation of a more youthful, healthier appearance.

All across the country, people have found a way to take advantage of new, safer ways to look younger and healthier without enduring the pain associated with other methods, nor surgery - once the only means offered for improvement of wrinkles and skin tightening. In fact, a major national aesthetic laser treatment clinic reports it has completed more than 2.5 million treatments over the past six years at more than 220 clinics throughout the United States. These procedures are growing in popularity as an alternative option to plastic surgery.

As in other aspects of health care, technology now makes it possible to take better care of our appearance in a far less disruptive way than has been available previously. Often, the ability to look younger and fitter longer can lead to happier, more productive lives. Be a smart patient, do your homework and weigh your options. There are many alternative, aside from surgery, that can glean very desirable results.
In the 21st century, Americans understand what truly is most important - not our gadgets but our well-being, both physical and psychological. Keeping our bodies in prime shape on the surface may encourage us to pay more attention to other aspects of our health. We all want to be more appealing individuals and more confident personalities with more healthful lifestyles. The new, safer laser technology can enable us to enjoy the kind of life that we all deserve.

AmericanLaser.com is the largest and most successful laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation and cellulite reduction therapy company, with more than 220 locations in the United States. For more information, please visit AmericanLaser.com.

Gleam and Sparkle: How to Clean and Care for Your Jewelry

Posted under Beauty on Thursday 21 August 2008

Jewelry reflects the personality, history and even special life moments of the wearer. For centuries, jewelry has represented a special keepsake of love, a treasured heirloom or simply an adornment of beauty. To extend the life of your jewelry, it’s important to take time to clean and care for your collection. A little “TLC” goes […]

Appraising Diamond Jewelry - Is a Graduate Gemologist Qualified to Appraise Jewelry?

Posted under Beauty on Thursday 21 August 2008

When purchasing diamond jewelry in a jewelry store, antique store, online or elsewhere, some people may simply accept that the gemstone is what it is supposed to be and not really question how it was appraised or who was responsible for the appraisal. Individuals in the jewelry business have various titles associated with the roles in which they play. For the role of appraiser, it is a good thing to ask what qualifies the individual to be an appraiser of diamond jewelry and is a graduate gemologist qualified to appraise jewelry of this type.

What Is a Graduate Gemologist?

The first step to answering the posed question is defining what a graduate gemologist is. A graduate gemologist is an individual who has earned a diploma which has presented them with the knowledge of grading and identifying gemstones. One who has received their education and awarded a diploma naming them a graduate gemologist has learned how to identify and grade gemstones.

There are a variety of schools and institutes which offer gemological training. And individuals who become graduate gemologists after attending the Gemological Institute of America sometimes go on to engage in careers such as jewelry store owner, diamond and gemstone buyers, auction house jewelry specialist, diamond manufacturer and even appraiser.

Does This Knowledge Make a Graduate Gemologist Qualified to Appraise Jewelry?

Even though some individuals who receive a graduate gemologist diploma go on to become appraisers, the public may still question whether the true qualifications are there. In other words, does this knowledge gained in their various gemology courses make them truly qualified to accurately and efficiently grade and put a value on diamonds? The answer to this question is mixed.

Some individuals in the jewelry business feel as if those with a graduate gemologist diploma do have the requisite knowledge to enable them to accurately appraise jewelry. However, others who have been in the jewelry business for many years feel that simply possessing a diploma of this type does not make an individual inherently capable of appraising jewelry.

Should Additional Training in Appraisal Theory and Methodology Be Necessary?

Some may wonder whether or not additional training in appraisal theory and methodology is necessary in addition to being a graduate gemologist. It is important to view both sides of the argument in order to present an answer to this question. Additional training may be a good idea as many diploma programs for becoming a gemologist are general in nature.

As individuals with this type of diploma enter many different occupations within the jewelry field, the range of knowledge gained by a graduate gemologist is large and brief. By obtaining more appraisal theory and methodology information through additional courses and training, the individual will be better prepared to appraise jewelry in an efficient manner.

On the other hand, those who go through the graduate gemologist course are taught the necessary things in order to make their appraisal pursuits highly possible. In their course study, graduate gemologists in training learn how to identify and grade diamonds and colored stones, but not to put a value on them or determine the overall worth of gems and jewelry in general. Therefore, some may feel as if this is more than enough knowledge gained by the graduate gemologist to make his appraisal endeavors quite successful.

In other words, the answer to the question of whether simply being a graduate gemologist provides enough knowledge for the individual doing the appraisal will ultimately be determined by the individual whom you ask.

James Greene is a Graduate Gemologist and Master Gemologist Appraiser. James has been in the jewelry and appraisal business for over 25 years and specializes in Insurance and estate appraisals. http://www.diamondmarketwatch.com

Why Choose Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery

Posted under Beauty on Thursday 21 August 2008

Have you every thought about having plastic surgery done? Do you have parts of your body that are drooping or sagging a little more than you would like? Or, are you happy with your body, but would like to improve it just a little bit? Many people ask themselves these questions every day, and many people decide that Beverly Hills plastic surgery can help them achieve their bodily goals.

I think that whenever someone thinks about plastic surgery they almost automatically think of Beverly Hills and some movie star to rock star that invariably has undergone Beverly Hills plastic surgery. Of course, there is a reason why so many actors, actresses, and other very rich people decide to go to Beverly Hills to have their plastic surgery done by some of the best doctors are located there. Just taking a walk down Rodeo drive you will see many different people who have undergone plastic surgery, most with desirable results.

However, you want to make sure you pick the right doctor to perform your surgery. Nothing would be worse than paying so much money for a face lift, and then look like your face was being blown by a 100 mile per hour wind every second of the day. Many people are afraid of this windswept look and avoid even thinking about plastic surgery because of this fear. I personally do not want to look like a plastic person, and most other people don’t want to either. They want there body/face to look as naturally beautiful as possible. This can be accomplished with many modern-day techniques, but the doctor performing the surgery needs to be very good at what they do.

This is one reason why it is so important to pick the right doctor, and another reason why so many people look for plastic surgeons in the Beverly Hills area. Beverly Hills has so many plastic surgeons to choose from, and many of them are world-renown in the most modern-day techniques of plastic surgery.

Will Beverly Hills plastic surgery cost more? I would say that the answer to that question is yes, it probably will. But is that necessarily a bad thing? If you are taking your baby daughter to the doctor for surgery, are you going to call 20 different doctors and go to the one who is the cheapest? Of course not, you are going to find the doctor who is the most skilled and has the most experience in what they do.

If you go the cheapest doctor he or she may not provide your daughter with the care she needs. I would argue that while plastic surgery is not as important as your daughters health, it still is a very important decision, and the surgery needs to be done by a physician you feel comfortable with and who will do a great, just a good, job. You will find doctors of the utmost skill and who have some of the best and the most experience in the plastic surgery industry. Be sure to do your research all of your options, and remember that a great place to look is in Beverly Hills.

Find out more about Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery. You can also read more about Beverly Hills Face Lift Surgery.

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing A Tattoo Parlour?

Posted under Beauty on Wednesday 20 August 2008

After you have decided to get a tattoo done and have chosen which tattoo design you want, you are then faced with the prospect of choosing which tattoo parlour you are going to use to give you your tattoo. This is a very big decision and is not one to taken lightly.

The wrong choice of tattoo parlour could leave you with a tattoo you’re not entirely happy with and worse still you could be unlucky enough to catch a disease or infection from the procedure.

Let’s start with this second point first of all. In order to ensure that your tattoo procedure goes to plan and you are not at risk of catching any diseases, you should always choose a tattoo parlour that is not only professional and fully licensed, but is also fully compliant with health and safety rules and has an up to date safety certificate.

They should also follow basic safety guidelines such as making sure all of their equipment is fully sterilized to avoid infections being passed on, and all work surfaces are as clean as possible. The tattoo artists should also wear gloves during the procedure. If you are in any doubt have a look around and ask about these issues before you actually have the tattoo done.

Apart from safety issues another very important factor is obviously the quality of the artwork. You need to choose a tattoo parlour, and a tattoo artist within that tattoo parlour, who will give you the professional looking tattoo you are looking for. Most tattoo artists are talented enough to recreate their own in-house tattoo designs but if you are looking for them to recreate a custom design you’ve created yourself, then you really do need a skilled tattoo artist.

As I’ve already pointed out, it’s a big decision to make and if you’re still undecided you can do what a lot of people do and ask for recommendations from friends and colleagues who have good looking tattoos. You can also ask for testimonials from different tattoo parlours and see examples of the tattoos they’ve created for previous clients. This will give you a good idea of just how good a particular tattoo artist is.

So in conclusion when choosing a tattoo parlour you should always consider various health and safety issues and at the same time look for tattoo parlours who employ talented tattoo artists who can recreate your dream tattoo design for you.

For information about where you can find top quality tattoo designs online please read James Woolley’s Chopper Tattoo review and Tattoo Me Now review.

Tips on How to Properly Care for Your Diamonds

Posted under Beauty on Wednesday 20 August 2008

The fact that diamonds are a hard substance is something which may make individuals feel that they can treat these beautiful gemstones in a manner which is not as cautious as it should be. This is not the case as even though diamonds are quite strong, they can still endure mishaps as a result of the owners thereof not properly caring for them. The following will highlight a few different ways in which diamond owners can properly care for these fabulous gemstones.

Engage in Constant Cleaning to Keep Diamonds Looking Their Best

Diamonds are gems which will look their best if they are cleaned at frequent intervals. How often one cleans their jewels will depend on a few different factors which include frequency of use, overall treatment of the stone and environment in which the gem is worn. Some diamonds will need to be cleaned more frequently than others to make them look their absolute best. Diamond owners can clean their stones at home by using store bought solution or detergent mixed with water. They should also consider having these exquisite items cleaned by a professional jeweler every once in a while as well since the jewelry stores have the top of the line cleaning equipment to really make the gems sparkle.

Store Your Diamonds in a Proper Place

Diamonds are an item which should be stored in a safe place. Keeping one’s jewelry in a well-made jewelry box or armoire will help to keep the item in tip top shape. For those who do not wear their diamonds as often and may have a fairly expensive object, they might consider storing their diamond in a safety deposit box or other type of secure location. The important thing is to ensure that the diamond is safely stored where it will not get damaged, lost or stolen.

Occasional Trips to the Jeweler to Ensure Diamond is Properly Secured

Another tip with regard to properly caring for your diamond is to make occasional trips to your jeweler so that he/she may look over the jewelry to ensure that the diamond is securely in place. Since many diamonds are not only expensive items but sentimental as well, having that peace of mind in place by knowing the item is properly secured is a priceless thing. It is well worth a an hour or so of one’s time to have the piece of jewelry looked over by a professional in the field.

Treat Your Diamond with General Care

Lastly, one who owns a diamond-laden object should treat that item with care. Think twice before engaging in sports or heavy household duties while wearing the piece of jewelry and play it safe by not wearing it at all. Although diamonds are gems which are more of the durable type, these stones should be treated with well-deserved respect and appreciation.

James Greene is a Graduate Gemologist and Master Gemologist Appraiser. James has been in the jewelry and appraisal business for over 25 years and specializes in Insurance and estate appraisals. http://www.diamondmarketwatch.com

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