by: Sarah Stephens
Aquamarine is a semi-precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is most often found in shades of clear ocean blue, and is widely recognized as the March Birthstone and the gemstone for the 18th anniversary. But beyond its modern-day uses and associations, aquamarine holds a decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological history that adds nostalgic value to its already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for more information that will help you fall in love with your aquamarine jewelry – or inspire you to buy some today!
The beautiful Aquamarine is semi-precious, a light greenish blue to a vibrant blue variety of the species beryl, which makes it a relative of the Emerald. The name Aquamarine is derived from Latin, meaning seawater. "Aqua" translates to water and "marina" translates to sea. This seems especially appropriate for aquamarine's barely-there icy blue tones to intense greenish-blue tones, reminiscent of the sea. Also believed to embody the spirit of the sea, it has been regarded as a symbol of purification, ever-lasting youth, and happiness.
The sparkling tones and light blue hues are said to evoke feelings of trust, harmony and sympathy. The unique blues that the Aquamarine displays are said to represent eternity and life-giving properties, since it is, after all, the color of both the sea and the skies.
Aquamarine gemstones look best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with Black Onyx, black pearls or dark blue sapphire. More casual combinations include lighter, bridal colored combinations with quartz, raw diamonds or pearls. To see a selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring aquamarine, visit www.dashaboutique.com/shopbygemstone. Aquamarine is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to enhance the luster of blue or green eyes.
According to legend, Aquamarine originated in a treasure chest for mermaids. Throughout history, Roman fisherman have used aquamarine as protection from the water, as the gemstone is believed to lend strength and confidence. Aquamarine's powers are said to develop best if the stone is immersed in sun-drenched water. Carrying aquamarine is also believed to guarantee a happy marriage, making the owner not only happy, but wealthy as well.
Mostly mined in Brazil, China, and Pakistan, Aquamarine is the designated birthstone for the month of March. It is also the zodiac sign Pisces assigned gem, and for the18th anniversary. This gem is often cut into faceted shapes, smooth cabochons, beads and carvings.
Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Aquamarine gets a score of 7.5-8, meaning that it is quite scratch resistant and therefore suitable as a component of jewelry. Aquamarine gemstones should be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and water or an ultra-sonic cleaner. Avoid solvents and harsh chemicals when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these elements can damage semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls.
Learn more about all semi-precious gemstones, including amethyst, apatite, black onyx, blue topaz, carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, coral, garnet, white topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, iolite, jade, Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when you check out this gemstone chart: www.dashaboutique.com/gemstone chart.html.
Jumat, 09 Mei 2008
Diamond – April's Gemstone Of Sparkling Glamour
Diamond is a precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is a clear stone revered for its ability to reflect light, and is widely recognized as the April Birthstone and the center stone used in most American engagement rings. But beyond its modern-day uses and associations, diamonds hold a decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological history that add nostalgic value to their already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for more information that will help you fall in love with your diamond jewelry – or inspire you to buy some today!
Diamonds are prized for their beauty and durability. A form of carbon, the Diamond is the world’s hardest known natural material. In fact, the word "Diamond" comes from the ancient Greek adamas, which means invincible. Because of their durability, Diamonds have been used in tools for since antiquity. Diamonds were first used as religions icons in India nearly 2,500 years ago. Since then, they've become highly coveted gemstones.
Diamonds are often described and valued by their gemological characteristics: The Four C's (carat, color, cut and clarity). Although Diamonds are used in many types of fine jewelry, they are traditionally associated with engagement and wedding rings. Most people think diamonds are white or colorless. In fact, yellow and brown Diamonds are the most common. Any Diamond with a hue other than brown or yellow is considered a colored Diamond. Colorless Diamonds are pure or nearly pure. The color scale for colorless diamonds goes from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow).
Diamonds look best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with Black Onyx, dark amethyst or cool blue sapphire. More casual combinations include lighter, bridal colored blends with aquamarine, pearls and carnelian. To see a selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring raw diamonds, visit http://www.dashaboutique.com/shopbygemstone. Diamond is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to enhance the luster of blue or green eyes.
Almost half of all Diamonds come from mines in central and southern Africa. The other half comes from mines in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil and Australia. Today, the jewelry industry is buzzing about high-quality or lab-created diamonds. These synthetic diamonds possess the same molecular structure as natural diamonds. With public concerns about the mining industry, these man-made beauties offer a compelling alternative to the real thing.
Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Diamonds are often proved real by the fact that they can scratch glass. Because they are such scratch resistant stones, diamonds are extremelty suitable as a component of oft-worn jewelry. Diamonds should be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and water. Avoid ultra-sonic cleaners, solvents and harsh chemicals when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these elements can damage semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls.
Learn more about all semi-precious and precious gemstones, including amethyst, apatite, aquamarine, black onyx, blue topaz, carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, coral, garnet, white topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, iolite, jade, Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when you check out this gemstone chart: http://www.dashaboutique.com/gemstone chart.html
Diamonds are prized for their beauty and durability. A form of carbon, the Diamond is the world’s hardest known natural material. In fact, the word "Diamond" comes from the ancient Greek adamas, which means invincible. Because of their durability, Diamonds have been used in tools for since antiquity. Diamonds were first used as religions icons in India nearly 2,500 years ago. Since then, they've become highly coveted gemstones.
Diamonds are often described and valued by their gemological characteristics: The Four C's (carat, color, cut and clarity). Although Diamonds are used in many types of fine jewelry, they are traditionally associated with engagement and wedding rings. Most people think diamonds are white or colorless. In fact, yellow and brown Diamonds are the most common. Any Diamond with a hue other than brown or yellow is considered a colored Diamond. Colorless Diamonds are pure or nearly pure. The color scale for colorless diamonds goes from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow).
Diamonds look best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with Black Onyx, dark amethyst or cool blue sapphire. More casual combinations include lighter, bridal colored blends with aquamarine, pearls and carnelian. To see a selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring raw diamonds, visit http://www.dashaboutique.com/shopbygemstone. Diamond is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to enhance the luster of blue or green eyes.
Almost half of all Diamonds come from mines in central and southern Africa. The other half comes from mines in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil and Australia. Today, the jewelry industry is buzzing about high-quality or lab-created diamonds. These synthetic diamonds possess the same molecular structure as natural diamonds. With public concerns about the mining industry, these man-made beauties offer a compelling alternative to the real thing.
Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Diamonds are often proved real by the fact that they can scratch glass. Because they are such scratch resistant stones, diamonds are extremelty suitable as a component of oft-worn jewelry. Diamonds should be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and water. Avoid ultra-sonic cleaners, solvents and harsh chemicals when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these elements can damage semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls.
Learn more about all semi-precious and precious gemstones, including amethyst, apatite, aquamarine, black onyx, blue topaz, carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, coral, garnet, white topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, iolite, jade, Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when you check out this gemstone chart: http://www.dashaboutique.com/gemstone chart.html
How To Take Care Of Your Home Tanning Bed
by: John Grant
We all wanted to have our tanning beds to last as long as possible. This is why some people buy tanning beds that are touted to be durable. But tanning beds do last long if the owners take good care of them.
Here are some ways to take good care of your tanning bed.
After each session, you need to do two things, “inspect” and “clean”. You need to inspect the click strip and make sure that it is attached firmly. And you need to inspect the facial glass (if your tanning bed has it) and make sure that it has no cracks or any other “blemishes”. Then, you need to clean. You must clean the bench and canopy acrylics. Use only the right cleaning liquid, not alcohol nor bleach. And use only soft non-abrasive cloth. You must also clean the tanning bed pillow. Do not use the outdoor or oil-based tanning lotions. These will damage the acrylic. And lastly, you must clean and sanitize the goggles. This is also for your own safety.
Everyday, you do the same thing to your tanning bed, even if you are not using them, and especially if there are many users of the bed. That is, you must inspect and clean. You must inspect the acrylics for cracks, wear, or hazing. Then, you clean the pillow, the bench, and the canopy acrylics. You must also clean and sanitize goggles and the bed exterior. Again, use only the approved cleaning solution.
Once a week, aside from inspecting and cleaning, you must do more things to make sure that your tanning bed is in top condition. You must dust the lamps. But do not touch them with your bare hands. Then you must remove and clean the inside of the bench and canopy acrylic sheets. You must wipe and vacuum the fans, the vents, and the vent hoses. Check if the shock tension needs to be adjusted. If it does, then adjust it. Check the set bolts if these are still tight. And check the power cord and the bench-to-canopy connectors if these are also snug with no wear and tear.
And monthly, you clean again the bench and canopy acrylics. You also need to clean the reflectors using the appropriate cleaning solution. Inspect the vent hoses for optimum ventilation and do the necessary adjustments if needed. For sufficient ventilation, make sure that the bed is at least six inches away from the wall. And lastly, check the voltage being supplied to the bed. It should conform with the ones stated in the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you need to replace a lamp, choose replacements that meet the frequency recommendations.
When you do all these things with your tanning bed, then you are assured that the quality of your tanning bed will last longer.
Exterior Copper Detailing Is Solid Gold In Home Sales
by: Ruby Ann Stevens
Home sellers find that exterior detailing, including copper weather vanes, copper planters, and Brass doorknockers provide eye-catching curb appeal that draws potential buyers. Copper weathervanes and other exterior details also add a touch of welcoming elegance and a perception of added value that can help keep sale prices high.
Even in a seller’s market, it’s important that any for-sale home stand out from other choices on a buyer’s list. “A buyer may visit several realtors and look at up to two-dozen properties in one day,” explains businessman Russell Cazeault. “That means it’s critical to make a good and lasting impression. Exterior detailing like copper weathervanes, copper wind chimes and copper planters are an affordable way for home owners to say ‘Welcome home’ to prospective buyers.”
Cazeault has been helping homes makes a good impression for 18 years. He is president of the Cape Cod Weathervane Company which offers a vast selection of decorative copper details and cooper accents for home exteriors. “Our traditional Cape Cod copper weathervanes are hand-crafted by master artisans with unsurpassed quality and attention to detail,” says Cazeault with pride.
The company also offers a line of nautical weathervanes and has recently added Cape Cod Address Plaques to its product line. Copper weather vanes, brass door knockers, and cast aluminum address plaques are “functional as well as artful,” says Cazeault. ‘This makes them an addition to the value of any home.
Command High Prices With 10 Low-Cost Fixes
Cazeault admits that copper weathervanes may not immediately spring to mind as an incentive for buyers. In fact, when it comes time to ready a home for sale, most owners grab their ladders and paint brushes, purchase lumber and tools, and make plans to do a little fixing up. Before long, “they’ve spent all their evenings and weekends and all their money making interior changes that may never be seen because the exterior wasn’t inviting,” explains Cazeault.
According to Cazeault, the best way to ‘grab eyeballs’ is with his Top Ten Quick Fixes To Improve Home Sale Prices. “These are things any homeowner can do that provides noticeable improvement. And each item takes no more than a few hours – many less than an hour.”
***Buy quality welcome mats for all entry doors (This makes an unmistakable psychological impression.)
***Paint your front door (Cracked and peeling paint on a front door signals to a potential buyer that the house has not been well maintained.)
Changing the color of your front door is also an easy way to draw attention to your house, which is helpful when the For Sale sign goes up.
***Add a brass doorknocker (“A door knocker adds old-world warmth and charm to an entry,” observes Cazeault. “Brass door knockers can be a real conversation piece. The hardest part for most people is deciding which knocker to choose… In most cases they are torn between two or three different styles.
***Substitute copper rain chains for old downspouts (“Copper rain chains channel water from the gutter to the ground, but they’re much more attractive than a downspout,” “They can drain into a basin, a rock garden, or directly into the ground
***Replace old house numbers with a new colorful address plaque. (“Nothing ‘dates’ a home more than shabby numbers that have lost their sheen,” explains Cazeault.)
***Replace aging light fixtures with a copper lantern or brass onion lamp.
(“The inexpensive plastic fixtures that the builder let you have for a song may be functional, but they do little to enhance your homes appearance,” observes Cazeault. “A modest investment in a new brass light fixture can make a big difference in how your home is perceived)
***Add a cupola (The cupola experts at the Cape Cod Weathervane Company recommend that a cupola be 1 – 1 ½” wide for every foot of roof line)
***Top it off with a copper weathervane. (“Standing high above your house silhouetted by the sky, an elegant copper weathervane adds timeless grace and gives your home that New England feel,”
***Consider outdoor art. Use barn stars or wall art to enhance large empty windowless walls on the back of a home, garage or shed.)
***Use copper urns and copper planters. (For the horticulturally challenged, try arrangements of silk and plastic flowers)
Easy To Mine Copper
Cazeault notes that consumers no longer have to chase down copper weathervanes and other exterior detailing items at local home stores or go through the sometimes frustrating process of having items delivered. “Online companies like The Cape Cod Weathervane Company frequently stock a larger selection of truly unique decorative copper than most brick-and-mortar stores,” says Cazeault. “And we offer free delivery,
For more information about The Cape Cod Weathervane Company and their copper weathervanes, brass doorknockers, customized address plaques, and other decorative items, visit http://www.capecodweathervanecompany.com
Home sellers find that exterior detailing, including copper weather vanes, copper planters, and Brass doorknockers provide eye-catching curb appeal that draws potential buyers. Copper weathervanes and other exterior details also add a touch of welcoming elegance and a perception of added value that can help keep sale prices high.
Even in a seller’s market, it’s important that any for-sale home stand out from other choices on a buyer’s list. “A buyer may visit several realtors and look at up to two-dozen properties in one day,” explains businessman Russell Cazeault. “That means it’s critical to make a good and lasting impression. Exterior detailing like copper weathervanes, copper wind chimes and copper planters are an affordable way for home owners to say ‘Welcome home’ to prospective buyers.”
Cazeault has been helping homes makes a good impression for 18 years. He is president of the Cape Cod Weathervane Company which offers a vast selection of decorative copper details and cooper accents for home exteriors. “Our traditional Cape Cod copper weathervanes are hand-crafted by master artisans with unsurpassed quality and attention to detail,” says Cazeault with pride.
The company also offers a line of nautical weathervanes and has recently added Cape Cod Address Plaques to its product line. Copper weather vanes, brass door knockers, and cast aluminum address plaques are “functional as well as artful,” says Cazeault. ‘This makes them an addition to the value of any home.
Command High Prices With 10 Low-Cost Fixes
Cazeault admits that copper weathervanes may not immediately spring to mind as an incentive for buyers. In fact, when it comes time to ready a home for sale, most owners grab their ladders and paint brushes, purchase lumber and tools, and make plans to do a little fixing up. Before long, “they’ve spent all their evenings and weekends and all their money making interior changes that may never be seen because the exterior wasn’t inviting,” explains Cazeault.
According to Cazeault, the best way to ‘grab eyeballs’ is with his Top Ten Quick Fixes To Improve Home Sale Prices. “These are things any homeowner can do that provides noticeable improvement. And each item takes no more than a few hours – many less than an hour.”
***Buy quality welcome mats for all entry doors (This makes an unmistakable psychological impression.)
***Paint your front door (Cracked and peeling paint on a front door signals to a potential buyer that the house has not been well maintained.)
Changing the color of your front door is also an easy way to draw attention to your house, which is helpful when the For Sale sign goes up.
***Add a brass doorknocker (“A door knocker adds old-world warmth and charm to an entry,” observes Cazeault. “Brass door knockers can be a real conversation piece. The hardest part for most people is deciding which knocker to choose… In most cases they are torn between two or three different styles.
***Substitute copper rain chains for old downspouts (“Copper rain chains channel water from the gutter to the ground, but they’re much more attractive than a downspout,” “They can drain into a basin, a rock garden, or directly into the ground
***Replace old house numbers with a new colorful address plaque. (“Nothing ‘dates’ a home more than shabby numbers that have lost their sheen,” explains Cazeault.)
***Replace aging light fixtures with a copper lantern or brass onion lamp.
(“The inexpensive plastic fixtures that the builder let you have for a song may be functional, but they do little to enhance your homes appearance,” observes Cazeault. “A modest investment in a new brass light fixture can make a big difference in how your home is perceived)
***Add a cupola (The cupola experts at the Cape Cod Weathervane Company recommend that a cupola be 1 – 1 ½” wide for every foot of roof line)
***Top it off with a copper weathervane. (“Standing high above your house silhouetted by the sky, an elegant copper weathervane adds timeless grace and gives your home that New England feel,”
***Consider outdoor art. Use barn stars or wall art to enhance large empty windowless walls on the back of a home, garage or shed.)
***Use copper urns and copper planters. (For the horticulturally challenged, try arrangements of silk and plastic flowers)
Easy To Mine Copper
Cazeault notes that consumers no longer have to chase down copper weathervanes and other exterior detailing items at local home stores or go through the sometimes frustrating process of having items delivered. “Online companies like The Cape Cod Weathervane Company frequently stock a larger selection of truly unique decorative copper than most brick-and-mortar stores,” says Cazeault. “And we offer free delivery,
For more information about The Cape Cod Weathervane Company and their copper weathervanes, brass doorknockers, customized address plaques, and other decorative items, visit http://www.capecodweathervanecompany.com
How To Own Stylish & Elegant Jewellery Without Breaking The Bank!
by: Mr Robert Parker
10 facts about affordable gold or rhodium plaited jewellery that is suitable for both casual wear and for special occasions, and which does not have to be stored in a vault!
* A gemstone is a mineral that has been cut or faceted then polished, examples of gemstones are quartz, jasper, amethyst, Ruby and Malachite.
* Facets are flat faces on geometric shapes, that either occur naturally in crystalline structures or as in the case of gemstones are cut into them to improve their appearance. Faceting is usually applied to transparent gemstones.
* The Moh’s scale of mineral hardness characterises the scratch resistance of minerals through the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer one.
* Softer gemstones with a Moh’s hardness scale of less than 7 are easily scratched by dust and grit. On the Moh scale a window pane has a Moh scale rating of 5.5, whilst Quartz is 7, Topaz is 8, and Diamond is 10. In fact Diamond is fifteen times more harder than quartz.
* Rhodium is a hard silvery white and durable metal with a high reflectance. The reflective properties of Rhodium make it suitable for jewellery products.
* Rhodium flashing is known in the jewellery trade as the process of electroplating; whereby a white gold metal is placed in a rhodium salt solution and when an electrical current is passed through the metal the white gold is coated with a thin layer of rhodium. This process gives the rhodium plaited metal a highly reflective white surface.
* Rhodium has a Moh’s hardness of 6 compared to Silver and Gold that both have a Moh’s hardness of just 2.5.
* Cutting is usually applied to opaque gemstones that are impenetrable to visible light while faceting is mainly carried out on transparent gems. As softer gemstones are more readily scratched so they are shaped and polished in order to reduce any visible signs of scratching.
* Rhodium belongs to the group of Platinum metals and is considered to be an even more precious metal than silver.
* By definition, a Cabouchon is a gemstone that has been shaped and polished making attractive jewellery for all occasions
http://rekso.wordpress.com
10 facts about affordable gold or rhodium plaited jewellery that is suitable for both casual wear and for special occasions, and which does not have to be stored in a vault!
* A gemstone is a mineral that has been cut or faceted then polished, examples of gemstones are quartz, jasper, amethyst, Ruby and Malachite.
* Facets are flat faces on geometric shapes, that either occur naturally in crystalline structures or as in the case of gemstones are cut into them to improve their appearance. Faceting is usually applied to transparent gemstones.
* The Moh’s scale of mineral hardness characterises the scratch resistance of minerals through the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer one.
* Softer gemstones with a Moh’s hardness scale of less than 7 are easily scratched by dust and grit. On the Moh scale a window pane has a Moh scale rating of 5.5, whilst Quartz is 7, Topaz is 8, and Diamond is 10. In fact Diamond is fifteen times more harder than quartz.
* Rhodium is a hard silvery white and durable metal with a high reflectance. The reflective properties of Rhodium make it suitable for jewellery products.
* Rhodium flashing is known in the jewellery trade as the process of electroplating; whereby a white gold metal is placed in a rhodium salt solution and when an electrical current is passed through the metal the white gold is coated with a thin layer of rhodium. This process gives the rhodium plaited metal a highly reflective white surface.
* Rhodium has a Moh’s hardness of 6 compared to Silver and Gold that both have a Moh’s hardness of just 2.5.
* Cutting is usually applied to opaque gemstones that are impenetrable to visible light while faceting is mainly carried out on transparent gems. As softer gemstones are more readily scratched so they are shaped and polished in order to reduce any visible signs of scratching.
* Rhodium belongs to the group of Platinum metals and is considered to be an even more precious metal than silver.
* By definition, a Cabouchon is a gemstone that has been shaped and polished making attractive jewellery for all occasions
http://rekso.wordpress.com
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