Saturday, June 23, 2007

The Romance of Jewelry

by: Carrie Johnson
"Well," you may ask, "isn't jewelry romantic by it's very nature?"

To some extent this is true, but we wear jewelry for any number of reasons that are not romantic... to look sophisticated, to look professional, to impress our friends and neighbors.

So what about the romance of jewelry?

In this case I'm talking about romance in a broader sense than simply relationships.

Something more like this definition from the dictionary:

"A quality or feeling of mystery, excitement, and remoteness from everyday life"

That wonderful fission, that bit of a chill that you get from something that is just, well, more than day to day life.

Romantic jewelry is that jewelry that makes you feel special, different, like a princess or a prince. That jewelry that takes you out of your normal hum drum life each time you put it on. The little something extra that comes of wearing something truly special.

Perhaps that is why gold is such a popular metal for jewelry. I love silver and platinum and there are other metals (titanium comes to mind) that make great jewelry, but there is nothing like the romance of gold. To wear gold is to wear the jewelry of kings and queens. In ancient Egypt only the pharaohs and those especially favored by the pharaohs were permitted to wear gold. This feeling of being special and above the fray has continued to the modern day. If you want to feel like royalty (or if you want to give a gift that says you think of your beloved as a king or queen), gold is the answer.

Other jewels that inspire feelings of romance are pearls, emeralds and rubies... and, of course, for many people, diamonds.

Somehow though diamonds don't seem to have the same warmth and romance as the other stones. Actually diamonds were not historically valued as highly was we do today. Much of the romance that has been generated around diamonds is do to de Beers in the early part of the 20th century instituting a brilliant and very effective advertising campaign... so I will leave diamonds for another day.

On the other hand pearls... Pearls feel wonderful against your skin. They are sensuous and mysterious. To look deeply into a fine pearl is to look into eternity. There is also something intriguing about a pearl, knowing that is came not from the cold hard ground, but from an industrious mollusk.

Pearls have been prized in all time periods and all cultures. Historically baroque pearls (large irregularly shaped pearls) were used to make wonderful and fantastic jewelry by embellishing them with gold an gems. Frequently these took the shape of Neptune or other greek gods, sirens, beautiful women and animals. The Canning Jewel in the Victoria and Albert museum is a famous and elaborate use of a baroque as the base for a handsome merman.

Black pearls, particularly Tahitian black pearls have become very popular in recent years. They come in a range of colors from spectacular purples and greens, through pinks to sophisticated browns. All are lovely and the range of colors gives them a great deal of flexibility in choosing just the right pearl for your outfit and mood. The most beautiful black pearl necklace I've seen was from Morrison's a small manufacturing jeweler in Berkeley. The pearls were arranged in a rainbow strung together so that each color melted into the one next to it -- stunning. And of course what could be more romantic than pearls from Tahiti?

(By the way, if you wear pearls, do wear them against your skin, it is good for them, but be sure that you do not wear any perfume, scent or lotion, at least not where it might contact your pearls.)

Emeralds and rubies are traditionally the emperor and empress of gems. Perhaps it is their vibrant colors that inspired our ancestors. Certainly that vivid blood red and cool serpent green are hard to ignore. Even today emeralds and rubies of equal size and quality are more expensive than equivalent diamonds.

In Victorian times colored gems were used to spell out love messages. Sometimes this made for interesting and not necessarily attractive settings; but it is very romantic. For instance a piece of jewelry might have these gems in order:

LOVE: Lapis, Opal, Vermeil and Emerald.

REGARD: Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby and Diamond.

The shape of jewelry too can harbor a romantic message. Hearts and clasped hands, hands holding a heart (Claddagh) and cupids are self explanatory, but some shapes are a bit more subtle.

For many cultures, including the Romans and the Victorians, snakes were a symbol of enduring love. A snake biting it's own tail so as to make a circle is a particularly potent symbol of everlasting love. Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria a snake engagement ring -- the beginning of a long and celebrated marriage.

Interestingly lizards and frogs were (and perhaps still are) also symbols of wedded happiness. Perhaps this explains the continuing popularity of jewelry depicting this wiggly creatures.

Jewelry in the shape of flowers may also be symbolic. To quote Ophelia "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance; pray, love, remember: and there is pansies. That’s for thoughts."

Other flowers commonly found in jewelry are daisies for innocence, roses for the growth and continuation of love and bouquets expressing the commingling and compatibility of marriage. When you are considering the perfect gift from that next anniversary, rather than the common "anniversary ring" how about a more romantic bouquet pendant?

So the next time you are rooting through your jewel box before that special tryst or looking for the perfect gift for the perfect lover, consider the symbolic romance of jewelry and gems.



About The Author

Carrie Johnson
The Jewelry Maven
http://www.gorgeousanimaljewelry.com
http://www.animaljewelry.blogspot.com

10 Do’s Of Great Hair Care

by: Michael Barrows
If the amount of money consumers spend on hair care products annually is any indication, most people are concerned about the appearance of their hair and strive to attain beautiful, healthy and stylish locks. In fact, most will go to any lengths to achieve their desired look. From professional salon treatments to over-the-counter serums, hair care is a big business.

The only problem is that while many people are buying the right hair care products for their hair, they forget to follow basic hair care regimens that will guarantee the health and beauty of their tresses. Additionally, many are also causing needless damage to their hair by participating in unhealthy hair care behavior.

So, what should you do to make sure that your hair stays healthy, shiny and strong? Here are 10 essential "must dos" of great hair care.

Hair care dos

1. Use the right hair care products for your specific hair type. If you're hair is damaged, dry or color treated, use hair care products formulated to repair this damage and add much-needed shine and resiliency. On the other hand, if your hair is oily, use a deep-cleansing shampoo and light conditioner to keep your hair looking its best. The right products should be at the base of your hair care routine.

2. Get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks as part of your regular hair care routine. Even if you are growing your hair longer, it is still vital to make a routine trim a major part of your hair care routine. Snipping ends before they split will keep your hair looking healthy and save you hair care headaches in the end.

3. Protect your hair with hair care products that contain sunscreen.

4. Shampoo your hair only when it is dirty. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to shampoo your hair daily. Doing so can make your hair dry and hard to work with.

5. Turn to a professional for all of your hair care needs. Yes, kitchen beauticians and friends do not cost as much as putting your hair care needs in the hands of a qualified professional, but they often result in blunders that end up costing you more money than if you went to the salon in the first place.

6. Use professional conditioning hair coloring systems. There are many hair coloring systems on the market, and the ones you choose can have a great impact on your hair care costs. Simply put: choose a system that causes minimal damage and conditions hair as it colors. This will save you money when it comes to conditioning hair care products.

7. Stick with one chemical service. In order to keep your hair as healthy as it can be, ask your hair care professional to recommend only one chemical service: color or perm. By only using the service that is perfect for your particular style and needs, you will ensure that your hair stays healthier.

8. Add Texture. By adding texture to your style, through perm or cut, you can greatly reduce the time it takes to style and perform your daily hair care routine. And you will look sensational.

9. Choose hair color that compliments your style. With all of the professional coloring techniques available, this part of your hair care regimen has never been easier. From chunky highlights to soft color, you can greatly enhance your style with the right technique.

10. Comb your hair with a wide-toothed come when it is wet to prevent breakage. The only time you should use a brush during your hair care routine is when your hair is barely damp or dry.

In the end, hair care is a very individualized and personal thing. Feel free to add your own flair and style to your hair care routine, but remember to include hair care principles that will benefit your hair and avoid those that damage it.



About The Author

Michael Barrows' website gives great advice for good hair. Get your free ebook packed with hair style and hair care tips and advice, visit http://www.great-hairstyles.com

How to Care For Your Gold Jewelry

by: Alice Stacy
As a precious metal, gold represents less work to maintain its appearance than other metals, such as silver. Gold does not tarnish, smudge, or discolor, but it can become dulled by contact with soaps, perspiration, hand creams and other substances from your daily life.

A good rule of thumb, is to wash your hands before putting on, or taking off, gold jewelry. This prevents contamination with natural body oils and other matter that your hands have touched. Also, if you're going to be wearing perfume, creams, lotions or other chemical substances, put them on before your jewelry. Gold items will be dulled and dirty from lying on skin that is still moist with make-up, or if they are in the line of fire from hairspray.

Always be sure to remove your rings before immersing your hands in the dishwater or laundry. Repeated exposure to harsh chemicals like chlorine, can permanently damage the gold's luster. That also means removing rings when using swimming pools.

Store gold jewelry that you aren't wearing, in their original boxes, or clean, cloth bags in a drawer away from other jewelry. Never leave pieces jumbled together in a box, as they can scratch each other, particularly if they happen to be set with hard gemstones. Even wrapping each piece in plain tissue paper, will preserve the surface and the shine.

The gold portions of jewelry can be cleaned with a mild soap solution and a soft cloth for polishing. A used, soft-bristled toothbrush may be helpful in reaching small crevices such as the links of a chain, or the underside of settings in a ring.



About The Author

Alice Stacy

If you love jewelry, why not make a career out of it? Visit http://www.jewelrysalesbusiness.com for company profiles and connect with representatives

Irish Wedding Rings

by: Martin Smith
There are a number of Irish Wedding Rings that include Spirals, Triskeles, and Triquetas, Shield Knots and Sun Symbols. The most popular ring by far is the Irish Claddagh and it is surrounded by a romantic legend.

The Claddagh is as was said, the most popular in Ireland. The ring symbolizes love, friendship , and loyalty. The ring is named for an Irish fishing village. The design of the Claddagh is constructed of two hands holding a heart with a crown on top of it. The hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty.

Various traditions give different meanings to the ring depending on how it is worn. As a wedding ring it is worn on the left hand with the heart pointing inward to the wrist. As an engagement ring it is on the right hand with the heart pointing inward toward the wrist. For friendship it is worn on the right hand turned outward.

The legend of the Claddagh begins when a fisherman Richard Joyce and other crew members were captured by pirates shortly before Joyce was to be married. He was sold into slavery in Algiers and made the property of a goldsmith who taught him the craft of goldsmith. Joyce became the master of the craft. With is beloved back in Claddagh on his mind he fashioned the first Claddagh ring. The hands were to represent friendship, the heart was love, and the crown represented loyalty and fidelity.

In 1698 King Georges III agreed to free all of his subjects. Richard Joyce was once again free. His slave master offered Joyce his daughter in marriage and half of his wealth if he would stay in Algiers. Joyce refused the offer and instead returned home to Claddagh where he found his love waiting for him. Neither of them had married. Upon discovering this, Joyce gave his love the ring and they were married shortly thereafter.

The ring was dubbed The Claddagh because of the village Joyce and his Bride were from. There were others who made the ring much later and added jewels and an intricate crown design. The basic hands holding a crowned heart has never changed. Joyce wanted something that would his love for his Beloved.

The Claddagh today is as popular as it ever was. The basic design of the ring has not changed but now there is more intricacies in the crown, gemstones or jewels can be used to fashion the heart, and the hands are simply hands. The ring can be made of silver, gold or basically any metal.

The design is the clasped hands of the ‘fede’ or faith rings. These rings date from Roman times and were popular in the Middle Ages. The ring is worn now by many to speak to their Irish heritage. The Claddagh tells the story of two lovers who are separated and yet their love and commitment withstood the passage of time. It’s simple design and my heritage influenced my decision to purchase a Claddagh.



About The Author

Martin Smith is a freelance writer providing advice and information on a variety of products. His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource. Drop by the site for more information if you have time ! http://www.1st-4-jewelry.com

How to Purchase A Pearl Necklace

by: Martin Smith
Purchasing a pearl necklace can be a daunting task because if you really want top quality pearls there are a number of questions and steps to take to ensure you do get the quality that you are seeking. Pearls are beautiful and a very stylish accent to any wardrobe. The questions and steps with some explanation will be addressed below.

Do you want natural, cultured, or imitation pearls. Please note that imitation pearls are custom jewelry and they don’t have much value. Natural pearls are next to impossible to find in stores they are also of a lesser value than cultured pearls.

There are choices of the shape of the pearls that you want. Pearls can be symmetrical, baroque, or irregular. Sphere like pearls are most costly and they are greatly sought after. Symmetrical pearls and tear drop shaped pearls should be even all over.

The size of the pearl is a great issue involving the price. The size of the pearl will affect the price. Bigger is better and they are also more expensive. If money is not a big issue size will only matter by your choice.

Depending on how much you want to spend, what kind of necklace do you want? Do you want a multiple strand with smaller pearls which are less expensive or do you want a single strand of larger pearls which are more expensive.

When inspecting pearls under direct light and on a flat white surface. Check every pearl for luster. Lustrous pearls have shiny surface. There should be good contrast between light and dark, as well as strong and crisp reflections. Avoid pearls that have white and cloudy look to them.

What is the pearls ‘orient’ - a play of iridescent rainbow with high quality colors. Ask whether the color is natural or dyed. The latter is less expensive. More exotic natural colors are more effective.

What is the pearls overtones - a tint secondary to the main body color. Pink tones can increase the price and blues can reduce the price. You can verify that the pearls are clean by making sure there are minimal defects such as nicks, cracks, pits, or discoloration.

Turn the pearl around and check it at all angles. The color, the shape, smoothness, and luster cannot all cannot be different on a single pearl.

Roll a strand of pearls on flat surface to test them for roundness. If they are round they will roll more smoothly and evenly. If they are not round you will feel it when the pearls are rolled, it could feel like going over a bump.

There are three steps you need to take to recognize real pearls from imitations. Run the pearls along the bottom edge of your teeth. A real pearl will feel gritty and or sandy. A fake pearl will feel smooth.

Look at and feel the pearls. Flawless pearls and those that feel light when you bounce them in your hands are probably fake. Check out the pearl under a number 10 magnifier ( a loupe). Imitation pearls appear grainy.

This is definitely a process and it is up to you to do whatever you can to check the value of the pearls. If necessary bring someone who is knowledgeable with you.



About The Author

Martin Smith is a freelance writer providing advice and information on a variety of products. His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource. Drop by the site for more information if you have time ! http://www.1st-4-jewelry.com

How To Do a Pedicure

by: Alice Stacy
If you are accustomed to wearing nail polish, remove this first. If your remover is alcohol or acetone free, it may not be as effective on darker colors. Also, some people prefer to use gauze pads as opposed to cotton balls to avoid any fuzz leftover on the nails. But if your ball is wet enough and wiped well, this shouldn't be a problem.

Next, cut your nails, using a proper toenail cutter and not a fingernail clipper. The toe clippers are made specifically for the nature and shape of foot nails. Cut straight across, leaving one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch, depending on the shape of your toe. Nails can then be filed down with the rough side of an emery board, the corners shaped, and the smooth side of the board used to buff the edges.

Use a bowl, or dishpan from the Dollar Store as a footbath. Soak your feet in warm water for 15 minutes. For a more relaxing session, add some aromatherapy oils or crystals to the water. The soaking will help soften skin that you will be working with next.

Use a cuticle softener around the edges of each nail, and then an orangewood stick to gently push back any skin extending over the nail. Go only to the edge of the nail and no further. If you have a piece of loose skin, there are cuticle clippers that will remove it.

The ball and heels of your feet is where the toughest and roughest skin is. Use a scrub meant for removing dry skin, and put it on a pumice stone or foot scrubber. Rub firmly in order to get the softened dead skin off, but don't go so far that you irritate the foot.

Now indulge yourself by moisturizing while you massage your feet. There are creams made specifically for foot skin, which will condition it better. Rub and massage it into all areas of the foot, especially the thicker skin portions, and then continue up the ankle to the lower calf. You might also like to use a drop of cuticle oil, massaged in to keep them soft and pliable.

Allow your feet to dry thoroughly before putting on any kind of footwear, or re-painting the nails with polish.



About The Author

Alice Stacy

If you love luxury and a little pampering yourself, you can create a home business out of that love. Find out about the many opportunities to sell body care products, spa products and other pampering goodies from the comfort of your home by visiting http://www.pamperingbusiness.com

15 Simple Debt Elimination Steps You Must Start Today!

by: Vincent Dail
What Everybody Needs To Know...Learn The Truth About Debt Elimination!

Debt Elimination tips shows how Millions of Americans are living on the edge of financial disaster surviving only on the hope of next week's paycheck. The average American is dying under a load of debt, with little or nothing building in the bank or in investments.

Here`s how we have been taught to charge, charge, charge and promised Easy monthly payments by advertisers who seduce us into debt. So its no accident that the credit, finance and loan companies end up with most of our money, while we end up with all of the bills.

Debt Elimination Tips, shows how we've been misled!

See for the first time how the entire way our economy works, is designed to make you work yourself to exhaustion--simply to accumulate wealth for the companies you do business with--Not For You.

The most staggering example of this is a home mortgage. Say you bought a home with a 30-year conventional or adjustable rate mortgage, you will pay for that loan about THREE TIMES. Just multiply out your payment times 360 months and you will see that the total is about 3 times the value of the money you borrowed.

Say you buy a $250,000 home, with a $200,000 mortgage; you will end up paying about $600,000 over 30 years. This means that you will pay nearly $400,000 dollars in interest! Just for the privilege of using their $200,000.

That means that two-thirds of that total is interest. Interest is the profit the Mortgage Company makes for lending you the money to buy the house. And they feel that you should pay them back THREE TIMES. That's 200% interest!

Debt elimination tips -- Now let these words soak into your mind and heart: You will have to work...week after week...year after year...to earn FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS---Just so you can give it to the bank to make them rich!

Debt Elimination Tips, Show's how bad it really is to use credit cards and to make only the minimum payments!

Suppose you bought $2,000 worth of furniture on a typical (19.8% interest with a $40 annual fee) credit card, and you paid only the minimum monthly payments requested by the credit card company (here's why they only ask for a minimum payment), it will take you 31 years and 2 months to pay it off.

Plus--In addition to the original $2,000 cost of the furniture-- you would have paid $8,202 in interest,(if you make the minimum payments) just for the privilege of using their $2,000! That's five times the furniture's value! Long after you had thrown the furniture out, you would be draining your wealth away paying for it.

Banks, finance, creditors and credit card companies have encouraged indebtedness.

According to a study by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, 96% of Americans never achieve financial independence. They end up depending on charity, family, government welfare or they're forced to keep working just to survive!

Debt Elimination Tips, Why turn your hard-earned money over to the credit card companies? When you don't have too. Follow a proven debt elimination plan!

A new survey by the American Bankers Association found that 45% of credit card holders with incomes between $50,000 and $100,000 never pay off their balances. Many others don't even make the minimum payments and fall behind on the interest. (Palm Beach Post, Oct 7, 1998)

Debt elimination tips shows how the average American will make over $1,000,000 in his or her working lifetime, and will have as much as 67% to 80% of their money Legally Stolen from them in the form of many different types of federal, state, local taxes and interest on borrowed money!

Are you tired of living paycheck-to-paycheck, month-to- month, making minimum payments, with little hope of ever getting ahead?

Debt elimination tips You Can Start Using Today!

1. Begin eliminating all debts.

2. Write down everything you purchase, determining where your money is going is half the battle on your road to becoming debt free and critical to your future financial success. Seeing it in black and white can give you a new perspective.

3. Pay cash whenever possible.

4. Cut up and cancel all your credit cards, Using a debit card instead of a credit card gives you all the convenience of a credit card but withdraws money immediately from your checking account, so you can not dig yourself back into debt.

5. Never fall into the habit of making only minimum payments.

6. Pay the most you can afford.

7. Put money-saving tips into practice, when possible shop at outlet malls, wholesale clubs and take advantage of coupons.

8. Avoid the trap of thinking in monthly payments.

9. Consider the total cost of purchasing goods and services on credit and compare that with cash savings. You'll pay cash every time.

10. Compare the interest charged on your debts with the interest earned on your savings and investments. You'll find it makes more sense to resolve all debts before beginning a savings or investment program.

11. Debt consolidation loans: be very careful your monthly payments will be lower, but you may lose in the long run, because those lower monthly payments will be spread over a longer period of time. If you don't change your spending habits Now, you could easily end up in worst trouble down the road!

12. Bargain for a better deal: Don't be afraid to negotiate with your creditors many will be willing to Freeze your interest on your outstanding balances in return for automatic monthly payments.

13. Avoid the Quick-Fix companies. Many will charge you a lot of money Up Front, but very few will genuinely help you in the long run.

14. Don't promise away your future income by cashing out part of your retirement savings early to pay down your current debt. You will have to pay Current federal and state taxes, Plus an early withdrawal penalty on that money. You are borrowing against your future, just to pay your current debts and to continue Living a lifestyle beyond your means.

15.Avoid filing for bankruptcy.



About The Author

Vincent Dail

Credit Repair Specialist is run by Vincent Dail. They review and then list some of the best credit repair and debt elimination programs available.

credit-repair-specialist.com

The Best Plus Size Suits For Job Interviews

by: Chirsty Diaz
You've fine-tuned your resume and landed that important interview for the perfect job. Now, you need to figure out what plus size suits will make you look professional and stylish. There are many options for plus size suits, but let's narrow down the search to what will give you the sharp image that you need to impress your interviewers.

What Type Of Job Are You Interviewing For?

When you begin searching through the racks of plus size suits, keep in mind the position for which you are interviewing. If you are hoping for a job in a creative field such as advertising, art, fashion, or entertainment, you will want to choose more colorful fabrics and trendy styles in suits. Potential accountants, bankers, and financial planners should stick to conservative colors, styles, and fabrics. And, if you are hoping to land a sales position, look for tailored suits in assertive colors.

Consider Your Body Type

No two bodies are alike, but here are some general guidelines that will help you select the best style for your figure. If you are top heavy, your best suit options will be single breasted with narrow lapels. Ample hips and thighs can look slimmer with a duster or fingertip-length coat. If you have a shapely waist, peplums or jackets with fitted waists can play up your curves without looking too suggestive for an interview. Tall, leggy women always look great in pantsuits.

What To Wear Under The Jacket

If you have found the perfect interview suit, you will need to select a coordinating shell, blouse, or sweater for under the jacket. This is where you can add some pizzazz with a bright color or interesting pattern. Stay away from frills, lace, or ruffles though. The goal is to look streamlined and professional, not fussy or overtly sexy. As well, make sure that you are not showing cleavage. This is an absolute no-no for an interview.

Accessorize Carefully

Like it or not, you will be sized up during an interview. Too much jewelry and makeup, or scuffed, cheap looking shoes will give the wrong impression. Take the time to refine your look by selecting one tasteful piece of jewelry. Keep your makeup and hairstyle simple. Polish your shoes and carry a professional looking handbag or attaché.

With these tips you will be well on your way to landing your new job. Make sure that you feel comfortable with what you are wearing, and don't forget the most important thing that you can wear to any interview is a confident, friendly smile.



About The Author

Chrisy Diaz is a fashion advisor for plus size women. She has been helping women of all sizes look their absolute best while helping them find fantastic deals on plus size clothing. For the hottest tips, secrets and additonal articles , not to mention some great, plus size deals visit http://www.curvy-lady.com

How to Care For Silver Jewelry

by: Alice Stacy
Silver jewelry has a lovely patina, but the sad fact is that the patina darkens with age, turning from the original brilliant silver, to a light gold, and if left long enough it will become bronzed and then a black/blue.

This is due to the chemical reaction of the silver, with sulfides present in the environment. This is usually due to airborne pollutants, but can also be transferred to the jewelry on your hands.

One of the first rules of keeping your silver jewelry shining, is to store it properly in acid-free paper, or cloth especially for that purpose. Put them in a drawer or other safe place, that is away from exposure to wood or other types of smoke.

It is best to keep jewelry polished, instead of trying to play "catch up" when it has become heavily tarnished. But there are a number of ways to deal with the darkening color.

There are many home solutions, such as using white toothpaste and a soft brush. However, some jewelers point out that silver is not tooth enamel, and can't withstand the abrasive content. Although on things like chains, it's unlikely you would see any resulting scratches.

Commercial solutions do work, but depending on the nature of your jewelry (e.g. whether it contains gemstones or pearls), you may not be able to submerge it completely, and the cleaning will be uneven.

One basis of both commercial and home cleaning solutions, is the creation of an electrochemical cell, where there is a metal ingredient that is anodic to silver. This means that it will help turn the silver in the sulphide tarnish, back to silver.

A favorite home treatment is to line a pot with aluminum foil, one of the metals anodic to silver, put your jewelry in, and cover it with water, then add several tablespoons of baking soda. Boil gently until you see that the discoloration is gone. Your jewelry may be completely clean, or may have a white powder on its surface from the oxidization. This can be removed easily with a baking soda paste. Remember to exercise caution in cleaning silver jewelry. If it is not purely silver, like a chain or bracelet, the treatment you use can damage soft stone or pearls.



About The Author

Alice Stacy

If you love jewelry, why not make a career out of it? Visit http://www.jewelrysalesbusiness.com for company profiles and connect with representatives.

Define Your Own Fashion Statement

by: Sher Matsen
Who says what your Fashion Statement is? You of course! So make sure you devine your own fashion statement! Each of us has our own likes, dislikes comfort zones, body shape & size, and life styles. It's wonderful to pick up your favorite fashion magazine to get some great ideas. But ideas can be revamped to meet your personal tastes.

Perhaps my comfort zone is a loose fit, maybe yours is a very tailored or tight fit. I like turtle necks, you've got cleavage and like to show it. Maybe your a rancher and functional is important, or an office executive where a professional look is critical. Tweeds in and you hate tweed, then don't buy tweed. Hot colors are in but your skin is washed out, then stick to the colors that look good on you but perhaps dress them up with a little color. Low rise pants are in but they aren't attractive on you, then don't buy them.

It's all wonderful and dandy for the fashion world to tell us what is in, what we should wear. But the bottom line is clothes that we buy and hang in the closet never to be warn are a waste of our money. Don't feel pressured to stay with the trends. Trends come and go. If you stick with your basics and then add a piece here and there that fits the current fashions you'll be much better off.

So pick up the popular fashion magazines like Vogue, Style, or Elle. Have a flip through. Then take what you like and use it and toss the rest away. What really matters is that you feel "good" in the look you present. When you feel good about how you look your confidence level jumps, your happier, and your positive energy flows around you.

If a pair of blue jeans with a tank top and big bold earrings is your thing then that's your fashion statement. If you like long skirts, heels, and gold jewelry then that's your fashion statement. Don't let anyone or anybody change you from who you are. Because you are your fashion statement.

Now that's not to say we can't all take a lesson or so, get the creative juices flowing, or freshen our look. The magazines are terrific ways to do just that. There are plenty of great web sites that can also be very helpful.

Don't forget accesories can spice up any outfit. Denim can be very classy with the right shoes and jewelry. Your black dress can become quite informal and fun with the right jewelry or belt. Change the entire look of an outfit with your accesories. Utilize all your wardrobe by mixing and matching pieces, jewelry, shoes, and other accesories. The more jewelry you have the more looks you can create.

You are your fashion statement. Say what you want, say it how you want, wear it how you want! If your comfortable in your look your going to show your confidence. Be you!



About The Author

Sher Matsen

Visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/ where looking good doesn’t cost you a fortune. Check out our affordable estate jewelry. © Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved – You may republish this article with an active link to our site.