High heels give you a classy look and make you feel sexy. When buying the shoes you need to consider a number of factors that include:
Fitting of the shoe
As rule of thumb ensure that you buy a shoe that is fitting. When making the purchase, remember that when wearing heels, your feet tend to be pushed forward thus you need to buy a shoe that is a little bit larger than the one that you normally wear. The taller the shoe, the larger it should be. For example, if the high heel is 2-3 ½ inches, it should be a ½ size larger. If it's 6 ½ inches and above, go for one that is 1- ½ sizes larger.
Type of heel
There are many types of high heels. The most common are:
Kitten: The heels are less than 2 inches tall thus easy to walk in.
Stiletto: Most are 8 inches tall but there are a few that are up to 10 inches. They are ideal when you are attending a dressy occasion. It's recommended that you avoid these if you haven't worn heels before.
Wedge: They feature full heels that range from the front to the back of the shoe. The designs range from open-toe to closed. The cool thing about them is that you can wear them with almost any type of cloth and they look great.
Mules: They have a backless slip-on design thus ideal when you are looking to show some skin. Their main flaw is that they have limited ankle support thus you can't walk in them for long especially if you are a newbie.
Pumps: They are similar to stilettos but often come in either peep-toe or closed shoe styles. They are recommended for those that are used to wearing heels.
Material used in making the shoes
The material used in making the high heels is another factor that you should consider when making the purchase. For durability go with shoes made from leather or suede. While the shoes made from the materials are a little bit expensive, they are breathable and tend to last for a long time. They have also been found to be comfortable to wear even for long periods of time.
Conclusion
These are the factors that you need to consider when buying heels. Comfort should be the first thing to consider when making the purchase. To ensure that the shoe is comfortable, first, walk in it in the shoe store.
Rabu, 22 November 2017
Jumat, 03 November 2017
Creating Golden Memories in London: Engagement Ring Shopping
The rising trend to have a bespoke engagement ring means that designers develop quite an intimate relationship with the customer during the process of design and ultimate realisation of the finished piece. There are many London engagement ring designers, and it might mean that you do not go to a shop but will meet with your designer of choice in the relaxed setting of their home or workshop office. This will be a very different experience from visiting jewellery shops where you can also find bespoke jewellery.
Bespoke designers
You will be able to look through sketchbooks and find out what inspires the person you have chosen to design your ring. This can involve talking and spending time with the designer who will help you to tease out what it is you are looking for and expecting from your ring. Some designers are inspired by nature, and although London is one of the busiest commercial cities in the world, even here nature abounds with the many parks and green spaces. And, of course, there is The Royal Botanic Gardens in London. Engagement ring designers can go to Kew and be inspired by gardens from the Arctic to the tropics.
There are also many jewellery shops in Bond Street and Oxford Circus where you can browse in the most luxurious shops or perhaps indulge in a spot of window-shopping for inspiration. There is nothing like the experience of being in a cosmopolitan city like London where all the most beautiful shops for jewellery can be discovered, as well as being able to access so many other things to do. London engagement ring shopping, in fact, can be really exhausting, and you will need a break from all that hard work.
Christmas shopping
One of the most exciting times to come to London is the Christmas period. The atmosphere is palpable with the fantastic lights and wonderful window displays. There can be nothing more romantic than browsing the brightly lit windows of the many jewellers in Oxford Street or Bond Street, and seeing how Christmas looks in London. Engagement ring shopping can be fun, flitting from one window to another, getting ideas of designs and prices. You might start out with one idea, perhaps a diamond ring, but once you see the array of coloured gems, such as rubies, emeralds and sapphires, you might be swayed. These richly coloured gemstones have traditionally been used for engagement rings, and it is only relatively recently that diamonds have become the gem of choice.
Going together to London to find the ring that will celebrate your new life and promises to each other can be a very special experience. Perhaps a meal in one of the wonderful restaurants, or some of the excellent street food found on your way to a night's entertainment, or a romantic stroll by the Thames might become memories to look back on and treasure in the years to come.
Bespoke designers
You will be able to look through sketchbooks and find out what inspires the person you have chosen to design your ring. This can involve talking and spending time with the designer who will help you to tease out what it is you are looking for and expecting from your ring. Some designers are inspired by nature, and although London is one of the busiest commercial cities in the world, even here nature abounds with the many parks and green spaces. And, of course, there is The Royal Botanic Gardens in London. Engagement ring designers can go to Kew and be inspired by gardens from the Arctic to the tropics.
There are also many jewellery shops in Bond Street and Oxford Circus where you can browse in the most luxurious shops or perhaps indulge in a spot of window-shopping for inspiration. There is nothing like the experience of being in a cosmopolitan city like London where all the most beautiful shops for jewellery can be discovered, as well as being able to access so many other things to do. London engagement ring shopping, in fact, can be really exhausting, and you will need a break from all that hard work.
Christmas shopping
One of the most exciting times to come to London is the Christmas period. The atmosphere is palpable with the fantastic lights and wonderful window displays. There can be nothing more romantic than browsing the brightly lit windows of the many jewellers in Oxford Street or Bond Street, and seeing how Christmas looks in London. Engagement ring shopping can be fun, flitting from one window to another, getting ideas of designs and prices. You might start out with one idea, perhaps a diamond ring, but once you see the array of coloured gems, such as rubies, emeralds and sapphires, you might be swayed. These richly coloured gemstones have traditionally been used for engagement rings, and it is only relatively recently that diamonds have become the gem of choice.
Going together to London to find the ring that will celebrate your new life and promises to each other can be a very special experience. Perhaps a meal in one of the wonderful restaurants, or some of the excellent street food found on your way to a night's entertainment, or a romantic stroll by the Thames might become memories to look back on and treasure in the years to come.
Senin, 23 Oktober 2017
Are Sapphire Engagement Rings a Threat to the Diamond Monopoly?
It has not always been the case that a diamond was the most popular stone for an engagement ring. Although diamonds were recorded in betrothal rings in the 15th century, other stones such as rubies, emeralds and sapphire betrothal rings were more popular.
Over the centuries, among the rich, coloured gemstones were preferred. It was not until the mid-twentieth century that they became the default choice for engagement rings. There is a story that in 1936 Jean Harlow refused her diamond engagement ring from William Powell; he changed it for a sapphire engagement ring, which she felt was more glamorous. Elizabeth Taylor was given a cabochon sapphire by her second husband, Michael Wilding.
Royal gemstones
The British Royal Family seems to have a tradition of using coloured gemstones. They have not been swayed quite so much by the trend for diamond engagement rings. The Queen Mother, Princess Anne, Princess Diana and the Duchess of Cambridge all received sapphire engagement rings. When Prince Andrew proposed to Sarah Ferguson, he presented her with a ruby ring.
More and more couples are now choosing coloured gemstones instead of a diamond to express their feelings for each other, indicating that there is a return to a more personal and meaningful choice when selecting a ring. There are even couples who do not have a gemstone at all but decide on a design in gold or a different metal that is pleasing to them. This is an even older tradition, going back to Roman times when betrothal rings were engraved or created in different designs.
Language of stones
As with the language of flowers, which is largely forgotten today, so gemstones have their own language as well. This would have been a factor in the choice of a stone for the couples' ring. This symbolic language is being revived today, and it is interesting to discover what characteristics different stones symbolise. Rubies signify passion, energy, strength and love; yellow sapphires and diamonds mean sociability, enthusiasm and optimism. Diamonds, along with pearls and moonstones, stand for innocence and simplicity, while emeralds mean harmony, good luck and peace. For strength, truth and good health, then it must be a sapphire. Engagement rings' gemstones can hold hidden meanings that can have a special meaning for the individual.
Durability
Another, more practical reason why sapphires are such a popular choice is their durability and strength. Because of these qualities, they are hard stones which means they are not easily scratched, chipped or damaged by chemicals used around the home. This makes sapphires a very attractive choice. Sapphires are found in various colours, some more widely known than others. Blue is probably the best known colour, but they come in pink, yellow, purple, lavender, green, orange and brown, and even white. This makes sapphire engagement rings a very attractive option because of the stones' durability, diversity in colour and, of course, their brilliance and clarity, all making them a tough rival to a diamond ring.
Over the centuries, among the rich, coloured gemstones were preferred. It was not until the mid-twentieth century that they became the default choice for engagement rings. There is a story that in 1936 Jean Harlow refused her diamond engagement ring from William Powell; he changed it for a sapphire engagement ring, which she felt was more glamorous. Elizabeth Taylor was given a cabochon sapphire by her second husband, Michael Wilding.
Royal gemstones
The British Royal Family seems to have a tradition of using coloured gemstones. They have not been swayed quite so much by the trend for diamond engagement rings. The Queen Mother, Princess Anne, Princess Diana and the Duchess of Cambridge all received sapphire engagement rings. When Prince Andrew proposed to Sarah Ferguson, he presented her with a ruby ring.
More and more couples are now choosing coloured gemstones instead of a diamond to express their feelings for each other, indicating that there is a return to a more personal and meaningful choice when selecting a ring. There are even couples who do not have a gemstone at all but decide on a design in gold or a different metal that is pleasing to them. This is an even older tradition, going back to Roman times when betrothal rings were engraved or created in different designs.
Language of stones
As with the language of flowers, which is largely forgotten today, so gemstones have their own language as well. This would have been a factor in the choice of a stone for the couples' ring. This symbolic language is being revived today, and it is interesting to discover what characteristics different stones symbolise. Rubies signify passion, energy, strength and love; yellow sapphires and diamonds mean sociability, enthusiasm and optimism. Diamonds, along with pearls and moonstones, stand for innocence and simplicity, while emeralds mean harmony, good luck and peace. For strength, truth and good health, then it must be a sapphire. Engagement rings' gemstones can hold hidden meanings that can have a special meaning for the individual.
Durability
Another, more practical reason why sapphires are such a popular choice is their durability and strength. Because of these qualities, they are hard stones which means they are not easily scratched, chipped or damaged by chemicals used around the home. This makes sapphires a very attractive choice. Sapphires are found in various colours, some more widely known than others. Blue is probably the best known colour, but they come in pink, yellow, purple, lavender, green, orange and brown, and even white. This makes sapphire engagement rings a very attractive option because of the stones' durability, diversity in colour and, of course, their brilliance and clarity, all making them a tough rival to a diamond ring.
Sabtu, 07 Oktober 2017
How to Buy an Investment Grade Diamond Engagement Ring
We are often asked how much an engagement ring set with an investment grade diamond will cost. Although we are not investment advisors, nor do we offer investment advice, we do have our fingers on the pulse of this market.
In current market conditions, an investment grade diamond will have the following characteristics:
1) Clarity of VS2 or higher
2) Colors within the range of D-H
3) 1.00+ carat size
4) GIA certification
5) Triple Excellent, very good rating (cut, polish, symmetry)
For many, a diamond of investment grade falls outside the price range for most people. For buyers with budgets under $20k who are looking for investment quality combined with a symbol of love and devotion, we recommend without reservation, diamonds with VS2+ grades, D-H colored diamonds.
For buyers who wish to have a diamond that will serve as a long-term hard asset and increase in value, we suggest considering diamonds with investment grade characteristics as discussed above.
Now more than ever this discussion is becoming a hot topic. According to recent press referenced below, DeBeer's announced that diamond prices will rise due to demand.
Bloomberg reported in May, 2014, that diamond prices will increase 5% each year.
With this information, we can expect that ALL diamond prices will rise. So, if a diamond with investment grade characteristics is on your horizon, or any diamond for that matter, it may be a good idea to buy before the prices increase to market projections.
In current market conditions, an investment grade diamond will have the following characteristics:
1) Clarity of VS2 or higher
2) Colors within the range of D-H
3) 1.00+ carat size
4) GIA certification
5) Triple Excellent, very good rating (cut, polish, symmetry)
For many, a diamond of investment grade falls outside the price range for most people. For buyers with budgets under $20k who are looking for investment quality combined with a symbol of love and devotion, we recommend without reservation, diamonds with VS2+ grades, D-H colored diamonds.
For buyers who wish to have a diamond that will serve as a long-term hard asset and increase in value, we suggest considering diamonds with investment grade characteristics as discussed above.
Now more than ever this discussion is becoming a hot topic. According to recent press referenced below, DeBeer's announced that diamond prices will rise due to demand.
Bloomberg reported in May, 2014, that diamond prices will increase 5% each year.
With this information, we can expect that ALL diamond prices will rise. So, if a diamond with investment grade characteristics is on your horizon, or any diamond for that matter, it may be a good idea to buy before the prices increase to market projections.
Kamis, 21 September 2017
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise: A Tale of a Rare Mountain Gemstone
Everyone loves the blue color. Prized for displaying a calm and tranquil tone, blue has often been linked with the water and sky. Blue also signifies royalty and serenity. These are some of the reasons why everyone adorns the gemstone - Sleeping Beauty turquoise. To possess jewelry with this variety of gemstone is like looking at the vast ocean.
This variety of gemstone is popular for its pure sky blue color that shows rare or no matrix. This mesmerizing stone is named after the Sleeping Beauty mine, where it is found. As per belief, the mountain resembles a sleeping woman, laying on her back with folded arms. This mountain was named long ago, however once the mining got started the name got stuck to the gemstone.
History and Turquoise
In ancient times, turquoise was used by Egyptians for making ornaments. They preferred turquoise gemstone with dark-blue shade whereas the Italians fancied the light blue turquoise. However, this variety of stone has made a remarkable effect on the history of the turquoise gemstone. The famous stone was accidentally discovered from Sleeping Beauty Mine in Globe, Arizona that was opened to extract copper and gold. Today, it is the largest producer of turquoise in the United States.
Healing Properties:
Turquoise is known for its healing properties since long back. The stone is also one of the oldest protection amulets, and it was recognized as the symbol of prosperity among ancient civilizations. Some of the popular beliefs are:
The gemstone augments the body's immune power.
As an efficient healer, turquoise provides comfort for the spirit and well-being for the body.
It supports the meridians and the understated energy fields of the body, improving the connection between the physical and psychic worlds.
Turquoise unites the heaven and earth, thereby revitalizing the energy of the body.
During deep meditation, turquoise prevents an individual from losing touch with the conscious mind.
Why this is a prized gemstone?
The precious gemstone has a significant importance as an ornamental stone for years. Even today, this gemstone is used in various jewelry products. The unique quality of earrings, rings, bracelets and other jewelry products studded with Sleeping Beauty turquoise gemstone is that it lends a distinctive appeal to the person wearing the finery. These beauties are often designed to add stars to both formal and casual ensembles and make the wearer look simply wonderful.
Care of Turquoise Jewelry
This variety of the gem is quite hard and measures six on Moh's Hardness scale. However, jewelry made from it still needs careful handling. Listed below are a few tips that can help the wearer maintain the luster of turquoise jewelry products:
These products should be stored separately from other items such as jewelry and gemstones.
Avoid the use of soaps, shampoo and cream on this type of jewelry items.
Avoid wearing them while doing household chores, exercise or swimming.
Don't use jewelry cleaners on this gemstone jewelry.
Always use a soft brush and soft fabric to clean ring, earrings or bracelets.
Jewelry and gemstone enthusiasts all around the world admire the grace and color of this variety of turquoise stone ever since it was found. This colorful gemstone is believed to hold healing properties, apart from lending a touch of class to the wearer. This characteristic further adds uniqueness to the popularity of this stone.
The points mentioned above have resulted in making Sleeping Beauty turquoise gemstone jewelry products, one of the most sought-after ornamental items ever since its discovery. The high demand of this gemstone clearly indicates that its popularity will grow even more in the coming days.
This variety of gemstone is popular for its pure sky blue color that shows rare or no matrix. This mesmerizing stone is named after the Sleeping Beauty mine, where it is found. As per belief, the mountain resembles a sleeping woman, laying on her back with folded arms. This mountain was named long ago, however once the mining got started the name got stuck to the gemstone.
History and Turquoise
In ancient times, turquoise was used by Egyptians for making ornaments. They preferred turquoise gemstone with dark-blue shade whereas the Italians fancied the light blue turquoise. However, this variety of stone has made a remarkable effect on the history of the turquoise gemstone. The famous stone was accidentally discovered from Sleeping Beauty Mine in Globe, Arizona that was opened to extract copper and gold. Today, it is the largest producer of turquoise in the United States.
Healing Properties:
Turquoise is known for its healing properties since long back. The stone is also one of the oldest protection amulets, and it was recognized as the symbol of prosperity among ancient civilizations. Some of the popular beliefs are:
The gemstone augments the body's immune power.
As an efficient healer, turquoise provides comfort for the spirit and well-being for the body.
It supports the meridians and the understated energy fields of the body, improving the connection between the physical and psychic worlds.
Turquoise unites the heaven and earth, thereby revitalizing the energy of the body.
During deep meditation, turquoise prevents an individual from losing touch with the conscious mind.
Why this is a prized gemstone?
The precious gemstone has a significant importance as an ornamental stone for years. Even today, this gemstone is used in various jewelry products. The unique quality of earrings, rings, bracelets and other jewelry products studded with Sleeping Beauty turquoise gemstone is that it lends a distinctive appeal to the person wearing the finery. These beauties are often designed to add stars to both formal and casual ensembles and make the wearer look simply wonderful.
Care of Turquoise Jewelry
This variety of the gem is quite hard and measures six on Moh's Hardness scale. However, jewelry made from it still needs careful handling. Listed below are a few tips that can help the wearer maintain the luster of turquoise jewelry products:
These products should be stored separately from other items such as jewelry and gemstones.
Avoid the use of soaps, shampoo and cream on this type of jewelry items.
Avoid wearing them while doing household chores, exercise or swimming.
Don't use jewelry cleaners on this gemstone jewelry.
Always use a soft brush and soft fabric to clean ring, earrings or bracelets.
Jewelry and gemstone enthusiasts all around the world admire the grace and color of this variety of turquoise stone ever since it was found. This colorful gemstone is believed to hold healing properties, apart from lending a touch of class to the wearer. This characteristic further adds uniqueness to the popularity of this stone.
The points mentioned above have resulted in making Sleeping Beauty turquoise gemstone jewelry products, one of the most sought-after ornamental items ever since its discovery. The high demand of this gemstone clearly indicates that its popularity will grow even more in the coming days.
Sabtu, 02 September 2017
Factors To Consider When Buying A Diamond Wedding Ring
Diamond wedding rings are not only elegant looking, they are also long lasting. For you to buy the right ring you need to consider a number of factors:
Style
Diamond ring styles vary from plain to elaborate and are based on the number of factors such as: diamonds in the ring, type of diamond setting and the ring's thickness. Some of the common ring styles include:
Eternity: they have diamonds around them making them very eye-catching. You can wear them alone or with an engagement ring. There are some people who buy two eternity rings. They wear one ring above the engagement ring and the other below it.
Enhancers: an enhancer diamond wedding ring grooves around the engagement ring so that the wedding and engagement rings fit together. If planning of buying an enhancer wedding ring you should ensure that it matches the engagement ring.
Setting: diamond wedding rings have four main types of settings: invisible, channel, prong and pave. Prong setting is the most popular and comes with a narrow piece of metal that folds over the edge of the diamond.
In invisible setting, the diamond is placed into a frame with ridges to hold the diamonds in place.
Channel setting is common with smaller, square shaped diamonds. The stones are usually set close together between thin metal walls.
Pave setting on the other hand is used for smaller, round stones that have been placed very close together.
Stone Shape
The shape of the stone is of great importance when buying a diamond wedding ring. There are many types of stone shapes with the main ones being:
Asscher: a square top shape
Cushion: a rounded square top shape
Flanders: a square shape with cut corner. It has 61 facets
Emerald: a rectangular top shape with 50 facets
Heart: a heart shaped top with 59 facets
Trillion: a triangular top shape with 44 facets
The stone shape that you choose solely depends on your personal preference. You should note that the shapes look different on different fingers and hands; therefore, you should do your research to find the shape that looks good on you.
C's Of Diamonds
There are four C's of diamonds that you should consider when making the purchase: colour, cut, carat, and clarity. All these Cs depend on personal preferences.
Conclusion
These are some of the factors that you should consider when buying a diamond wedding ring. As rule of thumb you should buy the right from a reputable dealer.
Style
Diamond ring styles vary from plain to elaborate and are based on the number of factors such as: diamonds in the ring, type of diamond setting and the ring's thickness. Some of the common ring styles include:
Eternity: they have diamonds around them making them very eye-catching. You can wear them alone or with an engagement ring. There are some people who buy two eternity rings. They wear one ring above the engagement ring and the other below it.
Enhancers: an enhancer diamond wedding ring grooves around the engagement ring so that the wedding and engagement rings fit together. If planning of buying an enhancer wedding ring you should ensure that it matches the engagement ring.
Setting: diamond wedding rings have four main types of settings: invisible, channel, prong and pave. Prong setting is the most popular and comes with a narrow piece of metal that folds over the edge of the diamond.
In invisible setting, the diamond is placed into a frame with ridges to hold the diamonds in place.
Channel setting is common with smaller, square shaped diamonds. The stones are usually set close together between thin metal walls.
Pave setting on the other hand is used for smaller, round stones that have been placed very close together.
Stone Shape
The shape of the stone is of great importance when buying a diamond wedding ring. There are many types of stone shapes with the main ones being:
Asscher: a square top shape
Cushion: a rounded square top shape
Flanders: a square shape with cut corner. It has 61 facets
Emerald: a rectangular top shape with 50 facets
Heart: a heart shaped top with 59 facets
Trillion: a triangular top shape with 44 facets
The stone shape that you choose solely depends on your personal preference. You should note that the shapes look different on different fingers and hands; therefore, you should do your research to find the shape that looks good on you.
C's Of Diamonds
There are four C's of diamonds that you should consider when making the purchase: colour, cut, carat, and clarity. All these Cs depend on personal preferences.
Conclusion
These are some of the factors that you should consider when buying a diamond wedding ring. As rule of thumb you should buy the right from a reputable dealer.
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