Archive for August, 2009
August 21st, 2009 | 
Author: For a geologist or gemologist, a diamond is more than a jewel; it is a precious discovery. For me and you, it is quite a different matter. I have bought my share of diamonds, which were not really that impressive given my meager salary, but they were enough to make my wife happy and that’s what counts. So, when buying a diamond, the first thing to consider is the person for whom you are buying it. This will give you important information such as what’s too extravagant, too little, or too showy.
Knowing a little about the properties of a diamond is helpful if you are searching for one that is more of an accent on a piece of gold jewelry instead of the main attraction. Because diamonds are extremely resilient, they will remain in good shape even after the gold portion of the jewelry starts to wear. This gives the consumer the option to let a jeweler melt down the gold and create a new piece of jewelry with the diamond. It’s like recycling your first purchase and increasing its value.
One of the most critical pieces of information to help make a wise decision is known as the four “C’s”. There are numerous websites with information about carat, clarity, colour, and cut. Each of these determines the value of a diamond and will help you decide which one to choose. Carat is the weight of the gem, and can vary depending on whether it is a single stone or a collection of stones on a piece of jewelry. You will find the collection of little stones is less expensive than a single large one. Clarity relates to how well you can see the diamond itself. Colour is esthetic and relates to what is pleasing to the eyes when the gem is exposed to light. It is actually the absence of colour that makes a diamond brilliant. Cut is sometimes confused with shape, but they are not the same. A cut is the way a diamond is augmented based solely upon the original stone.
Some websites I recommend for learning more about selecting the perfect diamond are diamondinfo.org and thediamondbuyingguide.com. Both of these sites give ample information all the way down to how to look for the diamond based on composition. I found them extremely full of information. So, when beginning your quest for the perfect diamond, remember these helpful hints and dazzle someone with a gem that lasts forever.
Raquel’s
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Whether we like it or not current trends in engagement jewelry rings say bigger is so much better. Just have a look at what style engagement rings celebrities are choosing. And if they can do it, I can do it. J Lo’s engagement to Ben Flick also started an interesting trend of consumers seeking out pink diamonds. In no other time in history have pink diamonds been as popular as right after J Lo placed that pink diamond engagement ring on her finger. Any body remember Marilyn Monroe sexily purring that “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend?” Do you have any idea what that did the engagement ring market. Guys are still paying for that statement. Sure back in the 50s women knew it wouldn’t be sensible to wear such a large engagement ring but that didn’t mean a gal couldn’t yearn for it. Today a women wouldn’t feel in the least bit guilty about wearing such a diamond, in fact there are many a women that judge how well they are loved by the size of the rock they are wearing because they “know” what Marilyn knew, that “diamonds are in fact a girls best friend.” When we see the engagement rings worn by stars like Madonna or Catherine Zeta-Jones we take notice and their choices influence the trends that follow. Celebrities are the leaders in setting fashion and jewelry trends. Madonna with her Edwardian engagement ring and Catherine Zeta-Jones’s antique styled 10 carat diamond ring has revived the desire to own a beautiful antique engagement ring. In fact it’s one of the hottest engagement ring styles in 20 years. The size of the diamonds in current styles has also grown from the average one carat to over three carats. That’s a pretty big rock that’s going to set you back a bit. But most women believe they deserve it If you aren’t sure whether bigger is better than have a look at the jewels at the Academy Awards which each year break records and are said to total over $51 million dollars in value. Wonder how many vaults it took to keep those locked up for the night? With jewels being the in thing one has to stop and wonder how the heck normal average working guys plan to pay for these rings. When their fiancés are asked the standard answer is “doesn’t matter I’m worth it. That’s great if your guy is earning a 6 figure salary but wait what if he’s not. What if he’s joe average living from pay day to pay day. What should he do move into the bush and give up his home, perhaps take up walking and sell his car? Wait guys maybe you can get away with a really good quality cubic zirconia. No promise but you don’t loose a thing by trying it. Most of the high end ones can only be identified by a quality jeweler. But, you could be lucky and she won’t mind as long as it’s impressive. Ok girls lets be real here. Dreaming and lusting for that big piece of jewelry with a 5 carat rock is just fine. No problem with dreaming, but when it comes time for your man to buy that ring remember that the ring is not what you are marrying so perhaps it’s time to consider the quality and quantity of the husband to be rather than the ring. Big diamond or little diamond it doesn’t matter as long as the two of you are blissfully happy. Let the celebrities wear their big diamonds and let them sparkle and shine in the lime light. It doesn’t matter because you got your man! That’s what counts!
Raquel’s
The aging process begins when we enter the world and the effects of aging are evident in our bodies through out our lives. Beginning in our 20′s, the signs of aging start to become noticeable. Genetically programmed chronologic aging causes changes in collagen and elastin, the connective tissues that supply firmness and elasticity to the skin. The genetic program of individuals is different, so the loss of skin firmness and elasticity occurs at different rates and different times in one individual as compared to another. As skin becomes less elastic, it also becomes drier and underlying fat padding begins to disappear. With the loss of underlying support by fat padding and connective tissues, the skin begins to sag; it appears less supple and wrinkles form.
Although wrinkles, lines and age spots are formed by the natural effects of getting older, one way to prevent them from appearing early on in life is to avoid direct sunlight and use sunscreens with SPFs 15 or higher. And, although most of us have some form of sun-damaged skin, there are ways to regain healthy, smooth skin. After many years of research, scientists, dermatologists and plastic surgeons have discovered that a variety of natural ingredients and vitamin extracts significantly help slow down and even reverse the signs of aging skin. These ingredients are now found in many physician developed and physician recommended anti-aging skin care products, which are specified below.
Vitamin A (Retinol) – Topical Vitamin A has been suggested to help build collagen fibers within the skin in addition to its more superficial exfoliating property. This is the basis for its use in minimizing the appearance of fine wrinkle lines. Vitamin A or Retinol is the main ingredient found in TYK Young Again, M.D. Forte, DDF and SkinScience products.
Vitamin C – Vitamin C or ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant and is considered vital in wound healing because it aids in stabilizing collagen. When applied topically, vitamin C can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and may lessen the severity of sunburns. This healing ingredient is found in SkinCeuticals, Cellex C and Obagi Cffectives skin care products.
Vitamin E – Vitamin E is another antioxidant that shows to have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. When applied topically, vitamin E has been shown to improve moisturization, softness and smoothness and also provides modest photo protection. Vitamin E is found in Cellex C, Exuviance and MD Forte products.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) – AHAs are designed to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, to improve skin texture and tone, to unblock and cleanse pores, to improve oily skin or acne, and to improve skin condition in general. AHAs are the main ingredients found in MD Forte, TYK Young Again, Super Skin and SkinScience products.
Glycolic Acid – Glycolic acid is the most active and beneficial of the Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHAs) in skin care. Once inside the cells, the acid triggers new formations of collagen to plump cells and the ground substances in the skin to reduce wrinkles on the skin’s surface. Glycolic acid is proven to be very effective in the treatment of acne as well as in cosmetic uses. Glycolic acid is found in products by Gly Derm, MD Forte, Z. Bigatti and Super Skin.
N-6 furfuryladenine (kinetin) – The nature-identical plant growth factor, furfuryladenine, retards the aging of plant cells as well as in vitro human skin fibroblasts. This natural, anti-aging ingredient has been proven to reduce wrinkles and fine lines and is exclusively found in Kinerase creams and lotions. This is a proven alternative for people with sensitive skin or people who are sensitive to products containing Retinol and Vitamin C.
Copper Peptides are the latest scientific breakthrough in skin rejuvenation. Copper has been found to naturally firm the skin, enhance elasticity, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Copper is the main ingredient in products by Neova and Osmotics.
Pal-KTTKS – Pal-KTTKS is an effective ingredient for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It’s found to promote a smoother, younger complexion quickly, without with out expensive and painful chemical peels, surgery or injections. This patented peptide solution is found in StriVectin-SD.
Green Tea Extract – Green tea’s anti-inflammatory and anti-growth qualities are found in many skin care products designed to reduce the appearance of puffiness, wrinkles, fine lines and large pores. Green Tea is found in the Dr. Brandt skin care line, Z. Bigatti and Gly Derm products.
TNS – The biotechnology of the skin’s natural healing process has arrived with the first tissue repairing complex containing growth factors found in normal, healthy skin. Unlike anything else currently on the market, TNS is the next level of skin rejuvenation that delivers dramatic results, for smoother, softer, younger looking skin. TNS is found in SkinMedica’s TNS Recovery Complex.
Many customers ask which anti-aging product is best and we always respond by saying that there is no best product. Since every individuals skin is different, the results of using anti-aging products will be different as well. We recommend that you consult with a skin care professional prior to use of any new skin care product to determine your skin type, skin condition and possible sensitivities to active ingredients. Your skin care professional may recommend specific products, or you can try a few on your own based on your consultation. If you are not happy with the first product you try, try another one. It’s important that you choose a product and skin care regimen that makes you feel 100% comfortable with the look and feel of your skin.
Customers also inquire about when they should expect to see results from using anti-aging products. Again, we respond by saying that results will be different for each individual, generally due to the condition of ones skin prior to use. However, across the board, we say not to expect a miracle, as there is no anti-aging product on the market that provides overnight results. Whether you are trying to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness or age spots, the process is gradual and takes anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the severity of your problem areas. After allowing the products time to take effect as well as following product directions, you can be sure to notice significant improvement in the appearance of your skin.
To see the quickest results, you will have to undergo professional cosmetics procedures. While procedures such as laser treatments, injections and dermabrasion produce the fastest, most noticeable improvements, they are all are somewhat painful or uncomfortable and very costly. In addition, pre and post treatment plans are required to achieve maximum results, which consist of using skin care products, that are also proven to be safe, effective, painless and less expensive alternatives to professional cosmetic procedures.
Please note that with the use of any new skin care product, it is highly possible that your skin will react to the ingredients. You may experience irritation, redness, dryness or a mild breakout, which should only last for the first 3-5 days of use. If you experience any of these reactions for a longer period of time, please discontinue use and consult a skin care professional. It is also recommended that prior to using any new skin care product to consult with a skin care professional.
Raquel’s
Handbags have become an essential commodity for women. It becomes difficult for a buyer to select a handbag since the market if flooded with different types. While selecting a handbag, it is essential to match it with your body type.
Oversized and large handbags are best for those who are tall and slim. A small handbag can make the person look even taller. Thus it is best to select a small one. The handbags that suits best for tall and thin women are clutches, oversized handbags, and shoulder bags. For the shorter girls, small handbags suit best. The larger handbags can overpower you, and in the process can make you look even shorter. A tight fitting short handbag against your body can make you look taller than you are.
If you are blessed with a gorgeous, curvy body, select a medium sized handbag that hangs just above your waist. It accentuates your waistline and makes your body look all the more flattering. Women of plus size should avoid handbags with short straps and the short handbags. A larger and wider handbag best suits their style since it makes them look smaller.
The handbag itself is classified into various types like the shoulder bag, the handheld bag, back pack, tote bag, and the clutch. The shoulder bags, worn over the shoulder, are usually larger in size. These handbags are available in various shapes and sizes. The shoulder bags provide greater space and at the same time are stylish.
The handheld handbags, with straps or handles, are held only in the hand. Used for fashion purposes and for strolling, these handheld handbags are smaller compared to the other handbags. The tote bags are mainly used for casual purposes. With a simple color and one or two compartments, these tote handbags provide a lot of space. They are big bags and fall around the elbow, in the middle of the body.
The back packs with the two straps, are mainly used by students. They help to carry books with ease since the two straps on the shoulders help to balance the weight of the bag equally on both sides. A clutch, unlike the handheld handbag, does not have handles. Usually used in parties and nightclubs, these handbags are small and needs to be clutched by the hand.
Selecting a handbag depends completely on your style and personal taste. It depends on the occasion when you will be using it, and on the place where you will be carrying it. Select handbags according to your mood, personality, and on what you think best suits you.
Raquel’s
Handbags
