Color Contact Lenses - Are They Safe?

Debra Hamer

What is a synthetic gemstone? A synthetic gem is created in a laboratory under controlled conditions. The gem is grown from a natural gemstone "seed". By controlling the environment in which the gem is grown, impurities and inclusions can be avoided which occur in natural gemstones. The created stones have perfect color and clarity which is so highly desired. Most natural gemstones have imperfections due to uncontrolled growing conditions in nature. Synthetic stones will have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties of their natural counterparts without the imperfections.

A good analogy for synthetic gemstone creation is growing roses. Roses grown in a hot house where their growing environment is controlled will be closer to perfection than roses that are grown in your backyard. They're both roses, but the backyard rose will most likely be flawed or imperfect due to disease, insects, and other environmental impacts. Not so with the hot house rose because of the controlled conditions.

Don't confuse simulant gemstones with synthetic gemstones. Simulants can be made up of any substance, like glass. They are made to simulate a particular gemstone, but they do not have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties of the natural gemstone like the synthetic gemstone. Some examples of simulants are cubic zirconia, moissanite, and yttrium aluminum garnet which are diamond simulants.

The most popular gemstones that synthetics have been created for are emeralds, sapphires, rubies and alexandrites. I'm sure you have seen jewelry with synthetic stones, also known as "created" gemstones in your local retail jewelry store. They are easier to obtain and less costly than natural gemstones. Synthetics have made it more affordable for people to own nice jewelry and many prefer the flawless created stones compared to the natural stones. You can usually spot a "created" stone because it's just too perfect in color and clarity. A natural stone, especially in rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, which is perfect in color and clarity, is scarce and the cost is beyond most people's means.

Should you buy a synthetic gemstone or jewelry with created stones over the natural gemstone choices? I would recommend going with your own personal preference. If you want a piece of jewelry with a flawless, perfect gem, then go with the synthetic gemstone. Also, if cost is a deciding factor. As a collector/investor my preference would be for the natural gemstone. It's value and appreciation factor will be much greater, flawed or not.

It's interesting that there are some gemstones man has not been able to synthesize in a laboratory. One example is the garnet family of gems. They have not been able to unlock garnet's secrets to create it in a lab.

How do I know if the gemstone is natural, synthetic (created), or a simulant? If you can't tell by your own examination...ask! A reputable dealer or jeweler will be honest about the origins of the stone. If they don't know or won't say, then don't buy!

Another interesting fact about gemstones that is not common knowledge to the public is that the majority of gems on the market have been treated to create or enhance their color and clarity. There are many different treatments used today. Heat treatment is the most common and widely used. I have written another article specifically regarding gemstone treatments. You can go to Gemstone Treatments to read more on the subject.

As a gemstone collector/investor, as stated before, my preference is for natural gemstones, but as an adornment in jewelry a synthetic gemstone makes for a gorgeous ring, earrings or pendant at an affordable price.


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Learn and read more about gemstones by purchasing Debra's E-book titled "A New Collector's Gemstone Guide" at http://www.profitfromhomebiz.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The protection of a diving wetsuit
Jakob Jelling

Wetsuits are meant to keep divers warm by giving them thermal protection. There are some important guidelines which a diver should learn regarding the wetsuit he might acquire and use. First of all, it is important to know that they are usually made from neoprene; most of the times open cell neoprene. Besides, when wetsuits have a coating added to the neoprene they are easier to be worn and taken off.

The practice of free diving and scuba diving imply the use of different kinds of wetsuits. While a 5 mm thick wetsuit would be ideal for keeping warm a free diver, a scuba diver would need a 7 mm thick wetsuit to achieve the same results. Besides, while most free diving wetsuits don't have a zipper, most scuba diving wetsuits do come with them.

If you are looking for an open cell neoprene wetsuit, it is important that you have into account the fact that they can be easily damaged. If, for example, you are going to use jewelry under your open cell neoprene wetsuit, this could easily damage it and open it, so you should be very careful with it or try to find another kind of wetsuit instead of it. If you have long finger nails you should be careful as well since you could damage it while putting it on or taking it off.

It is also important to have in mind that free diving wetsuits should fit the diver in order to work well and give him the proper thermal protection. If a free diving wetsuit is loose or too tight it would not give the protection it should and it could even become a problem since it could be an obstacle to the diver's movements.

There also are recommendations on how to maintain and store your wetsuit. In order to store it properly while you are not using it, you should hang your wetsuit up avoiding folding it since that could damage it. Besides this, you should make sure to wash the suit after using it and make sure to wash all salty water off from it.

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.divepilot.com. Please visit his website to discover the world of diving!

Get Free Publicity by Pushing the Media's "Hot Buttons"

George McKenzie

Early in my TV career, a consultant from the Magid Company, the people who practically invented TV news research, told me something that helped me enormously through the years.

'There are no dull stories,' she said. 'Just dull approaches to interesting stories.'

It's true. And it's critical to remember if you want to get
free publicity from any working journalist in any medium.

All journalists want information that's 'newsworthy.' But just how do you 'make' a story newsworthy?

Here's an example.

One of my customers, James Wilson, recently sent me a draft
of a press release he'd written and asked me to critique it
for him.

He was hoping to generate some media interest in a
report he'd authored about writing copy for newspaper ads.

He said he wanted to strengthen the lead sentence in the
body of the copy, which read something like:

'Newspaper ads can be a powerful and productive part of
anyone's marketing campaign...'

That's definitely true, I pointed out...but it has ALWAYS
been true. An editor would be likely to ask, 'What's new
about that?'

Reporters, producers and editors are always looking for
'news value' in a press release. To get a positive
response, your release has to say 'I've got news
for you!'

So I suggested a slightly different approach.

Here's the revision I sent back to him:

(Headline) It all 'Ads' Up--Newspaper Classifieds Are Back

(Subheadline) Whether you're selling jewelry or jalopies,
classifieds are a potent promotional vehicle for small
business -- but only if they've got the 'write stuff.'

(Body) In the dash to board what looked like the 'new
economy' gravy train a few years ago, millions of business
owners switched advertising dollars away from traditional
ads in newspapers.

'A lot of them now wish they hadn't,' according to business
expert James Wilson.

'While many internet advertising initiatives never delivered
on expectations,' Wilson adds, 'the old tried-and-true
newspaper ad still seems to provide a good return on
investment.'

'But,' he continues, 'You've got to make sure the ad is well
written. Advertising budgets have become so stretched, you
can't afford sloppy copy that doesn't get the results you
need.' (end of revised release)

Now the copy is hitting a news 'hot button.'

'Hot buttons' are certain universal themes, story lines,
hooks, tie-ins and angles that make something 'newsworthy.'

There are dozens of them. Controversy, record-breakers,
milestones, celebrities, human interest stories, scandal,
conspiracy, government malfeasance, etc.

I call the hot button in this particular case 'myth-
busting.'

Myth-busting occurs when evidence surfaces disputing
conventional wisdom or accepted patterns of thought.

What's the myth in this case?

The idea that the internet is going to make newspaper ads
obsolete.

The report James wrote 'busts' that myth.

Editors, reporters, and producers love to bust myths. It's
a big hot button.

So when you're composing a release, remember--you have to
find a way to connect your release to a hot button.

Without it...your press release will never 'make the news.'

Instead, it will become 'history.'



During his 31 year broadcasting career, George's
TV Reports have appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS, ESPN
George offers a free 7-day mini course to
anyone who subscribes to his free weekly ezine,
Register at http://www.publicitygoldmine.com/ea

Older Woman, Younger Man
Kay Kopit

Older Woman Younger Man

By Kay Kopit

My husband and I have been happily married for 17 years. What makes our relationship unique is that Bryan was born in 1960 the year after I graduated high school. He is 19 years my junior; I am older than his mother. The secret of our success is a deeply committed love for one another. Ours is a passionate romance. Each of us is whole, happy and healthy. Bryan and I have a love that keeps my spirit young. I am sharing our story to give older women hope that they too can find peace and love with a younger man.

We met in 1985 during a rainy winter in San Francisco. We were neighbors on a tiny street near the historic Mission Dolores. The worst storm of the season was on its way and my roof was leaking profusely. I was in dire straits financially, having been newly divorced. I was preparing to fix it myself. Unfortunately my ladder wasn't tall enough. I needed help. None of the folks I knew were home that Saturday morning but I noticed an open door directly across from my house. I hurried upstairs to the second story flat in the azure painted duplex and walked down the long corridor to the living room. There on the sofa was a guy watching the football game on T.V. I introduced myself and then proceeded to ask for his assistance. He looked at me like I was crazy. The silence was deafening. How often does a stranger enter your apartment with a request for help with a major repair? I was flushed with embarrassment but was in too deep to recover. Fortunately he agreed to help me.

This uncommon beginning signaled the magic that lay before us. The sparks flew. We went on our first date within days of this meeting. Bryan's car was broken so we took the bus across the city to an authentic Moroccan restaurant where we sat on paisley cushions and ate with our fingers. I remember clearly how primitive this felt and how natural it was to be with him. He didn't seem the least bit concerned about my age. I, on the other hand, was more sensitive. I was healing from a codependent relationship of 12 years and had never experienced true intimacy. I wasn't sure it was the proper thing to do but I couldn't help myself; I was falling in love. I was scared because these feelings were coming so quickly.

Bryan moved in with me within weeks of our first meeting. I remember thinking if it didn't work out it would be easy to ask him to leave because all he owned was a T.V.
For Valentine's Day he created a hanging wire mobile in the shape of intertwined hearts and presented it to me with flowers and chocolate.

(2)

This type of thoughtful gesture is typical of Bryan. He has never missed a special occasion and has often surprised me with jewelry when he returns from a business trip.
One evening in the spring we were waiting to board a dinner train in Mendocino. A drunken man approached us and said, "How come you two are dressed up? Are you getting married?" Bryan looked at me and said, "Yes, we are aren't we?" That was his proposal. It was decided we would plan a wedding for later that year. But, first I needed to meet Bryan's mother.

Just the thought of it terrified me! Bryan and his mother, Sharon, have a truly special bond. He insisted he would not tell anyone about our engagement until she and I met. We drove to southern California where Sharon was visiting her sister, Bryan's aunt. I felt sick the entire trip. I knew in advance he was going to take his mother shopping the next morning alone to break the news to her. I couldn't sleep at all that night. What felt so "right" to Bryan and me was unusual, especially in the eyes of a parent. When they returned from their excursion Sharon looked like she had just come from a funeral. Fortunately, for me, Aunt Toby accepted the situation and eased the tension by giving me a white angel ornament. His mother is a wonderful woman. In spite of her disappointment, she welcomed me into their family. Over the years our relationship has evolved into a unique friendship, a cross between a peer and a sister.

December 7, 1986, dressed in an ivory colored Victorian gown, I was driven to our wedding in a horse drawn carriage. I remember the sensation well. As I heard the clip-pity clop of the hoofs hitting the pavement I felt it was the happiest day of my life. The ride was several miles long and I enjoyed cars honking loudly at every turn. When we arrived at the elegant Alamo Square Inn Bryan was waiting to escort me inside to the nuptials. It was a good thing he took my hand, for as I exited the carriage, my knees collapsed from shaking so hard. The day was spectacular marking a lifetime of love.

Both Bryan and I had always wanted kids. By the time we met my biological clock had run out. He told me he would rather marry a woman he loved deeply than to wait for someone to bear his children. For several years we were content to be a unit of two. After my dear Aunt Letha died in 1992 I longed for a child. I knew we would be good parents. Bryan agreed to adoption. It was an arduous experience requiring patience and resilience. We had several birthmothers who changed their minds for different reasons. This process took three years and a great deal of money. Ultimately we were blessed with a baby girl we named Mariah. Our daughter is now 8 years old and the light of our life.

(3)

Bryan continues to be my rock, strength and loving support. During our years together I have had many tragedies including: my brother John's suicide in 1988, my ex- husband Joey's death from alcoholism in 1989, and my girlfriend Debra's suicide in 2002. I was hospitalized with a potentially life threatening blood clot in my lungs in 1998. Bryan stood by me through all of these. I married a great guy! I am a fortunate woman to have found true love in the heart of a younger man.

Age is but a notch on the tree of life. Does it really matter that I have more than he. We are all on a spiritual path. We choose lovers, friends and family to mirror our soul's development. Partners of different ages can accelerate this growth. These diverse emotional experiences are opportunities of a lifetime. Let's enjoy them.

For more information on Kay Kopit visit www.isurviveddocumentary.com



Kay Kopit, accomplished artist, actor, writer, speaker and gifted teacher.

Alternative Treatments For Arthritis Pain Relief

Priya Shah

Copyright © 2005 Priya Shah

Natural, herbal remedies can help arthritis sufferers who have tried traditional pain medications without success. Many natural remedies and supplements have been found to actually reduce cartilage deterioration and even rebuild a patient's lost cartilage.

Many people are also seeking natural remedies because of the increasing cost of prescription medication. Conventional over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can be very helpful in decreasing joint pain, but they do produce side effects and can cause problems in long-term users.

Before adding any supplements to your daily routine, check with your healthcare advisor, as supplements can cause adverse reactions and may not be right for your situation. Before discontinuing a prescription medication, consult a physician.

However, with a doctor's approval, there are many natural solutions, which may aid in managing arthritis.

Acupuncture - This is a popular alternative to medication for pain relief. Although the pain-relieving effects may be temporary, these sessions can be very beneficial for those who find that drugs or supplements are insufficient or have unacceptable side effects

Aromatherapy - Aromatherapy focuses on using pleasurable aromatic botanical oils by either massaging them into the skin, adding them to the bath water, inhaling them directly or diffusing their scents into the surrounding environment. The oils have been known to affect moods, help with relaxation, lessen or end fatigue and anxiety, and help the brain and nervous system via olfactory nerves stimulation when inhaled. It is another holistic treatment used by some arthritic sufferers for pain relief and stress management.

Cayenne Cream - Cayenne peppers contain an substance called capsaicin which is responsible for their spicy effect. This also causes a burning sensation when it comes in contact with skin, and inhibits the body's production of substance P which is heavily involved the relaying signals of pain to the brain. You may need to apply the cayenne cream to painful areas two to three times per day for at least one week before you find relief.

Chondroitin - The most popular dietary supplements for arthritis sufferers are chondroitin, fish oil and glucosamine. Chondroitin can draw fluid into the cartilage, improving shock-absorbing ability and weight control, as more weight equals more joint pressure.

Fish Oil - Fish oils help with controlling inflammation in the body and may provide relief when arthritis is caused by an immune system dysfunction as in lupus. A vegetarian alternative to fish oil is flax seed or borage oil. More information can be found at http://www.omega3fats.com

Glucosamine - Recent studies have shown that the cartilage-building substance called glucosamine is effective for the long-term relief of osteoarthritis pain. In some people, glucosamine appears to even slow the deterioration of joints over time and reinforce joint cartilage. Whether or not it can actually reverse the disease is still unclear.
Glutathione

Glutathione - Glutathione is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties and can be safely boosted by consuming its precursors available in the supplements, N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) or undenatured whey protein. You can find out more about it here http://www.1whey2health.com

Magnets - Although magnets that are worn as jewelry or placed on bed linens have been reported by some to be effective pain relievers, results are still preliminary; doctors claim that these magnets are not strong enough.

MSM - Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane is an organic sulfur supplement that appears to slow down the degeneration but is not yet proven and approved. It is used in the reduction of inflammation and can be used in conjunction with glucosamine, in some instances.

Nettle leaf - Nettles can reduce a patient's need for NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) by up to 70 percent.

Vitamin B - It is an effective pain reliever. It works best on the knee and can help stop degeneration that is caused by free-radical molecules, not only in the joints but in other areas of the body as well.

Vitamin E - This antioxidant is used primarily for osteoarthritis.

Ginger - Ginger is an antioxidant that acts as an inflammatory with no major side effects.

These are merely a few examples of what an arthritis sufferer can use when seeking pain relief from natural remedies. Due to the lack of scientific study and testing on many of these alternate treatments, there is no proof of their effectiveness.

Nothing can cure osteoarthritis, but nutritional supplements, the application of heat or cold to affected joints, exercise, and weight loss can improve the function and flexibility of your joints, and perhaps even slow the progress of the disease.

For a comprehensive report on arthritis, visit Arthritis Remedies
http://www.arthritisremedies.org

Priya Shah is the editor of The Glutathione Report and Health Naturale. This article may be reprinted as long as the resource box is left intact and all links are hyperlinked.

The lowdown on new orleans travel
Mansi gupta

The beautiful city cuddled around the curve of the Mississippi River, known for its cuisine, music and culture, is the metropolis New Orleans. This vibrant city summons many a visitors every year. Its more than a few attractions are cherished by tons of people across the globe.

Getting Acquainted With the Place

New Orleans is quite an old city that has a profound sense of art and architecture, culture and people. Certain historic buildings like the U.S Mint Building and the Lousiana History Museum have always accepted attention of the visitors.

The French Quarter is an eminent area in New Orleans. The Quarter speaks about the marvelous European architecture, history, legends and the like. The Bourbon St. bars is an all time entertainment bar or club for the adults. Once you step out of French Quarter, a horde of hotels and restaurants welcome you. The IMAX theatre, Riverwalk shops and Harrah's casino are particularly very famous here.

The Storyland at the City Park of New Orleans is believed to be a wonderland park. The Six Flags amusement park, the Audubon Park and the Zoological Gardens that have more than a thousand animals are amongst the magnets of New Orleans.

The Jackson Square area of New Orleans is teeming with artists, musicians, mimes and fortune tellers, needs no introduction. People from all over the world visit this place on their vacation to New Orleans. The French Quarter is brimming with shopping malls and shops. From glittering jewelry to exclusive souvenir, everything is readily available. There are also antique shops for those who have a taste of antiques. The French Market at New Orleans is known for the bargain. The market is basically devoted to the farmers as well as to flea.

Once you are tired of running around to shop, enjoy a wonderful coffee at the Caf� Du Monde. The caf� is considered to be the home of beignet and chicory coffee.
The 'shotgun' houses at New Orleans are meant to admire the exclusive and peculiar architecture. The rooms in these houses are lined one behind the other such that a single shot fired from outside the front door would go out from the back door without hitting anything. The D- Day Museum at New Orleans that exhibits the history of World War II, has its own glory and charm.

There are different tours to explore New Orleans to the fullest. Thses tours are quite informative and adventurous. For instance on a swamp tour you get to know the concept behind the above ground cemeteries in the city. You also get an opportunity to feed the alligators, see the grand homes and gardens in the Garden District and many such things.
A ghost tour, relished especially by the kids will take you to the haunted St. Philip Street. While on a Southern Comfort Cocktail Tour you will enjoy the restaurants, bars and hotels of the city along with the fables attached to them. The Honey Island Swamp tour is specifically meant for the kids to enjoy this nature preserve and eerie houses like Gris-Gris.

The distinguished pulls of New Orleans are incomplete without the festivals celebrated here. The principal festival of the year is the Mardi Gras in February. This is followed by the crawfish festival in March, the Jazz Heritage festival and the French Quarter Festival in April or May. The July visitors can enjoy the fireworks that happen to be on the 4th of July, Satchmo festival in August subsequent to which are the festivals for tomatoes, catfish, plants etc. in September. Finally there is the grand Christmas celebration that draws everyone's thought and concentration. Almost all the festivals are festooned at least with fireworks and parades.

New Orleans has earned a significant name in the area of sports. The city is a host to many sports concerts all round the year. These festivals make New Orleans a destination worth vacationing all round the year.


Mansi gupta writes about new orleans travel topics.

Straddling the Science/Magic Line: A Look At Magnetic Therapy

Maya Talisman Frost

What's the difference between science and magic? It's our understanding of what makes something happen.

If magic is hocus-pocus, science is simply well understood hocus-pocus. Fire? Solar eclipse? Volcanic eruption? Earthquake? Once we can explain it, it becomes science. But sometimes we're stuck straddling that science/magic line.

Consider magnets.

Remember when you were a kid back in elementary school and you first discovered the wonder of
magnets? What a thrill it was to explore the possibilities! There's nothing like messing with natural
forces to spark a child's imagination.

Thirty five years later, I'm still fascinated by magnets. Magnetic therapy has been used for thousands of years
in Asia and Europe. Some believe that magnets help restore the flow of blood through the capillaries, therefore assisting in the flushing of toxins that may accumulate due to injury or illness. Magnets have been
used to relieve the pain of arthritis, carpal tunnel, migraines, joint injuries, menstrual cramps, and much
more. There has been some research in the last couple of years indicating that magnetic therapy may offer
relief to those suffering from depression and attention deficit disorder.

Yet we're not sure how--or if--this really happens. It's got to be some kind of placebo effect, right? We're all looking for simple solutions to help us feel better. Sometimes we want things to work so much that they
actually DO. Does that mean it's all a bunch of hooey?

I've learned a lot about magnets since my husband started developing and distributing Bodylinx, a line of inexpensive magnetic bracelets. Tom stated right from the beginning that he wanted to downplay the jewelry's
possible health benefits. He likes the bracelets because they're fun-you can play around with the magnetic links and rearrange them. Though he remains reluctant to promote a healing property he doesn't really understand, some of his customers are strong advocates magnetic therapy.

We believe whatever we tell ourselves. If we want to think that a bracelet helps our arthritis, we are free to
believe that. And if it turns out to be true, did it work because we believed it or because there is some kind of science/magic at work?

As important as it is to question our beliefs regularly, it's also crucial that we become willing to suspend
disbelief. Fifty years ago, nobody would have believed that we'd have spacecraft landing on Mars and sending
us digital images of the craters there. As a species, we have broken barrier after barrier by daring to believe the impossible one small idea at a time.

We need to accept that there may be therapies that work even if we can't prove they do or understand how
it happens. This doesn't mean we have to be gullible or stop questioning. We simply need to entertain the
possibility.

Whenever possible, I like a hefty dose of science to back up my beliefs. There is a magnetic field present
on our planet. Fortunately, we don't often shoot out into space and have to deal with the physical effects
of that. What about those who do?

Remember the early days of space exploration? We had to wait several hours after splashdown before the
astronauts appeared at any press conferences.

It turns out that human bodies must be properly reintroduced to the earth's magnetic field. In recent
years, the scientists at NASA have learned how to facilitate this physical readjustment. They now have the astronauts change into special suits embedded with magnets as soon as they land. They slip into their orange suits and voila--they're ready for the cameras!

There is a great deal we are learning about magnets, and it's not just to help those who've blasted off into
space for a while. Magnetic wraps have been used for decades to help racehorses heal after injuries. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence from trainers to support the continued use of magnetic therapy for horses.
Horses don't tend to say much about their beliefs, so it's hard to point to the placebo effect as a possible
explanation.

The most compelling idea about magnetic therapy is that we may need it now more than ever. We used to walk barefoot in the forests and plains. We had direct
contact with the earth as we slept, hunted, and harvested. We were surrounded by vegetation and natural rock formations.

Not anymore. We've built concrete sidewalks, roadways, foundations, and buildings. We travel in cars
and trains, essentially encapsulating ourselves. We've created a world of barriers between the earth's natural
forces and our bodies. It's reasonable to consider that this may be affecting us physically in ways that are
difficult to diagnose.

The earth has so much to teach us. Sometimes we know what works long before we understand why it
does so.

We've never questioned the fact that being surrounded by nature helps us feel soothed, refreshed, and
invigorated. Scientific research now shows us more specifically how the earth helps us feel better. We
benefit from the negative ions near the ocean, our brains respond to the binaural beats present near
waterfalls or during rainstorms, and our bodies react positively to a restored connection to magnetic
forces.

I'm not likely to latch onto the latest pharmaceuticals or tout the benefits of new-fangled remedies. But the old ones? There's no big company poised to reap huge rewards by promoting them, and consequently, we're not likely to hear about them on the evening news or
be bombarded with television commercials praising their
potent power. I always like supporting the underdog, and in this case, that underdog is backed up by plenty
of science of the unprofitable kind.

We would do well to restore our connection to the earth and the powerful forces that help us maintain our health naturally. How wonderful that we can benefit from negative ions, binaural beats and magnetism
without dealing with health insurance or spending a lot of money at the drugstore.

The next time you take a walk in the woods, stroll along the beach, or stretch out in a meadow, remember
the magic of magnetism. Recapture the wonder you had as a child, and celebrate the fact that sometimes
the simplest solutions are still the ones that fill us with awe.


Maya Talisman Frost is a mind masseuse. Her work has inspired thinkers in over 80 countries. To subscribe to her free weekly ezine, the Friday Mind Massage, visit http://www.massageyourmind.com. To learn more about Bodylinx magnetic bracelets, visit http://www.bodylinx.com.

What turns them on pt.2
Andre Leblanc

5. The Derrier
A rounded peach shaped buttock is considered most attractive for men. The woman's buttocks stores fat for breast feeding and storage for lean times. This is also why bigger buttocks are also considered attractive.

If you where to look at past females they would purposely try to make their buttocks seem larger. But today this is seen as bad health and over-indulgence.

Designer jeans help in giving the buttocks a firm rounded look. High heel shoes make your back arch and push your buttocks outward. And also makes you wiggle when you walk. Which this all helps to obviously attract male attention. A real attention grabber is the latest jeans that show the top part of the bum.

6. Flat Belly

A flat belly indicates that she is not pregnant. And second most importantly that she is in good health. This being why gymnasium and yoga classes are filled with people trying and getting a flat tummy. Sit ups are an easy exercise for at home.

Tummy tops and hip huggers are used to show more of the stomach. And at the same time draw more attention to the hips. Making them seem larger and more within reach (teasing).

Jewelry is a good way to attract attention to your stomach. Such as a belly button ring or a gold or silver chain around the waist. Most males find this very attractive s it aids in making your hips seem larger and your waist narrower.

7. Arched Back & Vulva

A woman's body is much smaller and curvier then a man's. Her upper back is narrower and her lower back is wider and her spine more arched. The arching makes the buttocks protrude and push the breast forward.

All of these curves and arches is a sign of feminity. Ask any woman to be sexy and her first position will usually be an exaggerated back-arch and hip-tilt with one or both arms placed on her hips to take up more space and so be more likely to attract attention.

8. Long Neck

Men's necks are short, wide and strong. They are this way to prevent them from snapping. And to carry heavy objects such as animals after a hunt.

Meaning that the female's long neck is a strong gender signal, which men love to kiss and see adorned with jewelry.

9. The face

Small faces with short chins, delicate jaws, high cheekbones, full lips, and eyes that are big in proportion to the face. In general a vulnerable childish face and a wide smile are most loved by men.

This triggers paternal reactions in men to protect and a sexual reaction to touch. The fact that men are attracted to young faces has driven older woman to achieve this look thru plastic surgery. You can find a few examples on your own just by looking at Hollywood's finest.

We will now go over every part of the face to see how the male brain reacts to them:

10. Sensual Mouth

Humans are the only animals to have their lips on the outside. A woman's lips are the same thickness as her vagina and both when aroused expand and fill with blood.

Lipstick mimics this state: Telling men that she is turned on by him or interested in him. Bright red lipstick is one of the strongest sexual signals a woman can use. Blushing is also a state of arousal. Rouge is worn to create this effect permanently. Face powder gives the skin a smooth flawless complexion giving a teenage complexion.

11. Ear Lobes

The length of a woman's earlobes is also a strong sexual signal. Woman in Africa have been purposely expanding them for thousands of years.

Today this is achieved by wearing long earrings. It is proven that the more the earrings dangle the more the men are attracted. Although the use of long earrings often is not a good idea as they can cause damage. Use them more for romantic encounters.

The use of more subtle lipstick and eye shadow should be considered in the business world. As it may attract the wrong attention from males and cause rivalry with other females.

12. Attractive eyes

Large eyes are attractive in most countries. Makeup is used to make the eyes seem larger to men therefore giving them the protective feeling. If a woman is attracted in a man, her pupils dilate, and mascara, eye shadow and eyeliner all create a permanent state of attractiveness. Contact lenses give the eyes a glossy, dilated look. Experiments show men are strangely attracted to woman wearing contacts.

Celebrities caught without make up are photographed and displayed in magazines to make other woman feel good about themselves. The modern woman has become so used to makeup that they think they are ugly without it. Make up should be used as an aid to entice the natural beauty that all woman have. Men find this more attractive then those who use it as a mask to hide behind.

13. Small nose

A childlike feature that once again brings out the protective parental feelings in a man. Most cartoons are drawn with large eyes and a cute button nose to win over the hearts of The viewers. This being the reason for nose surgery to form the nose 35-40 degrees to the face. And giving it a childlike appearance.

14. Long hair

A single hair lives for 6 years; you loose 80-100 hairs a day. Blondes have an average of 140,000 hairs, brunettes 110,000 and redheads 90,000. Blondes have higher estrogen levels that men pick up on and see them as being more fertile. Blonde hair is also seen as a sign of youth.

Smooth, silky clean looking hair is seen as a sign of good health. And the capability to carry offspring. Out of a survey of 5000 men 75% of them where more attracted to long hair as the other 12% was for shorter hair. And the other had no preference.

Remember keep it long to attract and wear it short for business.

By: Andre Leblanc

Read more articles on relationship, sex and more at http://www.datingsas.com

There are other singles waiting to talk to you at http://www.datingsas.com

You may use this article on your webpage only if you keep in 100% intact with are link or link directly to it


Several years experience in the online dating and relationship industry. Currently working on DatingSAS.com

Long Copy Works Better - Or Is It Short Copy?

Karon Thackston

Ahhh! The never-ending battle. I'm sure you've heard both
statements made with passion. Those that believe you must
walk your customer through each and every benefit preach,
"Long copy sells better!" Proponents of this copywriting
method say customers need to be "lead" or "teased" into
reading the next paragraph and the next. Finally, when
you have them drooling, you reveal the punch line.

On the other hand, advocates of short copy state that
consumers today have extremely short attention spans.
Copy that's "to-the-point" is a necessity in order to
make a sale at all. According to these experts, the
long, drawn-out copy gets tossed right out the window
by busy, impatient readers. Feed it to them fast or
you'll lose them to the competition. So exactly who's
right? They both are!

No, I'm not being politically correct and I'm not avoiding
the issue. The honest truth is that all people in the world
do not communicate in the same way. Due to this fact, no
one copywriting approach will work with every single product
or service. As with every other aspect of advertising, you
must look to your target audience for the answer.

I've used this analogy for years... when you begin to write a
letter you do not sit down and write then decide who you will
mail the letter to. Before you put pen to paper you know who
the recipient of the message will be. You know their
communication style and how to best phrase the information
so it will be well received. The same applies to copywriting.

Let's say, just as an example, that your target audience
consists of small business owners. These business owners
happen to all be Certified Public Accountants. Just from
this tiny bit of information I can tell you the target
group is extremely busy, is very detail oriented and has
a bottom line mentality. These people are generally
analytical thinkers. Based on these facts, I would not
write copy to this target audience in long form.
Why? It would most likely not be read.

The group above communicates in short, precise bursts. They
are looking for the bottom line first and an explanation
afterwards. The most effective way to get the attention of
this group (in writing) is to keep it short, sweet and to
the point. Otherwise you will lose them in what they consider
to be a "bunch of fluff". These folks are definitely members
of the short copy group.

So who belongs to the long copy group? People making an
investment for one. I don't mean an investment in the stock
market (so to speak). I'm talking about people who are going
to make a large investment of time or money in anything. People
who are thinking of joining an affiliate program or multilevel
marketing program would be receptive to long form copy. Those
who are going to invest many hours in a self-help process would
appreciate long copy. Let me explain.

When people are going to invest time or money (or both) in
something they get nervous. Customers need to be reassured
that they are making the right decision. They need to be
reminded of why they need to purchase this product or service.
A wealth of information makes these prospective clients more
secure about their decision.

Yes, there are other target groups that would benefit from both
long form and short form copy. There are a multitude of them to
say the least. As the advertiser, your job is to discover which
type of communication style will be received well by your
prospects. (A company named Myers-Briggs offers an excellent
course on defining communication styles. I've participated in
their training and found it to be highly beneficial.)

So what about the writers who swear their copywriting approach
will cause major increases in response rates? What about the
writers who say their method works for any product or service?

"But this guy said his copywriting style caused a 50% increase
in the direct mail response rate of a jewelry store." I've heard
this at least a hundred times. Maybe it did. However, I've never
been a real fan of statistics when used to prove a point such as
this.

There are two items in the above statement that cause me
concern. The first is the percentage. We don't know how many
direct mail pieces were originally mailed. Perhaps on the first
campaign 50 envelopes were sent. Direct mail normally provides
a 1-3% response rate. If we allow the 3% in our example, that
would mean the original campaign received 1.5 responses. A 50%
increase means the mailing using the new copywriting style
received 2.25 responses. Technically, that is a 50% increase even
if only 2 people responded.

The second alarm that goes off is the phrase "response rate".
Most advertisers don't understand this statement. Response rate
does not equal sales. Response rate equals responses. Literally,
if a person calls to ask a question in relation to the mailing it
is considered a response - even if that person never purchases.
I caution you to beware of those with "one size fits all" copy-
writing approaches.

Yes, there are big names out there that will tell you that one
particular style of copy works to sell each and every product
and service. Again, technically, I suppose they are right.
However, it does not sell to each and every target audience
member. If you don't get through to the target audience, the
copy - regardless of who's style it is - is a waste of time and
effort.


Karon is Owner and President of KT & Associates who offers
targeted copywriting, copy editing & ghostwriting services.
Visit her site at http://www.ktamarketing.com

The History of Bracelets

Sher Matsen

Bracelet popularity dates back to the Roman times and continues today.
Roman bracelets shared many of the design patterns of necklaces and earrings from that era. The ever popular ball earrings from that era were nicely matched with a ball style bracelet. Engraved bangles and snake bracelets were very popular during Roman times. Bracelets made of twisted coil with lion head ends were common place, as were the two part bracelets ending with a pair of lion heads. The Heracles knot bracelet is recognized as a Roman era piece. The Roman's were very creative in the designing of their jewelry. However they still borrowed from Greek motifs. Palmettos, fleeing dogs and acanthus leaves, all of Greek origin, were often seen in the designing of Roman jewelry.

Stones and glass were often used in Roman bracelets. . Gem stones were commonly found set in eyes. Open bands were cut to represent a row of ivy and entwined with pearls. Many of the leaf and berry bracelets were heavily adorned with decorative glass. The wealthier women could be seen wearing bracelets layered in bezel set emeralds.

During the Gerogiian times bracelets remained popular. Paris jewelers were known for their gold bracelets set with pearl edging. After the 1820s coral became the "in" fashion statement, so bracelets and other jewelry were heavily set with coral.

During the Gerogiian time it was very fashionable to wear many bracelets at once, including wide ribbon gold mesh bracelets, and silk ribbon bracelets. Gem and Diamond bracelets were designed in geometric patterns. Gold was heavily used during this era.

The Victorian era brought changes to the fashions of women, including jewelry styles. Earrings grew long and dangled, bracelets became rigid and were normally worn in pairs. The buckle bracelet became very fashionable.

The jewelry of the Victorian era expressed sentiment, and bracelets were no exception. Bracelets would contain lockets or charms with pictures or hair of a loved one, and engravings were common

Early Victorian jewelry enjoyed some mystic with hidden meanings being popular. The acrostic bracelets where the first letter of each gemstone spelled a word of friendship were very popular. For example a bracelet set with Lapis, Opal, Vermeil [hessonite garnet] and Emerald would spell Love.

The Art Nouveau period once again saw changes to fashion and jewelry. Chameleons and serpents entwined themselves around bracelets. The mystical Egyptian scarab was found on bracelets and rings. Other popular creatures included dragonflies, butterflies, bees, peacocks, swans, and even bats. This was a very figural period attached to nature.
If jewelry did not depict creatures it depicted flower blossoms or flower buds.

From 1910 to 1939 women's fashions saw sleeveless or short sleeve dresses appear. The result was flexible bracelets and bangles worn on the upper arm. These arm bracelets were often adorned with gemstones or diamonds.
From 1940 to 1949 US designers were greatly influenced by the designs from the French house of Van Cleef & Arpels. Bracelets with ribbon of hexagon lines centered on fine gemstones fastened with heavy clasps became very vogue.

From 1950 to 1960 daytime saw simpler lines for not only gold bracelets but necklaces as well. Gold mesh or twisted wire bracelets were very popular.

From 1960 to 1970 bracelets became more flexible and were often set with gems. Bangles on the other hand became more rigid and were often seen set with random diamond placements.

From 1970 to 1979 bracelets were flexible and often set with tiny baguettes. Delicate and dainty bracelets were vogue.

From the 1980s to now bracelet fashions have been mixed and varied. Bracelet styles have become more of an individual fashion statement than a trend. Gold has always remained popular as have gems, however sterling silver has become very popular and recognized for its versatility and wearability at affordable pricing. In the last few years we've also seen an increase in demand for titanium bracelets.
Today a women's fashion statement is about her! What she likes, what she feels good in. So your bracelet wardrobe can be what ever you want. Wear a dainty gem set gold bracelet or an armful of clunky bracelets, which is very vogue this season.

Your fashion statement is about who you are, so feel free to be you!



© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

About the author:
Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.


The Jewelry Box: a perfect companion to all your precious valuables
Angela Davis

A jewelry box is the perfect companion to all your beautiful jewelry pieces. You can use it not only for keeping your ornaments but also for storing those precious trinkets and items which you care for very deeply.

There are some things which cannot be evaluated in terms of money, these are small fragile things which in some way have touched your life and are of immense significance. A jewelry box is a safe haven for all those little things. A place where you can keep those small treasures which cannot be bought with money.

A good jewelry box is most often a beautiful handcrafted piece. It is available in various finishes and textures. Starting from warm mahogany wood, rose wood, to matt silver, there is a jewelry box in almost every conceivable material and color. Some of these materials used for the creation of your jewelry box include wood, glass, metal, and porcelain. The one that most are accustomed to is the wooden flip top lids with the musical song that lightly plays in the background. However, there have been changes and improvements in the making of a jewelry box, and there are now very beautifully made wooden jewelry boxes made from dark cherry wood, and there is now also style of jewelry box that is being made from carved and polished marble.

You can choose from a very wide range and pick one which suits your taste and pocket at the same time. The jewelry box has a soft lining of velvet inside, such that the precious things you store in it are not damaged in any way. Some are antique pieces, which have been crafted by master craftsmen and are collector's items. Others are made by established firms who specialize only in making these. Still others can be found at local stores made by individual craftsmen or by bulk manufacturers.

If you are to purchase a jewelry box for yourself, or as a gift for some body else, it is important to know what kind you want and what kind is out there on the market, and which one suits you the best to fulfill your needs.

A jewelry box is a wonderful possession to have and to hold your valuable items. It is a wonderful way to hold your jewelry and each box has the potential to be your own, personal piece in which not only can you store valuable items but also the memories associated with it. It is not just a place to house your treasured valuables; it is also a beautiful piece which can be passed on from one generation to another as a precious heirloom.

A jewelry box is available in various price ranges starting from those that are commonly available in stores to unique pieces which can be bought only in renowned auction houses. Whatever your choice, the jewelry box is a beautiful object to have and to give as a gift.

It is one of those unique pieces which bring to mind an old world charm. There is an intriguing sense of timelessness and a very rich heritage associated with a jewelry box. In a way it is the caretaker of our individual legacy. A place cherished and suffused with the warm glow of memories.

Looking for information about Jewelry?
Go to: http://www.merryjewelry.com
'Merry Jewelry' is published by Angela Davis -
The Complete Jewelry Resource Directory
Check out more Jewelry articles at: http://www.merryjewelry.com/archive

Excellence - The Only Standard For Your Business

Jenean Matthews

Excellence - The Only Standard For Your Business
By Jenean Matthews

In the business world, online and offline, the only way
we can stay in business is to attract customers and keep
them. We spend a lot of time advertising, looking for
referrals and promoting to new and current customers.
But what are our customers really looking for?

If you sell software, jewelry, vitamins, books, etcetera,
a customer can purchase these products in a multitude
of places. Why should a customer purchase the product
from you and return to your business for other products?
The answer should be because they can expect excellence
from you.

Excellence is setting high standards for yourself that your
competitors may overlook. You will go beyond the normal
standard of customer service to satisfy your customer. You
will perform at a level higher than the competition. Your
business will be superb.

Can you think of a business that's superb? Can you think
of a time when a business offered you a high quality product
and they went above and beyond what their competitors offered?
What did you do? You probably purchased other products from
them and told your family and friends about the experience.
What are your customers saying about your business and their
experience with you?

If you want your customer to say they were very satisfied,
you have to be willing and determined to raise your standards
and be better today than you were yesterday. Excelling is an
ongoing process that never ends.

How do you start the process?

*Pay Attention To The Details
Imagine you are buying a pair of earrings as a gift. Store A
has what you're looking for in the display cabinet. You ask
to see them, you like them so you make the purchase. The
salesperson puts them in a plastic earring holder and places
them in a paper bag along with the receipt.

Store B has what you're looking for in the display cabinet.
You ask to see them. The salesperson explains the quality
and weight to you so you can make an informed decision.
You like them so you make the purchase. The salesperson
puts them in a beautiful box, offers to gift wrap them for
you, at no extra charge, and puts them in a small gift bag.
She hands you your receipt and cleaning and care instructions
for the earrings.

Which store will you return to for your next purchase?

*Go The Extra Mile
Imagine you just purchased a new computer and you're out
shopping for a certain software product.

You find the product in store A. You ask the salesperson if
it's compatible with what you have on your computer system.
The software product doesn't give that information. The
salesperson doesn't know the answer but tells you if purchase
the product and find out later that it won't work you can return
it within 10 days of purchase if it is unopened.

You find your software at store B. Again, you're not sure of
the compatibility. You ask the salesperson but he doesn't know.
He escorts you to the help desk and asks another salesperson.
She is not 100% sure but thinks it may be compatible. The
salesperson pulls up the software company's web site, finds
out it is compatible, and prints the information for you and
you make the purchase.

Which store will you return to for your next purchase?

*Treat People Like You Want To Be Treated
You expect the best when you are spending you time and
hard-earned money. In turn, you must give your customers
the best. When you set up your business, walk through
the purchasing process your customers will experience from
the moment they click on your web site or drive up to your
place of business. As you go through your purchase process
ask yourself each step of the way, "Is this how I would like
to be treated?" If you get to the point where your answer is no,
make the necessary changes.

-When a customer makes a purchase from you ask them about
their experience.

-Visit chat rooms and bulletin boards where consumers gather
to complain about their shopping experiences. Examine your
business and make sure the same complaints cannot be said
about your company.

-Think of instances when you received excellent treatment
and find ways to incorporate it in your business.

Offer the highest quality, be exceptionally good, go beyond
the norm and show the utmost respect for your customers.
They will return again and again and bring others along with
them.

Excellence - The Only Standard For Your Business © 2000
Jenean Matthews is a businesswoman who believes
in encouraging and helping others to accomplish their
dreams. She believes people can overcome obstacles, rise
to any occasion, and accomplish their entire dream with enough
faith. She can be found accomplishing her dream at
http://www.1stshoppingavenue.com or subscribe to the newsletter
for chances to win free gifts salespaper-subscribe@topica.com



Jenean Matthews is a businesswoman who believes
in encouraging and helping others to accomplish their
dreams. She believes people can overcome obstacles, rise
to any occasion, and accomplish their entire dream with enough
faith. She can be found accomplishing her dream at
http://www.1stshoppingavenue.com or subscribe to the newsletter
for chances to win free gifts salespaper-subscribe@topica.com


A Clothes Encounter In The Business World
Lydia Ramsey

Do you ever wonder where all the dress rules have gone? Depending on when and where you are on any given business day, the words "distant past" might come to mind. It's difficult to decide if people don't know what to wear to work or if they have lost sight of the relevance of appearance to professional success.

The Queen of England is reported to have told Prince Charles, "Dress gives one the outward sign from which people can judge the inward state of mind. One they can see, the other they cannot." Clearly, she was saying what many people are reluctant to accept; that people judge us by the way we dress. In all situations, business and social, our outward appearance sends a message.

Try going to a busy restaurant at lunchtime. Look around you at what people are wearing and see if you don't make judgments about who they are, their line of business, their personalities and their competencies. Think about how you feel when you are dressed in your usual business attire as opposed to casual dress. Your choice of business apparel speaks to your professional behavior and credibility. It is important to understand how to dress for business if you wish to promote yourself and your organization in a positive manner,

How you dress depends on four factors: the industry in which you work, the job you have within that industry, the geographic area in which you live; and most importantly, what your client expects to see.

Professional Dress for Men

In men's clothing, fashion does not change significantly from season to season but business attire is about being professional and not about being fashionable. It's about presenting yourself in a way that makes your clients feel comfortable and confident with you. Dressing for success is still the rule. The professional businessman should keep in mind these few points when deciding what to wear to work.

Choose a conservative suit in navy, black or gray either pinstripe or solid. The quality of the material speaks as loudly as the color and can make the difference between sleaze and suave.

A solid white or blue dress shirt with long sleeves offers the most polished look. The more pattern and color you add, the more the focus is on your clothing, rather than your professionalism.

Ties should be made of silk or a silk-like fabric. Avoid the cartoon characters and go for simple and subtle if you want to enhance your credibility.

Socks should be calf-length or above. Make sure they match not only what you are wearing, but also each other. A quick glance in good light before heading out the door can save embarrassment later in the day. Check for holes as well if you'll be going through airport security and removing your shoes.

Shoes should without question be conservative, clean and well polished. Lace-up shoes are the choice over slip-ons or flip flops. Don't think for a minute that people don't notice shoes. Many people will look at your feet before your face.

Belts need to match or closely coordinate with your shoes. Once again, quality counts.

Keep jewelry to a minimum. In a time when men sport gold necklaces, bracelets and earrings, the business professional should limit himself to a conservative watch, a wedding band and maybe his college ring.

Personal hygiene is part of the success equation. Freshly scrubbed wins out over heavily fragranced any day of the week. Save the after-shave for after hours, but never the shave itself.

The finishing touch for the business man is his choice of accessories: briefcase, portfolio and pen. When it comes to sealing the deal, a top of the line suit, a silk tie and a good pair of leather shoes can lose their affect when you pull out the ball point pen you picked up in the hotel meeting room the day before.

Professional Dress for Women

When women entered the workplace in the 1970's and 1980's in greater numbers than ever before and began to move into positions which had traditionally been held by men, many of them believed that they needed to imitate male business attire. The result was women showing up at the office in skirted suits or coordinated skirts and jackets with tailored blouses finished off with an accessory item that looked very much like a man's tie. Happily those days are gone. While the business woman may now wear trousers to work, she does it out of a desire to appear professional and at the same time enjoy the flexibility and comfort that pants offer over skirts. Her goal is no longer to mirror her male colleagues.

The same overall rules apply to women's work attire as apply to men's. Business clothing is not a reflection of the latest fashion trend. A woman should be noticed for who she is and her professional skills rather than for what she wears. Her business wear should be appropriate for her industry and her position or title within the industry.

Start with a skirted suit or pants suit for the most conservative look. A skirted suit is the most professional. With a few exceptions, dresses do not offer the same credibility unless they are accompanied by matching jackets.

Skirts should be knee-length or slightly above or below. Avoid extremes. A skirt more than two inches above the knee raises eyebrows and questions.

Pants should break at the top of the foot or shoe. While Capri pants and their fashion cousins that come in assorted lengths from mid-calf to ankle are the latest trend, they are out of place in the conservative business environment.

Blouses and sweaters provide color and variety to woman's clothing, but they should be appealing rather than revealing. Inappropriate necklines and waistlines can give the wrong impression.

Women need to wear hose in the business world. Neutral or flesh-tone stockings are the best choices. Never wear dark hose with light-colored clothing or shoes. Keep an extra pair of stockings in your desk drawer unless the hosiery store is next door or just down the street from the office.

Faces, not feet, should be the focal point in business so chose conservative shoes. A low heel is more professional than flats or high heels. In spite of current fashion and the sandal rage, open-toed or backless shoes are not office attire. Not only are sandals a safety hazard, they suggest a certain official agenda.

When it comes to accessories and jewelry, less is once again more. Keep it simple: one ring per hand, one earring per ear. Accessories should reflect your personality, not diminish your credibility.

Business attire is different from weekend and evening wear. Investing in a good business wardrobe is an investment in your professional future. For those who think it's not what you wear but who you are that creates success, give that some more thought. Business skills and experience count, but so does personal appearance and that all-important first impression.

© 2005, Lydia Ramsey. All rights in all media reserved.

Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author of MANNERS THAT SELL - ADDING THE POLISH THAT BUILDS PROFITS. She has been quoted or featured in The New York Times, Investors' Business Daily, Entrepreneur, Inc., Real Simple and Woman's Day. For more information about her programs, products and services, e-mail her at lydia@mannersthatsell.com or visit her web site http://www.mannersthatsell.com

How to care for pearls

Yan Berry

Pearls are delicate and soft gems compared with other gemstones. They need extra gentle care. Here is a guide to pearl care.

� Clean - wipe pearls regularly and gently with a soft cloth moistened with water. Pearls can absorb perfume, skin oils and dirt easily. Do not clean pearls with detergents and don't soak pearls in water.

� Protect - avoid temperature extremes and chemicals such as vinegar, alcohol and hair spray. They can damage pearl surfaces.

� Wear - put on pearls after you have applied makeup and hair spray.

� Store - pearls can be scratched easily. They should be stored in a soft place such as a velvet box or a satin pouch. Avoid putting pearls next to diamond or gemstones jewelry.

� Restring - for a frequently worn pearl necklace, it is recommended to restring the necklace once every one or two years since silk thread may get weakened over time.



Mrs. Berry is a pearl expert. She is also the founder of Premium Pearl, a leading online provider of high quality pearl jewelry.

Taking Care Of and Cleaning Jewelry
Ann Scaling Tucker

First, how susceptible is your jewelry to scratches and chemical products? Hardness is based on a gem-trade standard called the Mohs scale. The higher the Mohs scale number, the harder the stone is. The highest Mohs scale rating is 10 (diamonds). Anything with a Mohs scale rating of less than 7 is easily scratched (such as coral, lapis lazuli, opal, pearl, and turquoise). Gold, silver, and platinum are only Mohs 2-1/2 to 4.

Because a diamond can scratch gold or pearls it is always important to store all jewelry pieces separately. Gold jewelry will last you a lifetime if it is taken care of. Gold can be scratched and dented if you are not careful. Because of where they are worn, gold rings and bracelets will get the most damage, much more so than earrings or necklaces. Chemicals also can cause damage to gold. One of the worst is chlorine. Constant exposure to chlorinated cleaning products will make the gold weak and prone to breaking. Don't wear your gold in the swimming pool or Jacuzzi. Take your jewelry off around the house when cleaning but if you prefer to wear rings and bracelets wear rubber gloves for protection. Even makeup, perfume, hairspray, and perspiration can cause gold jewelry to lose its luster. Clean your jewelry regularly using a good jewelry cleaner. A quick clean can be done with a baby tooth brush and mild soap and a small amount of ammonia. (Never clean in the sink as the jewelry might fall down the drain, always clean in a bowl away from a drain pipe) Grease can be removed from karat gold jewelry by dipping into plain rubbing alcohol. Always rinse thoroughly and dry after cleaning. Keep it wrapped separately in a soft cloth, jewelry box divider or plastic baggie. Keep your eye on prongs that could break and cause the loss of a stone. An occasional visit to a professional jeweler is the best idea.

Platinum is one of the rarest and most durable precious metals. It does not tarnish or get discolored from chlorine. Even though it is very tough you still need to take good care of your platinum jewelry. Store it separately because platinum can be scratched. Platinum can be cleaned in the same manner as other fine jewelry.

You will probably be surprised that sunlight can cause many colored gemstones to fade, change color or become pale. Common stones that are damaged in sunlight (there may be more): Amethyst, Ametrine, Apatite, Aquamarine, Aventurine, Beryl, Celestite, Chrysoprase, Citrine, Fluorite, Kunzite, Rose Quartz, and Smokey Quartz. Pearls are organic stones and quickly react to any form of chemicals like perfumes, hand lotions, hair spray, etc. Chemicals directly attack the nacre, ruining the luster, which causes patches on your pearl. Put your pearl jewelry on last after you have applied your perfumes, lotions, etc. They should not be worn along with any other jewelry items such as chains or even watches. Clean pearls only with lukewarm water. Never brush them in any way. You can then wipe it with a regular cotton cloth. The silk is delicate and gets stretched after a period of time. Always store bead necklaces (such as lapis, pearls, etc) flat as that will keep the silk from stretching. It could break when the strand is worn on a regular basis. You should have them checked, to see if they need to be re-strung, every 3 years if you wear them regularly. Opals are water-based stones. Sudden temperature changes cause them to crack in multiples (known as Crazing). They should thus be cleaned only in room temperature water (68�F - 75�F) and then wiped with a soft cotton cloth. Emeralds, naturally coming out of the ground have several surface breaking inclusions in them. Almost all of them are treated through oiling to hide these inclusions. They cannot be immersed in ultrasonic cleaners or steam machines for this reason. The oiling will either discolor or come out during the cleaning process. Thus they can only be cleaned with room temperature water (68�F - 75�F) and a cotton cloth.

Platinum is one of the rarest and most durable precious metals. It does not tarnish or get discolored from chlorine. Even though it is very tough you still need to take good care of your platinum jewelry. Store it separately because platinum can be scratched. Platinum can be cleaned in the same manner as other fine jewelry.

Your silver jewelry tarnishes when exposed to air. This occurs more quickly in damp and foggy weather and even sunshine, but is inevitable in any climate. Tarnish first appears as a golden hue on your sterling silver then turns to black. Always store in treated paper or cloth, or plastic zip lock bags made of Mylar (turkey cooking bags) or polyethylene. Some plastic contains sulfur compounds which can cause tarnish faster. Never use polyvinyl plastic bags. Tiny zip-lock bags work great for each individual piece. Don't store sterling silver jewelry on wood surfaces as wood usually contains acids that can mar the finish. Also avoid storing silver with other metals like pennies and rubber. Don't wear rubber gloves when washing or polishing silver because rubber promotes tarnish. Dry and polish silver with a soft cloth, not paper towels. You can use a baby tooth brush or a horsehair silver brush but stays away from paper, polyester and course fabrics that contain wood fibers as this can scratch your silver. Ordinary toothpaste is a good, quick cleaner but is mainly recommended for gold, not silver. If you don't want to rub the silver (or you're uncomfortable working with acid), make a dip using baking soda, aluminum foil and hot water. Place a 2' length of aluminum foil into a plastic bucket, and pour 1/2 gallon of hot water over it. Then pour a cup of fresh baking soda into the water (if the soda is fresh, it will begin foaming). Submerge a piece of silver in the water, and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Then pull out the silver, rinse it, and allow it to dry.

For a more of a heavy duty cleaner get a pickle jar and combine one inch of cleaning detergent (like Top Job or Mr. Clean), one inch of dish washing liquid and one inch of ammonia. Fill the rest of the container with water. Shake well, heat in microwave and pour into an old pot and simmer on stove. Put your silver or gold into the solution and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Remove from solution and rinse with water. Dry well.

About the Author: Elizabeth Ann Scaling Tucker is a retired grandmother of 5. She retired after 35 1/2 years with the Department of Defense. In her retirement years, she is a grandchild sitter and an assistant webmaster for family websites. You can see one of the websites at http://www.diamondengagementweddingrings.com/

Your First Favourite Band

Fraser Neilson

Do you remember your first favourite band or artist? The first time you fell in love with a musical act? And probably the first time you ever fell in love with music too? Do you remember how it felt?

My story may be familiar to yours as I'm sure there are millions of people who were having the very same experience as me.

I was a typical teenager who wasn't very sure of himself, but I was sure that I loved music and this was largely due to my mum who always had music playing around us as I was growing up. In the house and in the car, it was always on but was mostly chart music from the radio or the 50s and 60s ballads that my mother liked.

I started to hear about some new bands from other kids at school and I also began to find some interesting sounds on a station called Radio Luxembourg, which was a pirate station broadcasting from Europe, and it played a lot of the post punk new wave music that I was destined to fall in love with.

I remember it well now - lying in bed with the radio on at midnight, the volume turned down low so my parents couldn't hear it while the Alternative Top 30 chart was broadcast late into the night. It was around this time that it happened - I discovered my first favourite band.

My first love was a band called Japan, and it was in 1984, two years after they had split up that I fell in love with their music.

It was through a friend at school that I discovered them, he was one of the cooler kids who was at the forefront of the alternative music scene that was leading that way then.

We were all Baby Goths at the time - too young to be 'proper' Goths but wearing as many of the clothes as possible - dressed in regulation tight black trousers, pointy toed boots, flowery psychedelic shirts and black bikers jackets or long black coats, all topped off with lots of silver jewelry and chains.

We were in the park one day listening to that great staple of the 70s and 80s teenager's musical diet - the compilation tape.

John had a typical 'alternative' compilation with A Forest by The Cure, Spiritwalker by The Cult and several Bauhaus tracks, but he also had some tracks by another band I had heard of but never heard any music by, and that was Japan. He recommended that I get the Assemblage album, which was basically a compilation of their early singles.

So off I went to Virgin records and sought out a black vinyl copy of the album and took it home in a big plastic album bag to my trusty turntable.

I pulled it out of the sleeve, excited about what listening pleasures lay before me and pulled the lever that sent the needle over to the record's edge. And the effect of that first track quite literally changed my musical life.

As the opening bass, synth and guitar lines of Adolescent Sex came through the speakers, for the first time in my life I felt a shiver down my spine and the hairs on the back of my neck literally stood up.

It's an old clich� but it was absolutely true and I was filled with the emotion of what this music did for me. I loved the feeling and I wanted more and I was sure Japan could supply it.

And that was the start of my quest to buy as much as possible of Japan's music. Over the next few months I bought everything I could find and afford. I just about memorised their discography as I read everything I could about the band and even sought out fanzines, bootleg tapes and books of photographs.

I remember sitting at home at night writing out various different lists of my favourite Japan tracks - favourite guitar tracks, favourite synth tracks, instrumentals, various different versions of my top ten which invariably changed every night.

It was great, it was new, it was all consuming, it was a passion. And I loved it.

Over the next few years I had several similar experiences with other bands I discovered and got quite obsessed about. And with one band I went even further than I did with Japan in terms of my desire to collect every note ever recorded on record, studio demo tape or live.

But none of them ever really recaptured the newness and marvellousness of the experience with Japan, my first favourite band.



Fraser Neilson is webmaster at www.QSPmusic.com and a true music lover. You can find some great music resources, special offers and ideas to help increase your enjoyment over at www.QSPmusic.com/resources.html.

What in the World Is Moissanite? The Worlds Newest Jewelry Stone.
Peter Crump

Moissanite is a naturally occurring crystal which occurs in such small
amounts and sizes as to be uncommercial.

It was discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan in a meteorite which had fallen to earth some 50000 years ago and landed in the Arizona desert.
Dr Moissan started studying small fragments from this meteorite and made an astonishing discovery. Imbedded in it were tiny amounts of what
looked like a new unknown jewel.

Although it occurs naturally on earth it is only in tiny quantities and commercially unviable.

Scientists could see its potential as a brilliant new jewelry stone and so set out to manufacture it in a lab. It's application as a jewel was immediately clear and so a new naturally occurring but also man made jewel was born. The process of making it is very new. It has only been
commercially available in jewelry since 1998, so is only a few years old on the jewelry market.

It is exceedingly hard to make and the process to do so is kept very secret. It can only currently be made in reasonably small quantities.

There are a number of properties of jewels which are common amongst them and are therefore used for comparison purposes. These properties are beauty, colour, brilliance, fire and luster, durability and rarity.

The brilliance of a jewel is created by the cut. A diamond in it's natural state for instance is pretty unimpressive. Give it a proper design and use the diamonds natural refraction of light and it is beautiful. It is the cut that does this, however it is the qualities of the jewel which produce the brilliance once it has been cut. Brilliance can be measured by the amount of light which enters a jewel compared with the amount which comes back when put under a light source.

Fire refers to the ability of the stone to refract light back out in colours. The light rays break up into their original spectrum colours and that is what gives the jewel its special character.

Luster is the amount of light reflected back from the surface of the jewel.

Durability is the toughness, the resistance to scratching, chipping, or splitting. This is detemined by its hardness, and it is also the
hardness which determines the brilliance.

Rarity is reasonably obvious. It is the availability of the jewel.

Moissanite equals or outperforms diamonds just about all categories. In particular it has superior brilliance, fire and luster. The only
category in which it doesn't outperform diamonds is hardness. It is slightly softer than diamond, but only very slightly, and is harder
than all other stones. Jewellers can stuggle to tell the difference between diamonds and Moissanite. In fact there is now a specific
instrument which has been developed to help jewellers to tell the difference between diamond and moissanite as it is so hard to see and
so many cannot tell them apart.

It will not scratch or become cloudy with wear.

In 1999 the US imported 23.4 million carats (karats) of diamond and only .07 million carats of Moissanite. It is very rare.

There are other diamond substitutes available such as cubic zirconia or even glass. Moissanite outperforms all these admirably.

Moissanite is not really a diamond substitute though. It is a new jewel in its own right. It is just so good that it is immediately compared to
diamonds which are always thought of as the best jewel.

If you are thinking of diamond jewelry then moissanite has to be considered. It is far cheaper than a comparable diamond. It is high
quality. It is a great jewel. At the end of the day it is not diamond and so if you are determined to get a diamond then do so. But it is a
very attractive alternative.

It is more and more becoming the choice of the stars.

Kim Cattrall's character, Samantha Jones, wore a brilliant white gold ring featuring Moissanite in an episode during the last season of the
TV hit Sex and the City.

Kiko Ellsworth, one of Hollywood's "Hot" young stars wore a brilliant pair of 2 � ct. Moissanite "Martini Stud" earrings to the premiere of
Bad Boys II, on July 9th in Los Angeles.

Many other stars have been seen wearing moissanite jewelry in the last few years. It is becoming the new fashion in jewelry. It is also becoming one of the most popular engagement ring stones.

Moissanite is the newest and certainly one of the best jewelry stones available. Moissanite is here to stay.



Find out more about Moissanite
as well as Moissanite Engagement Rings at Peter's website, The Magic of Moissanite.
© 2005 Peter Crump.

Precious Stones Explained!

Sam Serio

The mineral to which the term " precious stone" is applied, must be adaptable for jewelry or ornamental purposes and must possess beauty, hardness, and rarity.

The beauty of a precious stone or gem consists of its color or colorlessness, brilliancy or softness of luster, and transparency. To take a high and lasting polish, a mineral must be hard, -and many stones that would otherwise be highly valued are low in the estimate of worth because they do not possess of sufficient hardness to make them endure the wear and friction to which a precious stone is subjected when used in the form of jewelry. The rareness of precious stones has a decided effect in determining their values. For instance, the crocidolite, commercially known as tiger-eye, was sold by the carat some years ago, and was largely used in the making of fine jewelry. Today, this material is so plentiful that it is no longer classed among the higher gems, but serves for cameos and intaglios like chalcedony and onyx.

The changes of fashion have much to do with determining the market value of precious stones. Amethysts, topazes, cat's-eyes, aquamarines, alexandrites, and even emeralds and opals have been eagerly sought for at times and then again neglected for other gems, causing a sensible difference in the value of these stones.

It has been a mooted question as to the proper dividing line between stones that deserve the title "precious," and those, which should be placed in a so-called semi-precious or lower category. To draw such a line is hardly possible, as neither hardness, rareness, nor value would be a positive test--some of the hard stones, like zircon and almandines being less valuable than softer opal, while the diamond, one of the most plentiful of precious stones, is at the same time, one of the most valuable.

Neither can price be taken as a complete test, because fashion makes a turquoise, an opal, or an emerald much more valuable at one time than at another, All precious minerals used for ornamental purposes, from the diamond to quartz, or chalcedony, may properly be termed precious stones.

The Final Word On Precious Stones

The most precious stones are the diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires. The pearl is oftentimes classed with precious stones. Although strictly speaking while it is not a stone it holds an esteemed place in jewelry.


The Authors of the above Article, Sam and Tami Serio have been passionately involved with Jewelry and Gemstones for over fifteen-years. You are cordially invited to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com for a wealth of information about the fascinating world of Jewelry and Gemstones. Together they also shelter 20 abandoned and abused dogs & cats. A portion of their profits goes to the care and feeding of the animals.

The Best Gifts
Arleen M. Kaptur

Malls are everywhere - in every town, city, village and nook. They house thousands of storefronts and assorted units. The products they stock are numerous and the array is mind-boggling.
There are items for the home, clothing, jewelry, plants, furniture, and gift assortments to pick and choose from. All these offerings lack one very special component - a personal touch. There is absolutely nothing wrong with purchasing a ready-made item - we are not all carpenters, gardeners, and artists. All people are not gifted with the same talents and abilities. We are unique and what we produce or create is a shadow of ourselves. But mass-produced items are nameless, and machines will never add that very "special" touch that makes a gift item or home decor piece something that reflects the person who bought it, the person it is intended for, or the lifestyle it is to be a part of.

The key to all this - the best option, of course, is to make an item for someone else yourself. If you sew, quilt, write, or draw you have the potential of dispersing treasures that are not duplicated, but are a memory in the making.
With time restraints and family and job commitments, many times making "things" yourself is out of the question, or basically impractical.
So, what does a person do then - simple, add a "touch" to whatever you buy whether for yourself or someone else. Look at your purchase as a base, a canvas that is incomplete and needs a little "help" in becoming a beautiful gift or addition to your home.
Just adding a ribbon, or ornamental "pick" that matches the Holiday Season or a touch of nature, such as a dried flower or leaf arrangement, will allow your purchase to cross over to "special".
There is a coldness to just buying something, wrapping it up and handing it to someone. Take the time, just a moment or two, and write a short verse, a favorite saying, sign a book with a date and the occasion, etc. A simple, affectionate "touch" that will add so much value to whatever it is you are giving or placing in your home. a quick tuck here or there, a touch of glitter, or sparkle, and you have a "work of art", a symbol of friendship, or a token to hold near to the heart.

You are blessed with imagination and creativity. It is your own special style - it is an outward gesture of who you are and what you want to convey. Use this precious endowment - otherwise, even imagination will tarnish and lose its shine. It is, however, very easy to bring it back, to instill new life in creativity, and to put your personal "stamp" on everything that crosses your path.
Holidays are especially great times to start a journey back to taking a "cookie cutter" environment and placing feeling, friendship, and love in all you do for yourself, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc.

This Holiday Season give a little of yourself in gift items, decorating selections, and simple touches that show that you cared enough to take the time to personalize, or add "love" to everything. Even mealtimes are potential moments to show how blessed you are to have a family member, a friend, or someone you care about. A simple garnish or a colorful napkin and it is no longer a "time to eat" - it is a moment to share food, fun, and laughter.
ENJOY!
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 October

Author of many books, cookbooks, articles, and Holiday newsletters:
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving

Holiday Fun for Singles

Choosing a birthday gift for a friend about to turn thirty years old can be a challenging task. You want to honor the special day with a unique gift, but not necessarily draw attention to their age. After all, thirty is the pivotal year of life when we transition from young adults to full-fledged grownups. Make your loved one feel their best on their big day by choosing a gift that focuses on the beginning of his or her life, not the number of years that have passed.

If you want to give a truly personal gift, you cannot go wrong with a birthstone-- a gift idea that dates back to Biblical times. Birthstones and zodiac stones are great gifts that hold deep significance and will be treasured for years. When making your purchase, be sure to keep in mind the type and size of jewelry the person wears most often, as well as whether she prefers gold or silver. This way, you can embed her birthstone, for instance a pearl for a June birthday, in a setting that will be adored. Birthstones are also stunning when mounted in watches, brooches, and hairpins for those who rarely wear rings or necklaces. If you are shopping for a man, he may prefer a pocket watch or specialty ink pen imbedded with his birthstone to jewelry. Following, is a list of birthstones:

January -- Garnet
February -- Light Purple Amethyst
March -- Blue/Green Aquamarine
April -- Diamond
May -- Emerald
June -- Pearl
July -- Ruby
August -- Light Green Peridot
September -- Blue Sapphire
October -- Multi-Color Opal
November -- Golden Topaz
December -- Turquoise or Blue Zircon

Some people have a special interest or belief in their astrological information. If this is the case with your friend, consider giving him or her a physical symbol of the zodiac and of your love with a zodiac stone gift, sometimes called Astral Stones. As with the birthstone tradition, a gemstone is assigned to each of the twelve zodiac signs. If your friend is a Cancer, for instance, he or she will cherish an emerald and its professed abilities to increase courage and health. When presenting a zodiac stone gift, include a description of the gem's astrological significance and origins. Following is a list of zodiac stones:

Aquarius -- Garnet
Pisces -- Amethyst, Aquamarine
Aries -- Bloodstone
Taurus -- Sapphire
Gemini -- Agate, Alexandrite
Cancer -- Emerald
Leo -- Onyx, Peridot
Virgo -- Carnelian
Libra -- Opal
Scorpio -- Beryl
Sagittarius -- Topaz
Capricorn -- Ruby

Whether you purchase a birthstone or a zodiac gemstone, you'll honor your friend's thirtieth birthday in a distinctive, personal, and memorable way.
30th Birthday Gift Ideas
Siwarin Eampun

Choosing a birthday gift for a friend about to turn thirty years old can be a challenging task. You want to honor the special day with a unique gift, but not necessarily draw attention to their age. After all, thirty is the pivotal year of life when we transition from young adults to full-fledged grownups. Make your loved one feel their best on their big day by choosing a gift that focuses on the beginning of his or her life, not the number of years that have passed.

If you want to give a truly personal gift, you cannot go wrong with a birthstone-- a gift idea that dates back to Biblical times. Birthstones and zodiac stones are great gifts that hold deep significance and will be treasured for years. When making your purchase, be sure to keep in mind the type and size of jewelry the person wears most often, as well as whether she prefers gold or silver. This way, you can embed her birthstone, for instance a pearl for a June birthday, in a setting that will be adored. Birthstones are also stunning when mounted in watches, brooches, and hairpins for those who rarely wear rings or necklaces. If you are shopping for a man, he may prefer a pocket watch or specialty ink pen imbedded with his birthstone to jewelry. Following, is a list of birthstones:

January -- Garnet
February -- Light Purple Amethyst
March -- Blue/Green Aquamarine
April -- Diamond
May -- Emerald
June -- Pearl
July -- Ruby
August -- Light Green Peridot
September -- Blue Sapphire
October -- Multi-Color Opal
November -- Golden Topaz
December -- Turquoise or Blue Zircon

Some people have a special interest or belief in their astrological information. If this is the case with your friend, consider giving him or her a physical symbol of the zodiac and of your love with a zodiac stone gift, sometimes called Astral Stones. As with the birthstone tradition, a gemstone is assigned to each of the twelve zodiac signs. If your friend is a Cancer, for instance, he or she will cherish an emerald and its professed abilities to increase courage and health. When presenting a zodiac stone gift, include a description of the gem's astrological significance and origins. Following is a list of zodiac stones:

Aquarius -- Garnet
Pisces -- Amethyst, Aquamarine
Aries -- Bloodstone
Taurus -- Sapphire
Gemini -- Agate, Alexandrite
Cancer -- Emerald
Leo -- Onyx, Peridot
Virgo -- Carnelian
Libra -- Opal
Scorpio -- Beryl
Sagittarius -- Topaz
Capricorn -- Ruby

Whether you purchase a birthstone or a zodiac gemstone, you'll honor your friend's thirtieth birthday in a distinctive, personal, and memorable way.

Jewelry Designer
www.ninecarat.com