The History Of The Watch: From The Early 19th Century To Present Day Timepieces!

Chris Vorelli

The watch has made many transformations through the years. There have been many modifications and technological advancements that have made it possible to wear them on your wrist and tell the time with a push of a button! Unlike the watches made many centuries ago, the watches of today offer cutting edge technology and modern day convenience features. The watch is steeped in history and has seen us through World Wars and Nuclear Warfare. At the end of time, there's no doubt that we'll use a watch to make note of the date/time!

To truly understand the evolution of the watch, we must take a journey into the past. The first timekeeping device was actually a pocket watch. Though, back in the day, they were worn around the neck. I guess we know the occupation of Flava Flav's early ancestors!

After the railroad began using the pocket watch, the watch industry grew by leaps and bounds! With the invention of the wristwatch, watches became increasingly popular among professionals and everyday folk. The LED digital watch and the Pilot's watch have taken the watch designs and functions to a whole new level. To date, there are many watchmakers vying for your business! Your best bet is to hop online and view the many different styles, models and prices before you purchase another watch.

The pocket watch is the oldest form of watch in production. In the beginning, they were completely customized pieces of jewelry that were mainly owned by royalty or the rich. Encrusted with jewels and made of the finest quality materials, the early pocket watches were not easily affordable. Eventually made into smaller versions and worn around the neck, the pocket watch was still mostly considered a fashion accessory. That was until the development of the railroad. Using the pocket watch as a means to schedule train departures and arrivals, the pocket watch became a time telling necessity. Unfortunately, though, the early pocket watch models did not accurately tell time; they "lost" time as the day progressed, making it impossible to synchronize times among a group of people. Following a train collision, it was deemed that the pocket watch needed to undergo a technological improvement to tell time more accurately.

The revised technology made it possible to begin making the pocket watch smaller and smaller, until it eventually began to be worn on the wrist. The wristwatch began to see a dramatic burst of production during wartimes. The military saw a use for a watch that could be easily read while performing duties. The chronograph wristwatches with luminous hands were in high demand! Today, there are a multitude of watch manufacturers that specialize in wristwatch production. There are watches sporting beautiful jewels and watches that are mostly geared toward function. Some are battery operated, while others operate from the power of the sun! There are watches that will fit into any price range, too. Shopping online will allow you to view and compare many wristwatches so that you can pick the one that is most perfect for your wants and needs!

The LED Digital wrist watch came about in the late 1960's and early 1970's. These watches were very unique in that they require no moving parts to tell the time of day! Passing an electrical charge through inorganic materials creates the LED digital technology. In other words, you simply press a button and the watch lights up with the dime/date! The Americans and the Japanese have been the forerunners in the development of the LED digital watch. Early models were expensive, but are inexpensive to date. They are the best watches to learn how to tell time by!

The Aviation Watch (Pilot Watch) is a very functional timepiece.. These watches actually help to maintain flight plans, perform pre-flight planning and navigate flights, so they are extremely important for pilots! Used primarily by the military and aircrew, the Aviation style watches are also popular among avid outdoorsmen and athletes. Today, the aviation world has seen a great improvement in a plane's instrumentation panel, so the Aviation watch isn't quite as important, but they are very useful to have just in case you need a back up!

All watches are analog or digital in nature, some are even both! Men, women and children will be able to find a wrist watch that is just perfect for their needs/desires. Shopping on the Internet, you'll find many merchants that sell watches. There are places to find some really great discounted selections, too! When it comes to watches, there are many factors you should consider before you purchase, including: functions needed, size, style and price. Once you have your choices narrowed down, shopping online is the quickest and most convenient way to go. Whether you are an avid watch collector or you are purchasing a time teaching model, remember that your choices have been made possible thanks to the many talented designers and engineers through the years!

Chris Vorelli is a successful freelance writer, providing useful
articles and info on where to buy
discount watches, replacement bands

Threader Earrings -- a Fashion Jewelry Success Story
Sam Serio

New jewelry fashions need several factors going for them if they are to succeed. These include aesthetics, price, timing, and maybe even just sheer, plain luck. Threader earrings seem to have all these qualities in abundance. Also known as earthreads or ear strings, threader earrings have a very large following, especially among the young set, who think that they are and cool.

Threader earrings are exactly what they sound like: a length of a thin chain that the wearer threads through one or more ear piercings. The chain is attached to a small metal bar - called a lead -- on one end, and the other end is adorned with decorative materials such as gems, beads, or crystals. The wearer first inserts the lead, slides the chain through the piercing and then just lets the earring dangle. Threader earrings are especially attractive in individuals with two or more earlobe piercings because they can mix and match designs, and even knot or weave the chains of the threader earrings together to create a funky effect.

The chains used are very thin, delicate and light. They usually measure from three to five inches and are often made from metals such as gold vermeil and sterling silver. Influenced by the decorative ornaments used, the themes of threader earrings' designs range from the playful to the sophisticated. Pearl embellishments impart a sense of elegance, while multicolored vintage crystals or flashy glass beads make threader earrings perfect for casual wear.

Young celebrities, or those counting themselves as members of the X and Y generations, are ardent wearers of this type of ear fashion. The young and famous seen at highly publicized events wearing threader earrings include actresses Hilary Duff, Alicia Silverstone and Lindsey Lohan, as well as musicians such as Alicia Keys, JoJo and Kelly Clarkson.

Ear strings are an example of successful, contemporary fashion and they have the makings of something that is here to stay. They are functional, easy to wear and easily customizable; with just a little practice, they are easy to make. Threader earrings join other jewelry items that are instrumental in bringing out a person's sense of fashion and style.


For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com.

Protecting Yourself from Miter Saw Hazards

Kaitlin Carruth

A miter saw, also known as a "chop saw," is a circular saw that is mounted on a frame. It is designed to be portable and to make very accurate angled cuts between 45 and 90 degrees. The compound miter saw can cut at an additional angle in order to cut bevels. Miter saws are predominately used in cutting wood but can also be used to cut plastics and light metals. Like any power tool, it is important to follow some safety rules to protect yourself. The following are some guidelines to keep yourself safe while operating you miter saw:

1) Wear protective gear. Make sure to protect your eyes with
safety goggles or safety glasses that currently meet the national safety standard. Wear a full protective face mask when needed or dust mask for dusty projects (some of the dust from projects can contain harmful chemicals). It is also recommended to wear hearing protection (such as ear plugs) with extended use of a miter saw.

2) Avoid wearing any loose clothing. Do not wear anything that could possibly get in the way or fall into the path of the saw. This would include loose clothing, jewelry such as earrings, neck ties, gloves, or any dangling object. Remember to tie back long hair.

3) Keep miter saw clean. The miter saw and area around the miter saw should always be clean and free from debris. Also, inspect material to make sure it is free from nails and any other foreign objects before cutting.

4) Maintain a sharp miter saw blade. Always use a miter saw blade that is sharp and undamaged.

5) Do not over reach. Keep a secure footing and do not over reach. Never attempt to reach around the miter saw while it is on.

6) Use miter saw safety guards. The miter saw should come with an upper hood that covers the top half of the blade along with a lower
blade guard. Do not operate machinery without these guards.

7) Make sure that blade is securely fastened. Loose blades have the ability to fall off. Take care to make sure that the miter saw blade is securely fastened and aligned correctly. To do this, unplug the miter saw and carefully spin blade with finger. The blade should not hit any of the other components of the saw.

8) Keep work material secure. Do not attempt to cut the material freehand. Always make sure that the material being cut is secure against the fence of the miter saw. If the work piece is unstable, then use a clamp to hold it in place. Also, remember to check that the miter saw is on a smooth and stable
surface before beginning a project.

9) Leave miter saw unplugged and in the off position when not in use. Following this guideline will protect you from any accidents that could occur when turning on your miter saw. Never leave a power tool on while unattended. It is also advisable to wait until your miter saw is completely warmed up and come up to speed before starting a project.

10) Be Alert! Always be alert when operating a power tool. If the work becomes monotonous, take a short break. Accidents are prone to happen to those who are not paying attention.

Be sure to follow these miter saw safety tips in order to keep yourself safe.
Remember that these are only general guidelines and that you should stop operation of a miter saw at any sign of abnormality. Always be cautious while operating a miter saw in order to avoid any possible accidents.

Kaitlin Carruth is a client account specialist with 10xMarketing
- More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue.
For more information about miter saws, please visit Tool America.

Don't Let Your Kanji Tattoo Get "Lost In Translation"
Stephen Munday

Thinking of getting a kanji tattoo or kanji jewelry? Then arm yourself with this information before you buy anything. It may be the difference between being cool and national humiliation.

What? National humiliation? Well OK, national humiliation is an unlikely outcome, but an article in the March 1st, 2005 Washington Post Express shows that the possibility is there. "Lost in Translation" looked at the real dangers facing the unwary consumers who get kanji tattoos.

I am not joking when I say "real dangers". But neither am I referring to unhygenic tattooing practices. What I am talking about is toe-curlingly appalling linguistic blunders. Specifically, I mean kanji combinations like these:

- Extremely Military Affairs Stopping

- Crazy Diarrhea

- Weird (tattooed on one B. Spears)

Yes, these are phrases that real people (yes, Britney Spears is a real person) actually have had tattooed into their skin.

To be honest, I am not entirely surprised at these and other errors. After all, I have seen many reversed images of kanji being offered for tattoos, and kanji jewelry that simply did not mean anything like it was supposed to.

One necklace, I remember, had the kanji for "road" on it - although the poor owner had been told it meant love. I guess her love hit the road and didn't come back no more, no more, no more, no more....

As Tian Tang puts it in the Post:

"People ask, 'I got the tattoo, can you tell me what this means? And I'm like, 'Why didn't you do this before you got that tattoo?'"

Yes, you would think that would be the obvious thing to do - especially if you are getting something permanent like a kanji tattoo. So how can you make sure you don't end up a national laughingstock?

First of all, make sure you know something about the Japanese language. Check out the copious information at sites like japanese.about.com and in five minutes you will know more about kanji, hiragana and katakana than most of the people already walking around with it tattooed into their skin.

Next, remember that there is often no such thing as an exact translation. Basic nouns are one thing - a table is a table is a table, after all. But abstract concepts, like Semper Fidelis (the motto of the US Marine Corps), can be notoriously difficult to translate well.

Once you have grasped this background material, you are ready to meet with the tattoo artist. That's right - meet. Don't get anything done yet. At first you just want to talk. Specifically, you want to find out how familiar he or she is with the issues mentioned above. If after an hour or so on the internet you know more about Japanese than your tattoo artist, then you need to be very careful about kanji she suggests.

So what can you do if your tattoo artist doesn't know his kanji from his katakana? How do you go about getting the kanji yourself?

Well if you are confident in your new-found kanji knowledge, then there are a number of online dictionaries such as this one http://kanjidict.stc.cx/dict that can help.

Otherwise I would recommend getting a translation from a site like the one I run - http://www.japanese-name-translation.com/ . A good translator will be able to offer you a number of different options as well as explaining the exact meaning and pronunciation of the different kanji. They should also be able to offer you a number of different styles, from basic kanji calligraphy fonts to genuine Japanese shodo calligraphy.

At the end of the day, how you decide to go about getting your kanji tattoo is up to you. Just remember that preparation is the key to making sure your kanji tattoo doesn't get "Lost in Translation".


Stephen Munday lives in Japan and is the creator of www.japanese-name-translation.com, where you can download images of over 2,200 names in kanji or have a unique phrase translated into Japanese for a tattoo. This article is © Stephen Munday 2005. Permission is given to reproduce this article as a whole with the URLs correctly hyperlinked.

Jewelry Shoppers Top Ten Tips

Sam Serio

Buying jewelry can be fun, exciting and confusing. Whether you're considering a gift of jewelry for someone special or as a treat for yourself, take some time to learn the terms used in the industry. Here's some information to help you get the best quality jewelry for your money, whether you're shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store or online.

Top Ten Tips

1.When you're in the market for a piece of jewelry for yourself or someone you love, shop around. Compare quality, price, and service. If you're not familiar with any jewelers in your area, ask family members, friends, and co-workers for recommendations.
2.Ask for the store's refund and return policy before you buy.
3.Check for the appropriate markings on metal jewelry.
4.Ask whether the pearls are natural. cultured, or imitation.
5.Ask whether the gemstones have been treated. Is the change permanent? Is special care required?
6.Make sure the jeweler writes on the sales receipt any information you relied on when making your purchase, such as the gem's weight or size. Some jewelers also may supply a grading report form a gemological laboratory.

In addition, these tips apply when you're shopping for jewelry online:

7.Shop with companies you know or do some homework before buying to make sure a company is legitimate before doing business with it.
8.Get the details about the product, as well as the merchant's refund and return policies, before you buy.
9.Look for an address to write to or a phone number to call if you have a question, a problem or need help.
10.If you have a problem with the jewelry you purchased, first try to resolve it with the jeweler. If you are dissatisfied with the response, contact your local Better Business Bureau or local consumer protection agency.



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.

Getting Priorities Straight
Lois R. Thompson

It is reported that there are over 1.5 million new people coming online each month,
with only 95% of all online businesses making a profit.

I believe that the Internet is by far the greatest gold rush in history. So, how can
this be...only 5% of online businesses raking in the gold?

Are the opportunities not equal for all? does it take large financial backing? No! I
believe the failure of the 95% is attributed to the same causes for business failure
off line as well as online. In a nutshell...it's the lack in clarity of vision.

How can we be focused when we don't have a clue what it is that we are to be focused
on line. Without clarity of vision there is no real purpose, and with out real
purpose our priorities become confused.

Without a carefully thought out game plan, it is most unlikely for one to achieve
true success. In any venture, discouragement will come. And without a game plan when
discouraged does not produce the Quick Riches that was so hopeful would come, one
tends to give up on that venture. Then, frantically looks for the next opportunity and
jumps right on in.

Before long, we are back to square one. We now have 3 or 4 newly claims staked, and
none of them really producing. Depending on how much time and money we have
invested, at this point, he may be tempted to sit the next race out, or even worse...drop
out of the race entirely, with the false notion that..."it does not work."

What is wrong here? We have never taken the time to lay a solid foundation. Without
a solid foundation a house just cannot stand the storm.

So what...if it takes a year or so to pay your dues in the School of Hard Knocks?
That is not much time for a life of wealth and freedom. Don't buy the hype! No one
logs on to the internet, signs up for a bizop, get a fancy website then sit back and
become financially free.

As with anything else in life, we all must make a dedicated effort if in fact we are
to reap the blessings.

The Beginning - Your Reason

Now that you are ready to create a game plan for financial
freedom there are some steps to be followed closely.

Here's Fact.
Financial freedom, becomes very elusive, unless you have a reason, and I mean are
really big reason or a bunch of important reasons that drive you emotionally. If you
don't have know your reason right now, you need to begin to dig deep and keep
searching for that thing that drives your passion. Do you remember a time when you were
really passionate in life? What what was that passion about? How would you like to
have that back?


Here's where you start:

1. Keep a new notebook for your training. Make it
one you'd be proud to plan your life with. This
notebook is going to hold a lot of important
information you are going to want to refer back.

2. Once you have that notebook, state your life's creed or
statement of life. Write this out boldly! Make this a
commitment to yourself. Write at the top, "I'm 100%
committed to achieving my goals and dreams." Something
powerful happens when you write things down. Don't
just think it, ink it. You will want to review this
often. A year from now, you'll be blown away at how
significant it is that you've written that down.

3. Why do you want financial freedom? Here's your first
task: write down everything financial freedom would
mean to you. Keep writing for as long as you can, up to
30 minutes. Yes, I said 30 minutes! Most people will
spend hours planning a vacation, but they can't give 30
minutes to writing down their reasons for financial
success. Will you commit to your success and do this
task, or are you keeping yourself busy building someone
else's dreams. This is a goal setting exercise, built
on the power of your dreams.

I do this once a quarter. Each time I do it, I am impressed upon and inspired to do
more with my life. It will be the same for you, so go for it!

Write down ALL your dreams and goals.

Here are some thoughts to get you going:

What would your family be like?
What would your relationships be like?
What kind of house would you live in?
What kind of car would you drive?
What specific vacations would you take?
How could you give back?
Would you set up a charity? What kind?
To live debt free how much would it require per year?
How much fun would you put into your day?
What time would you get up in the morning? Go to
bed at night?
Would you travel? Where? In what style?
What kind of clothes would you own?
What kind of jewelry would you wear?
What would you do for your community?
Being financially solid and debt free, what would you
do with the rest of your life?


If you have not done this before, it can be most tedious, but keep writing until you
until you get to the bottom of this. Working out your dreams is a very profitable
investment. As with anything else, the more you work at it, the better you'll become
at it. You'll be doing this again, and we'll take you back to your notebook to see
how you've progressed since you wrote all this down. I think you'll be very inspired.

Yes! this is a time consuming process, but an investment so great a price cannot be
placed upon it. Remember the turtle? he is the last to get out of the starter box in
a race, but he plows steadily along and finishes at the finish line. Sometimes,
going slow is getting ahead...those that wait, mount up with wings as eagles!

Now that you know your own dreams, you're ready to hear about our strategy for
helping you achieve them?




==>>> Lois has been blessed with earning a full time <<==
= income working from home part-time, through combining
= MLM and Affiliate Marketing. You CAN TOO! Subscribe to
= Building Wealth News Ezine and Discover HOW to
= "Bridge The Gap Between MLM And Affiliate Marketing"
= Visit http://www.the-power-to-get-wealth.com

Charming Trends in Dog Jewelry

Carolyn Schweitzer

Fashions owners and dogs can share.
The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500 BC, when they were believed to hold special powers -- particularly the power of protection. By the 1890's charms had evolved into a fashion statement and a popular keepsake.�Now, as then, charms are often given by mothers to their daughters as gifts or family heirlooms. Many women start collecting them as pre-teens and continue adding to the collection as they mature.�Charm bracelets make an ideal gift because of their broad appeal.

Italian charms are the hottest trend right now and show no signs of slowing down. Silver, gold, and non-precious charms snap into place onto a bracelet similar to a watch band. The charms are like the "links" on the band. They're decorated with pictures, letters, symbols and designs that can be combined to create a message or theme.�Which reminds me of a great thing about charm bracelets -- you can add to them. That means future gift giving opportunities!

Another growing trend in modern jewelry is "theme" bracelets. If you're looking for the ideal dog jewelry gift, a dog-themed charm bracelet could be your answer and a dog themed Italian charm bracelet might just be a slam dunk!�Want to coordinate your accessories with your dog's? Buy her a branklet�, the doggie version of a bracelet or anklet.

As Italian charms have grown ever more popular, variations have come on the scene, one of which is a plastic or leather version. The charms slide onto the leather or plastic bracelet, which comes in a variety of fashionable colors. These charms usually take the form of letters, numbers, and popular symbols like hearts or butterflies. Like the traditional kind, they can spell out a message or a name, or advertise the wearer's interests or sentiments.�

Ready to coordinate? For the woman who thinks of her dog as a furry child (or, heaven forbid, an accessory) mother-and-dog can now coordinate this look with leather charm collars for the dog!�Picture "mom" wearing her leather charm bracelet, rhinestone charms spelling out "I Love my Dog". Picture her four legged companion alongside her, wearing a matching leather collar and charms of his very own. Bowser can headlight his name in rhinestones. Or maybe his collar will spell out how much his mommy loves him.�

There's yet another type of charm that can be shared between man and dog -- or woman and dog, as the case may be.�

To symbolize the prayer for protection, or the golden bond between owner and dog (or dog and dog), 14K gold Protection Medallions and Bond Charms are the answer.�The hearts can be separated so that each owner wears half. For dogs who are best friends, or people who are best friends with their dogs, this is a gift of dog jewelry that says it all. Should your pal ever wander off, you'll have no problem proving that the two of you are a pair!

It's safe to say that charms have gone to the dogs, but in a very positive way! What a great time it is to be a dog.



© 2004, Carolyn Schweitzer.�� Lifelong dog-lover, power-shopper, and former family dentist Carolyn Schweitzer is owner and editor of Great-Dog-Gift.com. If you need inspiration for dog jewelry, visit her at http://www.great-dog-gift.com/dog_jewelry.html. You can reach her by email at netbrainer@verizon.net.�

Buying Jewelry For Your Business Part 4 Buying Platinum Jewelry
Sam Serio

Whether you presently own a retail or web based business and are looking for an additional profit center or you are thinking of starting a business, jewelry is a "no-brainer" choice for a proven product category. The buying public, (particularly women) never tires of jewelry as the choices in color, materials, finishes and styles are endless and innovations are continual. Every generation reinvents jewelry for itself in much the same way that it reinvents music and fashion. Styles change but the basic facts remain the same. If you are a seasoned professional, please consider the following a refresher course. To the new comer, use this information as a foundation for your ongoing jewelry education.

The Facts About Platinum Jewelry
Platinum is a precious metal that costs more than gold. It usually is mixed with other similar metals, known as the platinum group metals: iridium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium and osmium.

Different markings are used on platinum jewelry as compared with gold jewelry, based on the amount of pure platinum in the piece. The quality markings for platinum are based on parts per thousand. For example, the marking 900 Platinum means that 900 out of 1000 are pure platinum, or in other words, the item is 90% platinum and 10% other metals. The abbreviations for platinum - Plat. or Pt. - also can be used in marking jewelry.

Items that contain at least 950 parts per thousand pure platinum can be marked simply platinum. Items that have at least 850 parts per thousand pure platinum can be marked with the amount of pure platinum and the word platinum or an abbreviation (for example, 950 platinum, 900 Plat. or 850 Pt.). Jewelry that contains less than 850 parts per thousand pure platinum, but has a total of 950 parts per thousand of platinum group metals (of which at least 500 parts is pure platinum), may be marked with both the amount of pure platinum and the amount of the other platinum group metals in the piece. For example, the marking 600 Plat. 350 Irid. means that the item has 600 parts per thousand (60%0 platinum, and 350 parts per thousand (35%) iridium, totaling 950 parts per thousand of platinum group metals, and 50 parts per thousand (5%) other metals.



For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com.

Native American jewelry - The Southwest

Tarl Michael

For several years, I have had the fortunate opportunity to be a purchasing agent for Bearlanders Native American Indian jewelry & gifts. I have enjoyed the Southwest for the past 47 years and I would like to bring a part of that experience to you.

The American Southwest has some of the most unusual and beautiful sites in America. You will find awe in the whether worn walls of the Grand Canyon, (Arizona) and beautiful red sandstone in Zion (Utah). Since earth's creation, the wind and the water have carved beauty in the landscape, the likes of which no man could duplicate. Valleys so deep, you could fit the tallest skyscraper. With just about every color imaginable, blues, reds, greens, browns and purples scattered though the sides of the cliff walls. You see trees (scrub pine) growing out the side of the canyon walls, hanging on by only 1/2-inch roots. One could question how or why they exist there. There is water running through many of the canyons year round. With paths and trails to be hiked by all ages. For a rock collector, you could fill your pockets until your pants fell down. Or until your back grew so tired from the weight of the backpack filled with magnificent little treasures. No doubt the national park service doesn't condon filling your pockets or backpack with rocks. But the west is vast and there are many little jagged treasures to be found.

The Mogillion rim is located roughly half way between Phoenix and Flagstaff and is every bit as inspiring as the Grand Canyon. Located near Strawberry (Arizona), overlooking the Mogillion, the rich, thick forest resembles a beautiful dark green carpet. Using your imagination, you can picture many places a cowboy could hide from hostile Indians. Better yet, picture the beauty of vast plateau's and deep gorge's where Indians, Soldiers and Cowboys alike, of the 1700, 1800 and early1900's traveled and made camp. When thinking of the southwest many only picture desert and scorching heat. Not so in this beautiful high country. No doubt the temperature never reaches the low 80's. When you hear the word Arizona or American southwest, you no longer need to imagine desert, tumble weeds, snakes and unbearable heat. Now picture rich green forests, cool weather and the skies at night filled with so many stars it would take a lifetime to count them all. While watching the stars, you will still hear the howls of the coyote calling to the night sky. In the southwest and Arizona you will still find American Indians, not with bow and arrow in hand, but selling their handcrafted goods at road side rest stops. The American Indians have been crafting jewelry, pottery and carved items for centuries, an art that has been passed down from generation to generation.

While traveling I have purchased handcrafted, Native American jewelry as gifts for my family and friends. I have been intrigued by the fact that Native American Indians have handcrafted jewelry for centuries and are still making their jewelry by hand. In the 1800's a Mexican Silversmith taught the Indians of the southwest how to use silver in their jewelry work. I realized that not everyone could visit and enjoy the Southwest or afford much of the Indian jewelry and handcrafted goods. As many know, handcrafted Indian jewelry can range in price from $2 to as much as $10,000 and more. Fortunately, I have found a wonderful source to supply beautifully handcrafted Indian jewelry from the Southwest, at very affordable prices.

American Indian jewelry is crafted with just about every gemstone imaginable, including everything from Amber, Amethyst, Jasper, Opal, Tiger Eye and of course Turquoise. Turquoise has been mined and used as far back as 5000 B.C. Turquoise jewelry is as popular today as it has been for centuries. Turquoise is said to have many healing properties, which is one of the reasons for its popularity and use in so many cultures, for so many centuries. All gemstones are said to have spiritual and medicinal healing properties. At Bearlanders Trading Co.com we carry a large selection of authentic American Indian jewelry, most of our Indian jewelry consist of the many gemstones listed in this article.

www.BearlandersTradingCo.com is the leader in affordable Native American jewelry. Bearlanders is currently offering every item at reduced prices and through the month of July take advantage of additional 30% saving by using the coupon code jly5x.

Tarl Michael owner of Bearlanders Trading co., On-line store http://www.BearlandersTradingCo.com, has been purchasing American Indian jewelry for retail sales over the past 6 years.
Any business venture can prove to be difficult but not impossible. Just like: "Landing a Bear!" Bearlanders is inspired by the traditions of the American Indian including their crafting skills passed down from generation to generation.

Handicrafts of Kerala
Jayachandran.R

Handicrafts of Kerala

Kerala, the Gods own country Situated in India has a rich tradition of Handicrafts. Kerala's traditional handicrafts are a class of its own. The artisans of kerala have traditional expertise in carving in wood, jewellery design, both gold and silver and also in other mediums. Making idos and figures in metaletc. The gifted artisans makes beautiful idols of Lord Krishna, Ganesh, Goddess Saraswathi, Lakshmi etc. in sandal wood ,elephants in rose wood and other art works in varieties of other woods.These items are showcased in http://www.aayurmart.com

Life size models of Kathakali, and models depiciting snake boat race of kerala are exclusive masterpieces of kerala aritisans. The idols of Lord Nataraja in dancing posture and the various lamps (vilakku) which are essential for every ceremonies of keralities are also created by artisans.

Industrial arts and handicrafts form an invaluable part of the Cultural heritage of Kerala. Metal crafts have the pride of place among the traditional arts. Bell-metal casting is an old time industrial art. It has involved mainly two kinds of activities. Images or idols of deities made out of copper, bronze and brass are used for consecration in temples and other religious purposes. Huge Varpus (shallow basins of hemispherical shape), multi-layered lamps and household utensils are all made of these metals. These products are noted for their high degree of perfection.

Lamps of the most artistic beauty are also made by Kerala craftsmen. The Greek lamp (Changalavatta), the Archana lamp, the Arati Dipa etc., deserve mention in this context. The Aranmula metal mirror has attained fame among the products of the bell metal industry. A product of an accident in metal casting, it is made of an alloy of copper and tin and resembles the glass mirror in every respect in point of utility. The Koftagari work, one of the popular metal crafts of India, is also being practiced by a few artisans in Trivandrum. Figures of deities, landscapes, floral designs and fancy articles of a wide variety are produced in Koftagari.

Wood craft is one of the ancient arts of Kerala as is testified to by the temples and churches of the State which abound in wood carvings. Items of furniture like chairs, tables settees, sofas, almirahs, cots, radio castings etc., and models of animals and deities, toys and Kathakali accessories produced by Kerala craftsmen are very much in demand. The models of caparisoned elephants and the carvings of Kathakali dance-dolls are items of popular demand.http://www.aayurmart.com showcases some of the items.

The craftsmen of Kerala have also developed a variety of handicrafts using the rich wealth of flora in the State. Screwpine mat weaving is one of such handicrafts. Such articles as pillow covers, cushions, vanity bags, purses, hats etc., are also made of screw pine. The art of weaving bamboo-reed mats, baskets and fancy articles is also one of the simplest of Kerala handicrafts. Kora grass is similarly used for making mats of different sizes and colours. Rattan is used in the manufacture of articles of daily use like chairs, settees, teapoys, cradles, trays, shopping bags and a variety of other utility-cum-fancy articles. The coconut shell is used for the manufacture of such articles of utility and beauty as lamp stands, flower vases, ashtrays etc. Coir carpets and mattings produced in many attractive designs and colours find a ready market in India and abroad.

Lace and embroidery work of high quality is being done by women in several parts of Kerala. The Talangara village of Kasaragod taluk is famous for the textile cap making industry. The cotton caps manufactured here find a ready market in the African and Gulf countries.

Ivory carving is another traditional art of Kerala. The art was given an impetus by Swati Tirunal Maharaja. An ivory throne made by Swati Tirunal is still preserved as a show piece. The craftsmen engaged in this art at present produce a variety of models of mythological characters, animals, birds, cigarette cases etc., to cater to different tastes. A typical specimen of ivory carving produced in Kerala is that of the snake boat (Chundan vallam) and it is cherished by tourists to the State as a memento. The craftsmen engaged in ivory carving also use other materials like the buffalo born for practicing their art.

The jewelry of Kerala is noted for its artistic perfection. Each caste or community had its typical ornament. An ornament of the Nair women was Nagapadam or serpent hood, so called after the shape of the pendant. An ear ornament called Toda, a double convex disc, was worn after dilating the earlobes. Mukkuthi was an ornament for nose and Kappu for the wrist. The most important ornaments for the neck were Addyal, Yantram, Avil Mala and Puli Nakham. Cherutali was a kind of necklace worn loose over the breast by Namboodiri women while Kasu Mala and Oddyanam were used by Tamil Brahmin. A kind of heavy guilt brass ring called Mekka Motiram was worn by Christian women after boring their ears in several places. Ottezhapathakkam, Kombu, Tala etc., were also typical Christian ornaments. Though most of the traditional ornaments mentioned above have become defunct now, the Kerala women are still found of ornaments, and jewelry items like necklaces, bangles, chains, earrings, studs etc., are now made by Kerala goldsmiths in a variety of attractive designs.

Apart from the main crafts described above, there are also a few others which deserve mention. Granite carving is one such art, which is mainly centred in Chengannur. The granite workers manufacture a variety of articles like idols, household equipment, pillars, survey stones etc., which are in great demand. The manufacture of musical instruments like Chenda, Maddalam, Mridangam, Edakka etc., is done in some places. The costumes and accessories required in Kathakali and Teyyam are being manufactured by some craftsmen. In Tellicherry, the home of Indian circus, the peculiar kinds of umbrella required by circus companies are manufactured. Being a maritime State, Kerala has its own handicrafts based on marine materials. Conch-shell articles like paper weight, pin cushions, ashtrayas, studs etc., are made by craftsmen in the Trivandrum area. In Kasaragod area articles like bangles, vanity bags and name boards are made of glass beads. Thus the legacy of Kerala in the field of arts and crafts is a rich and varied one.

Jayachandran.R.
Author is a freelance content writer who also owns http://www.aayurmart.com. For more details mailto:ayurmart@gmail.com

The Only 5 Things You Can Sell

Palyn Peterson

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'The Only 5 Things You Can Sell'
by Palyn Peterson

So, you want to start an internet store do you? What is it
are you going to sell? This really is the first thing to
tackle, because without any products your store will fail,
guaranteed. All jokes aside, let me share some insight on
broad this topic.

First, do you have anything to offer that you can make?
Crafts, exotic bird houses, jewelry, doll houses? Most people
will answer "No" to this one, but that is ok! Lots of
options are still available. In fact, most online stores do
not create their own products.

Affiliate programs are another great choice. An affiliate
program is when a company gives you commission to sell their
products. You direct customers to their website, and that is
it. You don't manage inventory, the sale or shipping. Some
companies may provide web space and site creation support,
but be careful about going that route -- they may want to
charge you setup fees and maybe a membership fee. If the
affiliate program is worth it, it will most likely be free.
Here are other points to pay attention to:

1. How much commission you will receive with each sale. 5%-
10% is on the low side. Try to stick with companies that
will pay you 20%-35%. I've even come across some affiliate
programs that pay as much as 50%.
2. Read the affiliate agreement. Some companies state you
can only sell their products on your website, and no one
else's. If this works for you, great. If not, be sure to
read the agreement and make sure this is not the case.
3. What the pay out amounts are. Know how much you need to
make before a check is cut and mailed to you.
4. Do you receive support? Many companies offer their
affiliates marketing material to help sell products. This
could include website content, pictures, banners, cut-and-
paste emails, and classified ads.

Some people pull in many thousands of dollars a month with
affiliate programs, they can work, but remember to be
careful! There are many wolves in sheep clothing just
waiting to take your setup fee and monthly payments just to
leave you without support and no sales. If affiliate
programs interest you, there are a number of good affiliate
program directories. Here are a few:

1. www.affiliatesdirectory.com
2. www.associateprograms.com
3. www.affiliatematch.com

Next, a very popular and incredibly practical choice is drop
shipping. Drop shipping is when a wholesale distributor
maintains the product inventory, you create a store selling
those products and take customer's orders at retail prices.
You then turn around and send the customer's order to the
wholesale distributor who ships the products to your
customer, often with your company name on the package.

The customer receives their products not knowing that you
are running the business with no inventory and from the
comfort of your home. And no inventory means you only spend
money when you are making money. In other words, you only
spend money buying products at wholesale when you are just
going to turn around and charge retail price to a customer.
How great is that? This is one of the most popular methods
of running a retail business on the internet, and for good
reason!

The great majority of wholesale distributors will ask you
for your TAX ID number when creating an account. Your TAX ID
number can be found on your sales tax license if you have
one, or usually your social security number will suffice if
you do not have a license. For free information on getting a
sales tax license, visit this page:
www.futureinternetmarketing.com/inetlaw/inetlaw.htm.

When searching for wholesale distributors, be careful
because there are a lot of companies out there that will
drop ship products and claim to be wholesale distributors
when they really aren't! They will take your order just to
turn around and order from the real wholesaler. This should
spell L-O-S-S to you. What's happening is that you are
buying the product at a price marked up from the actual
wholesale price, and then you'll need to mark it up even
further when selling it to your customer. There is a big
slice of the profit pie that you aren't getting!

Most distributors that offer thousands of different products
in a number of different categories are usually that type of
operation. Also, if the distributor wants to charge you a
subscription fee, that should set an alarm off in your head.
Occasionally the wholesale distributor will charge a per-
drop-ship fee, and maybe have a minimum order requirement
(either in quantity or dollar amount). A FEW (and I say
few) legit wholesale distributors will charge a setup fee
(one wholesale distributor I worked required that the first
order be $200 or more), but I have NEVER come across a legit
wholesale distributor that charges a subscription fee.

If you are having trouble deciding what products to sell,
try this: go shopping! Don't actually buy anything (if you
don't want to, at least), just look around and see what
products interest you.

Do you see a site that you think you could do better? Are
you a sports fan? Sell sports equipment or memorabilia! Do
you enjoy pool? Sell billiard supplies! Enjoy gardening, or
interior decorating? Sell products for those!

A word of advice though, the computer component market is
crammed. You will have more competition there than with most
other products.

Information products are a fabulous option as well. Not only
can they easily be created by you, they are even easier to
distribute because they can simply be emailed to your
customers.

Can you fix cars? Write a maintenance tips manual. Write an
eBook on saving money around the household. Write a manual
on how to negotiate with car dealers. Maybe you know how to
make the cue ball jump across a pool table over what would
have been an obstacle. I sure don't, and I wouldn't mind
finding out!

Basically, the question is "What do you know?" Don't
underestimate yourself either! A great way to get started
is to use the mind-map technique. This technique allows you
to jot down ideas that relate to a core idea and build a
skeleton of subjects that are all associated with each
other. After only a short time doing this, you should have
more than enough subjects to piece together a good eBook.
For more information on mind- maps, visit these resources:

1. www.peterussell.com/mindmaps/mindmap.html
2. www.shared-visions.com/explore/literature/mindmap.htm
3. www.tsd.jcu.edu.au/netshare/learn/mindmap/howto.html

If you look long enough, or are just plain lucky, you will
eventually come across someone selling the complete rights
to a product. You can buy it from them and resell it for as
much as you want, as often as you want, and retain 100% of
the profits. These deals are few and far between, and can
usually cost quite a bit. But do keep your eyes open for
them, it may be just what you are looking for.

Hopefully a number of product ideas have sparked as you were
reading this article. As you can see, there are a lot of
very good options available to you. Review all of them and
choose the best one, or ones, for your business situation.

Copyright © 2003 by Palyn Peterson
palyn@futureinternetmarketing.com

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course and discover the 16 necessary basics and 5 advanced
internet marketing techniques. You'll also receive a free
$gift$. http://FutureInternetMarketing.com/guide.htm
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course and discover the 16 necessary basics and 5 advanced
internet marketing techniques. You'll also receive a free
$gift$. http://FutureInternetMarketing.com/guide.htm

5 Tips To Increase Your Personal Power
Chris Green

Have you ever started a new project full to the brim with enthusiasm only to have your enthusiasm and motivation wane as the months go by? When we're pursuing something of worth in our lives, enthusiasm and motivation are two very important factors. They act as driving forces for us and keep us on course to achieve our goals. So how can we maintain high levels of both? Try these ideas:

1. The most important one: Have at least one person in your life who is like-minded. This means someone who wants to be the best they can be, who has dreams and goals and takes action to make them a reality. I know such people can be hard to find! They don't have to be following the same course in life as you. My best friend is studying to become a pilot and I enjoy computers and writing, yet because we love what we do, we help each other stay focused and motivated. But where can you find similar people? Try clubs and associations connected with your interests, the workplace, and of course, the Internet. Pick any subject and I guarantee you will find groups and forums for it online. Be proactive - seek out positive people. What they bring into your life - and you theirs - is priceless.

2. Watch inspirational movies. This is going to be down to personal taste, obviously, but here's a selection of films that inspire me: The Star Wars films, Rocky I & II (the rest are no where near as good!), Shawshank Redemption, Twelve Angry Men, Guess Who's Coming To Dinner, The Count Of Monte Cristo - There's many more but these are my favourites and never fail to give me a boost. You could also add to this videos and DVDs of your favorite sporting moments - in fact anything that inspires you. Build your collection and watch them when you feel enthusiasm levels dropping.

3. Related to the first tip: read biographies about people you admire. Again, personal taste will dictate who you read about but here's some people I admire greatly: Martin Luther King, Lance Armstrong, Helen Keller, Sir Winston Churchill, Lord Horatio Nelson, Franklin D and Eleanor Roosevelt, Muhammad Ali to name but a few. The beauty about this is that you read about people who achieved so much with their lives. You are learning about people who "walk the talk" rather than listening to people who haven't done anything and may well be negative about life. If you want to achieve your dreams it is absolutely vital to stay positive. Reading about people you admire will do for your positive attitude what pizzas do for your waistline, i.e expand it!

4. Have a picture board and fill it with pictures of your goals: Type of house, views of the area where you want to live, car or boat or bike you want, jewelry, clothes - whatever it is you want! This is to give you a visual reminder everyday about the goals you are pursuing and reminds you that what you are working towards is something very worthwhile. It boosts enthusiasm and keeps you focused and on track.

5. Read quotations everyday. I'm a big believer in the use of quotations to inspire and I'm always on the lookout for new ones to add to my list of favourites. My list is 6 pages long and growing! Here's a couple of good websites to checkout:

www.quotationspage.com & www.motivatingquotes.com

And to practice what I preach and to close this article nicely, here is the lastest quote I've added to my list and the one that inspired me to write this article:

"If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm."
- Vince Lombardi

And there you have 5 tips to help you maintain your enthusiasm and motivation. Put all 5 to use and you will stay positive and on course to achieve your goals!

Until next time.


Chris Green is the author of the new acclaimed book "Conquering Fear", the complete guide to overcoming fear and attracting more success, prosperity and happiness into your life.

How to Raise Creative Kids

Susan Stump

"Where did he come up with that?" Kids often amaze us with their imaginative ideas, and we should give ourselves a pat on the back for playing a role in this development. Innovative thinking is essential for success in school and in life, and it's our job as parents to nurture our kids' innate desire to be creative. Inventive play fosters original thinking, an asset when children are confronted with new situations. By providing activities that use their creativity and imaginations, we are giving our children an important tool to deal with life down the road.

Give them ideas.
Children come up with things to do on their own, but we also need to provide them with new ideas of interesting activities. Think back to what you did as a kid. Did you write a diary, create elaborate puppet shows, or sing and dance for relatives? Share ideas from your own childhood experiences. Offer creative writing ideas like writing an episode for a favorite television show or writing a new ending to a favorite story. Craft projects offer another outlet for inspiring imaginations. Craft kits, especially those from Curiosity Kits and ALEX, offer a wide variety of unusual and fun projects. They've brought us a long way from the sock puppets of our youth. These manufacturers offer ideas and supplies to make such things as scrapbooks, powerballs, soaps, candy, sun catchers, dolls, planes, dinosaurs, jewelry treasures, and lots of decorative items. Kids can gather ideas from the instructions, and then give the projects their own unique touches.

Keep ideas fresh.
Pick up any parenting magazine and you'll find lots of ideas to get those creative juices flowing in your kids. Search the web and check out craft stores. Keep a journal or file for magazine clippings and ideas as you find them. Stockpile so that you'll know how to answer the whiny "I'm bored" call from your kids.

Give them freedom.
Once you've given your kids some suggestions and supplies, step back and see which they choose and where they go with them. This unstructured play time gives kids an opportunity to stretch their creative muscles. Watch as they incorporate your ideas and branch out on their own.

Set an example.
Chances are, if you are a creative person, your child will be too. You display creativity in your everyday activities like when you reason with a disgruntled child, change lyrics to songs, and maybe even do some interpretive dancing to entertain a toddler. Your children see your silliness and it rubs off on them. You surely use creativity to juggle your and your family's schedules. It's a great idea to point out to your kids how you use creativity in your daily life.

As parents, we always try to do the very best for our kids and provide opportunities that will help them mature into intelligent, capable adults. Nurturing their creative spirits helps them along this road. With their well-developed imaginations, maybe they'll turn it into a yellow brick, pink polka-dotted road with sparkles!


Susan Stump is the mother of two children and the owner of ChildCrafter, Co. - Craft Kits and Subscriptions that Inspire a Child's Imagination. This work-at-home-mom offers a great selection of creative craft kits from ALEX, Quincrafts, and Curiosity Kits from her catalog and website (www.childcrafter.com).

Bridesmaid Gift Etiquette
Melissa Pearl

It is customary for the bride-to-be to give each of her bridesmaids a bridesmaid gift to thank them for their time, effort and investment. Gifts can be presented by the bride-to-be anytime all the bridesmaids are together and have quiet moment. Gifts are also given to the junior bridesmaids and, if appropriate, the flower girl.

Often all the bridesmaids receive the same gift; with the exception of the maid of honor, who is usually given a more extravagant gift than the others since her duties exceed the other bridesmaid's. Each bridesmaid gift can also be a variation on a theme (ex. each a different color necklace) or completely different items for each bridesmaid.

Bridesmaid gifts are often jewelry to wear at the ceremony that can also be worn for years to come. But bridesmaid gifts can also include a photo album / scrapbook, spa gift certificate, or even matching gloves to wear at the wedding ceremony.

There are many opinions when it comes to the price of bridesmaid gifts. Generally gifts are purchased a month or so before the wedding, spending up to $100 per gift. Some consider the gift's price should be in alignment with the cost of the wedding; others feel the more time the bridesmaids have spent helping, the more costly the gift; and still others feel the bride-to-be should spend what she sees fit and can afford.

By giving a gift to her bridesmaids, the bride-to-be is thanking her bridesmaids for all of the time (and money) they have invested in her wedding. Bridesmaid's gifts are her token of appreciation and friendship.

No matter what is chosen for the bridesmaid gift, enclosing a card with a handwritten note or poem makes it even more personal.

Melissa Pearl offers affordable, designer-made pearl and crystal illusion necklaces that are perfect for bridesmaid gifts or bridal shower favors.

Selecting the perfect gift for her

Janett Colon

Selecting the perfect gift for her"

Do you find it difficult to find that perfect gift for her?
Are you worried that she might not like the gift you select?

If you are looking for an easier way to select that perfect romantic gift for the man you love, then read on ..

You will not only discover that she will love your gift, but you will also make her realize that she will enjoy and appreciate your gift wholeheartedly..

You're probably asking yourself "How can I accomplish that, most times when i give her a gift, it goes unappreciated"

Well let me give you 3 things that women want and desire as gifts from the men they love...

1. They want to receive love, desire, passion & appreciation.

2. They want to receive understanding and acceptance for who they are..

3. They want to receive your joy and happiness, knowing that she makes you happy.

Women show their love and appreciation through actions, when given all of the above. All those special occasions when we desperately can't decide on what to give the women we love, we think they'll be happy and content receiving the material gifts. Of course, they would love you and be happy when receiving the jewelry, designer fragrances, intimate apparel, candles, lovemake books or whatever the gift.
The fact of the matter is they most desire and will appreciate a gift given from the heart, your love at full blast !!!!

Here are some ideas ...

1. The day of the special occasion, make sure that you tell her or write it down on a piece of paper, how lucky you are too have her in your life..

2. Tell her that she is the hottest, sexiest, most attractive, gorgeous, sweetest person in the world...(you can choose your own words, make sure that you follow up with a big wet smooch attesting to those words)

3. Plan to make this day special, let her know that you will do whatever it takes to make this day one she will always remember. Ask her beforehand if she had one wish what would it be, then try to follow up with it.
Be creative it is the little things that count..

If you make this a priority in giving her the gift that she will love and most desires, showing your appreciation for her own existence, I guarantee you that she will fall head over heels, with whatever material gift you wish to give her .. Which of course, women always love to receive precious gifts from the man they love...

So whatever material gift you decide to give her on the special occasion whether it be jewelry, designer fragrances, intimate apparel, wine gift baskets, sex drive enhancers, love make books, love music, or maybe even romantic lingerie, know that if you initially give her a gift of love..
She will love your gift..

Share the love this season.. love is a beautiful thing..

Best wishes,

Janett Colon, Believes that people can discover true happiness and meaningful lives, through sharing and
Experiencing true intimacy with our inner selves and with the ones we love. Offering articles & tips and
Free newsletter to improve romance, and better our lives.
Webmaster/owner of www.a-gift-of-love.com



Janett Colon, Believes that people can discover true happiness and meaningful lives, through sharing and communicating
and experiencing true intimacy with our inner selves and with the ones we love. Offering articles & tips and
Free newsletter to improve romance, and better our lives. please visit
www.a-gift-of-love.com



Winter Looks on a Budget
Kathryn Finney

Here are some quick and easy winter looks on a budget.

There are several new looks you can pull off for a fraction of the usual cost. Knee-high shearling boots are very hot right now, but you can get a pair of shearling-like boots from stores like Aldo , Bakers, and even Nordstrom for well under $70. These boots look great with a pair of jeans tucked inside.

Ponchos are definitely not "in" anymore, but what is "in" is to take a wide/long pashmina-like scarf in a great color like green or pink (you can get these at pretty much any store), and draping it around your shoulders, much as you would wear a poncho. Fasten the two ends together at the shoulder with brooches. Brooches continue to rock, and stores like Express and Claire's Boutique have a wonderful assortment. Remember: The gaudier the brooch, the better! Wear three or so at the same time.

Another hot look, straight from the runways, is to wear black or camel from head to toe, with turquoise jewelry accents. So throw on a pair of black fitted pants, a nice long-sleeve black top, and turquoise jewelry. It is a good time to buy some turquoise, or turquoise-like, jewelry - because it will be VERY HOT this spring and summer.

Use these three simple winter looks to add excitement and color to your winter wardrobe.


Kathryn Finney is the Chief Shopping Officer and Founder of Kate Magazine and The Budget Fashionista

Wonderful White Gold Wedding Rings

Donna Monday

The elegant and sophisticated look of glittering, gleaming gold. There's nothing quite like it.

Some people never grow tired of the look of pure gold jewelry. Gold, being our most precious metal, is often a first choice among couples looking for that perfect gold wedding ring.

While yellow gold remains very popular with the wedding crowd. Many people prefer the brilliant hue of a white gold wedding ring.

White gold will look beautiful on you whether you're a man or a woman. You can find online a great selection of white gold diamond wedding rings and white gold wedding ring sets. Also, if you're looking for something a little fancier that can also become a piece of wonderful keepsake jewelry, white gold makes a very elegant engraved wedding ring that can be passed on to future generations.

The one thing you need to be aware of when buying a white gold wedding ring is that it will need periodic maintenance in order to keep it's luster.

To obtain it's much desired glittering white color, white gold is coated with another alloy called Rhodium (the natural color of white gold is really light gray). Rhodium will wear down after a while, so to maintain your ring's luster, you'll need to visit your local jeweler about every 12-18 months and have it re-plated with a new coating of Rhodium. The cost for this should be very reasonable.

Whether you're looking for a plain gold wedding band, or a wedding ring with sparkling diamonds, white gold is an excellent choice for those looking for something a little extra special.


Copyright 2004
Donna Monday
One special moment. One special ring.
http://www.1-love-rings.com


"Don't Sell Grandma's Jewelry at a Yard Sale...What's It Worth?"
JoAnna Gilford

IDENTIFICATION
Before you can find out what a piece of jewelry is worth, you need to find out what it is. This can be as simple as turning it over and finding a maker's mark or complicated as in "hours of research". First thing first: Examine your jewelry for a maker's mark. Look on the back or on the clasp. Thoroughly examine every inch of the piece. If you see a maker's mark, start your research! Not finding a maker's mark doesn't mean it's not valuable, on the contrary; many fine pieces of jewelry were never marked. It does mean you will need to put in a little more effort in research.

If you received your jewelry from a family member, ask them about it's history. Did your grandfather give it to your grandmother right before he went off to war? Was it handed down from her mother? Answers to these questions will give you a general idea of how old it is.
Look at the style of the piece. Although many styles come back into fashion after a time, it is still possible to ID an older piece by the style and material.
Does it appear to have gemstones? Determine it they are real gemstones. You will need some sort of strong magnifying glass or ideally, a jeweler's loupe. A loupe is a small magnifying glass in various degrees of magnification. A 10X loupe should be all you need and they are relatively inexpensive. Craft and hobby stores usually sell them. Go to a well lighted place and look at the stone through the loupe. Do you see tiny bubbles in the stone? Tiny air bubbles mean it is made from glass or plastic. It's not a real gemstone. Is it open backed? Can you see the back of the stone when you turn the piece over? Does the back of the stone look shiny as in gold or silver colored foil? These are foil back rhinestones and not real gems. Foil was often added to reflect the light and create a better sparkle. Most real gems contain some type of natural inclusion. Unless you are familiar with gems and diamonds, your best bet is to take it to a jeweler or appraiser if you think it is real.
Look at the construction of the piece. This can be extremely helpful in dating a piece! Look at the clasp or pin. Are the stones individually riveted on? Is the clasp rather ornate? Does it have a layered look? What type of style is it? Does it remind you of old black and white movies? Perhaps Bette Davis or Katherine Hepburn? Does it look Victorian?
By now, you should have a general idea of age and you are ready to start your research in earnest!

RESEARCH
Head for your local library or heat up an Internet search engine! I can spend hours in my local library poring over books and books and more books. There are plenty of good jewelry reference books. Stop by your library or bookstore and check them out before buying. No sense in buying a book you will hardly use! If you choose the library, bring your jewelry with you. You can also make copies of any pages you wish to take or check out the book and bring it home. As with other research, libraries are extremely helpful. Searching on the Internet is also a quick and easy way to get fast information. Some search terms to try are:

maker's mark
vintage jewelry
the name of the maker's mark you found on your piece
the decade i.e. "1930's jewelry"
antique jewelry
collectible costume jewelry

This will give you hours of research and hundreds of pages to sort. Look at anything relevant, look for similar pieces or styles. Visit online vintage jewelry shops. Look for forums where you may be able to post a picture and ask for identification help.

If you love to research like I do, this is right up your alley! It can take hours, days sometimes weeks to find out about a certain piece. As you go, you will gain more knowledge about old jewelry and hopefully you will be as enchanted as many other collectors and dealers. It's a fascinating world of "junky jewelry"!

We are always here to help you with your pieces, so feel free to send us an email if you have questions.



Junky Jewelry buys, sells and offers consignment options for vintage, antique and collectible costume jewelry. All their licenses are current in the state of FL. Receive Junky Jewelry updates and articles in their free newsletter by visiting www.junkyjewelry.com.