Feb 12

Finding the perfect anniversary gift can be quite the challenge, particularly if the anniversary celebration you’re planning centers on one of the more notable milestone years. If you’re at a loss in determining which gift or activity might be best, it can be helpful to look the the past and find ways to modernize the traditional anniversary gifts and themes to make them your own.

For the ten-year mark more modest gifts were once the norm, but these days, with couples marrying later in life and becoming more affluent sooner, this standard has changed. This anniversary is now commonly considered the diamond anniversary, making a five stone diamond ring and other types of diamond anniversary jewelry a popular gift.

The 5 year anniversary isn’t quite as clear cut, but there are still plenty of new and old symbols to make it special; for example, giving five-stone diamond rings has become a very popular five year anniversary gift.

The five-year flower is the daisy, the color is pink, and the traditional gemstone that corresponds to the fifth anniversary is the sapphire, so a five stone ring or eternity ring incorporating blue, pink, or yellow sapphires into the design is also an especially thoughtful five year anniversary gift. Traditionally, the daffodil and the color blue are also associated with the 10-year anniversary, so a five stone ring with a yellow diamond or a diamond and blue sapphire eternity ring is a lovely and symbolic gift for this occasion.

The way a gift is presented, especially on an important day like one’s fifth or tenth anniversary, can be just as important as the gift itself. Again, we can look to the history of anniversary symbolism for ideas; port wine is associated with both years, so perhaps a picnic with gourmet cheese and wine or enjoying some port during a romantic dinner at an upscale restaurant would be a good setting for presenting your 10 year or 5 year anniversary gift.

In the end, of course, it doesn’t matter how traditional or trendy your gifts and celebrations are; if your jewelry and other gifts are chosen with love and attention to detail, your anniversary will be as joyful as your wedding day.

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Feb 07

Finding the perfect anniversary gift can be quite the challenge, particularly if the anniversary celebration you’re planning centers on one of the more notable milestone years. If you’re at a loss in determining which gift or activity might be best, it can be helpful to look the the past and find ways to modernize the traditional anniversary gifts and themes to make them your own.

In the past, the ten-year anniversary has been associated with aluminum, but these days this anniversary is known as the “diamond anniversary.” Celebrating with a piece of diamond jewelry would be particularly significant and romantic for this anniversary.

The next major anniversary after the first year together is the five year anniversary, another occasion fitting for the gift of a five stone ring.

Along with the diamond, the daffodil and the color blue are associated with the tenth anniversary, so a diamond and blue or yellow sapphire ring is an excellent, meaningful anniversary gift. When it comes to the five year, the gemstone connected with this anniversary is the sapphire, it’s color is pink, and its flowers is the daisy. This gives you a lot of options in choosing the perfect piece of jewelry as blue, pink, or yellow sapphires alongside diamonds in a five stone or eternity ring would be an appropriate choice with a nod to these traditions.

Not only is the gift important on such special occasions like these, the presentation of the gift is equally as important. Port wine is associated with both the five-year and the ten-year anniversaries. Planning a rustic picnic, complete with gourmet cheeses, wine, and a beautiful view will add to your important day. If the weather is not permitting, taking your special someone to tour a winery or to a charming Italian restaurant are both great locations for sharing your anniversary gift.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, picking a piece of jewelry out of love and affection will aid in your special day. Traditions or being modern can be helpful guidelines, but the time that you take to celebrate with each other is all that matters on your anniversary.

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Jan 30

When precious stones are mentioned, gold and diamonds are invariably the first to be mentioned. There are also carved black pearls and there are distinctive types available. These stones are classified according to their color; there are white, golden, pink and dark colored ones. There are two other rare varieties. One type is Keshi gems. They are one of a kind and obtained in only a few countries as a naturally occurring spin-off from pearl cultivation activities.

Pearls are found in the various species of oysters, both the fresh water and salt water ones. They are made up of tiny calcium carbonate particles that are deposited surrounding an irritant in the oyster like a piece of grit in concentric layers. These gems come in different shapes but the best and most valuable gems form a perfect circle and are very smooth.

A variety of species of oysters have these precious stones in them, both the ones that live in fresh water and those that live in salty water. They consist of miniature calcium carbonate specks that are deposited around a centre or bead in the oyster. These gems do not come in the same shape but dissimilar shapes. The greatest and most valued ones take the shape a perfect sphere and are completely level.

The gems have a metal like sheen and these are the completely natural ones that occur from the dark colored mother of pearl secretions that are only found in the oysters that produce dark colored gems. Tahitian gems stand out for their size and color.

These precious gems are sourced from a species of oyster called the Black-lipped oyster. They grow to large sizes, reaching up to 12 inches in width and weights of up to 10 pounds. It is within their ample mass that the Tahitian black pearl grows. This species is found in warm water in several parts of Central and South Pacific. It is present in big numbers in lagoons that surround French Polynesia reefs.

Natural dark colored gems are very hard to find these days. Out of 10,000 of these oysters, only one will produce a pearl. Their supply has been increased with the production of cultured Tahitian gems which has made them more affordable to more and more people. Tahitian carved precious gems are particularly outstanding in their own right. They are created by producing Tahitian and Marquesan tattoo motifs so that each carved pearl is an exclusive creation.

Tahitian carved gems are most exceptional. They are made using Tahitian and Marquesan tattoo designs so that each carved pearl is an unmatched creation. Dark colored gems can be carved to suit a clients wishes as pertains to size and shape and they can also be set on jewelry items like necklaces, bracelets, brooches and other pieces.

The most steeply priced will also have a completely smooth exterior with no flaws like spots, bumps, rough patches and they also have that pearly shine that make a pearl so lustrous and precious.

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Jan 29

So you have both decided that he will wear a men’s wedding ring! Once the man or couple have made the decision to purchase a men’s wedding ring for him there are still choices to make. Do they want to wear a matching set? Or does he prefer that his ring looks quite different to his wife’s. It is perfectly possible for a couple to buy a ring set where the style of the rings match perfectly, or even with matching engraved messages of love.

There are also practical considerations. Many men are engaged in trades where the wearing of a man wedding band would be downright dangerous. Although unlikely it is quite possible for a ring to get caught in machinery. In some jobs a ring cannot be worn on the job, and must be removed. This can also apply to women. Ultimately though, the wearing of a men’s ring is just one of the many choices the man will have to make once he makes the commitment to marry. And it is often a choice made by the couple together, maybe one of the first they make in conjunction about their wedding.

And as many men have never worn any form of jewelry before they have no idea what it will feel like to have something permanently on the finger. Is it heavy? Does it rub? Silly as it may seem to women this can be of concern to some men. (If this genuinely is of concern it is quite possible to find a cheap jewelry shop, buy the cheapest ring available and wear it for a while. See exactly what it feels like. And find out your size at the same time.)

Ultimately there are no rules about choosing a man wedding band. It is up to either the man or the couple together to make a decision. Will he or won’t he. There are a variety of considerations. First, will he wear one? Once that decision is made in the affirmative then there is a whole world of choice about styles, widths, materials and the type of statement the ring makes, both for the man and the woman.

Culture is also a consideration. In many cultures the wearing of wedding rings by men would never be considered. Men must think about how their particular culture, and also their religion, would view the wearing of a wedding band.

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Jan 26

Twenty years ago, it was likely that hardly anyone had ever heard of a tungsten wedding band or thought about buying one. Not too long after that, they became available and more widely known, but could only be found in very plain styles. Now that tungsten rings have become so well-known and fashionable, there are as many styles of tungsten rings out there as there are people to wear them. Let’s look at a few:

Tungsten Celtic wedding bands represent a rich history and tradition and are a unique way to celebrate the art and ingenuity of one’s Celtic ancestors. The Celtic tungsten rings on this page include designs that capture religious Christian iconography; interlaced, decorative knot patterns representing never-ending love; and the storied Claddagh, a token of fidelity steeped in folklore and custom.

When discussing jewelry made from tungsten carbide or other metals only recently entered into use for jewelry, the same frequently asked questions seem to come up. The merits and shortcomings of tungsten rings overall is one popular topic, as are comparisons to similar metals and jewelry styles. Tungsten carbide is, in fact, approximately five times harder than steel and ranks only behind diamonds on the scale of hardest materials; indeed, diamonds are used to polish each of these tungsten rings and give them their lasting satin and brushed finishes before they are sent off to make your wedding day complete.

Faceted tungsten carbide wedding rings feature interesting angles and shapes to reflect light in different directions. The facets may be subtle, as is the case with a flat ring with thin facets all the way around the band, or bold and complex with large shapes that resemble a hammered look.

Ladies tungsten rings are ideal for any woman shopping for a beautiful, durable and affordable ring, as well as any woman who requires a ring that can stand up to heavy duty situations. Tungsten rings for women are tough – they don’t scratch, they don’t need to be replated periodically, and they retain their brand-new appearance over a lifetime.

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Jan 25

When considering the styles of men’s wedding rings it is well worth thinking about the personality of the individual. While different men have very different personalities different rings will suit different personalities as well. A loud outgoing man, for example, can wear a loud outgoing unique men’s ring.

It was, in fact, during the second world war that the use of wedding rings by men became more common. (Note that men’s wedding rings and men’s wedding bands are interchangeable, both meaning the same thing.)

This often results in the mans ring costing more than the woman’s ring even with matching styles, as the mans ring uses more, often expensive, material. There are many innovative styles available now. Many men prefer a simple unadorned band, however others enjoy highly decorated styles which make a loud statement. The wearing of, for example, very wide and highly adorned Celtic rings is becoming much more common.

Men’s wedding rings have become increasingly more common since that time. Today it is probably as common for a newly married man to wear a ring as not. This may be due to several factors. The modern man may consider it his duty to choose to make the same public marital statement as his wife will. And his wife may well consider it a condition of the marriage that he do so. After all, in these days of equality, if she is prepared to make a statement then should he not do so as well?

Despite the fact that the wearing of a ring by a woman is a matter of choice, it is in fact almost obligatory due to the fact that it is so common. Many women do not even consider the possibility of not wearing one. Often, however, a man usually considers the wearing of a man wedding ring very carefully.

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Jan 21

Eternity bands are sometimes difficult to make, as they are most often sold by total carat weight and thus limited to an exact stone size to form the right size circle for each different wearer’s finger.

Caring for eternity rings can be done at home to a degree– most jewelry benefits from a simple soap and water rinse now and then, but to remove heavy dirt and oil buildup or tarnish, you should take your eternity rings to a jeweler for safe, proper maintenance.

Eternity bands are sometimes difficult to make, as they are most often sold by total carat weight and thus limited to an exact stone size to form the right size circle for each different wearer’s finger. Caring for eternity rings can be done at home to a degree– most jewelry benefits from a simple soap and water rinse now and then, but to remove heavy dirt and oil buildup or tarnish, you should take your eternity rings to a jeweler for safe, proper maintenance.

Although the diamond eternity band is here to stay, many new styles to suit different tastes have cropped up, and many retailers offer birthstone eternity rings and designs alternating other gems with diamonds. Diamonds are forever, as the saying goes, and when this sentiment meets the symbolism of eternal love embodied by the wedding ring, eternity bands are the stunning result.

If diamonds aren’t your style, or you like them but want a bit more color in your eternity bands, you won’t be left out! Many jewelers now stock and custom make eternity rings with rubies, emeralds, black diamonds, and blue, yellow, or pink sapphires.

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Jan 20

A number of the tungsten rings worn for symbolic and fashion purposes alike have similar roots in ancient tradition, while many others take their cue from this tradition and wear or create tungsten rings to express something meaningful in a modern way.

The beveled tungsten ring has a clean, simple look that is always classic and tasteful. The many styles of beveled tungsten rings are available in many widths and range from very detailed faceted designs to the most basic polished band. The one thing all these bevel edge rings have in common is the well-finished look that framing a piece of jewelry with a subtle beveled edge creates. The tungsten wedding bands for men and ladies are famous for their scratch resistance and strength. These pieces are shiny, sturdy, and permanently polished, making the tungsten wedding band the choice of grooms and brides who need rings that are built to last.

Other tungsten rings express indentifying information as well. Birthstone tungsten rings make use of the mythology surrounding particular precious and semi-precious gems and their effects on different kind of people and assigns them to particular months or astrological signs. Mother’s tungsten rings are a more recent development in the vein of birthstone jewelry, as these tungsten rings are designed to hold birthstones representing each of a mother’s children.

One should keep in mind that although natural-tone tungsten is scratch resistant, the black color on tungsten black wedding rings is a plated coating on the surface which can wear off and scratch over time. Many people still choose these rings because the black is so richly hued and seems to glow, but if you are concerned that the coating will not withstand your active lifestyle, go with a solid black ceramic ring. If a completely black ring is not quite your style, perhaps a permanently polished tungsten carbide band in tungsten’s natural pale grey color and just a touch of black is what you need; in that case, try a tungsten carbide ring accented with black enamel or black carbon fiber inlay.

Another classic ring profiles is the flat, or pipe cut, shape. These rings are perhaps the simplest type of wedding band design.

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Jan 17

Despite the fact that the emphasis of wedding day festivities is often on the bride, the rising level of popularity of the 2 ring ceremony has also put other customs and traditions for grooms at center stage.

Wedding bands for grooms, though quite popular & almost viewed as standard these days, have only been in wide use since the 1940s when many married couples were divided by WWII.

It was one big step from no men’s wedding rings at all to plain gold bands for both, and since then a lot of more jumps have been made to contribute to a diverse and appealing men’s wedding ring assortment on the market. Today’s jewelers provide a remarkable selection of gold bands, platinum rings, tungsten wedding bands, palladium wedding rings, and many other styles of gold, tungsten carbide, or platinum jewelry in varying forms & styles.

Throwing the garter is a men’s wedding reception custom that is sometimes the subject of dispute. Some brides and/or groooms feel that it is tacky & decline to participate, while others make it a silly & risque portion of the wedding reception along with funny dances & games. The best strategy, perhaps, is to find moderation somewhere between the two; for instance, the bride might wear an extra garter nearer to her knee than the real ones, and the groom should take care not to push her skirt too high to get it.

The groom’s cake is an additional entertaining custom for weddings & has origins in the southern United States — as the story goes if the single women in attendance slept that night with part of the groom’s cake under their pillows, they’d dream of future mates. This is an enjoyable bit of superstition not unlike the bouquet toss, and can be created to communicate the groom’s or couple’s interests in very creative ways.

Clearly, it’s not all about rehearsal dinners & bachelor parties anymore– there are a number of wedding traditions & modern practices that place the groom front and center.

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Jan 12

No need to be restless. You CAN embark on YOUR dream-life this year. And if your dreams are faint or non-existent consciously – no need to say “but I don’t know what they are” – or “but I don’t have dreams” – or “but I gave up on them” – or “but I don’t know how.”

If you’re breathing, it means you haven’t lived out your life purpose yet! If it seems that you’ve painted yourself into a corner:

If you’re riddled with ailments and live almost in constant pain. If you’re despondent about how your life has turned out. If you’re almost flat broke or even heavily indebted. If you’re in a relationship that doesn’t work or is abusive. If you’re lonely. If you’re impatient:

If you’re breathing, then none of the obstacles are important. Don’t be alarmed! Wherever you find yourself, it doesn’t matter. Let me guide you from where you are – no matter where that is – or how long it takes – starting with rekindling your dreams, let me guide you to your optimal life.

Some of the benefits of living YOUR optimal life are: Knowing exactly what you want. Having clarity in everything you do. Living with confidence. Creating the life that suits you. Being the ultimate you. Earning well from what you like doing.

Even if you feel you have no chance. Believe it or not, YOUR dream time is about to start. Even if you feel you don’t deserve it. Even if like me, at first you feel you don’t have dreams.

As you know, you get out what you put in. In living optimally, what you put in is a pleasant experience, even though from time to time it might not be easy. With living optimally, what you get out will likely surprise you.

N.B Where mention is made above of your dreams, these refer only to the waking kind, and they include your daydreams.

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