Sunday, November 9, 2008

Matchy Matchy

What kind of fashionista are you? Do you like to wear matching jewelry sets? Do you match your shoes to your handbag, or wear lipstick to match your shirt. Well, today's styles have become so eclectic in nature, that it seems you can do no wrong. Now, take that comment with a grain of salt because there are still fashion do's and fashion don'ts. Lately, women are making statements with their oversized handbags, large earrings and bright shoes. Clothing seems to be centered around fabulous accessories.Obviously, jewelry is one of those fabulous accessories. I admit it, I used to wear matching necklaces, bracelets and even earrings, but lately I've enjoyed wearing a more eclectic collection of jewelry and accessories, combining large gold earrings with my handcrafted bridge jewelry necklace, and topping it off with some bangles. Yes, technically they "match," but they aren't sold in a set.So, it's the first day of summer. I challenge you to wear two pieces of jewelry that weren't bought in a set. Wear those silver hoops with your wooden cuff bracelet, or your gold bangles with some pearl earrings. It's liberating for the more conservative of fashionistas, and it will open up the possibilities that you never knew you had in your jewelry box.

Buying Jewelry Insurance

If you have homeowners or renters insurance, your jewelry is already covered up to a certain amount. Make sure you let your insurance company know the value of your jewelry so they can advise you about buying additional jewelry insurance. You can insure you jewelry against instances such as loss, damage and theft. Many people don't think they can claim broken or destroyed jewelry from activities such as sports, power tools, chemicals and solvents, swimming pools and hot tubs, or any activity where jewelry can be damaged. But just like anything else you insure, your jewelry can be covered from these instances as well.Buying jewelry insuranceJewelry insurance is available in addition to your homeowners or renters insurance. It may or may not be tied to your homeowners or renters policy, but it serves as additional coverage, so you're safe either way. Before you buy jewelry insurance, do your research. Compare policies and how claims are reported. Just because a plan is inexpensive, doesn't mean it's a good policy. Some insurance companies make it almost impossible to file a claim, requesting impossible details and unnecessary proof. In order to insure your jewelry, you should have a receipt if possible, a photo of your jewelry, and a thorough appraisal.AppraisalsYou should have your jewelry appraised prior to buying coverage. This will provide a written document of the value of your jewelry, so your premium will be properly determined. Plus, with a detailed description, photographs and accurate value of your jewelry, there will no discrepancies when filing a claim. Your appraisal should include the following:• Complete and accurate description of your jewelry including the style, characteristics, weights, grades and measurements.• Statement about any unusual treatments or flaws that might come with your gemstones.• Statement as to whether your stone is imitation, natural, synthetic, etc.• Name, manufacturer, workmanship, metal, mounting and karats.• The value of your jewelry• Photograph of the item being appraised.Always make sure your appraisal is prepared by a certified Insurance appraiser. Ask to see certification.How to prevent theft, loss or damage.TheftKeep your jewelry in a safe place like a jewelry box in your closet, a safe, or a hidden locked box. Your dresser drawer or jewelry box will be the first place a thief will look. It would be a extra safety measure to keep your bedroom closet locked as well. Make sure your windows and doors have quality locks, and consider a security system. Most thefts occur during the day when people are away at work because burglars think they can gain access to your home without being caught. You need to prepare your home so they wont even try to gain access.When you are on vacation, have a neighbor collect your mail and newspapers, and consider leaving the porch light and an inside light on in the house. This creates the illusion that someone is home. If you'll be away for a long period of time, have someone mow your lawn, make sure your jewelry is in a secure location and consider having the post office hold your mail until you return. You want to draw as little attention to your empty home as possible.LossWhen you aren't wearing your jewelry, make sure it's being put back where it belongs. Don't leave your jewelry on tables or counters where they can be knocked onto the floor or down a drain. Some jewelry may go unnoticed and be sucked up the vacuum cleaner, or simply disappear.If your jewelry is bothering you during the day, don't throw it in an obscure pocket in your purse. Consider keeping a jewelry pouch in your purse so you can keep your jewelry in a secure place until you get home. Remember to put your jewelry away when you get home.If you are traveling, don't pack your jewelry in luggage that will be handled by someone else. Pack your jewelry in your carry-on luggage so you will be able to keep an eye on it. Keep your jewelry in a hotel room safe or a hotel safe. Don't leave it on the bathroom counter or out in the open where it can be vacuumed up, swept away, or worse, stolen.DamageDon't wear your jewelry during strenuous activities. Gemstones can break if hit just right, precious metal can scratch easily, and you can even loose your jewelry in water activities such as water skiing. So be careful, and leave your jewelry at home on these active days. Some of these activities include yard work, manual labor, sports, housework, construction, working on the car or handling harsh chemicals, etc.If your jewelry is damaged, gather the pieces and take a photograph of the jewelry remains if it's possible. Write down what happened to cause your jewelry to be damaged, and report claims as soon as possible. Remember to get authorization before having your jewelry repaired, as not all claims will be approved.Don't forget to have your jewelry inspected often. Settings can become loose with wear, and it's easier to lose stones. Whenever you stop into a jeweler, have them check the setting and have the piece of jewelry cleaned. It's easier to remember to do this for jewelry you wear all the time, like a wedding ring. You have the piece on you most of the time, and you can just stop into a jeweler when you see one. But those pieces you wear less frequently, or for special occasions, it harder to remember to bring these in. So the next time you go out shopping, bring your jewelry in and drop it off before you shop around. Just don't forget to pick up your sparkling jewelry before you head home

Murano Glass and the Italians


The age of glassworking is unknown, but it is said to pre-date the birth of Christ. The long-lived techniques spread throughout the ancient world, from Japan to North Africa. We know the techniques spread through Italy, because the Romans were known for making some significant changes to the original designs of furnaces and kilns. They were the first to add more exhaust vents and more options for side access to these kilns. They are also responsible for refining and experimenting with tools.The Italian achieved the highest technical achievement than anyone else in the world, and in 1291, they were sent to Murano due to the fire hazards of Glasswork. Murano is located off the shore of Venice, Italy. As Europe entered the Renaissance, a new use for glass was developed. Angelo Barovier, working in Murano, invented Crystallo, a clear soda glass in 1450 AD. There was a new need for clear durable vessels as chemical science was developing. This was the best glass for the job. The pipe glassblowing technique wasn't suitable for making these small objects. It was discovered that forcing a small narrow stream of air into a flame from an oil lamp created sufficient heat to work with the small pieces of glass. By the beginning of the fifteenth century this technique was spread throughout Europe and Lampworking was born.Murano glassmakers monopolized quality glassmaking for centuries, developing and refining techniques of various types of glass, including, crystalline glaass, enamelled glass, glass with threads of gold, mulitcolored glass, milk glass and imitation gemstones made of glass. Now, there are more brands of glass, but everyone learned from the Italians, the Murano is still the epicenter of the most prizes glasswork around. Today, Murano is a destination for tourist and glass and jewelry lovers and visitors only need to take a short boat ride for a visit. The artists are still using their original techniques they developed and crafting everything from paper weights, figurines, wine stoppers, glass jewelry, and large glass sculptures. So if you take a trip to Venice, Italy, remember to visit the island of Murano. You can take a free boat ride to the island, as the glass company;s will sponsor your visit. Just be ready to be subjected to some high-pressure salesman in the showrooms. It's worth it.

Fashion at the beach



Can I wear my jewelry at the beach?Ok, admit it, when you head to the beach you want to look good। And what better than to top off your designer beach-going outfit with some well suited jewelry? Well, what is better is to keep your expensive quality jewelry at home.By wearing your jewelry to the beach, you are exposing it to salt water. This can slowly erode the finish and polish of your gemstones and cause damage to your precious metals. Plus, sand can scratch your jewelry and get into the inner details of the intricate jewelry facets, which is very difficult to remove.Most of the time, the beach comes with a high level of humidity, which is the cause of tarnish. Although your jewelry may not tarnish after one visit to the beach, the most humidity it's exposed to, the faster it will tarnish. You are simply speeding up the process.Plus, if you leave your jewelry with your belongings and go for a swim, you are leaving your jewelry vulnerable to theft.Can I wear my jewelry to the pool?There's no sand and no salt water, so what's the problem? Well, you shouldn't wear your jewelry into a swimming pool because the chlorine can also cause damage to your jewelry. It can discolor your setting and erode the finish and polish of your gemstones.What about sunlight, can this cause damage to my jewelry?It's rare, very few colored gemstones will be damaged by the sunlight, but it can happen. For example, Kunzite may fade when exposed to sunlight or in a tanning booth. Other tips and warningsIn general, jewelry should not be exposed to salt water, chlorine, bleach, detergents or other household or harsh chemicals. You should always clean your jewelry, as it is exposed to lotions, makeup and natural oils from the skin every day. Over time this can cause your jewelry to tarnish or become discolored. Plus, cleaning them will keep them shiny and beautiful. Always use a soft jewelry cloth or a soft brush when cleaning your jewelry. Never use anything abrasive such as toothpaste for polishing.Ask your jeweler what the best way is to clean your specific type of jewelry or gemstones, as it can vary. Water and a mild soap can be used for most jewelry care needs. However, this should NOT be used with amber, coral, emerald, jade, kunzite, lapis lazuli, pearl, opal or turquoise. So do your research.

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