Purchasing loose diamonds can be an effective diamond buying strategy for both cost and quality. Loose cut diamonds refer to diamonds that have already been cut and polished, but have not been placed in any particular type of setting yet, such as a ring. If you are buyloose cut diamonds, you will then have the ability to place the diamonds in a variety of settings after your purchase. By focusing first on the diamond, you will be able to get the best quality diamond for your money.
A diamond will usually be characterized by the four c's: carat weight, clarity, color, and cut. While caret weight is a consideration, don't make the mistake of focusing solely on size. Shopping forloose cut diamonds based strictly based on carat weight would be similar to purchasing an appliance based just on capacity, without considering the features and styling that would work best to fit your needs. The other diamond characteristics can greatly impact the look of your diamond even more than the carat weight.
Another important consideration is clarity, which refers to the number and type of flaws that are found in the diamond. Unfortunately, clarity is very difficult to judge accurately, as most flaws are only visible under a microscope. You can ask a variety of jewelers to point out the flaws in a variety of stones, using a microscope, until you can judge for yourself. However, since most people will be admiring your diamond with their naked eye, you can usually rule outloose cut diamonds with flaws that are clearly visible, and not worry too much about microscopic flaws.
Diamonds come in a variety of colors, but for a traditional, non-colored diamond, the clearer the better. Although you will bepurchasing loose cut diamonds , it is good to have an idea about what type of setting you will have your diamonds in. If you plan on mounting the stones in white-gold or platinum, the whiter diamonds will be much more effective. Yellow metals, like gold, will be much more forgiving to more of yellow-colored diamonds.
The cut of your loose diamonds is perhaps the most important consideration. The cut will determine, to a large extent, the brilliance of your diamonds, and also suggest the best diamond setting. A brilliant cut usually has triangular facets that surround the stone, leading to what is a flat top, or often called a table. These differ from the more traditional emerald or step cuts, but provide the shiniest diamonds available.
Purchasing loose cut diamonds can be a jewelry investment that lasts a lifetime. By spending some time familiarizing yourself with the many choices before your purchase, you be a much more informed consumer. Your diamonds will then be available for a variety of creative settings.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Finding the Perfect 50th Anniversary Gift
Fifty years of marriage is certainly a reason to celebrate. Sometimes finding the right gift can be difficult whether you’re shopping for your parents or for friends. You will be spoilt for choice as there is such a wide variety to choose from.
Let’s assume you’re shopping for your parents. You know them best so think about what they would like. If you can’t ask them about it, keep your ears open to find out what they would really value. Often people mistake costly items as being of high value. But when it comes to finding a50th anniversary gift, something as simple as a black and white framed photograph of the couple, can make a big difference.
Try and find gifts that can be used by both people. For instance a ‘Him and Her’ gift watch set in complimentary designs may work well, if your budget allows it. The idea is to gift something that bonds them both together. It is after all a celebration of their togetherness. Another sentimental gift is to give them something from the past. Probably a diary filled with messages from old friends and classmates. Or perhaps a special poem written by the grandkids, artistically framed with photos to boot!
Another good idea would be to gift them a holiday. After years of trying to give you a good life, your parents deserve a break. This could take the form of a cruise, an adventure holiday or even just a dinner for two at a romantic getaway. Wouldn’t you love to see their faces light up when you tell them about the holiday?
Although there are a plethora of options, not every idea may work. So you need to do a little homework and find out what they would value the most. Choose from the heart, it always works!
For Details :
More Anniversary Gift
Let’s assume you’re shopping for your parents. You know them best so think about what they would like. If you can’t ask them about it, keep your ears open to find out what they would really value. Often people mistake costly items as being of high value. But when it comes to finding a50th anniversary gift, something as simple as a black and white framed photograph of the couple, can make a big difference.
Try and find gifts that can be used by both people. For instance a ‘Him and Her’ gift watch set in complimentary designs may work well, if your budget allows it. The idea is to gift something that bonds them both together. It is after all a celebration of their togetherness. Another sentimental gift is to give them something from the past. Probably a diary filled with messages from old friends and classmates. Or perhaps a special poem written by the grandkids, artistically framed with photos to boot!
Another good idea would be to gift them a holiday. After years of trying to give you a good life, your parents deserve a break. This could take the form of a cruise, an adventure holiday or even just a dinner for two at a romantic getaway. Wouldn’t you love to see their faces light up when you tell them about the holiday?
Although there are a plethora of options, not every idea may work. So you need to do a little homework and find out what they would value the most. Choose from the heart, it always works!
For Details :
More Anniversary Gift
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
How To Save on Brand Name Items
’ll be honest, I like to shop. Whether for shoes or pots and pans, I love the feeling of going to the stores, seeing the different items on the shelf, and imaging where in my house I actually could store all of these items. The internet has just fueled my shopping addiction because now I am no longer restricted to the stores that reside in my immediate area; the sky is the limit! If I want a lamp shade from a small store in New York, I can get it. If I want coffee from Seattle, it's just a click of a button. This new found shopping arena on the internet has been a blessing, but has also made me realize the importance of budgeting and saving. That being the case, I have found that I am more thrify than ever in my shopping, and want to pass some key tidbits in money saving on to you. These ideas and suggestions aren't unique, this is just a testimony that they work, tried and approved by an avid shopper.
Thrift Stores: Digging Is Rewarding!
One of the best ways to save money is to visit thrift shops. I have found amazing deals here, even finding brand new items on the shelves! These items may be used, but if you dig long enough you will find amazing deals on gently used items. Here are some hints when shopping atthrift stores:
• Dig! At times there can be racks and racks of items. If you are not content to looking for items, you probably won't find the best deals. Go to thrift shops when you have time to browse. Patience is definitely a virture and holds true in any thrift store shopping. Visit each rack, and take time to look at each item. You just never know what you might find! My sister ended up finding barely worn $400 shoes and paid about $20.
• Look for tags. You would be amazed at how many brand new items make it to the thrift store shelves! I believe that many people impulse buy items, and then throw them in a closet, only to be discarded at a later time. If you see an original store tag on an item, consider this a very good find and take it right up to the cash register!
• Looking for Retro? Try thrift stores! Small boutiques and even trendy stores at the mall often make you pay an arm and a left for retro items. Why not try the thrift stores to look for TRULY retro items. You will end up with authentic items while paying a fraction of the price.
• Goodwill, Salvation Army, and more Donating to these places often benefits a truly cause wrothy group. But you know that if you are donating to these places, other people are doing the exact same thing! Visiting your local Goodwill gives you a sense that your shopping is not going without a greater reward. You can also find excellent items. I know that the Goodwill in a neighborhood I used to live in was packed on the weekends! Goodwill is also an excellent place to find DIY project items as things can often be restored.
• Plato's Closet and other trendy stores Gently used clothing is back! Stores, like Plato's Closet in Colorado, offer shoppers a way to both save and make money. These stores acceptbrand name used clothing, and pay shoppers for their contributions. In turn, shoppers can buy other brand name clothes at great prices! You can find Gap, American Eagle, Juciy Couture and more in these stores, and look hot without breaking the bank. Plus, if you are tired of your current wardrobe, exchange your clothes for greatbrand name items!
Retail Bliss!
If thrift stores aren't your cup of tea, there are many retail stores out there that sell brand name, never been used items at discounted prices. These stores receive extra items from larger stores. For example, if a large department store does not sell all of a particular type of jacket by the end of the season, they sell these to stores like TJ Maxx and Ross at discounted prices. This discount is then passed on to you. There are variety of stores that participate in this, including dollar stores! Below is an outline of my favorite stores:
• Ross: If you like brands like DKNY and Express, this is the store for you! I am notorious for losing sunglasses, especially if I have spent a pretty penny on them. I have a hard time buying a cheap pair, so Ross offers me a good in between. I love to buy the DKNY sunglasses at Ross, and spend about $15. This is just as much as you would spend on a pair anywhere else, and you know you are getting a quality brand. Then, when I inevitably lose these sunglasses, I don't have a heart attack because I spent a ton of money. They have a great shoe and clothing selection, as well as home items that I love. Check this store out!
• TJ Maxx/Home Goods: This combination is dangerous, mostly because I love everything in here! I LOVE to decorate my house, and since I just bought a new one I can justify needing more pictures and mirrors. Home Goods has fantastic home decor items, including area rugs and small pieces of furniture. I have also been able to find framed art that I have seen in other stores for twice the price! If you are in need of home decorations, I would visit this store today.
• Tuesday Morning: At Tuesday Morning, you can receive 40%-80% off retail prices! This store does not focus on clothings, but has everything you need for home and garden. My mom was able to get a beautiful stainless steel coffee pot that normal retailed for over $180 for only $65. It was a steal in itself! And I'll let you in on my little secret: I am a big Barbie Collector and have found Tuesday Morning to be a secret depot for collectible Barbies. I have been able to get Gold Label collectibles (retailing normally at over $130) for $60-$75. I justify my collection by telling myself it is an investment. Plus, I just love them!
Thrift Stores: Digging Is Rewarding!
One of the best ways to save money is to visit thrift shops. I have found amazing deals here, even finding brand new items on the shelves! These items may be used, but if you dig long enough you will find amazing deals on gently used items. Here are some hints when shopping atthrift stores:
• Dig! At times there can be racks and racks of items. If you are not content to looking for items, you probably won't find the best deals. Go to thrift shops when you have time to browse. Patience is definitely a virture and holds true in any thrift store shopping. Visit each rack, and take time to look at each item. You just never know what you might find! My sister ended up finding barely worn $400 shoes and paid about $20.
• Look for tags. You would be amazed at how many brand new items make it to the thrift store shelves! I believe that many people impulse buy items, and then throw them in a closet, only to be discarded at a later time. If you see an original store tag on an item, consider this a very good find and take it right up to the cash register!
• Looking for Retro? Try thrift stores! Small boutiques and even trendy stores at the mall often make you pay an arm and a left for retro items. Why not try the thrift stores to look for TRULY retro items. You will end up with authentic items while paying a fraction of the price.
• Goodwill, Salvation Army, and more Donating to these places often benefits a truly cause wrothy group. But you know that if you are donating to these places, other people are doing the exact same thing! Visiting your local Goodwill gives you a sense that your shopping is not going without a greater reward. You can also find excellent items. I know that the Goodwill in a neighborhood I used to live in was packed on the weekends! Goodwill is also an excellent place to find DIY project items as things can often be restored.
• Plato's Closet and other trendy stores Gently used clothing is back! Stores, like Plato's Closet in Colorado, offer shoppers a way to both save and make money. These stores acceptbrand name used clothing, and pay shoppers for their contributions. In turn, shoppers can buy other brand name clothes at great prices! You can find Gap, American Eagle, Juciy Couture and more in these stores, and look hot without breaking the bank. Plus, if you are tired of your current wardrobe, exchange your clothes for greatbrand name items!
Retail Bliss!
If thrift stores aren't your cup of tea, there are many retail stores out there that sell brand name, never been used items at discounted prices. These stores receive extra items from larger stores. For example, if a large department store does not sell all of a particular type of jacket by the end of the season, they sell these to stores like TJ Maxx and Ross at discounted prices. This discount is then passed on to you. There are variety of stores that participate in this, including dollar stores! Below is an outline of my favorite stores:
• Ross: If you like brands like DKNY and Express, this is the store for you! I am notorious for losing sunglasses, especially if I have spent a pretty penny on them. I have a hard time buying a cheap pair, so Ross offers me a good in between. I love to buy the DKNY sunglasses at Ross, and spend about $15. This is just as much as you would spend on a pair anywhere else, and you know you are getting a quality brand. Then, when I inevitably lose these sunglasses, I don't have a heart attack because I spent a ton of money. They have a great shoe and clothing selection, as well as home items that I love. Check this store out!
• TJ Maxx/Home Goods: This combination is dangerous, mostly because I love everything in here! I LOVE to decorate my house, and since I just bought a new one I can justify needing more pictures and mirrors. Home Goods has fantastic home decor items, including area rugs and small pieces of furniture. I have also been able to find framed art that I have seen in other stores for twice the price! If you are in need of home decorations, I would visit this store today.
• Tuesday Morning: At Tuesday Morning, you can receive 40%-80% off retail prices! This store does not focus on clothings, but has everything you need for home and garden. My mom was able to get a beautiful stainless steel coffee pot that normal retailed for over $180 for only $65. It was a steal in itself! And I'll let you in on my little secret: I am a big Barbie Collector and have found Tuesday Morning to be a secret depot for collectible Barbies. I have been able to get Gold Label collectibles (retailing normally at over $130) for $60-$75. I justify my collection by telling myself it is an investment. Plus, I just love them!
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