Tips to Reduce the Cost of Your Designer Jewelry

You may feel that to cut the cost of your jewelry you must give up some beauty. That's not always true. Let's say that you've found a handcrafted necklace but the price is a bit higher than you expected.

There are a few options that you can investigate to maintain your appreciation of the piece and to make it more affordable. This approach requires a little work on your part, but it can be well worth your effort. The trick, and it's not a hard one, is to find a designer who is interested in working with you.
This method involves prioritizing the most important and least important features of the jewelry, suggesting affordable replacements, and offering a possible wish list if your replacement features allow.

Here are the easy procedures for using this method.

Step 1 - Prioritize the Jewelry Features

1. Write down the critical components.

2. Write all the less critical components.

3. Suggestion more affordable replacements wherever you can.

4. Include a wish list of possible components if possible.

5. Review your work up to this point. Be honest and realistic for the best results.

Step 2 - Create a Table

All the hard work is completed! Create a table using whatever software you're comfortable with. Use column headings to categorize the information you’ve already completed, for example:

- Name of Jewelry Piece ….- Critical ….- Less Critical ….- Replacement ….- Wish List:

a) Clasp - Same size, less costly

b) Add Swarovski Crystal(s)

c) Silver Beads - Fewer beads, more spacers

d) Chain - Delete

e) Pendant - Change to (details)

f) Charms - Change to (type & size)

Remember that you don't want to overwhelm your designer but you get the idea.

You can include some text below your table if you would like to go into more detail to get your point across. It's all right to leave a cell blank. The purpose of this table is to prioritize the critical and the less critical aspects of jewelry.
Just as important, is that this table will provide the designer with the information needed to create an item that will satisfy all of your wants - or as many as possible, anyway.

Step 3 - Communicate with the Jewelry Designer

1. Email the jewelry designer, and let them know you'd like to purchase a similar piece to one they’ve created with minor changes that would make it more affordable. Inform the designer that you have created a table that they may use to help you achieve your objectives. Let the designer know you what you expect to pay for the piece to enable them to come up with modifications.

2. If the designer is interested in customizing a piece of jewelry to fit your needs, you will more than likely receive a reply shortly.

3. Send your table only if requested by the designer. You're halfway there, having successfully started a professional dialogue with a designer who is interested in creating a piece of jewelry that will earn your business, within reason. Keep in mind that most good designers will refuse to use certain materials; high standards regarding the materials help the artist to establish that certain quality, so you may have to compromise on some features.

4. The designer will let you know how they would like to proceed. Be prepared to pay for the item in full before it is actually created. But enjoy the excitement of knowing that your suggestions have guided the design of an item that you can take special pride in wearing.
If your designer can't help you (which should only be the case if you've asked for too much, in return for a price that is too low), you still have options.
Look at your list and you'll discover that it also has excellent keyword phrases that are listed in order of importance to you, which you can use in your favorite online search.
If you're reasonable in what you're requesting for the price you're willing to pay you should be able to wind up with that special piece of jewelry that really speaks to you . . . and you and the designer both win!

By: Kathleen Badeaux - dBk-beadedjewelry.com

How to Always Have Something to Wear

Always buying clothes but never have anything to wear? Here's step by step instructions on how to develop a wardrobe.

Here's How:

Stop impulse buying. Every $10 mistake you would have picked up in the bargain bin goes to a really great wardrobe.
In the first step of cleaning out your closet, eliminate everything that doesn't fit or that you haven't worn in a year.
A few weeks later, go back and get rid of all the stuff you fudged on the first time around.
With what's left, begin identifying a theme to your wardrobe, relying on favorite looks, colors and lifestyle pieces.
Decide on three colors that either match or will coordinate with what you own and buy only those three colors for apparel.
Establish a workable budget.
Make a list of all the items you need in your wardrobe. (For example: solid blazer, wool pants, white shirt)
Set aside an hour of time each week to shop -- online or off.
Avoid super trendy items, unless you can get them for less than $40.
Buy clothing that will span two to three seasons -- like wool crepe or matte jersey.
Purchase only clothes that work with something that you already own.
Pass on anything that doesn't fit -- no matter how great a buy.
Try to add only one or two well-thought out items per month.
Add punchy color and trendiness with accessories, shoes and handbags.
Continually eliminate and replace essential wardrobe pieces once it is built up so you are never caught without a necessary item.

Tips:

Ignore that advice about buying "the best" of everything. Regardless of how well-made a garment is, moths, coffee spills and kids take their toll. Never choose between a mortgage payment and a cashmere sweater.
Try to plan your wardrobe around three neutral colors like black, white, khaki, navy or brown.
Buy more solids than prints - you won't get tired of them as quickly.

By: dotcomwomen.com

Fashion Bag and Jewelry – our indulgence !

http://www.fashionbagnjewelry.blogspot.com

BANGLES FOR TEENS

A girl in her teens who always posture with different bangles. Ngoi Sao now present a collection of bangles with a lot of youthful and lovely material and pattern to prettify your beauty.

(collected from Ngoisao.net)

Fashion Bag and Jewelry – our indulgence !

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8 REASONS TO BUY A BEAN BAG

Are you considering buying new furniture? Have you considered choosing a bean bag for your living room, or your bed room, or your child’s room?

Here are 10 reasons why you should.

Reason 1: COMFORT Bean bags are the new solution to all your comfort problems. If you feel that your conventional chair or couch doesn’t do justice to the word comfort, try a bean bag. Its filled with soft plastic pellets which makes the bag mould itself according to how your body curves, thus making sitting not a rough experience it used to be. The bean bag is good for your back and joints and makes you comfortable since it places you near the ground.

Reason 2: DURABILITY Bean bags are made of leather or vinyl which makes them durable for a long time. It also makes them free of all problems of wooden furniture. The soft pellets which bean bags have get crushed over a period of time due to rigorous use. These need to be changed from time to time to keep the bean bag soft and comfortable. Nowadays bean bags are also available with foam filling, which lasts for a very long time.

Reason 3: STYLE Bean bags give you a wide variety to choose from. They come in all sorts of colors to match your fashion sense or your drawing or bedroom wall paper. Moreover the bags themselves have become a fad of sorts with the young and old alike due to its noveau styling.

Reason 4: COST Bean bags come at a price range which varies roughly within $150 to $400. The costlier bean bags are bigger, branded and can be used sitting, sleeping and lounging. Usually branded bags like love sac, or foof sacs are costlier, but unbranded bags are also available. These bags are comparatively cheaper.

Reason 5: AVAILABILITY Bean bags are widely available. Since it begun to gain popularity, manufacturers have started to produce more and better bean bags for use. Just visit your nearest furniture shop and you should get a bean bag. In the remote possibility that you ‘t find a bean bag seller in your vicinity, just log on to the internet, and visit the website of any manufacturer and order a bean bag online.

Reason 6: WASHABLE One of the reasons why parents find bean bags ideal for their children’s room, is that bean bags are washable and thus easy to clean and maintain. Children are naturally careless and spilling food or drinks on a couch can very easily ruin it. Bean bags score here since whatever you spill, you can always wash it off.

Reason 7: ERGONOMIC If you have to sit for a long period of time on a chair, you should definitely get a bean bag. It helps your back to a natural position while sitting, which saves you from disorders of joints and spine. Doctors have recommended ergonomic chairs like bean bags keeping in mind their health benefits.

Reason 8: MOVABLE Bean bags are very light and thus easily movable whether you want to move it in front of the TV or to your bedroom or to the porch. The multiple uses you can put a bean bag to, are accentuated by this immense flexibility in location.

By: Pattrick Jhonson – chillsac.com

Fashion Bag and Jewelry – our indulgence !

http://www.fashionbagnjewelry.blogspot.com

WEDDING RINGS – WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO WEAR THEM ?

Wedding rings – What’s the best way to wear them?Although you may have some pre-conceived notions of how you are supposed to wear a wedding ring, did you know that there are a variety of different methods used that people all around the world and from different religious groups have established as tradition? Most people wear their wedding ring according to how their parents wore the ring or how a ring is predominantly worn in their country. However, if you are looking to find a different way for wearing a wedding ring, possibly the best way that you can think of, consider the following ideas for how to wear a wedding ring:

Closest to heart is traditional. Many people wear their wedding ring around their neck on a chain. This ensures that the ring remains as close to the heart as possible. After all, the ring is a symbol of the never-ending love that those who are choosing to marry feel that they share. Some who have had their spouse pass away wear their late husband’s or wife’s ring around their neck for the same reason, to ensure that their memory remains close to the heart.

On same finger as engagement ringSome couples have both an engagement and a wedding ring. The engagement ring is worn for the length of the engagement and the wedding ring is then worn after the marriage ceremony on whatever finger that the engagement ring was worn on. The two rings are worn together in this manner.

Can be a good idea to select a matching set – nice symmetryThe best way to wear both a wedding and an engagement ring would be to try to coordinate the two rings in some way. This is not to say that the two rings have to come from a perfectly matched set, but more that the symmetry of the rings should be something to be considered both for aesthetic and for functional appeal. Jewellers are well aware of this trend to have both an engagement ring and a wedding ring that coordinate and are therefore creating pieces that are designed to be able to mixed and matched to create a cohesive set.

Consider the metal type of the engagement ring compared to the wedding ringThe design of the ring or rings that you choose is important but so too is the metal that you choose to have the ring be made of. Typically a wedding band and an engagement ring will be made of the same metal or at least of metals that are similar in color. This decision to match the metals of your rings may dictate how much you are able to spend with more expensive metals and is therefore an important consideration to make before making a final purchase decision.

Wearing your wedding rings on your “ring finger”There is some debate about how the fourth finger on the left hand came to be recognized as the wedding or ring finger. Some insist that there is a vein that goes directly from the left fourth finger to the heart. Others say that the ring finger was the last finger that the ring landed on as the old world English ministers would recite the names of the God head. In some cultures not having your wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand is a sign that you were not married in the English church and are therefore unclean or somehow unworthy of marriage. Historically the wearing of a wedding ring is relatively new. Not everyone was able to afford a ring and so one was only given in the case of rare wealth or station. A ring was by no means an expected exchange as it is now.

By: Leigh Maher – lovemyteas.com

Fashion Bag and Jewelry – our indulgence !

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HOW TO CHOOSE FINE PEARLS

Pearls are very alluring and hold a quality that both defines elegance and natural beauty. There are more varieties and availability of pearls today than ever before. The cultured pearl now rivals with fine diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.

Today most pearls are cultured, meaning that the mollusk is purposely inserted with an irritant or nucleus from which it creates a pearl. A better way to think of the difference between natural pearls and cultured pearls is to think of the natural pearl as a result of the mollusk working alone and the cultured pearls as a product of nature being helped by science. Cultured pearls are not fake like many people may think. The culturing process takes from two to three years and is a very delicate process. The pearl farmers have little control on what the outcome of the pearl will look like or if the mollusk will reject the nucleus. Not all pearls are fine quality or even desirable at all. The end result is ultimately a consequence of nature.

Choosing pearls that are of the best quality are determined by luster, nacre thickness and quality (the outer layer), color, surface perfection, shape, and size. The biggest factor of pearl quality is nacre thickness and quality which determines how long the pearl will last. Nacre thickness determines the longevity of the pearl and nacre quality determines how light reflects through the layers of the pearls. High luster and iridescence come from high quality nacre and any pearl with these characteristics has quality, thick nacre. When judging nacre look for uniform iridescence, intensity of luster, cracks and peeling, estimate thickness near the drill hole between the nacre and the shell bead (nacre is lighter). Pearls are very thick with at least .5 mm on all pearls, thick with at least.5mm on most pearls, medium with between .35 and .5 mm on most pearls, and thin with .25 mm or less on most pearls.

Luster is also important and one of the first factors to notice. Luster is an intense brightness that illuminates from within the pearl rather than just being shiny like in imitation pearls. The intense brightness results from light being reflected throughout the numerous layers of nacre. Quality pearls will have a sharp contrast between the brightest area where direct light is hitting the pearls and the shaded area creating an illusion of a ball within the pearl. Check for luster by examining them under a fluorescent lamp and rolling them from side to side to examine uniform luster. Examine pearls over a light gray or white material and never black because it is harder to see the true quality of the pearl.

Pearl color is also important. When choosing pearls note there body color and overtones. The most desirable and more rare white pearls have rose colored overtones. Cream colored pearls are more affordable because they are less rare. Also, pearls can have tones rated in intensity. Darker toned pearls are more desirable and expensive compared to lighter toned pearls. Many natural body colors are available in pearls including white, black, gray, blue, gold, pink, and green. Distinctive colored pearls are rarer and harder to find. Have a qualified gemologist check the pearls to make sure they have not been dyed, especially for costlier pearls like the black or golden varieties.

Examine pearls surface for blemishes. Although is best to check for most pearl characteristics on a light background, it is best to check for blemishes on a dark background. Check in both intense and diffused light. No pearls are perfect and small blemishes can be sacrificed for more important quality like nacre and luster. Pearls with higher luster conceal blemishes better.

When choosing pearls also consider shape. There are three pearl shapes including symmetrical, spherical, and baroque. The spherical is the rarest and most desirable. Symmetrical pearls include teardrop or pear-shaped pearls and desirable but usually less expensive than spherical pearls. Baroque pearls are irregularly shaped and often the least expensive.

Size should also be taken into consideration. Larger cultured pearls are rarer and more expensive. Akoya pearls over 7 millimeters are much more costly and prices dramatically rise with each millimeter over 8 millimeters. South Sea and Tahitian pearls also have high increase in price when size is over 15 millimeters.

One more factor to consider in pearls is the precision in matching the pearl quality in a string of pearls. It is important to take all of the above factors in consideration when matching the pearls. Graduated pearls also take careful matching. Pearl matching affects the value of the jewelry because when pearls are not matched properly it takes away from the appearance of the jewelry. Also, make sure the pearls are all drilled in the center so they lay properly. Off-center drilled pearls will not lay correctly and reduces the value of the piece.

It is always important to get a independent laboratory report when in doubt of pearl enhancements that may have been employed to make the pearls appear more valuable. Make sure the person appraising the pearls is a Graduate Gemologist (GG) which is the Gemological Institute of Americas (GIA) highest award.
Other things to consider when purchasing pearls include finding out what the merchants return policy is. Make sure they have at least a 30-day full refund policy.

By
Amanda Raab
www.purepearls.com
Classic. Timeless. Luxury.

Fashion Bag and Jewelry – our indulgence !

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Spotting a Fake Handbag

Designer handbags can cost several thousands of dollars each. That is why many people look for clearance sales and unofficial discount opportunities. Unfortunately, there are also people out there who are manufacturing knockoff designer bags and trying to pass them off as the real thing.

If you are in the market for a designer bag and you don’t want to get ripped off, then you need to know how to spot a fake handbag.

1. Know What You Are Looking For

Your first line of defense against being sold a knockoff designer bag is to know the designer that you are interested in. Research what materials and colors the designer uses for their handbags, and become familiar with small details that the designer adds to their handbags to make the bags special. For example look for beadwork, hand stitching, and logo designs.

2. Know What the Designer Bag is Worth

While there are legitimate opportunities for great discounts on designer handbags, if a deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is. In most cases a legitimate sale price for a designer bag is not going to go under 60 percent of the actual retail price. To know when a price is too low to be true you need to learn what the bag that you are interested in normally retails for.

3. Look for Irregularities

Designer handbags use high quality materials. The leather is not going to peel. Patent leather is going to be shiny. And the color used in the handbag is usually going to be consistent from bag to bag. When you come upon a discount opportunity look for small irregularities between what you know the designer bag should look like and what is in front of you. Compare the shininess of the leather, the brightness of the color, and the quality of the material.

4. Size Matters

One quick way to spot a fake hand bag is to take its dimensions and compare it to those of an actual designer handbag. Many knockoff artists will alter the dimensions of the bag slightly. Places to measure include the width of the bag, the depth of the bag, and the height of the bag.

5. Check the LiningAnother place where many knockoff artists skimp is the lining of the bag.

Most designer bags are going to use high quality materials for their bags’ liners, and these liners are going to be securely attached to the bag's frame. Knockoffs will have liners made from cheaper materials and the lining will not be attached to the frame as securely. The fabric design and color can also be used as evidence of a knockoff. Try to see what the designer liner should look like, and then compare that against the bag that you are offered.

By : dotcomwomen.com

Fashion Bag and Jewelry – our indulgence !

http://www.fashionbagnjewelry.blogspot.com

Choosing Bead Jewelry

Beaded jewelry can be a great way to add spice, style, and flavor to your wardrobe. There are several different types of beaded jewelry that you can choose from including bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and broaches. When shopping for these items you will need to decide what you are looking for, what size you will need, what style you are interested in, and what trends are currently in fashion.

Deciding on the Type of Bead Jewelry You Want

As mentioned earlier there are a lot of different types of bead jewelry that one can choose from. Beaded necklaces are usually the most popular beaded jewelry that women buy. However, beaded earrings are a close second.
Before you go shopping for your bead jewelry you need to decide what type of beaded jewelry that you are interested in. To help you make up your mind think about areas of your upper body that you would like to either emphasize or de-emphasize. Then select a beaded piece of jewelry that will accomplish this. For example, if you have a short neck then you may want to consider long strands of smaller beads to hang around your neck. This will help to create the illusion of a longer neck.

Sizing Your Bead Jewelry

After you have selected the type of beaded jewelry that you want to buy, your next step is to select the right size. The size of bead jewelry refers to a couple of things. First of all it refers to the size of the beads. Beads come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. You should select a bead size that will be bold but not overpowering. The size and shape of the bead will also need to be selected based on the size of the body part the jewelry will be ornamenting.

Finding the Right Style

The style of bead jewelry that you select should not only reflect current trends, but it should also reflect your personality. If you are looking for a unique piece of beaded jewelry then you may need to explore specialty shops, antique shops, and auctions. All of these places will have pieces that you will not be able to find in regular retail stores and boutiques.

Trends

Fashion trends change every three to four months. Because of this it can be very expensive to keep your beaded jewelry wardrobe up-to-date. However, if you know how to extend the fashion life of your beaded jewelry then you can reduce how often you have to buy new pieces. To extend the fashion life of your beaded jewelry you should develop a foundational selection of beaded jewelry that includes solid color strands, basic earring designs, and a variety of bead strands with different sized beads. Then add one or two trendy pieces each season to your wardrobe that coordinate with your primary pieces.
By : http://www.dotcomwomen.com

The fashion bags and jewelry

The fashion bags and jewelry themselves always have the implicit attraction which no one could resist. And surely I am not an exception.

Fashion Bag and Jewelry – our indulgence !

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