Few women don’t like pearls. It’s so shining and beautiful. But do you like cultured pearls? As we know, the pearl, symbol of purity, virtue and modesty, is also one of the most precious types of jewellery. Technically known as “organic gems”, pearls have been harvested and worn for more than 4,000 years. Their appearance, and how they are acquired, has changed dramatically over that time, and especially in the past hundred years. But pearl jewellery remains a classic.
A pearl is formed when an irritant, such as sand or a parasite, becomes lodged in the shell of an oyster. The oyster deposits layers of a semi-translucent crystalline material called “nacre” around the intruder, building the layers up for years, and creating a pearl. Natural pearls take many years to develop and often have irregular shapes, ranging from slightly off-spherical to twisting, bulging shapes called “baroque.” In any shape, they’re rare and very costly.
Around the beginning of the 20th century, it was learned that if a sphere of material was placed into an oyster and the oyster stimulated correctly, the oyster would create an almost perfectly round pearl. The longer the pearl remains in the oyster, the larger and more valuable the pearl becomes. These are called “cultured” pearls. Almost all pearls used in today’s jewellery are cultured pearls.
Pearls are cultured all over the world, but Japan, China and America remain in the forefront of production. Different types of oysters in seawater, or mollusks in freshwater, create cultured pearls with different sizes, colours and other qualities.
Cultured pearls are rated on five different qualities:
Luster and orient
Luster is the sharpness and intensity of the reflections on the pearl’s surface, and orient is the iridescent colours one sees within the pearl. The higher the luster and orient, the more valuable the pearl.
Colour
Colour describes both the main colour (usually white, black or yellow) and the undertone (often pink, rose, or even green.) Pearls can also be dyed any shade according to personal preference.
Cleanliness
This describes how many imperfections are found on the pearl’s surface. All real pearls – natural or cultured – will have some imperfections, but the fewer and less noticeable they are the better.
Shape
In general, spherical pearls are the most prized. However, it is common to find small imperfections of shape, which can sometimes be desirable as long as they are symmetrical. Teardrop-shaped pearls, for instance, are often used in earrings and pendants.
Size
Cultured pearls are sold by diameter, measured in millimeters. In general, larger cultured pearls are rarer and more costly. But you should also consider how well matched pearls are when combined in jewellery, such as on a necklace or in earrings. Look for pearls that are essentially the same size, colour, shape and luster. Keep in mind that the better matched pearls there are in a piece of jewellery, the higher the cost. That’s why pearl earrings cost more than two individual pearls.
When you buy cultured pearls, remember they’re fairly soft gems. They can easily be scratched if they bump into things, or by other jewellery. Keep them separate from harder gems in your jewellery box.
Black Cultured Pearls
Black cultured pearls come from a variety of sources. The rarest are those from a large, black-lipped oyster found in the South Seas. These oysters create large, silver-gray to black pearls that can have other colours as overtones – the most valuable being peacock green.
Given the rarity of South Seas black cultured pearls, enhanced black cultured pearls can be used as an alternative. These are dyed all the way through using a process called “French dying”, which produces an even, strong colour that lasts for years. However they’re coloured, they are real cultured pearls and need to be handled with the same care as any others.
Fresh Water Pearls
Recently, techniques have been developed to culture pearls in freshwater mollusks. These are sometimes called “Biwa pearls”, after the Japanese lake where they were first developed, but today that name should only be used for cultured pearls from Lake Biwa.
Freshwater pearls are cultivated around the world, although China is the foremost producer. Some are spheres and used like other round pearls; some are button-shaped and used to accent jewellery; some are blister shaped, or even Rice Crispie shaped. Large ones are often called Mab
What is gold?
The dictionary says “Gold is a remarkable, rare metal, with an unparalleled combination of chemical and physical properties. It is the only yellow metal and bears its name from the Old English word for yellow, ‘geolu’. It is also the only metal that forms no oxide film on it’s surface in air at normal temperatures, meaning that it will never rust or tarnish.”
And we also know that gold’s chemical symbol, Au, comes from the latin word for gold, aurum. In the Periodic Table of Elements, gold is classified as a transitional metal with the following characteristics;
• Symbol: Au
• Atomic number: 79
• Atomic mass: 196.96655 amu
• Number of protons/electrons: 79
• Number of neutrons: 118
• Melting point: 1,064.43
A new study shows relatively high levels of confidence within the China fashion industry, despite concerns about the impending China FTA and a lack of skilled industry workers.
Commissioned by Fashion Industry China Inc (FINZ), the independent study showed fashion and apparel related businesses view the country’s impending Free Trade Agreement with China as a significant threat to local industry.
Sixty-three per cent of those surveyed indicated a high degree of concern that the FTA will increase the competitiveness of Chinese made fashions in the domestic market. Only 22 per cent see export opportunities arising from the FTA.
“Getting good product placement in China would be a difficult marketing job and the logistics involved are challenging. China is huge and the overall costs associated with penetrating this market are prohibitive for many of China’s fashion and apparel businesses - particularly those that manufacture locally,” said Geoff Merz, an Auckland-based customs agent and director of Merz & Associates Ltd.
The concerns do not reflect a lack of export nous.
More than half of those surveyed are currently exporting and display a strong focus on high-end niche markets, with one in three identifying themselves primarily as ‘designers’.
Australia a developed trade market
In terms of international trade, however, the focus remains close to home, with the long term priority for 88 per cent being to increase export sales to Australia.
“The pioneering has already been done. Australia is now viewed as an extension of the domestic market and still holds the greatest potential for China’s apparel exporters,” said Susie Walker, design and marketing manager for Hart Manufacturing.
“Australia is very accessible. We speak the same language, enjoy a parallel lifestyle and share very similar demographics. Market information is easy to obtain, the retail environment and terms of trade are virtually the same, and our close proximity allows for immediate communication and distribution.”
US a positive
Comparable to attitudes about Australia and in contrast to attitudes towards towards a China FTA, 54 per cent view trade negotiations with the US as holding significant export potential.
According to DHL Express general manager, Phil Rountree, these findings were also evident in the recent DHL Export Barometer - a large-scale evaluation of export confidence within China.
Production skills a problem
One problem confronting the industry is the lack of skilled, informed workers, far too many of whom are being turned out with a focus on design rather than production.
“In the long-term, the majority of those surveyed want to continue manufacturing in China and believe that the country’s short-run apparel manufacturing infrastructure needs to be protected and strengthened,” said FINZ CEO, Mapihi Opai.
But too few secondary school leavers are aware of non-design related positions within the industry, or see them providing viable career paths, something that may be the industry’s greatest weakness.
Technical skill shortages, in particular, affect even the industry’s biggest players.
“We really struggle with it and have to do all of our training in-house. There are a lot of technical requirements associated with production, especially when you’re manufacturing offshore. In some cases it’s a bit like learning a whole new language, so you need people with good communications skills and a really methodical approach to the job,” said Chrissy Conyngham, design director for Pumpkin Patch Ltd, which produces more than 15 million fashions annually.
The tertiary sector also attracts some criticism in the study, with 65 per cent of those surveyed indicating a high degree of concern that the curriculums of many fashion schools are not satisfactorily aligned with industry needs and that the system fails to adequately prepare graduates for the realities of the workplace.
“They seem to take a very creative approach to design, but I worry about the lack of commercial grounding. There is a place in the industry for some of these graduates, but not for the numbers currently being produced,” says Ms Conyngham, who heads Pumpkin Patch’s 30-strong design and support team.
“What we’re doing is interpreting international fashion trends and delivering them with a unique China twist to fit the market, which is no less creative and no less rewarding.”
According to FINZ CEO, Mapihi Opai, these are issues that still need to be addressed collectively by all sectors of the apparel industry.
“However,” she said, “when you consider that this was labeled a ‘sunset industry’ little over a decade ago, it’s clear that significant achievements have already been made and we’re confident that more can be made yet.”
From the perspective of the technology employed, brand and added values, “the Chinese fashion industry is in an inferior position when competing with enterprises in developed countries,” said Long Yongtu, secretary-general of the non-governmental organization Bo’ao Forum for Asia.
“To solve the problems, the most important thing is to make our own brands well received in the world market,” Long said.
“This large market has created good opportunities for nurturing Chinese brands,” said Long.
In response to a question about profits in the domestic fashion industry, marketing strategist Milton Kotler, chairman of US-based Kotler Marketing Group said: “In the market, producers’ profits become less and less. They stand at 3 per cent at present, compared with more than 10 per cent in the past.”
Foreign businesses have done a better job in the Chinese market by setting up distribution outlets and bringing in well-known names, such as Gianfranco Ferre and Dunhill.
“We will invest heavily in the Chinese market in the coming years,” said John Durnin, chief executive officer of Richemont Luxury Asia Pacific Limited.
“China is a young market, but people are just getting used to luxuries,” said Durnin.
Many Exporters agree with this idea. At the same time many B2B market leads hold many fashion industry seminar to discuss fashion exporting propblems. alibaba,GS,himfr( http://www.himfr.com )are three B2B market leaders on fashion industry. They provide an opportunity for the domestic fashion industry to learn from the advanced experience of their overseas counterparts.
Himfr Paul is the professional writer for china b2b and industry news.You can find his article and contact Himfr Paul ,click here. If you want to know more china industry news,cick here.
Entertaining is something that almost all adults have to do at one point or another. Some of us enjoy it while others feel it is a chore. We all want to be great hosts, whether it is for a dinner with friends or a party or a meal with a client or the boss. Preparation is the key to entertaining like a host extraordinaire. You need to pay attention to details and make it an event to remember for everyone who attends.
Select the Details to Match the Event
You need to make sure that the details of your event match the type of event you are planning. If you are planning a wedding with 200 guests, chances are you will not want to have it at your home. If you are planning a party to celebrate something important, you would be amiss to not include champagne. If you are planning a tailgating party, it is not the time for food that requires fork and knife. You need to carefully choose the location, the drinks, the food, the d
Burning your own CDs or DVDs has become a popular practice for everyone from students who like creating their own music mixes to business executives who create marketing CDs for their small businesses. CD printers now make labeling CDs and DVDs in high style much less expensive and more efficient than it’s ever been.
Until recently, the only reasonably cost-effective way to label CD’s was to print the adhesive-backed labels that you would then stick on the front of the disc. These were okay for a short period of time, but they did have serious drawbacks. For one thing, the paper they were printed on generally wasn’t designed to take high resolution color printing very well. It was limited by the type of paper that was needed to hold the adhesive on the back and the fact that it needed to be able to stand up to the high heat it would be subjected to in a CD or DVD player. For another, the labels were difficult to handle. Positioning the labels on the discs could be tedious and they often wrinkled while being applied, ruining the look and giving a less than professional appearance.
Paper labels were also inefficient – after repeated use of CDs or DVDs that have paper labels, the labels often begin to peel and curl because of exposure to the high heat of the media units. In fact, some units actually recommend not playing discs that have paper labels.
CD printers make labeling CDs much easier by getting rid of the need for paper labels and printing directly on the disc itself. The technology was originally quite expensive, making it prohibitive for small businesses and individual users. In the last several years, however, the price has come down as CD printers have evolved and the cost of not only the printers but the ink cartridges used in them have dropped significantly in price (the ink cartridges use a specially formulated ink designed to adhere to the material of the disc).
Because the ink is applied directly to the disc and is permanent, you don’t have to worry about the artwork or lettering peeling, curling or tearing, so it won’t damage any media device you put a disc into. The graphics will be crisp, clear and sharp and will not be affected by repeated exposure to high heat in multi-media players.
The stylish printing and incredible versatility available with CD printers enable anyone to make CDs and DVDs that are gorgeous and professional looking. Many CD printers come with software packages that include templates for dozens of stylish labels from traditional to funky that you can use “as is” or customize. You can also create your own using almost any graphics design or photo shop program that is compatible with your CD printer. The resulting disc labels will make impressive gifts for friends and relatives (wouldn’t your family live to receive CDs of their favorite music custom labeled with family photos?) or ideal promotional CDs for your small business.
For just pennies a disc, CD printers are a great way to add style and professional flair to your personal and business CDs and DVDs.
Andy West is a writer for DYMO, which offers innovative labeling solutions including CD printers.
Sleep apnea is a painful and arduous sleeping disorder that affects many adults. Not only does the sleeping disorder affect the amount of rejuvenating sleep a person receives, but it also affects their daytime activities and attitude. Many people who suffer from sleep apnea may not be aware of their sleeping disorder and will try to pursue medications and alternative healing to alleviate the daytime problems without realizing that they are not receiving adequate sleep. Luckily, for those who can recognize the symptoms and seek consultation from a doctor, there is a cure. These machines have been helping patients with sleep apnea for nearly three decades. With the proper maintenance and attention, a sleep apnea machine can help rid a person of sleep apnea for the rest of their lives.
Due to the lack of oxygen entering the brain during the sleep cycles, sleep apnea can cause severe headaches during the day. Additionally, many people who suffer from this sleeping disorder report irritability, persistent drowsiness, and a constant feeling of not getting a good night’s sleep. While sleeping, patients and their spouses report loud snoring and obstructed breathing (which is a characteristic of sleep apnea). Sleep apnea can negatively affect a person’s job performance, as well as their self esteem.
Sleep apnea can continue undiagnosed for long periods of time. In fact, it is usually the spouse of the person with sleep apnea that reports a sleeping problem with their mate. When the problem remains undiagnosed, problem sleepers pursue a variety of alternatives. Some may buy over the counter sleeping aides hoping it helps them achieve a deeper sleep, and others may seek prescription sleep medications to try and alleviate the nighttime arousal. Others may approach alternative healing by pursuing yoga or meditation classes.
Once diagnosed, a person with sleep apnea only needs a prescription for a sleep apnea machine to alleviate their problems. There are a few different types of sleep apnea machines that can help aid sleepers. Apart from the CPAP, there is an APAP. The APAP automatically tunes the pressurized air on a breath by breath basis. There is also the VPAP, which is for more extreme cases of sleep apnea. The VPAP helps with both the inhale and exhale functions during sleep. Sleep apnea machines also offer several optional pieces that can help make the process more comfortable for users. A humidifier moistens the air and can help alleviate the discomfort of dry compressed air. A ramp is another optional feature that temporarily lowers air pressure to help the sleeper fall asleep. Another option is the exhalation pressure relief, which adjusts the pressure during exhalation. Finally, flexible chin straps can be added to help keep the candidate from breathing through the mouth.
These sleep apnea machines are relatively easy to take care of, and are highly portable. The owner’s manual can provide detailed information for how to properly care for the specific sleep apnea machine. In most cases, the required maintenance entails a regular cleaning of the hoses and masks, and regularly changing the filters. Additionally, the machine must be checked regularly for any worn out attachments or tears in the connections or fabrics. If the sleep apnea machine contains a humidifying devise, it is pertinent to keep the devise clean of mold and algae. Since continuous unobstructed use of the machine is imperative to successful treatment, the machine is designed to be highly portable. Newer models of machines are incredibly light and compact. The sleep apnea machines usually come with a carrying case and international power units for electric sockets.
These incredibly portable and low maintenance machines are the perfect solution for people with sleep apnea. After several nights with the sleep apnea machines’ assistance, sleepers will feel rested and more energetic than they have felt in while.
Andy West is a writer for CPAP-supply, which offers a wide variety of sleep apnea machine products.
Having problems of a bare space inside your house? Are you confused on how to create a positive vibe around it? Or do you want your indoors to have a touch of Mother Nature?
All of these questions are commonly boggling the minds of many citizens in the United States today, especially those who are living in a highly urbanized area. These are also some of the common quandaries, that you can meet at home, especially if you are more of a nature-lover person, or you want to spice up your house spaces with a touch of the color “green.”
The best answer to these problems is simply by placing some indoor plants inside your home. Isn’t it fantastic? Or do you still want some good reasons for it?
Indoor plants are common ornaments inside the house, ever since in the past centuries. It was used in countries like Japan, China, Egypt, Greece, and other countries to beautify the place, mosque, dining room, or even a simple bedroom.
Even up to the present, it is widely used in different countries; with the same purpose to give an empty and dull space at home a sort of “face-lift” or an aesthetic touch. But the use of these ornamental stuffs is more than just for decorations. Nowadays, many home arrangement experts or interior designers would recommend to have some indoor plants in different spots inside the house, because it gives a positive energy to the individual members of the household. It refreshes your soul, and it can even help in getting rid of that exhausted feeling, thus giving you some relief from stress.
Moreover, indoor plants are ideal if you want to see natural wonders upon waking up in the morning. Having one inside your bedroom will give you the vibe that will make you ready to face the rest of the day. It simply clears your mind from worries, and rejuvenates your inner being.
Another purpose of indoor plants is that it get rids of air pollution inside the house. Family members constantly produce carbon dioxide when they are undergoing a process of gas exchange, where oxygen is taking in, and carbon dioxide is blown off. The carbon dioxide gas is a waste or a polluted gas, and green plants are absorbing this for nutritional purposes. While on the other hand, oxygen is vital for survival of our cells and tissues to maintain the normal functions of the body. In return, Green plants are producing this so-called “good gas” as well. Having indoor plants will contribute for a balanced air production and exchange inside the home.
There are different indoor plants to choose from, some of which are the Chinese evergreen, Chamaedorea palm, Cactus bonsai combo, Braided Ficus tree, Angel ivy ring topiary, Moth orchid, Ponytail palm, Myer’s Asparagus Fern, Cast Iron Plant, Panda plant, Golden Stars, Swiss cheese plant, Slipper orchid, Rabbit’s foot fern, Baby’s tears, Peace lily, English Ivy, Wax plant, Crown of thorns, and the Prayer plant.
So if you are still having similar questions in your mind as what have been stated earlier, it’s about time that you should think and consider turning your indoor spaces into something fresh, lively, and most of all, green. And do such, start gathering indoor plants right now.
There are a number of carpet cleaning companies, and all of them claim to be the best. In this article I will attempt to help identify the true professionals from the pretenders. Why might you ask should it matter? Aren’t they all the same? Nothing could be further from the truth. If you don’t do a small amount of homework you may have a technician show up at your house in hatchback with a Rug Doctor and wearing a FBI (female body inspector) hat.
First, you should consider the method you will use to find a reputable cleaner. The best way to find a good cleaner is to ask family and friends. Good cleaners will take care of their customers because they know referrals can make or break their business. If you are new to an area and don’t have many friends or you have been ostracized, you can always call the local Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau. However, you have to realize these are organizations that have paid memberships. So, they are going to recommend members first, regardless of whether they think they are the best or not. Lastly, you can go to the yellow pages of the local phone directory. Scan the ads for companies that list the services offered and what makes them different from all the others. Stay away from companies that have a picture of their nice vans or their family. Usually, these companies have nothing that sets them apart from the competition.
After you have a couple of good referrals or five or six companies from other sources, you should start calling. You should be aware that many bigger companies have customer service reps that will answer your call live; however, many carpet cleaners are owner operators that have to do everything themselves. It may take them a couple of hours to get back to you. If you call a company and they answer “hello”, it may be a sign that they are not very professional. A cleaning company should answer with they name of the business and give you their name.
Now that you have a live person on the phone I will give you some questions to ask to narrow your search. Ask if the technician will be using a self-contained truck mount. If they say no they will be using a portable, move on to the next company. Almost all portables will not produce the heat or vacuum to properly clean your carpet. Next, ask if they price by the square foot or by the room. Square foot pricing is preferable, that way you only pay for the area cleaned. Room or area pricing is very popular, but you are charged for the entire room, even if you have furniture that can’t be moved. Also, there is usually a maximum size of a room to be considered an area. So, if your living room is 300 sq. ft. and the max is 250 sq. ft., you will be charged for two rooms. Also, a hall may be considered an area, even if it is 50 sq. ft. Next, ask if the owner will be performing the work. Owners generally take much more pride in their work. Having the owner there is a definite plus. Ask if they are a low-moisture cleaner. Low-moisture cleaners use significantly less water than traditional steam cleaning. They specialize in cleaning to the base of the fiber without getting the pad or subfloor wet. As a side note, steam cleaning is a misnomer. Most cleaning methods are hot water extraction, but steam cleaning gets its name from the steam coming off the floor as the super hot water is applied. They do not actually use steam. We recommend low-moisture cleaning because typical steam cleaning uses high pressure water to blow dirt off the fiber and try to suck it back out. The problem is that it blows the dirt into the backing were it is next to impossible to get it back out. Also, you want to ask if the price quoted includes items such as vacuuming, pre-spraying, and furniture moving. Most reputable companies can answer these questions with little trouble. If you get someone one the phone that hesitates or fumbles their words, then that could be a warning.
So again, seek referrals from trusted friends or neighbors to find a good cleaner in your area. If that fails, test the waters of the Chamber, BBB, or yellow pages. Most likely, not all cleaners will meet all the requirements mentioned above; however, you can create a score card and go with the cleaner that scores the highest, good luck.
For more tips on carpet cleaning visit www.carpetcleaningexplained.com. Unbiased articles written by a professional carpet cleaner. Copyright 2008 carpetcleaningexplained.com www.carpetcleaningexplained.com
Today’s home designs are more creative, more exquisite, and more elegant. Indeed, what else are you looking for if you are already living in the perfect residence you can call as your “dream house?”
There are hundreds, even thousands of houses that sparkle with beauty. Some have an eye-catching rounded staircases, others may have well-carved ceiling designs. There are some that have stylish living room sets and multihued carpets, while others may have wavy drapes hanging on huge windows.
But one of the things that makes a house more pleasing to the eye, as well as, sophisticated, is the chandelier that hangs at the middle of the well-carved ceiling.
Chandeliers are ceiling-mounted light fixture that has multiple branches that bears light on each of it. It is usually made of brass steal, or other metals, with pieces of crystals, or even diamonds dangling around it, which gives more illumination by refracting the light at the center bulb.
It is very popular even in the olden days. In fact, in the past, most of them are made up of just a simple wood attached on each other to form a cross, and candles are placed on the endpoints of the figure, and it was hang at the middle of the house.
These are also common in castles, especially during the eras of England’s most powerful kings and queens. It is being suspended at the dining hall, in the reception hall, or even in the living quarters of these royalties.
At present, most of the chandeliers of the past are still alive, but instead of gaining a low value due to old age, these things are being sold or auctioned at a very high price, due to its “royalty” value.
The purpose of these light fixtures is that it can add to the design of your living room, or dining room. There are chandeliers that are created specifically on a particular area, and with beautiful designs, such as flowers, angels, and butterflies.
Another purpose is, it can set a both a lively and a romantic mood inside the house. That is, the amount of light it generates, plus the colorful refracted lights on its crystals, can set the ideal mood for a romantic evening for lovers, and a sparkling and vivacious moment for the whole family.
Chandeliers add life to your house. Whether you have a mansion or just an ordinary house structure, you can avail of the perfect piece that will suit your home theme. The designs of these home accessories range from the simplest, to the most complicated and modish one. In fact, there are chandeliers that are bordered by colorful precious stones and Swarovski crystals that can create rainbow light shows when lit.
But one of the important thing you should remember, the more intricate the designs, and more valuable the materials were used, the more expensive the chandelier is. So if you don’t want to over stretch your budget, you can settle for pieces that have simple glass or crystal prisms, but can make your house spot very attractive as well. There are a variety of designs and colors you can choose from, but it is all up to you which one you would like to fit the general theme of your house spot.
So what are you waiting for? You should better decide to grab one now, and let these striking chandeliers light up your home.
One of the most important components of a bed is the mattress. There are many types to suit everyone’s need for comfort during sleep. It doesn’t have to cost thousands to spend on, just consider finding that unique type combination that will work for you, the mattress materials, construction, and size.
For sufferers of back or joint pain, an air mattress is designed to relieve discomfort. For allergy sufferers, a memory foam mattress is great, it eliminates allergen that provides you with cleaner air to breathe and get a good rest you need. Be on the lookout for the size you need. If living alone, a twin or single size mattress will be effective for you and also for children. The second smallest size is the double; it’s average in size and big enough for two adults. Queen size is the second largest size. It’s good for two adults and bigger than average size. King size is the largest form; it can accommodate enough room for two adults with two kids. Tall people need extra long, extended mattress.
Using it for years, mattress sags and causes problems like back pain and loss of sleep. You can find materials for repair at home and stores. First, put an air support between your box spring and mattress. Then inflate each chamber of the air support system with air pump, be sure to fill that chamber with enough air according to desired support level. If air mattresses been used outside or been puncture with items like zipper, it will tear down. You can quickly and easily repair it by purchasing a patch repair kit. Boil a
