Every man knows diamonds are one sure way to a woman’s heart. The shine in her eyes matches the sparkle in the stone when a woman opens a velvet box containing the perfect pair of solitaire earrings or a pendant to glitter around her neck. All it takes to make her feel like a queen is learning a few diamond shopping basics.

The Four C’s

So how do you know what to buy? The basics of course are the “Four C’s” – carats, clarity, color and cut. Higher quality in any of these areas means more money, so figure the budget before you get to the jeweler and decide which traits are open to negotiation. Clarity might be less important than a princess cut pendant that matches a favorite ring, or a smaller stone might have better color.

Carats are a measure of weight. In diamonds, weight has a strong connection to size when talking about individual stones. A 1 carat diamond weighs more and is bigger than a 1/2 carat diamond. It can also give an idea of total weight of all diamonds in a piece. A tennis bracelet and a pair of stud earrings might both have 2 carats of diamonds; however the stones will be bigger in the earrings although the bracelet may have more glitz with smaller stones spread over a larger area.

Clarity has to do with how clear the diamond is. Natural diamonds sometimes contains bits of material from the surrounding rock or internal cracks that affect appearance. A clearer diamond bounces light around inside itself more and can create greater sparkle.

Cut is shape. Most people are familiar with the round cut, perhaps the most sparkling style. Also common are the emerald cut which is a wide rectangle, the marquise cut that resembles a narrow oval with pointed ends and the teardrop-shaped pear cut. There are newer shapes like the 3-sided trillion or the youthful heart.

Other Factors

For most people, the perfect diamond has the traditional blue-white color. However champagne, pink and even black diamonds have been spotted in the collections of celebrities like Nicole Kidman. Consider the woman’s personality when choosing a colored diamond.

Pay attention to the setting, too. A small stone can look bigger if set with 6 prongs rather than 4. While people love gold with diamonds, remember that gold also comes in colors. Rose gold might enhance a pink diamond heart while platinum makes white diamonds look even brighter.

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Mens Cufflinks are one of the best additions you can add to your attire. This is true for both casual and formal wear alike. That’s why they remain as one of the classic accessories for men – timeless and versatile indeed. Unlike years past when cufflinks were limited to classic designs, cufflinks these days come in all shapes and sizes and are often used as a statement of self-expression in clothing. There are so many varieties of cufflink designs — classic, contemporary, and novelty. Classic cufflinks are the most versatile, and are usually used for black-tie and formal corporate events. Most classic cufflinks comes in sterling silver, gold, platinum, and enamel finish and in the traditional basic colors – warmer, solid shades.

Novelty Cufflinks are used in casual clothing. They are usually worn as statement pieces. Novelty cufflinks usually follows themed-design and it’s quite impossible to run out of choices. Superman Cufflinks are one example. I am sure most men can identify with his own superhero! You can get the ones in the picture at Cuffcrazy.com for only $124.99 (5 pack). Who would not want to use the classic S cufflink and show it off at special occasions? For this reason cufflinks make perfect gift ideas for every occasion!

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Online shopping is now a crucial part of our consumerist society. It has made shopping very convenient and affordable because one does not have to go out and spend on transportation expenses. Instead, you can buy anything and everything you need while you are in the comforts of your own home.

Stores like the Pride Products website make it possible for anyone to buy dollar store products online and to have it delivered right to your doorstep. Shoppers do not lose out on the usual sales that stores often have because the Pride Products website almost always has their products on sale like their current July sale. They have always had numerous sales like summer specials, monthly specials, back to school specials, and even special products from closeouts. For their July sale, you can enjoy their household items like shower curtains, fresheners, baby wipes, shelf liners, and many more, at incredibly low prices.

Those who are interested in buying wholesale dollar items would benefit from visiting the website. They offer a wide range of products like cleaning products, footwear, clothing, home goods, pet products, bathroom items, baby products, kitchenware and dining, toys, party goods, auto products, and many more. It is one of the dollar store suppliers that have the most comprehensive collection of products.

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It’s been awhile since I bought myself shoes. I just looked at the shoes I have today and realized I own two pairs of white shoes (ballet flats and some Mary Jane sketchers) and a beat up pair of brown flats. I think it’s time for me to buy myself a new pair, even if I wear flip flops almost 90% of the time, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Especially for someone who has a hard time shopping for shoes her size at the mall.

So I looked online and found some Cheap Shoes right for my budget. ShoeOcean.com has shoes from the $10 range (There are shoes on sale under $10 and there are shoes above $10) which is exactly around my budget! I love how their shoes are affordable but still are fashionable and looks like they are also quality made.

Here are some sandals that caught my eye:

From L-R:
1.All New Bamboo Cruise-20 Brown Women Sandal
2. All New Bamboo Creation-02 Black Women Sandal
3. All New Bamboo Bloom-19 Gold Women Sandal
4. All New Bamboo Cruise-41 Brown Women Sandal

I actually like the last one the most, it has a stylish, boho chic look! Slip on thong design; ornament accent adorned with gemstones. Slingback adjustable anklestrap.

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My sisters together with my mom were talking yesterday about heirlooms. My mom was lamenting how I lost all the jewelry she had custom-made for me when I was a kid and the only ring left from my grandmother’s jewelry when I was a teenager. I came to realize that I don’t own a piece of real jewelry! And I won’t have any to pass on to my daughter if the time comes. Since I will be turning 30 next year, I think it would be a great time for me to invest on a set of jewelry, I just hope the job offers don’t slow down so I can afford to buy one.

Besides gold jewelry, I really want to invest on a pair of South Sea pearls. I saw a pearl necklace worn by a friend over a classic outfit (fit tee, nice pair of jeans, ballet flats) and it was awesome! I was doing my research and I never realized there were so many kinds of pearls! There are freshwater pearls, Japanese Akoya, Tahitian Black pearls and so many more. I really want the real deal and I was stunned to know they can get quite expensive. An aunt told me way back that one way to know if the pearls were authentic is to feel them at the palm of your hand, it should be cool to touch.

So I went to  the site PearlsOnly.com and was pleasantly surprised that they have a Pearl Wizard which recommends pearls for women based on age, build and style!
Here is what was recommended to me:

Pearl Size from:   7.50
Pearl size to:   9.00
Pearl Color   White
Pearl Jewelry Type   Necklace
Necklace Length:   Princess – 18 inches
Pearl Quality:   AAA
Pearl Type   Japanese Akoya

This is the most popular size for women and ladies. These pearls are the best value for both Freshwater and Akoya. Larger and substantial. These large pearls will be sure to impress! White Pearl Color is a perfect first necklace or addition to a wardrobe. An elegant and classic pearl necklace is simply the perfect gift for every occasion! A very upscale pearl that is nearing perfection yet without the price tag of AAAA. Japanese Akoya pearls are the classic white and luxury pearl. They are the true original and Fifth-avenue luxury gift.

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