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Time Management Tips:
Time is passing ... Are you using it wisely?
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Caring for Your Pearls Pearls are quite delicate and it's easy to detroy them without proper care. Did you know that pearls will melt in vinegar? Be careful to use only mild jewelry cleansers on your pearls, ensuring the cleanser is safe for them before using. Better yet, have them professionally cleaned. Wipe your pearls with a soft cloth before storing to remove surface dirt and oils and and have them restrung every couple of years. Avoid abrasive surfaces and don't wear them with other jewelry that may cause damage to the nacre, the lustrous outer layer of the pearl.
Did you know that the largest pearl ever found was discovered by a diver in the Phillipine Islands in 1934? Named the Pearl of Allah, it is nearly 10 inches long and 14 lbs. in weight, and its estimated value is $40 million. |
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Why is June the favorite month for weddings?
Historically, June has been the month of choice since the times of the ancient Romans, who believed that their Juno, the goddess of women and marriage, had vowed to protect all who married in her month. For more practical reasons, June remains the most popular month because it's when the weather is nicest and most predictable, when school's out and students can travel, and it's the month when roses, the flower of romance, bloom most prolifically! Do you know someone who will be marrying soon? Call on me to create a unique piece of jewelry for a wedding ensemble or the perfect bridesmaid gift. |
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A Little About Emeralds
Although diamonds hold the record for commercial demand, I’ve discovered that emeralds are considered to be even more valuable. Because they don’t have the brilliant sparkle that diamonds do, they are often cut in a rectangular shape with narrow facets and a long table so that the stone’s rich green hue can be shown to best advantage. This cut is so popular that it is referred to as the emerald cut. In ancient times, people believed that emeralds could improve memory and bestow the gift of foretelling the future, as well as seeing the past and present. They even ground emeralds to powder and used it as a medicine, which they believed it could cure dysentery and prevent serious disorders such as epilepsy. Emeralds continue to be a top choice for royalty, worn and used by Nero, Cleopatra, and the czars of Russia. A one-carat emerald can range from $300 for a commercial grade stone to nearly $10,000 for a very fine grade stone. |
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Artisan's United Gallery
One of the best kept secret in Northern Virginia is the Artisans United Gallery! Nestled in the woods of a scenic community park in Annandale, Virginia, the AU Gallery is housed in the Fairfax County Council of the Arts Building, also known as The Packard Center. Artisans United is the umbrella organization over a number of art guilds in the Washington Metropolitan Area, established to preserve, promote, and develop the disciplines of visual arts and crafts, and includes: Capital Area Woodturners The gallery offers unique and one-of-a-kind selections of art jewelry, polymer clay, ceramics, pottery, turned wood, decorative painting, papier mache, fused and stained glass, knitted, crocheted, sewn, and woven items, silk painting, dolls--the list goes on an on and there's something for everyone! Take a moment to stop by and browse--a great place to shop year-round for one-of-a-kind gifts! Artisans United Gallery Hours: 9am - 5pm 703.941.0202 |
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Do You Like Rocks? As a child, I was always fascinated with rocks. I would collect pretty stones everywhere I went. Sometimes I would crack them open with a hammer to see what surprise awaited inside ... or put them in a rock tumbler and watch them transform into smooth polished treasures! For those of you who share my interest, thought you might like to read some interesting facts about gemstones in upcoming issues. April's modern birthstone is the Diamond,
Here are some interesting facts about diamonds:
How is a diamond's value determined? Diamonds are classified by their Carat, Clarity, Color, and Cut. Carat is the weight of the diamond and is measured in two parts, the actual weight of the uncut stone and the estimated weight of the pieces if the stone must be cut during the faceting and polishing process. Clarity is determined by the number of visible flaws in the diamond crystals; therefore, a flawless stone is, of course, much more expensive than one with visible defects. The presence of elements other than carbon in a diamond determines its Color. Clear, colorless diamonds are most expensive, and can also be found in yellow and brown, which are lower in cost. Blue, pink, and red diamonds are more rare and therefore demand a higher price. Finally, the accuracy of the Cut and polishing of a diamond, determines its brilliance and ability to reflect light. Want to learn more about diamonds and other gemstones? Visit the Gemological Institute of America, Inc., at their comprehensive site online: |
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Great News!
