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| Articles about Gems |
| Gluten-Free Gems … GFCF Pop-Up Pancakes | | 2008-08-05 22:27:42 | | We have another breakfast winner! First things first … this idea originally comes from Make and Takes who posted a fantastic looking version that (unfortunately for my family) does contain gluten and casein. If you’re not on a GFCF diet, head on over there for the original recipe. I also need to give a [...]... | | By: In The Life Of A Child | | |
| | EVAN'S LITTLE GEMS OF WISDOM | | 2008-08-05 17:06:00 | | Evan came out with this beautiful little gem of wisdom when i was cleaning!Evan: 'Mummy i thought you were cleaning the kitchen'Mummy: 'I am but it's hard work'Evan: 'Mummy hard work is telling me that you need a helper, and that helper is me!'This is my little cool dude here in the picture with his brother on holiday.You wouldn't think he is coming 4 this October. He is so grown up!... | | By: Mummy Diaries | | |
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| Buy Loose Cubic Zirconia Gems | | 2008-07-25 00:00:00 | | Cubic Zirconia (commonly referred to as CZ) is a man-made synthetic gem that is created by scientists in labs. While CZ does occur in the natural environment, the ability to create the gem in labs means that the supply can easily meet the demand of the jewelry market.
If you are a jewelry maker or [...]... | | By: Resources Zone | | |
| | Markets overlooking some small-cap gems | | 2008-07-04 13:57:00 | | Veteran small-cap manager Martin Ferguson, director and portfolio manager at Calgary-based Mawer Investment Management Ltd., says that there is considerable apathy towards small caps which is the result of the credit crisis, the slowdown in the United States and concerns about the resurgence of inflation."We have not seen this degree of indifference to small caps since the height of the tech bubble, when investors fled all other segments of the market to pile into tech stocks."Canadian small caps have underperformed their big-cap counterparts for four years including 2007. "Year-to-date the underperformance has persisted," he says.
... | | By: Canada Real Estate News | | |
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| | Brooke's Gems | | 2008-03-05 10:55:00 | | Black
Dark olive Green
RM75
Have you seen this dress?
Well, we spotted this dress at a high-end store at Bangsar. And trust us, it ain't below RM100. So when we saw this baby, we thought that we...
Great clothes for the fashionista you! Click on to our e-boutique at teeseme.blogspot.com for more!
... | | By: Teese.Me | | |
| | Gluten-Free Gems… Jacqui’s Casein-Free Mock Cottage Cheese | | 2008-02-19 21:28:00 | | Note: Glutino brand crackers pictured are Gluten-Free but are made in a facility that processes dairy containing products. The label states that the crackers may contain ‘trace amounts’ of milk. Be aware of this if you have an extreme sensitivity or true milk allergy. Jacqui can have milk as a trace ingredient, but [...]... | | By: In The Life Of A Child | | |
| | Gluten-Free Gems... Our Three Favorite GFCF Christmas Cookies | | 2007-12-19 20:11:00 | | Well, we have finally recovered from all our croup craziness and are officially back on the Christmas train. Today was Christmas cookie day and our first year at making Gluten-Free Casein-Free Christmas cookies. They turned out fabulously well and so we thought we would share our top three favorites:GFCF Big Batch Christmas Sugar Cookies and Gingerbread Cookies(From Karen at Only Sometimes Clever)Just so you know... That's rice milk in the photo! : )These are hands down, the best! They taste like the real deal, the dough is easy to work with, and they always turn out great. Our family's Christmas gift to all our GFCF friends is to introduce you to Karen at Only Sometimes Clever (if you haven't met her already). Karen came up with these wonderful recipes for GFCF sugar cookies and gingerbread cookies and since they cannot possibly be improved upon, I will just post the links to her recipes at her site:Karen's Big Batch GFCF Christmas Sugar Cookies Karen's Big Batch GFCF Gingerbread CookiesNote: Sweet Rice Flour (or glutenous rice flour) used in these recipes can be obtained at Asian grocery stores for much less than the price you will pay for it at specialty grocery stores. We get ours in a big 5 pound bag for $5.69 per bag at our local Asian market.The snowflake cookie was made with a 5 piece snowflake cookie cutter set by R&M International Corp.GFCF Chocolate Snowball CookiesRice milk in the photo : )These I just converted from one of my family's favorites. They turned out every bit as delightful as the originals - we were quite pleased!1 1/4 Cup White Rice Flour1/2 Cup Sweet Rice Flour1/4 Cup Cornstarch1/2 Tsp Xanthan Gum1/2 Cup Margerine5 oz Quality Unsweetened Chocolate4 Eggs1/4 Tsp Salt1 Cup Sugar1 Cup Packed Brown Sugar2 Tsp Baking Powder1/2 Cup Confectioner's SugarMelt margarine and chocolate together in double boiler then set aside to cool as you prepare the rest of the recipe.Combine eggs, sugars, and salt. Stir in cooled chocolate mixtu... | | By: In The Life Of A Child | | |
| | Gems of Wisdom from Warren Buffett | | 2007-12-07 12:14:00 | | Warren Buffett started with US$100 in 1956 and turned it to over US$40 billion fortune for himself. Amongst the world's Richest people, he stands out as the one who make it not by being an entrepreneur but by investing in businesses run by great entrepreneur.Below I share with you some gems of wisdom from Warren Buffett.Cheers!Surround yourself with people you trust and you’ll do fine.if you could only make 20 investing decisions you would think harder about those decisions and make more money.You need temperament and discipline not IQ. You need extraordinary discipline. That is the hard thing.Q: What do you look for in a business leader?Focus, Mission, and Projected confidence.Pick good heros (role model). Who your heros are determines who you will be. Your inner score card matters more than your outer score card.The time to do it is today. You may not be doing it in 30 years. Seize the day.Do not do something because you feel the need to do it. Do it because you want to do it.On H... | | By: How to be Rich, Happy and Free from Scams | | |
| | Gluten-Free Gems... GFCF Sweet Potato Pancakes | | 2007-11-16 08:18:00 | | We have a bit of a vegetable dilemma at our house. Jacqui has only been off of her tube feeding since June of this year. Now that she doesn't have the rounded nutritional content of her tube feeding formula to fall back on, it has been tricky to see that she gets all the nutrients she needs in her diet when all she really wants to eat are pepperoni slices, Tofutti soy cheese slices and slices of gluten-free bread slathered in margarine. For her fruit servings I can occasionally get her to eat banana slices (although she prefers to turn them into finger puppets) and she will eat a variety of Fruitabu Organic Fruit Flats or Twirls (the lowest prices we have seen is at Wal*Mart for a six pack box of the twirls) and she also drinks juice well. However, vegetables have been a real problem. That is, unless I want to allow her to grow up thinking it is reasonable to rely on dill pickle spears, french fries and ketchup to round out this area of her diet.My solution to this problem will ... | | By: In The Life Of A Child | | |
| | Shopping Advise - Buying gems and jewelry | | 2007-11-03 10:40:42 | | Buying jewellery can be an enjoyable but daunting task. Identifying, letalone valuing precious material, is no easy task even for the expert - andthe best way for you to be happy with your purchase is to be informed beforeyou buy.Read on to learn some useful tips before making your jewellery purchase -Useful Info On Selecting Gems & JewelleryBuy from a trusted jeweller or one who has been recommended:Ask around and get recommendations, ask friends for an introduction to ajeweller that they are satisfied with. If this is not possible, check on thejeweller through a government certifying body or some other authorising bodywho has certified the jeweller.A good jeweller will be clear and transparent in his explanation of thepiece and will guarantee that the product is what he/she says it is. Also,the right jeweller will be there when the piece needs to be cleaned,restrung or remounted.Find out if the jeweller provides other services (such as assaying andhallmarking) and check how their return or trade-up policy works. Finally,ask if the jeweller is affiliated with one of the jewellery tradeorganisations and also, if that association requires a code of conduct forits members.Value for money:Ask around and window shop before you buy - do not be misled by hugediscounts, which may be a gimmick to attract people into the shop. Comparejewellery prices before you buy. The lowest price is not an indication ofthe best value; diamonds and coloured stones vary greatly in quality andprice. Although the price of diamonds is relatively standardised to size andquality, coloured gemstones are not and if you are making a major purchase,finding out the correct value of the piece is important.The most accurate method of establishing value is through an appraisal froman independent gemmologist preferably certified by an authorised body.Prices can vary greatly on similar items from vendor to vendor. So, lackingan independent appraisal, you should at least shop around and compare priceso... | | By: Sri Lanka Jewelers | | |
| | Unique gems of Sri Lanka | | 2007-10-25 10:21:35 | | The most world famous gemstones are from Sri Lanka.Blue Giant of the Orient - 466 caratsMined in Kuruwita in 1907, this giant blue sapphire is one of the world'smost valuable gemstones. In rough, it was said to have been over 600 caratsand was fashioned into a jewel of 466 carats. It is the largest bluesapphire in the world. This gem is in the collection of an American gem andart collector.Logan Blue Sapphire - 423 caratsConsidered to be the second largest blue sapphire in the world on record. Aflawless specimen with a rich deep blue, the stone was gifted to TheSmithsonian Institute in Washington DC by John Logan.Blue Belle of Asia - 400 caratsDiscovered in the paddy fields of Pelmadulla, Sri Lanka in 1926, the BlueBelle is held in high esteem because of its peacock blue colour andexcellent clarity. Today, it is part of the collection of a British geminvestor.Star of India - 563 caratsThe second largest star sapphire in the world was discovered in Sri Lanka.It is almost flawless and unusual in that it has stars on both sides of thestone. Part of the collection of the American Museum of Natural history.Star of Lanka - 362 caratsThird largest star sapphire on record. The phenomenal stone is a richdeep-blue in colour and has a well-defined six-ray star. Owned by theNational Gem & Jewellery Authority in Sri Lanka.Rosser Reeves Star Ruby - 138 caratsThe world's largest star ruby combining excellent colour, good transparencyand a well-defined star. Part of the United States National Gem Collectionat the Smithsonian Institute.Hope Cat's Eye - over 500 caratsProbably the largest chrysoberyl cat's eye in the world, it was previouslypart of the collection of Thomas Hope, the wealthy British banker and geminvestor. This cat's eye is carved to represent an alter surmounted by atorch. Exhibited at the British Museum of Natural History.Ray of Treasure - 103 caratsThe stone displays the most desirable qualities of a "milk and honey"effect, with go... | | By: Sri Lanka Jewelers | | |
| | Gluten-Free Gems... GFCF Maple Pumpkin Pie (With Fresh Pumpkin) | | 2007-10-17 00:11:00 | | My husband is a pumpkin pie addict. A pumpkin pie has to be pretty doggone impressive to impress his taste buds and he gave this one two thumbs up. More importantly, Jacqui LOVED it! For the first time ever, I got to watch my little girl enjoying a slice of pumpkin pie with Daddy... this recipe is a keeper!My starting point for this recipe came from Sarah at RealLife. She posted an AMAZING recipe for Pumpkin Maple Pie With Fresh Pumpkin. If you're not on a gluten-free diet and want the real deal without all the gluten-free interventions, click here to get her recipe. Thank you Sarah, for sharing your wonderful recipie! My gluten-free casein-free version follows:GFCF Maple Pumpkin Pie With Fresh Pumpkin1 3/4 Cups Pamela's Wheat-Free Bread Mix (Note: Make sure you get the bread mix, not the baking mix the baking mix has buttermilk in it and if you use it, the recipe will no longer be casein-free)1 1/2 Cubes *Chilled* Margarine (12 TBSP)2 TBSP *Chilled* Shortening1/8 Cup Ice Wat... | | By: In The Life Of A Child | | |
| | Wooden cradle filled with 2,000 gems of diamond, ruby, and emerald | | 2007-10-10 21:56:42 | | "The Treasures of the Topkapi Palace and the Magnificent Ottoman Dynasty" turn back the world of the sultans with some 140 pieces from the collection of the Topkapi Palace Museum and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts in Istanbul.And one of this treasure is the wooden cradle that is an 18th century treasure and one of the 140 treasures of the Ottoman Empire.This wooden cradle clad with gold plates and filled with a total of about 2,000 gems of diamond, ruby, emerald is displayed at the “Treasures of the Topkapi Palace and the Magnificent Ottoman Dynasty” exhibition in Tokyo.The occasion is to celebrated the birth of Prince Hisahito on 6 September 2006 to Princess Kiko, the wife of Japanese Emperor Akihito’s second son Prince Akishino. This exhibition is designed to afford the viewer a welcome bit of breathing room, and it is now showing at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum through Sept. 24.Resouces: Elitechoice... | | By: Diamond IceForever Jewelry | | |
| | Gluten Free Gems: Ritz-Like Crackers | | 2007-09-26 15:41:00 | | Since I seem to have a cracker theme going on here (the absence of good tasting gluten-free crackers is a pet peeve of mine) I thought instead of a recipe, I would share with you one of my recent favorite finds. These Ritz-style crackers by Glutino are by far the best commercially prepared gluten-free cracker I have come across. They do state on the box that they make contain trace amounts of milk, casein, or soy, so if you are highly sensitive to any of these ingredients, they may not work for you. My daughter, Jacqui, is on an essentially GFCF diet, but her food sensitivities are of a more volume related nature and she is able to tolerate foods containing trace amounts of milk or casein.These crackers are really quite good! Not quite as buttery as a Ritz cracker, but a pleasant flavor. Most importantly, they have that wonderful oh-so-elusive flaky texture. None of that rice cracker snap going on here! Jacqui would literally sit and eat an entire box if I let her, but they are a little too spendy for that. I was able to find them at a local specialty grocer's for $3.79 a box. Most of the on-line sources are running at about a dollar higher.That said, if you are craving something like this to have around as a luxury item, then they are everything they claim to be. They would be excellent with soups! My daughter loves them with Tofutti's Better Than Cream Cheese. *Kid Friendly Tip* I tint the cream cheese orange with red and yellow gel food coloring, spoon it into a pastry bag with a wide fluted pastry tip and pipe it onto the crackers. Voila' ! CF 'Easy Cheese' : )If you are having trouble finding this product locally, they can be purchased on-line at glutenfree.com - $4.94 plus shipping for a 5.3 oz box.parenting children motherhood kids recipes gluten free gluten-free GF crackers gluten-free crackers gluten-free Ritz crackers SAHM
... | | By: In The Life Of A Child | | |
| | Gluten-Free Gems... Mock GFCF Goldfish Crackers | | 2007-09-20 05:08:00 | | One of the things I have had the hardest time with as a Mom with a child on a GFCF diet has been finding decent crackers. In the world of toddlers, Goldfish crackers top the list. Everywhere you go, they are offered at snack-time and their tempting bright color and fun shape always left my daughter in tears, wishing that she could have some too. I found several gluten-free recipes, but ultimately gave up on finding a good tasting version that was both gluten-free and casein-free, deciding to just come up with a GFCF version of my own. After much trial and error, I present to you my final version which Jacqui has pronounced "Super Yummy!" While they are not quite as cheesy in flavor as the originals, this recipe yields a pleasantly crunchy cracker with a great buttery taste and lightly cheesy flavor. Enjoy.Mock GFCF Goldfish Crackers1 1/2 cups white rice flour1/2 cup tapioca starch1 tsp baking powder1 tsp xanthan gum1 tsp salt1/2 tsp garlic powder3 packets Road's End Organics Chreese Mix *Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Version***Note: At the Road's End Organics link site you will need to select the GLUTEN-FREE version of the chreese packets in the second row***1 cup vegetable based margerine, melted1/2 cup firm sliken tofu1/2 cup soy based sour cream substitute such as Tofutti's Better Than Sour Creamred and yellow gel or paste food coloringBlend together dry ingredients: Flour, starch, baking powder, xanthan gum, salt, garlic powder, and Chreese packets.Blend in silken tofu with a fork or pastry cutterMix in sour cream substitute and slowly add melted margerine, mixing until well blended.Add red and yellow gel or paste food coloring to achieve desired color. Blend dough until color is uniform. Dough will be soft and sticky.Divide dough into thirds.Form dough into balls and flatten in between sheets of wax paper, wrap and chill for 2 hours or until firm and easy to handle.Preheat oven to 400 degrees.Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness on rice-floured surface.Cut with mini-goldfish cutter mini goldfish cookie cutter.Transfer to parchment or silpat lined cookie sheet, one inch apart, and prick each cracker with fork or toothpick.Bake 10-12 minutes until crisp or very lightly browned - less if your crackers are very thin.Store in airtight container for up to two weeks. Makes approximately 6 dozen crackers.Modified from Bette Hagman's 'More From the Gluten-Free Gourmet'**A few notes:You may be able to find the Road's End Organics products locally and avoid shipping costs. They are often stocked at Shaw's, Stop & Shop, Earth Fare, and Wild Oats, or local health/nutrition stores or specialty grocery stores. My local specialty grocery store doesn't usually stock the packets, but they special order it for me and I am still able to avoid shipping charges.**Be aware while shopping that Road's End Organic's makes both a Dairy Free version containing wheat, and a GF-Dairy-Free version of the cheddar style chreese mix. If you are on a GFCF diet like my daughter is, you will need to pay close attention and select the Gluten-Free version as the packaging is quite similar. The GF version is in the blue box. The dairy-free only version containing wheat is in the green box.**The mini goldfish cutter is a little pricey at $7.95 plus shipping, but at least at our house, it was worth it. I actually purchased two of them and Jacqui loves to help cut out the crackers with me. Jacqui has a lot of oral feeding issues and this was a fun and successful way to engage her with food - with great results! It is also just really nice for her to be able to have something that looks and tastes like the snacks that all her little friends have. All in all, I consider the $7.95 well spent.After about two weeks, the crackers start tasting a little tough and stale - even when packed in air-tight containers. We now make a half-batch at a time and it works out perfectly for us. Consider altering the recipe size to suit your own family.parenting children motherhood kids recipes gluten free gluten-free goldfish crackers SAHM
... | | By: In The Life Of A Child | | |
| | For Rent -- Italian Gems In Need of Some Repair | | 2007-09-20 04:17:00 | | ROME - The 14th century Renaissance villa sits on 42 acres in the hills outside Florence. The main manor house bears the crossed weaponry crest of the Tolomeis, a family of Tuscan aristocrats, and the small chapel is adorned with frescoes of angels at play. All told, there are seven buildings comprising 37,660 square feet.Villa Tolomei is one of Italy's architectural gems. It is also available for rent. The Italian government is offering a 50-year lease, valued at $102,654 a year, or $5.1 million for the entire term.
... | | By: Italy real estate | | |
| | Gluten-Free Gems... Homemade Graham Crackers | | 2007-09-13 16:06:00 | | I have been getting quite a few query hits on my blog relating to gluten-free recipes and a number of emails with questions about gluten-free living at our house, so I thought I would start a little segment of my blog called 'Gluten-Free Gems'. Basically, it will consist of little tips or tricks I have been slowly picking up on toddler-friendly gluten free living . (I should note here that my daughter is also on a casein-free diet for her CVS , so anything I post will be both gluten and casein free).So... whenever the whim strikes me, I will post either a recipe, a product find, or some little tip I have found useful. We'll see how popular the topic is, and go from there. Just so you know, I don't keep gluten-free recipes unless they pass taste tests by our non-gluten restricted family members, so everything you find here should taste great by any standard. If you have problems with any recipe, email me and I will do my best to help you trouble shoot. By popular request, my first post in this topic will be my recipe for gluten-free/casein-free graham crackers. If you would like to read the post that started it all, click here - enjoy!(Note: Even though Jacqui didn't eat the gluten-free graham crackers on our camping trip, she really does like them, usually eats them really well - and they are extremely good! She was just overwhelmed by the temptation of an un-attended box of the chocolate flavored Honey-Maids (must have gotten that choco-holic gene from me). My husband even likes this homemade version better than the boxed store brands. I actually have to hide them so he doesn't eat the poor kid's graham crackers!)Better Than The Real Thing - Gluten-Free Grahams1/3 cup shortening or margerine3/4 cup brown sugar2 tsp. vanilla3 cups Pamela's Ultimate Pancake and Baking Mix (or substitute: 2/3 cup bean flour, 1/3 cup sorghum flour, 1 cup tapioca flour, 1 cup cornstarch, plus 1 tsp baking powder)1 tsp xanthan gum2 tsp cinnamon1/2 tsp. ginger1/4 tsp nutmeg1/2 tsp salt1/2 cup rice milk3-4 Tbsp Cornstarch for rolling1/3 cup granulated sugar for sprinklingPreheat oven to 350 Degrees.Cream together shortening or margerine with brown sugar and vanilla in a large bowl.Mix in spices, salt and xanthan gum.Add Pamela's Mix (or substitute flour mixture) one cup at a time, blending in well with a fork or pastry cutter until all 3 cups have been incorporated.Add rice milk (may substitute water, soy milk, etc.) a little at a time. You may not need the entire 1/2 cup. Add just enough to make a cookie dough consistency (will be quite sticky) .Separate dough into tennis-ball size portions, flatten, wrap in wax paper and chill 2-3 hours until firm.Working with one section of dough at a time, roll out on cornstarch dusted surface to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Cut with 3- 1/4 inch size fluted round cutter and transfer to silpat or parchment lined baking sheet with cornstarch dusted pancake turner or spatula. (You can use a cookie sheet sprayed lightly with cooking spray, but they do cook more evenly on the silpat or parchment when you are going for a crisper cracker.) I place 8 cookies per sheet.Prick each cookie 4-6 times with a fork and sprinkle with granulated sugar.Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes at 350 degrees or untill edges have lightly browned. the longer they bake, the crisper the cracker and they do harden some as they cool. You may have to experiment a little to find your preference in baking time. (We like ours super-crunchy and actually bake them for around 35-40 minutes)Store in air-tight container - perfect for S'mores!Makes about 2 1/2 dozenAdapted from combination of Pamela's Mix Graham Cracker recipe and Bette Hagman's Graham Cracker recipe from 'The Gluten-Free Gourmet Bakes Bread'.Note: I think they do turn out a little better (a little lighter and flavor is slightly different) with the Pamela's Mix - plus the mix makes excellent pancakes too. You may be able to find the mix less expensively than the link I provided at your local specialty grocer's. The mix also comes in 64 oz bags, which is how I purchase mine. I use it for flour bases for everything from pancakes, to muffins, to crackers, to breads. It really is an excellent mix! This recipe also works well substituting 1/4 cup honey for the brown sugar, although they will not be as sweet. For a less sweet cracker you can also cut the sugar down. The original recipe called for 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.Special Thanks to Jordan at 'MammaBlogga' for challenging me to expand my writing topics with 'this post'.parenting children motherhood kids recipes gluten free gluten-free graham crackers SAHM
... | | By: In The Life Of A Child | | |
| | Hidden Gems in the Medina | | 2007-09-08 17:14:00 | | Lumen has been pounding the streets, searching for hidden gems in the Fez medina that only the locals know about.One such secret place is Ba Bouchta's Cafe in Sagha Square. The Square itself is definitely worth a visit. Coming down Tala'a Kebira towards the Attarine, take a left before the souqs and head north. This will take you through the Jouteya fresh produce market that rivals the other markets at Boujloud and R'cif. Keep going and you'll happen upon Sagha Square which has one of the most magnificent fonduks in the medina ... fabulous mashrabiya panels around the balconies and even a large set of scales (man-size - Japanese tourists were being weighed when we were there) for weighing fleeces. There's also a fountain with a qobba roof.Directly opposite the fonduk is a nicely renovated facade and a flight of stone stairs. Follow these up into a poky L-shaped cafe where you'll find Ba Bouchta himself. Remarkably, water is heated in a copper samovar over a wood fire that he encourages with a pair of bellows; sugar comes in cone-form and is hacked off with a sugar hammer; tea is cheap at only Dh2.5. Under the counter are baskets of charcoal and lots of mint. Very dusty umbrellas hang from a cupboard and the zellij-covered columns are pretty grimy.It's not going to pass any health and safety tests, but is definitely worth a visit for a little local colour. You can sit on low stools at the open windows and check out the happenings in the square below. Around the corner of the 'L' are a lot of really relaxed men sitting on carpets. A TV blinks from the wall, but the men are far too happy to pay much attention to it.Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news... | | By: THE VIEW FROM FEZ | | |
| | Selecting gems and jewelry | | 2007-09-04 08:03:24 | | Buying jewellery can be an enjoyable but daunting task. Identifying, let alone valuing precious material, is no easy task even for the expert - and the best way for you to be happy with your purchase is to be informed before you buy.Read on to learn some useful tips before making your jewellery purchase -Useful Info On Selecting Gems & JeweleryBuy from a trusted jeweller or one who has been recommendedAsk around and get recommendations, ask friends for an introduction to a jeweller that they are satisfied with. If this is not possible, check on the jeweler through a government certifying body or some other authorizing body who has certified the jeweler.A good jeweller will be clear and transparent in his explanation of the piece and will guarantee that the product is what he/she says it is. Also, the right jeweler will be there when the piece needs to be cleaned, restrung or remounted.Find out if the jeweler provides other services (such as assaying and hallmarking) and check how their return or trade-up policy works. Finally, ask if the jeweler is affiliated with one of the jewelery trade organizations and also, if that association requires a code of conduct for its members.Value for moneyAsk around and window shop before you buy - do not be misled by huge discounts, which may be a gimmick to attract people into the shop. Compare jewellery prices before you buy. The lowest price is not an indication of the best value; diamonds and colored stones vary greatly in quality and price. Although the price of diamonds is relatively standardized to size and quality, colored gemstones are not and if you are making a major purchase, finding out the correct value of the piece is important.The most accurate method of establishing value is through an appraisal from an independent gemologist preferably certified by an authorized body. Prices can vary greatly on similar items from vendor to vendor. So, lacking an independent appraisal, you should at least shop around and compare prices on items of similar quality.Gemstone and diamond quality is a major factor in calculating the accurate value of a piece of jewellery. Get a detailed receipt giving materials, weights and number of stones, sizes and quality. Also get a money back guarantee if returned within a reasonable period so that you can have the jewelery evaluated by an independent appraiser.Look for the registered trademark and quality markWhenever possible, look for quality marks such as hallmarks (which state the karatage of gold in the piece) as well as certification for the stones. There are also quality marks for silver and platinum - make sure your jeweller either stamps his jewelery with a quality mark or has it assayed and hallmarked by a central authority.Get it in writingWhen buying fine jewelery, ask the jeweller to write a complete description on your receipt. For gold jewellery, ask for the karatage; for diamonds, the cut, color, clarity, and carat weight (the weight of the center stone and total carat weight if there are side stones); for colored stones, ask for a description of overall color and carat weight and if the stone is of natural origin or has been treated in any way. All this information should be included on the bill of sale.
... | | By: Sri Lanka Jewelers | | |
| | History of Ceylon Gems and Jewelry | | 2007-09-01 08:04:23 | | Precambrian Age: Period starts with the birth of Earth and the gradual appearance of many-celled animals, about 570 million years ago. Nine-tenths of the island of Sri Lanka is underlain by rocks of Precambrian age. The Precambrian crystalline rocks of Sri Lanka are divided into three major units: the Highland group, the Southwestern group, and the Vijayan Complex.1st Century AD: The historical chronicle of Sri Lanka, the Mahavamsa, records that gemstones were among the gifts of Sri Lanka's king, Devanampiyatissa, to Emperor Ashoka of India. The Mahavansa also records that the Buddha visited Sri Lanka to settle a dispute between the Naga King Mahodara and Prince Chulodara over a throne studded with gemstones.5th Century AD: The Buddhist monk, Fa-Hien, reports on the mineral abundance of the land when he visits Sri Lanka.13th Century AD: The Venetian traveler, Marco Polo, reaches the shores of Sri Lanka. He writes: "The island produces more beautiful and valuable rubies than are found in any other part of the world. Likewise sapphires, topazes, amethysts, garnets, and many other precious and costly stones. The king is supposed to possess one of the grandest rubies that ever was seen, being a span in length and the thickness of a man's arm, brilliant beyond description, and without a single flaw."14th Century AD: Visit of Iban Batuta, the Arab traveler from Tangier. He notes that, "Gems are met with in all localities in the island of Sri Lanka. All the women of Serendib possess necklaces of precious stones of diverse colors, they wear them also at their hands and feet, in the forms of bracelets and anklets. I have seen on the forehead of the white elephant several of these precious stones, each of which was larger than a hen's egg."17th Century AD: Robert Knox, a sailor in the service of the East Indian Company, was captured by the King of Kandy in 1660 and held captive for many years before being released. He wrote: "In this island are several sorts of precious stones, which the King for his part has enough of, and so care th not to have more discoveries made. Also there are certain rivers out of which it is generally reported that they do take rubies and sapphires and cat's eyes for the King's use. And I have seen several pretty colored stones, some as big as cherry stones and some as buttons, and transparent, but understood not what they were. Rubies and sapphires I myself have seen."
... | | By: Sri Lanka Jewelers | | |
| | New widget site - Fancy Gems | | 2007-08-26 15:25:00 | | Bloggers tend to either love 'em or hate 'em but if you are in the first group here is a new site for you. Fancy Gems contains quite a few new unusual fun widgets such as a lava lamp, fancy text and banner generators.Not really having use for more widgets I thought I would give one of the more frivolous items a go, The Secret Message Scratcher.RiddleWhat does man love more than life?Fear more than death or mortal strife?What do the poor have, what the rich require,And what contented men desire?What does the miser spend, the spendthrift save,And all men carry to their graves?AnswerGet Your Own ScratchWidgets, sueblimely alexa... | | By: Blogging Sueblimely | | |
| | Tahitian Pearls | Most sought-after gems in the world | | 2007-08-23 23:06:00 | | This year, pearls are a fashion statement and most of the celebrities wear it as to adorn themselves. It makes you glamorous and transformed you into fun and fashionable accessory. Do you that ? Every woman dreams are to own a pearl jewelry because the simplicity of the pearl is the woman right to possess. Pearls is the birthstone of June and used as birthstone engagement ring. There is a vast range of pearls to choose from and are categorized into the following: Black Tahitian Pearls, Button Pearls, Coin Pearls, Cultured Pearls, Freshwater Pearls, and. Natural Pearls or South Sea Pearls. A beautiful black Tahitian Pearl Ring is made up of 18k white gold and diamonds. Its high luster is complement by a twisting 18K white gold, diamond encrusted design. The large 13mm Tahitian pearl has a flawless surface that you will never get tired of gazing into. History of Tahitian Pearls Tahitian pearls are named after the island of Tahiti and known as the black pearls. It is cultured and intentio... | | By: Diamond IceForever Jewelry | | |
| | Gems and their effect on human body | | 2007-08-07 13:20:48 | | Our body is composed of cosmic radiations and seven colors (rainbow colors), which become in balance in the course of time. Astrological gems are carefully selected fro use to affect the body beneficially through their measured radiations."Gems increase the physical and psychic powers of an individual in addition to prevent the ill effects of planets by their curative powers"A gem should be set in a right metal, size, weight and angles. It should be worn on the correct finger. Each gems with it constant source of specific ray gives rise to constructive vibration that have a therapeutic power.All gems have magnetic powers in varying degrees and many of them are beneficial to us for their therapeutic cures. They emit vibrations and frequencies, which have strong potential influence on our whole being. They create strong energy fields, which enable us to change with their energies. Gems are used for healing, transforming ,balancing, and attuning the body, mind and soul. They are a manifestation of vibrancy, light and color, life, textures, transparency and clarity. They activate our abilities, soothe, comfort, heal and balance through the purity of their rays. The arrangement of the gems in a pattern is of significance, especially in Nawaratne sets. The changes in the cosmic law and in our life is altered and influenced by wearing the correct gems. Each gem has a particular ray and a special role to play.The gems can be cleaned of the blemish by burying them in earth overnight and rinse them off by leaving them under running water for eight hours or keep them in the flame of a candle till the candle melts or under direct sunlight for six hours and sink them in a salt water for 12 - 36 hours. Then the gem will get clean, purified and energize.
... | | By: Sri Lanka Jewelers | | |
| | Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Gems | | 2007-08-06 07:10:26 | | The gems of Sri Lanka are woven in to his history. The Mahavansa, the ancient chronicle of Sri Lanka too mentioned about gems and jewelry. Indeed, the lord Buddha himself is sad to have had to come to Sri Lanka from India to settle a dispute between two kings, Chulodara and Mahodara, over a throne of gems.King Soloman is reported to have had gems brought from this island to win the heart of beautiful queens. The great traveler, Marco Polo, was said to have been so awe struck by a priceless ruby in the possession of the king of Sri Lanka that the recorded it as been "span in length, with out a flow, brilliant beyond compare".Sri Lanka became known as Ratna Deepa (The Island of Gems). Some of the rarest precious stones in the world are found in abundances in the reach earth under our feet and the hills above us. Among the several world famous gems Sri Lanka's blue sapphire weighing 466 carats, the largest known sapphire in the world. Weighing in at 19Kg was also discovered he... | | By: Sri Lanka Jewelers | | |
| | International Asia Trade Fairs for Gems and Jewellery | | 2007-08-04 07:13:09 | | 1. International Jewellery Tokyo - Japan (January)2. Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair - Thailand (February)3. International Jewellery Kobe - Japan (May)4. Hong Kong Jewellery & watch Fair and Asia Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair - Hong Kong SAR (June)5. Jade & Gems Special Sale - Myanmar (June)6. Koria International Jewellery & Watch Fair - Koria (July)7. India International Jewellery Show - Mumbai, India (July)8. Japan Jewellery Fair - Japan (September)9. International Gem and Jewellery Exhibition - India (September)10. Facets International Gem and Jewellry Show - Sri Lanka (September)11. Bangkok Gems & Jewellery Fair - Thailand (September)12. Hong Kong Jewellery & Watch Fair - Hong Kong SAR (September)13. Malaysia International Jewelex - Malysia (October)14. Mid Year Myanmar Gems, Jade & Pearl Emporium - Myanmar (October)15. China International Jewellery Fair - Beijing, China (November)16. Jewellery & watch Asia - Philippines (November)
... | | By: Sri Lanka Jewelers | | |
| | International Trade Fairs for Gems and Jewelry | | 2007-08-04 07:02:14 | | 1. Vicenza Oro - Vicenza, Italy (January)2. Jewellers International Showcase - Miami Beach, USA (January)3. JA International Jewelry Show - New York, USA (January)4. AGTA Gem Fair Tucson - Tucson, USA (February)5. GLDA Tucson Gem Show - Tucson, USA (February)6. Inhorgenta Europe - Munich, Germany (February)7. BASEL - Basel, Switzerland (April)8. International Jewelry Dubai - Dubai, UAE (May)9. GLDA Las Vegas Gem & Jewelry Show - Las Vegas, USA (June)10. The Strategic International Jewelry Show - Las Vegas, USA (June)11. The JCK Show - Las Vegas, USA (June)12. Vicenza Oro 2 - Vicenza, Italy (June)13. J.A. International Jewelry Show - New York, USA (July)14. International Jewellery London - London, UK (September)15. Intergem - Idar Oberstein, Germany (October)16. Jewellers International Showcase - Miami Beach, USA (October)17. Jewellery Arabia - UAE (October)18. Jewelers International Showcase - United States (October)19. The International Jewelry - Dubai, UAE (December)
... | | By: Sri Lanka Jewelers | | |
| | Ten gems for a good and noble life. | | 2007-01-20 23:38:15 | | 1. Wake up in the last third of the night to beg forgiveness from Allah.
2. At least once in a while, seclude yourself from people in order to contemplate.
3. Stay in the company of the righteous.
4. Remember Allah often
5. Offer 2 units pf prayer with sincerity and devotion.
6. Recite the Quran with understanding and reflection.
7. Fast on a hot, dry day.
8. Give charity secretly.
9. Provide relief and aid to the afflicted Muslim
10. Be as abstemious and abstinent as possible in this fleeting world.
... | | By: The Deen - Blog | | |
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