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Sunday, July 11, 2010
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Monday, November 16, 2009
An overview of hair straighteners
People nowadays spend a lot of time taking care of how they look. Not everybody is blessed with smooth and straight hair. The texture and strength of our hair is determined by our genes and the climate of where we live. Hair straighteners have revolutionized the way we style our hair. They use efficient combinations of heat and pressure to smoothen all kinds of hair. The way it works is pretty simple. Strands of hair are placed between two pieces of metal which undergo controlled heating for a specific time. The usage needs to be regulated or else it may lead to possible hair damage.
The hair straightener went through various forms before it attained the easy to use model, which is used now. Heated hair combs and clothing irons were among the earliest efforts at hair styling using heat. Special combs which had heating arrangements were brushed through the hair. The irons of those times were pretty unsafe as neither were they small enough to be handled easily nor did they have any specific heat control measures. Rods were first used in the late 1800's when a Parisian named Marcel Rateau introduced the possibility. The official patent is registered with Issac K. Shero who got two pieces of iron and put hair between them.
They way heat acts on our hair is pretty interesting. Hydrogen bonds in the hair cortex causes misshapen hair which tends to become curly. Applying heated metallic rods over them breaks those bonds letting them go straight. It allows us to make the hair bend in the desired styles as per the rod alignment. As for the material used for the heating rods, it has been changing since we started using them. Earlier versions used aluminium. Nowadays tourmaline and ceramics are preferred due to their better performance. Hair straighteners with a layer of ceramic provide even distributions of heat. They are recommended over their cheap alternatives, which can cause more damage than style. We should consider their usage as a privilege to be restricted for special occasions. Daily heat impact on your hair will make it suffer irrespective of how much you spent
by: Hollie Wilcox
The hair straightener went through various forms before it attained the easy to use model, which is used now. Heated hair combs and clothing irons were among the earliest efforts at hair styling using heat. Special combs which had heating arrangements were brushed through the hair. The irons of those times were pretty unsafe as neither were they small enough to be handled easily nor did they have any specific heat control measures. Rods were first used in the late 1800's when a Parisian named Marcel Rateau introduced the possibility. The official patent is registered with Issac K. Shero who got two pieces of iron and put hair between them.
They way heat acts on our hair is pretty interesting. Hydrogen bonds in the hair cortex causes misshapen hair which tends to become curly. Applying heated metallic rods over them breaks those bonds letting them go straight. It allows us to make the hair bend in the desired styles as per the rod alignment. As for the material used for the heating rods, it has been changing since we started using them. Earlier versions used aluminium. Nowadays tourmaline and ceramics are preferred due to their better performance. Hair straighteners with a layer of ceramic provide even distributions of heat. They are recommended over their cheap alternatives, which can cause more damage than style. We should consider their usage as a privilege to be restricted for special occasions. Daily heat impact on your hair will make it suffer irrespective of how much you spent
by: Hollie Wilcox
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
How to Care for Gold Bonded Jewelry
How to Care for Gold Bonded Jewelry
ChantelAlise
Instructions
Things You’ll Need:
- The care cards that came with your gold bonded jewelry;
- Any other information you can find about your bonded items;
- A soft jewelry polishing cloth or very soft fabric that can be used as a polishing cloth;
- Mineral free water;
- A soft bristle brush;
- An extra mild jewelry cleaning solution;
- An extremely mild liquid detergent (like Joy or Dove); and
- Jewelry pouches or boxes.
- Step 1:If you received a care card with your gold bonded jewelry, read it to determine how the manufacturer recommends cleaning the metal.
- Step 2:If you did not receive a care card with your jewelry item, then contact the manufacturer for cleaning and care recommendations.
- Step 3:If you cannot, for some reason, obtain instructions from the manufacturer of your gold bonded jewelry, consider taking it to a professional jeweler for cleaning. Although this might be a bit expensive, it should help to protect your jewelry item.
- Step 4:If you can't afford to take your jewelry to a jeweler or if you are afraid they might damage it, you can clean if yourself by one of several methods. These include, but are not limited to:
Cleaner plates,
Cleaning cloths (that contain the cleaner inside),
A mild jewelry cleaning solution,
An extra mild liquid detergent (like Joy or Dove),
A damp cloth, or
A soft polishing cloth or fabric.
If you are uncertain which, if any of the above is best suited to your gold bonded jewelry, then choose one of the bottom three. They are safe for most gold bonded jewelry items. - Step 5:If you opt to use a cleaning plate, purchase one that specifically claims to be safe for "fashion" jewelry. If it is safe enough for fashion jewelry, then it is safe enough for gold bonded jewelry.
Cleaning plates generally work with just water and detergent. You put the plate in the bottom of a pan or bowl, pour in the indicated amount of detergent, and fill with water. As the jewelry comes into contact with the plate it interacts to clean the piece with a fizzing action. - Step 6:If you decide to use cleaning cloths with jewelry cleaner inside of them, check the instructions to make certain that the cloths you have chosen are safe for your type of gold bonded item. Many of these cloths are good across the board, but not all of them.
Cleaning cloths are great for surface cleaning but don't always work well for pave set jewelry, antique jewelry, or jewelry of any kind that has tiny crevices like in between inlay, enameling, or beading. - Step 7:If you choose to use an extra mild jewelry cleaning solution, choose one that specifically states that it is "safe for all types of fashion jewelry." If it is safe for fashion jewelry, then it is safe for gold bonded items.
- Step 8:You may choose to use an extra mild liquid detergent like Joy or Dove for cleaning your gold bonded jewelry. Like any mild jewelry cleaning solution, these are safe for most jewelry items across the board. However, it is recommended that you do not immerse your gold bonded jewelry items into the cleaner for more than a couple of seconds. Instead, simply put a small amount on a very soft cloth along with water and clean the item that way.
- Step 9:You may use a damp cloth to clean your gold bonded jewelry is perfectly safe and even highly recommended by many jewelry manufacturers. Be aware, however, that it can be difficult to clean pave, metal beaded, or antique jewelry this way because it is difficult to get the cloth in into the deep crevices. Use a soft bristle brush to loosen any dirt that might be stuck there and then wipe clean. You may have to repeat the process two or three times before you get the piece clean.
- Step 10:Some jewelers recommend using nothing more than a soft jewelry cleaning cloth or soft fabric to clean gold bonded jewelry. While these will wipe away surface dirt, they may not penetrate through oil and other product build up. If they don't, the metal will remain dull and lifeless. And, as like with damp cloths, they can't get into pave, metal beaded, or antique jewelry crevices. Try using a very soft bristle brush to loosen dirt that might be stuck there and then wipe clean again. You may have to repeat the process two or three times before you get the piece clean.
- Step 11:Once your gold bonded jewelry is clean, pouch it in cloth, velvet, preservative cloth, or jewelry boxes before storing it along with other jewelry pieces.
Tips & Warnings
- Keep any care instructions that come along with your gold bonded jewelry.
- Keep your gold bonded items clean.
- Only use a very soft cloth or very soft bristle brush on your gold bonded jewelry items when it is absolutely necessary.
- Expensive technology driven jewelry cleaners are no recommended for use on gold bonded jewelry. They work no more effectively than most inexpensive ones.
- Store your gold bonded jewelry item properly to keep it clean and protect them from damage.
- Don't clean your gold bonded jewelry items everyday. Clean them only when they are actually dirty. Over cleaning them can also result in dulling them or rubbing off the gold plating.
- Don't use cleaning products on gold bonded items that specifically say they are not safe for them. There is a reason for such cautionary statements, so don't ignore them.
- Don't use harsh chemicals of any kind on gold bonded jewelry. They will result in damaging them or removing the gold plating.
- Don't use a hard bristled brush on your gold bonded jewelry. They could result in damage to your items or remove the gold plating.
हाउ तो बी इस्टेट Jewelry
How to Buy Estate Jewelry
eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor
Instructions
- Step 1:Attend estate auctions. Be prepared for very competitive bidding on estate jewelry from professional jewelers and resellers. Preview auction items early and set a firm price in your mind. Resist being caught up in bidding wars. Stop bidding at your preset amount unless you really want a certain piece of jewelry.
- Step 2:Cruise tag sales and garage sales, both excellent sources for estate jewelry. Go early to find the best selection of vintage costume jewelry and fine jewelry. Bargain with the sellers but do not expect a huge reduction in price. Demand is high for all kinds of estate jewelry.
- Step 3:Visit antique and jewelry shops that specialize in estate jewelry. Seek out local shops in your area or shop the numerous estate jewelry retailers found online. Find estate jewelry at smaller new jewelry stores known for selling a wide range of jewelry items.
- Step 4:Buy from a reputable dealer or learn how to identify fine jewelry. Do not be fooled by fakes, poor quality stones or disreputable jewelers. Do your jewelry homework before spending large amounts of money on estate jewelry.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Unusual Places to Display Your Handmade Jewelry
If you’re in the handmade jewelry business, you already know the importance of locating new markets for your jewelry designs. Many jewelry designers fail to take advantage of the resources they have for displaying jewelry right in their own home town. Using local resources is a great way to successfully brand yourself while enhancing your reputation as a local jewelry designer. Here are some places to display your jewelry at a reduced cost or even free:
How to sell your jewelry: Your local library
Most local libraries have various showcases where they can display the work of local artisans. It can be as simple as calling your local library and asking to speak with the head librarian. Let her know you’re a local handmade jewelry artisan who wants to spread the word about your jewelry designs. It helps if your jewelry has some interesting history behind it or is made with unusual materials. Include a card with your display describing how your jewelry is made and what makes your designs unique and special. This can be excellent source of publicity for your jewelry business.
How to sell your jewelry: The windows of non-retail businesses
There are a variety of non-retail businesses with empty windows just begging for some decoration. Many of owners of these businesses would be happy to allow you to display your jewelry designs in these unused spaces. It may also help the business owner since beautiful jewelry can draw attention to their own business. Consider contacting the owners of banks, accounting offices, and other service related businesses to see if you can put extra space to good use by displaying your jewelry designs.
How to sell your jewelry: Tourist information centers
If you have a tourist information or visitor’s center in your area, they may have unused cases or display space for you to showcase your jewelry designs. Tourists centers are often eager to display the work of local artisans as a draw for visitors.
How to sell your jewelry: Hotels
Larger hotels sometimes have showcases that can be used to display your designs. If you choose this option, be sure to highlight your web address prominently in the display since your jewelry may get national or even international exposure from visiting hotel guests. While you’re there, don’t forget to see if the hotel gift shop looks like a good market for your jewelry.
How to sell your jewelry: Concert halls
If you have a concert hall or other cultural center in your area, you may be able to display your jewelry designs in a showcase in the foyer. The demographics of the people who attend these cultural events make them enthusiastic buyers of high end jewelry. This can provide excellent publicity for your jewelry business.
You may also want to consider other nontraditional venues such as airports, schools, churches, and craft centers as possible sites to display your jewelry designs. The more exposure your handmade jewelry receives, the more your reputation as a jewelry artisan grows and the more successful your jewelry business becomes
How to sell your jewelry: Your local library
Most local libraries have various showcases where they can display the work of local artisans. It can be as simple as calling your local library and asking to speak with the head librarian. Let her know you’re a local handmade jewelry artisan who wants to spread the word about your jewelry designs. It helps if your jewelry has some interesting history behind it or is made with unusual materials. Include a card with your display describing how your jewelry is made and what makes your designs unique and special. This can be excellent source of publicity for your jewelry business.
How to sell your jewelry: The windows of non-retail businesses
There are a variety of non-retail businesses with empty windows just begging for some decoration. Many of owners of these businesses would be happy to allow you to display your jewelry designs in these unused spaces. It may also help the business owner since beautiful jewelry can draw attention to their own business. Consider contacting the owners of banks, accounting offices, and other service related businesses to see if you can put extra space to good use by displaying your jewelry designs.
How to sell your jewelry: Tourist information centers
If you have a tourist information or visitor’s center in your area, they may have unused cases or display space for you to showcase your jewelry designs. Tourists centers are often eager to display the work of local artisans as a draw for visitors.
How to sell your jewelry: Hotels
Larger hotels sometimes have showcases that can be used to display your designs. If you choose this option, be sure to highlight your web address prominently in the display since your jewelry may get national or even international exposure from visiting hotel guests. While you’re there, don’t forget to see if the hotel gift shop looks like a good market for your jewelry.
How to sell your jewelry: Concert halls
If you have a concert hall or other cultural center in your area, you may be able to display your jewelry designs in a showcase in the foyer. The demographics of the people who attend these cultural events make them enthusiastic buyers of high end jewelry. This can provide excellent publicity for your jewelry business.
You may also want to consider other nontraditional venues such as airports, schools, churches, and craft centers as possible sites to display your jewelry designs. The more exposure your handmade jewelry receives, the more your reputation as a jewelry artisan grows and the more successful your jewelry business becomes
Jewelry Mending
Jewellery Mending & Fixing
(Tue Nov 27th, 2007, by Shelley Green)
If you have a favourite piece of beaded jewellery that is sadly broken or in need of a little TLC then there is no need to worry, it can be fixed. Or failing that, it can be re-made into a brand new piece of jewellery! Time and time again I have friends, family and friends of friends ask me, "could you mend this?", or "are you able to fix this for me?" holding out their favourite bracelet that has a broken clasp or possibly a necklace that has come apart and is just a bag of beads. Or some earrings that may have been trodden on and bent out of shape. I will always do my best to help out, but it made me realise that there must be so many people out there that need this service. So I have decided to make it available. It may be an old pair of earrings that have started to tarnish and some of the beads are ok to reuse but others are not, in that case I would add new beads on to make them look good as new once again. I have also been asked to make bracelets to match necklaces that customers already have, or earrings to match a bracelet or necklace. This is also a service that is available. Prices available on request but I will need a photograph so that I know what it is that I am being asked to make. Recently a very good friend of mine gave me a small bag of beads and said that it used to be a necklace that belonged to her mother. It was not an expensive necklace although it did have sentimental value. I was able to make her a new bracelet and also a pair of earrings out of the beads. She was extremely happy to say the least and for me it was lovely to see that. If you think you may have a piece of jewellery that could be mended or altered but you are unsure, please do not hesitate to email me and I will do my very best to help. A photograph of the item would be an enormous help. If I am able to help I will let you know how much it will cost. It is not something that I can price as each item will be individual. I may not always be able to make the piece of jewellery exactly the same as it's original state, but I will try my very best to do so and if there are going to be any big differences I will discuss these before I begin. All items are posted special recorded delivery to ensure that no precious items are lost in the post.
About the Author
Shelley Green is the owner of http://www.beads-click.com, a site that specialises in beads and beaded jewellery. This site is for bead lovers everywhere!
(Tue Nov 27th, 2007, by Shelley Green)
If you have a favourite piece of beaded jewellery that is sadly broken or in need of a little TLC then there is no need to worry, it can be fixed. Or failing that, it can be re-made into a brand new piece of jewellery! Time and time again I have friends, family and friends of friends ask me, "could you mend this?", or "are you able to fix this for me?" holding out their favourite bracelet that has a broken clasp or possibly a necklace that has come apart and is just a bag of beads. Or some earrings that may have been trodden on and bent out of shape. I will always do my best to help out, but it made me realise that there must be so many people out there that need this service. So I have decided to make it available. It may be an old pair of earrings that have started to tarnish and some of the beads are ok to reuse but others are not, in that case I would add new beads on to make them look good as new once again. I have also been asked to make bracelets to match necklaces that customers already have, or earrings to match a bracelet or necklace. This is also a service that is available. Prices available on request but I will need a photograph so that I know what it is that I am being asked to make. Recently a very good friend of mine gave me a small bag of beads and said that it used to be a necklace that belonged to her mother. It was not an expensive necklace although it did have sentimental value. I was able to make her a new bracelet and also a pair of earrings out of the beads. She was extremely happy to say the least and for me it was lovely to see that. If you think you may have a piece of jewellery that could be mended or altered but you are unsure, please do not hesitate to email me and I will do my very best to help. A photograph of the item would be an enormous help. If I am able to help I will let you know how much it will cost. It is not something that I can price as each item will be individual. I may not always be able to make the piece of jewellery exactly the same as it's original state, but I will try my very best to do so and if there are going to be any big differences I will discuss these before I begin. All items are posted special recorded delivery to ensure that no precious items are lost in the post.
About the Author
Shelley Green is the owner of http://www.beads-click.com, a site that specialises in beads and beaded jewellery. This site is for bead lovers everywhere!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
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