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| Friday, 12-Nov-2010 07:38 |
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Pearl Jewelry - The Story of Pearl Hunters
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As long as pearl jewelry have been known to people, they have been a highly sought commodity for their beauty. It's only in recent times however that the industry has taken the hunt for the perfect pearl to a whole different level. Today, the shiny orbs that we see on in display in jewelry stores have actually almost always been grown in farms.
That's a far cry from the dangerous extraction and collection methods used before the invention of modern technology. In the past, not more than 100 years ago, the only way to retrieve pearls was by diving in lakes, floods and the ocean to pick them up, one at the time. The unfortunate divers who'se job it was to do this, were often poor and lured by the relative large sums they could get. The diver would sometimes have to dive as deep as 100 feet on one single breath of air. In order to preserve air and to stay submerged the longest, the divers would hold on to heavy stones on the way down.
Naturally, this dangerous activity was reserved for the desperate or the powerless - in many cases slaves or extremely poor peasents. Today, this method is all but obsolete in most places of the world. The cheaper cultured pearls have become popular and are many times the only pearls available to the consumer.
There are however still a few isolated areas that practice this old art of pearl diving. Some of the finest natural pearl speciments come from the gulf of Bahrain. Here, divers still risk their health to retrieve what are considered the top of the crop in the world. In fact, Bahrain wants no part of the sale of cultured pearls, banned from trade. Bahrain is one of the few places on earth that does an active job in trying to preserve the natural habitat and waters from pollution.
It's an interesting story and one that continues to fascinate buyers around the world. Somehow, the beauty of the pearl grows when it's been retrieved from the depth of the ocean.
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| Friday, 12-Nov-2010 07:36 |
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Buying Pearl Jewelry Without Being Ripped Off
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Buying pearl jewelry can be fun, exciting and confusing. Whether you're considering a gift of pearl jewelry for someone special or as a treat for yourself, take some time to learn the terms used in the industry. Here's some information to help you get the best quality pearl jewelry for your money, whether you're shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store or online.
Pearls
Natural or real pearls are made by oysters and other mollusks. Cultured pearls also are grown by mollusks, but with human intervention; that is, an irritant introduced into the shells causes a pearl to grow. Imitation pearls are man-made with glass, plastic, or organic materials.
Because natural pearls are very rare, most pearls used in jewelry are either cultured or imitation pearls. Cultured pearls, because they are made by oysters or mollusks, usually are more expensive than imitation pears. A cultured pearl's value is largely based on its size, usually stated in millimeters, and the quality of its nacre coating, which give it luster. Jewelers should tell your if the pearls are cultured or imitation. Some black, bronze, gold, purple, blue and orange pearls, whether natural or cultured, occur that way in nature; some, however, are dyed through various processes. Jewelers should tell you whether the colored pearls are naturally colored, dyed or irradiated.
Clams, oysters, mussels and many other mollusks with limy shells are known to produce pearls. But very few kinds yield gem pearls of jeweler's quality. The pearl is an abnormal growth of mother-of-pearl, or nacre, imbedded in the soft bodies of these shellfish. It is built up, layer upon layer, in the same way as nacre is added to the lining of the growing shell and always has the same color and luster. For example, over the country, hundreds of good-sized pearls are found each year in the oysters we eat. Unfortunately these have no commercial value regardless of whether they have been cooked or not because they are dull opaque white or purple like the shell of the parent oyster. In recent times almost all pearls of gem quality come from the oriental pearl oyster which has a bright shimmering translucent nacre.
A pearl starts growing when some irritating foreign substance such as a sand grain, bit of mud, parasite or other object becomes lodged in the shell-producing gland called the mantle. Pearls formed in the soft flesh where nacre can be added on all sides are most likely to be spherical and the most highly prized. By far the great majority are flattened or variously distorted and have little value. Size, color, luster and freedom from flaws are other essential qualities. Unlike other gems, such as diamonds, pearls have an average life of only about 50 years. In time the small amount of water in a pearl's make-up is lost and its surface cracks. Because they are mostly lime, necklaces which are worn often are injured by the acid secretions of the human skin.
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| Monday, 19-Oct-2009 17:07 |
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freshwater pearl jewelry
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Pearls have always been admired for freshwater pearl jewelry their beauty and sophistication. It has become increasingly popular for young brides to embrace the tradition of wearing pearls on their wedding day. It’s the perfect accessory to any bride’s gown, as white pearls signify purity.
If you’ve chosen to wear pearls for your wedding jewelry, shopping for them now becomes a task. There are five important factors to cultured pearl jewelry consider when shopping for pearls as your wedding jewelry.
1) Color
1) Size
3) Luster
4) Shape
5) Surface Texture
These six factors largely contribute to the value of your jewelry. The color of your pearl can be white, pink, cream, or golden. The most expensive pearls of the highest quality tend to be softer in hue and more radiant. One of akoya pearl jewelry the highest quality pearls are the Akoya Saltwater pearls.
When we refer to the size of your pearl , we’re generally referring to the size of the jewelry. If for instance, you chose a pearl necklace as your wedding jewelry, the largest pearl usually hangs at the center of your neck. The pearls then become gradually smaller as they approach the clasp of your necklace. Nevertheless, there are different sizes of pearls themselves. Larger pearls make a very dramatic impression on bides, and they’re generally more costly.
A pearl’s luster can reflect a radiant shine and display a deeper reflected light from the inner pear. This outward display of freshwater pearl necklace light is referred to as the overtone. Although a lower quality pearl will have a duller sheen, this type of pearl might be perfect if you only intend to wear it once in your life.
Peals of the highest quality are always perfectly round and rarely have any surface imperfections. Lower quality pearls are rarely ever perfectly round, and often show some surface imperfections, including pitting.
Which brings us to the surface texture of a pearl. The quality of your pearl will be easy to identify by the surface texture. Feel the pearl itself. If it’s smooth without surface abrasions, than it’s most likely of the highest quality. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford high quality pearls–which leaves a skimpy selection. Lower quality pearls tend to appear low-quality, especially if they have flaws to their surface.
There are several different types of pearls to examine. The four popular types of pearls are as follows:
1. Classic Akoya Pearls
3. Large Golden or White South Sea Pearls
2. Large Exotic Black Tahitian Pearls
4. Decorative Freshwater Pearls
If you’re on budget, but you’re dying to have pearls draped around your neck for the special day–select decorative freshwater pearls. They’re very inexpensive and they will make a gorgeous accessory to your wedding gown. As long as someone in your family isn’t a jeweler, nobody will know they’re not high-quality pearls.
Nevertheless, if you have you heart set on high quality blemish-free pearls, than shop around! Don’t commit to one person before you explore your options. Select a store that offers a certificate with your pearls, and if possible–a warranty.
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| Monday, 19-Oct-2009 17:05 |
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freshwater pearl jewelry
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In the Bible, Jesus tells us the story of the merchant who found a pearl of great price. The merchant then sold everything he had to freshwater pearl jewelry buy that pearl.*
Have you ever wondered why that pearl had so much value? What made it so valuable? Who is the merchant? Where is the pearl?
To answer those questions, lets do some research and find out how a pearl comes into being in the first place. As we all know pearls come from oysters. But the only way an oyster can produce a pearl is to have a tiny grain of sand somehow put into the oyster's flesh where it becomes the source of cultured pearl unending pain to the oyster. We might compare the pain to that of a human toothache. It is the kind of pain that just will not go away until something is done about it.
You see, an oyster with that kind of pain in its flesh has to find some internal way to relieve the pain. That is when the oyster begins the slow process of surrounding the grain of sand with a pain-relieving coating of cultured pearl jewelry a substance the oyster uses to make its shell. That substance is called nacre.**
As the oyster coats the grain of sand with nacre the pain is reduced and the oyster gets relief. But later, the pain caused by the nacre-coated grain of sand returns and the oyster must deposit many more layers of pearl jewelry Chian nacre in an effort to reduce the constant pain. This process continues over a period of months and years, during which time the once tiny grain of sand becomes, you guessed it, a perfectly round pearl.
As you know, every pearl has beauty that is: striking, shimmering, multicolored, iridescent and quite valuable. In fact, a pearl is the tin cup pearl necklace only precious gem that is produced by something alive - an oyster.
Now, back to Jesus' story of the pearl of great price, consider this: The merchant is God. The pearl is you (and all the rest of us).
The "great price" is the price paid when the merchant (God) allowed his only Son, Jesus, to be crucified. Why? To "purchase" God's most valuable "pearl" - you! ." Once you understand this, you must do your best to live up to God's expectations for you.
You see, God is very fond of you - and in his eyes; you are his most precious, most valuable - pearl of great price!
By: Terry L. Weber
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| Monday, 19-Oct-2009 17:02 |
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pearl strand wholesale
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Women now have the luxury of plentiful jewelry options. Pearl Jewelry is one of pearl strand wholesale the wonderful accessory and a gift item that can be purchased in a wide array of colors, styles and price range. Some gemstones are very exotic and very flashy but pearls have natural luster appeal and great aesthetic value. Pearls add to the feminine touch, charm and grace, as pearls are natural gems and one the best gifts from Nature.
It is no wonder that more and more women are choosing pearls as their preferred jewelry composition of cultured pearl jewlery choice. And the legend goes around in many parts of the world that these beautiful pearls bring good luck to the wearer. Greeks have long tradition of giving pearl jewelry as bridal gifts and in some other part of the eastern world pearls are still considered as an item of good fortune and strength.
Every individual has its own personality and taste and so have their own personal style that they exude in the way they dress, carry themselves and wear pearl jewelry. When choosing pearl jewelry items as gifts for pearl necklace wholesale your loved ones, it is very important to find out the gift receiver’s taste and preference. Some may like pearl jewelry with small size pearls and other may prefer large or colored pearls.
Pearl jewelry has the advantage over other kinds of jewelry that it is very much appealing and all women love wearing pearl jewelry. It is hard to find any women now not having pearl jewelry in her wardrobe. Pearls that were once for pearl earrings wholesale rich and wealthy people are affordable now and unlike diamonds one doesn’t have to spend fortune.
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| Monday, 19-Oct-2009 17:01 |
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pearl jewelry wholesale
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Most cultured pearl earrings are tiny, attractive, and definitely quite expensive. If you’re planning to add cultured pearl earrings to your jewelry collection, here are several tips which can help you buy the ideal pair for pearl jewelry wholesale you and preserve its beauty for a long time.
Where to Buy Cultured Pearl Earrings
Cultured pearl earrings are sold online and in land-based stores. There are pros and cons to buying cultured pearl earrings either online or in person.
Online Auctions – Cultured pearl earrings auctioned off online may sometimes be great bargain finds because of wholesale pearl jewelry its very low price tag, but you have to make sure that you’re buying authentic cultured pearl earrings and that it gets delivered to you safely.
Online Jewelry Shopping Sites – Prices vary greatly when it comes to cultured pearl earrings sold on online jewelry shopping sites, but once again your biggest problem is making sure that it reaches you safely and free of akoya pearl damage.
Live Auctions – Cultured pearl earrings sold in live auctions are usually incredibly rare, beautiful, and definitely expensive.
Land-Based Jewelry Stores – Cultured pearl earrings sold in land-based jewelry stores generally have the greatest selection to offer but they tend to be more expensively priced as well.
Wholesale Jewelry Markets – It might take you a long time before you can find one, but when you do, you can certainly take advantage of freshwater pearl exceptionally low rates as long as you’re willing to buy cultured pearl earrings wholesale.
How to Buy Cultured Pearl Earrings
The first question you have to ask yourself is whether you wish for freshwater or saltwater cultured pearl earrings. Then determine if it’s important to you as well to know where the pearls have been harvested. Lastly, base your decision on its luster, texture, shape, and overall appearance. Once you’ve made a selection, consult with the jewelry seller and see if you can get a discount.
How to Care for Your Cultured Pearl Earrings
Cultured pearl earrings are usually small in size so it’s terribly easy to lose them. As such, make sure that you place them back on their original or usual casing immediately after you take them off.
If you’re going to apply make up, perfume, skincare or any hair cosmetic product, it’s best that you do so before putting on your cultured pearl earrings. Cultured pearl earrings are especially vulnerable to damage from toxic chemicals, chemicals which are found in abundance in the items specified above.
Although cultured pearl earrings are better off than pearl necklaces and bracelets because the ears don’t sweat as much as arms and the neck do, there’s still every possibility that your cultured pearl earrings will suffer from discoloration due to extreme exposure to the natural acidity of your skin. For that matter, it’s important that you don’t wear your cultured pearl earrings in exceptionally hot or humid places.
Also, wipe your ears in the rest room after a few hours to prevent it from affecting your cultured pearl earrings.
On cleaning your cultured pearl earrings, never use any jewel cleaner or cleaning solution that contains strong chemicals because these can once again affect the appearance of your jewelry. Steam cleaning is neither an advisable cleaning method for pearl jewelry regardless of whether it’s cultured or synthetic.
Only use jewelry cleaners exclusively manufactured for pearl jewelry cleaning and apply it with the use of any soft fabric. You can use it slightly damp with water if you wish. Be very gentle when brushing and polishing your cultured pearl earrings as a vigorous rubbing can not only cause it to lose its color and luster but may cause it to tear apart as well.
Once you’re done cleaning your cultured pearl earrings, let them dry off completely before keeping them away. Do not use a hair blower to facilitate the drying process.
Always keep your cultured pearl earrings away from other jewelries because its texture is not as tough as other gems like diamonds, opals, or crystals. It’s also better to place them inside jewelry pouches instead of jewelry boxes.
Cultured pearl earrings can last several lifetimes if you take special care for it. Clean your cultured pearl earrings regularly, and take care of them well so that you can give them as a gift to your children or even grandchildren and start a new family tradition.
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| Friday, 18-Sep-2009 11:25 |
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Judicious warning
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The highest judicial administrative body in Bulgaria, the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), received a clear warning from Justice Minister Margarita Popova to draw a line under its atmosphere of plots and intrigues and improve. On September 11, Popova met 25 SJC members in what was billed as a briefing on her meetings at the European Commission’s headquarters in Brussels the previous day. Instead, SJC members heard the first open criticism of their work from one of their own number.
Popova asked the SJC to stop acting passively, become more pro-active and, above all, adopt transparent policy-making when making appointments or amending laws.
Although the SJC has been criticised before, this was the first time its members were given such a clear ultimatum to change. Until now, the SJC has been censured mostly about its appointment policy, mainly cultured pearl jewelry by NGOs, magistrates and lawyers. These complaints have met with sympathy from one or two SJC members such as Konstantin Penchev, chairperson of the Supreme Administrative Court, but other than the few frank interviews he gave to the press, nothing seemed to ruffle the equilibrium of other SJC members whose five-year term expires in 2012.
The change of government in July this year put a new party in power, one that is yet to build up its positions within the judiciary. This new party, GERB, appointed a well-respected prosecutor as Justice Minister, not a judge or a lawyer as has been the case since 2001, suggesting that this time its machinations could become more transparent. A good example was the fact that when Popova called the September 11 meeting with the SJC to brief them on her visit to Brussels a day earlier, she allowed reporters to be present.
Popova asked the SJC if they had the will for pearl necklace radical reform, for transparency in its work, accountability before the public and magistrates on its appointment policy and for better communication with other judicial bodies. "Until the magistrates’ community feels there is transparency, honesty and openness in SJC’s work, changes in the judiciary will not occur. If this does not happen, we could be replaced," she said.
Such an open warning may seem strange, but not in the case of the SJC which has proven invisible in its role as the highest body in Bulgaria’s judiciary and continues to be the troublesome child of Bulgaria’s transition from communism to democracy.
Unlike other occasions, however, the warnings from Popova, who had just received the European Commission’s support in her actions as minister, were met not with denial and arrogance but by the SJC’s nominal understanding. Lazar Gruev, chairperson of the Supreme Court of Cassation, described Popova’s words as "catharsis for the system". Other SJC members also said that she had a point and that the body had to demonstrate the will to change. The SJC’s first chance to do pearl earrings this will be during the discussion on the draft project of a new Penal Code. This has to be ready by the end of October.
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| Friday, 18-Sep-2009 11:21 |
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82 steps
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Bulgaria’s Cabinet has come up with an 82-step plan to take the economy from crisis to recovery, taking on board suggestions by business and labour – and vowing that its term of office will see the country adopting the common European currency, the euro.
The plan takes in 59 short-term measures to pearl jewelry which a raft of anti-crisis and economic stimulus proposals put forward by employer associations and labour unions were added.
The measures are categorised into eight sections, including sustainability of the financial system, improvement of the business environment, improved infrastructure, stimulation of employment and social assistance, and efficiency in dealing with European Union funds.
The Cabinet said that sustainability of the macro-economic system meant the maintenance of a balanced Budget this year and a stepping-up of activities designed to get Bulgaria into the exchange rate mechanism (ERM-2), gateway to adoption of the euro.
Stability of the financial system, according to pearl necklace the plan, includes a reduction of wasteful state spending as well as mutual access of the information systems of the Customs and National Revenue Agency.
The plan foresees a campaign against tax loopholes and an intense effort against fiscal fraud, including tax evasion.
Other measures include a "mobilisation" of pearl earrings agricultural production.
Simeon Dyankov, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, said that the short-term economic measures would include detailed plans for infrastructure projects to be implemented, notably national road and social infrastructure but also including – for the first time – infrastructure projects in the environmental field.
With the short-term element of the plan seen sterling silver jewelry as spanning nine months, the idea is to list those infrastructure projects that would be completed within this timeframe.
Other parts of the plan include stimulus of job creation, social welfare, a knowledge-based economy and better management of EU funds. Specifically, the plan envisages stamping out corruption in the use of EU funds.
The plan is to be forwarded to the National Assembly for debate, while two advisory boards are to be convened, to discuss pension reform and human resources skills planning. The plan is to be forwarded, in turn, to the European Commission.
Dyankov said that there was a disjuncture between supply and demand in Bulgaria’s labour market, and so the Government would take steps towards long-term policies on the issue.
At a September 15 meeting of the National Council for Tripartite Co-operation, which brings together government, business and labour, measures put forward included a unified national database at the National Employment Agency on supply of and demand for labour, including by publishing job vacancies while giving work-seekers the opportunity to list their vocational and professional qualifications, as well as compensation for lost income caused by reduced working hours.
A key element of the plan overall is an idea that has been mentioned frequently by Prime Minister Boiko Borissov’s ministers and that is a key issue for business people in Bulgaria, improved speed of reimbursement of value-added tax (VAT) payments.
Bulgarian media reports said that implementation of the speeded-up VAT repayments along with downsizing of the state administration were intended to take effect from September.
Other elements include, as reported by The Sofia Echo previously, a policy to discourage employment of non-EU citizens in fields such as construction.
Proposals also include increasing the minimum social security threshold to help the coffers of the National Social Security Institute and to increase the maximum benefits paid to employees of companies that have gone bankrupt.
As to euro zone entry, Dyankov told white pearl Reuters that he was optimistic that this could be achieved in the term of office of the current Government. The next scheduled elections for Parliament would be in 2013. Dyankov said that the Government was serious about implementing the reforms required to meet euro zone entry criteria. This would mean, mostly, Bulgaria substantially cutting its current account deficit, which has swelled in recent years.
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