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1. Many types of gemstones are treated. In the marketplace,
there are two types of gemstones, those that are completely natural and those that have been treated or enhanced. Any gem may be treated, 95% of all rubies, sapphires and emeralds are enhanced. Prices for untreated gems of similar quality are usually higher. A competent jeweler should be able to tell you which of the stones on offer have been treated and put it in writing. If it is a substantial purchase and want an untreated gem insist on an independent laboratory grading report.
2. If you are seeking a quality colored gemstone it is usually best to buy the stone loose then choose a setting. Manufactured jewelry requires uniformity in quality, size and weight. Most jewelry is produced in multiples. Stones must also be uniform to fit pre-made settings. Fine gemstones are rare and do not come in standardized sizes and shapes.
3. Colorless diamonds under ten carats are not rare. Diamonds under five carats are normally available in more or less standard sizes and shapes.
4. 18k is the aristocrat of gold. Most jewelry in the U. S. is 14k.
Jewelers will sometimes claim that’s because 18k is too soft. This is simply not true. 18k may be a hard and durable as 14k depending upon the alloy. Goldsmiths favor 18k because it develops a lovely buttery patina with age.
5. Cut is the first C in diamond grading. If you are shopping for a diamond you will hear about the 4 C’s’ Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat weight. Not all are of equal importance. Cut is the first C. Diamonds are all about brilliance, proper proportions are what deliver that sparkle. When buying a round diamond insist on a ideal Cut with a certificate from either the Gemological Institute of America (GIA-GTL) or The American Gem Society (AGS).
6. If you are considering platinum, keep in mind: Platinum is 40% denser than pure gold, meaning that an equal amount of platinum will weigh twice as much as the gold ring you see on the jeweler’s shelf. Today, platinum costs about twice the price of gold and requires much more time to finish. Expect to pay as much as twice the price of a comparable gold piece.
7. Platinum is the best choice for your solitaire diamond. Diamond color is all about the elimination of yellow. Diamond is graded on a scale from D to Z. D color is totally colorless, Z is noticeably yellow. Yellow settings add back the yellow that you paid to get rid of. Platinum is more durable than gold and your best choice for those tiny little prongs that hold your engagement gem.
8. Burmese rubies, Ceylon Sapphires and Columbian emeralds just to name a few examples, are often touted as the best of the best. This can be a snare and a delusion. Gems from these areas have developed reputations based on the quality of the finest from the geographic area. Does that mean that all Ceylon sapphires are better than Madagascar gems? Here lies the snare. A given sapphire from Madagascar might be exceptionally fine whereas a given stone from Ceylon might be better off used as aquarium gravel. Gems are all about beauty. Either the gem on offer is beautiful or it not. Geographic origin should be a secondary consideration.
9. Handmade is often better made. If you are contemplating an important purchase you should consider a handmade setting. Handmade means that the setting is fabricated around the gem directly from gold. Like a custom suit, in the hands of a skilled goldsmith, a handmade setting can bring out the best in the gemstone.

This article may be used without prior permission provided that the author and the name of the book is included. If posted on a website a hotlink to the book website is a prerequisite for free use of this copywrited material. For additional information contact the author: Richard@rwwise.com

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Fashion is not just for skinny people. The fashion caste system that once separated people into “those who can” (skinny and rich) and “those who can’t” (everyone else) is crumbling and a fashion utopia is emerging where fashionistas can look fabulous regardless of size. Take that Kate Moss!
The Rules
Now, there are few rules you need to follow in order to stay in fashion. In this diet-obsessed, waif-model culture, designers still gear their creations towards a size four (shout out to all of the skinny fashionistas- we love you too!) and their version of plus size is to just make a bigger size four. Commit these size rules to heart and watch your style quotient rise.

Dress monochromatically. Dressing in one color de-emphasizes your problem areas by creating one long silhouette.
Break out the Heels. Heels elongate your legs, making you look slimmer in the process. Stores like Zappos.com have a huge selection of pumps and heels.
Low-rise is not an option. Very few people, regardless of size, can wear low-rise pants. Just because it is in style, doesn’t mean it will work for you.
Avoid crop jackets. Crop jackets draw attention to your waist and butt. Purchase well structured jackets that hit you right below your bottom. This season, tweed is very hot, so pick up a cute tweed or velvet jacket. Check out Loehmanns@smartbargains.com
Please don’t abuse the Lycra. Lycra is a privilege, not a fashion right.
Purchase boot cut pants. One of the season’s biggest trends is the pencil leg pant, which emphasize big butts. Stick with pants that have a slight flare at the bottom, to create a more balanced look. Again, try Loehmanns@smartbargains.com
Find a great tailor. Don’t throw out those great fitting pants because they are too long. A great tailor will be able to hem the pants to your desired length for less than $20.

The Stores
So where can you buy these clothes? Below are the best stores to purchase plus size fashions that will enhance your style and be gentle on your pocket books.
Elisabeth.com. Elisabeth.com by Liz Claiborne is make comfortable and stylish clothing in sizes 14 and up. The online store is having a major clearance sale on fall and winter merchandise. Take an extra $20 off purchases of $180 or more.
Smartbargains.com. Smart Bargains has a designer plus size fashions from Liz Claiborne, ABS, and more.
Newport News. Newport News has cheap, trendy fashions up to size 28. Almost all of the sizes you see on their size 2 models are also made in larger sizes.
LaRedoute.com. The Parisian online retailer, LaRedoute.com, has some of the best plus size fashions on the web. They are hip, trendy, and extremely affordable.
Kiyonna. This little website features sophisticated styles for fashionistas who wear a size 12 or higher. We are pretty big fans of their dresses.
Oldnavy.com. Owned by the GAP, Old Navy has cheaper, lower quality versions of the fashions seen at the GAP, up to size 20/XXL. It is great place to stock up on tees, tanks, and other items you may buy in bulk.
Overstock.com. This is the best online outlet and a great place to pick up cheap designer items. The plus size section tends to be a little boring for our taste, but sometimes you can find deals like a Dana Buchman top for up to 80% off retail.
Target.com. Stop by for toilet paper and leave with an outfit. Too bad the Isaac Mizrahi line only goes up to a size 16.
Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart’s new George line is hot! Where else could you score this season’s hottest style - the boucle jacket - for $26.00 bucks? More items are being added each day!
Try stopping by your local outlet mall. Off 5th, Saks Fifth Ave Outlet has an amazing selection of designer plus size fashions from Donna Karan, Oscar De La Renta and Anne Klein. Also, check out stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Macys - all of whom have very hip plus size departments. Bloomingdales and Macys’ plus size departments usually have the best sales, while Saks Fifth Avenue has more cutting edge fashions and higher end designers.
Remember that you can be a fashionista regardless of your size. Don’t let pop culture’s ridiculous fashion caste system dictate what you can and can’t wear. Arm yourself with a heaping dose of self- confidence, a purse full of common sense and the rules above and head to your favorite store and shop!

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