Feminine Buzz

The popularity of the French manicure is undeniable. Maybe it’s because of the versatility that is offered by a French manicure. They allow you to have groomed and polished looking hands without having to worry about picking a color. Picking a color is one of my least favorite things about getting a manicure, especially at a nail salon. I always end up picking a color that I don’t like once it’s on my nails. Then I either have to live with the unfortunate color or embarrassedly ask the manicurist to change the color. That’s the beauty of a French manicure. There really aren’t that many decisions to be made. Sure you may have to choose between white and off white for your tips, or possibly have to choose between blush and beige for the base color; compared to having to choose between wild orchid or pink palm, that decision is for amateurs.

Another great think about the French manicure is that it usually lasts longer than a traditional manicure with color, if only because it shows fewer chips and imperfections. Also, I like that I don’t have to think too much about the color of my nail polish when choosing my outfits. Nothing is worse than having someone point out that my hot pink polish clashes with coral dress.

Continue Reading »

Diamonds are measured in Carat Weight. One carat weighs 200 milligrams. If a diamond is referred to as four grains, this also means that it is a one carat diamond. The word Carat comes from the word carob. A carob is a bean that grows on a tree in the Mediterranean. In times past, if a diamond weighed the same as a carob bean, it was one carob, or one carat.However, in the far east, where Carob trees do not grow, rice was used to measure the weight of a diamond. If a diamond weighed as much as four grains of rice, it was four grains or one carat as we know it to be now. The majority of diamond purchases are for diamonds that are 1/3 of a carat.

Beware when shopping for diamonds that are already set or mounted. If more than one diamond is used in the piece, the tag on the jewelry will give the CTW or Carat Total Weight – it does not tell you the carat weight of each stone in the piece. You need to ask the jeweler for the total carat weight of the largest diamond in the piece to truly understand what you are buying.

A diamond certificate is also known as a Diamond Grading Report. This report comes from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and you should require this report when you are purchasing a diamond.

With a diamond certificate, you can verify the color, cut, carat, weight, and clarity of the diamond. You don’t have to worry about a diamond dealer telling you anything less than the truth, because the certificate comes from the GIA and not the dealer. You may be required to pay for the certificate, but the cost is usually low, and in many cases, it will help you negotiate a better price on the diamond or keep you from purchasing a lower quality diamond altogether.

Continue Reading »

Many brides choose a fall wedding because of the temperatures and the beautiful fall colors. Fall bridal accessories are just as easy to find as any other themed or seasonal wedding. Whether you have a traditional wedding or a themed wedding, the same result occurs, you say your vows and become husband and wife. The ceremony can be longer or shorter depending on what your choice is for the ceremony. You will need some fall bridal accessories for the wedding and the reception. Since your wedding is in the fall, you can choose many different wedding favors.

Because fall represents change, with the colors changing and the weather changing, the perfect time to start a new life together is in the fall as the season changes so does your life. Wedding favors for the reception can also represent the change the two of you are making. You might like to decorate the tables with coasters made of glass, fall color scented soaps, candies shapes as pumpkins or maple leaves as well as aromatherapy candles or oils and the warming of the tea pouches or a Margarita mix. Add a personal touch with engravings to show your names and date of wedding.

Continue Reading »

In this world of advanced technology it is almost impossible to simply look at a diamond and determine whether it is real or not – especially if you don’t know much about diamonds. There are some steps that you can take to avoid buying a fake diamond, however.

First, only deal with reputable jewelers, and when you find a reputable jeweler, stick with them. Avoid buying diamonds or other jewelry from jewelers that you have never dealt with before in the past. Ask to see the certificate for the stone. If no certificate exists, walk away.

Continue Reading »