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Category: General

What You Need to Know About Custom Jewelry

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Custom jewelry makes a great gift and allows you to create something truly unique. But it can be more costly than off-the-shelf products. However, the endless combinations of precious metals and stones mean you can end up with a design that no one else in the world has.

How You Go About It

The road to a custom piece begins with a consultation. Your jeweler will go through any available options and explain the procedure. This is usually your design ideas which can be sketched, rendered in a CAD program, or modeled with wax. Some designers also use all three methods. Services like Blue Nile may also explain diamonds to you. See this Blue Nile review if you are considering using them. Finally, your jewelry will be cast and polished before finishing.

The Overall Costs

Because it isn’t standard, custom pieces can be quite a bit more expensive. You see, there is a lot more work involved throughout the process rather than just ordering a pre-made piece. So there are more costs to the jewelry service, which are then passed to you. However, the costs can be pretty much the same or even lower than store pieces depending on what you want. You won’t really know until you have gone through your requirements with your local jewelry maker.

How Long to Make Custom Jewelry?

Some jewelry can take longer than others, depending on the item you want. For example, an engagement ring takes between six and twelve weeks typically. But there are aspects of the piece that can make it take longer, especially if there is a complex or non-standard design. However, the overall time frame usually includes everything from start to finish. So from your consultation to design and molding, you can expect this all to be done within a specific range.

Metal and Stone Combinations

Anything is possible when it comes to custom jewelry designs. From cufflinks to engagement rings, you can have quality jewelers do anything you need. See a ring you love but don’t like gold? It can be as simple as asking for it in platinum. There are some caveats, though, as some designs are copyrighted and cannot be copied. But apart from that, you can have any design and combination of metal and stone you desire. Your jeweler will work with you on the design.

Inspiration Versus Copying

As mentioned, some designs are copyrighted, and this means a jeweler cannot legally copy a design and change parts of it. However, a talented jeweler can take inspiration from a piece and craft something similar to your liking. Standard designs can be copied, such as the halo style for a ring. But specific rings made by a brand are limited. Your jeweler will go through what they can and cannot do for you when it comes to the design. All you need to do is just ask them about it.

Summary

You go about getting custom jewelry by booking a consultation with a designer. It can take up to twelve weeks to make a custom piece, but less depending on the design. Additionally, you need to be aware that a jeweler cannot copy a piece from another brand but can take inspiration.

Why Bracelet Stacks Are Becoming a Trend

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Bracelet stacks are a unique and eye-catching way to accessorize. Play with colors, materials, and textures to create your look. Choose a focal point to help unify your bracelet stack. This could be a large bangle, a watch, or a charm bracelet. Then, select other bracelets that draw attention to that piece.

It’s A Way To Express Your Personality.

Creating a stylish bracelet stack is a great way to express your unique personality and fashion sense. You can mix bracelets in various sizes, styles, and materials to create a visually captivating look. For example, you can pair delicate chains with chunky bangles or leather wraps with beaded bracelets. In addition, you can experiment with contrasting colors to create a layered look that is truly your own.

Proportion is one of the most important things to remember when creating a bracelet stack. It’s important to balance the thickness of your bracelets so they don’t cover too much of your forearm. You can do this by pairing thinner bracelets with thicker ones or wearing a slightly longer bracelet than your wrist size. Add a pop of color to your bracelet stack by adding a bold or bright piece. This can be as simple as a single beaded strand, a bracelet with a fun shape, or unique gemstones.

It’s A Way To Add Texture.

Bracelet stacks are a great way to add texture and dimension to your look. You can mix metals, beads, leather, and other materials to create unique and stylish bracelet stack ideas. Choose bracelets with similar textures and colors to create a more cohesive look. For example, if you have a lot of silver-toned bracelets, consider adding a gold-plated bracelet to your stack for an extra pop of color and texture.

You can also mix up your bracelet color palette by choosing bracelets in different metal tones. If you have a lot of silver-toned pieces in your collection, try mixing in a few yellow gold-plated bracelets for a more subtle and warm look. You can even mix up the bracelet materials by adding a few different types of bracelets to your stack, such as chain bracelets, beaded bracelets, and even festival bands.

The beauty of a bracelet stack is that it’s a versatile accessory that can be worn with almost any outfit. It’s a great way to show off your personality and personal style and an excellent way to add a touch of glam to your everyday look. Just be careful not to overdo it — your bracelet stack should be proportional to your arm size. Keep your stack to about one-third of your forearm for the most flattering look.

It’s A Way To Add Interest.

Bracelet stacks—or arm parties—are a fun way to express your unique style and show off a bit of personal flair. The best part is that there are no rules for bracelet layering, so you can feel free to experiment until you find the perfect combination of bracelets. You can create a stylish and unique bracelet stack by following a few tips. When choosing your bracelets, look for pieces with similar textures and colors. This will help your bracelets blend in with each other and keep them from looking mismatched. Also, try to balance unifying elements (all the bracelets have in common) with diversifying elements (how the bracelets differ). This will ensure your stack looks intentional and put together. Another way to add interest is to choose a theme for your stack. This can be as simple as choosing bracelets with the same color or material, or you can get creative and choose a specific theme like ocean, bohemian, or ancient symbols. Then, select other bracelets that complement and highlight that theme.

It’s A Way To Mix It Up.

A bracelet stack is a great way to mix up your look. You can try different metals, textures, and colors to create a unique and eye-catching style. To make the best of your bracelet stack, select a few pieces that complement each other and experiment with the order until you get a look you love. Remember to balance unifying elements (things the bracelets have in common) with diversifying elements (ways they differ). For example, a stack of simple shiny round bangles might have too many unifying elements and look safe or boring.

On the other hand, a stack made of beaded strands or colorful gemstones might have too many diversifying elements and end up looking messy or chaotic. Bracelet stacks can also be fun to show off your personality and style. Choose a bracelet stack that reflects your mood or character, and wear it with an outfit that will let the piece shine. For example, a stack of metal bangles can be worn with a sleek watch for an elegant evening look or a delicate beaded strand with a simple tee and jeans for a day-to-night vibe.

Whether you’re going for a minimal or maximal look, bracelets are the perfect accessory to add a touch of personal style to your wardrobe. By following these tips, you can build a beautiful and functional bracelet stack that will be the envy of all your friends.

How To Have The Most Seamless Summer Vacation Possible

A summer holiday is the ultimate gift of relaxation. There is nothing more exciting than having a summer holiday booked so that you know you will get time off work and time to relax and reset.

When you go on holiday, you want to have the best time possible. Whether you plan to relax or spend your days out and about exploring a new place, you should consider the following tips to guarantee that you have the most desirable vacation you can imagine.

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/blue-sun-hat-33622/

Look up recommendations on travel blogs and websites

It is a great idea to look at recommendations and reviews on travel blogs and websites before you visit a new place so that you can understand where you should and shouldn’t visit.

Travel blogs and websites likely offer the most honest reviews which will ensure that you do not waste your time and that you can find and experience unique places in the new destination.

For instance, if you are traveling to Charleston, you can read more here to find the best things to do and ensure that your trip is everything you dreamed about. When you do plenty of research before your trip and seek recommendations, you can guarantee to get the most out of the trip.

Make time to relax

The one thing you will want to make sure of when you go on a summer holiday is that you have plenty of time to relax.

You do not want to come back from your trip and feel more exhausted than when you went. Therefore, ensure to make enough time to relax during your summer vacation so that the holiday feels restful and rejuvenating.

Find the right type of accommodation for the holiday you want

When going on a summer holiday, you might not want the typical hotel accommodation. You might want to rent someone’s house or hire a villa for the week or two that you are spending in the sunny destination.

You might not want a hotel as you might want to spend more time in your accommodation cooking and looking after yourself. You might wish for the trip to feel like a home away from home and therefore you will want to choose the right accommodation to suit the type of holiday that you want.

Hire a car

For any type of vacation, it is a wise idea to hire a car if you want to visit as many places as possible.

The beauty about hiring a car on a sunny holiday is that you can explore further beaches so that you can avoid the crowds and you will get to visit as many places as possible on your summer trip.

Go with the right people (or consider going alone)

Every summer vacation should result in you feeling relaxed and reset. Therefore, you must go with the right people or consider going alone so that you can achieve this feeling.

When you go on holiday with the right people, you will guarantee to get everything you imagined from the holiday.

Celebrating Love: Quirky Anniversary Ideas That Will Make You Fall in Love, All Over Again

Every couple wants their special day to be memorable and who wouldn’t enjoy adding an unexpected element into their anniversary celebration? So buckle up, lovebirds; we are about to embark on a journey with some inventive and amusing anniversary ideas to reignite your flame of romance!

Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash

Recreate Your First Date 

Ah, that first date: butterflies in your stomach, shy glances… that adorable fight over who got to have the last piece of dessert (admit it, it was adorable). There’s something so incredibly magical about it all – why not relive that day by recreating everything from clothes, food, and flirty lines right down to where it all began! Doing this not only ignites nostalgia for an eventful first meeting but is a wonderful way of showing how important those first sparks remain and you both still cherish where it all started – remembering, it’s the little things that keep the sparks flying high!

Road Tripping to Charm City: An Anniversary Adventure in Baltimore 

“No journey is too great when one finds what he seeks!” is an often quoted axiom, and what better place than Baltimore with all its neighborhoods to discover it all at one go! For couples, Baltimore provides numerous romantic activities. Take your loved one for a stroll along Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, experience Station North’s lively art scene or even embark on a sunset cruise – don’t forget all of its culinary treats either! From its iconic crabs to exotic scrapple, Baltimore is a culinary journey sure to please every tastebud. A road trip is the ideal way to commemorate any anniversary celebration; after all, life is about enjoying both journey and destination equally! Booking at Terrapin Apartment Rental will offer the best of both worlds – an unforgettable home away from home experience combined with city exploring! Grab your bags, load up your music playlists and head out on an adventure – nothing says romantic anniversary like belting out tunes together along a busy highway towards Charm City!

Love Letters: Rediscovering the Lost Art of Penmanship

While digital communication offers us many conveniences, nothing beats the personal touch of receiving handwritten correspondence from our loved ones. Imagine their delight when they discover a thoughtful heart-shaped note addressed directly to them from you amidst all their bills and takeaway menus! Write about when you first met, your favorite shared memory or simply why you love them. This old school method may seem impersonal and outmoded in today’s digital world, but we assure you, it’s an endearing gesture that resonates more deeply than any text message ever could! Don’t stop there though; take the extra step! Make this an annual anniversary tradition, serving as a sweet reminder of how far your love story has come. Dust off those pens, break out your nicest stationery, and express how much your relationship means to you – after all, when it comes to love, pen are mightier than keyboards!

No matter the length or date, each anniversary marks a significant momentous milestone worth commemorating and cherishing together. Create your own unforgettable narrative; don’t limit yourselves by the conventional rules! Remember it’s about creating lasting love, laughter and memories together rather than grandiosity or cost alone – here’s to love, here’s to you!

5 Effective And Practical Ways To Protect Your Small Business

As a business owner, you can attest that setting up a business is a great investment. In addition, you also want to ensure that your business can stand the test of time to achieve its goals. This means you have so much to lose if your business hits major obstacles, such as unsatisfied employees or falling victim to the hands of malicious parties. Therefore, it is vital to ensure you implement effective strategies to protect your small business. From your financial future to the security of your physical place of operations, you must secure several aspects of your business. Here are six effective, practical ways of giving your small business the protection it needs. 

  1. Purchase insurance

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An insurance policy is your best bet when protecting your business from uncertainties. With insurance, you ensure that your business is covered in various circumstances. For example, suppose you have an insurance policy that covers natural disasters. In that case, your business is entitled to various benefits, such as assistance to fix the damage to your property. Or if you have an insurance policy that covers employees, they can be eligible for compensation should they encounter workplace injury. To ensure your business is properly insured, you must take a quick look at the possible risks you are exposed to. A manufacturing company would want an insurance policy that covers equipment. On the other hand, a company that deals with large volumes of personal data digitally would opt for a cyber-liability insurance policy. 

  1. Consult legal experts

The last thing you want for your business is to face legal issues. Whether you are the complaint or the defendant. This is because such legal issues have significant repercussions on your business. For example, its reputation would be tarnished. Or your employees would feel unsafe and unhappy within the business. These can jeopardize the safety and security of your business. Therefore, consulting and hiring legal experts is vital to ensure you acquire the needed legal advice. Lawyers, or attorneys, protect your business in many ways. They offer guidance on the drafting and signing contracts to prevent you from agreeing to unlawful or conflicting terms and conditions. Additionally, these legal experts can help you mitigate damages to your business. For instance, an 18 wheeler accident lawyer will guide you on the necessary steps to take after an accident if your business deals with fleets and cargo shipping. Futhermore, attorneys also protect your business from lawsuits, business structural decisions, and intellectual property issues, among others. 

  1. Implement cybersecurity practices

In today’s evolving digital space, cybersecurity has become of growing concern to all, especially small businesses. Statistics show that almost 40% of small businesses suffered data loss due to the attacks, leading to significant financial loss and disruption in operations. The truth is there are several cyber-related risks your business can be exposed to, such as ransomware, phishing, or Denial of Service attacks. It is important to have cybersecurity practices in place. Encourage employees to use strong passwords and adequately secure devices and networks to prevent access to unauthorized persons. You should also educate your employees on the risk of cyberattacks and the importance of cybersecurity. This would help them be more conscious and know what to expect or how to prevent the attacks. 

  1. Be adaptable

Adaptability is another effective and practical way of protecting your business. This is because, through adaptability, you can adjust and implement trends accordingly. As a business owner, you must be open to the fact that what used to work for your business doesn’t always work after a period of time. By being adaptable, you can update these strategies to ensure you take a more modern approach and adequately solve the existing problems. 

  1. Secure your premises

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Your efforts in protecting your small business would be incomplete and insufficient if you did not secure your premises. Be sure to take measures to ensure the security and safety of your business premises. Surveillance cameras are a smart security feature to install as you can monitor the persons who access your building. Biometric scanners, such as fingerprint or retina scanners, are advanced security forms that could keep your business premises safe from intruders. The lighting of your office building should also be considered. Poorly lit buildings attract burglars as they can access the building without effort or risk of being seen. You further improve the physical security of your office space by installing smoke and fire alarms, hiring security guards, and using sophisticated locks. Like with cybersecurity practices, you must educate your employees on the dos and don’ts of physical security.

This Week’s Best Sellers

I literally want every single thing on this week’s Best Seller list. The clothes are gorgeous, the accessories so classic and the shoes BEYOND…I know it has been awhile for this feature. But I really have been saving up some great things for you for August shopping!!! Click the links below for more information!!

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From Left to Right

Since Barbie is so huge right now…I have received so many requests for a pink party dress. Here is an adorable sequin number…save it up for New Years Eve!!!

I am obsessed with this Anthropologie dress. The silhouette is called the Somerset and it comes in 2 lengths in many prints and colors. But this pink floral applique is the winner by far!!

Such a cute off the shoulder dress that can be dressed up or down…

A bracelet party is a must and wooden bangles are so chic right now and will take you into the fall….

And if you have the wooden bangles you of course need a beautiful ring to accompany your wrist party!!!

A few years ago I had a pair of raffia flower sandals and I wore them to death…these remind me so much of that pair!!!

I have this top and every time I wear it..I get so many questions as to where it is from and comments on how cute it looks. I was a little hesitant because of the smocking and the flare bottom but trust me…its a good one!!!

Beyond obsessed with this vintage bag from the 1950’s. I love the pearlized horn details…

A simple white dress is a MUST for the summer..love the sleeves

These color block shoes stopped me in my tracks…how cute with white jeans and a denim top or a denim dress or even the navy linen dress above!

I get it, I get it Birkenstocks are all the rage but have you ever seen this chic green color?

Here is the striped version of the white dress above…you really cannot go wrong with either one!!!!