Arts and Crafts

Christmas Tree Stands

Stands for Artificial Trees: After spending hundreds of dollars on your Artificial Prelit Christmas Tree or Artificial non-lit Christmas Tree, you want to have a stand that will display your new tree well. Of course there are several different types of stands to choose from. There are stands that hold a two foot tree and on up to those that hold a nine foot tree. From simple stands to heavy duty stands to even revolving tree stands. Most stands f... Read More


The Four C’s: A Diamond Primer

To celebrate, to commemorate, to reward, to romance…there are many reasons to buy a diamond. When making an investment in jewelry, especially diamonds, it is important to employ the 4 Cs: Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat weight to ensure value and appreciation. The Gemological Institute of America established the 4 Cs of diamond value to help diamond professionals describe and classify diamonds. When taken together, the 4 Cs help in evaluatin... Read More


Sizzlin’ Summer 2008 Jewelry Trends

Part of the fun of summer is wearing the season’s new colors in clothing and jewelry. Summer 2008 is no exception. This season’s jewelry trends perfectly complement summer’s exciting hot picks in clothing wear. Anything blue makes both a bold and cool statement this summer. Blue topaz and aquamarine are hot trends for the season, as well as beaded necklaces, turquoise bracelets, and blue sapphire rings. The versatility of blue j... Read More


Extend the Life of Jewelry With Careful Cleaning

From inexpensive baubles to family heirlooms, jewelry reflects new trends and the cherished moments of a woman’s life. Careless treatment of any kind of jewelry, however, shortens its life, value and beauty. Careful cleaning of jewelry extends the wear and value of a collection. Gemstones Gemstones are a popular choice for jewelry aficionados because of their beauty. They are also some of the most durable choices for jewelry. Still, care an... Read More


All That Glitters is Gold

Since the dawn of civilization, gold has been used by humankind for both decorative and daily use. Gold art objects and jewelry have been discovered as far back as 3,000 B.C. to be used by the Ur civilization what is now Southern Iraq. Similarly, gold objects have also been discovered in Peru by archaeologists that date back to 1200 B.C. Gold’s nearly indestructible nature is virtually unaffected by the effects of elements such as oxygen an... Read More


Helpful Guide in Buying Antique Furniture

The aesthetic value of antique furniture pieces is one of the reasons why many antique collectors prefer these items. There is a wide variety of styles and era to choose from. Antique collectors have, in some ways, mastered the skills in knowing what a good buy is, but as novice, you may need more time and experience. If you plan to buy antique furniture piece to add glamour to your home, be on the lookout for reproductions. The following helpful... Read More


How to Preserve the Artistic and Historical Value of Antiques

One of the most significant characteristic of any antique item is its age. Since antiques have been passed down from one generation to the next, these items easily undergo daily wear and tear. Thus, any antique item demands considerable care to preserve and protect its timeless value. While a professional antique restorer is recommended for more intricate and detail-oriented method of antique restoration, you can also do your part to help maintai... Read More