Cubic Zirconia Jewelry – Creating The Dream

Many places offer a wide selection of cubic zirconia jewelry. These brilliant sparkling stones demand attention wherever they go. But what is cubic zirconia (CZ), and how is it made?

A cubic zirconia is a man-made gemstone. They replicate the fire and flash of perfect diamonds, but at a fraction of the cost. Placed into fine gold or sterling silver settings, a cubic zirconia is almost indistinguishable from a genuine diamond. Only trained gemologists can tell the difference between the two.

While CZ crystals have been known since 1937, early crystals were too small for jewelry-making. In the 1970's, scientists discovered how to grow larger crystals in the lab. CZ is formed by heating zirconium oxide and yttrium oxide to very high temperatures (almost 5000 degrees Fahrenheit!). The mixture is then cooled very slowly. This results in beautiful, flawless crystals with amazing fire and brilliance. Other ingredients are also added to produce various colors.

The cooled crystals are quite large - too large for jewelry. A single large crystal is cut into smaller chunks. Specially-trained gemologists further cut and refine each chunk of crystal. They then cut facets into each stone. These facets reflect the light, creating the fire and brilliance that we love so much.

The smaller cubic zirconias are destined to become sparkling pendants, rings, earrings, and more. They are placed into settings that maximize the fire of each one. CZ jewelry is popular for its low cost and amazing flash.

It is my own personal opinion, that you don't have to spend a million bucks to look like a million bucks. Cubic zirconia jewelry is made to appeals to all tastes and budgets. Who says a diamond in a woman's best friend? Probably some billion dollar company. Well I'm here to say CZ jewelry can be a woman's new best friend! So happy shopping, and past those great finds on to me.
The cooled crystals are quite large - too large for jewelry. A single large crystal is cut into smaller chunks. Specially-trained gemologists further cut and refine each chunk of crystal. They then cut facets into each stone. These facets reflect the light, creating the fire and brilliance that we love so much.

The smaller cubic zirconias are destined to become sparkling pendants, rings, earrings, and more. They are placed into settings that maximize the fire of each one. CZ jewelry is popular for its low cost and amazing flash.

It is my own personal opinion, that you don't have to spend a million bucks to look like a million bucks. Cubic zirconia jewelry is made to appeals to all tastes and budgets. CZ Jewelry can be a woman's new best friend. So happy shopping, and past those great finds on to me!

Celtic Wedding Rings and tying the Knot

The origins of the Celts dates back to prehistoric times when they emerged as a group of loosely knit tribes with a common culture and language.

Celtic settlements stretched from Turkey and the Balkans right across Western Europe. But it was the rise of the Roman Empire that would expose the lack of cohesion between the various Celtic tribes and would lead to them being overrun, expelled from their territories and being pushed back to the western fringes of the continent.

Although the ancient Celts flourished across Europe, it is in Ireland where their traditions have been most preserved.

One aspect of this culture that still survives today is the artwork and this is most commonly seen in jewellery such as celtic wedding rings.

Their artwork was believed to be very symbolic often being based on nature using images of birds and animals and fish. The Celts believed firmly in the interconnectedness of all life and produced the familiar Celtic Knots, which are interlaced patterns with no beginning and no end.

Although perhaps the true significance of these patterns has been lost over the millennia, Celtic designs remain increasingly popular in our modern world.

The Claddagh is a traditional symbol of love and friendship and is thought to have originated from Claddagh in Galway as far back as the 16th century since when has been worn by many as a wedding ring and as a symbol of love.

The design of the Claddagh consists of a heart as a symbol of love, a crown as a symbol of fidelity or loyalty and the hands depicted friendship. Tradition states that if you are spoken to you should wear the Claddagh on your left hand facing inward but if you are unattached it should be worn facing outward on the right hand.

Celtic crosses, which predate Christianity, can symbolize the four quarters of the earth and or the four elements – earth wind and fire. They are equal armed crosses which are enclosed or backed by a circle. Following the introduction of Christianity, it became more common to see Celtic Crosses on top of a matching pedestal, which gave it a more elongated look. Celtic crosses are often worn as jewellery such as rings or on chains around the neck.

Geometric designs have always feature prominently in Celtic artwork with spirals, chevrons, scrolls and knot work. Many of these patterns can be seen decorating stone carvings or ancient manuscripts and religious books.

The Celtic spirals are very symbolic with the single spiral generally thought to signify growth expansion and cosmic energy.

The dual centred spiral found often on stone carvings signifies duality and nature and is associated with motifs from other cultures such as the Ying Yang symbol.
Celtic knot work designs remain popular today and can vary from single elegant knot patterns to complex intricate interlaced patterns.

Although the symbolism of celtic designs may have been lost, many of the designs remain popular today and will often be seen used in the design of jewellery and in particular Celtic Wedding rings.

Seven Things You Should Consider Before Buying A Watch

Purchasing a luxury watch these days isn't as easy as it once was. In fact, if you're considering a luxury watch purchase in the next few months, here are some things you might want to think about.


1. Watch Case Size: With the extensive variety in watches these days comes a number of different case sizes to consider. From the larger cases offered by names like Ulysse Nardin to the average sized cases like Chronoswiss tends to produce, you should select a size that meets your personal needs.

2. Your Personal Style: Who you are should be reflected in what you wear. If you're bold and progressive, wear something that makes a statement like a Franck Muller. If you love innovation, consider purchasing a Piaget.

3. Your Specific Purpose: Before you purchase a luxury watch, consider your needs. If you simply need something to wear to the office, perhaps a formal Patek Phillipe will do the trick. If you need something for a day on the yacht, a BlancPain Leman Perpetual Calendar would be more efficient. Consider where you will be wearing the watch before you make the purchase.

4. The Extras: Luxury watches come with GPS technology, two way radios, and a variety of numbering systems. Consider which added benefits might actually be useful to you and be sure to look for a watch that has what you want.

5. Your Personality: Only those in love with style should purchase a Bvlgari. Similarly, only those who want to be first should consider IWC. Think about what you want to say with your timepiece, then make the luxury watch purchase that best matches your needs.

6. The Brand: Brand names are everything in this industry. Purchasing a watch from a discount store or a knock-off luxury watch just won't do it if you want to make the right impression. Look for a brand that matches your ideals as you shop.

7. The Exclusivity: Some watches are made for lots of people, and some luxury watches, like those created by Vacheron Constantin are just for the few. Consider whether you're looking for something with limited production numbers or something many can afford.


Consider what you're looking for from every aspect, and the purchase of your next luxury watch should be much smoother. Unlike Google or eBay, Vialuxe only display products from authorized dealers which saves you, the customer, the time and risk associated with using the internet to purchase luxury goods.

Brilliant Jewelry Choices

There is a certain fashion style that women try to maintain, and they primarily focus on using jewelry pieces to coordinate a fashionable wardrobe.  These fashion accessories can be very tastefully placed on many body parts to make even the most economical clothing choices glimmer with style and elegance.

People love experimenting with the many color choices and precious metals that are available in fine jewelry, and will lavish themselves liberally with these items at every opportunity.  There are so many choices to be found in fine jewelry accessories and people find that rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants and necklaces make excellent companions that will thrill them for a lifetime.

At certain online store locations, people have a large assortment of fine jewelry styles to pick from.  Exquisite gems can be purchased separately and then mounted into exquisite creations that are truly unique and personalized.  With these artistic pieces there may be a waiting period before you can enjoy wearing them, but these stylish jewelry pieces will definitely be worth the wait.

People that look gorgeous in gold can also select gems to go with them, that are elegantly presented in a brilliant array of twisted metals and stones that are equally ravishing and are ready-to-wear right at the jewelry counter.  Customers that shop online jewelry stores will be thrilled when they open their elegant gift boxes and see the final product displayed beautifully before them.

When people adorn their bodies with pendants, they are letting a touch of light accent their bodies.  This light can be from light piercing a brilliant diamond, or the rich red glow that is emitted from a delicious red ruby.  A person can choose to ornament their body with precious metals that are offered in silver, gold and platinum, and personalize each piece by putting their favorite precious gems on an oval shaped pedestal that is accented with circles of pearls or diamonds.

Many jewelry items are constructed in blended tones of silver and gold which create a magnificent jewelry piece that will be worn often and cherished for a long time.  There are a large variety of diamond earrings that people can choose from, and people like to alternate their daily jewelry choices between studded back models and those that dangle and provide an air of sophistication to any outfit.

Diamonds can be bought in a large array of color choices.  People accent their fashions with diamonds colored in irradiated blue, green, black, and white and maintain a diamond earring arsenal that is equal in style to those found in the richest social circles in the world.  These entertaining and elegant diamond jewelry pieces provide people with ample opportunity to dress in stylish brilliance for any occasion that comes along.

There are no set rules to follow on which piece of jewelry is suitable for any specific purpose.  Fine jewelry choices are clearly a personal choice and one that many women savor and languish over for many hours.  The warmth of gold can be felt more distinctly when it is chosen by the wearer in a style that is reflective of their personality and personal taste.

5 Top Tips for Buying Native American Indian Bracelets

Nothing allows you to express your personality, feel closer to the spirit of traditional American culture, and add something truly unique and personal to your life like wearing an authentic Native American bracelet on your wrist. But how do you safely choose a real, attractive piece that also says the right things about you?

The wonderful craftsmanship, striking appeal, and fun originality of Native American Indian bracelets make them the top choice for the person who wants to wear something a little different than everyone else and own a unique piece of jewelry. However, the range of styles, the unknown authenticity, and the difficulty of finding the right store can make the choice difficult.

Fortunately, the selection of your Native American bracelet doesn't have to be difficult at all. Once you know a few easy points to keep in mind, you can relax and shop to your heart's content, without that fear of making the wrong choice or ending up with a bracelet that isn't right for you.

1. Turquoise bracelets come in many varieties.
Everyone has a different mental image spring up when they hear "turquoise bracelets." You may picture large stones, closely spaced and reaching orderly around the wrist. Or you may think of a circular, mandala-like arrangement of smaller blue-green stones on a centerpiece on the top of the wrist, with the band wrapping around underneath.

In fact, the use of turquoise in Native American bracelets is varied, often used in conjunction with other, multi-colored stones or clever use of silver and other metals. Often, the best piece will include one or two small turquoise pieces to accentuate other colors and textures. Then again, some pieces employ turquoise stones as their main feature, and do so with the utmost craft and beauty.

It is up to you which suits you, but you can shop secure in the knowledge that Native American turquoise retains its beauty even as other trends come and go.

2. Simplicity is beautiful.
It is entirely possible that the piece that speaks to you the best is very simple in design. Perhaps it is a silver band with a simple twisted pattern, or a restrained series of ridges. Maybe your look and personality are accented best by a bracelet with a single, large stone of turquoise or other mineral - just a splash of color to catch the eye. Complicated designs and details may look good in the shop display case, but aren't necessarily the type of Native American bracelet that suit your taste.

3. Intricacy is beautiful.
On the other hand, the intriguingly intricate designs of an elaborately-crafted bracelet can be the conversation piece that sparks confidence, inspiration, and even admiring comments from others! The obvious genius that has gone into a bracelet with clever juxtapositions of its carvings, stamps, stones and/or silverwork can be just the thing that heightens your daily experience and communicates to others just what you want to say.

4. Only shop at places that offer buyer protection.
The most comfortable, free way to shop is when you know that your purchase is backed by a reputable company. In this internet age, the best place to buy Native American bracelets is online, through websites that offer protection to the buyer.

For example, the web's premier auction house, eBay, always has hundreds of listings featuring one-of-a-kind Native American bracelets and other jewelry. eBay features an extensive system to ensure buyers are happy; you can contact the seller before bidding, check comments from the seller's previous customers, send payment safely with your credit card through PayPal, keep your private information hidden, and even appeal to eBay when an item is not as described.

Furthermore, eBay listings feature one or more pictures of the item, as well as its dimensions and, often, the piece's history. In short, you should stick to places like eBay that bring together sellers and buyers with several layers of protection for you. The biggest sites became big thanks to buyer satisfaction, which they take very seriously.

5. Nobody knows what you need like you do!
Sellers will try their best to use flowery language and convincing descriptions to get your business. However, only YOU know what is right for you. And as long as you are happy about the financial protection you as a shopper are receiving, you can tune all of that out and just get the Native American bracelet that speaks to you the loudest. YOU know which one that is... it's just a matter of looking until you find it!

Whether buying a lovely Native American bracelet for yourself, or as a gift for a friend or family member, it's important to remember that there are very easy ways to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. You want to be sure the bracelet is authentic, the seller is reputable, and the design suits the person it will be adorning. Use the tips in this article and you are virtually assured of being happy with your beautiful, exclusive bracelet!

Mesothelioma – The largest Man Made Epidemic

Mesothelioma – The largest Man Made Epidemic    By Lorraine Kember

It is documented that Australia had the highest per capita use of asbestos in the world from the 1950’s until the 1970’s.  As a tragic consequence, Australia now has the highest per capita incidence of mesothelioma in the world.  With more than 500 Australians contracting mesothelioma per year, it is estimated that up to 18,000 Australians will die from this asbestos related cancer by the year 2020.

Despite the growing awareness of the dangers of asbestos, there are many people who have not heard of Mesothelioma.  This asbestos related cancer is defined as: a malignant spreading tumor of the mesothelium of the pleura, pericardium, or peritoneum, arising form the inhalation of asbestos fibers.

One of the most baffling and frightening known facts concerning Mesothelioma is that many years may pass, between inhalation of asbestos dust and its deadly legacy of disease;  it is not uncommon for four decades or more to pass before symptoms due to asbestos dust inhalation become apparent.

In November 2004,  I was an invited speaker at the Global Asbestos Congress 2004, held in Tokyo Japan.  Over 800 participants from 40 countries around the world were in attendance. To be a part of such a large gathering of fellow humans, united in a quest to rid the poison of asbestos from our environments was an intensely moving experience.  Having lost my husband to mesothelioma I know first hand the suffering this cruel disease places on its innocent victims.

There were many speakers and each told a tale, of pain, death and heartache.  We listened, we understood and we ached for the past, present and future victims of the killer asbestos and its legacy of mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases.  We listened and we were shocked and angered to learn that despite the growing awareness of the dangers of asbestos and the increasing incidence of asbestos related disease, there remains some countries who are mining asbestos with little or no regard for their workers or people who will come into contact with asbestos products.

 Asbestos disease Association member’s world wide are working tirelessly and fighting almost insurmountable odds to ban asbestos from all countries of the world.  It is a sobering and frightening fact, that even if we were successful in this quest, the legacy of asbestos related diseases will continue for five decades.

Add your voice to the many who want this killer product erased from the worlds environments – Add your voice to the call that pleads for adequate compensation for victims and their families.  Sign the online petition at Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization:    http://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) continues to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the incurable and often deadly asbestos related diseases. ADAO is quickly expanding and uniting veterans, fire-fighters, shipbuilders, teachers and thousands of other innocent people around the world. Asbestos Awareness leads to education, prevention, new treatments and ultimately a cure.

Mesothelioma - My Medical Diagnosis

My name is Itzik Keidar and, I am coping, quite well with "Cancer" "medical diagnosis" and "treatments" (To me they are just words..!). It's been 12 years since I had a surgery to remove my type of Cancer and thank God

I'm Still Defeating It, All The Way

Here is my story.

12 years ago, I had a Melanoma skin cancer.
Melanoma is not as painful as Mesothelioma but it's certainly as wicked, and it had to be removed.

After the surgery, my doctor informed me that I'll probably get the same cancer in 2 years, unless I'll visit the hospital every day for the next 3 years and get Interferon injections.

I remember thinking to myself... "If I'll follow doctor's recommendations, it will make me be aware of the word "Cancer" every single day and would give it the power that this word doesn't deserve.

I don't recommend you to do the same, but regardless of my wife's opinion, I took a decision, not only to reject the treatments, but also to ignore the periodical medical surveillances. Deep in my heart, I knew! That if God would decide to take my life then so be it...

Today, 12 years later, I am ignoring, even, the word "cholesterol" and stick to my insight that

Death is a part of life!

Accepting this insight alone changed my entire life.

To have the guts doing what I did, one must have a very strong belief. For me it was more then a belief,

I Knew that every thing will be all right.

I think it is a really good thing that you are gaining information to make your decisions

Since my father died from Lung cancer, I know how hard it is to cope with it without enough information available. I believe that knowledge and information are a very important part in the process of defeating Mesothelioma cancer or any other type of cancer.

Understanding that you, or one in your family, are the one who,
faced with Mesothelioma Diagnosis and that you have the right and
the ability to make the decisions yourself, is foremost to keep in mind

Only you know what you are truly capable of

When you are asking for answers and you are feeling confused come back here and ask.
I am all here for you and I can point you to some good Mesothelioma resourses.

You are not alone

Thank You,

And Good Luck With Your Journey!
Sincerely Itzik Keidar

Living In Fear Of Mesothelioma

Living In Fear Of Mesothelioma

First of all, you may be wondering what mesothelioma is, and why I should be scared of it ?.....

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is the medical name for cancer of the lung, and is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. Symptoms my not appear for up to 50 years or so after exposure to asbestos, and people who haven't had any contact with asbestos for many years, are now showing signs of having this deadly disease. The symptoms are usually shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pains and feeling very tired.

Why should I be scared of it ?

As a small child, I used to live near a factory which used asbestos to make fire-proof products and other insulating materials for the building industry. I believe that asbestos was also used in the manufacture of break linings. I can remember seeing the asbestos dust that spewed out of the factory covering the surrounding area (including part of our school playground) with this deadly snow like powder. Of course, as we were just kids at that time, we had absolutely no idea just how deadly this dust was. We even played in it completely unaware of its dangers.

The Horror Came Later.

It wasn't until years later after the factory had been closed down, that we began to see the full horrors of this white snow looking powder, we had played with as children. By this time I was much older, and the dangers of asbestos had been given massive coverage by the media, so I was now aware of what could happen to myself and hundreds of other people who lived in the same area as this factory in years to come.

TV Documentary.

This factory received national television coverage, and on one program they interviewed families who had suffered due to the problem of asbestos. I was shocked to see that I knew some of the people who had lost family members due to developing mesothelioma, in fact I actually went to school with some of the people who took part in the program. The program showed old photographs of the area around the factory (including my old school) covered in powder, and it really did look like it had been snowing. When you see all of this on television it really does make you just a little bit worried, especially when you have been in contact with asbestos like I have.

Treatments.

If mesothelioma is diagnosed early enough, a cure is possible with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, in the case of a more advanced illness a cure is not possible, but with the right treatments the illness can be slowed down dramatically and medication can be used to ease any pain.

X-Rays.

As a precaution I did have x-rays a few years ago just to put my mind at rest, and thankfully they were all clear. The doctor recommended that I should have x-rays on a very regular basis just to be on the safe side. So, at the moment everything is ok, but I will always be just a little bit worried of what might happen in the future.

Is Mesothelioma a sleeping dragon?

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a substance found naturally. It is made of strong flexible fibres. It was used extensively in industry because the fibres are not affected by heat or chemicals and a poor conductor of electricity. It is estimated that over 5,000 products have or had asbestos in them.

Of the six types of asbestos, only four are used commercially. These are chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite and anthrophyllite. Of these, crysotile or white asbestos accounts for 99% used in USA.  In it natural state or well contained and maintained in products, asbestos do not pose a real hazard. It is when asbestos is broken down and fibres are released that there is concern.

Asbestos fibres are very thin and sharp. The fibre is 2,000 times thinner than a human hair. It measures under 0.3 microns or one millionth of a millimetre in diameter and five microns in length. It is not visible with the naked eye or through a microscope.
When released, the fibres remain in the atmosphere for a long time and can be carried great distances. When the fibres are inhaled, they stick to the lung tissue and are not expelled by breathing out or coughing. Some remain in the lungs, others gravitate into the pleural lining.

Asbestos exposure can lead to disease and develops over a long period of time. Asbestos related diseases are asbestosis, pleural plaques and lung cancers. The lung cancer can be either cancer of the lung itself or mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung lining. These cancers can take between 20 and 50 years to develop.
A recent article in a UK Newspaper highlighted the case of a Hospital Consultant who developed mesothelioma. He cannot recall any exposure to asbestos. It may well be that he was inadvertently exposed to asbestos without his knowledge i.e. such as living in the vicinity of a factory that leaked asbestos into the atmosphere.

Professor Peto has shown that new cases of mesothelioma will continue to increase in the early part of the twenty first century. He also said, “Every single person in the UK has asbestos in their lungs. It is the level of exposure that is important.”

We also know that people who has a history of asbestos exposure has a greater risk of lung cancer if they smoked. In a survey in 1992, 2602 individuals with lung cancer were interviewed. One in eight was exposed to asbestos and of these a third still smoked. A US study suggested that non-smokers exposed to asbestos have a five times greater risk of lung cancer. If they smoked, then the risk increased by a factor of 11. Smoking and asbestos exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer to 52 times that of the general population.

At present no one knows how many lung cancers are due to asbestos exposure because of the long latency period and that cigarette smoking remains the major cause. Mesothelioma, however, is caused by asbestos exposure and this has been the basis of numerous high value legal claims.

As for the future, in the USA and Europe, asbestos related diseases will gradually increase to a peak. Of concern, however, are areas of conflict. In the Middle East, when a building was bombed, or when numerous buildings were bombed during the invasion of Iraq, do we have any idea how much asbestos was released into the atmosphere?

We are, however, certain that during the 9/11 disaster, asbestos fibres were released. When the Twin Tower collapsed, there were 400 tons of asbestos in the structure. The toxic cloud that hung over Manhattan, contained high level of asbestos. It is estimated that over 100,000 people suffered asbestos exposure. The greatest exposure was amongst first responders. Deborah Reeve was the first to die from asbestos related disease after 9/11. She was a first responder and paramedic. She died in March 2005 from mesothelioma. This concerned experts because mesothelioma takes a very long time to develop. They concluded that her exposure must have been excessive.

A study result showed that 70% of recovery and rescue workers who were active during and after the World Trade Centre collapse had some form of respiratory problem. A six year follow up study showed that sufferers with respiratory problems continue to have the same ailments.
“In the six years since the attacks,” Nadler said, “We have accumulated a mountain of evidence that thousands of those exposed are suffering from chronic respiratory disease and, increasingly, a variety of rare cancers.”

Hopefully, as experts predict, within the next few years asbestos related diseases will peak and the annual new cases will drop. If not, could it be a sleeping dragon about to wake up?

Diffuse Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma, or DMM, is a rare but highly aggressive type of cancer.  It occurs in the thin layer of tissue, the pleura, lining the chest cavity and lungs.  Once diagnosed with DMM, most patients do not survive beyond one year.  This cancer is more common in men than in women, and in older people.

Most people with DMM have a history of exposure to asbestos; however, if they are not aware that such exposure occurred, they may be unaware that they are at risk.  A patient with DMM typically has one or more of the following signs and symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, fever, or a cough.

An x-ray usually shows that the pleural tissue around the lungs has thickened due to the development of a number of nodules or small cancerous growths.  Sometimes, there may be a single large growth.  When a biopsy of the cancer tissue is done, the types of cells that make up the cancer may be epithelioid, mixed, or sarcomatoid.  People with epithelioid cell cancers tend to survive somewhat longer; those with sarcomatoid cancers usually have the shortest survival.

DMM is always treated as aggressively as possible.  The type of treatment depends on the dominant cell type the cancer is made of, the extent of spread of the cancer, and the overall health of the person undergoing treatment.  Surgery is a preferred option where the bulk of the cancer can be removed.  Many anti-cancer drugs are being tried to treat DMM, with varying levels of short-term success.  Radiotherapy may also be an option.  A number of clinical trials are currently underway to try and find a treatment that may improve the outlook for DMM patients.  However, only seven percent of people with DMM survive beyond five years.