Best Damn Jewelry » Featured http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com Remember the 4C's - Cut, Color, Clarity & Carat Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:47:50 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 London Rome by Bus http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/london-rome-by-bus/ http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/london-rome-by-bus/#comments Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:47:50 +0000 MReed http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/?p=1517 For those looking to go on the cheap across Europe, the least expensive way to go is by bus, or coach bus and most likely, the least comfortable. For those embarking on the London Rome by Bus excursion, expect to be sitting for thirty-two hours. However, numerous stops are made.

National Express

If you are riding with the transportation giant National Express; you are allowed a maximum of two medium suitcases and one small carry-on that can fit into an overhead bin. The items that you cannot take are; weapons, drugs(other than medicinal) live or dead animals, fish or insects, non folding chairs and non folding bicycles. Now if your planning to ski or surf(you’d probably be flying)you can check those, but they are subject to space being available.

It’s a Long Journey

Once you board your coach bus at Victoria Station, off you go to Kent and then from Kent it’s a six hour ride to Paris. Then from Paris it’s the long stretch to Milan, Italy which is roughly 14 hours. And then from the beautiful city of Milan onto Parma then off to Bologna then romantic Florence and finally Rome. Throughout the trip of course, stops are made for you to get something to eat and stretch your legs. Obviously it’s important that you bring things to keep yourself engaged. Fortunately with all of the fantastic portable electronics, the trip from London to Rome by Bus could be filled with song and movies. Or just bring a few good books, you should be able to plow through about three books by the time you roll into the Eternal City.

One note of advice; if traveling to Rome from London by Bus, make sure your not riding with a gang of football(soccer)fans heading to a match in Milan or Rome. These louts will make this marathon journey seem even longer.

]]> http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/london-rome-by-bus/feed/ 0 October Birthstone Jewelry – Opal & Tourmaline Jewelry http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/october-birthstone-jewelry-opal-tourmaline-jewelry/ http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/october-birthstone-jewelry-opal-tourmaline-jewelry/#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:58:31 +0000 janice http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/?p=1491 Tourmaline is the official birthstone for the month of October. It is referred to as the “gemstone of the rainbow” because of its variety of colors. But always, the prettiest is the Pink variety. The Tourmaline gem is known to relieve stress, anxiety and confusion. It is also believed to attract success in all endeavors.

Opal is the traditional birthstone for October. It has a wide range of colors ranging from milky white to black with flashes of different colors. Myths have it that it helps to develop inner beauty, aids faithfulness and improves eyesight.

Opals are a much softer gemstone than Tourmaline.  When you purchase opal jewelry be sure that it is in a solid clasp.  Due to the softness of the opal gemstone it is usually not recommended for rings, but I sure do love the look of it.

Jewelry with Opal or Pink Tourmaline birthstones are thoughtful gift ideas for the Birthday celebrants this month.  Here are few of my favorite October birthstone jewelry items that are available for purchase.

My mom’s birthday is in October and in honor of her I’m offering discounts on select styles of Pink Tourmaline & Opal Jewels.

October Birthstone Jewelry Coupon Code

Extra 15% OFF Select Styles of Pink Tourmaline & Opal Jewels
Coupon valid 10/01/09 – 10/31/09
Use coupon code: OCTOBER

]]> http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/october-birthstone-jewelry-opal-tourmaline-jewelry/feed/ 0 Natural Emeralds http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/natural-emeralds/ http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/natural-emeralds/#comments Sat, 18 Jul 2009 23:22:07 +0000 janice http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/natural-emeralds-are-inert-nonfluorescent-under/ natural-emeraldsThe differences among colors be immediately obvious or so subtle that direct comparison under controlled conditions is required to discern them. Jadeite and nephrite the jades are much softer and relatively easy to scratch but are perhaps the toughest gem materials. Because of the likelihood of physical damage, hardness tests are NOT recommended for gem identification. Turquoise is often quite porous and can be discolored by exposure to oils. Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring material and is also quite tough however, it can be broken by hard blow.

For example, natural yellow sapphires from Ceylon show distinctive apricotcolored fluorescence, while synthetic yellow sapphires generally show no fluorescence or dull red when exposed to ultraviolet light or Xrays, they transform some of the incoming energy into visible light. Hue is function of the frequency of light and is described by familiar terms such as red, orange, yellow, blue, green, indigo, and violet.

Opals are heatsensitive and have high water content sudden temperature changes or extremely dry conditions can cause them to crack or craze.. The Mohs scale can be misleading there is much greater difference in hardness between corundum and diamond than between and talc. Because of the likelihood of physical damage, hardness tests are NOT recommended for gem identification. Jadeite and nephrite the jades are much softer and relatively easy to scratch but are perhaps the toughest gem materials.

Toughness is resistance to scratching or piercing. Color can be described as the combination of three characteristics hue, tone, and intensity. Jadeite and nephrite the jades are much softer and relatively easy to scratch but are perhaps the toughest gem materials. Tone is variation from very light to very dark. Resistance to chemical degradation or to changes in temperature or humidity are important. This is why two different gemstones have the same size 6. 5 mm in diameter and proportions will weigh approximately carats. Turquoise is often quite porous and can be discolored by exposure to oils.

More precise, and less familiar, measurements of hardness are done using other systems, such as the Knoop scale of resistance to indentation. Hue is function of the frequency of light and is described by familiar terms such as red, orange, yellow, blue, green, indigo, and violet. Intensity is measure of saturation, or purity, of color. Because of the likelihood of physical damage, hardness tests are NOT recommended for gem identification. For example, natural yellow sapphires from Ceylon show distinctive apricotcolored fluorescence, while synthetic yellow sapphires generally show no fluorescence or dull red when exposed to longwave ultraviolet UV light.

]]> http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/natural-emeralds/feed/ 0 Chakras & Healing Crystals http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/chakras-healing-crystals/ http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/chakras-healing-crystals/#comments Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:49:23 +0000 janice http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/obsidian-rainbow-sea-foam-ocean/ chakra-healing

Chakras & healing crystals

The power of the crystal flows through the human body, because both are filled with electromagnetic energy.  Crystals and gemstones resonate a vibrating frequency that have a huge effect on the body, mind and soul.

Place stones and crystals at the top of the head for inspiration, spirituality, personal and universal consciousness, wisdom

Here is a simple list of some of the Gemstones Healing Powers:

Violet Gemstones

  • depression
  • lack of inspiration

Diamond

  • Increases clarity
  • trust
  • increase confidence
  • good thoughts & attitudes, strengths and weaknesses, prosperity, generosity, love, spirituality.

Location: between the eyebrows

  • Responsibilities: visualization, concentration, imagination, perception, intuition
  • Color: Indigo Blue
  • Symptoms of Unbalance: headaches, blurry vision, hard to concentrate

Amethyst: Headaches, eyes, pituitary gland, balancing blood sugar. Psychic abilities, imagery. Purify and transmute negativity. Reduces anger, impatience, and nightmares. Spiritually uplifting.

Malachite: Stomach, liver, kidney stones, respiratory system, immune system, vision, circulatory system. Releases pain, inflammation, depression, anger. Stimulates the psychic vision, and concentration.

Lapis: Anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, shyness, nervous system, speech, hearing, pituitary, pain, intuition, creativity, spiritual connection, peaceful mind, organization.

Location: Throat

  • Responsibilities: communication
  • Color: light blue
  • Symptoms of Unbalance: difficulty in expression and communication

Sapphire:

  • Reduces inflammation, fevers, hearing problems, Communication, depression, intuition, clairvoyance, calmness, and mental clarity.

Location: center of the chest

  • Responsibilities: compassion, forgiveness, love
  • Green Colored Gemstones
  • Symptoms of Unbalance: anger, lack of love, heart problems

Navajo Turquoise:

  • guards against negativity, opens the heart chakra for clear communication from the heart, carries the moon energy (female energy), unconditional love, speeds up the healing proccess.
  • Emerald: Respiratory system, heart, lymph nodes, blood, thymus, balance blood sugar, childbirth, eyesight. Strengthen heart chakra for abundance, growth, peace, harmony, patience, love, monogamy, honesty. Lift depression and insomnia
  • Jade: Heart, immune, kidney and cleansing blood, nervous system, courage, knowledge, justice, compassion, emotional balance, humility, generosity, harmony, wealth, longevity.

Rose Quartz:

  • Emotional balance, love, beauty, peacefulness, forgiveness, kindness, self-esteem. Emotional healing, loss, stress, hurt, fear, resentment, anger.

Location: between the chest and the navel

  • Responsibilities: anger, discouragement, motivation, confidence
  • Color: Yellow
  • Symptoms of Unbalance: lack of self confidence and motivation, fear, worry, poor digestion, anger

Location: lower abdomen

  • Responsibilities: sexual energy, emotions, pleasure, creativity
  • Color: Orange
  • Symptoms of Unbalance: lack of sexual energy, lower back pain, uterus & bladder disfunction

Aquamarine: Heart, immune system. Calming, uplifting, flexibility, joy, creativity, communication, self-knowledge, confidence, purpose. Releases anxiety, fear, and restlessness.

Carnelian: Circulatory system, kidneys, stimulate appetite, emotions, sexuality, physical energy, reproductive system, menstrual cramps, arthritis, kidneys, gall bladder, pancreas. Confidence, assertiveness, drive.

Location: the base of the spine

  • Responsibilities: health, vitality
  • Color: Red
  • Symptoms of Unbalance: violence, constipation, fear, anger.

Amber: clears negativity

Citrine: Acid indigestion, food disorders, allergies. Cleansing spleen, kidneys, liver, urinary system, intestines. Mental and emotional clarity, problem-solving, memory, willpower, optimism, confidence, self-discipline. Reduces anxiety, fear, and depression.

Coral: Muscles, blood, heart, reproductive system, thyroid, metabolism, spine, bone and tissue regeneration. Not to be used with high blood pressure. Protect and strengthen the emotions.

Ruby: Infections, cholesterol, blood clots, blood cleansing, impotency. Stimulate circulation, menstrual cycles, pituitary. Love, courage, confidence, vitality, stamina, strength, leadership, triumph over adversity. Intensifies all the emotions.

]]> http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/chakras-healing-crystals/feed/ 0 Topaz intricate and beautiful http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/topaz-intricate-and-beautiful/ http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/topaz-intricate-and-beautiful/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:59:41 +0000 janice http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/many-believe-that-their-intricate-and-beautiful/ Colorless topaz can be treated by irradiation and heated to produce the different color shades of blue, in which the blue topaz is formed. Ruby is the red version and valuable of the mineral corundum. Legend has it that drinking wine from an amethyst goblet would prevent one from becoming inebriated. Tourmalines, however, are gems with an incomparable variety of colors and faces and are known for durability and hardness.

Its very hard surface makes it the ideal stone for everyday wear. Diamonds are graded by carat weight, clarity, color, and cut, otherwise known as the four Cs. Later in history, the Latin word opalus came to mean precious stone. Tourmalines are found almost all over the world with major deposits in Brazil, Sri Lanka and South and southwest Africa. Meaning Friendship Sapphire Sapphire like the Ruby is member of the corundum family and is also another very hard gemstone.

Ruby is mined primarily in Burma, Thailand, and Cambodia. Meaning Freedom Peridot Peridot has been claimed to ward off evil spirits, eliminate enchantments, as well as its invincible strength. Topaz can also occur naturally in many different colors of orange, blue, brown, green, beige, red, and pink. Blue Topaz The Blue Topaz is one of the popular topazes in the world market The Diamond, revered throughout history, is harder than any other substance on earth. Meaning Wealth The rare gemstone known as Alexandrite was discovered in in Czarist Russia.

Peridot came from the Arabic word zeberget for peridot, and also an island in the Red Sea which was an early source for the finest stones. Rubies have everything precious stone should have magnificent color, excellent hardness and outstanding brilliance. They are unique in that this gemstone can display all of the spectrums colors in different patterns, brilliance, and shades. However, one should choose the pearls of white color when buying them as the birthstone for the month of Meaning Constancy Amethyst Beautiful amethyst in its rich purple colors symbolizes royalty and aristocracy.

Sea water is the literal translation for aquamarine and hence its long association with the symbolism of the ocean. The color ranges of the Blue Topaz run from sky blue to Swiss blue to the darkest London blue. Layers upon layers of nacre eventually form Pearl which can take up to seven or eight years. In such case, one should feel free to choose any appropriately listed stone due to the fact that one stone is not deemed to be more important than the other.

]]> http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/topaz-intricate-and-beautiful/feed/ 0 Evil Eye Jewelry For Young Girls & Children http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/evil-eye-jewelry-for-young-girls-children/ http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/evil-eye-jewelry-for-young-girls-children/#comments Sun, 31 May 2009 08:49:12 +0000 janice http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/for-young-girls-children/ evil-eye-jewelryEvil Eyes For Young Girls & Children: Protect your precious one from the evil eyes. The belief in the evil eye is ancient and widespread and it is thought to have originated in Sumeria.

Your source for evil eye fashion jewelry jewellery hand made, hand crafted evil eye bracelets, trendy necklaces, fashionable key holders, evil eye key holders.

Find the latest handmade bracelets.

Wristbands Fashionable, All Colors… checkout Other Gift Items Auto accessories, hanging ornaments, refrigerator magnets and more… Key Holders Various evil eye key holders.

The evil eye is the name for sickness or misfortune transmitted by someone who is envious, jealous, or covetous.

]]> http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/evil-eye-jewelry-for-young-girls-children/feed/ 1 18k Three Stone Setting – Engagement Ring http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/18k-three-stone-setting-engagement-ring/ http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/18k-three-stone-setting-engagement-ring/#comments Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:09:48 +0000 janice http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/?p=1177 three-stone-settingsBuying an engagement ring is one of the biggest decisions a man will make in his life. The general rule is 2 months salary, but I’ve always thought that was silly. Buying a tasteful an elegant ring doesn’t need to bury the young couple.  Besides, later anniversaries are perfect for upgrading your wifes ring.

When talking engagement rings, I think the most elegant rings are those with the three stone setting.  Below is an example of the type of engagement ring I find beautiful.  Click the link below to see more 3 stone setting rings.


3-Stone Plus Princess Cut Engagement Ring

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I love dainty necklaces, but lately I’ve started to hear more and more moms comment on how they’re wearing Mommy necklaces just for peace of mind, nursing or not. Nursing necklaces are more than that… nursing necklace help in reducing pinching, pulling, distracting and other common busy baby problems! Pretty clever, huh? I know that feeling of wishing you hadn’t waited so long to cut baby’s nails. The jewelry is stranded on strong, secure cording, contains nontoxic materials, and includes nifty breakaway closure.

Either way, it will help you wear your necklace with confidence again! Mommy Necklaces & nursing necklace are to be worn while you guessed it! …nursing.

It’s a piece of jewelry that offers peace of mind when worn not to mention the cool tactile and fine motor skills benefits.

Plus they are simply snazzy looking.  No matter what style you choose:

  • Dangling Donuts
  • Posh Donuts
  • Trendy Teardrops
  • Mod Flat Rocks

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]]> http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/mommy-nursing-necklace/feed/ 0 November Birthstone http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/november-birthstone/ http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/november-birthstone/#comments Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:14:25 +0000 janice http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/?p=946 The November birthstone is Citrine.  The citrine is the perfect stone for November, reflecting the beauty of the changing colors in the leaves. The citrine is a quartz stone that comes in numerous shades of orange, yellow, and red.

The citrine is also the anniversary stone for the 13th year of marriage.

Lore of the Citrine Gemstone

  • Citrine was carried as a protective talisman against the plague, bad skin and evil thoughts.
  • Used as a charm against snake bytes and venom.
  • Yellow and orange citrine gems were said to protect it’s wearer from dangers when traveling, to send away evil, and to keep safe from sickness.
  • Relieve depression, fear and gives the wearer success in life.
  • Merchants would often place a citrine in the cash drawer, to work as a magnet for sales.  It was referred to as the “Merchant Stone”.

The citrine gemstone is still used today by holistic practitioners as a tool to stimulate general healing as well as removing toxins from the body and to treat muscular disorders.

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]]> http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/november-birthstone/feed/ 0 Birthstones & Their History http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/birthstones-history/ http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/birthstones-history/#comments Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:56:36 +0000 janice http://www.bestdamnjewelry.com/these-stones-eventually-became-associated-with-the/ Months have been represented by many different gemstones, depending on time, place and tradition. The chart below is far from comprehensive, but it will give you some idea of the choices that you have for birthstones for the month of your birth.. Opal and tourmaline Aquamarine Coral Beryl Aquamarine Beryl, Apache tear, aquamarine, coral, obsidian, topaz. The Book of Exodus describes how the Lord described breastplate that was to be worn by Aaron, the brother of Moses and High Priest, when he went before the Lord.

The Breastplate of Aaron is typically regarded as the origin of the concept of birthstones. It wasnt until the mid1500s that people began to wear gemstones to attract luck, protection and other qualities connected to the gems.

According to the history of birthstones begins with the ancient Israelites. Always mystics, the Hebrews of the Old Testament ascribed signs and portents and symbolism’s to many things. Emerald Agate Pearl Agate Agate Agate, chrysoprase, citrine, moonstone, pearl and white sapphire Pearl and moonstone Emerald Pearl Agate Carnelian Emerald, moonstone, pearl, and ruby Ruby Onyx Sapphire Onyx Carnelian Onyx, carnelian, sardonyx, golden topaz, and tourmaline Peridot Carnelian Ruby Carnelian Sardonyx Carnelian, jade, jasper, moss agate, and blue sapphire. Unless you dont like garnets…

Indian Ayurvedic tradition has its own system of gemstones for the birth months, as did the Romans, the Polish, the Arabic and the Italian. And if you don’t find any official reasoning, there’s absolutely nothing preventing you from wearing it just because you like it. The ancients believed that the powers of gemstone were held by and unleashed through the color of the stone.

The Book of Exodus describes how the Lord described breastplate that was to be worn by Aaron, the brother of Moses and High Priest, when he went before the Lord. In yet another culture, the month and Zodiac sign are less important than the day of the week. The ancients believed that the powers of gemstone were held by and unleashed through the color of the stone. Thus in one culture, the stone that represents is garnet. At the same time, other cultures were developing similar traditions concerning gemstones.

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