In this article we explain how to choose the right bracelet. Your bracelet could be made in silver or gold, it could be a simple bracelet or be studded with stones and diamonds. Make sure that you know how to evaluate a good bracelet.

Step One

Basic Design: The first thing that you should consider is the basic design of the bracelet. The design should be streamlined without sharp or pointed edges. Sharp edges can not only injure delicate skin, but also get bent or dented easily. The type of mounting used for the diamonds and gemstones in your bracelet will depend on the design. Prongs used to mount gems need to be sturdy and strong. If the gemstones in your bracelet are mounted with thin needle-like prongs, the prongs can get caught in pockets and other places. This causes the prongs to gradually open up, this ofcourse loosens the gemstones which can then drop off. The design dimensions for your bracelet should take the metal weight into consideration. A wide width with low gold or silver weight, will mean that the metal is too thin. This can cause your bracelet to lose shape and get damaged.

Step Two

Metal Weight: The metal weight of the bracelet is another important thing to be checked. Good mounting of the gemstones or diamonds in your bracelet will need sufficient gold or silver weight. There can be no standard weight suitable for all bracelets, much will depend on the design, the number of gems and diamonds, the length and width of the bracelet etc. Looks can be deceptive so pay special attention to the weight of your bracelet. In general you can be sure that, ladies bracelets with a metal weight that is less than 10 grams will not be durable and sturdy. Your jeweller might tell you that, healthy metal weight will make your bracelet appear clumsy and bulky. Stop believing this nonsense, the truth is that the design needs to ensure that the bracelet does not appear bulky. The design for your bracelet should have good metal thickness, this will not be visible from the front of the bracelet. Compromising on the gold or silver weight of your bracelet would also mean that, the links that connect the segments of the bracelet will be weak. This can cause the bracelet to snap, it could then easily fall off your wrist and get lost. So remember that, good metal weight is essential for gold or silver bracelets.

Step Three

Gemstone Options:You should also be given a wide range of gemstone options to select for your bracelet. Many jewellers use whatever few gemstones they have and put a bracelet together. This does not work to your advantage as you are restricted in your choice. You could choose the gemstones in your bracelet based on color, type, birthstone or traditional beliefs. For example, a mother's bracelet could include the birthstone of the mother and all her children. Such family birthstone bracelets can be made only if a wide choice of gems is available. There is ofcourse the issue of budget that you have at your disposal. You might see a gorgeous sapphire bracelet but, the sapphires could drive the bracelet out of your budget. You should be allowed to choose the same bracelet with cheaper gems like, blue topaz, iolite or probably cheaper sapphires. A jeweller with limited access to gems and production facilities will restrict your choice too. There is also the issue of conditions in which your bracelet would be worn. For example, an emerald bracelet needs special care when wearing and storing, this is because of the nature of emeralds. You might pefer the same bracelet design with green tourmaline instead of emeralds. Your jeweller will need to satisfy your requirements and not the other way round.

Step Four

Choose The Metal: The metal for your bracelet will be a component of the price tag, a gold bracelet would add a substantial amount to the price tag. You should therefore have the option to choose gold or silver for your bracelet. Most jewellers are very eager to sell gold bracelets, but will either ignore you are provide you with second grade service if you talk about a silver bracelet. This is sad but true, so look for a jeweller who is willing to make a good quality silver bracelet for you if that is what you want. It is often said and rightly that, a good quality silver bracelet is better than a delicate and light weight gold bracelet. When you choose your silver bracelet remember that, no compromises regarding gemstone choice or craftsmanship need be made. For gold bracelets, you should have the option to select a 14k or 18k bracelet and also choose the gold color. If you are looking for a white gold bracelet, there is no reason why you should be happy with a yellow gold aquamarine bracelet. Jewellers make gold bracelets with low weight, this is done to allow lower price tags. They really don't care what problems these light weight junk will cause you after the payment has been made.

Step Five

Good Craftsmanship: Insist on good craftsmanship for your bracelet, this should be the case for gold or silver bracelets. Bad craftsmanship could also mean loose gemstones and badly connected links. It is true that mass produced bracelets cannot be given individual attention. This is the reason why a custom bracelet could be best for you. Good craftsmanship is essential for ladies and men's bracelets, make sure that your bracelet is well crafted. Good craftsmanship provides more than just good appearance for your bracelet, this will clearly work to your advantage in the longterm.

 

Rings are circles. In all cultures the circle is a symbol of unity and eternity, encompassing all. In early cultures, rings were considered magical or sacred through their association with the sun, moon and gods, thus giving protection to the wearer by binding one with power and energy.

Some of the magical mythology of ancient times still influences how and why we wear rings. Kings, priests and healers wore rings on the index finger because that finger was thought to be especially powerful. Medicines were applied to the body with the index finger to give speed and power to their effect. Even today, wearers of healing gemstones wear the rings on the index finger to take the best advantage of the curing energies.

The strongest magical tradition that still holds fast today is the one about the third or ring finger. The ring finger was thought to contain a nerve that went directly to the heart. Wearing a wedding or engagement ring on the ring finger still symbolizes the binding commitment and union of hearts. The Meaning of Fingers When Wearing Rings:

Right Hand vs. Left Hand

In the dual nature of man, the right and left hands are part of his whole being yet represent his twofold conscious and subconscious mind. The left hand (the subconscious) is a reflection of his deeply buried instinct, beliefs and attitudes. The right hand (the conscious) reflects his logic and his awareness. Wearing rings on your left hand could symbolize your unknowing wish to strengthen the powers associated with the finger that wears the ring. Rings on the right hand reflect your desire to control your life and actions.

The Thumb: Will Power

The thumb represents the self. Set apart from other fingers but working in unison with them to give strength to the hand that the others cannot, the thumb symbolized our self in our world. It is associated with logic and will power which govern our actions. Rings on the thumb symbolize freedom and independence of thought and action.

The Index Finger: Authority & Ambition

This finger reflects our need to enhance our ego. The forefinger, throughout history, has represented authority and power. It is associated with leadership and ambition. Kings, priests and healers wore rings on the index finger because that finger was thought to be especially powerful. Nowadays, people wear rings on the index finger as a show of assertiveness.

The Middle Finger: Identity & Materialism

The middle finger is associated with our role in life. Being in the center of the hand, it symbolizes personal identity and those things that are at central to our world. Those wearing rings on the middle fingers are well balanced yet wish to be at the center of attention.

The Ring Finger: Emotion & Creativity

The third finger is associated with affections because it is the one with a direct connection to the heart. It also represents our creativity and artistic self. A wedding or engagement ring on this finger proclaims to the world that the wearer emotions and creative goals are committed to the giver of the ring. If the ring is acquired by the wearer instead of a mate, it symbolizes self worth and a commitment to one personal skills and talents.

Little Finger: Relationships

The little finger is at the opposite end from the thumb. While the thumb symbolizes the inner self, the little finger is associated with others outside of ourselves. It sits on the outside of our hands, facing the world. It is the relationship finger, expressing our attitudes towards other people, sex, and the material world. Rings on the little finger represent confidence and independence in personal and business relationships. Rings here can also express a person attitude about sexuality and how appealing they consider themselves to be.

FAMILY

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.

He said, "Please excuse me too;
I wasn't watching for you."

We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way and we said good-bye.

But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.

Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My son stood beside me very still.

When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.

He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

While I lay awake in bed,
God's still small voice came to me and said,

"While dealing with a stranger,
common courtesy you use,
But the family you love, you seem to abuse.

Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.

Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.

He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,
You never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small,
And now my tears began to fall.

I quietly went and knelt by his bed;
"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.

"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"
He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.

I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."

I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."
He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay.
I love you anyway."

I said, "Son, I love you too, and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

FAMILY
Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company
that we are working for could easily replace us in
a matter of days.
But the family we left behind will feel the loss
For the rest of their lives.

And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more
into work than into our own family,
an unwise investment indeed,
Don't you think?
So what is behind the story?

Do you know what the word FAMILY means?
FAMILY = (F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU