Brooches

Brooches were also known as fibulae in the ancient times. They were a practical of jewelry which were designed as an attachment to the daily clothing. Brooches were usually more often than not manufactured from various soft metals and had encrusted gemstones. But it was also possible to find pendants that were made of gold, silver or bronze which could also be decorated with gemstones. They are worn as either an ornamental accessory or had practical aspects to them...which were to hold clothing together, such as a ladies neckerchief or cloak.The earliest shawl pins were known to be from the bronze age. The peoples of great dynasties wore pendants in the bronze age as an ornamental clasp. They were also worn by Celts and migratory tribes in Europe. They were usually made in the shape of a large safety pin and were used as a means of holding clothing together. They were an important significance of the identity of the person wearing them usually representing class. They came in various designs which indicated the ethnicity of class.An ornately designed pin was an important part of late antique dress and simpler designs were part of Roman uniform dress.Women would wear them in pairs to fasten their dresses, and a single shawl pin was most likely used to hold their clothes together. These items have been made in a wide variety of shapes and sizes throughout histor with the decoration and design being different from region to region. Centuries back with the expansion of wealth and the creation of a market for inexpensive jewelry the brooch became a popular type of personal decoration.Ancient ornaments are prized items for collectors as they are often very well preserved and are relatively easy to acquire. But why would you when you can have beautiful gorgeous ones at a fraction of the cost for the ancient ones? Today many people still choose to wear a brooch as a decorative piece of fashion accent. They come in many different shapes and sizes with or without gems. Here are a few of the more popular ones these days:

Finding Unique and Attractive Mens Jewellery

Unique and beautiful mens jewellery encompasses modern designs and wonderful works of art. Contemporary and antique jewellery articles including watche cuff links chains and bracelets are widely available on the internet and in local stores. People nowadays like to wear one-of-a-kind jewellery items to look different and unique. Leather and rubber bracelets chainmail necklaces Figaro chains and antique-style rings for men are popular jewellery items. Tri color rolling rings and titanium link necklaces are liked by a lot of men out there. Similarly platinum engagement rings and wedding bands are practical choices and highly appreciated in all parts of the world.
If you are looking for affordable jewellery for men you can check out two-tone articles made of titanium and tungsten carbide. Both these metals are inexpensive but look stunning. Rubber and leather bracelets are also quite reasonably priced and can be easily located online. Stainless steel is another material which comes very cheap and you can find designer and handmade watches made of stainless steel in the inexpensive category. These articles are available for as low as $10. Designer items can be located in the clearance sale category where they are sold in the price range of $100 to $500.
Chainmail mens jewellery made of copper gold fill brass titanium and sterling silver is beautiful and unique. Many jewellery designers are making exceptional bracelets, necklaces, pendants and rings in this category. Their works are not only unique but very attractive as well. Custom chainmail jewellery is highly appreciated. Copper chainmail bracelets for men look attractive and lovely. Some people also wear brass and copper articles because they believe these materials can cure their diseases. Chainmail jewellery is very popular in Japan and you can now find authentic Japanese chainmail articles online. Handcrafted filigree rings and bracelets are equally beautiful and outstanding.
Some men prefer wearing diamond and gold watches. These watches are quite expensive but you can find wholesale watches in mens jewellery which are reasonably priced. Biker bracelets and pendants are preferred choices of young, enthusiastic men. Scary shapes like skull and bones are engraved on these jewellery articles which look daunting and threatening. One such bracelet in sterling silver and leather can be bought for $80. Another unique choice can be carbon fiber jewellery which is not only reasonably priced but also quite beautiful and long lasting. Cuff links, tie clips, and bracelets can be found in this category.
Grills are another popular and unique mens jewellery item which is worn on the surface of teeth just like braces. There might be some health implications associated with this type of jewellery article so make sure you have done enough research before buying it. Grills are available in all kinds of materials including gold and silver. It is a known fact that high quality grills made of expensive and precious metals are not harmful. In addition to this, you can also check out black tungsten rings for men that are simple yet elegant. They are also less expensive than pure gold or platinum rings

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Winter fashion trend for Women

When winter arrives people start purchasing winter wears. The outfits of winter can be worn year after year and that is why it is necessary to choose the items made from quality material so that it can last year after year. The cost of winter clothing can be little costly than other clothing because the material used while manufacturing such clothing is costly and also winter wears are highly demandable. Among the winter clothing, Ladies winter wears comes in various designs and variety of vibrant colors. During wild winters it is inevitable to have a winter coat that looks classic and comfortable to wear. Before investing into such costly winter wears it is necessary to select a right design so that you can wear it with casual wear to business wear and also with formal wear. Get the classic designs because such coats will last season after season and it will never be out of fashion.
Winter season is filled with lots of holiday parties and it is also real time for fun. The ladies party wears like velvet skirt is the perfect clothing for winter. There are lots of colors and length of skirts made of pure velvet available in the shops. However in winter season the shops display all the winter clothing and there are some stores which are especially known for ladies winter wear. They offer long sweater winter wear shirts ladies long coats, embroidered and turtleneck sweater etc. These clothing are good for keeping the body warm and are also easily affordable.
The fabulous colors of winter clothing include black, red and other darker colors. However the lighter tone women should stick to beige and cream. Choose the perfect colors that suit on you and it will make you really stand out in the crowd.

women leather jeckets are another great example for ladies winter wear which comes in the category of women designer clothing. Leather jackets can beautifully cover the body from neck to knee. According to the customers demands there are various leather coasts of different length and style. Generally such outfits are suitable on those people who are of serious faces and high profile detective works. Women leather jackets are available in a number of colors, sizes and styles. Such clothing can enhance the beauty of women with an elegant touch.
women desiner clothing like leather jackets are of various patters like Crocodile alligator and snakeskin are some of the most famous embossing patterns done on leather jackets. Again leather jackets for women are available in closed open and no collars patters. Get the latest pattern that can suite on you impeccably.

Winter Fashion Trends for Men

Winter is a difficult time to look fashionable especially if you live in a colder climate. However it is not impossible. To start with you can buy clothing that are made from warmer materials like wool and cashmere, and that also reflect the colors and patterns from this season’s clothing trends. Generally speaking winter fashion trends will relay partially on the timeless winter classics so you won’t need to replace your entire winter wardrobe to stay in style, as long as you know what these timeless pieces are you should only have to buy a few new winter pieces each season to stay in style.

To build a winter wardrobe that follows the current winter fashion trends you will want to start with your footwear. While you may not think that winter boots offer much flexibility when it comes to fashion choices there really are a lot of great options to choose from. However if you want a boot that will remain in style through several seasons then you can’t go wrong with a black winter boot. Then if you winter budget can stand it buy a second and/or third pair of boots in this season’s colors and styles.

The next area of your body that you will want to protect from the coldness of winter is the lower half of your body. To stay warm look for pants that have a flattering cut for your body type and that are also made from a heavier material like wool. If you like to wear skirts in the winter then you can protect your legs by wearing colored tights.

To really pull your fashion forward winter wardrobe together you will want to look for top options that really pop. Joules Jumpers, Joules scarves, and fashion accessories can also easily be added to reflect winter fashion trends from this season. For the best clothing options for your body look for tops that have a shape that de emphasizes your problem areas and that also have a color palette that compliments your skin tone and hair color.

Cesare Paciotti FW 09.10 Ads by Mario Sorrenti

Even though the 'lesbian chic' style has been done to death, photographer Mario Sorrenti manages to keep it hot and interesting in the new Cesare Paciotti Fall-Winter 2009-2010 ad campaign. The ads feature models Constance Jablonski and Eniko Mihalik.

Michael Jackson Ticket Refund - Details on How to Refund Tickets Announced

Ticket holders of Michael Jackson's supposed-to-be farewell concert "This Is It" in the O2 Arena are now being offered an option to refund the canceled show by its promoter AEG Live. However, only tickets bought to a licensed distributor will be refunded. It was determined that AEG collected a total of $85 million for about 1 million tickets that were sold for the 50 concert performances scheduled. People can start the process to get their full refund starting July 1 by visiting MichaelJacksonLive.com to start the process. However, there will be a "service charge" that will taken away from the amount they paid and fans who wish to keep the ticket itself as souvenirs will not be able to get full refund.

If I were a fan of MJ who’s lucky enough to have tickets, I wouldn't exchange it for anything because time will come these tickets will be high-valued collector's items. The ticket itself was designed by Michael Jackson himself and was specifically printed using "lenticular process" that made those tickets have a "3D look". All tickets can be refunded until August 14. For more info about the Michael Jackson Ticket refund news, you can read it in Variety.

BACK IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

One of the great things about living in Philly is the array of fantastic food practically in our own backyard. We're just a few blocks from the Italian Market and shop there weekly. When visiting out-of-town friends and family I often bring an antipasto spread from the market--sweet and tangy sundried tomatoes, spicy poppers, luscious marinated artichokes, salty Kalamata olives, creamy Chevrion goat cheese and warm-from-the-oven Sarcone's bread. Just as often I pick up a few items for Kevin and I to enjoy. Here's one recipe for an easy, no-cook meal (and a shopping excursion that's so much better than a grocery store):

STEP ONE: Go to Claudio's (924 South Ninth Street), preferably on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Wander past the hanging provolone and racks of olive oil ...


... sample goodies from the olive bar ...


... while you wait for Sal to slice paper-thin prosciutto ...


... or Ben to scoop up mounds of pillowy soft fresh mozzarella (made on premises).


Before leaving, stock up on a hunk of parmigiano-reggiano for tomorrow night's dinner.


STEP TWO: Pick up a bag of baby arugula from the farmstand near Anthony's Coffee House (at a fraction of the cost of Whole Foods up the street).

STEP THREE: Stop by Sarcone's (758 South Ninth Street) for a seeded loaf.


Go early (they sell out every single day).



STEP FOUR: Once home, arrange the washed arugula in a bowl. Top with curls of prosciutto and slabs of mozzarella.


STEP FIVE: Crack open a bottle of J. Lohr chardonnay, grab the bread, head out to the backyard with someone you love and toast to a soft summer evening in the city.

Photos by Doreen Creede. Salad inspired by Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers' Italian Two Easy cookbook.

Diamond Watches

Diamonds are beautiful jewels and are used in many types of jewelry from diamond necklaces to diamond rings to diamond watches. They are becoming more and more popular with both men and women due to the fact that they do not have to be too flashy. Both men and women continually look for new ways to use diamonds. Diamonds are not a rarity by any means. They are very easy to find and purchase. The diamond watch is becoming more and more popular. They have become less expensive. It is also easier for consumers to find diamond watches. Diamond watches are something that both men and women can wear. The diamond watches are made in many sizes, shapes and styles. The prices of diamond watches vary just about as much as the styles do. There are diamond watches that can be worn by women out on the track. These diamond watches are a way of showing that women can wear the diamond watches even when they are active. This type of diamond watch functions just like any other sport watch, but it has the diamonds and looks a bit nicer than the typical sport watch. Women still wear the classic style of diamond watch. This type of diamond watch is typically worn for a nice evening out on the town. Some of the popular brands that make the classic style of diamond watch include Rolex, Seiko, Citizen, Omega, Bulova, and Cartier. Men are sporting diamond watches more and more. The diamond watch for men is distinguished and beautiful at the same time. Many of the same dealers that make women’s’ diamond watches also make men’s diamond watches. So men’s diamond watches are just as readily available as women’s diamond watches. The dealers do not make men’s diamond watches to look the same as women’s diamond watches, though. The men’s diamond watch is larger and more masculine looking. They look more powerful looking than a woman’s diamond watch. When purchasing a diamond watch it is important to know what you are getting. You want to know the quality of the diamonds in the diamond watch you are purchasing. Price and quality do not always match when it comes to diamond watches. Purchasing a more expensive diamond watch does not necessarily mean that you are purchasing high quality diamonds. Instead of looking at the price of diamond watches, be sure to purchase your diamond watch through a reputable dealer. Whether you are a man or a woman you can find a diamond watch to fit your personality and lifestyle. A diamond watch is sure to be in style as long as man continues to exist. Diamond watches step a wardrobe up a notch from ho hum to ooh nice. It does not matter how much money you make you can find a diamond watch from a reputable dealer that will fit into your budget. Go out and shop for your diamond watch. Watch and see for your self how a diamond watch can enhance your wardrobe step up the excitement in your life.

A look at the History of Jewellery Fashion

Since the dawn of human civilization adorning the body in jewels and other precious materials has been an accepted and encouraged form of beautification. From the early African tribes over seventy thousand years ago to modern time Hollywood starlets women in particular have loved the look and feel of several different jewellery styles. For instance in early times many items like necklaces, bracelets, and fasteners for clothing, were made by hand out of the bones, teeth, and sometimes sinews of animals that were hunted and killed for food clothing and shelter. Several cultures throughout the world's history have set their own history making trends in jewellery including Greece Egypt and the Americas and today millions of women as well as men enjoy spending millions of dollars a year on exquisite jewelled creations and trendy fashion accessories. Culturally jewellery has played a very important part in the lives of human beings since prehistoric times and even more so fine jewellery made of rare and beautiful metals and jewels has been sought after and desired for centuries. The Egyptians are one of the first cultures who showed preference for the finer things in life, preferring the luxurious look of the rare metal gold. However the Egyptians didn't incorporate many precious stones with their jewellery. Instead they preferred to use stained glass because it allowed them to use a much wider variety of hues and colours that were more pleasing to the eye than the precious gems available to them. During the reign of Cleopatra however fine jewellers of Egypt were in demand to mine the Red Sea for the precious stone Emerald, which was the Pharoah's favourite adornment gem. In Egyptian culture as well as many others in history women were often adorned with fine jewels and precious metals of exquisite craftsmanship for ceremonial purposes and people who were of royalty were buried with elaborate collections of gold silver ivory and an assortment of gems chalices or other jewelled items of value. After the Second World War people began to acquire the love of wearable art once again and with the modern era making various materials easily accessible many different forms of jewellery began to appear. Some of the newly discovered materials by this point were pearls Precious Metal Clay and moissanite which was a diamond simulant. In recent decades trends like the "Bling" style of jewellery made popular by Hip Hop artists and urban fashion designer are worn by thousands of men and women across the planet. However in high fashion a combination of new trends with classically inspired pieces are all the rage recently and the once taboo fashion of body piercing and modification is becoming more and more acceptable by society as a true sign of trendsetting fashion.
In modern times jewellery remains a symbol of affluence and individuality in the people who appreciate it. However imitation jewellery has become far more socially acceptable which has increased demand for specialists have seen a sharp increase in the popularity of so-called costume jewellery in recent years, thought to be a result of the celebrity obsession with all things bling.