SHOW ME YOUR RINGS! XCII

{from top to bottom:

Colette Jewelry stacks up some new pieces that are dark yet colorful!

The Gem Hunter showing off some rings of the day, including some that are for sale

The Eden Collective creates a moody feminine vibe with cameos and black hearts

a fist full of Jacquie Aiche jewels some of my favorites in her collections

Roseark wearing Gienia Design + Barry Brinker Fine Jewelry, a winning combination

Doves Jewelry proves that all one color can have a major impact, love it

Logan Hollowell Jewelry creates stacks that are elegant, trendy and downright beautiful 

Broken English Jewelry plays with Andrea Fohrman's celestial rings

stacks and stacks of Sirciam Jewelry on the fingers and on jewelry cases}

 

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Weekday Wardrobe: New Favorites

Since coming back from Vegas and NYC, my days have been long and filled with writing and running all kinds of errands. From Sunday morning brunches, to post office runs, to family dinners, my style has been changing daily and almost always depends on what I have planned. Some days I'm lucky if I get a chance to breathe fresh air outside, while other days I've spent more time on the road in my car than normal...but that is what I like about being self-employed and I'm excited for the summer.

Most recently, I was playing in my jewelry box and for some reason or another a lightbulb went off--I took my collection of figas and strung them on my hardwire gold collar necklace. As soon as I put the necklace on I knew that this was one of my greatest moves I've ever made. I'm obsessed with the look and it totally caters to my collecting mantra by displaying my pieces perfectly.  I actually have 6 more figas that don't have jumprings, so I'm off now to get them put on by my jeweler. 

I've also been experimenting with different kinds of earrings to create a "full" look, meaning ALL the way up my ear. To achieve this look without the pain of multiple piercings, I suggest some comfortable ear cuffs. Some are more comfortable than others and it depends on the craftsmanship, so try them out--see if you're able to wear for a full day before committing to buy. 

In the first photo shown, I'm wearing a pair of ombré amethyst ear studs with jackets by Jewelmak. These are so cool and give me a pop of color, which is perfect for summertime. I kept it simple up top with 14k gold balls studs in various sizes, a Paige Novick diamond ear cuff and a vintage swirl motif ear cuff I found on Ruby Lane. 

The photo below shows off my figa necklace and a carved opal necklace I recently sold. My earring look is simple to recreate; two pearl stud earrings of various sizes and a gold huggie earring from Stacy Nolan. 

Day One: (spent doing emails all day and typing blog posts, hence the Beavis & Butthead t-shirt)

Elongated lapis and enamel ring, from Sarah's Vintage & Estate Jewelry in Buffalo, NY

Antique diamond & sapphire ring from Excalibur Jewelry found in Tucson this year

Pear-shaped vintage lapis ring that I can't stop wearing because it is so comfortable and bold

Day Two:

Diamond crossover pinky ring by Halleh Jewelry

"Ring One" from my Gem Gossip Jewelry line, since retired

Fringe ring in 14k yellow gold by Ashley Childs

A stack of "Ring One with diamond" from my Gem Gossip Jewelry line, since retired

Day Three:

Oval vintage Mexican ring done in 14k yellow gold

Crescent moon ring in 14k yellow gold by Amanda Hunt Jewelry

Dendritic agate ring from Joden Jewelry in Grove City, PA

Day Four:

Glass + 10k yellow gold ring, heirloom from my Gram

elongated diamond ring turn-of-the-century from my friend Priscilla

Diamond shaped ring set with old cut brown diamonds, from STORE 5a

Day 5:

turquoise baby rings, worn as pinky ring and midi ring

Victorian turquoise ring from eBay

Victorian turquoise ring with engraving on entire closed-back, from Gold Hatpin

Turquoise and diamond cluster ring found at the Nashville Flea Market

 

WANT MORE? Check out my past Weekday Wardrobe posts

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3 Tips to Converting a Tub to a Shower

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Converting a bathtub into a shower is not as difficult as you may think. If you don’t use your bathtub for bathing, why not convert your old bathtub into a walk in shower? Here are 3 tips on converting a tub to a shower.

Determine Spacing & Placement
A bathtub to shower conversion is easiest when you situate your new open shower in the space left behind by your bathtub, since your drain lines and water supply will already be in place. Moving plumbing can add significant cost to the project, plus require bringing in a plumber.

Spacing Required for a Walk In Shower:

• At least 30 inches by 30 inches of floor space.
• At least 80 inches in height.
• At least 15 inches between the side of the toilet and the shower wall.
• Or at least 21 inches between the front of the toilet and the shower wall.
• If you plan to install a swinging door, make sure to account for the swing. Source: BudgetDumpster

Waterproofing and Drainage
Properly sealing the shower floor from water leaks will help protect your home from problems associated with water leaks, like wood rot, drywall damage and mold. Hot mops are prepared onsite and are the best way to waterproof the shower pan.

A standard drain may not be sufficient to stand the test of time. To ensure your shower remodel lasts for many years, select a high quality and durable drain. Source: Angieslist

Which Type of Shower Works Best for Your Space?
Now that you have some ideas about what you want your shower to look like, you’ll want to consider the best type of shower to install in your bathroom.

Shower stalls
All-in-one shower stalls that can be added to an existing tub-sized space can make your job easier. Many options exist with built-in ledges and shelving; some even have seating areas. The stalls typically include a curb to contain water and the option of installing any type of door you wish — or even just using a curtain.

Tiled shower curbs
A tiled shower created in the existing wall space usually necessitates a curb or ledge that will hold the door and keep the water inside the shower. The curb should be tall enough to contain moisture and short enough to step over easily. Curbs should also be polished and have smooth edges to reduce injury.

Curbless showers
Showers with no lip to contain the water make it much easier to access the shower, especially for the elderly or disabled. But beyond that, curbless showers offer a particular open look that is appealing and modern. The curbless style can also save you a little space if you’re making the most of a small area.

The issue with a curbless shower, of course, is the difficulty of containing the water. This problem can be minimized by choosing a shower screen — essentially, a pivoting glass door — and a directed showerhead that keeps the flow of water moving away from the rest of the bathroom. Source: HomeAdvisor

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

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Q & A: How Do I Use My Steam Bath For The First Time

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

So, you’ve taken the plunge (so to speak) and purchased your very own steam shower. Perhaps you’ve opted for a pre-fabricated, modular type that’s ready to use as soon as the pieces are properly secured and sealed. Or, perhaps you’ve splurged on a complete custom steam room. Whichever course you’ve followed, you can now have a personal spa experience any time you feel like it.

Even though you have the user instructions that came with the steam shower unit, and advice from either our support technicians or your own contractor, you may be wondering how exactly you should use your steam shower for the first time.

Best tips for getting most enjoyment out of steam shower.

Begin by ensuring that your body temperature is at room temperature or cooler. Then, turn on the steam function. Sit back on the bench and soak up the warm steam for no more than 30 minutes. Afterwards, you can cool off by stepping out of the steam shower unit. Or, you can stand under the cool spray of the water. The key to enjoying the whole experience is to move gradually from one step to the other. Don’t shock your system by jumping into hot steam or standing under cold water at the end.

Did you opt for a combination steam shower-whirlpool tub? Lucky you! You have the option of switching at will between a relaxing steam shower and soaking in a luxury steam bath. As with the steam shower, make sure your body is not already too warm before slipping into the whirlpool tub. The key is to always make sure that you don’t overtax your circulation. “Used properly, a steam bath will help to overcome the stresses of everyday life, to relax and recover, and to gain new strength and improve general physical and mental well being” .

Do you have questions about how to use your steam shower or whirlpool tub? Ask us!

Contributed by: Perfectbath.com steam shower experts

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David Webb Makes Their Debut at Couture

Don't ever say you can't teach an old dog new tricks. At nearly 70 years old, David Webb still reigns supreme as an iconic, American jewelry house full of the most exquisite designs. One look at a David Webb piece and you KNOW it is a David Webb piece. From the finest craftsmanship, to the bold enamels and well-known motifs, the jewelry has been delighting since 1948. They have a strong following, a large amount of die-hard collectors and a presence known worldwide; not to mention a showroom/workshop located on Madison Avenue in NYC and a boutique in Beverly Hills. You'd think debuting for the first time at a tradeshow would not be on their agenda. Could such a legendary American brand make a move like that? And if so, how could they "do it their way"?

I was very curious myself...however feeling more excited than any other emotion. I made sure that David Webb was first on my Couture agenda--Villa 112 was the place and I was ready to gawk, gander and swoon. Walking into the Villa, I thought I was in their NYC boutique for a minute. Luxury was brought to the desert and the animal kingdom followed along too. I got to see many of the pieces that hit the red carpet over the past year--like totem necklaces, which one was worn by Nicole Richie back in November and I still can't think of a better look. I love seeing David Webb worn on the red carpet and it is always magical when it happens. Speaking of red carpet, nothing would look more incredible than the turquoise and emerald necklace I got to try on while at Couture--could you imagine that on the red carpet?!  Hopefully it will happen in the future. I also got to revisit some animal favorites--like panthers and cats (rings) and dolphins, fish and snakes (bracelets). 

One new aspect of David Webb which debuted during Vegas Jewelry Week, is a scaled down collection with a lower price point than typical pieces. This new collection, called Motif, features black and white enamel and appeals to all ages.  There are also new entry-level pieces from the Tool Chest collection, which I actually am a proud-owner of from the off-chance I entered my name into the drawing to win a pair of Nail Stud Earrings. I couldn't believe I won! I've obviously been wearing them ever since. (The next day I wore them to the Antique Show, and almost every dealer commented on them!) I've included a photo of the earrings above (last photo) and they are done in 18k hammered gold and are only $680.

Be sure to stop by David Webb if you're ever in the NYC area or Beverly Hills to check the new collection out. If you thought you'd never be able to afford a piece of David Webb, think again--this new collection may be your chance!

Special thanks to Levi Higgs of David Webb for taking the photos!

 

Want more? See my visit to their NYC boutique

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Arik Kastan Debuts New Styles at Couture 2017

Arik Kastan and their team have been busy debuting some new designs and collections while out in Vegas for Couture. Buyers, press, journalists all hovered over their booth to get a glimpse of the new styles and fun gemstone combinations that still have people talking. As usual, Arik Kastan's booth was one that couldn't be missed when attending this year's tradeshow.

If you missed out attending Vegas, we've got you covered in this installment--which is shown here on Gem Gossip, as well as all of Arik Kastan's Newsletter subscribers. Be sure to sign up if you haven't below!

A padlock on a thin chain is all you need for a night out in Vegas! This one has us telling our friends it is perfect in every way. Classic and cool for a modern woman who still likes a nod from the past.

Oval cluster padlock in emerald + diamonds, Price: $2,360

We weren't ready for how much of an impact we would bring to Couture with our green agate pieces!  Comments like, "what stone is this, it is amazing?!" and "this green color is glowing!!" have really made us proud. This ring is one of our favorites.

Five-Stone Art Deco ring in green agate + sapphire, Price: $1,280

Since we are on a green/blue kick, we've changed things up by using emeralds and turquoise. This earring style and gemstone combo are totally chic, and we could picture these on a summer getaway on a plane near you!

Deco Rhombus Drop Earrings in turquoise + emerald, Price: $1,830

To go along with the above earrings, we've created this ring which is sweet as can be! It is stack-ready and as we've said before, awaiting summer. Try wearing this one on your pinky if you're wanting to do something more unique. Your friends will catch on.

Deco Lilac ring in turquoise + emerald, Price: $1,170

Feeling the summer heat over here in Vegas, which is why we're opting to keep our necklace situation simple. We have been wearing the Aster necklace most of the week and it has brought the right amount of sparkle and femininity to our lives. Definitely our kind of Vegas vibes.

Aster Pendant in diamonds, Price: $1,830

Before we head back to LA from scorching Vegas, we want to point out our Delilah ring because SHE'S CUTE. One of our most-requested rings during our trade show and we can't wait to see these on your fingers! 

Delilah ring in emerald + diamonds, Price: $2,200

We couldn't wait to show off our newest vintage-inspired bow rings which debuted at Couture. And the newest gemstone color combo that had store and editors swooning--green agate and sapphires. Look out for them to hit the website soon! Can't wait? Email info@arikkastan.com

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Why Some Gemstones Make Terrible Engagement Rings

The above gemstones are all beautiful, but which would make a great engagement ring and which two are bad choices for an everyday wear piece?

Alternative engagement rings have been popular long before Princess Diana (and subsequently Kate Middleton) donned a blue sapphire. In fact, diamonds weren’t commonly used in engagement rings until the early 20th century. Stones were picked based on birthdays, symbolism, and what color was in-vogue at the time.

While it can be exciting to imagine an engagement ring with mystical and trendy stones like opal and moonstone, these gemstones actually make terrible engagement rings. So terrible that you might find yourself sulking over a ruined ring with a stone that has been chipped and gouged beyond repair. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Why Won't Some Gemstones Work?

Even though I don’t recommend wearing your rings ALL the time, most engagement rings are worn nearly every day. Even if you are the gentlest person on the planet, your engagement ring will always be subject to potential damage. Some stones simply shouldn’t take that risk because the gemstone may not be hard enough to handle even the slightest impact.

Every gemstone has a hardness factor, which basically tells us how much bumping and scraping a gem can take before it becomes scratched or damaged. This hardness is ranked between 1-10 on what is known as the Mohs Scale of Hardness. In theory, the higher the number on the Mohs Scale, the harder and more durable the gemstone is. There are exceptions to this rule, but generally, the lower the number, the more you shouldn’t use this stone as an engagement ring.

How Does the Mohs Scale Figure Out Hardness?

The best way I can think to explain this is exactly how I learned it in my Geology 101 class my Freshman year of college. Let’s see if you can follow, and for those of you that already know this, bear with me. The Mohs Scale ranks a gemstone’s hardness by whether or not it can be scratched by other gemstones or materials. If the gemstone being scratched shows a mark or abrasion, it is softer than (or equal to) the material that scratched it. If the hardness is equal, the gemstone that was scratched should also be able to effectively scratch the material that scratched it.

Since diamonds are ranked highest on the Mohs Scale at a 10, they should essentially be able to scratch every other gemstone’s surface.

Why Diamonds are Forever

One reason diamonds are so prized for engagement rings is because of their rank on the Mohs Scale. At a 10, diamonds are the hardest substance known to man. In fact, no other gemstone comes close to this hardness factor. This doesn’t mean diamonds are indestructible (more on this in a future post), but it does mean that it is much more difficult to damage a diamond than say a garnet that ranks between 6.5 - 7.5.

What Stones are the Absolute Worst for Engagement Rings?

Not to dissuade you, but if a gemstone makes this list, you’ll really want to rethink your strategy before using it in an engagement ring. That’s not to say you couldn’t. Some of these stones are significantly less expensive than diamonds, so if they become damaged, they could easily be replaced.

A word of warning though -- take extra care not to get sentimentally attached to the stone itself, since you might be forced to replace it someday. You could also opt to not wear the ring every day. Save it for special occasions and wear your wedding band instead. There are no engagement ring rules stating you have to wear your ring seven days a week, and who says you should only have one!

But, regardless, these gemstones will make the worst non-diamond engagement rings:

1. Opal: Ranks 5.5 - 6.5 and is very susceptible to crazing and chipping.
2. Moonstone: Ranks 6 - 6.5 with a polished cab surface that is easy to scratch.
3. Pearl: Ranks 2.5 - 4.5 and has a nacre coating that can peel away. 
4. Emerald: Ranks 7.5 - 8 which is hard but this stone is very prone to cracking. 
5. Garnet: Ranks 6.5 - 7 and will easily show age around facet edges in time. 

Best Engagement Ring Stones Other Than Diamonds:

All hope is not lost if you’re set on using a gemstone other than a diamond for your engagement ring. Even though most of these gemstones aren’t as durable as diamonds, they will stay in great shape for a lifetime as long as you take proper care of your jewelry.

Here are some of my favorite alternative engagement ring stones:

1. Aquamarine: Ranks 7.5 - 8 and has a gorgeous pale blue color.
2. Blue Sapphire: Ranks 9 with a classic, timeless appeal.
3. Ruby: Ranks 9 and is perfect for a more feminine style.
4. Morganite: Ranks 7.5 - 8, is pale with peach undertones.

There are so many other gemstones not listed here and other factors that affect durability, too. But this guide should at least get you started. Remember to always look up a gemstone’s hardness on the Mohs Scale. If it ranks below a 6, do a little more research and weigh your options. Good luck and happy hunting!

 

 

This post was contributed by:

 

 

 

Lauren Thomann | I: @agelessheirlooms | W: http://ift.tt/1cFJoBC

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Étoile by Millennium – Availability, Plans, Pricing

At a Glance

• 26- & 32-storey residential buildings
• 390 x 1- to 3-bedroom condos
• 8 work/live townhouses
• heated rooftop pool
• fitness centre
• close to Brentwood Town Centre shopping
• near BCIT & SFU
• walking distance to Skytrain

Where Elegance Resides

Étoile is a premium collection of 398 new Burnaby residences situated in rapidly-developing Brentwood Town Centre. Two slender towers provide one- to three-bedroom condominiums and townhomes that will feature spacious floorplans and large balconies, extending your living space outdoors for you to enjoy spectacular panoramic views.

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Étoile is ideally located just a short drive away from the numerous shops, services, and restaurants surrounding the intersection of Willingdon and Lougheed Highway, making it easy to take care of day-to-day necessities. Holdom Skytrain station is a mere five-minute walk away, providing convenient access to Vancouver, the Tri-Cities, and New Westminster. For outdoor activities you needn’t venture far. Burnaby Lake Regional Park features 19 kilometres of walking trails, rowing, kayaking, archery, tennis, and an equestrian centre.

Pricing for Étoile
For interested buyers, contact me for details.

Floor Plans for Étoile
This project is currently in pre-construction. A variety of open floor plans will be available with the following unit mix:

• 196 x 1-bedroom condos from 574-584 sq ft
• 182 x 2-bedroom + den condos from 821-1,247 sq ft
• 12 x 3-bedroom condos from 1,031-1,036 sq ft
• 8 x 3-bedroom + work area townhomes

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Étoile Interiors
Each home features 9′ ceilings, central air-conditioning, unobstructed panoramic mountain views, and large balconies. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to create the most livable floorplans, with nearly every unit being a corner unit.

Amenities at Étoile
A grand porte cochère and spacious lobby offer an impressive welcome to your home, or you can choose to entertain guests in the ground floor lounge. A heated rooftop swimming pool means you can warm down from a workout in the fitness room throughout the year. The landscaped podium deck also includes a children’s play zone, barbeque area, seating, and garden plots.

Parking and Storage
Étoile will offer 459 vehicle parking spaces on four levels — one underground and three above ground — 44 of which will have electric vehicle charging stations, 39 will be for visitors, and five will be accessible parking stalls. There will also be four car share vehicles, 797 secured bicycle stalls, 92 visitor bicycle spaces, a 4-station bicycle repair/maintenance area, bike trailer storage, and 2 residential loading bays.

Maintenance Fees at Étoile
Will be included with pricing information.

Developer Team for Étoile
Millennium Development Group is an award-winning, Vancouver-based real estate developer and master-planned community builder. They strive to create legacies through thoughtful design and high-quality construction that complements the natural beauty of the West Coast landscape. Millennium’s projects include mixed-use complexes, residential towers, shopping malls, office buildings, and industrial centres representing approximately $6 billion built or under development in Canada and abroad. Notable projects include the Olympic Village, City in the Park, One Madison Avenue, Bristol at UBC, and One University Crescent at SFU.

Chris Dikeakos Architects is a Burnaby-based architectural firm with a strong reputation for multi-unit and highrise residential design. Their work ranges from concept and design development to construction drawings and site services, site capacity studies, master planning, urban design, and rezoning. Projects include the tallest residential highrise in San Diego, the tallest pure residential highrise in Los Angeles, and Solo District and Station Square in Burnaby.

CHIL Interior Design is the hospitality studio of B+H, a global leader in interior design, architecture, and planning & landscape. CHIL’s award-winning portfolio spans Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, North and South America for brands such as Shangri-La, Hilton, Fairmont, Marriott, and Four Seasons. Originally founded in 1974, CHIL leverages global resources to produce designs that are guided by their clients’ vision and goals. Each client’s story is translated into a physical space. Deep research and an understanding of current and future trends result in spaces that improve the way people live, work, play, relax, and heal.

Expected Completion for Étoile
2020.

Are you interested in learning more about other condos in Brentwood, Highgate, Lougheed, or Metrotown?

Check out these great Burnaby Properties!

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