Author Archive

Popular Glasses of England and Ireland

Uncategorized | Posted by admin
Sep 07 2010

Author: rhusain

The glasses in England and Ireland have almost the same features. Some of the glasses made in England were the rarest and most expensive one like the colored glass. The English produced the most popular wineglasses in the eighteenth century. The glasses produced in Ireland were almost the same with that of England.

England
The most popular production of the eighteenth century was that of wineglasses, and thousands remain of which the different patterns defy calculation. A particularly pleasing feature of many is the ‘twist’ stem; these are clear, white, or colored; the latter rarest and most expensive. The earliest glasses have a folded foot (with the outer edge turned under) later ones are with a plain thin edge.

In 1745 a duty was levied on all glass; as the duty was on the actual material the amount of this in each article was lessened, and more labor and time were expended on ornamentation. To this, together with changing fashion, is due the rise of cutting, enameling and engraving, which played an increasing part as the century, advanced. Members of the Beilby family of Newcastle-on-Tyne are famous for their enamel work. Decanters, introduced about 1750 and plain at first, became cut heavily, and before long cutting was the principal decoration of all pieces.

Chandeliers and pairs of candelabra were greatly in demand in the last half of the eighteenth century. The complex cut patterns glittered brilliantly by candlelight, enhanced by hanging chains of small glass drops. Old examples can still be bought, and most of them have been converted skillfully for use with electricity.

In Bristol, articles were made of a porcelain-like white glass, often painted delicately in colors. Blue and amethyst-colored glass was made there also, but the majority seen today has been manufactured in recent years and probably not in England. Nearby, at Nailsea, a large factory made jugs, rolling pins and similar domestic pieces. Many of these were in green-tinted bottle-glass, which was taxed at a lower rate and could be sold cheaply; others are made of glass striped in mixed colors. Pieces are described for convenience as ‘Nailsea’ and ‘Bristol’, but similar articles were made at glassworks up and down the country and it is rarely possible to say exactly whence they came.

Ireland
Irish glass, particularly Waterford, has been the subject of discussion for many years, but in fact it cannot usually be distinguished from that made in England at the same time. When some further Excise duties were placed on English glass in the last quarter of the eighteenth century, a few manufacturers sent craftsmen across to Ireland and opened factories there. A number of decanters have survived with raised inscriptions under the base reading ‘Penrose, Waterford’ and ‘Cork Glass Co.’, and these are indisputably of Irish make.

There was a tax levied also on the expensive glass produced in England. Due to the rise of cutting, enameling and engraving, which played an increasing part as the century advanced the cost of glass, went up. Some of their brilliant products were the Chandeliers and pairs of candelabra, which were greatly in demand, candlelight, green-tinted bottle-glass, etc. The glass was also inscribed in them, which have helped the study of these glasses to great extent.

GLASS BEADS -The History and Making Of

Uncategorized | Posted by admin
Apr 28 2010

Author: hbarile

Beads are amongst the oldest human art and technology, dating back 30,000 years. They have been dated back to at least Roman times. Perhaps the earliest glass-like beads were Egyptian faience beads, a form of clay with a self-forming vitreous coating.

Glass beads are usually categorized by the method used to manipulate the glass. Most fall into three main categories: wound, drawn, and moulded. There are composites, such as millefiori, where cross-sections of a drawn glass cane are applied to a wound glass core. A very minor industry in blown glass beads also existed in 19th century Venice and France.

It is believed that the Egyptians first used faience (a glazed fused quartz composite) but later developed the core, wound and mosaic methods of using glass to make beads and other decorations. They were the first culture to have glass-making guilds.

Glass beads, however, were not limited to the Egyptians in ancient times. There have been glass beads found in archaeological sites dated between 2,000BC and 10AD in both Austria and Switzerland.

In modern times, they have become a popular form of jewellery, especially in African cultures with necklaces,bracelets, and anklets made of these materials. They can be extremely colourful and bright, making them fashionable and popular in modern times for all cultures.

There are many types of beads and all are named according to the way they are made, including wound, drawn, moulded,lampwork, Dichroic, furnace and lead crystal.

The Types of glass used to construct these include rod, sheet, soda lime, lead, and borosilicate. The material chosen often depends on the hardness, colour, durability, and size required.

Nowadays the Czech Republic is a well-known and reputable producer of these object. Both online and in stores worldwide, Czech glass beads will be sold for a much high price on average than most other types of glass beads. These Czech pieces are often used in necklaces and bracelets and are sold in renowned jewellers across the globe. The Czech’s have a reputation for creating beautiful yet durable glass beads consistently.

Many people enjoy making their own jewellery . There are even stores where one can pay to make their own jewellery with glass beads that are provided for them. This has become a popular hobby for many people and has increased the recognition of glass beads across the world. In additon , Lampwork and other artictic craftybeads are back in vogue on the jewellery ciruit.

How to Get Started in the Art of Stained Glass

Uncategorized | Posted by admin
Jan 25 2010

Stained glass is an art form which is not only beautiful, but functional as well. Not only is it the centerpiece of many churches and cathedrals, but it has been incorporated into many normally less luxurious items. Lamps and shades, as well as decorative fruit bowls, free standing artwork, picture frames and wind chimes are but a small example of how the ordinary can take on the mantle of the extraordinary.

With stained glass, the finished piece can have either the soft glow of delicate iridescent hues, or be strikingly vibrant with colors and patterns fused into the glass as you’ve never imagined. It could be an abstract collection of shapes used to create a colorful hanging mobile, or stained glass can be used to create stunning depictions of people and events from long ago.

If you’re one who has been captivated by stained glass and have thought of giving it a try yourself, but didn’t know where to begin, then you’re in luck. Getting a start in stained glass isn’t that difficult at all. The very first place you should go is the library. Your local library can give you great insight into stained glass, and you won’t have to part with a dime for books until you’ve made your mind up about getting involved seriously.

Once you’ve read up on the basics such as needed tools and cutting techniques, then you can start buying the necessary items to begin your new hobby. Since you’re just starting out, there are tools which you probably don’t have that you’ll need to buy. The basic tools are safety goggles, a good glass cutter, a set of glass pliers (these are a specialty tool, regular pliers won’t work) and some regular window glass to use for practice. You should get the feel for cutting glass before you start on the stained glass, primarily to save money. Plain glass is cheaper than stained glass. If you don’t already own a soldering iron, you’ll need to add it to the list also.

To get the most enjoyment from working with stained glass, it is also recommended that you purchase a glass grinder for the edges of the glass. This will make the copper foil used between the pieces of glass adhere better, producing a sturdier product.

You’ve been to the library to do your research, and you’ve picked out your tools, now you must purchase your supplies. Now you need to stock up on supplies. The first stop here should be your phone book. Look for local glass suppliers and art/hobby shops to inquire about obtaining the stained glass, copper foil and other supplies required. If after you’ve searched locally and you’ve come up empty, then a simple web search for “stained glass supplies” will give you many retailers waiting to serve you.

Be sure to search for and visit the many stained glass websites and online forums. There’s a lot of information there that’s free for the asking, all you have to do is join and participate. You can also find lots of free stained glass patterns in these groups, along with great tips and free member written how to articles.

What is Moissanite?

Uncategorized | Posted by admin
Nov 18 2009

There is a lot of moissanite info available on the Internet. Just simply scanning this moissanite info will show that moissanite is one of the most precious jewels on the planet. Moissanite contains many properties that other jewels do not possess. And this is one of the reasons why it took 104 years to learn how to reproduce this jewel in a laboratory.Moissanite info as described is easily available and all this info will show that moissanite is superior to many jewels in many different ways. Not only is moissanite more beautiful then diamonds but it is also known as being a superior diamond simulant. But it is a minor simulant because of the high cost and also the fact that there is a limited production of moissanite.

As production of moissanite picks up you can be sure that this will become a major diamond simulant. However most moissanite info will just tell you how limited moissanite is and also there will be a lot of comparisons to diamonds. Tests have been done on moissanite to see if this jewel is better then diamonds. The tests show that moissanite is superior then diamonds but people will always come to their own conclusions. If they want moissanite jewellery then they will buy that rather then diamonds. But diamonds are more well-known and therefore this will still be the best seller out of the two for many more years.

Many people including jewellers can mistake moissanite for diamonds it is only jewellers with a lot of knowledge of moissanite that will be able to tell the difference between moissanite and diamonds. They have gained a lot of valuable moissanite info and they know what the difference is between the two but it is not easy to tell the difference.

Nearly all moissanite info will contain the well-known facts that moissanite takes 104 years to reproduce in a laboratory. Also the fact that moissanite actually originated from a meteoroid crater in Arizona. Simple moissanite info is easy to find and if you look around you will find info on how to tell the difference between moissanite and diamonds. This could prove to be very helpful because some jewellers that cannot tell the difference will put moissanite on sale for the price of diamonds and this can equal a big saving for you.

Moissanite is going to be around for a long time and so it might be helpful for you to get some information on the jewel that could very well take the world by storm.

Do You Know Why Some Colorless Diamonds Are More Valuable?

Uncategorized | Posted by admin
Oct 21 2009

Diamonds that are colorless are more valued than those that have color. In fact, diamonds that are colored are considered to be more flawed than their clearer cousins. To rate the level of a diamonds color, retailers and diamond experts use a scale that begins with the letter D, and progresses alphabetically. Why not start with the letter A? It seems that when diamonds were first being graded on their colorlessness, people wanted to leave room for the possibility of a simply flawless, perfect diamond. So the best diamond known at that point was giventhe letter D, with A, B, and C being left in reserve for a possible marvel that might be discovered. No A, B, or C diamonds have ever been found.

The diamonds that are hardest to find are the ones with the least color. The letters D, E, and F are reserved for them. Between these three levels there is only the minutest difference, which is all but invisible to anyone but an expert in gems. G and Hdiamonds are labeled as near colorless, and a layperson can tell the difference between them and higher grade diamonds. G-H diamonds can be a very good value. Diamonds that are graded between I and J are also called near colorless, but they have a bit more color than G and H. These also can be had at times for a very good value.

The color letters progress all the way to the letter Z, the level of color increasing along the way. As letters get closer to the end of the alphabet, their quality decreases. It is important to not that the color scale for is for whitediamonds, and that it doesn’t apply to diamonds, which are colored.

Colored diamonds are very much sought after by gem-collectors, while discolored white diamonds are not. When two types of diamonds are paired together, the result can be marvelous. The Hope Diamond, perhaps the most famous diamond in the world, is for instance a deep blue color set on a chain with whitediamonds. Of all diamonds that are colored, the rarest are red diamonds.

Diamonds get their coloring from mineral impurities that are found in the cells that make up their crystal structure. Technically, these are defects, but they still can be pleasing to the eye. Some of the colors thatdiamonds can be labeled are brown, purple to pink, green, red, yellow, orange, blue, gray, white, and black.

Take your time when purchasing a diamond. The time you spend will likely save you money and you will be able to find the diamond of your dreams that is within your budget.

Diamonds – How To Know If A Diamond Is Fake Or Real

Uncategorized | Posted by admin
Sep 24 2009

Author: Gordon_petten

A diamond is a girl’s best friend! It is a beauty and unique nature makes it easy to admire. Diamond purchasing is a great task and an exciting pleasure. There are various types of diamonds so when buying real diamonds, one should learn about fake diamonds so that you will be able to distinguish between the fake vs. real diamond. Nowadays the best fake diamond is in great demand. Here are some of the simple solutions or the methods that will enable you to find out the difference between the fake vs. real diamond. The best way to know about the precious diamond is to acquire knowledge from a diamond professional. If possible take the diamond along with you to the shop and get all the details from the jeweler. The best fake diamond looks so similar to the real diamond that even a professional diamond jeweler may get confused and may have hard time to finding out whether it is a fake or the real diamond. In case you are not satisfied with the views regarding the real diamond from the professional, here is a way to find out which is a real diamond and which is a fake diamond.

The first method is to check the diamond with the help of diamond tester as it will help you to differentiate between real diamond and best fake diamond. It is an electronic tester that can check all the diamonds except the moissanite stone for which the diamond tester is not reliable. The best fake diamond is the cubic zirconia and the weight of this diamond is around 50% more than a real diamond of the same size and shape. This weighing test also can find out the difference between fake vs. real diamond.

Another method for checking the best fake diamond is the transparency test in which the diamond is placed up side down on the news paper and if the written matter from the newspaper is legible then be sure that the diamond is not the real one and it can be a best fake diamond. One of the disadvantages of this method is that some of the stones may appear to be a real diamond due its fine cutting. In this case, one needs to be sure about the cutting methods of the stones. This method is very common and enables you to find the real diamond from the best fake diamond.

The third method that helps you to differentiate between fake vs. real diamond is the fog test. Hold the stone or the diamond and blow some air from your mouth on to the stone, if the fog appears on the stone and stays there for next few seconds then it shows that the stone is a best fake diamond because in case of a real diamond, the heat disappears instantly. The oily layers and dirt on the stone might create some problems to differentiate fake vs. real diamond. Thus, before carrying out a test for best fake diamond, clean its surface properly.

The ultra violet test is another method that will enable you to find out the real diamond from the best fake diamond. The real diamond projects blue color light if put under the ultra violet light or the black color. There are two options, if the blue light does not appear, it can be best fake diamond or can be a high quality diamond.

All of the above tests can satisfy all the test conditions to differentiate between a best fake diamond and the real diamond.

Source: Free Articles

The Four C’s of Diamond Quality

Uncategorized | Posted by admin
Aug 27 2009

Author: Spence Diamonds

Perhaps you’ve heard of the “Four C’s” of diamond quality. Each and every unique diamond in the world has its own defining characteristics, and understanding each of them will help you make an informed decision when you come into a Spence Diamonds showroom.

Cut

Nothing is more important to the brilliance and sparkle of a diamond than its cut, as it is responsible for around 40% of a diamond’s price. A well cut diamond will reflect light from one facet to another and back through the top, creating a dramatic sparkling effect that only a diamond can emit. Only the most skilled diamond cutters can shape a diamond with exacting precision, to release its full brilliance, taking into account such factors as proportions, finish, and of course symmetry.

Colour

When examining a diamond, be sure to view it “loose” (unmounted) under a neutral light source, to get the best view of its colour. In the “normal colour” range, the colour of a diamond is rated on a scale that goes from D to Z, with D being the whitest diamond available, and Z being a tinted, light yellow colour. For most jewelry, a colour grade from G to J is usually best.

Why “D to Z?” Before this rating system was invented, diamond professionals used many other symbols (including liberal uses of “A” and “AA”) to rate colour, so the creators of the new system started at D, to avoid any confusion with the outdated ratings systems.

There are also various coloured diamond choices available today, but when you are looking specifically at a white diamond, you should understand how this scale works, and where your diamond of choice is rated on the spectrum. Also, the mounting of a diamond can impact its appearance. A more yellowish diamond will appear whiter next to a gold setting, whereas a white gold setting will make the diamond look less pure if you compare the two side-by-side.

Clarity

The clarity of a diamond refers to the number and nature of inclusions or blemishes that are visible when you view it under a microscope. Some diamond professionals refer to clarity as “purity” or “quality,” but neither of those start with “C,” so we’ll stick with clarity.

A blemish is an imperfection on the surface of a diamond, and an inclusion is a small spot contained within it. Diamonds with little or no imperfections such as these are rarer, and much more valuable. Five factors determine a diamond’s clarity: the size, number, position, nature and “relief” of the inclusions. Relief describes the level of visibility of these imperfections. The clarity scale of a diamond is the easiest to understand: It varies from Flawless, to Internally Flawless, and from there goes to VVS, VS, SI and I. These are easy to understand and remember, because they stand for: Very Very Slightly included, Very Slightly included, Slightly Included, and Included. Each of these designations has varying levels as well, but getting a handle on these will help you understand the importance of clarity in a diamond’s grading.

An “I” rated diamond will have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye, whereas even a skilled diamond expert would need a microscope to see the inclusions in an “SI” diamond. Because of this, diamonds rated “SI” usually represent the best value for your investment.

Important Note: Skilled jewelry makers often mount a diamond so as to mask an inclusion from sight, helping it appear more flawless. Before buying a diamond, be sure to examine it loose under a microscope to get a better idea of its clarity.

Carat

The last and most obvious characteristic that a diamond is measured by is its Carat (abbreviated “ct.”). A carat is a measure of weight, and it takes 142 of them to make an ounce.

Interesting bits of trivia:
You can mail 142 one-carat diamonds with just a single postage stamp (Not that you would want to)!
The majority of diamonds used in jewelry weigh less than one carat.

Obviously, a diamond’s carat weight can have a big effect on its value. When written, carat weights are expressed as decimal numbers: 1.00 ct., 0.48 ct., 1.57 cts., and so on. In a piece which has more than one diamond, often times you will see the total carat weight of the diamonds shown.

At Spence Diamonds, each and every diamond comes with an official Diamond Certificate, which will give you a detailed blueprint of your diamond. Now that you understand the “Four C’s” of diamond grading, you’ll have a better understanding of these certificates, which give you detailed info on all of the factors discussed above, including a “plotting” that shows the exact location of inclusions and blemishes.

Source: articlesbase.com

Prevention of oral cancer

Uncategorized | Posted by admin
May 19 2009

The cable of oral cancer
Cancer of the oral cavity disease is a highly invasive and debilitating.
This type of cancer develops most frequently on the tongue and mucosa of the cheeks and on the floor of the mouth.
Up to 40% of cases may be preceded by the presence of lesions “pretumorali”
Who is affected
In the Italian population, the cancers of the oral cavity are:
• 7% of all cancers in humans
• 1% of all cancers in women
• 12 new cases per year per 100,000 inhabitants
• Died 9 years (males between 35-64 years) per 100,000 inhabitants
• Died 2 years (females between 35-64 years) per 100,000 inhabitants
Risk factors  More on Prevention of oral cancer

Professional Teeth Whitening Methods – Look Up to 10 Years Younger

Uncategorized | Posted by admin
May 19 2009

An engaging and bright smile is something everyone would like.  Professional teeth whitening can lighten your teeth quickly many shades.  A more youthful appearance might be one advantage of enhancing your smile. There are several ways one can lighten their teeth.  One method, used by dentists, that has been around for many years is a mixture containing peroxide gel.  After determining that you should lighten your teeth, the dentist will first take an impression of your teeth.  Then they make special trays that conform to your teeth.  Next, they prepare a special gel mixture containing the ingredients used to bleach the teeth.  After filling the trays with the gel mixture, you place the trays into your mouth as instructed by your dentist.  They are kept in for several hours, or even overnight. Some dental offices are performing a more innovative technique of lightening teeth.  The dentist uses a laser, and the treatment is complete in about an hour.  The dentist places a layer of bleaching gel on the teeth and uses the laser light to penetrate the enamel and lighten the teeth.  Whitening is usually complete in one visit.

Good dental health depends on you.

Uncategorized | Posted by admin
May 19 2009

By following these simple rules, you will be able to keep his mouth healthy and clean
• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Reduce sweetened beverages and snacks.
• Use a medium brush size.
• Use a toothbrush with tufts of medium-soft bristles with rounded ends.
• Use a small amount of toothpaste.
• Clean the teeth with circular movements.
• Replace your toothbrush regularly old with a new one.
• Clean better between teeth using dental floss or other specific instruments.
• Go to the dentist for a check at least once a year.