Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Jewelry Repair

!±8± Jewelry Repair

Jewelry repair is one of those things that typically are self evident to the owner of a piece of jewelry. If a ring is too big or too small, it obviously needs to be adjusted or "sized" in jeweler's parlance. If a clasp no longer works on a chain or bracelet, it generally needs to be replaced. If an ear ring just falls out of ones ear, it probably needs a new back or if possible, to tighten the old one. In fact, anything that prevents the owner from worry free wear most likely falls under the inexhaustible category of jewelry repair. And believe me when I say after 33 years, I've seen most everything.....until the next thing comes along.

Most people operate under the age old adage that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Yet with jewelry that is a misconception that has cost countless thousands of people to loose countless millions of dollars; not to mention the sentimental value that has left a trail of tears and broken hearts. Remember the old guy on the beach with a metal detector? You think he is just looking for loose change?

When it comes to jewelry and jewelry repair, here is another wise saying that you would do well to remember, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". Virtually everyday someone comes in needing to replace a lost diamond, sapphire, ruby, emerald or other precious gem stone because they didn't take the time or really give any thought to the care and protection of their prized possession. On closer inspection it becomes painfully evident that the prongs that once held their valuable bauble had become worn and thin and finally just broke off. Just a quick sixty second inspection by a professional jeweler could have saved them , 0 or even 00 dollars of repair cost (not to mention the fact that Grandmas diamond is now lost forever.)

Historically, the jeweler, like most craftsmen, had to make everything from scratch even the tools they used. It was a painstaking process that took days and even weeks to complete. If a ring needed to be sized, the process could take over a week - just on that one ring. Most everyone has seen these magnificent necklaces, bracelets, rings and ear rings from ancient times with there attention to detail and sheer opulence. It could have taken well over a year or more just to make some of these wonderful pieces and heaven forbid they ever need repairing. And keep in mind that your average "working Joe" of that day could not even conceive of owning a splendid piece of gold jewelry.

The majority of families in America today not only can afford one but many, many pieces of jewelry. The gift of jewelry celebrates and punctuates most all significant occasions in today's modern world. And, it is no longer relegated to just special occasions, but is worn with great pleasure day in and day out. The vast amount of fine jewelry in the market place today is made from gold - not stainless steel. And, as such, needs to be regularly inspected, cleaned and even have routine or preventative maintenance performed in order to ensure the owner can confidently wear their special piece of family history.

Yet, in our fast paced drive-thru society, people just are not willing to wait very long, if at all, to have their jewelry repaired. Thankfully, cutting edge technology and new techniques have helped jewelers devise better ways of doing repairs faster, more efficiently and at a much reduced cost to the consumer. Just a few short years ago the repair of a broken prong on an emerald cluster would have been almost prohibitively expensive to get fixed. Yet with laser welders finding there way into your better jewelry repair shops and stores, the cost of the repair and the time it takes to repair it have become much more palatable for the consumer.

In short, prevention is the best repair for the contemporary wearer of jewelry. Whether an heirloom or a recent purchase, things happen in the real world. Rings are caught in doors, pockets and purses; chains and necklaces are caught in sweaters, pulled by children and grandchildren, and chewed up by the dog; and, bracelets just simply wear themselves out at the joints with daily wear. So, let me leave you with this final axiom, "if you want to see it tomorrow, you better take care of it today."

At Fast-Fix Jewelry & Watch Repairs in the Mall St. Matthews, we understand your lifestyle, your concerns, your family and most of all, your jewelry. After all, we have been taking care of families just like yours for over a quarter of a century. Louisville jewelry repair done right at Fast Fix.


Jewelry Repair

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Sunday, December 25, 2011

Michael Kors Uptown Astor Large Chain Satchel Bronze

!±8± Michael Kors Uptown Astor Large Chain Satchel Bronze

Brand : Michael Kors | Rate : | Price : $229.99
Post Date : Dec 25, 2011 10:09:35 | Usually ships in 24 hours


New (and already selling out!) from Michael Kors is the Uptown Astor collection including this incredible Large Leather Chain Satchel. Soft, incredible bronze leather with tons of stud detailing. Everything you want in a quality designer purse. The size is ideal for everyday wear and the gold hardware detailing adds a tasteful amount of drama to this classic styled bag. Soft, slouch satchel style with leather handles plus an over the shoulder leather and gold chain link strap. O rings hook into Michael Kors signature grommets. Zip top opens to MK signature fabric. Lots of center space plus four leather trimmed slip pockets and a leather trimmed zip compartment. Nice organizational features for a large bag. Gold tone MK hangtag. Overall bag measures 17"(w) x 12"(h) x 5"(d). A great designer purse choice; trendy, yet in a classic way. This bag will be in style for years-and the leather will get better with age.

More Specification..!!

Michael Kors Uptown Astor Large Chain Satchel Bronze

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Monday, December 5, 2011

Ostrich Leather Handbags

!±8± Ostrich Leather Handbags

Ostrich leather handbags are some of the softest, most refined and exquisite accessories in the world. Originally used to make ostrich leather boots, designers have adapted this beautiful textile for purses, wallets, belts and countless other apparel. Owning ostrich leather handbags carries with it a certain responsibility to maintain its quality and appearance, ensuring it stays gorgeous for years, if not generations to come. Understanding ostrich leather is essential to knowing how to care for it, as well as being able to recognize authentic and premium products when shopping.

The premium strain ostrich leather is called African Black, which originates from South Africa. The ostrich is indigenous to the savannahs of South Africa, Botswana and Namibia, although recent efforts to transplant ostrich farms to the United States have been successful. It was in its natural habitat that the first ostrich ranches were started, supplying a steady demand for the animal's feathers for use in well-to-do ladies' hats during the early 1900's. Supply was dramatically restricted through trade sanctions against South Africa during the Apartheid era, increasing the value of the animal's hide and feathers.

Processing starts with the careful skinning and fleshing of the ostrich hide.
Once the skin and fats have been removed, a thorough cleaning is completed to remove bacteria and blood from the surface.
Next, the skin is soaked in a highly saline salt brine that is intended to preserve and protect it from rotting during shipment to the tanneries.
The tanning of ostrich skins is a rare and highly specialized skill that, to date, is carried out exclusively by long-established tanneries in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
As a result, the quality of premium ostrich leather on the market is quite high. But due to the highly skilled labor invested in the processing stage, the cost matches the quality.
There are, however, low-grade and even imitation ostrich leathers on the market, so watch out for the following features when shopping for authentic ostrich leather handbags.
Full quill is the most desirable type of ostrich leather. This is when the bag is completely covered in the bird's quills, both front and back. It's acceptable for full quill ostrich leather handbags to have smooth leather on the trim and handles, so don't be alarmed if your bag doesn't have them in these parts.
A half quill purse is when the quill pattern is located only on the front of the bag and not on the back. Although the purse is still made with high quality ostrich leather, even from the same bird perhaps, the cost and value of the product will not be as high as a full quill. This is a good opportunity to buy a high quality handbag at a lower price than what the full quill would fetch.
The quill comes from a part of the ostrich known as the crown. This a raised area located on the back of the bird where the neck meets the body. It's characterized by its distinct quill pattern. Quills are feather follicles that held the giant bird's feathers in place.
On both sides of the crown, there's a very smooth section that is also used in the assembly of ostrich handbags. The quill, or crown, only accounts for approximately 30% of the total area of a single skin.
Since the crown is the most desirable part of the skin, and because there is so little of it available, it makes the quill leather that much more valuable.
The cost of full quill ostrich leather handbags starts in the thousands. Therefore, the first sign of authentic ostrich leather is price.
There are other things to consider when evaluating the quality of ostrich leather handbags. There are blemishes and imperfections that can reduce the purity, therefore the value, of an ostrich purse. These blemishes do not indicate authenticity. They're natural imperfections that were incurred during the bird's life.
Scratching and scarring can occur. Don't forget we're dealing with ostriches here. Large, flightless birds that are known for reaching extremely high rates of speed when running.
Tick bites are also common, as the animals live out on free range ranches.
Skin thickness and softness depend on the maturity of the bird during harvest. Older birds have a thicker skin, but a denser quill, while younger ones have a softer texture with a more dispersed quill pattern.
Discolorations in the leather are usually a reflection of the bird's nutrition during life. A healthy ostrich will have an even tone, full of natural oils and pliability.
If you're in the market for a high quality ostrich leather handbag, be sure to take a close look at the quill pattern. Watch for quill density, texture and discolorations. Also look for scarring or unusual spotting.
Remember the difference between full quill and half quill. Do the retailer's prices reflect the difference in value?
You're making a large financial investment. Take your time when shopping. Buy your ostrich leather handbags from reputable dealers who guarantee their products with open communication and risk-free shipping and return policies.


Ostrich Leather Handbags

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Friday, December 2, 2011

Who's Who in the World of Jewelry Designers for Engagement Rings?

!±8± Who's Who in the World of Jewelry Designers for Engagement Rings?

Tiffany & Co. was founded by Charles Lewis Tiffany in 1837 and is considered one of the world's finest jewelry companies. It is famous for its wide array of ultra high quality jewelry and its trademark little blue bag. The Tiffany & Co store on 57th avenue in New York City which appeared in the 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany's is quite popular with tourists. To be honest, I must admit that Tiffany & Co. makes my knees weak. I don't think I'm alone in this. There's something about getting one of those little blue bags that seems to set off a joyful chemical reaction in women's brains. I really can't explain it...it just happens.

Vera Wang got her start in the fashion industry working for fashion elite such as Vogue and Ralph Loren. She eventually went out on her own selling high-end, fashionable wedding dresses. However, she has expanded her business to include other items and more recently moved into designing engagement rings for Bailey Banks and Biddle.

Barry Verragio studied at the reknowned Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. He worked for several years in the jewelry industry prior to proposing to his current wife. In order to make her ring, he invented a new technique which suspended the diamond above the ring. The engaged couple received so many compliments on the rings, that Barry decided to start his own company based on the ring he designed for Tanya. Many years later, the couple as well as the Verragio jewelry company are still going strong.

Haig Tacori came to America in 1970 and has developed a reputation for exceptional platinum jewelry designs. Tacori rings have been featured on the popular television series, The Bachelor.

Scott Kay led the resurgance in popularity of platinum engagement rings. He is known as one of America's most popular bridal jewelers. His affordable designs are within the reach of most consumers.

Ritani engagement rings are all about style and comfort. I particularly like the look of the rings from the Endless Love Collection. With a host of classy styles and a range in pricing, Ritani is sure to win over many fans.


Who's Who in the World of Jewelry Designers for Engagement Rings?

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