Accessories /

Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend: Your Ultimate Diamond Buying Guide

What does the word diamond mean?

Derived from the Greek word Adamas, the word diamond means invincible, and for good reasons too. Research shows the world’s youngest diamonds are about 1 billion years old, with the oldest ones dating back as far as 3.3 billion years!

Are you getting ready to buy a diamond for the first time? If you make the right choice, you’re setting yourself up for countless years of joy. However, if you buy the wrong diamond, you’ll be stuck with a lifetime of regret.

Don’t worry, though, after reading our diamond buying guide you’ll be able to shop with confidence! In this article, we’ll review what to look for in terms of quality and preference. We’ll also review the top buying mistakes, so you can avoid making them!

Read on to learn exactly what to look for when buying a diamond.

What to Look for When Buying a Diamond

First, our diamond buying guide wouldn’t be complete without going over the 4 c’s; color grade, carat weight, clarity grade, and cut grade. You can use the 4 c’s to assess the quality of a diamond you’re about to buy.

Diamond-Cut

The cut of your diamond can be shallow, ideal, or deep. The different angles of the cut will determine your diamond’s ability to sparkle.

Carat Weight

The carat weight doesn’t have anything to do with the size of the diamond. Instead, carat lets you know how heavy the diamond is. While carat is an important buying factor, your main focus should be on the cut, clarity, and color.

Clarity and Color

It’s hard to find flawless diamonds, however, you can find diamonds that have a crisp, clean look. The cleaner a diamond looks, the better it’s clarity is. Next, the color of your diamond should look either colorless or weight.

Diamond Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Buying a diamond is an emotional decision, and it’s easy to make a mistake if you’ve never bought one before. Here are some of the top mistakes you should watch out for:

  • Choosing price over quality
  • Only looking at colorless diamonds
  • Dismissing melee diamonds

While it’s good to have a diamond buying budget, you shouldn’t let price dictate your decision. If you planned on saving 3 months’ salary, go ahead and save 4 months so you’ll have a little wiggle room. You can also shop for wholesale diamond jewelry to help you get the best deal, while still getting a stunning piece of jewelry.

Next, don’t obsess over getting a completely colorless diamond. Instead, consider buying a diamond that has a hint of color. As long as the color is subtle it won’t compromise the quality of the piece, plus it’ll cost a lot less.

Finally, don’t discount the impact of buying a melee diamond. While melee diamonds are smaller than traditional diamonds, they can still be stunning when you set them in the right band.

Different Diamond Shapes

The cut of your diamond is different than the shape of your diamond. You can split diamond shapes up into 2 main groups; fancy shape diamonds and round diamonds. However, within those 2 groups, there’s a lot of unique shapes you can choose from.

Here are a few of the different shapes you’ll have to choose from:

  • Princess
  • Cushion
  • Asscher
  • Oval
  • Emerald
  • Heart
  • Pear
  • Marquise
  • Radiant

You’ll find that round diamonds cost more than fancy shape diamonds. You have to pay more for round diamonds because jewelers lose a lot of the rough stone during the shaping process. Round diamonds also cost more because they have a higher level of brilliance and sparkle.

However, fancy shaped diamonds are also a magnificent choice. Fancy shaped diamonds, like the princess cut or heart shape, can feel more personal, and they’re trending in the fashion world.

What to Look for When Buying a Diamond Ring

If you’re buying a diamond ring, you must see the diamond loose. When the diamond’s out of the ring band it’ll be easier for you to assess it’s quality. You should also double-check the ring size of the person you’ll be giving the diamond to.

What to Look for When Buying Diamond Earrings

If you already have a diamond ring, you can look for diamond earrings that echo the details of your engagement ring. For a more modern look, consider getting sleek diamond stud earrings with bezels in all metals.

Don’t Lose Your Earrings

Finally, 20% of jewelry owners state they’ve experienced the loss of fine jewelry when traveling. Luckily, you prevent putting yourself through the agony of losing your earrings by buying sturdy earring backs.

Read the Grading Report

Understanding the grading report is a big part of what to know when buying a diamond. The grading report will give you details about the diamond that goes beyond the 4 c’s.

Here are a few pieces of vital information the report will provide:

  • Shape
  • Carat weight
  • Proportions
  • Polish
  • Symmetry
  • Finish
  • Light performance

If you’re getting a small melee diamond, you’ll likely be receiving a diamond dossier report, which is more compact. However, no matter what type of report you receive, it’s important it comes from the Gemological Institute of America.

Gemological Institute of America

Oftentimes the diamond grading report will come from a jeweler who was trained by the Gemological Institute of America or GIA. Working as a nonprofit organization, GIA’s is an impartial 3rd party interested in evaluating the quality of gems and diamonds.

The objective assessment is a must-have when you’re purchasing any type of diamond. If the jeweler isn’t able to provide you with a grading report, you should take your business elsewhere.

Shine Bright Like a Diamond

Congratulations! Now you know exactly what to look for when buying a diamond.

What’s 1 new thing our diamond buying guide was able to teach you? Were you surprised to discover that the cut of the diamond is a completely different thing than the shape? Or how about how important it is to see the diamond loose so you can truly assess it’s value?

By knowing what to look for, and what mistakes to avoid, you can be confident in whatever choice you make. For more tips like the ones in this article, check out the rest of this site.

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Beauty /

4 Products You Need To Add To Your Fall Skincare Routine

Clef Skin 

Because life is crazy enough, your skincare routine should be easy, quick, and effective. Life’s too short to waste time on multiple skincare products every morning and evening.  Check these creams, which are proven by many to be effective and safe to use even in intimate areas.  Their revolutionary copper peptide mask combines the functions of nine different masks into ONE for a stress-free solution. This mask moisturizes, brightens, repairs, smoothes, tightens, nourishes, and heals your skin in one simple step.  Some great benefits you’ll see from these masks; fades acne scars, dark spots, and hyper-pigmentation, visibly evens skin tone and improves texture, and enhances skin for a luminous bare-faced glow. Use 2 boxes every month to achieve flawless skin! 

Crystal Hill

Since ancient times, crystals have been prized for their beauty, to symbolize power, and for their healing capabilities. It’s about time we incorporate them into our everyday, modern habits! Discover synergistically blended formulations of crystals, botanicals, and other organic ingredients that are nourishing and soothing for your skin. All crystals sold by Crystal Hills have been cleansed and charged with a tuning fork (4096) by a certified Reiki practitioner. Crystals are sourced from mines with sound ethical and environmental practices.

Mikel Kristi

 

Swipe your way to healthier, more radiant skin with Mikel Kristi’s Rejuvenating Swipes. The perfectly dosed, pre-moistened pads glide seamlessly over the skin to wipe away residual dirt, debris, and surface impurities. These are not like the heavy astringent pads you may remember from your youth, but an innovative combination of ten organic essential oils that simultaneously clarify, promote healing and exfoliate dead and dulling cells. Used as a part of your regular skincare routine, these Swipes prime your face for enhanced absorption of additional skincare products. Boost cellular renewal, brighten lackluster skin, decrease fine lines and wrinkles, and refine skin texture all with one swipe!

Honestly pHresh 

 

Great deodorant for sensitive skin! Honestly pHresh is raising awareness about the toxic truth of most deodorant products containing antiperspirant properties. Up until recently, it was thought that the only way to avoid the unpleasant smell associated with sweating was to block sweat from leaving the body altogether. As it turns out, sweat is actually odorless. What causes that embarrassing odor is actually the bacteria on our skin combining with and breaking down our sweat. Allowing our bodies to reap all the benefits of sweating while also keeping us dry and smelling great is what the pHresh philosophy is all about. Another great thing about this deodorant, there is no baking soda which often causes sensitivity.

Beauty /

Tips To Hydrate Yourself Before Trying Makeup On

On Average, 60% of the human body comprises water and it is very important to stay hydrated to maintain water levels in the body, cleansing the body, lubricating joints, and helping the organs to work properly. Skin being the largest organ of the body requires the most hydration.

Dehydrated skin ends up with wrinkles and a dull appearance by making it dry and flaky which is preferred by none. Staying hydrated makes skin elastic gives it a fresh look and combats wrinkled skin by giving it a smooth look.

Featured Photo from BET.com

External hydration of the skin is as important as the intake of water in the body. If you are used to putting on makeup on a regular basis, water intake is the only solution. Extra effort has to be done on the skin because ingredients in makeup dry out the skin and makeup on dry skin looks flawed. Here are some of the tips to make the skin hydrated before makeup:

Cleanser

Choose a gentle and hydrating cleanser for your skin before starting makeup so that it cleans without taking away the moisture, leaving your skin soft and fresh.

Use moisturizer

Moisturization is vital even if you don’t have dry skin. All skin types need to apply moisturizer before makeup because it smoothens the skin by reducing the wrinkle’s appearance and brings a natural look to avoid the foundation from looking cakey. Use water-based moisturizers than oil-based because of its hydrating properties.

Water-Based products

You must opt for the skincare products with hydrating formulas to prepare your skin for makeup. But the selection of makeup should be very carefully done. Know your skin type, invest your time in knowing what ingredients suit your type, and select the most desirable makeup.

Components in makeup dry out the skin so they are not long-lasting as they become flaky so opt for the products with hydrating properties so you can slay your makeup along with a moisturized healthy look. Look for makeup on Nikkia Joy Cosmetics that offers products for all skin types.

Serums:

If using a moisturizer is not working enough for you, try facial serums that have Hyaluronic Acid that provides extra moisturization to the skin before applying makeup. These serums smoothen fine lines and lock the moisture in the face.

Eye cream

Eyes are sensitive and this is the area where most of the wrinkles and fine lines appear so special treatment must be done by applying eye creams that even out skin tone and helps to moisturize.

Face masks

A wide variety of facial masks are available in the form of sheets that have a rich quantity of moisturizing ingredients and using them before makeup leaves the skin soft and healthy-looking for a flawless application of foundation.

Use brushes

Some people prefer fingers to put on their makeup but they don’t know that fingers tend to steal the moisture from the face so when makeup is applied, it makes skin look dull and unhealthy so invest in good quality makeup brushes for a flawless foundation so you don’t regret it afterward.

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Accessories /

Lifestyle Alert: 8 Back to School Strategies and oNecklace Bead Bracelet

Life has been pretty busy but this is one of my absolute favorite seasons.  Fall is filled with pumpkins, football games, and trick or treating.

One aspect that has changed due to COVID-19 is the kids attending school.  Every family has made individual choices based on their household.  The similarity amongst everyone is the ability to adjust due to the circumstances.

I have implemented a few strategies to keep everyone’s sanity and wanted to share them below.

Back to School/Virtual Learning Strategies:

1.  Set-up a digital learning space with individual crates for each child.  Crates should be labeled.

 

2.  Create a school binder with all of the teacher information and print schedules.

 

3.  Know the log-in information for each child.

 

4.  Create a daily schedule and put it on a whiteboard.

 

5. Put snacks in a basket for individual grabbing.

 

6. Create a lunch schedule according to in-school lunches.

 

7.  Have a Chromebook/computer tutorial with each child to foster independence.

 

8.  Set alarms in a child’s cellphone for them to join Google Meets.

 

If there’s no homework, kids can do afternoon art projects or go outside!

 

Also, don’t forget that companies like Target, Publix, and Amazon are offering delivery services for various products!

 

oNecklace Circle Initial Bead Bracelet:

I adore a beautiful bracelet.  It’s a simple touch of sparkle that can pull an entire outfit together!

oNecklace shipped an Initial Bead Bracelet that was perfect for my current jewelry collection.  The company allowed me to personalize this particular piece and of course, I added the letter K.

This bracelet is high-quality and coordinated well with my cardigan, camisole, and high waisted jeans.

oNecklace Initial Bead Bracelet

Just like the style bloggers would say, “The bracelet is stackable.”  That means combining several bracelets of varying styles for one accessorized look.

oNecklace Bead Bracelet

Visit oNecklace to purchase a one-of-a-kind, personalized bracelet.  It’s the perfect gift idea as we celebrate the holiday season!

 

 

 

 

 

Beauty /

Detoxification of Your Skin for Radiant Skin

You might have seen lots of blogs and articles on the importance of detoxification of body and skin. By detoxification of the skin, we mean cleaning our skin in such a way that it starts glowing and looking radiant. Detoxification removes dirt and toxins from our body which has a direct effect on our skin.

Featured Photo from Net-A-Porter

Unfortunately, lots of our personal choices result in damaging our skin such as smoking, not drinking enough water, not following a healthy diet plan, and lots of other things. Our skin is the largest organ of our body and when we don’t follow a healthy schedule, it is reflected on our skin. Therefore, you must pay attention to the detoxification of the skin. We are going to share some important things about detoxification of skin that you did not know before.

  1. Skin detoxification is a real thing:

Many people think that detoxification of skin means cleaning the surface of the skin with the help of scrubs, cleansers, and different other products. However, by detoxification we mean, cleaning kidneys and livers. Cleaning of skin only comes with how much you care for it. However, when you take different steps to detox the liver and kidney, you see the results on your face.

  1. Skin detox products help look skin radiant:

There are lots of skin detox products that work to help the skin get rid of toxins which are becoming the reason for blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes, etc. These products used for detoxification of the skin also balance the pH of the skin. If you are searching for a product to remove many types of imperfections from the skin, try La Clinica detox for skin that you can buy from

  1. Vitamin A supplement is best for detoxification:

All those products that claim to detox your skin usually contain the active ingredient of vitamin A. Vitamin A actually cleanses your skin and thus revitalizes it. The result of serums and creams rich in vitamin A is similar to the detoxification skins obtained when people drink green juice etc. to make their kidney and liver boost their performance and remove toxins from the body

  1. Detoxification does rebalancing of skin:

Rebalancing means repairing the skin so that it becomes completely free from imperfections in the form of fine lines, blemishes, dark circles, etc. The skin also becomes radiant when the repairing mechanism starts.

Rebalancing means purifying the skin from impurities so that the pores don’t clog and result in acne. It also means nourishing the skin by giving it all those products which are capable of repairing and rejuvenating the skin

The takeaway:

If you are looking for some health products that can detox your skin and make it look brighter than before, you should try to those products which can enhance the overall appearance of the skin and also enrich it with all the needed nutrients such as vitamin A. However, you also pay attention to your diet and daily routine.

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Accessories /

2020 Trends: The Fashion Forward Face Mask

Face masks are fast becoming the 2020 fashion trend. Lady Gaga appeared at the MTV VMA awards show early this week, wearing a different matching face mask with each wardrobe change (it’s Gaga, there were 7!). It’s a fashion movement borne of necessity rather than the advancement of trends. It’s reported that two-thirds of all US adults started to wear masks regularly between this past March and June. It will be a while before full-reopening; meanwhile as Americans venture out of their houses to enjoy socially distanced drinks, and the return of the drive-in movie, choice of face wear is now the thing to check for before leaving the house. Designers are taking notice, with new fashion-forward facial coverings on the high end going for $450.

Rakesh Tammabattula is the founder and CEO of QYK Brands, a manufacturing company of several beauty and wellness products that tapped into producing PPE surgical face masks, respirators, goggles, hand sanitizers, and more as the pandemic took a full swing.

Birmingham /

Birmingham Zoo to Open for Labor Day First Responders and Healthcare Workers Receive Discounted Admission

In celebration of the Labor Day holiday, the Birmingham Zoo will be open on Monday, September 7 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The Zoo will be offering a discounted admission of $8 to First Responders and Healthcare Workers (with valid ID/badge) and up to four (4) guests at $8 each from Saturday, September 5 until Monday, September 7. Discounted admission tickets will only be sold onsite at the Zoo’s front entrance ticket booths.

The Birmingham Zoo is incredibly grateful for all our first responders and healthcare workers who have been working tirelessly through the Covid-19 pandemic. The Zoo is a fun and relaxing place where frontline workers can enjoy time with their friends and family while connecting to wildlife and the natural world. “We want First Responders and Healthcare workers to know their Birmingham Zoo supports them. We are thankful for the sacrifices they make, every day, and especially during this pandemic,” said Birmingham Zoo President & CEO, Chris Pfefferkorn. “They are true heroes whose dedication, commitment, and courage deserve our deepest gratitude and admiration.“

Labor Day at the Zoo offers something for everyone to enjoy! Visitors can take a ride on the Red Diamond Express Train* and spin on the Protective Life Carousel* at Children’s Zoo (*Additional cost). Daily activities, rides, and animal encounters at the Zoo are weather dependent.

The Red Diamond Express train and Protective Life carousel are operating from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and tickets are available for purchase onsite and online at birminghamzoo.com. The Zoo’s main Gift Shop is open for guests to purchase their favorite specialty items. The Predator and South America/Primate buildings are open for visitors to see indoor animal habitats in these areas as they travel the one-way path through the Zoo.

All guests and members of the Zoo are required to follow our health and safety guidelines, including face coverings for individuals over the age of six (6), in accordance with the State of Alabama ordinance mandating the wearing of face coverings in public places. For the health and safety of our staff, guests, and animals, the Birmingham Zoo will continue to monitor and evaluate our operations and modify our procedures as needed.

Essence Festival /

Author, Philanthropist, Multi-Millionaire Millennial Business Mogul, Nathalie Nicole Smith

In August 2020, author, philanthropist, and Multi-Millionaire Millennial business mogul, Nathalie Nicole Smith,  officially selected The epiMediaGroup, LLC, a global public relations conglomerate, to represent her brand and her associated affairs. Nathalie Nicole is the author of Amazon Best Seller “Becoming A Brand”, a celebrated business owner of multiple brands, a beauty and health enthusiast, an international speaker, founder of Women Who Boss (501C3) and a millionaire business coach.

A serial entrepreneur and Howard University graduate, Nathalie Nicole is no stranger to developing and growing new talent.  As one of the top earners in her Network Marketing Company, Total Life Changes, Nathalie Nicole has been able to coach hundreds of women into 6 figure earnings throughout her career.  Her ability to create dynamic and lasting brands has allowed her to successfully launch initiatives that capture high energy engagement from her following.  Nathalie and her companies have been recognized for outstanding national achievement.

In 2013, Nathalie Nicole was recognized as “Top 30 Under 30” for her work in the development of her Plush brand.  Due to her business savvy and her tenacity for success, Nathalie has reached the highest designation within her Network Marketing Company, Total Life Changes, and she is now a multi-millionaire at the age of 32.  But that’s just the beginning, Nathalie is an author of an Amazon Best Selling book “Becoming A Brand” and she is the founder of “Women Who Boss” which is a 501c3 organization to help women walk into their real purpose amidst their pain.

Nathalie Nicole has several high-profile projects currently under development under her “Becoming A Brand” moniker, her Plush enterprise, and her Women Who Boss foundation.  Nathalie is also currently developing more outreach opportunities for millennial women looking to elevate their lives via financial, health, and spiritual.

Nathalie Nicole has been featured in: Huffington Post, Thrive Global, & Business For Home.  Nathalie has spoken on international stages, most recently she was selected to speak at an Essence Women’s Empowerment Summit.

Nathalie Nicole is currently working on her second book, developing an international podcast, a million-dollar earning coaching program, women empowerment platforms, and a new apparel line.  Nathalie is also acquiring multiple real estate projects which will also allow her brand to continue to help up and coming moguls.  Nathalie is also slated to launch two Plush Rx boutiques by the end of 2020.
Nathalie Nicole’s upcoming project, The Relaunch of “Becoming A Brand” is slated for the end of September with some new and exciting additions to the book and brand.  Updates will be found on the official website:  https://www.natnicolesmith.com.  Stay up to date on all things Nathalie Nicole here.

Accessories /

Formé Is The First And Only Shoe Shaper That Safely Stretches Shoes

Formé is the first and only shoe shaper that safely stretches shoes up to half size, eliminating the pain that occurs when the toe box gets tight as the day wears on – awesome for women with different sized feet! Formé is made by women FOR WOMEN and can make every pair of shoes in your closet more comfortable and your feet healthier and happier!

You can customize the amount of stretch and they work in any shoes (heels, flats, boots, sandals, sneakers) of any material (leather, fabric, even synthetic). Or use this sleek, lightweight device simply to help shoes keep their shape when you’re not wearing them.

 

Formé shapers give new life to shoes 1) you love but don’t wear because they never fit quite right, 2) become uncomfortable after just a short time on the feet.  If you want to test them, all we need is your shoe size! Sold on www.formeconfomfort.com, amazon.com, and www.thegrommet.com