Engagement Rings ? From Grass to Glitz
Diamonds are a girl's best friend, but it hasn't always been so. The practice of giving a ring for the promise before the "I do" dates back to prehistoric times, since cavemen and cavewomen walked the earth. The engagement ring predates the discovery of diamonds by eons, winding through ancient civilizations, traversing along the spice route, and eventually gaining popularity during the industrial revolution, fueled by guess what?the most successful advertising campaign of the twentieth century. The first engagement rings were thought to belong to the cavewomen?simple, practical, maintenance free, easy to replace?hand-crafted from heavy grasses and reeds and later replaced by cord. Some accounts claim that the cavewoman was "tied" to the caveman by the cord.
Oh, those lucky brides-to-be!The history of the engagement ring is shrouded in the same mystery that surrounds the intrigue of love; much of it seemingly calculated after-the-fact to explain the designs and customs that evolved over time. Accounts differ, and there are contradicting reports on which civilization deserves credit for any given ritual, but all accounts offer a fascinating glimpse into society's attempt to quantify, define and codify love. Among the differing accounts, two consistent facts emerge?the promise of eternity and the symbolism of the eternal loop, the continuous, unbroken circle symbolizing eternal love, devotion and commitment. The ancient Roman and Greek civilizations replaced cord rings with crude metal rings crafted of iron. Several centuries later, iron was scrapped in favor of gold.
It was the shape from which the ring received its significance, not the material from which it was crafted. The ancient Greeks called it a betrothal ring, borrowed from the Anglo-Saxon "troweth," which meant truth?in this case, true love.The ring first evolved from a mere circular loop to hold simple embellishments. Some ancient Roman rings sported a key on the ring, which allegedly symbolized the key to the heart or the key to 50% of the riches, a less romantic notion. The Fede ring, predecessor to the Irish Claddagh ring, appeared around the same time, but its origin remains in question, originating in either the ancient Greek or Roman civilization?maybe both. The Fede ring, short for "Mani in Fede" in Italian, means the hands of love.
It held two clasped hands intertwined, almost identical to the Claddagh ring. The ancient Romans first placed the ring on the third finger. The "vena amoris," Latin for vein of love, was thought to be the vein that led from the third finger directly to the heart, a theory derived from the ancient Egyptians.It wasn't until the 15th century that diamonds first adorned the eternal circular band. History records the first diamond engagement ring in the 15th century when Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg presented the ring to Mary of Burgandy. At that time, diamonds were scarce, traveling via the spice route from India to Europe, and diamond engagement rings were prohibitive to all but royalty and the very wealthy.
It would be centuries until diamonds would be discovered in Brazil and Africa. DeBeers would not open its doors until 1888, and there was no Antwerp Diamond Exchange.It was not until the industrial revolution that life took a quantum leap. Advances in transportation brought goods and services that were once the province of the rich and famous to the masses. Diamond mines opened in South Africa, and while diamonds were still precious, they were at least accessible.It was in 1939 that a concerted effort to popularize the diamond engagement began in earnest with an advertising campaign in New York City. The sale of diamond engagement rings had been on the decline since 1919, decreasing by as much as 50%, due in part to the Great Depression.
Harry Oppenheimer of De Beers Consolidated Mines, Ltd, the famed South African diamond mine, took action and with the help of N.W. Ayer & Son, a New York advertising agency, launched an all-out assault with an ad campaign. It was in 1947 that the slogan "A Diamond is Forever," was born and launched the most successful advertising campaign of the twentieth century, moving the diamond engagement ring from a luxury to THE most important element of a proper engagement. And little has changed since then..
M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for http://www.jewelry-4-u.net/engagement-rings.htm, http://www.jewelry-4-u.net/wedding-rings.htm, and http://www.jewelry-4-u.net/wedding-bands.htm. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.Cigarette Holders
One of the most important and useful accessories for smokers is the cigarette holder. Cigarette holders are generally used by smokers to prevent smokers' lips from touching the cigarette, and to keep their hands clean. A cigarette holder is tubular, with a broad end to receive the filtered end of the cigarette. The other end is narrow and is contoured to be held with the lips and be clenched into place with the teeth, if desired. Cigarette holders for non-filtered cigarettes are also available.
There are many kinds of cigarette holders, and cigarette lighters and cigarette cases.
And like cases and lighters, they are made to add to the personality of the holder.
The various materials used to make cigarette holders include wood, ivory, ebony, teak, and precious metals like gold, silver and platinum.
To add to the beauty and style of the cigarette holders, they are sometimes encrusted with diamonds or other precious stones, or have hand-sculpted...
Diamonds > Cigarette Holders
Christian Traders Invited to Appear on "World Business Review"
Christian Traders, the internet's fastest growing faith-based online investment community, is pleased to announce an exciting development which will enable the company to share it's corporate vision worldwide, via a highly respected, award winning television news program.World Business Review is currently broadcast over CNN, BRAVO, TECH TV, and ASIA TELEVISION to an audience in excess of 140 million households. It is also available to 112 million internet subscribers and is shown in-flight on American Airlines. Due to its high quality content, it has been developed into a full curriculum for college and university level courses. There are 90+ educational institutions who currently use "World Business Review" in a variety of business and technology courses, within their business libraries, and on-campus TV networks.DeWayne Reeves, CEO of Christian Traders Invited to Appear on "World Business Review"
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Ballet Art Begets Egg Art
The birth of Russian ballet choreographer, George Balanchine, is being celebrated; 2004 is the centennial year of his birth. His body of work has inspired and transformed the ballet world. VIVIAN ALEXANDER?, world renown for their unique Old World egg enamel work was commissioned to honor his lifetime achievements with an egg art sculpture.The Saratoga Performing Art Center requested a unique piece that would be symbolic of Balanchine's life work in the arts and at the same time be a work of art in itself. The lavish ballet "Jewels", choreographed by George Balanchine, was chosen as the ideal vehicle to accomplish both missions. The original ballet, first performed by the New York City Ballet, is in three sections; Emeralds, Diamonds, and Rubies.Balanchine, born in St.
Petersburg Russia beneath the famous onion domes of that city, inspired the basic egg design. The domes are depicted in the outline of the three distinct panels, one for each of the represented gemstones, and the...
Ballet Art Begets Egg Art
Diamonds > Ballet Art Begets Egg Art
Christian Traders Invited to Appear on "World Business Review"
Christian Traders, the internet's fastest growing faith-based online investment community, is pleased to announce an exciting development which will enable the company to share it's corporate vision worldwide, via a highly respected, award winning television news program.World Business Review is currently broadcast over CNN, BRAVO, TECH TV, and ASIA TELEVISION to an audience in excess of 140 million households. It is also available to 112 million internet subscribers and is shown in-flight on American Airlines. Due to its high quality content, it has been developed into a full curriculum for college and university level courses. There are 90+ educational institutions who currently use "World Business Review" in a variety of business and technology courses, within their business libraries, and on-campus TV networks.DeWayne Reeves, CEO of Christian Traders Invited to Appear on "World Business Review"
Diamonds > Christian Traders Invited to Appear on "World Business Review"
Diamond Jewelry
To mark two celebrations in the year?Christmas and Valentine's Day?people often buy diamond jewelry. This means that at these times of the year, people invest in new jewelry that they must insure which usually is not covered by a homeowner's or renter's policy.
Usually, policies don't allow the dollar value for jewelry, furs and precious stones to exceed $2,000. So, since jewelry can either go missing or can be stolen, one can invest in a valuable articles floater and add that on as security. Of course, the prices for floaters vary depending on the type of jewelry you buy, the insurance company you choose, the part of town you live in, and where you keep this piece of jewelry.
There are no deductibles on floaters and endorsements, but the insurance company will give you the option of replacing the item for you.
Now, let us suppose you don't lose your diamond jewelry, and are very happy with it. From time to time, however, you still need to clean...
Diamonds > Diamond Jewelry
?Men?s Moissanite Wedding Rings To Beat Other Gifts Any Day?
Whoever said diamonds are women's best friends, surely missed on mentioning men! Believe it or not, men too go bonkers over these sparks. When it comes to the glitters, man or woman, there's no exception! So if your man's crazy about the ember, men's moissanite wedding rings would just be a perfect wedding gift for him. Men's moissanite wedding rings make an apt choice.Moissanite men's rings are an outstanding blend of charisma and persona. Beautifully crafted into numerous shapes and sizes, tempt your man with the attractiveness of a diamond and the gleam of heavenly stars. Looking for a way to express your ?beyond words' feelings for him? Moissanite men's rings do it best.
Let the cosmic cupid kindle the fire.Moissanite Men's Rings, For The Love Of Your LifeA wedding is an occasion that comes but once in a lifetime ? make it memorable, let moissanite men's rings be your means to celebration.To make your wedding day the most special occasion to remember forever, priceless men's...
?Men?s Moissanite Wedding Rings To Beat Other Gifts Any Day?
Diamonds > ?Men?s Moissanite Wedding Rings To Beat Other Gifts Any Day?
6 Essential Steps to Protect Your Computer On the Internet For Free
Recently one of my friends asked me to check out if his computer was infected by virus. He suspected because occasionally the computer was shut down automatically when connected to internet. My first thought was the Sasser worm 60 seconds auto count-down. As he uses Windows 98 second edition with IE5, the virus must be a Sasser variant. I'm not network security expert but I know some basic things he must do to protect his home PC.
It was a shock when he told me that his 4 years old PC had...
spyware Engagement Rings ? From Grass to Glitz Diamonds 6 Essential Steps to Protect Your Computer On the Internet For Free
Diamonds > 6 Essential Steps to Protect Your Computer On the Internet For Free
Europcar and Mazda Car Rental Sign Exclusive Partnership for Japan
(ContentDesk) July 14, 2006 -- Europcar, the leading European car rental firm which is 100% owned by Eurazeo, today entered into an exclusive long-term partnership with Mazda Car Rental Corporation, one of Japans leading car rental companies.As of September 1st Mazda Car Rental will feature Europcar branding in key rental locations throughout Japan. The Partnership reinforces Europcars already successful expansion strategy for the region including a recent Master Franchise Agreement developing...
Engagement Rings ? From Grass to Glitz
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Engagement Rings ? From Grass to Glitz
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Engagement Rings ? From Grass to Glitz fruit
Things You Should Avoid During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time where you have to be careful with yourself. Many factors affect the development of a fetus into a healthy child. Whether you like it or not there some activities you should avoid for the sake of your healthy baby. There are pregnancy risks that you have to aware of.To help you knowing what they are, here is some checklist you might want to consider:? Don't drink alcohol! You going to jeopardise your baby's development. If you don't want to have low birth weight baby, and having...
Engagement Rings ? From Grass to Glitz exercise
Diamonds > Things You Should Avoid During Pregnancy