The Hottest Beauty Trend Isn’t for Women: It’s Skin Care for Men

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The Hottest Beauty Trend Isn’t for Women: It’s Skin Care for Men

by: Donna Monday

Not too long ago, it used to be that when a woman brought home her facial scrub, cleanser and toner, she could be sure that the closest her man got to them was reaching over those fancy jars for his can of shaving cream.

Not any more. In recent years, men have been secretly dipping into their wives and girlfriends skin care products and liking the results that they see. So much so that many companies are developing skincare lines just for men.

And men are flocking to these skin care products in droves. Statistics reveal that men in the United States are spending over $4 billion a year on grooming products.

Skin care for men is growing in popularity among ethnic men as well. Ethnic men spend $88 million on skincare products. There is no sign of this trend slowing down.

One main difference between skin care for men and women is ease of use. While women may be willing to go through several steps in their beauty regimen, men like their regimen to be quick and easy. One, two, three and they’re out the door.

Keeping it simple doesn’t mean skimping on quality. Men are looking for high quality skin care products just like their female counterparts. MaleFace is a good example of high quality men’s skincare.

For more information on male skin care visit: http://www.1-minute-beauty-diva.com/FaceAMansSecret.html

Copyright 2004

Donna Monday writes beauty related articles for http://www.1-minute-beauty-diva.com

 

The Beauty Of Working At Home

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The Beauty Of Working At Home

by: jack foley


Working at Home is growing at a phenomenal pace around the world. The beauty of it is that your time is your own and you can dig in anytime you want. Even Large multinationals are now seeing the benefits of employing people in the home workplace.
Because of the vast improvement of communications in the last 10-15 years, the home is now becoming its own office or company in its own right. All of the machines and instruments that were once only located in the work office can now be located and used just as efficiently in the home office. Powerful computers, fax machines and internet connections can now be easily installed in the home.
Discipline and honesty are huge traits that have to be addressed when working from home. Procrastinating your work is not a problem as long as the work gets completed. When working from home, the important matter is not when the work is done, it is that the actual work is being done.
Many entrepreneurs that work from home will tell you that if they have missed work by running some errands during the day, they will complete the work later on that evening or they will do extra the following day. Until you reach a point in your life where you can pick and choose when and where you work, disipline is the foundation on which your work at home business will thrive.
If you have a full time job and are insecure about trying a work at home job, I would first suggest doing it part time. By doing it part time you will start to understand if this life is for you or not.
There is definately people (of which I am not) that love the great out-doors and want to be constantly out of the house 9-5 Monday to Friday. No matter how good an opportunity came along, these people still would not like to do it. On the other hand I believe there is the majority crying out for change. These are the people that would love to try something new if it only would increase the quality of their lives.
These people are the new leaders in internet and network marketing. These people are the people that provide the real determination to succeed in their home based businesses. By reading this article, if you think you are one of these people, then you are in the right place. Give your home based business a try, you have nothing to lose only a regret that you didn’t start it sooner!
Author Jack Foley
For more articles and information about Jack’s home business, visit Jack’s website:
http://residual-income-home-based-business.com/

Copyright © Jack Foley
All Rights Reserved
jackfoley2003@eircom.net

The beauty of Winter Photography

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The beauty of Winter Photography

by: Joanna Gerber, Gorgeous landscapes, early morning fog lifting off the frozen lake, the glistening icicles on the tree branches. Photography opportunities meet you at every corner.

When your winter vacation takes you to the secluded, covered in snow, corner of Ontario; and you just discovered that perfect winter paradise scene; now you want to get it on film, or store it for latter so you can plaster it all over your desk top… Or maybe your children build that perfect snowman and you need to make a digital record of it, so you can show it to their children someday…

There are countless reasons to take pictures in winter time. But heard the horror stories about the underexposed snow scenes, or foggy lenses…

If you are convinced that trying winter photography will only leave you with less then perfect prints, you don’t need to worry.

The art of winter photography is no longer reserved for the professional, you too can have exceptional results with your digital or 35mm camera.

First things first, if you plan to take spectacular winter landscape photographs, you will need to get yourself ready for the cold.
As with dressing for any other winter outing, it is best to put on layers, as opposed to one bulky piece of clothing. You can always take off layers if the weather changes.

Wear appropriate winter walking shoes, ones that will grip the snow and ice and not slide on it. We don’t want you dancing on ice, sliding and slipping. You may not only fall, damage your camera but also become a suitable object for other photo enthusiasts out there. So lets get some good winter boots.

Other things that you need are warm hat and a pair of thin, warm gloves. It is so much easier to take pictures wearing a slim glove and not the fat, bulky one. If you wear thick gloves, it may be nearly impossible to operate your camera, especially if it is a manual focus one. You may need to take the gloves off, exposing your hands to the cold, winter air. Your hands will quickly become cold and stiff and the photo session will be over…

Since you are ready, now we have to take a look at your camera. First thing that will happen when you step outside, will be a fog on your lens. To overcome this, simply wait couple of minutes and let the optics adjust to the temperature. The fog will disappear with time. Please be patient and do not try to wipe it off. You may not only damage the lens, but also smudge it, so when it does adjust to the cold, the smudge will dry up and be impossible to remove on the spot.

Make sure that your camera is protected from snow and water. If the snowflake lands on your lens it will melt and smudges will form, just like described above. So keep your equipment well protected and covered, if it is snowing outside.

Winter photography requires an equipment that will stand up to freezing temperatures. The film cameras or SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras are better choice for outdoor, winter photography, because they have a much sturdier parts. The Digital Cameras may fail you in very cold conditions. You may avoid this by keeping the batteries warm or changing them for fresh, warm ones if needed. You can warm up the batteries by holding them in your hand, or in the car.

The winter landscape, beautiful as it may be, is quite tricky. It’s just like shooting the high-key studio portrait. Majority of the landscape is white, the background and foreground are bright and the camera’s exposure meter will tend to give you the wrong reading, resulting in underexposed shot. In order to avoid this problem it is a good idea to switch to the manual program and take the picture by overexposing it by one stop.

Sometimes the winter will serve up some gray skies and you may think that your pictures will look equally gray and sad. That may not be the case; you have several options in this case. The first would be to use the gray sky to your advantage, that moody color may add more character to your image. You will have a grater opportunity to showcase the full spectrum of the gray scale, visible in the winter sky. When you are finally tired of the gray, try to shoot from such an angle that the sky area is not as visible. Another option is to use a gradual coloring filter to visually change the sky color.

Besides shooting the grey sky, you may consider other choices for your winter photography project.

If you have a dog, take it with you on your shooting trip. It may surprise you how playful dogs can be in the powdery snow. The picture of the friendly mutt’s face covered with the white fluffy stuff will make your heart melt.

If you lucky enough to be by the water somewhere, make sure to take some shots of the frozen surfaces if it’s a lake or maybe the spectacular frozen river scene with just a trickle of water coming through onto the cascading stones.

The country scene with a crooked, old barn surrounded by sparkly branches of low growing bushes covered with ice. Make sure that your scene composition is done in your viewfinder, so it is balanced and perfect, not on your computer.

With Digital cameras, and the flexibility of processing that they offer, you have the greater ability to choose the finished format of your photograph. The winter scenery may work well in the wide landscape format.

Other options for outdoor winter photography may include horses in the pasture, colorful birds at the feeder, wild animals in the forest.

Your children will provide the endless array of images that you can work with. Just remember to dress them in layers and let them have fun. Make sure to get down to their level, and get in close. If you are afraid to spoil their fun, or you know that they will be camera shy, step back, use a telephoto lens and a tripod for stability. The final results will be well worth the hassle.

If you are lost for choices in winter photography themes, you can always try the close-up shots. The beauty of the frozen patch of grass, sparkling in the sun on the background of glistening snow, may be discovered only through the viewfinder of your camera.

So be brave, dress warmly, get out there and shoot, the world of winter photography awaits you!
About the Author

Polish born-Canadian, Joanna Gerber is a professional photographer, alpine skiing enthusiast and editor of

www.winter-vacations-ontario.com, comprehensive guide to Winter travel, resorts and family oriented activities in Ontario, Canada.

 

THE BEAUTY OF ROSES

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THE BEAUTY OF ROSES

by: Arleen M. Kaptur

For centuries roses have carried a certain mystique. They are a symbol for love, Valentine’s Day, and are used in weddings, and for anniversaries. Their scent is a delicate fragrance that lets a passer-by stop and take notice. Colors vary and several varieties even have two or three shades in one bloom. Roses can be a creamy, delicate white all the way to a velvety, ruby red. Some varieties even have blue, orange, and “pearl”. Mixing varieties and colors adds added delight and beauty to any garden, patio, or outdoor spot.
Putting roses along a pathway or by a door gives visitors an aromatic, beautiful way to enter your home. They will inevitably stop and smell the roses.

Planting and growing roses is discussed in garden books, magazines, and on television shows. What is the best way to have plants that are hardy, and bloom with bouquet value flowers?

Roses grow best in a location that is protected from north and east winds. They do need sun but partial shade does not deter their growth. The soil should be well-drained because one cause of loss of plant is a “swamp” subsoil. The soil itself should be a good blend - not too much sand nor too heavy of a base. Using compost will improve soil quality and should be worked into the soil to distribute it evenly.

The way you first plant your rose bushes is also of paramount importance. The commonest mistake is planting them too high. The crown of your plant should be covered with about 1-1/2 inches of soil. While planting too shallow is a problem so is planting too deep. A happy medium will insure proper plant growth. Fall planting is preferred to spring planting. After the first killing frost, mount soil around the plant for protection.
Rose plants should be pruned before planting and every year. Pruning is best done in early Spring. Follow-up care with careful note of disease or insect infestation will allow you beautiful blooms and healthy plants year after year. If a problem occurs, treat it as quickly as possible. Also deadhead any dead flowers or faded blooms. This gives added strength and vitality to new growth.

A bouquet of roses in varying colors from your very own garden will take their breath away. Their scent will fill your home and their beauty will be noticed by everyone who
has the opportunity to see them. Try growing roses and you will be most pleasantly rewarded.

ENJOY !

©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 May

About the Author

Arleen M. Kaptur has written numerous articles, cookbooks, and the novel:
SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES
Websites:
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving.index.html
http://topica.com/lists.simpleliving

The Beauty of Lace

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The Beauty of Lace

by: SKY

Lace adds elegance like nothing else does! Lace takes what’s already beautiful and makes it gorgeous! You’ll see lace everywhere in the world of fashion, whether on stunning evening gowns or on delicate lingerie. Lace can also make a big statement in the home. Curtains, tablecloths, even pillowcases are made more beautiful.

There are many kinds of lace. History is rich with the story of how they came into being, having been created in different parts of the world and at different times. Bedfordshire Lace was used to dress up vintage handkerchiefs, Point de Gaze Lace from Belgium carries a gauzy look, Gros Point Lace was extremely popular in 1670, and has made a big comeback in these last few years. Xiao Sham lace from China is intricate beyond description.

Perhaps the crowning glory of fine lace is on a young woman’s wedding dress. This is a dress to remember for all time, and much of its beauty is owed to the lace that adorns it. But whether it’s for such an occasion as that, or for everyday use, lace really does make things nicer!

About the author:

http://www.a1-2more-4u.com

THE BEAUTY OF DIFFERENCE

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THE BEAUTY OF DIFFERENCE

by: Sharon Dalton Williams

Every morning I start my day with some quiet time in my office. I have
a nice comfy recliner I curl up in with my cup of coffee. My chair
faces the window to east, so every morning I get to watch the day dawn.

Some mornings I am there so early that the sun hasn’t risen yet. I
enjoy watching the stars twinkle in the pre-dawn. Slowly the sun
begins to rise, and light begins to push back the darkness. The
process is fascinating.

Some mornings I am treated to a spectacular sunrise scene. The colors
bouncing off the nearby clouds give me a pleasing light show. I watch
the colors change from pink to purple to orange to yellow.

Other mornings it’s stormy outside, and all I see are storm clouds
angrily racing across the sky. There’s magnificence in the power of
the storm as it marches through affecting everything around.

And then there are the mornings where nothing particularly spectacular
is going on. The sky is clear, and as the sun rises, it quietly bursts
forth onto the scene lighting the earth.

I sat there in my quiet chair enjoying the view outside my window
recently and realized how blessed I am to look out the same window and
see so many different skies. Each sky, so very different, has its own
intrinsic beauty. The skies don’t try to look like each other. They
don’t try to be anything they are not. They are different, and they
are beautiful.

The dictionary defines difference as:

  • The quality or condition of being unlike or dissimilar.
  • A specific point or element that distinguishes one thing from another.
  • A noticeable change or effect.
  • Discrimination in taste or choice; distinction.

Each one of us is different. Each of us has our own personality,
talents, gifts, and ideals. When we take what is uniquely us and use it
to build our businesses, we end up with products or services that are
noticeable, distinguished, and distinct. And there is tremendous
beauty in that.

Don’t try to be like everyone else you see. Take time to find out what
your passion is and pursue it. Find that element in you that makes you
stand out from the crowd and develop it. Do not be afraid to be unique.
As you nurture your individuality, your business will be noticed
because no one can do it just like you.

There is beauty in difference.ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sharon Dalton Williams is the author of “How to Succeed and Live a Full
Life.” Learn how to reach the goals you have set for your life and
business. Surf to http://www.sdwassociates.com to order your copy.
Learn how to use what is uniquely you in building your business.
Subscribe to *Out From the Crowd.* mailto:oftc-subscribe@topica.com.

 

The Beauty of a Rose

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The Beauty of a Rose

by: Rose DesRochers

There is an old English Proverb that goes like this a friend in need is a friend indeed. How true! Having a special friend you can turn to in good times and in bad is a beautiful and splendiferous thing. Leo F. Buscaglia said: “A single rose can be my garden…a single friend my world, “To illustrate this point, let me tell you a story about friendship.The Beauty of a Rose

I was walking through the forest and through the bushes I heard weeping .I followed the sound of the soft cry until I arrived at a woman sitting upon the snow .Her eyes were filled with tears and her heart heavy from life. I sat upon the cold snow with her and I offered her my shoulder and my ears.

“What is your name”, she asked”. I smiled at her and I said, “My name is Faith, my middle name is hope and my last name is compassion. I saw a faint smile come upon her face as I asked her “what is your name? ” “My name is flower child and “I had given up on hope, faith was something I was loosing site of and I have no more compassion to give. ”

I asked her if I may read her a poem and through the poem I showed her self-worth .That it was more important for her to have self worth for when she loved herself others would love her to. I showed her reality, that you can not save the world if people don’t or won’t listen. I spoke of how important it was to have a compassion for others.

I showed her praise, I praised her for staying strong when she had given up on faith. I showed her patience as this was something not easy for any of us. Things take time I told her. Sometimes people just don’t want to accept what is in front of them. I told her to please hang on that someday they may learn respect. I then said to her this you see flower child this is hope

We sat and talked awhile and I saw a smile come back through flower Childs eyes. I picked up a wild Rose that was laying there in the snow. I placed the rose it in her hand. It wasn’t everyday you had roses in winter. This is friendship the most important of all things in our life. It is truly as rare as this rose in the snow. When you receive it cherish it and don’t ever let it die.

Then I smiled, I handed her a piece of paper with my number on it and I walked away. She called me the next day and I heard join in her soft voice. She told me that she had thought of me and I truly lived up to my name. I think she found her faith, her hope and her compassion. She said she found it in me but I think she had it in her all along. But what she did not have was the friendship of a Rose or an earth angel to help guide her along

We all need someone in life to say I believe in you. Friendship is as rare as a rose in the snow. When you receive it cherish it don’t let it ever die. Life is too short not to cherish those who show us compassion. Don’t let silly things stand in our way. For friendship is the beauty of a rose.

THE BEAUTY OF A PORCH

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THE BEAUTY OF A PORCH

by: Arleen M. Kaptur

What is one feature that you can add to your home that will definitely increase its value not only monetarily? There is the ingredient of a “special place” to relax, to dream about tomorrow, and to slowly sip a cool, smooth drink on a hot, sticky day. Also, this is a great place to chat with the neighbors or visiting relatives, to admire the seasons, nature and its abundance of color and change, and to take a catnap when the need calls for one.

All of the above relate to something as simple as a porch. Whether it is on the back of the house, across the front of the home, or even to the side - there is so much value in having a porch. It can even do duty as a breakfast room where you start your day and anticipate what the day will bring over a cup of coffee.

It can be an elaborate structure with pillars and graceful archways or it can be as simple as a screen enclosure where you step out from the kitchen to the delight of the sunshine, the sweet smell of morning, and the sounds of the birds. Taking into consideration the type of home you have, you can then plan with size, material, and style. Whatever the final outcome is, the real statement will be the comfort and enjoyment a porch can bring. And if you add a porch swing - then you do have the makings of a wonderful place just outside of your home. If a porch swing is not in the plans, then a padded rocking chair, a few tables, assorted chairs, and plants will do the trick.

Porches are fun to decorate but they should never become just another convenient storage shed. They should be uncluttered, colorful and comfortable. There should be easy access to the home so that food and drink can be easily brought it and out. Porches can be three-season or year-round with a few extras added.

Whatever your budget allows, inspiration and imagination in decorating your porch take precedence. Wicker, wood, or other natural features are the most soothing and relaxing.
Bright, beautiful colors and a lot of windows or screens, if enclosed, to bring in the sight, sounds, and smells of the great outdoors. Accessories can be anything that helps provide a relaxing, comforting atmosphere.

There is one drawback to having a porch. The neighbors will take notice and start stopping by as they take a stroll in the evening breezes, and relatives will stay just a little bit longer. A porch is a great place for children to play and to entertain their friends.
Small tables so that games, puzzles, or other activities can be set up and a storage box for toys provides a lot of fun and entertainment, and mom is just a step away.

Whatever your budget or home style, a porch can be added that will delight and give you hours of pleasure. The size of the porch is not important, as long as there is space to stretch out and wile away the hours sipping that cool drink, dreaming, planning, or just taking in the beauty of your garden, your flowers, or the trees that line your street.

A porch opens up the world just a little more, and allows everyone to have the opportunity to stop, chat, and share the latest. It is a gathering place of great friends, conversation, and relaxation. It is well worth the time and effort because it will bring back more in home value, and personal value. It adds charm, comfort, and inspiration. It will become that special place where family and fun can be relished and cherished in a relaxed and soothing atmosphere.

Hope there’s a porch in your future!
ENJOY!
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 June 1

About the Author

Arleen Kaptur has written numerous articles, how-to books, cookbooks, and the novel: SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES
Websites:
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving/
http://topica.com/lists/simpleliving

 

The Beauty and Simplicity of Life

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The Beauty and Simplicity of Life

by: Annette Dykes


I just returned from a wonderful weekend with a French family. I realized while I was there that their son seemed so happy, and so well-adjusted, and that the family was very close.There were a few things I noticed that they did that were different than many of the families I know, and I think these differences had much to do with the warm connection I felt with that family.

First, they didn’t have a TV. Actually …

they had a TV, but they didn’t turn it on even once in 4 days

that I was there, and the little boy kept himself busy playing with his Bionicles (a Lego toy) and his friends in the neighborhood. He has an incredible imagination and is very bright!

I asked his Mom what she did when he got bored and she said, “I want him to get bored! That makes him more creative!” How true!!

Secondly,

they cooked every meal and ate together, at the table, with candles …

At every meal!

The portions were “just right” (I never felt too full) and the taste was exquisite, because we made everything from scratch. And healthy? Absolutely. We talked together during meals and shared what we were working on.

Somehow, they even found the time to exercise together (or apart).

One Friday, the Mom and I drove their little boy to school, parked the car, and ran home!

Then, so that we could pick him up from school again, we had to run back to the school in the afternoon.

What a great way to get some exercise! Now that’s what I call a healthy “lifestyle.”

You may think, “Sure, they probably have easy jobs and the Mom doesn’t work, that’s why she can cook all of their meals,” but quite the opposite is true.

The mother is an entrepreneur and the father is involved in a start-up company and is even studying for his Master’s degree in the evenings!

They are a busy family, but they make time for one another.
It was a truly beautiful experience, and I just wanted to share it with you in the hopes that you might follow their example.

Try turning off the TV for an entire evening and enjoy a home-cooked meal together.


You’ll be surprised at the level of intimacy it can create for you and your family!

About the Author

© Annette Dykes, Certified Weight Loss & Life Coach, Certified Fitness Trainer.

Annette Dykes is the Life&Weight Loss Coach at MyPrivateCoach.
She can be contacted at info@myprivatecoach.com.

The Beauty and Meaning of Birthstones

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The Beauty and Meaning of Birthstones

by: Reno Charlton

Birthstones have been around since ancient times, and in those days were believed to possess some magical force that could protect the owner or wearer of the stone. These birthstones were traditionally linked to the Zodiac.

However, modern birthstones are linked to calendar months, and each month has its own unique birthstone, with its own fabled properties. Many people love to wear jewellery set with their birthstone, as the ancient meanings and associations with these stones still intrigue them.

You can get many types of jewellery containing birthstones, such as birthstone rings, a birthstone pendant and birthstone earrings. Giving someone an item of jewellery set with their birthstone is a touching and wonderful gift, and whether you give them a birthstone ring, a birthstone pendant or a birthstone brooch, it is something that they are likely to treasure forever because it has real meaning and significance.

Below you will find a listing of each of the birthstones used today.

January

The birthstone for this month is the garnet, which was once thought to be connected with the blood. This stone is supposed to protect the wearer from nightmares and offer guidance through the dark.

Garnets are long lasting and durable gems, with a fiery, ravishing beauty. This is type of gem that the wearer will treasure forever, no matter what item of jewellery it is set into. Garnets are traditionally thought of as deep red, but actually come in a wide range of colours, so there is something to suit every taste for this month.

February

The birthstone for this month is the amethyst, and the folklore attached to this gem associates it with sobriety, tranquillity, protection and peace. This birthstone as also been linked to improving the skin and preventing baldness, as well as protection from deceit, so it has a lot to live up to!

The amethyst birthstone comes in varying shades of purple, and can be a pale lilac in colour. On the other end of the scale, you can also get deep violet amethysts, which means that you can enjoy a birthstone that is as subtle or as rich as you like. This birthstone is very hardwearing, and its strength and durability will ensure that it lasts for a very long time.

March

This month’s birthstone is aquamarine, which has been linked to the making of new friends as well as affection and love, hope and health. This stone was once also thought to protect those at sea.

As the name of this birthstone suggests, it is a green-blue in colour and has a rich, sparkling look. You can get aquamarine birthstones in a variety of shapes and sizes, and you can also get this stone in varying shades of green-blue.

April

One of the most popular gems throughout history, diamonds are the birthstone for this month, and these stones are linked to love, eternity and strength. This has contributed towards diamonds being the most popular gems of all time when it comes to romance, such as engagement rings and wedding bands.

Diamonds are very strong and hardwearing, making them the perfect birthstone to wear on a daily basis. You can enjoy many different cuts of this stone, and the fiery, glamorous sparkle given off by diamonds is positively captivating.

May

This month’s birthstone is the beautiful emerald, once linked to health and the curing of ailments, as well as being associated with the ability to see in to the future, giving them an almost bewitching, magical reputation.

These fiery green gems are amazing to look at, and can be found in a variety of shapes and cuts. The beauty and richness of this stone makes it the perfect gem for birthstone jewellery, and is something that the wearer can show off and take pride in for a long time.

June

The elegant pearl is the birthstone for the month of June, and this gem has been linked with chastity and modesty, making it something of an angelic, pure birthstone. They are also linked to successful and happy marriages.

These round, stunning birthstones come in a variety of colours, and a range of sizes. Pearls can look spectacular yet modest in all manner of jewellery from birthstone rings, to earrings and necklaces, making them a perfect gift.

July

The birthstone for this month is the ravishing ruby, a stone traditionally linked with protection and harmony. This birthstone has been mined since ancient times, and boasts a spectacular beauty.

Deep red in colour, rubies are stunning birthstones that will liven up and enhance any piece of jewellery. These gems have a unique, vivid and fiery appearance that would delight anyone.

August

The birthstone for the month of August is peridot, which was commonly linked with protection against evil and night terrors, as well as a gem that enhanced the properties of healing drugs.

Lime green in colour, this birthstone is a by-product of volcanic action, and comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This birthstone gives off its own unique energy, and is strong and durable.

September

Sumptuous sapphire is the birthstone associated with September, and this gem has been linked with faith and purity, as well as foresight. It was thought that the stronger the sparkle of the gem, the more faithful and honest the wearer.

These birthstones look stunning in all types of jewellery, especially in white gold and platinum metal. However, sapphires can come in other colours as well as blue. These are strong and durable gems that will last for years to come, and can be passed down to future generations.

October

The birthstone of October is the opal, a stone that has been linked to purity, hope and innocence. This gem has also been linked to healing forces, friendship and emotion, so it has experienced its fair share of folklore over the years.

This type of birthstone comes in white or black, and both variations have remnants of other colours within them. Opals have a unique look and beauty, making them a very interesting birthstone with a strangely exquisite appearance.

November

The birthstone for this month is topaz, once linked with sanity, healing, and life, as well as being connected to strength by the ancient Greeks. This stone has even been linked to an ability to make the wearer invisible in dangerous situations.

This birthstone comes in a range of colours, all of which will enhance any jewel with a fiery sparkle. Colours include golden, blue, pale green, pink and red, as well as some other rare colours. A stunning gem, topaz boasts both beauty and strength.

December

The given birthstone for December is turquoise, and this precious stone was once linked to happiness, fortune and luck, making it a very popular gem in centuries gone by.

Turquoise can range in colour from mid-blue to a green-blue or light green colour, and this birthstone is unusual and beautiful, making it a very distinctive and unusual addition to any jewellery collection.

Summary

Giving a birthstone to someone special as a gift means giving so much more than just a piece of jewellery. The ancient meanings associated with each of these birthstones make them extra-special, giving them a quality that is impossible to achieve with any other gem.

Whether you decide to give a birthstone ring, necklace earrings or any other piece of jewellery, you will always find stunning pieces where the precious metal and the birthstone complement one another perfectly. Birthstone jewellery makes a unique, beautiful, and affordable gift with real sentiment behind it.

About the Author

Antigone Arthur is an award-winning author and freelance writer providing consumer information on such topics as birthstones and gemstones, promise rings, and celtic wedding rings.

 

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