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Dufur is a tiny town, but a convenient place to spend a night or two when exploring that part of Oregon. The staff was very friendly and helpful, and our room was comfortable and overlooked the beautiful stone patio area. There is usually a view of Mt. Hood from the front of the hotel, but unfortunately we could only see... More
What is Certificate of Excellence?
TripAdvisor gives a Certificate of Excellence to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers.


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Best Western Hotel Principe, Langhe Region
- Free WiFi
Main amenities
- 50 guestrooms
- Breakfast available
- Bar/lounge
- Valet parking
- Business center
- Area shuttle
- Childcare
- 24-hour front desk
- Air conditioning
- Car rentals on site
- Computer station
- Front desk safe
What's around
- Galimberti Square (0 mi / 0.1 km)
- Piazza Seminario Market (0.1 mi / 0.2 km)
- Church of San Francesco (0.5 mi / 0.7 km)
- Casa del Fiume (0.5 mi / 0.8 km)
- Cuneo Golf Club (4.4 mi / 7 km)
Best Western Hotel Principe, Langhe Region
Hotel Info: 866-539-8117from $96
- Standard Room, 1 Single Bed
- Standard Room, 1 Single Bed
- Standard Room, 1 King Bed
- Standard Room, 2 Single Beds
- Single Room
- Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed
- Suite, 1 King Bed, Balcony
- Triple Room
- Double Room Single Use
- Superior Room, 1 King Bed
- Standard Double Room
- Twin Room
- Single Room
- Standard Room, 2 Single Beds
- Double Room
- Double Room
- Standard Duplex, 1 King Bed
- Triple Room
- Double Room Single Use
- Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed
- Junior Suite, 1 King Bed, Balcony, City View
- Standard Room, Multiple Beds
- Standard Room, 1 King Bed
- Standard Room, 2 Single Beds
Also popular with travelers from the USA
At a glance
Key facts
Hotel size
- This hotel has 50 rooms
- This hotel is arranged over 3 floors
- Check-in time Noon-Midnight
- Check-out time is Noon
- Express check-in
Required at check in
- Credit card or cash deposit required
- Government-issued photo ID required
Travelling with others
- One child (2 years old and younger) stays free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
- Babysitting/childcare *
- Pets stay free (dogs only)
- Free WiFi and wired Internet access in public areas
- Free WiFi and wired Internet access in rooms
- Valet parking *
- Area shuttle *
Nearby Four Star Langhe Region hotels
In the hotel
- Buffet breakfast daily (surcharge)
- Bar/lounge
- Coffee shop/café
- 24-hour room service
- Bicycle rentals nearby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Business center
- Number of meeting rooms - 2
- Meeting rooms 50
- Computer station
- 24-hour front desk
- Concierge services
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Laundry facilities
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
- Elevator/lift
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Accessible bathroom
- In-room accessibility
In the room
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Coffee/tea maker
- Iron/ironing board (on request)
- Hypo-allergenic bedding available
- Soundproofed rooms
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Satellite TV channels
- Desk
- Free WiFi
- In-room safe
Top Langhe Region hotels
Recently reviewed hotels in Langhe Region
- Somaschi Hotel - Monastero di CherascoFrom
"We came to Cherasco while visiting the barolo region and attending the truffle festival. We wanted to try another small hill town, and Cherasco was a great choice - both for the…"Nov 16, 2015
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"Not only is L'Angolo di Rosina easy to find in Novello, but it is a gem of a hotel: from the tastefully-appointed room, and the very nicely-sized bathroom, to the cleanliness of…"Jun 19, 2015
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Nearby hotels
Best Western Hotel Principe, Langhe Region's small print
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 2999.99, due to national regulations. For further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation.
Optional extras
Self parking costs EUR 10 per night
Valet parking is available for an extra charge
Rollaway beds are available for EUR 20 per night
Buffet breakfast is offered for an extra charge of EUR 3 for adults and EUR 3 for children (approximately)
Cribs/Infant beds are available for EUR 10 per night
Babysitting/childcare is available for an extra charge
Area shuttle service is offered for an extra charge
We have included all charges provided to us by this hotel. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book.
Is the description of this hotel not correct? Tell us

subset: commoncrawl


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You think your child is riding safely . . . but are you really sure? Motor vehicle crashes kill more children than any other cause. Make sure your child is buckled up properly.
Car Seat and Booster Safety Check
3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, May 19, 2014
West Bend Fire Department, Station 3
2100 S. Main Street
West Bend, WI 53095
This event is free and open to the public. Volunteer, certified child passenger safety technicians will help families make sure children are riding safely. Appointments are encouraged. Please allow 40 minutes per car seat. To make an appointment, call (414)231-4896. Families without appointments will be seen as time allows.
Low-cost car seats are available for purchase. Child and vehicle must be present. Please let us know you would like to purchase a car seat when making your appointment.
To learn more, call (414) 231-4894 or visit safekidswi.org.
Car and booster seats are the law.
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Want to spice up your look? Then consider adding green gemstones to your wardrobe. These perennially beautiful gemstones evoke new life, so you'll look radiant – regardless of the season. Use our guide to find your perfect green gem!
Green …
The post GIA Green Gemstones Buying Guide appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.]]>
Want to spice up your look? Then consider adding green gemstones to your wardrobe. These perennially beautiful gemstones evoke new life, so you'll look radiant – regardless of the season. Use our guide to find your perfect green gem!
Green Gemstones: Emerald
Emerald, the May birthstone, is probably the first green gemstone that comes to mind – and for good reason: emerald was cherished by Egyptian pharaohs, Inca kings, Spanish conquistadors, and the Mogul rulers of India. It still casts its spell on gem aficionados and the fashion-conscious seeking a color pairing with Pantone's 2016 Colors of the Year, Rose Quartz and Serenity.
Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl. The finest emeralds are bluish green to pure green, with vivid color saturation. Emerald gets its green color from the presence of either chromium or vanadium. It takes a specific geological environment to produce this coveted green gemstone, as a result, emerald is found only in a few places on earth.
Most emeralds have inclusions – internal clarity characteristics like gas bubbles, minerals, and fractures. Manufacturers often treat emeralds to disguise inclusions to improve the gem's appearance. A common emerald treatment is filling fractures with oil, resin, or wax. Fillers and dyes are impermanent and may be damaged or removed, so emeralds often require special care.
Check out our Emerald Buying Guide to learn more about the quality factors to look for and how to care for your emerald jewelry.
Green Gemstones: Jade
Jade has been cherished for thousands of years. But did you know that what we term "jade" today actually covers two different gem materials? Jadeite and nephrite are both metaphoric rocks made up of tiny interlocking mineral crystals (Metaphoric rock is rock that has been subjected to very high heat and pressure). This structure of interlocking crystals makes both varieties of jade exceptionally tough – one of the factors that accounts for gem durability.
Jadeite comes in a wide range of attractive colors, the most desirable being semi-transparent with a striking color referred to in the trade as 'imperial green.' Jadeite that is yellowish-green, grayish-green, or blackish-green is more common, but similarly prized. The presence of chromium is responsible for green jadeite's alluring color.
Jadeite is also found in lavender (usually the second-most desirable color), black, white, orange, and other hues. Jadeite that has a fine texture and high polish is more desirable than jadeite with a coarse texture and dull luster.
Like emerald, jadeite is often treated to improve its appearance. Some of these treatments are considered common in the trade, such as a very light waxing of the surface called luster enhancement; others are controversial, like dyeing or bleaching followed by impregnation with a polymer. Testing by an idependent gem laboratory like GIA can determine if and how a gemstone was treated.
Nephrite jade is even tougher than jadeite, but the hues are more subdued, darker, and less saturated. Colors can range from translucent to opaque and can be light to dark green, yellow, red, brown, black, gray or white. The cause of color for green nephrite is chromium and iron. It is more available and less expensive than jadeite. So if jadeite is a bit too pricey for your pocketbook, nephrite can be an affordable – and beautiful – alternative.
If you're traveling to Hong Kong, the Jade Market in Kowloon is the place to find jadeite and nephrite jewelry. Most jadeite you'll find is mined in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). If you're purchasing jadeite to bring to the United States, please bear in mind current legislation bans the import into the United States of jade mined in Myanmar, regardless of where it may have been processed, fashioned, or purchased.
Green Gemstones: Peridot
If you love green gemstones, the August birthstone is another beautiful option. Found as nodules in volcanic rock, occasionally as crystals lining veins in the mountains, and sometimes even in meteorites, peridot is sometimes called the extreme gem. The presence of iron causes peridot's color. Fine quality peridot ranges from saturated green to slightly yellowish green that's free from brown tints, often seen in specimens weighing 10 carats or more. Smaller stones sometimes show yellow-green to greenish yellow hues and brown undertones.
Better quality peridot has no eye-visible inclusions. Although, under magnification, you might see minute mineral crystals, and reflective, disk shaped inclusions, known as 'lily pads'.
There are no known treatments to enhance peridot's clarity or color. So, if you purchase this green gemstone it will likely be an untreated gem.
The Ancient Egyptians called peridot the gem of the sun, and for over 3,500 years, peridot was mined on St. John's Island (Zabargad) in the Red Sea, in southern Egypt. This locality is a historic source for fine peridot, and produced an exquisite specimen that was later fashioned into a 154 ct pear shaped pendant called The Green Goddess. Historically, peridot has often been mistaken for other gemstones. One of the most famous cases of mistaken identity involves 200 carats of peridots set in the shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany's Cologne Cathedral that were once believed to be emeralds.
Green Gemstones: Demantoid Garnet
You may be surprised to learn that garnets aren't always red. In fact, they come in a wide range of colors, with demantoid, a variety of andradite garnet, being one of the most stunning green gemstones around. Demantoid means 'diamond-like' and with its vivid green color and spellbinding dispersion (flashes of spectral colors refracted back from the stone), demantoid has qualities bound to charm. The gem ranges in color from yellowish or brownish green to a very rare intense green hue that rivals the beauty – and price – of emerald.
Chromium causes demantoid's color. Demantoid is also the only green gem that can have horsetail inclusions:radiating bundles of mineral fibers. These delicate wisps are quite beautiful, and can increase the value of the gem.
Although garnet locations abound around the world, demantoid is found in just a few locales. Namibia is a premier producer of premium quality gems, and demantoid is also found along the Bobrovka River in Russia, where villagers still search for rough.
Green Gemstones: Tsavorite
Those with a January birthstone are lucky: the garnet family also contains another fabulous green gemstone. Tsavorite, a variety of grossular garnet, was discovered in the 1960s and in a few short decades, it's become a popular choice for green gemstones because it is durable and usually free of inclusions.
The presence of the element vanadium produces tsavorite's range of color – a spectrum ranging from bluish-green to yellowish-green. Vivid, strongly saturated bluish green to green tsavorite is prized over yellowish-green ones.
Tsavorite gets its name from the Tsavo National Game Park in Kenya. Tanzania is another important source for the gem.
Green Gemstones: Green Diamonds
Natural green diamonds are doubly alluring: they are breathtakingly beautiful and a bit complicated.
These exceedingly rare beauties get their color from exposure to radiation. Because the diamond's exposure to natural radiation can be replicated in a laboratory setting, gemological detective work is required to determine if the color is natural or treated. Green or brown surface stains may be an indication that the diamond is natural color. It is not always possible to determine the cause of color in green diamonds.
On rough diamonds, the green color is often only on the surface and is removed in the cutting process. Much care must be taken when cutting green diamonds not to shave off the radiation stains that are responsible for causing the color. Green diamonds are not the only colored diamonds to be considered rare and fascinating.
Emerald. Jade. Peridot. Demantoid. Tsavorite. Green diamonds. There is no shortage of perennially fashionable and beautiful green gems. Now that you know about them, you can dress to match the beauty all around you – no matter the season.
Still looking for more gems to go with Pantone 2016 colors? Take a look at our Pink Gemstone Buying Guide for rose quartz, morganite, pink diamonds, and many more!
The post GIA Green Gemstones Buying Guide appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.]]>
Riddle us this: What temporarily changes color when it's heated or kept in the dark? Is incredibly rare? And exceptionally valuable? If you said a chameleon diamond, you're right! If you didn't know the answer, don't worry: read on to …
The post Colored Diamonds: The Mysterious Chameleon Diamond appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.]]>
Riddle us this: What temporarily changes color when it's heated or kept in the dark? Is incredibly rare? And exceptionally valuable? If you said a chameleon diamond, you're right! If you didn't know the answer, don't worry: read on to learn more about these mysterious and intriguing colored diamonds.
What Is a Chameleon Diamond?
Under normal conditions, the color of chameleon diamonds is typically grayish yellowish green to grayish greenish yellow. But, when heated up to 150° C (302° Fahrenheit) — or exposed to light after prolonged storage in the dark — a remarkable color change happens. Chameleon diamonds temporarily turn an intense brownish or orangy yellow to yellow color.
Some of these extraordinary colored diamonds have displayed color change for more than 15 minutes after being exposed to an ultraviolet lamp for just 60 seconds. Some emit a yellow glow, or phosphoresce, for up to an hour after the light source is turned off.
Why Does a Chameleon Diamond Change Color?
What makes chameleon diamonds so mysterious is that the reason for their color change is unknown. Since chameleon diamonds change color when exposed to light or heat, there may be more than one mechanism at work causing the phenomena. Additionally, as they are so rare and valuable, researchers have found it difficult to procure samples to study.
How Rare Are Chameleon Diamonds?
It's hard to say. Earliest mention of a color-change diamond dates back to 1866 by Georges Halphen, a Paris diamond merchant. The term 'chameleon diamond,' was first used to describe these color-change diamonds in the jewelry trade in 1943. One story from the early 1970s is about a customer who purchased a light yellow green diamond. Once he took it out of his jewelry box, he noticed that the diamond was now dark green. He returned the diamond for a refund. One can only imagine how many other chameleon diamonds camouflaged themselves from collectors.
Grading Chameleon Diamonds
When a colored diamond is submitted to GIA for a GIA Colored Diamond Grading Report, the standard procedure is to record its visible absorption spectrum. To record the spectrum, the diamond is illuminated with light, and as it passes through the diamond, some of it is absorbed and some of it is transmitted. The transmitted portion is what we perceive to be the diamond's color.
Chameleon diamonds have a distinctive color and absorption spectrum. When lab technicians see this spectrum, they look for color change behavior if the diamond is heated slightly or put in the dark. The laboratory will comment on the report that the diamond's color changes temporarily when heated or when left in darkness for a period of time and is known in the trade as "chameleon."
Add more color to your life by exploring the world of colored diamonds. There's a rainbow out there waiting for you!
The post Colored Diamonds: The Mysterious Chameleon Diamond appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.]]>
What is diamond fluorescence? Is it good or bad? Should you buy (or not buy) a diamond because of it? These and other similar questions are often raised as diamond shoppers seek answers in making an informed buying decision.
In …
The post Is Diamond Fluorescence Good or Bad? appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.]]>
What is diamond fluorescence? Is it good or bad? Should you buy (or not buy) a diamond because of it? These and other similar questions are often raised as diamond shoppers seek answers in making an informed buying decision.
In this post, we answer the most frequent questions about diamond fluorescence to help you choose your perfect diamond.
1. What is diamond fluorescence?
Fluorescence is the glow you sometimes see when an object emits visible light. Some diamonds fluoresce when they are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sources like the sun and fluorescent lamps. This can cause them to emit a bluish light or more rarely, a yellow or orangy light. Once the UV light source is removed, the diamond stops fluorescing.
2. Do all diamonds fluoresce?
No. Only about 25% to 35% of diamonds exhibit some degree of fluorescence.
3. Is there a diamond fluorescence grade?
GIA considers diamond fluorescence an identifying characteristic. It is not a grading factor like the GIA 4Cs (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight). GIA Diamond Grading Reports and Diamond Dossiers describe a diamond's fluorescence by its intensity (None, Faint, Medium, Strong and Very Strong) when compared to masterstones used in the lab. If the fluorescence is Medium, Strong, or Very Strong, the color of the fluorescence will be noted.
Learn more about how GIA Diamond Grading Reports describe diamond color and fluorescence.
4. Will diamond fluorescence make a yellow diamond look whiter?
Some trade professionals think blue fluorescence enhances a diamond's appearance, especially diamonds with I to M color grades. Bluish fluorescence can make a faint yellowish diamond appear more colorless in UV light, such as natural daylight. As a result, near colorless to faint yellow diamonds with a very strong to medium bluish fluorescence may have a slightly higher per carat price than similar diamonds that do not fluoresce.
The opposite is true for diamonds with higher color grades: diamonds in the D to H color range with a bluish fluorescence are often considered less desirable by the trade. Some believe that a bluish fluorescence may cause a hazy or oily appearance in these diamonds, but only if the fluorescence intensity is very strong. Not all diamonds with very strong bluish fluorescence look oily, however, and they may sell for less than diamonds that do not have blue fluorescence.
If you're not yet familiar with the 23 color grades on the GIA Color Scale, you can learn more about them with the GIA Diamond Color Chart.
5. Can an average person tell the difference between diamonds that do and don't fluoresce?
GIA has studied the effect of blue fluorescence on diamond appearance. The Institute screened a large number of diamonds, assembling four sets of six diamonds, with each group representing a different color grade (E, G, I, and K). The diamonds in each set were as similar as possible in all respects except the intensity of blue fluorescence. Diamond graders, trained professionals, and average observers viewed the diamonds in controlled conditions to make a judgment about their appearance.
Here is what GIA found: "For the average observer, meant to represent the jewelry buying public, no systematic effects of blue fluorescence on the face-up appearance of the groups of diamonds were detected. Even experienced observers did not consistently agree on the effects of fluorescence from one stone to the next."
Simply put, blue fluorescence had a negligible effect on the face-up appearance of diamonds in the colorless or near-colorless grade ranges (grades D through J) except for a slight improvement in the rare instances of very strong fluorescence intensity.
If you'd like to dig deeper into the science, read GIA's research findings on diamond fluorescence.
6. Is diamond fluorescence good or bad?
Fluorescence is neither good nor bad. A diamond's beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You may perceive fluorescence, or you may not. You may like it, or you may not.
If you are considering a diamond with bluish fluorescence, take the time to look at it under different kinds of lighting, including natural daylight, and compare it to other diamonds of the same color. See if you notice any difference.
Perhaps diamond fluorescence sparks so much conversation because its effect is so subjective. Opinions range across the spectrum. See if you notice it the next time you're in a jewelry store – and then decide if it appeals to you. You should love what you end up buying. There's no hard rule, so let your heart lead the way.
Now that you know more about fluorescence, you probably want to dig deeper into light's effect on another aspect of diamond quality. Read on to learn how light affects a diamond's cut appearance.
Main Image Copyright: GIA and Harold & Erica Van Pelt. Courtesy: Harry Winston, Inc.
The post Is Diamond Fluorescence Good or Bad? appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.]]>
Emerald is the perfect May birthstone. Its rich color evokes the springtime green we see all around us. Yet emeralds are far from abundant: they are found in only where geological conditions are just right to produce this coveted green …
The post May Birthstone: Where Do Emeralds Come From? appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.]]>
Emerald is the perfect May birthstone. Its rich color evokes the springtime green we see all around us. Yet emeralds are far from abundant: they are found in only where geological conditions are just right to produce this coveted green gem. Read on to learn more about this beautiful gem.
What is Emerald?
Before we begin our global travels to find the sources of the May birthstone, it helps to know that emerald is a bluish-green to green variety of the mineral beryl, which ranks 7 ½ to 8 on the Mohs Scale. Traces of the elements chromium or vanadium give rise to emerald's enviable color. It takes a specific geological environment to produce emerald: the elements beryllium, aluminum, silicon, oxygen and one or more trace elements – chromium or vanadium – must be present. This rare combination is found only in a few places on Earth.
So now that you know a little about the gem, are you ready to discover where emeralds come from?
Emeralds from Colombia
Colombia has been the source of the finest emeralds for more than 500 years – long before the gem was designated the May birthstone. The rich greens of Colombian emeralds are the standard by which all others are measured.
Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez are three of the most important sites in Colombia for emeralds. Each locality is famed for producing emeralds of different hues. Muzo is known for its darker tones of pure green emeralds. Chivor is noted for emeralds that are lighter in tone and slightly bluish green. Coscuez produces slightly yellowish green emeralds. These classic mines remain historically significant, and continue to produce fine gems. The color of rough found in newer mines is often compared to colors from these principal localities.
The setting of these emerald mines is as stunning as the gems. Craggy mountains carpeted in green surge up from lush valleys. Rivers slice their way through a fantastically rugged landscape. Wisps of pristine white clouds often hang over the jungle setting. And out of this breathtaking panorama, miners find rough that is coveted around the world.
Colombia has produced a number of famous May birthstones. The 75.47 carat (ct) Hooker Emerald was once the property of Abdul Hamid II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (1876-1909). It eventually made its way to Mrs. Janet Annenberg Hooker and is now displayed at the Smithsonian Institution.
Emerald crystals are also prized, mainly for their size, color and symmetry. The American Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles are just a few prestigious institutions that showcase emerald crystals.
Emeralds from Brazil
If you're hunting for emeralds, Brazil is also a good place to search. Emeralds were only found there in the last sixty years. Now the May birthstone is one of Brazil's most important gem exports. Minas Gerais, where many emeralds are found, is a landlocked state of changing scenery. Savannahs broken by occasional forests sprawl in the west. Rocky hills and sparse vegetation make up the central and eastern parts. Lush forests and gentle hills are the welcoming landscape of the south.
The Belmont Mine located there is one of the most productive sites for the May birthstone. Capoeirana, in Minas Gerais, is another important locality. Independent miners and workers employed by small businesses dig deep into the earth to find high-quality emeralds. With the ebb and flow of production from Colombia, the classic source, Brazil now offers the world a more consistent supply of the green gemstone.
Emeralds from Zambia
The May birthstone can also be found in Africa. Zambia has become one of the most important sources of emeralds in the past few decades. While emeralds were discovered there in 1931, commercial mining didn't begin until 1967. Mines in the Ndola Rural Restricted Area produce emeralds that are darker in tone and bluish green.
Because the Ndola Rural Restricted Area is off limits to those who do not have specific business with the mines, traveling to the source is not recommended. Travel in the region is also challenging. A paved road quickly turns into a rough gravel one, and then a dirt track. The landscape is hilly and hosts thick vegetation. Streams containing crocodiles meander across the plains. Resident crocodiles have found lodging at many of the mine sites. The rough material produced in Zambia is sold to gem dealers and wholesalers through an auction process. The emeralds are then cut and polished and sold on to retailers and designers around the world.
Emeralds from Afghanistan
The Panjshir Valley is the site of most emerald mining activity in Afghanistan – a rocky place split by the Panjshir River and checkered with patches of bright green agricultural land. Stark mountains and fertile valleys make for a territory of breathtaking contrasts, and out of this dramatic landscape, emeralds are found. High on the barren mountainsides, the emerald deposits demand that miners scramble up and down the steep slopes in search of the green gem. What they unearth can rival the finest emeralds in the world.
Our love for the May birthstone goes back millennia. Cleopatra had a passion for emeralds, as did European and Asian royalty a thousand years later. So prized were emeralds that the Incas used them as offerings to the gods. They helped bolster the economy of the Spanish Empire in the 17th century. And emeralds inspired a centuries-long underwater search for sunken galleons laden with the gem.
Given the rich green hues of emerald, it was inevitable that we would fall under its spell. And productive mines around the world ensure that all who love green or are born in May will continue to be enchanted.
Ready to go shopping for your May birthstone? Don't leave home without our Emerald Buying Guide.
The post May Birthstone: Where Do Emeralds Come From? appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.]]>
Is your mom sporty, hip, classic, or into DIY? We found jewelry styles to please every kind of mom under the sun. If you need gift ideas for mom, read on!
Whether it's Mother's Day, a birthday, a special occasion, …
The post Gift Ideas for Mom: Jewelry Styles for Every Kind of Mom appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.]]>
Is your mom sporty, hip, classic, or into DIY? We found jewelry styles to please every kind of mom under the sun. If you need gift ideas for mom, read on!
Whether it's Mother's Day, a birthday, a special occasion, or just because, jewelry is a lasting and precious symbol of affection and gratitude. In this post, you're bound to find the perfect kind of jewelry for the special woman who brought you into the world – and something special for all the other wonderful moms in your life, too.
Jewelry Gift Ideas for a New Mom
Congratulations! A bundle of joy has just come into your life. You want to mark the momentous occasion by giving the New Mom a gift of jewelry to commemorate it. And if your partner is expecting, a "push present" is becoming popular way to celebrate the upcoming event. Here are two hassle-free pieces.
Jewelry Gift Ideas for a Sporty Mom
You'll find the Sporty Mom jogging, playing tennis, or doing yoga. Sneakers, workout clothes, and water bottles are constant companions. Since the Sporty Mom is always on the go, she'll need jewelry that goes with her active lifestyle. Here are some gift options that will make her queen of the court.
Your Sporty Mom may know that the tennis bracelet got its name when Chris Evert stopped a hotly contested match to retrieve the lucky charm that had fallen off her wrist. She called the missing jewelry her "tennis bracelet," and so a fad was born.
Jewelry Gift Ideas for a Hip Mom
Our Hip Mom stays up on the latest fashion trends and is not afraid to experiment. You can see her flipping through pages of Vogue to get style inspiration during her downtime. She's modern, chic, and will appreciate a gift that makes an eye-catching statement.
Jewelry Gift Ideas for a DIY Mom
The DIY Mom is the ultimate crafter. She can be seen making homemade curtains, sewing Halloween costumes, or planning fun 'craftivities' for her kids. Maybe she likes making her own jewelry, too. No matter the task, she turns the mundane into the magical with her resourcefulness. A bejeweled gift that's crafty and artistic will make her day.
The DIY Mom has the spirit of an artist. So Alishan Halebian's objet d'art pictured below will surely captivate her. Halebian, a member of the invite- only American Design Council, created the piece for its annual challenge. Members were given a word of phrase – in this case, tear – and allowed free rein in their creation.
Jewelry Gift Ideas for a Classic Mom
"Style" is the defining word for the Classic Mom. Perhaps she channels Audrey Hepburn as her Hollywood fashion icon. Maybe she summers on Martha's Vineyard or in the Hamptons. Wherever she goes and whatever she does, she is the epitome of grace and elegance. That's why a gift of jewelry is a smart choice.
Jewelry Gift Ideas for a Matriarch
Maybe the Matriarch in your family is a mother, grandmother, or a grande dame you love. Whoever she is, the Matriarch is the wise elder who provides unerring counsel in important matters. She always has something witty, worthwhile, and wise to say. Jewelry is her passion, and she'll cherish the gift that you pick for her.
Jewelry Gift Ideas for a Traveling Mom
Some moms travel for work. Some travel for pleasure. Some have a passion for exploring exotic locales, cruises, or work expeditions. Convertible jewelry – a ring that turns into a pendant, for example – is a great choice: the Traveling Mom can pack light but still have multiple options. We've found some choices that do double-duty, so the Traveling Mom can sport a different look every day.
The New Mom. The Sporty Mom. The Hip Mom. The DIY Mom. The Classic Mom. The Matriarch. The Traveling Mom. We've covered just about all the different types of moms out there and the jewelry they would love to wear. The great news is that there's truly something for everyone!
Still stumped for a gift idea for mom? Flowers are always a great choice, especially if they're bejeweled and carry special meaning. Take a look at these rare beauties that will never fade and explore the Secret Messages of Flowers
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If you're asking, "What is the most important C?", chances are you're already well into the process of purchasing a diamond engagement ring. When it comes to diamond quality, the answer is simple, but not necessarily straightforward.
"Which is the …
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If you're asking, "What is the most important C?", chances are you're already well into the process of purchasing a diamond engagement ring. When it comes to diamond quality, the answer is simple, but not necessarily straightforward.
"Which is the most important of the 4Cs?" – well, it depends. It depends on your taste and budget, and what you and your partner deem most important. Like buying a car, a house, or anything else, your choices when buying a diamond will be determined by your budget. The goal is to get the best diamond quality you can afford. But there will be trade offs. Knowing your preferences is the first step in defining what's most important to you, and where you'll compromise. So, what are your diamond priorities?
Is Diamond Size Important?
Diamond size is measured in carat weight. Small differences in carat weight can sometimes mean price differences of hundreds—even thousands—of dollars, depending on the size and overall diamond quality.
If the appearance of size is important, you can create the illusion of size by picking the right diamond shape. Fancy shapes tend to look bigger for their carat weight, especially elongated shapes such as a ovals, rectangles, and marquise. An engagement ring with a narrow band and a bezel or halo setting can also accentuate a diamond's size.
If size were the only thing that mattered, you could, theoretically, buy a five-carat diamond for a few dollars. Of course, it would not be gem quality. It would be so heavily included that you couldn't see through it, and its color might be brown or gray. Its cut quality would be irrelevant, since light doesn't pass through it at all. The diamond would certainly be big, but friends, family, and your fiancée might be hard pressed to recognize it as diamond.
That's why it's important to know that carat weight alone isn't everything. Diamond quality is determined by a combination of all the 4Cs.
Is Diamond Color Important?
Subtle differences in diamond color can dramatically affect diamond value. Two diamonds of the same clarity, weight, shape and cutting style can differ in value based on color alone. Even the slightest hint of color can make a difference in what you may pay for the diamond.
GIA determines the degree of colorlessness in a diamond by comparing it under controlled lighting and viewing conditions to a set of masterstones of established color grades. The GIA D-to-Z diamond color grading scale, or diamond color chart, begins with the letter D, representing colorlessness, and continues with increasing presence of color to the letter Z, for light yellow, light brown or light gray. The 23 color grades on the GIA Color Scale are subdivided into five subcategories: colorless (D-F); near colorless (G-J); faint (K-M); very light (N-R); and light (S-Z). Each letter grade has a clearly defined narrow range of color appearance.
The more colorless the diamond, the more rare it is, which is why you'll spend top dollar on a D-color diamond. Once set in a mounting and worn on a hand or dangling from an ear, it's less likely that you can easily see the difference between a D and G color diamond.
As you shop, look at diamonds with different color grades. You might be surprised at the range of color that you find acceptable. You might find (as some do) that a diamond with a little color (J or K for example) has some warmth that you like.
Remember that a diamond is made up of tiny reflective surfaces, so its color appearance will be influenced by its surroundings. This includes natural and artificial light, the color of the clothing you're wearing, and even the color of the metal in which the diamond is set. White metals, like platinum, can accentuate diamonds with higher color grades of H and better. At about J, K, or L, the contrast starts to become noticeable if the metal is very white (platinum). The slightly yellowish body color of diamonds with a lower color grade is less noticeable when they are set in yellow gold.
Is Diamond Clarity Important?
Flawless diamonds are so rare that it's possible to spend a lifetime in the jewelry industry without ever seeing one. At the other end of the diamond clarity scale are diamonds with inclusions that can be easily seen by the unaided eye. Between the two extremes are diamonds with inclusions visible only under 10× magnification. Stones in this middle range make up the bulk of the retail market.
Do you wander through the day carrying a 10× jewelers' loupe examining people's diamonds? No one else does either.
The GIA Clarity Scale, or diamond clarity chart, has 11 clarity grades: Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), two categories of Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS), two categories of Very Slightly Included (VS), two categories of Slightly Included (SI), and three categories of Included (I). A diamond's clarity grade is determined by the size, number, position, nature, and color or relief of any inclusions or blemishes.
A diamond with no inclusions visible under 10× magnification, is graded IF: the very rare end of the clarity scale and therefore the priciest. As you move down the scale, it's unlikely you'll see the very tiny inclusions of a VS2 or SI1 diamond. And unless examined closely, some people won't even notice the inclusions of an I1 diamond.
Look at diamonds with different clarity grades to narrow down your preferences. Note where surface reaching blemishes are located. If you have your heart set on an emerald cut diamond, you may want to consider the highest clarity grade you can afford, since the traditional step-cut faceting style tends to make inclusions more obvious in lower clarity diamonds.
Is Diamond Cut Important?
Every diamond quality factor matters to someone. If you're looking for sparkle and those unmistakable flashes of color and light that telegraph "diamond" across a crowded room, then a diamond's cut quality is very important.
This diamond quality factor refers to how skillfully the diamond was cut. A diamond's cut grade represents a range of proportion sets and diamond appearances – all of which combine to deliver the magnificent return of light that's only possible with a diamond.
GIA developed the cut grading system for standard round brilliant cut diamonds based on thousands of observations of actual diamonds by jewelers and consumers like you. While the GIA Cut Grading Scale contains five grades going from Excellent to Poor, it's important to keep in mind that each grade represents a range. Diamonds with different face-up appearances may have the same cut grade. And because the grades were established by determining what most people preferred in each range, a given cut grade may not necessarily deliver the diamond that you prefer.
Take your time in finding your preference. As with color, a diamond's highly reflective surface causes light to affect its face-up appearance. Look at diamonds in three different kinds of light:
As with color and clarity, the higher the cut grade, the more expensive the diamond when all other factors are the same.
The Most Important Diamond Quality Factor of All
Now that you've taken the time to figure out your diamond priorities, there's one more factor to consider: cleanliness. A diamond is like a collection of tiny mirrors reflecting light and its surroundings. Its color, clarity, and cut will matter little if the diamond is dirty. You will need to keep your diamond clean (free from oil and dirt) if you want it to sparkle as much as it did when you first saw it.
Ready to start looking at diamonds? Before you head into a jewelry store, brush up on the lingo with this guide to common engagement ring terms and make your shopping a little easier.
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April Birthstone: Diamond Jewelry Gift Ideas for an Aries
Diamond is the April birthstone, and we have some stunning gift ideas for a loved one born in this month. We've spiced up our selections by turning to the zodiac sign …
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April Birthstone: Diamond Jewelry Gift Ideas for an Aries
Diamond is the April birthstone, and we have some stunning gift ideas for a loved one born in this month. We've spiced up our selections by turning to the zodiac sign for additional inspiration. So take a look at what we/ve picked – our April birthstone pieces are sure to please.
Those born in between March 21 and April 19 are Aries: enthusiastic, independent, and courageous are some their traits. They're also described as energetic, spontaneous, active, and daring. The earrings below have the energy reminiscent of a painting by Jackson Pollock. If you're looking for gift ideas to inspire an Aries, these earrings do double-duty as works of art and a celebration of the April birthstone: diamond.
Aries is a "fire" sign associated with the planet Mars. What better gift for your beloved Aries than an unexpected orange diamond ring, ablaze with color and life?
Aries are said to be passionate and possess excellent organizational skills, qualities that can make them great leaders. Think of combining the April birthstone with a fiery opal for that balance of fire and ice that is quintessentially Aries.
Aries are not timid, so we're guessing they're not afraid of snakes, either. Can you picture your beloved wearing this daring black diamond snake ring? If your loved one likes to live on the wild side, this could be the perfect choice.
Spontaneity and the urge to travel go hand in hand. Why not consider a piece that reminds your Aries of your last great adventure together? A trip to wine country inspired this Vinissimo ruby and diamond necklace – an appropriately stunning gift that showcases the April birthstone.
Sociable and daring, your Aries would feel right at home at a chic country club or on a trek through a windswept English moor. The earrings below capture a little bit of both.
You wouldn't use "romantic" or "old fashioned" to describe an Aries. As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries are full of youthful energy and enthusiasm, regardless of age. So while our last two gift selections may seem romantic at first glance – they are decidedly not. And it's their modern twist on romance that an Aries will love.
Giving diamond jewelry as a present makes for a memorable gift. Finding pieces that evoke Aries traits is a fun game. And now that you know something of both, you can go shopping for gifts that celebrate the April birthstone.
Like what we found? We have more. Check out our blog devoted to Aries-inspired jewelry!
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The timeless charm of diamond was cherished long before it became the April birthstone. And the places where diamond comes from are as fascinating...
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The timeless charm of diamond was cherished long before it became the April birthstone. And the places where diamond comes from are as fascinating as the lore that surrounds the gem. So let's travel the globe to visit some famous diamond localities, past and present, in search of this April birthstone.
Historical Sources: Diamonds from India
Until about 1730, the Golconda region of southern India was the only known diamond-producing region in the world. A number of the world's most famous diamonds unearthed there, including the Hope Diamond, a 45.52 carat (ct) Fancy Dark grayish blue, cushion antique brilliant; the Idol's Eye, a 70.20 ct Very Light blue diamond described as being between a round and a pear-shaped brilliant; and the Koh-i-noor, a 105.60 ct modified oval brilliant set in Great Britain's the Queen Mother's Crown.
Golconda's diamond mines are long depleted. The ruins of an ancient fort where diamonds were once traded stands as a picturesque reminder of India's historic role in the trade.
Historical Sources: Diamonds from Brazil
As India's diamond mines began to dry up, new sources were discovered in Brazil. From around 1730 to 1870, Brazil supplied most of the world's diamonds. Alluvial deposits (a surface deposits formed by running water which can contain concentrations of valuable minerals such as gold, diamonds, or colored gemstones) were found in the states of Minas Gerais, Bahia, Mato Grosso, and Roraíma. Brazil's role as the largest global supplier of diamonds faded quickly with the discovery of large diamond deposits in South Africa in the 1870s.
While Brazil still produces some diamonds, it is a treasure chest of other gems, like the January birthstone garnet, the February birthstone amethyst, the March birthstone aquamarine, and many, many more.
Where Is the April Birthstone Found Today?
World demand for the much-coveted April birthstone continued to rise despite the ebb and flow of diamond production. Since the late 19th century, diamonds have been discovered in far-flung places around the globe, helping to ensure a supply to fill the world's appetite for engagement rings and fine jewelry.
Top Diamond Producing Countries – 2014
|Rough Diamond Production
|Russian Federation
|38.3 million carats
|24.6 million carats
|Democratic Republic of the Congo
|15.6 million carats
|12.0 million carats
|9.2 million carats
|South Africa
|7.4 million carats
Source: The Kimberly Process
Diamonds from Russia
Near the town of Mirnyi in eastern Siberia – a forbidding land of frigid temperatures and short days – the permafrost is so thick that jet engines and explosives are used to crack the icy crust to reach the diamonds below. Dating back to 1829, diamonds were found in alluvial deposits in the Ural Mountains. They were not mined commercially until the 1950s when kimberlite pipes were discovered. Kimberlite pipes are vertical, columnar masses of igneous rock that can be a primary source for diamonds. These pipes were named Zarnista (1954), Mir (1955) and Udachnaya (1955).
In 2013, Alrosa, a Russian diamond mining company, estimated that there were 970 million carats still waiting to be found in the frozen tundra. That's more than seven times the current annual production of the entire world! However, many of the diamonds recovered here tend to be smaller than ones found in Botswana and South Africa, two other important sources for today's diamonds.
Diamonds from Botswana
Below the eastern plains of Botswana lie some of the most productive kimberlite pipes in the world. Botswana is the world's second largest producer of diamonds and the mines responsible for that output are the gigantic Orapa mine which covers 263 acres, the Jwaneng mine (133 acres), and two smaller pipes Letlhakane 1 (29 acres) and Letlhakane 2 (9 acres).
Botswana is using its prolific diamond mines to benefit its people, helping to create a vibrant and growing middle class, a rarity in sub-Saharan Africa. Gaborone, the country's capital, is home to the state-of-the-art Debswana complex, where approximately 40% of the world's supply of rough diamonds are sorted and valued. Now a world diamond hub, Botswana is a shining example of how the wise use of a natural resource can change a nation's future.
Diamonds from the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Hunting for diamonds in the Democratic Republic of Congo is typically done traditionally: with a shovel and lots of muscle. It is back-breaking work. Miners dig pits up to 50 feet deep searching for gravel beds that hold diamond rough. Each shovelful of dirt is then washed in the hopes that it may hold a glittering crystal. Miners also dig up gravel in the many riverbeds that meander across the country, looking for rough hidden under the rushing waters.
Diamonds from South Africa
The discovery of kimberlite sources in South Africa in 1869 kicked off a diamond rush. The country became the world's leading diamond producer and the birthplace of the modern diamond industry. By 1874, the mines were so deep that the shovel had to give way to machinery. By 1882, excavations reached 400 feet in depth. The Kimberley cluster – fives mines near the town of Kimberley – along with two additional mines, were the most productive in the early years.
A historic event for the diamond trade was the 1903 discovery of the Premier kimberlite pipe. The 3,106 ct Cullinan rough found there was cut into nine major stones, 96 smaller brilliants and smaller unpolished fragments. The Cullinan I (530.20 ct) and the Cullinan II (317.40 ct) are part of Great Britain's coronation regalia. Cullinan III through Cullinan IX are the personal property of Queen Elizabeth II. In 2003, De Beers renamed the Premier mine the Cullinan mine. The mine was sold to Petra in the summer of 2008 and since then, Petra has been discovering large diamonds. In September 2009, the 507.50 ct Cullinan Heritage rough diamond was discovered and sold for $35.3 million. It was the highest sales price for a rough diamond. In the fall of 2014, a 232.08 ct colorless rough diamond was unearthed which sold for $15.2 million.
Other South African kimberlite pipes have been discovered including the Finsch (1958) and Venetia mines (1991).
Diamonds from Lesotho
A landlocked kingdom surrounded by South Africa, Lesotho produces some of the world's largest and finest diamonds. Many come from the world's highest active diamond mine – a treasure chest located at 10,000 feet above sea level where temperatures drop to -130 F in the winter. Out of this forbidding land, miners plucked the 603 ct Lesotho Promise and other very large rough diamonds that have been transformed into diamond jewelry.
Diamonds from Canada
Scientists suspected that diamonds lay under Canada's frozen soil, but finding them took decades of searching. After many failed attempts, experts in glacial geology started finding deposits in the 1980s, eventually identifying more than 200 sites.
Four diamond mines are particularly important: Ekati, Diavik, Snap Lake and Victor. All but the last are clustered in the lake region of Northwest Territories (NWT), 250-300 miles north of Yellowknife. Victor is located in northern Ontario. These mines are known for producing high-quality diamonds.
Mining diamonds in these remote, frozen corners were engineering feats: roads had to be built, electricity had to be brought in, and housing had to be erected – all during the short summer months when the mining areas were relatively accessible.
The Diavik Foxfire, a 187.70 ct gem-quality rough diamond – one of the largest diamonds ever found in Canada – was discovered in December 2015.
Diamonds from Australia
Located in Western Australia, the landscape surrounding the Argyle mine stands in sharp contrast to the gemstones that lie underneath. Grasses, bushes, a rare tree, and countless termite mounds cover the unwelcoming environment. Broad, flat plains roll out in all directions, the view occasionally broken by the Matsu and Ragged mountain ranges. A few Aboriginal communities populate the land. All supplies for the miners have to be brought in from the nearest town by plane or truck.
The Argyle mine began in 1979 with the discovery of the AK1 lamproite pipe. Lamproite, like kimberlite, is an igneous rock which can host diamonds. The Argyle mine is famous for consistently yielding pink diamonds – some of the rarest and most desirable of colored diamonds.
To give a sense of the scarcity of Argyle's pink diamonds, Rio Tinto, the mine owner, estimates that for every half million carats of rough produced, only one carat is suitable for their yearly tender (private events where diamonds are sold to trade professionals).
Annual tenders, the invitation-only auctions for pink diamonds from the Argyle mine, attract global interest. Diamantaires from around the world vie for the finest diamonds from Argyle's current production, averaging 60 diamonds per tender. Interested parties place sealed bids on the gemstones, with the highest bidder claiming the prize. Adding even more drama, the mine is expected to be productive only until 2020, so the days of Argyle pink diamonds are numbered.
The Argyle also produces near colorless, yellow, brown, blue and red diamonds. Just a few decades ago, brown diamonds were often destined for industrial use, but creative jewelry designs turned these once ugly ducklings into coveted swans.
Colored or colorless, large or small, the April birthstone continues to captivate those lucky enough to be born this month, and those lucky in love who receive – or give – an engagement ring. If you're thinking about acquiring a diamond, we hope our quick excursion helped you know a little more about where diamonds come from.
Embarking on a diamond shopping journey? Don't forget to brush up on the 4Cs of diamond quality, and be sure to take along our diamond buying guide.
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We've shared the meanings behind rose, orchid, lily, and more in the first part of The Secret Message of Flowers. But with so many beautiful flowers and gorgeous pieces of floral jewelry in the world, one post just wasn't enough.…
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We've shared the meanings behind rose, orchid, lily, and more in the first part of The Secret Message of Flowers. But with so many beautiful flowers and gorgeous pieces of floral jewelry in the world, one post just wasn't enough.
Here we continue our exploration of flowers to help you become even more fluent in their secret language.
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As you're shopping for fine jewelry, knowing how durable a particular gemstone is will help you determine how and when to wear it, and most importantly...
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As you're shopping for fine jewelry, knowing how durable a particular gemstone is will help you determine how and when to wear it, and most importantly – how to care for it. In this post, we'll demystify gemstone durability and provide tips for helping you choose a gemstone that could last a lifetime or longer.
You may have heard of the Mohs scale, which ranks gem and mineral hardness on a scale of 1 (least hard – talc) to 10 (hardest of all – diamond). But hardness is only one factor in determining gem durability.
Gemologists define durability as a gemstone's ability to withstand wear, heat, light, household chemicals, and low or high humidity. Since different gemstones have different properties, they have varying tolerances to these stressors. In evaluating a gemstone's durability, gem experts consider three factors: 1) hardness, 2) toughness, and 3) stability. No single gemstone scores a "perfect 10," so you should weigh all three of these factors when choosing which gemstone or piece of jewelry is right for you.
1. Gemstone Hardness = resistance to scratches and abrasions
A gemstone's hardness is a good indicator of how well it will resist scratches and abrasions. The Mohs scale is a not a linear scale. Instead it ranks gems on a relative scale based on their scratch hardness, so although corundum (ruby or sapphire) is a 9, a diamond at 10 is many times harder. Only a diamond can scratch a diamond. Corundum can scratch itself, topaz (8), quartz (7), and anything softer. Topaz can scratch itself, quartz (7), and anything lower on the scale.
2. Gemstone Toughness = resistance to breaking and chipping
The way the atoms of a gem bond together and the strength of these bonds determine a gemstone's toughness, or how well a gemstone resists breaking and chipping. The toughness scale used in scientific literature is called a fracture toughness scale. The toughness scale measures the work required to separate two surfaces of a crystal along a certain crystallographic plane. Values range from 225,000 for nephrite and 120,000 for jadeite, considered very tough gems, to 600 for corundum, which is not as tough.
Values for diamond generally range from 5,000 along the stone's cleavage planes to over 8,000. Even though diamonds are considered tough, they can break more easily in certain directions, and a hard blow can cleave or fracture the gem. Diamonds with extremely thin girdles and ones with exposed points like those cut as pears and marquises are susceptible to breakage or chipping.
3. Gemstone Stability = resistance to chemicals, heat, humidity and light
Stability refers to how well a gemstone can withstand exposure to chemicals, light, and changes in temperature or humidity. Some key causes of gemstone damage include:
Extreme Temperature Changes
Diamonds are very stable, but sudden and extreme changes in temperature can create fractures and cleavages or cause existing ones to spread. Thermal shock is the term to describe this and results from a sudden change from very warm to very cold temperatures. This sudden temperature change will damage gems such as apatite, iolite, kunzite, opal, and tanzanite.
Thermal shock shattered this diamond. Photo: GIA
Humidity Levels
Other gemstones are susceptible the humidity of their surroundings. Opals can lose moisture in low humidity or when exposed to heat causing them to crack or craze. Vaults and safes are usually very low in humidity and will dry out opals.
On the flip side, long exposure to water can damage some gems, such amber, azurite and malachite.
Prolonged Exposure to Heat and Light
Gemstones like citrine, amethyst, kunzite, and topaz can fade or change color from prolonged exposure to light. Long-term exposure to heat and light can damage most organic gems, like amber, pearls, jet, coral and ivory. Enamel also may be ruined by contact with heat.
Exposure to Chemicals and other Materials
Chlorine, and even perfume and makeup can damage or discolor delicate and porous gems like pearls. Chlorine can also damage gold mountings. Ammonia will damage the polish on many softer gems such as malachite, turquoise and coral. Wearing your fine jewelry while cooking can put it at risk of exposure to heat or spattering oils. Turquoise can easily absorb different liquids, including oils, which will discolor or degrade the gem.
Be Cautious with Gemstone Treatments
Some gemstone treatments can also affect stability. Treatments like coating and fracture filling are impermanent and can be removed by exposure to heat and strong chemicals. Emeralds, which are not tough gems to begin with, are often impregnated with oil and/or resin to minimize fissures and improve their clarity. These treatments can be damaged by ultrasonic cleaning or exposure to alcohol or other organic solvents.
Gemstones have been revered for their beauty and durability for thousands of years. Properly cared for, they become the treasured heirlooms that survive generations. So that you can best care for your gemstones, know their properties and qualities and keep your fine jewelry in good repair.
Now you know about hardness, toughness, and stability. Ready to start designing a custom engagement ring?
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January 6th, 2011
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The Body Beautiful
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
The Body (Single)
(Play It Again Sam / Slumberland)
US: 25 Jul 2011
"Tell me again what the body's for /'Cos I can't feel it anymore" sighs the Pains of Being Pure at Heart's leading man Kip Berman. With shoulders slumped and eyes down, it's the kind of vocal delivery that convincingly captures all the angst of a universe-crumbling teen breakup. Berman's boy's world is at an end as he longs for an old flame, unable to envision a time when these feelings of heartbreak will lift and new loves will emerge. Even the title – "The Body", not "My Body" – suggests feelings of numbness and Berman's wispy delivery is perfectly on point.
But in the grand tradition of great pop music written about people getting screwed over, "The Body" is throwback indie-pop perfection. Plucked from the group's still-great sophomore album Belong, the song is powered by a distinctly eighties concoction of fuzzy guitar lines, shimmering keyboard riffs and powerfully whacked drums. On the B-side, with an intensely strummed acoustic and slippery guitar riff, 'Tomorrow Dies Today' is a particularly strong non-album cut, sporting all the qualities and charm of a lost Smith's single.
Shabazz Palaces "Dawn in Luxor" (Singles Going Steady) // Music
Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen "West Texas Rain" (audio) (premiere) // Music
Kaytranada "Lite Spots" (Singles Going Steady) // Music
Rachael Sage "I Don't Believe It" (video) (premiere) // Music
The Last Gunfighter: Songwriter Guy Clark Passes Away at 74
// Sound Affects
"The man whose songs were recorded by Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, Ricky Skaggs, David Allan Coe, The Highwaymen, and countless others succumbs to time's cruel cue that the only token of permanence we have to offer are the effects of shared moments and memories.READ the article


text:
Catalyst Chicago
Independent reporting on urban education since 1990 2016-05-26T19:57:39Z
Updated: 2 hours 59 min ago
Take 5: Closing alternative schools, lead testing, more summer jobs, budget news
Two struggling alternative schools are on the chopping block, CPS decides to test all schools for lead, One Summer Chicago gets thousands more jobs for youth, and the latest on school funding reform and Dunbar's construction trades program.
50 more schools get privatized building engineers
The Chicago School Board voted to privatize building engineers in almost 50 more schools, giving more control over school maintenance to two companies that principals have widely criticized for two years.
Charter school shutdowns loom under planned $700 million budget cuts
Up to two dozen charter schools could shut down under budget cuts CPS recently released, sending up to 15,000 students in search of new schools. Charter advocates are working on proposals to reform state education funding.
LaRaviere wins presidency of principals' group–and a bigger platform to criticize the mayor
Troy LaRaviere will become the head of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association, a group that has flown under the radar until recently. LaRaviere vows to make sure that the voices of all principals are heard--even those who don't agree with his sharp public critiques of the mayor.
Take 5: Marching against gentrification, Pell grants for dual enrollment, being black at elite high schools, principals' group election
Hundreds marched against gentrification in Logan Square, a pilot program offers Pell grants for some high schoolers, black students speak up about racism at elite high schools and the election between Troy LaRaviere and Kenneth Hunter ends today.
With no budget relief from Springfield, schools face massive cuts, layoffs
District officials are now planning cuts of up to 39 percent in per-pupil money given to schools, a loss of about $700 million. A small group of principals was told to prepare for average cuts of 26 percent overall, when other funding streams like grants are taken into account.
Child-parent centers boast strong results for kids, investors
A preschool expansion program paid for with a private 'social impact bond' has already garnered good results for investors—but also for the mostly low-income children who attend the child-parent centers.
Investors earn max initial payment from Chicago's 'social impact bond'
Private investors will get a half-million dollar payment because of the kindergarten readiness scores from the first cohort of a preschool expansion project they funded. Evaluators won't calculate special education 'savings' until next year.
Will new standards spark a renaissance in science education?
CPS has new science standards, but schools need the basics: training for teachers, engaging curricula and ideally, dedicated science labs. Meanwhile, the district has until May 27 to give this year's science test--which CPS skipped last year.
Take 5: LaRaviere update, charter money questions, New York high schools, New Orleans and local control
Troy LaRaviere explains more on his dismissal, how Concept Charter got money despite a federal investigation, New Orleans gets back local control—or not, and why New York's enrollment system hasn't given low-income students more access to better high schools.
Illinois fiscal crisis threatens progress in college-going for students of color
A stopgap higher education funding bill will help Illinois colleges and universities stay afloat for now. But experts worry about the long-term impact on college-going rates for low-income students and students of color.
Take 5: No May strike, migrant children, achievement gap analysis, summer jobs
The Chicago Teachers Union isn't planning to strike in May and proposes $500 million in new revenue. Plus, migrant children are often illegally denied a public education, how race overshadows income in the achievement gap, and a call for $40 million for summer jobs.
In early childhood mental health, bilingual counselors in short supply
A recent survey found that language barriers are a major problem when it comes to providing mental health services to families with young children—putting children at risk of being misdiagnosed with learning or behavior problems.
Biggest charter networks given more flexibility to fill open seats
The city's three largest charter networks were given flexibility to move open seats among their networks, making it easier to fill slots at campuses with space. Critics say the decision will further hurt struggling neighborhood schools.
As principals association prepares to elect a new leader, LaRaviere vows to stay in the race
Embattled Blaine Elementary Principal Troy LaRaviere will face retired Prosser Career Academy Principal Kenneth Hunter in next month's elections for president of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association. Ballots go out next week and will be counted on May 20.
Take 5: Contingency plans for strike, affording college, big loans, lead tests
If teachers go on strike in May, Chicago Public Schools officials say they'd cancel final exams, but still hold graduations. Union officials say it's likely teachers won't walk out until September. Meanwhile, the city announced it would begin testing for lead for the first time in a small number of schools.
Mix-up in poverty counts puts school budgets in jeopardy
Chicago Public Schools officials can't explain a sharp drop in the number of low-income students this year. Principals got an email warning that they could lose out on money if undercounts are not corrected.
The 40-year war for fair school funding
When it comes to funding schools fairly statewide, Illinois consistently ranks at or near the bottom of the barrel nationally. After more than 40 years of trying, real change remains a long shot.
Walton Foundation stops funding Chicago charters
As the political climate makes charter schools a tougher sell, the Walton Family Foundation decides that Chicago is no longer one of its "priority cities" slated to get millions to help open new charters.
Take 5: Contract talks, school arrests, questions on lead in CPS water, money woes in community college
School arrests are down, a change that Chicago Public Schools attributes to a shift toward restorative practices like peace circles. Meanwhile, the district made a pitch to the Chicago Teachers Union to enter binding arbitration in lieu of a strike, a request the union quickly dismissed as a "publicity stunt."


text:
- 更新日期 :
- 2012-10-23
- 空間需求 :
- 系統需求 :
- Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or later
- 語 言 :
- Chinese, German, English, Spanish; Castilian, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian
- 發行公司 :
- Gameloft
- 版 本 :
- 1.0.6
Since Johnny Gainesville left, two massive gangs have waged a bloody war to replace him and take control of Miami.
In this spin-off of the successful Gangstar: Miami Vindication, it's your duty to make sure your gang not only survives this war, but rises to the top and claims the seat of power.
Earn more than money, fame or power… earn RESPECT! Step into Urban Crime, into the 1st full-3D crime simulation for free on iOS and become a true gangster.
Download and play 5 missions every day for FREE or buy energy boosts to play anytime you want!
- Lay down the law on other gangs and reign over the streets in your gang's name.
- Conquer a city divided into 2 vast territories controlled by rival gangs.
- Free-roaming gameplay merged with an endless variety of missions: Lose the Tail, Steal Cars, Kill the Enemy, Save Your Gang Member, and more.
- Take out rival gang members with a wide arsenal of weapons: Grenades, Flame Throwers, and more.
- Choose your gang and develop your character to rule it without remorse.
Siberian Strike**Pocket Gamer Gold award 9/10: "This is brutal, unabashed arcade escapism that reminds us why the shoot-'em-up dominated video gaming for so many years" **IGN 7.9/10 "If you like old-school shooters, then Siberian Strike is your next download" When you fly at the speed of sound, you have to think at the speed of light... Discover the fastest-paced shoot'em up with hours of aerial action and fun! 1940s. you are Elliott Freeman and your mission is to track and destroy an evil soviet cyborg that is threatening to invade Europe. - Fast-paced action, intense combat and 4 difficulty levels to keep you constantly challenged. - Unique gameplay mixing shooting and insane piloting missions that test your dexterity. - Choice between Accelerometer and Touch controls that let you steer and target enemies like a real pilot - Choose from 3 ace pilots and customize their plane with 12 different colors. - Join your friends in frenetic local Wi-Fi Multiplayer to experience a crazy adventure. - Gigantic boss fights and memorable moments with immersive 3D animations. - 12 amazing levels to explore across varied environments: Canyons, secret bases, tunnels, and more! Follow the official Twitter account to get more info about the game: http://twitter.com/Siberian_Strike Published and distributed by Gameloft
Fishing Kings Free+Now you can play the best fishing game on mobile for FREE! Grab your rod and make the biggest catch! ******************************************************* - PLAY FOR FREE Download the game and start playing for free. As you play you will earn cash and XP, which can be used to unlock tons of extra items and new locations. Or purchase packs of cash from the shop to unlock them faster. It's up to you! - 15 FISHING SPOTS WORLDWIDE Visit 5 beautiful 3D-rendered locations from around the world, including saltwater fishing in the Bahamas or exotic places like the Amazon River and the Waikato River in New Zealand, each with 3 different fishing spots. - 33 DIFFERENT SPECIES TO CATCH From bass and piranhas to golden dorados and marlins, catch a wide variety of fish in every location you visit. You can even learn more about each species thanks to in the in-game fishing diary. - GET CLOSER TO THE STRUGGLE THAN EVER! The underwater camera is a unique feature on the iPhone/iPod touch that puts you in the heart of the action as you struggle to reel in the big one! You can also just have a look at the dozens of fish swimming around you. - MAKE THE BIGGEST CATCH Unlock achievements in your Gameloft LIVE! profile, show off your best scores on the dedicated website and vie for the title of Best Fisherman. - INTENSE AND REALISTIC GAMEPLAY Whether you're an experienced fisherman or a fish out of water, the gameplay aims at providing you the most realistic fishing sensations, thanks to a wide range of available moves and actions, from casting your line to hooking and struggling with fish. - A HUGE TACKLE BOX Catching a trophy marlin is more than luck! Access a wide range of fishing gear and use the right tools to catch the species you want. ******************************************************* Visit our homepage at www.gameloft.com. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/gameloft or like us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/gameloft to get more info about all our upcoming titles. Check out our videos and game trailers on www.youtube.com/gameloft. Discover our blog at http://blog.gameloft.com/ for the inside scoop on everything Gameloft. Certain apps allow you to purchase virtual items within the app and may contain third party advertisements that may redirect you to a third party site.
Let's Golf! ® 3The world's most exciting golf odyssey returns with more great new features that you've been waiting for! Everyone can join in this fun and exciting golf adventure. Create your avatar and challenge friends & opponents from across the globe in golf tournaments that are unlike anything you've seen before. WHERE NO ONE HAS GOLFED BEFORE • Travel to six of the most far-out locations you've ever played, from the Great Wall of China to Outer Space! • Each course is created in 3D so you'll see every beautiful waterfall, lush forest and distant green as if you were immersed in an adventure. MULTIPLAYER • Up to 4 golfers can compete in fun matches online. By popular request, you can also play on the same device! • Your friends not online? Challenge them to beat your score and see who will win the top prize. SOCIAL LINKS • Chat live during your online games. • Invite all your friends to join the Golf Club via Facebook, Gameloft LIVE!, email and more. • iPad 2 owners will be able to watch their opponents golf during a match! BE YOUR OWN GOLFER • Create your unique golfing avatar from thousands of combinations of clothes, hair, gear and more to match your style, no matter how colorful or down-to-Earth. • Purchase special skills (like increased range or accuracy for your shots) or balls with special powers (like Tornado, Luck, etc.) using virtual coins you can earn in-game. GAME MODES Progressively unlock new modes: Stroke Play, Match Play, Shootout, and Close to Pin. MINI-GAME MAYHEM Need a change of pace? Play some challenging mini-games like Catch the Star, Target Range and Putting Master to hone specific skills and become a champion of the links. ---- Visit our official site at http://www.gameloft.com Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LetsPlayGL or like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/letsplayGL to get more info about all our upcoming titles. Check out our videos and game trailers on www.youtube.com/gameloft. Discover our blog at http://blog.gameloft.com/ for the inside scoop on everything Gameloft.
The Adventures of Tintin™ - The GameAmazing Holiday Deals! iOS games at $0.99 Limited time only! - Wild Blood - The Dark Knight Rises ™ - N.O.V.A 3 - Order & Chaos Online - 9mm - Iron Man 2 - The Settlers - Shrek Kart - Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six®: Shadow Vanguard - Gangstar Rio: City of Saints - BackStab - The Adventures of Tintin™ - The Game "One of the best and most imaginative film tie-ins I've played for years. […] Both fans and newcomers to the boy reporter's travels will find plenty to enjoy with this stylish adventure" – Pocket Gamer "The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn is by far one of the most complete gameplay experiences you can find on iOS." – Touch Gen 4.5/5 Explore the exciting world of The Adventures of Tintin™ in the official iPhone & iPad game of the movie! Treasure and adventure await those who seek to unravel the Secret of the Unicorn! NEW THRILLS AT EVERY TURN Sneak your way past guards, engage in a swordfight, pilot a plane, solve puzzles, race a camel and discover many more exciting experiences. MEET TINTIN'S FRIENDS Tintin can't do this alone! He'll need the help of his friends. You'll take control of his dog Snowy, Captain Haddock and even the legendary Sir Francis Haddock during the great Age of Pirates. FUN FOR EVERYONE Players of all ages will enjoy the game. Accessible controls allow you to easily interact with the environment. With just a swipe of your finger (or a tilt of your device), you'll be exploring the world, collecting items, and fighting off villains. A BEAUTIFUL, 3D WORLD Every building and character was carefully recreated in stunning 3D graphics that perfectly matches the style of the movie. See for yourself what it's like to walk through Marlinspike Mansion, the desert, and the Karaboudjan ship. ******************************************************* Visit the official site at www.tintin-smartphonegame.com. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/gameloft or like us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/gameloft to get more info about all our upcoming titles. Check out our videos and game trailers on www.youtube.com/gameloft. Discover our blog at http://blog.gameloft.com/ for the inside scoop on everything Gameloft.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2*IMPORTANT* The Amazing Spider-Man 2 requires an iPad 2 (or newer), iPhone 4s (or newer), or iPod touch 5th Generation. Become the Amazing Spider-Man in this open-world adventure full of non-stop action, and face the web-slinger's greatest challenge yet! New York is under threat from a city-wide gang war and only Spider-Man can stop it! Standing in his way are Electro and other nefarious villains. Can Spider-Man restore order and safety to the Big Apple?! THE OFFICIAL GAME OF THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 MOVIE • Web-sling, wall-climb and web-shoot as the fast and quick-witted Spider-Man! • An original story expands on the highly anticipated blockbuster film! • Go beyond the film with new characters such as Black Cat and Screwball. • Unlock Spider-Man suits such as Symbiote Spider-Man and Iron Spider-Man! • Face off against famous villains such as Venom, the Green Goblin, Electro, and Kraven the Hunter! • High-quality voice acting and cinematic cutscenes bring the movie experience to life! CUTTING-EDGE EXPERIENCE • Intense combo-focused combat! Defeat Spider-Man's greatest enemies – from street thugs to super villains – with crazy acrobatic fighting styles! • Swing free through the city like never before, thanks to high-quality, fluid animations! • Take the fight to the sky with action-packed aerial combat! • Unleash devastating combos through enhanced icon controls for an intense action experience! MASSIVE ENHANCEMENTS TO THE ULTIMATE PLAYGROUND • Adventure in a larger open-world Manhattan with 6 detailed districts to explore, from the bustling Times Square to picturesque Central Park! • Console-like graphics offer a bigger, better, and more beautiful experience. • A deeper story takes you on an exciting adventure, showcasing 6 legendary villains and an expanded set of side missions! • Spectacular social events, including battling waves of bosses and opponents in Mysterio's Arena! _____________________________________________ Visit our official site at http://www.gameloft.com Follow us on Twitter at http://glft.co/GameloftonTwitter or like us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/Gameloft to get more info about all our upcoming titles. Check out our videos and game trailers on http://www.youtube.com/Gameloft Discover our blog at http://glft.co/Gameloft_Official_Blog for the inside scoop on everything Gameloft. _____________________________________________ This app allows you to purchase virtual items within the app and may contain third-party advertisements that may redirect you to a third-party site.
Hero of Sparta IIArgos is finally back! The popular Spartan saga continues on iPhone, following the huge success of its revolutionnary first opus: Winner of IGN 2008's "Best Action Game" and "Best Graphics Technology" Award, "A Nintendo DS or Sony PSP-quality title on the iPhone" (iLounge). Sailing back from Hell after many battles, Argos finally reaches the shores of his homeland: Sparta. But no human leaves Hades' kingdom alive without consequences. A new odyssey begins for our hero - a journey that will force him face the gods, his fate and his own choices to answer for his arrogance! THE NEXT-GEN ACTION GAME ON iPhone & iPod touch A thrilling, non-stop hack'n'slash game jam-packed with action and innovation. - Furious combat against even more colossal enemies: more combos, more violence! - Hold your breath all along your adventure: each level provides the player a new experience – a new weapon, a new gameplay, a new power and more. - Improved interaction with the environment: break gates, climb cliffs, ruin temples and force your way through all obstacles! OPTIMIZED CONTROL SCHEME FOR INTENSE ACTION - Advanced action virtual pad: don't just tap the screen - actually aim your attacks! - New 360° jump control offering more freedom and enhanced platforming gameplay: jump anywhere, even during fights to perform air combos. A NEW ADVENTURE, A NEW GRAPHICAL REVOLUTION - 12 levels to explore, set up in 8 new majestic environments: from Sparta to the depths and heights of Earth. - Unique and exclusive 3GS graphics providing additional 3D, light and relief effects. WRITE A NEW PAGE OF ARGOS' LEGEND - New powers & new weapons: only the best gear will give you a chance to survive the challenges ahead. - Fight and kill the mythical foes that dare cross your path. But be warned: stronger enemies will always be lurking. - Only the bravest warriors are worthy of entering the Arena. Will you be good enough to face the ultimate challenge? ***** Game Hunter Challenge: Tweet: I found a new @Gameloft Game! Hero of Sparta II: http://j.mp/d4arWY #GameHunter202 Join the hunt: http://j.mp/aGk2Jx and follow @Gameloft! What's this? http://j.mp/aGk2Jx *************************************************************************** Visit us on www.heroofsparta.com or http://twitter.com/HeroofSparta! Follow Gameloft on Twitter to get more info about all our upcoming titles at http://twitter.com/gameloft or read our official blog at http://blog.gameloft.com/
N.O.V.A. 2 - Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance FREEThe ultimate sci-fi FPS is back! Get ready to step into a whole new level of gaming on your Apple device! Pocket Gamer - 9/10 + Gold Award: "Without question, it's the finest first-person shooter on iPhone and iPod touch to date, replacing its predecessor with sharper action, killer graphics, and the best multiplayer experience around." IGN - 8.5/10 + Editor's Choice: "The controls are smooth, which helps so much when the action gets furious." The AppEra: "N.O.V.A. 2 is simply the BEST FPS on the App Store right now. Go get it, now." TouchGen: "Intense and highly addictive." iLounge: "It's hard to find a game with this much content and intensity at any price." 148apps: "N.O.V.A. 2 really does feel almost console worthy." App Advice: "The best online multiplayer around with quick connection, and ten player battles." --------------------------------------------- BETTER, FASTER, STRONGER! - Meet new enemies with improved AI! Volterites' new tactics make the gyroscope controls ideal - Master a larger range of weapons & powers - Much more diversified gameplay: run, shoot, fall, drive a motorbike, pilot a giant mech, and blast a laser - The more, the merrier, now with up to 10 players in 10 multiplayer maps - Build a career and rise through the multiplayer leaderboard - Explore new locations, offering amazing graphics, fully optimized for the Retina display - Enjoyed the first N.O.V.A. – Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance? Be rewarded with extra bonuses. 6 years have passed since the events depicted in the first episode. Humanity is now thrown into a bloody civil war fought on one side by the central government of the Terran Orbitals and the self-appointed Human-Alien Alliance; a new organization with a mysterious origin and agenda. Kal Wardin left active service in N.O.V.A. years ago and now lives among the colonists of the desert planet Scorpius. But war never spares even the most peaceful places... FULL VERSION FEATURES: AN UNPARALLELED SINGLE-PLAYER CAMPAIGN: - 12 chapters taking you through hostile, yet amazing environments of various Orbitals - Over a dozen weapons including the Dual Hand Guns, Assault Rifle, Shotgun, Automatic Shotgun, Sniper Rifle, Rocket Launcher, Grenade Launcher, Alien Plasma Gun, Alien Lightning Gun, Alien Laser Gun, Turrets, Frag Grenades and Mines - 3 special powers: Freeze, Slow Time and Disc for melee combat - A wide range of enemies with improved AI, for even more intense combats INTENSE MULTIPLAYER MODES: - 1~10 players online or locally - 5 modes: Free for All, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Freeze Tag, and InstaGib - Ranking & Perk systems - 10 maps on which to battle it out - Play against your friends or the entire world through Gameloft LIVE! - Worldwide leaderboards in the game & on the official website, www.near-orbit-vanguard-alliance.com EXCLUSIVE REWARDS FOR VETERAN PLAYERS If you played the first episode: - Jump into multiplayer with bonus XP, allowing you access to advanced weaponry - Unlock a special achievement on Gameloft LIVE! --------------------------------------------- JOIN THE FIGHT WITH MANY OTHER FANS! Enlist on Twitter @NOVA_fps Visit www.near-orbit-vanguard-alliance.com for more information.
Cosmic ColonyJoin a galactic adventure and build a colony beyond the stars, uncover cosmic mysteries and face the dangers of space. Become your own intergalactic legend! See what other intergalactic travelers are already saying about Cosmic Colony: ★★★★★ "Someone pry the phone out of my hands, please!" ★★★★★ "Everything is better IN SPACE!" ★★★★★ "So cute and fun! I could play all day!" 2088 AD: Brave men and women are exploring the galaxy, searching for life and colonizing worlds. Today, your heroic space crew descends upon the distant planet Mochwoi to pick up where E.A.R.L., a scout robot that recently and mysteriously aborted its mission on the planet, left off. Your mission: Explore this amazing new world! With Cosmic Colony you will experience many exciting features, including: ★ Create and expand your space-age settlement ☆ Complete missions and manage resources to make your people happy and your colony prosperous ★ Explore space and seek out planets as you search for mysterious artifacts ☆ Discover enigmatic landmarks all over the planet ★ Fight off space pirate invasions in a fun mini-game ☆ Face unexpected events, like falling meteorites ★ Interact with friends, visit their colonies and boost each other's reputations! ☆ ...and much, much more! ---- Visit our official site at http://www.gameloft.com Follow us on Twitter at http://glft.co/LetsPlaybyGameloft_Twitter or like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/letsplaybyGameloft to get more info about all our upcoming titles. Check out our videos and game trailers on http://www.youtube.com/letsplaygl Discover our blog at http://glft.co/Gameloft_Official_Blog for the inside scoop on everything Gameloft.


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Just got a 7D body with a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8
Started Apr 4, 2013 | Discussions thread
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Cary Maures • Forum Member • Posts: 71
Re: Just got a 7D body with a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8
As far as remotes go check out the Satechi Bluetooth kit for iphone. Works great.
Cary Maures's gear list:Cary Maures's gear list
Olympus E-M1 Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm F1.8 Olympus 12-40mm F2.8 Olympus 40-150mm F2.8 Pro
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price chart shows the downtrend broken at least for now. a line fits the bottoms of a 15' chart of the last 15 days, making a beautiful down-slanting trend line and that trend was broken to the upside yesterday, MELI bounced twice now off of a near-term low of 37.6 right below the 200 day exponential moving avg of 38.3. I bought shares yesterday under 38 the 100 day ema is 42.7, 50 day ema 44.6 a little under where Vz deval dropped share price, I'd expect resistance around there 200 day simple moving avg is 35.3 and rising, that could be support if mkt resumes selloff after this relief rally. But todays action could be the start of the pattern called for by some analysts- namely a series of selloffs/rises that will see the SP500 oscillate between 1000-1250-ish in an overall flat-ish 2010? Who knows not me but from a valuation perspective I don't see price breaking 35 in the absence of a sharp market correction or earnings that beats less than 10% (meli usually beats by 20% or more) ps agreed davo cash flow is a key metric for meli. How do you see MELI's P/CF comparing to the mkt right now?
Yelyacs you are correct about the short-term trend having been broken in the last couple days. But, the other downtrend line may still present resistance for the stock. Draw a line from the absolute peak of the double top, to the top of what looked like may have been the "handle" of the cup that was eventually broken. That puts the line at about $42.60 tomorrow and around $41.90 the next day. A break of that will be even more bullish. Any decent pullbacks should be used as a buying opportunity. The technicals look great. We may even get a MACD Signal "BUY" tomorrow. By next week we may see a buy signal from the weekly stochastic as well. Stay tuned!