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Archive for September, 2010

What is Diamond Clarity?

Diamond clarity is the measure of flaws found in and on the outside of a diamond. The less flawed a diamond is, the more value it has and the higher the price tag. There are very few diamonds which can be categorized as having no flaws at all, however, most diamond flaws cannot be seen without magnification of at least 10 times. Because issues with diamond clarity are often undetected when looking at a diamond, some people consider this to be one of the least of their concerns when selecting a diamond to purchase.

How is Diamond Clarity Determined?

The most well known measurement of diamond clarity is done by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). It ranks diamonds based on a grading system it created that ranges from flawless diamonds, to imperfect diamonds, with many different grade ranges in between. The better the clarity ranking, the more expensive a diamond will sell for as it has more value.

Types of Inclusions that Effect Diamond Clarity

Inclusions are flaws that effect diamond clarity. They make it so that the diamond is not “perfect”, and there are visual imperfections within the gemstone. Most flaws however, are un-noticeable to the naked eye and can only be seen under high levels of magnification.

There are names for many of the most common inclusions. Carbons effect diamond clarity because they are very small black dots found on the surface of a diamond, which may or may not be visible in regular lighting. Some may be so small that you need magnification to view them. Pinpoints effect diamond clarity because they are white dots along the surface of a diamond. Pinpoints are the most common of all diamond flaws. Clouds effect diamond clarity because they cause what look to be cloudy areas within the gemstone. The clouds are actually made up of many growths of crystals that are positioned very close together within the diamond, and their proximity to one another is what causes the cloudiness to appear. Feathers effect diamond clarity by causing cracks to form within the diamond, that look similar to that of broken glass.

Clarity Enhancements

Diamond clarity flaws can often be fixed or reduced by using a variety of clarity enhancement treatments. Some diamonds are painted, some get lasered in order to remove pinpoints and carbons, and some diamonds undergo a process by which tiny holes are drilled into the diamond in order to reach areas of inclusions within the gemstone, and then the cracks are later filled with molten glass. Having enhancements done to improve diamond clarity decreases the overall value of the diamond, but can improve it’s appearance. Diamond certificates should indicate that enhancements were done on the diamond, so ask to see documentation before making a purchase. While most enhancements just cause the diamond to look nicer, some may actually cause the diamond to be weaker, and more prone to breakage than a diamond that has not had any treatments.

What will women be wearing this fall? The style-savvy experts at Chadwick’s, the nation’s first and largest value fashion catalog, say that clean and conservative looks are back in vogue. Skin-baring outfits are out and layering is in. Volume and textured fabric are fashion’s buzzwords, and rich colors like black, red, purple and gray ruled the runways. Chadwick’s offers the following tips on how to be fashionable this fall:

Sleek Silhouettes

The “new suit” features fitted jackets paired with slim pants and skirts, for a polished, tailored look. Consider a mandarin collar or washed wool plaid blazer with a favorite pair of pants for sophisticated style. Or menswear-styled suit jackets, softened with feminine details and gentle draping, create a look that works in a boardroom or a bistro.

Give your pants some pizzazz by wearing cropped or wide-legged styles. Several top designers explored this trend with contrasting looks-pairing loose with tight and long with short. Anyone can wear this look by balancing the silhouette with heels or an appropriate top.

Touchable Textures

Luxurious velvet made a comeback this season. Chadwick’s designs feature crushed and jewelry-close velvet blazers that create a modern look.

From chunky cable to fine gauge, there’s a knit for all occasions. For a cozy option on chilly fall nights, choose a sweater-knit. For a feminine spin, try a twin set lined with ruffles or a beaded cardigan.

Au Courant Accents

For tasteful fall layering, it’s all in the details. Pieces trimmed in lace or ruffles create a romantic touch under shirts and jackets.

Wound along the hem of a skirt or down a pant leg, embroidery adds a splash of style. Paisley and floral designs are classic twists on this modern trend.

One signature snapshot is a jacket cinched at the waist with a belt. Pair it with a boot of any height for an up-to-the-minute look.

What it means to be “designer”.

The term “designer” is often used loosely in the fashion industry, and certainly so by a number of factories mass producing shoes that copy the fashion leaders.

We do it differently. How you’d expect a true designer shoe to be created for you. At Vein, each new design is sketched, first as a conceptual, and then worked and re-worked into final drawings with graphite on paper, by head Vein designer, Christopher McCallum. Then, a prototype shoe is meticulously crafted by hand.

The new design is then put into production, brought to life for our discerning clientele using the finest leathers, hand selected for their uniqueness and quality, from renowned international and Australian tanneries.

When you inspect our famous Vein shoes, you’ll quickly see they embody qualities others only aspire to. Designs and quality inspired by the great clothing fashion houses, by timeless architecture and the personalities, stunning locations and exciting lifestyles we experience around the world.

As you can probably tell, we live, fantasize, dream and breathe male footwear. This burning passion has made Vein the premier Australian male designer footwear label. In 2009 Vein was the only male footwear label to be invited to exhibit in Mercedes Australian Fashion Week. Trail blazing clothing labels like “NYOU”, “Leopold”, “Tom, Dick & Harry”, “Red Cordial” and Australian Fashion Design Awards Winner “Always Habit”, choose to complement their labels with Vein on the runway. In 2010 at the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival Vein was the catwalk shoe of choice for Kenzo, Morrisey and Leopold.

Vein stands for excellence. You’ll feel it, look it, live it too … every time you slip on Vein shoes.

Vein shoes. Love more. Stress less. Express your creativity. And above all, envy no one.