Sunday, 10 February 2013

Ice Guides Buyers On Selecting The Perfect Diamond

Ice Guides Buyers on Selecting the Perfect DiamondIce Guides Buyers on Selecting the Perfect Diamond by Mark Minks

Technology has advanced so rapidly over the past few years it is almost no longer possible for the average consumer to tell a genuine stone from a laboratory created one, and in the case of fine jewelry an unfortunate shopper can be out thousands of dollars if they do not know what to look for when shopping for a larger diamond or semi-precious stone. Ice.com, an amazing source for quality diamonds and jewelry, has prepared a list of things to watch out for, and questions to ask when you make your next diamond purchase.

Skip the Scratch Test

There is probably a pretty good chance that at one time or another you have heard that the easiest way to tell if a diamond is real is to cut glass with it, but this test shows absolutely nothing except you have some type of hard stone. Diamonds are not the only gem that will cut through glass, and despite their indestructible reputation this type of test can damage a diamond. There are plenty of safer, more reliable methods to verify that a diamond is genuine, so there is absolutely no reason to take a chance of damaging it.

Ask to Use a Jeweler’s Loupe

If you are looking at a diamond under magnification and it appears flawless, then it should have a four to five digit price tag on it. Small inconsistencies are common even on very highly rated diamonds, so if they’re simply not there then you’re probably looking at a cubic zirconia instead. It is often helpful to ask the jeweler how the rating was determined and ask them to point out the flawed sections; if they seem hesitant or can not easily spot them, you may want to consider shopping elsewhere.

Check the Weight

Another quick way to spot a cubic zirconia is by weighing it; on average they weight 55% more than real diamonds. Of course, you probably do not know what a real diamond is supposed to weigh; it’s 1/5 of a gram. Since you can not easily tell the difference in weight between the stones, do not hesitate to ask for a scale when dealing with a jeweler. They may become offended, but nowhere near as much as you’ll be if you purchase a fake stone.

Also while gazing at the stone, pay special attention to the reflective qualities. The higher the diamond the less colored reflections will be visible, so if it looks perfect structurally but shows you rainbows when you move it then it is suspect. High quality diamonds reflect a grayish light, while lower quality diamonds will show slight hues throughout the spectrum.

Request a Certificate of Authenticity

All high quality stones have passed through the hands of a licensed appraiser at one time or another; and some of the better known appraisers are the EGL, GIA, AGSL, and PGGL. If a certificate is not available, walk away from the deal.

Set the Diamond Ablaze

One reason that diamonds are so valuable is their ability to disperse heat almost instantly, so ask the jeweler for a heat probe test. A fake diamond will crack or even melt after about thirty seconds, but a true diamond should remain cool to the touch. Likewise, one of the easiest ways to determine that a diamond is genuine is to breathe on it. On almost any other surface a fog would show up for a few seconds but the diamond should displace the heat almost instantly. If it’s still foggy after two to four seconds, it is either a very low quality diamond or an imitation stone.

Use Ice.com Coupons to Save

For more information on identifying real diamonds or to inquire about purchasing fine diamond jewelry, contact Ice.com directly or through their website. If you do locate the perfect stone while shopping with them, make sure that you visit MoneyJibe.com and click through using one of their Ice.com coupons. Using one of the Ice.com coupons or a promotional code can to save you 15%, 20% or more, which can add up to hundreds of dollars off your purchase. Ice.com coupons are updated each day and provide special savings during holidays including Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and the Christmas season.

Mark Minks is the founder of MoneyJibe.com, a website that contains online coupons and coupon codes for major retailers including Ice.com, plus money saving tips and money making ideas. To save money on jewelry from Ice, be sure to locate and use one of the Ice.com Coupons on the site. The Ice.com coupons are updated every day.

Article Source: Ice Guides Buyers on Selecting the Perfect Diamond

World Of Watches: The Best Watches And Accessories For Less

World of Watches: the Best Watches and Accessories for LessWorld of Watches: the Best Watches and Accessories for Less by Mark Minks

Few things complete an outfit and add that extra touch of class like a fine wristwatch. Your watch does more than just tell you what time it is; your watch shows your sense of style, your attention to detail, and it can define many aspects of your personality to someone you just met. What does your watch say about you? Do you have a top of the line dive watch that tells people you are active and love the water? Is your timepiece a Dolce & Gabbana work of art that shows you care about high fashion? Or is your wrist decorated adorned with a beautiful gold and diamond watch that screams conservative professional? Whatever statement you wish to make with your watch, World of Watches has the perfect timepiece to fit your style and budget.

Top Quality Watches, Easy Shopping Experience

World of Watches utilizes a worldwide network of purchasing agents to find the best deals available on high quality watches from around the globe. By not accepting the designation of Authorized Dealer for any brand of watches, World of Watches has the freedom to find the best prices available from wholesalers and distributors and pass those savings on to consumers. Every watch sold by World of Watches is guaranteed to be an authentic product, and is sold at the best possible price that is available via the website. All of this is available to you with the convenience of shopping online. Rather than waste your time going to dozens of retail shops hoping to find the perfect watch on sale for a decent price, simply log on to WorldofWatches.com and browse through an extensive list of styles and brands to find the perfect wristwatch to keep time and show off your style and personality.

More Than Just Watches

Once you have the watch selected, move on to look at other accessories. World of Watches also has an extensive selection of watch bands, protective boxes and watch winders to go with your fine timepiece. Do you want to go even further? How about a pair of Kenneth Cole, Nina Ricci, Yves Saint Laurent, or any one of a dozen other brands of sunglasses? World of Watches offers many different styles of sunglasses from dozens of manufacturers, so you are sure to find the perfect pair. These are all authentic designer eye wear pieces, offered at prices often 70% or more off the manufacturer's suggested retail price.

World of Watches + MoneyJibe Coupons = the Perfect Shopping Equation

When searching for fashion accessories, watches, jewelry, and eye wear are often difficult to shop for, whether online or in a storefront. Prices are often exorbitant, and limited selections in retail stores can often mean you miss the perfect item for which you are searching. With World of Watches, you can shop from home and find what is exactly right for you, at an excellent price. When you visit WorldofWatches.com, be sure to stop over at their coupon page at Moneyjibe.com first, and save even more money off of World of Watches' already excellent prices. Moneyjibe.com is a great go-to site for the best savings tips and online coupons. Use a World of Watches coupon to get top-quality fashion accessories, excellent customer service, and great savings on some of the best wristwatches available anywhere.

Mark Minks founded MoneyJibe.com and publishes money saving tips and money making ideas on the site. The website also contains Coupons and Coupon Codes for major retailers including World of Watches. Save money when buying watches and other accessories from World of Watches by using a World of Watches Coupon on the site. The World of Watches coupons are updated daily.

Article Source: World of Watches: the Best Watches and Accessories for Less

Dote On Dad With A Gift From Daddy.co.uk

Dote on Dad with a gift from daddy.co.ukDote on Dad with a gift from daddy.co.uk by Camille Taylor

Dads are typically difficult to buy for. New website Daddy Gifts and Presents has compiled all the gifts we know Dad’s love in one place, making online shopping a dream come true.

Whether your Dad is a gardening guru, or enjoys a nice bottle of fine wine, daddy.co.uk has everything you could possibly need. Birthdays, Father’s Day … whatever the occasion, daddy.co.uk is filled with inventive gifts to satisfy even the most difficult daddy’s.

With next day delivery to most places in the UK, last minute gift anxiety is a thing of the past, and you can make your purchase quickly and easily using the safe and secure PayPal method.

Many items on the site are currently reduced following the Christmas period, so now is a perfect time to dote on your Dad.

To check out the range of gifts designed especially for that main man in your life, visit Daddy Gifts today.

Article Source: Dote on Dad with a gift from daddy.co.uk

Adirondack Chairs: A History

Adirondack Chairs: A HistoryAdirondack Chairs: A History by Tom F. Huntington

Many inventions come from a want or need - such as the iconic Adirondack chair, which over the past century has become a well-known staple in outdoor furniture. Most homeowners will easily recognize the familiar design of the Adirondack chair, which is also known for its quality, durability and comfort.

Many people do not realize how long Adirondack chairs have been in existence and just how much they have become part of American culture. The following is a look at the history of Adirondack chairs.

How the Adirondack Chair Came To Be

In 1903, Adirondack chair creator Thomas Lee had a problem and a want. With a large family of 22 who would stay at his summer home on Lake Champlain near Westport, New York he felt there was no comfortable outdoor furniture for them to sit.

Because it was a hilly area, conventional chairs were difficult to sit on without feeling like you were sliding off. This prompted Lee to set about solving his problem by attempting to design a comfortable chair that would also sit well on hills. Finally, with the help of his family's feedback, he created the Adirondack chair. The chair's seat slanted slightly to the back to allow someone to sit comfortably on a slope without sliding forward.

The Adirondack Chair Gains Popularity

Lee's carpenter friend, Harry C. Bunnell, had a modest carpentry shop in Westport and was in need of winter income. He went to work building chairs based on Lee's design and then staining them green or medium dark brown. They were a huge success from the start and Bunnell quickly realized he had a winning product on his hands.

In early April, reportedly without Lee's knowledge or permission, Bunnell obtained a patent for "a new and useful improvement in chairs." He called it the Westport Plank Chair. For the next 20 years, he manufactured the chairs, signing each one.

How It Became Known As the Adirondack Chair

The Adirondack Mountains lie west of the town of Westport, where the chairs were first created. In the Adirondack Mountains, there was a convalescent home for tuberculosis patients. Some caregivers at the home used the chairs as seating for the patients to sit outside and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Voila! The design came to be known as the Adirondack chair.

Throughout the years there have been modifications such as rounded backs and contoured seats. Additional pieces have also been added to the original design such as Adirondack benches and rockers. All of these can be made of engineered wood or recycled plastic lumber in addition to traditional woods. You will often see these chairs on the beach, in the mountains, on backyard decks or around the pool.

"Adirondacking" is a term coined in the South which means you are sitting in an Adirondack rocker. This term could be used to describe public picnics where the Adirondack chair is the main seat used or when people are sitting down in one of the chairs outside grocery stores while taking a break from shopping.

When you think of a relaxing summertime evening, an Adirondack chair may come to mind. Visit www.AdirondackChairsInc.com to browse many colors and models from some of the finest brands in the business.

Article Source: Adirondack Chairs: A History

Why The Adirondack Rocking Chair Makes The Perfect Porch Rocker

Why the Adirondack Rocking Chair Makes the Perfect Porch RockerWhy the Adirondack Rocking Chair Makes the Perfect Porch Rocker by Ashley Burke

Relaxing on a front-porch rocker, watching the rest of the world go about its business, is as American as apple pie. Although few Americans have the time to spare these days, rocking chairs are still a staple on many front porches - particularly as homeowners are increasingly driven to maximize use of their outdoor living spaces.

Equally iconic is the Adirondack chair, with its simple, easily identifiable design and its reputation for durability. For more than a century, the Adirondack chair has remained one of the most popular styles in outdoor furniture. With the Adirondack rocking chair, homeowners can achieve the best of both worlds. The following is a look at why Adirondack rocking chairs make ideal front-porch rockers.

Comfortable Seating

At first glance, the Adirondack rocking chair may seem a rather oddly structured chair, with a high back, sloped seat and extra-wide arm rests. Once you've sat in one, however, it's easy to understand why these chairs are a top choice for outdoor seating. The tall back rest and low seat provide excellent lumbar support, allowing for a comfortable, easy recline. The wide arm rests also contribute to the relaxation famously provided by Adirondack rocking chairs. The proof is in the pudding: Spas and resorts all across the country provide Adirondack chairs for their guests because of the comfort they afford.

Low-Maintenance Durability

Another advantage of the Adirondack rocking chair over other options is its reputation for top-notch craftsmanship. Adirondack chairs were initially made out of yellow birch, and wood is still the primary material used to construct Adirondack rocking chairs - although today, many other species are also used, including cypress, cedar, aspen, alder and other hardy woods. Thus, Adirondack rockers are naturally resilient to the elements. In addition, the Adirondack rocking chair's simple, breezy design makes it easy to clean and maintain. To wash, simply use a pressure washer on low setting.

Earth-Friendly Choice

In addition to wood, Adirondack rocking chairs are made out of more eco-friendly materials, such as an impenetrable plastic lumber manufactured from recycled materials. Some Adirondack rockers contain nearly 500 plastic water bottles and other containers, creating a chair that's resilient and lightweight - as well as low maintenance - without sacrificing any of the design's customary comfort. Recycled plastic Adirondack rocking chairs will not rot or fade and are even easier to maintain than their wood counterparts.

Versatile Design

The Adirondack rocking chair possesses a style all its own and can blend in with any type of home, from traditional to contemporary. Additionally, these chairs are available in a wide selection of colors, from bright shades to more muted hues. A brightly colored chair can liven up the front of your home with a surprising pop of color, whereas a more muted hue can complement and blend in with your home's exterior.

The fresh, classic style of the Adirondack rocking chair adds simplicity and character to any porch, while it's generous, low seat provides an inviting place to rest a moment and take in the neighborhood goings-on around you.

Classic Adirondack rocking chairs feature a curved, slatted back and wide arms making it the perfect chair to enjoy a summer evening. View thousands of shapes, sizes, styles and colors of Adirondack chairs at www.AdirondackChairsInc.com.

Article Source: Why the Adirondack Rocking Chair Makes the Perfect Porch Rocker

Eddie Bauer - Not Just For Parkas Anymore

Eddie Bauer - Not Just for Parkas AnymoreEddie Bauer - Not Just for Parkas Anymore by Mark Minks

For men and women who lead active, outdoor lifestyles, you need clothes rugged enough to take whatever you put them through, and still look great the whole time. Eddie Bauer has been providing garments exactly like that since 1940. The Eddie Bauer name is associated with quality, durability, style, and luxury, to the point that Ford Motor Company offers their highest end Sport Utility Vehicles as the Eddie Bauer Edition. The Eddie Bauer name is synonymous with high quality outdoor gear for active lifestyles.

Online and Catalog Shopping Convenience and Savings

When shopping for clothing, many consumers prefer to be able to shop online. By making purchases in cyberspace, you cut out a lot of the overhead that real world shops pay, such as rent, utilities, and staff salaries. All that extra cost gets paid for by you and other people who shop there. When you shop online, fewer customer service staff can do the same job as those store clerks, since many of the questions shoppers have can be answered by means of chat or email, allowing one staff member to assist multiple customers at the same time. Rent and utilities are limited to warehouses and shipping centers, instead of exorbitant mall rent rates. Eddie Bauer is primarily an online and catalog merchant, and they offer high-quality clothing and products at great prices, because they keep the overhead down and pass the savings on to you.

Eddie Bauer has Something for Everyone

Eddie Bauer isn’t just about clothes you wear when camping or on an Arctic exploration expedition. Sure, they have some of the best coats and outerwear available anywhere, but you can also find a wide variety of attractive, well-made clothing and accessories at Eddie Bauer. They even have an impressive and beautiful selection of bedding, housewares, footwear, and neat gear and bags. Their hallmark is a simple, fresh clothing style that can be accessorized easily, plus it’s eminently wearable, durable, and fun. You can get the best prices available online at Eddie Bauer on their men’s wear, women’s wear, swimwear, shoes, accessories, even bedding and home items from one of the oldest and most trusted brands for quality, fashionable clothing.

Extra Savings with Eddie Bauer Coupons & Codes

On top of all this, you can go to partner websites like MoneyJibe.com to find Eddie Bauer coupons & codes to save money off the already low prices on Eddie Bauer merchandise, without ever having to rack your brain to remember which section of the mall parking lot you left your car in. Go to their Eddie Bauer coupons & codes page now to save money on high quality, great looking Eddie Bauer clothes and more!

Mark Minks founded MoneyJibe.com, a website that has money saving tips and money making ideas. MoneyJibe also has online coupons and codes for highly-respected online retailers including Eddie Bauer. Save money when buying products from Eddie Bauer by checking out the latest Eddie Bauer Coupons & Codes on the site. The Eddie Bauer coupons and codes are updated every day when new ones are received.

Article Source: Eddie Bauer - Not Just for Parkas Anymore

Overstock Clothes - Seven Reasons To Buy Them

Overstock Clothes - Seven Reasons to Buy ThemOverstock Clothes - Seven Reasons to Buy Them by Mark Minks

When it comes to clothing, Overstock may not be the first place that comes to mind, but there is actually not a better place on the internet to find rock bottom prices on the world’s top clothing designers. This handy guide lists the top reasons to buy Overstock clothes along with some additional advice on how to find additional deals that other Overstock.com members rarely discover.

1) One of the Biggest Selections Around

Sure, there are plenty of specialty shops around the web that may have a great clearance sale on a particular item every now and then, but hundreds of thousands of Overstock clothes are available at unbeatable prices everyday. No matter what type of style or brand names defines your wardrobe, Overstock has a massive selection for you to choose from.

2) Overstock.com Expert Shoppers Find The Best Deals

Imagine having a job where you spend the entire day spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on articles of clothing that are worth millions within retail stores. This is exactly what employees at Overstock do on behalf of their customers, and because they have such a tremendous buying power they are able to secure deals those others stores can only dream of. While other discount stores generally have mismatched leftovers, Overstock clothes are top of the line items that are available in the top department stores throughout the world.

3) Unbeatable Pricing

Overstock clothes are often purchased for 30-80% off of the retail price, which means they can offer a slight markup and still offer a tremendous savings. Their philosophy when it comes to pricing is simple; only offer products that are a significant value so consumers can have confidence in the purchase. Not only does this lead to great prices, but it also allows for Overstock to turn over their inventory very quickly so the selections are constantly changing and up to date.

4) Club O

Overstock clothes are always a great bargain, but Club O brings savings to an entire different level. By purchasing an annual membership for $19.95, all Overstock purchases are shipped to consumers completely free. That’s merely the beginning though, because Club O members also receive a 5% cash back savings on every single purchase. There are also exclusive sales organized for members that give first choice on new or discounted items, so this membership often pays for itself during the first few transactions.

5) The Ultimate Search Engine

Regardless of what you’re looking for, finding Overstock clothes has never been easier. After entering the clothing section, consumers will find a number of search options that will display customized results that make finding the perfect outfit a very streamlined process. Look at clothing by designer, style, price, material, or almost any other category you can think of; the power to shop smart is literally placed within your fingertips.

6) The Clearance Section

When a website purchases millions of articles of clothing per month, there are always excess items left over that have to be moved out quickly. On any given day there may be thousands of items priced to sell immediately at 50-80% off of retail, and this is a great way to find Overstock clothes at unbelievable prices. Check often though because these deals disappear quickly!

7) Overstock Coupons

It’s definitely not easy to remain the world’s most popular website when it comes to shopping, so Overstock.com has plenty of online friends out there to educate shoppers on additional ways to save money. MoneyJibe is one of their leading partners to help you save money, and they have pages where you can find coupons for Overstock clothes and just about anything else on the Overstock website. For exclusive savings everyday check out their Overstock Clothes page for men’s clothing, women’s clothing, accessories, children's apparel, handbags, luggage, men's sport apparel and shoes. Each month, and often several times per month, Overstock.com provides special Overstock coupons to save money with free shipping, reduced shipping, dollar off, percentage discounts or other special promotions.

Mark Minks is the founder of MoneyJibe.com, a website that has money saving tips and money making ideas, plus coupons for many well-known retailers including Overstock.com. To save money on Overstock clothes and more, be sure to check out the current Overstock Coupons and Promotions. The listing of Overstock coupons and promotions are updated every day that new ones are provided.

Article Source: Overstock Clothes - Seven Reasons to Buy Them