Did you know that just over 1% of the items on the market today with the LV trademark are authentic? Seems so terrible! It is a fact that a large number of people have difficulty in telling the difference between replica and authentic Louis Vuitton handbags. Actually though it is not an easy thing to do that, we still can try our best preventing from being fooled by replica ones. Hope you can learn something from the tips listed below.
In fact, all Louis Vuitton products have a unique taste of leather. if you are a frequenter of the authentic Louis Vuitton store, you will be familiar with the special smell. Just have a good smell of the leather, you can tell whether it is authentic or not. Of course, it needs a long time to attainthe skill. Thus if you have time, that would be better if you visit its authentic store personally.
Just make a drop on the leather. If it is an authentic one, the water will be fully absorbed by the genuine leather, even there would be some water spots left after being wiped. If not, that should be the poor fake one.
Louis Vuitton uses oxidizing natural cowhide leather that turns a dark golden honey color over time. Plastic is not used! Besides, the LV logo will be upside down on one side of the bag and right side up on the other to follow this pattern. The LV pattern should match up correctly even at the seam breaks.
The stitching on the authentic Louis Vuitton bag is golden. While replica Louis Vuitton handbags have brown stitching. The real LV will have no missing stitches, no gaps in the stitching and no loose threads. Remember, Louis Vuitton bags are so expensive because every detail is flawless. It should be made to perfection.
Authentic Louis Vuitton bag uses brass and gold metal hardware, not gold painted plastic.
Depending on the collection, Louis Vuitton uses a variety of textiles to line their bags: canvas lining in red or fine micro monogram textile, cross-grain leather, tone on tone polyester, or microfiber suede. Con-artists pay little to no attention on the interior. Most commonly they would line the interior with plastic or cheap tan or brown suede.
Actually, date stamp does not guaranteed authenticity. Whether your handbag has the stamp or not, does not prove that it is genuine. Louis Vuitton started to use date codes to mark their items in the early 1980’s. Counterfeiters are even copying these, so I would not recommend basing authenticity singularly on this. You may need to search for the date stamp, they are occasionally hidden and may be difficult to find in some models. Some date codes used FRANCE: AO, A1, A2, AN, AR, AS, BA, BJ, CT, DU, FL, LW, MB, MI, NO, RA, RI, SD (also USA), SL, SN, SP, SR, TH, VI USA: FH, OS, SD (also France) SPAIN: CA, LO, LB, LM
Hope these tips can help you distinguishing replica handbags. If you have other tips to add to the list, just share with us.
Diamond Ring
Diamond Rings are one of the most important jewelry items, because of its cost, beauty, purity, and rare availability. Some well known sayings like “Diamond is a girl’s best friend” and “A diamond is forever” explain its significance.
Diamond Rings are most popular among all type of rings. People prefer to buy them for engagement or wedding purposes, although these days’ diamonds are popular for gifting too. Usually a ring is made of Gold, Sliver, or Titanium mounted by diamonds or other precious gems like sapphires, star sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, but nothing can beat diamonds in popularity.
Significance of Diamond Ring
Diamonds symbolize love. The rare beautiful stone represents treasured and forever love, as strong as itself, as pure as its own clarity. A diamond ring is not only important for brides and grooms, or couples planning to marry, this has to be handed down from generation to generation as blessing of elders.
Buying Diamond Ring
Diamonds and diamond jewelry are very costly. People buy them occasionally, so one should plan properly before purchasing a diamond rings according to individual’s choice, need, and budget.
There is a very old tested and proved theory for buying diamonds. We call it, 4C theory (Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity).
Carat – Carat is a unit of weight for precious stones (1 Carat = 200 mg). Carat only deals with the weight of a diamond and has nothing to do with the size. The heavier (in mass) the diamond, the more carat it’s got.
Cut – Cut refers to the proportions, symmetry, and finish or make of the diamond. This can affect the price of a diamond by major amounts. Two diamonds with the same carat, color, clarity can have different cost based solely on how its cut. Depending on how a diamond is cut, the eye can perceive it as being larger.
The cut of a Diamond is the only property, which is artificial. Proportions and angles influence the internal reflection of light as well as the dispersion of light leaving the diamond. This determines the brilliance and fire (brightness and sparkle) of the diamond, and ultimately its beauty. How well cut a diamond is will reflect in the price.
Color: Diamond comes in several colors, such as blue, pink, purple, yellow, and red. But the most popular and rare variety of diamond is natural colorless diamond. Most gem quality diamonds fall within a range of color from colorless to yellow. D or colorless diamonds are rare. The color of a diamond is determined on the basis of a visual assessment by comparing it to a set of master diamonds under laboratory conditions. The differences between colors are very subtle and graded according to the International Color Grading Scale.
Clarity: This is the clarity of appearance when you look into a diamond. A flawless diamond will cost more than a similar diamond that is less flawless.
Apart from the theory of 4C, there is one more C-Certification which is very much important. A certificate for any diamond is a report prepared after a complete evaluation by an expert professional.
Happy Buying!!!
Since most women always keep their eyes on hot styles and designs of handbags, they became more focused on following these latest fashion trends without considering if the handbags will suit their figure. Perhaps, this is one of the most common mistakes that they make. Instead of buying the right handbag that matches their body type, they go after with its brand, styles and designs just to be in step with the hottest trend in fashion. We all know that trendy styles of handbags, most especially if these are designer handbags are very tempting to buy even though they don’t suit your figure. But this attitude is not an ideal way to make your outfit looks stand out. Keeping up on the latest fashion is not just enough to make you shine. Always remember that anything you wear must have some coordination and balance with your body. For some women who are fashion enthusiasts, choosing and matching handbags are just simple but for others who are not, it’s not just as easy. Here are some basic guide lines to help you out in choosing the best handbag for you: 1. Select the Right Size of Handbag Knowing the right size of a handbag for your body type should be the first thing to consider before buying it. This will help you find the most appropriate handbag that would look best for you. Just keep in mind that no matter how stylish and elegant a handbag that you carry, it will be unfashionable if it doesn’t set off with your figure. Most fashion experts suggest that if you’re short and petite, it’s best to choose small handbags to work well with your outfit. This is because selecting big handbags will make you look smaller. On the other hand, if you’re tall and slim, you must avoid these small bags. You can rely to use for some mid size, bulky and large handbags because these sizes will be best suit for your stature. 2. Pick out the suitable shape of Handbag Choosing the best shape of handbag for your figure is another preference before purchasing it. Always bear in mind that carrying a handbag that is proportioned with your body shape is the best way to look stylish and fashionable because it really helps to change and enhance your overall look. The best tip to achieve this is to make sure that your choice of handbag shape is the opposite of your body type. So if you’re slim and tall, you should choose rounded bag to best match your look. However, if you have a shorter physique, tall and rectangular bag is suitable for you to make you look elevated. 3. Choose Color that Complements most of your Outfit After you have selected the right size and shape of a handbag that best suit to you, it’s now time to choose for its color. Matching up the color of handbag to your outfit and shoes is an ideal way to have a fashionable style. Try to buy a colorful handbag that has dominant colors that will match most of your clothes. But to be more practical, you can also go for a plain handbag with just one color. It’s most recommended to take neutral color handbags since they are popular choice. Black is a neutral color so you can never go wrong in selecting it because it always comes in style and fashion. You can also harmonize it with any color of your outfit. Brown and white colors are also advisable to use because you can also match them with most of your clothes. 4. Set off Handbag According to Occasion And finally, it’s really important that you know what will be the purpose of a handbag. To be practical, you must put some considerations on its functions because every occasion, place and season calls for different styles and designs of handbags. Just be sure that you’re chosen handbag complements to a specific place or occasion and there’s no doubt that you’ll achieve the stylish outfit you most desire. Now that you’re familiar with some basic tips in choosing a handbag that looks well with your figure, you can now enjoy your shopping in some handbag stores and boutiques. But if you’re a time savvy customer who doesn’t have enough time in going out to mall, you can find some online shopping sites for your convenience and visit their designer handbag section for your wider selections of different sizes, shapes and styles of handbags that will make you shine above the rest.
Of all the pearls around the world, one is revered above all others: the South Sea Pearl. Grown in the deep seas off Australia’s coast, the South Sea pearl is prized for its brilliant gold or white shine. Shopping for South Sea pearls can be confusing. An informed shopper should gather as much information as possible so as to make an educated decision.Grading South Sea Pearls
Pearl necklaces are graded by the Five S’s: Shine, Surface, Shade, Shape and Size.Shine (Luster) is the way that light reflects and shines through the pearl. Because a pearl is an organic object, it often has Surface markings such as nicks, scratches, small indentations and discolorations. (A pearl void of such markings is considered perfect and only accounts for 5-10% of the total amount of pearls harvested each year). South Sea pearls have a wide variety when it comes to color and overtone, with different Shades being considered more desirable than others. Pearl Shape can range all the way from Baroque to Perfect-Round, with different shapes being considered more valuable than others due to their rarity. Size is the total circumference of the pearl, usually measured in millimeters. The combination of these qualities factors in to the total grade of the necklace, resulting in a rating of A, A+, AA, AA+ and AAA. The highest grade for a pearl necklace is AAA quality. AAA pearls are the most desirable and valuable. They are impressive gifts to give someone who especially cares about quality and value.South Sea Pearl Luster
Shine (Luster) is the way that light reflects from the pearl. It is the most important factor in determining a pearl’s value. Luster is what gives the pearl its iridescence and depth. Luster is determined by the thickness of pearl nacre, the coating that makes up the pearl. Very lustrous pearls have a deep-mirror like surface and a bright shine. Pearls with low luster look dull and foggy. South Sea pearls are in possession of thick, creamy nacre and are famous for their rich, silky luster.
One way to examine the luster of a pearl necklace is to lay the strand on a table and look at the pearls from 20 inches away. The sharper and clearer your reflection is on the pearls’ surface, the higher the luster.South Sea Pearl Surface
As pearls are an organic creation, they often have surface imperfections. Flawless South Sea pearls are very rare and command a much higher price. The surface of a pearl is graded by how many imperfections are visible and to what percentage they are distributed. These marks can range from small and nearly unnoticeable, to quite large and distinct. When buying pearl jewelry, be sure to examine the pearl surface carefully for these kinds of flaws.South Sea Pearl Color
South Sea Pearls have a wide variety of colors and overtones, ranging from white, silver, yellow and gold with subtle undertones of pink, blue and green.
Among these colors, deep golden or white hues are the most desirable and valuable.Golden South Sea Pearl Necklace: The deeper the golden color, the more rare and valuable the pearls are. Their beautiful glowing hue creates a sense of warmth; livening the complexion and creating a feeling of luxury.White South Sea Pearl Necklace: Famous for their rich, creamy color, White South Sea pearls can have rose or silver overtones. While pearls with silver tones are more popular, South Sea pearls with rose overtones are considered to be rarer and more valuable.
When buying a White South Sea pearl necklace, keep in mind that pearls with white body color are more valuable than those with ivory or cream. Use caution, as some sellers may sell cream South Sea pearls as white ones for a higher price.
When choosing color, keep in mind the complexion of the wearer. For example, if the wearer has a dark complexion, the golden color would be a good choice. If the wearer has a fair complexion, a white or silver hue would be nice.
When examining the color of a South Sea pearl necklace, it is best to view it under natural light. Pearl color will look slightly different under various types of lighting. Pure morning light is the ideal time. Florescent light tends to give pearls a more bluish or yellowish hue, while incandescent light lends pearls a more reddish hue.South Sea Pearl Shape
South Sea pearl shapes include perfect round, semi-round, circle, oval, button, drop, and baroque. Because symmetry is rare in nature, round shapes are the most highly valued. While a strand of round South Sea pearl necklace is the most classic and valuable, a nearly round necklace can create a similar look at a significantly reduced price. Another option to consider is a baroque necklace. Stylish and fun, it can be worn with everything from a pair of jeans to a Gucci bustier.South Sea Pearl Size
The most common sizes for South Sea Pearls are 10mm – 15mm. South Sea pearls in 16mm – 20mm are very rare and extremely valuable. Ultimately, the size of a necklace is a personal preference as it reflects individual style and personality. When choosing a size, you should consider the wearing purpose of the necklace. Generally, larger necklaces are more extravagant and create a statement; while smaller necklaces are more for everyday wear.South Sea Pearl Necklace Matching and Workmanship
It is important to examine the workmanship of a pearl necklace. Poorly matched pearls with obvious color differences will lessen the beauty of your necklace, causing its value to drop dramatically. When you receive your necklace, examine it by letting it hang off the tip of your finger. Examine whether the line of the necklace is straight, the knotted tie too tight or too loose and whether the finish is beautiful.South Sea Pearl Necklace Graduation
Graduation means that the pearls are strung from smallest to largest, starting at the clasp and ending with the largest pearl in the center of the necklace. This is traditionally done to capture the elegant, interesting look it creates.South Sea Pearl Necklace Length
When choosing pearl necklace length, keep in mind both the size of the wearer and the effect you wish to create. Traditionally 16 inches, or choker necklace length, is considered the classic look, while longer lengths are ideal for casual, business, or evening wear. It is an ideal choice for those with high necklines as well. The most popular length for a pearl necklace is 17 inches; a length that is not quite a choker yet does not drape extravagantly low on the wearer.Millimeters Vs Inches
Pearls are measured in millimeter. 1 inch is equivalent to about 25mm. Therefore, a 10mm pearl is equal to 0.4 inches.South Sea Pearl Necklace Pricing
Due to their size and rarity, South Sea pearls can be expensive. Here are some quick tips to help you in the decision making process: When selecting a necklace it is wise to choose quality over size.
High quality South Sea pearls are a statement of perfection and sophistication. Also, they are rare and have investment value. A high quality South Sea pearl necklace can last for generations.Where to Buy
When buying South Sea pearl jewelry, compare prices from both online sellers and local stores. On average, local dealers tend to charge considerably more than online sellers. It is best to buy from a trusted online source. Make sure to check the sites’ return policy, customer support, and customer reviews.
Caring for your pearl jewelry is a vital part in the prolonged longevity and beauty you can achieve with your pearls. Pearls in general are more delicate than other types of jewels, and therefore require a bit more attention and care. Following a few simple steps and avoiding contact with certain substances can ensure your pearls stay beautiful for a long time.
When it comes to your pearl jewelry, it is best to follow this simple rule: “Last thing on, First thing off.” Wearing your pearls while you are getting ready in the morning increases it’s exposure to harmful chemicals that can cause damage. These chemicals can come from simple objects like hairspray, perfume, and even your makeup which can cause your pearls to become dull and dirty. Similarly at night, your pearls should be the first thing you take off. Your pearls can have a similar reaction to the types of cleansers, toners, and lotions you use as well as makeup removal solutions.
Also, if you are going to follow the great June Cleaver and do housework in your pearls, think again. Simple household detergents and cleaning products can contain chlorine and ammonia which can have an adverse reaction on your pearls. Any gardening and swimming with pearls on should also be avoided. It’s best to save them for the office or going out.
Even if you do avoid chemical contact to your pearls, they still need cleaning and maintenance. Many sets of pearl jewelry come with cleaning kits to help you maintain your pearls beauty. These kits include soft gem cloths that are gentle not to scratch the surface of the pearl but still be able to thoroughly remove impurities. Using harder, more abrasive items like a simple toothbrush can cause damage to the pearls nacre or cause pitting, so a soft cloth is best. You may wipe your pearls dry or use a gentle solution of water and a very mild soap. Do not opt for cleaning solutions that contain ammonia or harsh detergents which can cause more damage than good. You should also keep your pearls away from ultrasonic cleaners as well.
When you are done wearing your pearls, try not to store them along with other jewelry that can potentially scratch the surface. Store your pearls in a soft pouch that cushions it and keeps it protected from potential damage. Also, many people store their jewelry in bank safe deposit boxes. These boxes are generally humidity-free, which is not a good environment for cultured pearls. Cultured pearls are considered organic colored stones. Over time, a humidity-free environment can dry out your pearl jewelry and may cause them to crack. So you may want to speak with your bank about options or opt for an alternative safe location.
Lastly, to increase the longevity of your pearl jewelry, you should consider having them restrung each year. This will keep your pearls in good condition and also ensure that the chord is in a good, strong condition. You really do not want to care for the actual pearls so carefully and then have them spill across the floor because of an old nylon chord. So having them restrung on a new chord will ensure your pearl necklace or bracelet stays in tact. You can also look into pearl jewelry that uses stronger stringing materials like European leather chords which may last longer.
No matter what type of pearls you have, whether it is Akoya, Freshwater, South Sea, or Tahitian pearls, you need to maintain each pearl carefully to maximize their longevity. Following these simple rules of thumb can help you care for your pearls in a way that allows you to treasure them for a long long time.
Pearl jewelry has been for years, one of the most treasured and coveted personal items a person can have. Its simplicity and sheen truly makes it a unique jewel that marks the sign of good taste and wealth. When we think of a pearl, generally we think of a small white sphere. What we don’t think about is the many different types and colors of pearls available. Different types of pearls come in not only different colors, but also shapes, nacre, luster and with different surfaces. Knowing each type and their differences can help you gain an understanding of pearls and help you make the best choice in pearl jewelry that fits your specific needs and even your pocketbook.
The most common pearl most people are familiar with are Freshwater Pearls. Freshwater Pearls are exactly what they sound like. They come from mussels located in freshwater lakes and rivers. Today, China is the leading exporter of Freshwater Pearls, with the majority of pearl farming taking place about 300 miles outside of Shanghai. Recently, however, Chinese pearl farmers have switched their emphasis from the quantity of Freshwater Pearls to the quality. This ensures that the pearls exported are of the best conditions and beauty.
Freshwater Pearls range in size from 4mm to 11mm. The majority is of oval, button and coin shape. Unlike saltwater pearls, they are not quite a perfect circle. Colors range from white, cream, gold, peach, pink, and purple. Some may even have a rose and/or a green over tone to it. Freshwater Pearls tend not to have the same intense luster by comparison to Akoya Pearls, but still have an excellent sheen to them. This and the general oval shapes they come in, tends to make Freshwater pearl jewelry less expensive than other types, and thus making them very popular. Freshwater Pearls do have a thicker nacre, however, which makes them more durable against chipping and general wear and tear.
Akoya Pearls are considered to have the best luster of all the types of pearls. Saltwater pearls, these derive from the Akoya oyster, which is the smallest of the pearl oysters. Therefore, Akoya Pearls tend to be the smallest of pearls. Sizes range from 2mm to 10 mm, but on average, you will find an Akoya Pearl that is 6mm to 7mm. Harvested primarily in Japan and China today, cultured Akoya’s were actually introduced early in the 20th century.
Akoya pearls are closest to being a perfect sphere compared to other pearls. On average, they are 70% to 80% round or near-round. The rest tend to be baroque or semi-baroque. The surface of an Akoya ranges from a clean surface to lightly or moderately blemished, while the nacre can be thick, medium, or thin. Again, the thicker the nacre of the pearl, the more durable it will be. Akoya’s also range in a variety of natural colors including white, cream, some yellow, pink, and blue. Some may even have a rose or green overtone as well.
Tahitian Pearls were first introduced internationally quite recently in the mid-1970’s. Cultivated from black lipped oysters, it is important to know that a pearl is a Tahitian Pearl only if it is cultured in Polynesia. Black lipped oysters tend to be large, with some weighing as much as 10 pounds! So their pearls also can be abnormally large as well. However, on average, Tahitian Pearls are generally 9 to 10 mm and can span anywhere from 8 to 14mm. Tahitian Pearls generally appear black, which some are. However most are a deep grey or green color that appears to be black. Other colors also include blue, peacock, aubergine and pistachio. The luster of the pearl can be quite beautiful from the dark shades of colors present in Tahitian Pearls. The shape of the pearl is split between mostly round or near-round and baroque or semi-baroque. The last 20% of average pearls generally have an oval, button or drop shape to them. With the dark colors, Tahitian Pearls also tend to have a variety of surface types; with clean, lightly, moderately or heavily blemished. So depending on the surface, this will affect the quality and pricing of your Tahitian Pearl jewelry. These types also come with a thick nacre, making them strong against nicks and other wear and tear.
Lastly, we have South Sea Pearls. South Sea Pearls derive from anywhere on the coasts of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Generally, 60% of your South Sea Pearls will come from Australia. However, those that are more creamy or yellow are generally produced in Indonesia. Today, South Sea Pearls are considered to be the most cultivated type of pearl on the market.
Traditionally, South Sea Pearls are larger, ranging in size from 9mm to 18mm. On average, however, you will find a pearl about 13mm. The shape of it tends to be oval, button, or drop shaped 40 to 60% of the time. However, you can find a variety of baroque or round pearls as well. South Sea Pearl jewelry tends to be a little pricier because of its unique characteristics. The luster of the pearl tends to look more satiny and has a distinct shine to it. The surface of the pearl is also quite naturally good, with a range from clean to lightly blemished. In addition, South Sea Pearls come in colors that are not common in other types of pearls, which include gold, white, and silver. The golden hues are especially exquisite with the natural satin finish of the pearl. You can also find South Sea Pearls in blues, creams, with possible overtones of rose or green. The nacre of the pearl also tends to be much thicker than other types of pearls as well, making it quite durable.
All four of these pearls have their positives and differences. Knowing what makes each distinct and special will help you make a knowledgeable decision when selecting your own pearl jewelry. You can ask the right questions, make the right choices, and hopefully select an exquisite piece of authentic pearl jewelry that you will enjoy and care for, for years to come.
