August 31, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Canadian diamonds provide a new alternative to people who want to buy diamonds, but are not comfortable with buying pieces that are potentially “conflict diamonds.” A “conflict diamond,” by the UN’s definition, is one mined by a non-legitimate government force in order to fund a rebellion. Additionally, some people are still concerned about the legitimate governments that deal in diamond mining and production, because there is a lot of talk about human rights violations in those circumstances as well.
While production and mining has become far safer and more politically-correct in the past few years, one way to be absolutely sure that no wrong has been done by producing the diamond you buy is to seek out a Canadian one. Canadian diamonds account for only 15% of all the diamonds in the marketplace, but they account for 80% of all Excellent and Ideal cuts.
Other miners and producers have caught on to the popularity of Canadian diamonds, and have tried to mislead consumers by marketing their gems (mined in places other than Canada) as Canadian diamonds, so there is a little confusion in the diamond marketplace about how to recognize a Canadian diamond. There are only two ways to be sure.
One way to be sure is the GNWT Certificate of Authenticity. The GNWT (Government of the Northwest Territories) certification system tracks the diamond all the way from extraction from the ground to its velvet cushion at the jeweler’s. This is important, because some diamonds mined in Canada are still sent to Asia or Africa for cutting and polishing – which gets you back into the sticky questionable human rights territory. GNWT-certified diamonds guarantee the diamond in question was mined in Canada, and handled ethically (most likely in Canada the whole time) all throughout the process.
The certificate bears the GNWT’s polar bear insignia and includes a Gemprint of the diamond. A Gemprint is just what it sounds like – it is a “fingerprint” of the diamond: a digital scan of the landscape of the diamond so you can be sure the diamond you’ve bought is actually the diamond that is certified.
To take the precautions one step further, each Canadian diamond that is mined, cut, and polished in the Northwest Territories of Canada come laser-imprinted with a unique serial number. The number can only be seen with a microscope, so no worries about staring into your pretty gem and seeing somebody’s serial number. The number is etched into the girdle of the diamond (which is the “rim between the flatter top and the pointed bottom”) and is proof-positive that the diamond is legitimately a Canadian diamond.
Again, while diamond mining and production practices have improved a great amount in past years, the extra piece of mind obtained from buying a Canadian diamond can make all the difference for someone who still has questions or concerns about typical diamonds that are mined in the usual places and could potentially be in league with those who have questionable business practices. Additionally, Canadian diamonds are some of the cleanest, brightest, most perfect diamonds on the market. Isn’t your special someone worth the extra effort?
Jill Renee, owner of DanforthDiamond.com, your engagement ring experts. Now selling Canadian diamonds [http://www.danforthdiamond.com/canadian-diamonds/]. Visit us at danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
August 30, 2010 at 9:51 am
Have you thought about purchasing an etched glass window and decided not to because of a concern with replacing the window sash if it becomes broken? Now there is the technology to create high resolution, custom laser etched design in glass blocks. These blocks have standard 3/8″ faces which are very difficult to break – and even if one block were to break, it can be replaced without having to replace the entire window.
Here are 5 steps to consider when placing a laser etched glass block window order:
Step 1 – Where are you going to use this window – Block windows can be used in residential or commercial applications. For homes the most common uses are bathroom, kitchen, basement, family or living room windows. The etching process can be applied to either see through (Vue and Clear patterns) or moderately distorted (Decora or Wave patterns) blocks. These blocks come in a variety of sizes to fit any opening and are also available in custom colors.
For architectural, commercial and institutional projects etched glass can be used for exterior or interior window openings and signs. Churches have found these products to offer an excellent alternative to stained glass since the glass blocks can be colored and custom etched. Hospitals are beginning to use these blocks to create directional signs that are functional, structurally strong, and can be custom designed to fit their specific need.
Step 2 – Measure the masonry or rough openings – Most of your window openings will either be in frame or masonry construction. For masonry openings measure from the top of the sill on the outside to the bottom of the header plate that is above the window frame. In most masonry openings the existing window frame will be removed (by cutting, sawing, or prying the frame out) in the installation process.
For framed rough openings measure the space inside of the frame after the old window sashes would be removed. For these applications the new window will generally be set inside of the existing frame.
For new construction you should be able to specify the opening to your contractor.
Step 3 – Determine if a frameless or vinyl framed etched glass window will work best
o Masonry openings in remodeling- It’s usually most cost effective and easier to mortar a block window panel inside masonry openings. The frameless window design will tend to work best since the mortar will bond better with the block than a vinyl frame. You will find masonry openings most frequently in basement window and commercial replacement window projects.
o Frame openings in remodeling – For upper floor frame or stucco construction openings where you can create an opening the vinyl framed window is preferred. This window installs like a traditional vinyl window (it is available both with and without nailing fins for an easy installation) and is more comfortable for most contractors and homeowners. If you cannot size the opening usually the frameless windows will work best. For these projects you can use a spray foam insulation around the block window panel, trim the opening out with wood, and use aluminum or PVC coil stock over the wood trim.
Step 4 – Determine what glass block size, color and pattern will work best – Most block patterns are available in 2″ increments with the most common sizes being 4″ x 8″, 6″ x 6″, 6″ x 8″ and 8″ x 8″. When laser etching the blocks the see- through and moderately wavy patterns tend to show the etched artwork most prominently.
The window sizes can also be varied by choosing either mortar or silicone joints to create an optimal fit. The blocks can be etched individually or as part of a mural assembly. For the murals it is recommended to use the silicone jointing process because the blocks are closer together than with mortar jointing. If you have a question about the right sized window and blocks for your project contact a block window specialist. If you want to add even more style dichroic (this is a mirrored multi-color process) and colored glass blocks can be used.
Step 5 – Order a stock pattern or supply your custom image for a one of kind design – Blocks can be laser etched with either stock patterns or virtually any custom image. There are several series of patterns to choose from including:
o Pets, Hobbies & Holiday Series
o Contemporary Series
o Traditional Series
o Earth Series
The stock patterns can be etched into one block or a series of blocks as a mural.
If you’d like a custom image supply a pdf, jpeg, tif or similar type of file and your etched glass window can be turned into a custom piece of artwork. Now that you’re equipped with these 5 steps you’re ready to order your own laser etched glass block window.
Mike Foti is President of Columbus Glass Block, Cleveland Glass Block, Mid America Glass Block Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron & Vice President of Eastern Glass Block New York & New Jersey – nationwide factory direct suppliers & installers of glass block and custom laser etched glass block window, shower and wall products. Colored glass block are available as well.
Nationwide 877-668-5888
http://www.columbusglassblock.com – http://www.columbusglassblock.com/etched-glass-block-window-wall.aspx
August 28, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Absolutely gorgeous! This is what many shout, at the first glance of this alluring handset. LG Shine is the latest model in the ‘Black Label’ series and has created ripples with its sheer designing excellence clubbed along with good engineering sense.
The model is called LG shine because it comes wrapped in such a make, that there is a constant shine about it. The outer body is made of stainless steel material and is the finish is so fine, that it spreads out a generous light. Further, when this slider phone is opened, a laser etched keypad is revealed, that lights up brilliantly in blue. But the most important reason why the handset is named LG shine, is due to its external screen. This screen is so reflective that it feels like one is holding a mirror in hands. Which means this fashion phone is just apt for ladies who want their make-up to be at place all the time.
Only when the LG Shine is activated, does one realise that there is a real screen beneath. The menu is easy to navigate, and the icons are clearly displayed for hassle free operation. The LG Shine comes with a 2 MP camera, with digital zoom and auto focus. The picture quality is good, and becomes an eye candy when viewed through the high resolution camera. For more entertainment, the LG Shine comes with Mp3 player, that supports all popular music formats.
And for taking care of all professional commitments, the LG shine tri-band network that works over GSM 900, GSM 1800 and GSM 1900, built-in internet browser and Bluetooth technology. There are host of messaging options, and value added features to enhance talking experience. The phone allows 3 hours talktime and 280 hours standby. It weighs 115 g, while it measures 98 x 51 x 14 mm in size.
mobile phones
pay as you go mobile phones
Lg shine
Adam Caitlin is expert author of Telecommunication industry.