Friday, March 28, 2008

How to Care for Sterling Silver Chandelier Earrings

Chandelier Earrings are the hottest accessory this year and they are here to stay. Chandelier earrings are very popular with current celebrities because it helps them bring attention to themselves in the red carpet or because it can make an outfit striking. Most common chandelier earrings are made out of sterling silver because sterling silver is very easy material to handle and give various shapes. Most people do not know that sterling silver is also too delicate of a material that needs to be care for on a regular basis. Because of its chemical compound sterling silver tarnishes over time. The tarnish process can also be accelerated by perspiration from humans and contact with other elements. Sterling silver earrings and jewelry should be cared for and cleaned on a regular basis. Some chemical cleaners can be too harsh on sterling silver jewelry. Here are some tips on how to clean your sterling silver earrings and jewelry with every day products that can get the job done without harming your sterling silver jewelry.

How to clean your Chandelier Earrings

Your piece of jewelry can be clean in several ways using a delicate brush:

- Hot water with salt and lemon

- Hot water and baking soda

- Hot water and detergent (with no bleach)

- Brush it with toothpaste

- Jewelry and glass cleaner

Whatever the method of cleaning you choose for your chandelier earrings, follow it by rinsing with clean water and completely dry your filigree with a hair drier or exposing it to the sun. Remember to maintain your silver jewelry away from other silver jewelry preferably on a pouch. When wearing your filigreed chandelier earrings please keep contact with perfumes, lotions, oils, make up and other chemical substances at a minimum or clean your filigreed chandelier earrings on a regular basis.

Marifer Vergara is the lead designer of silver filigree jewelry at http://www.EarringsETC.com and an writer at http://www.QueenofCheap.com where you can find other great fashion discounts and reviews.

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Strass Swarovski Crystal Chandeliers - Elegance Into Your Home

The beauty of crystal chandeliers is irrefutable. Difficult it is to deny the aesthetic value these objects bring into home and building interiors. Crystal chandeliers are interior conversation pieces that have been enchanting visual senses way back from the 17th century. While there are many different types of crystal available today, one type of crystal stands above the rest?the Strass crystal, which is manufactured by Swarovski. The Strass crystal is considerably world-renowned as the finest crystal human kind has ever laid eyes on. From its raw form, the crystal is machine cut and then hand polished. An invisible optical layer coated on the surface of the crystal gives that glittering effect. Strass Swarovski crystals are used annually in the design of the inimitable Swarovski Crystal Palace Collections. The eye-catching crystal chandelier designs based on the Strass Swarovski have been commenced in 2002, the most recent presentation of which occurred in April 2006. Several designers from around the world have brought to fruition crystal chandeliers anyone can only dream about before. Modern-day chandelier designer Ferrucio Laviani exhibited the chandelier he dubbed as ?Yoga? in 2005, for which he brought together a hundred crystals of assorted pastel shades and enclosed them in an exquisitely shaped gold frame. The shape of resembles that of a standard children?s top. A toy it may seem but this chandelier is certainly not one toy you would want your children to tinker around with. This crystal chandelier is illuminated by halogen bulbs that emit off a soothing and spellbound glow mixture of colors and crystal texture.

Chris Levine was the brains behind the ?Vertigo crystal chandelier design. Levine?s masterpiece projects the visual effect of old-style chandeliers, just like those one might spot in ballrooms. The unique thing about ?Vertigo? is that it is illumined by laser lights throughout the crystal arrays. The end result is a distinctive visual display that is only possible with Strass Swarovski crystals.

Fashion designers Bruno Basso and Christopher Brooke worked in tandem to design ?Science & Fiction? in 2006. This crystal chandelier?s shape was guided by the Marie-Therese design, identified with the 18th century Austrian Empress. The beautiful Marie-Therese chandelier is distinguished for its elaborate candle arms, and the concept behind ?Science & Fiction? serves as a reverence to such an age-old standard. The chandelier consists of 111 crystals, and completed by 32 lit black candles.

Gaetano Pesce introduced the ?Mediterraneo? in 2006. The unique design of this crystal chandelier is inspired from traditional old world chandelier. The chandelier is made up of 140 crystal strands, with each one comprising 87 Swarovski crystals illumined by light-emitting diodes that alter the color of the design. ?Mediterraneo? also gives off certain calming smells, and features shape shifting before the eyes of a viewer.

The radical features displayed by these crystal chandelier designs are evident of a modern transformation in the genre of chandelier motifs. The days of ?run-of-the-mill? chandeliers are definitely archaic and modern chandeliers offer a fresh look. As designers carry on experimenting with the aesthetic elements that crystals bestow, the general appearance of chandeliers in the market today will definitely bear a resemblance to any of the crystal chandelier designs mentioned in this article. As a result, an increasing number of people are guaranteed to discover the beauty that crystal chandeliers would impart to their respective home interiors.

Earl Juanico www.goldenageusa.com

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Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Choose Antler Lamps and Chandeliers With Rawhide Lamp Shades For Southwest Lighting And Western Decor

Antler Lamps have no equal. Animal lovers and outdoorsmen alike love natural antlers. Antler lamps and chandeliers are prized possessions for southwest lighting and western d?cor. Antler sheds as they are know are the antlers that the animal ?sheds? naturally each spring. Each year in places like Jackson Hole, WY antler sheds are gathered to be used for what has come to be called antler art, lamps, furniture etc.

Some of the most common antler lamps are made with white tail deer sheds. Another very popular and beautiful antler lamp is made with mule deer sheds which are slightly larger and darker in tone. The forks and tines or points of the antlers are used to give each lamp its own unique look. As each antler is slightly different, so the lamp made from the antlers is a one-of-a-kind treasure. The best quality antler lamps are made using techniques of drilling and patching that show no visible hardware or wiring.

Antler lighting is absolutely fabulous for rustic lighting and a must for log homes, cabins and ranches. And if you enjoy southwestern lamps or western furniture, antler chandeliers will create the perfect focal point for your d?cor. And the crowning affects for any antler lamp, sconce or chandelier is genuine rawhide lamp shades. With their hand lacing and warm glow they perfectly match the antlers and can transform the ambiance of your room to a southwestern/western hide away wherever you are located.

Some of the most striking antler chandeliers and lamps are made with moose and elk sheds. Their larger size allows their use in some incredible designs, large floor lamps and huge chandeliers and antler furniture.

If you enjoy the out doors and rustic lighting, antler chandeliers, sconces and lamps with rustic lamp shades made of leather and rawhide will quickly become your most appreciated and enjoyed lighting fixtures. With virtually no maintenance necessary, antlers are a win, win choice. info@missiondelrey.com

Craig Chambers, of Mission Del Rey, an Arizona non profit organization producing antler lamps with rawhide lamp shades and other handcrafts.

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Monday, March 10, 2008

My Elderly Father Was Swinging From the Chandelier, Protecting The Dignity Of Aging Loved Ones

Often, the focus of the person providing the direct care is on protecting their loved one, and enhancing their dignity and self-esteem. As their loved ones behavior becomes unpredictable and care needs increase, it is sometimes easier to avoid telling anyone, or going out in public, such as church or visiting with friends.

The Challenge - The person providing the direct care has difficultly sharing with family and friends the actual behaviors and physical care needs of their loved one, resulting in caregiver isolation. It can be over whelming and sometimes embarrassing for the caregiver to share the details of the loved ones condition or behavior with family members, neighbors or people at church. Many family members only see what is really happening when they get together for special occasions and holidays.

The Solution - Being aware of your loved ones condition and behavior is essential in helping the direct caregiver.

1. The family may want to schedule regular visits on a rotating schedule, so they can see their loved ones behavior first hand.
• Sometimes each family member sees things in a little different way, and if they each visit at different times they can get together later to share their views of the situation.
• The direct caregiver may react differently to each family member; being more open with some.
 

2. The direct caregiver and/or other family members may want to join a support group. It is sometimes easier to discuss the situation with others who are in similar situations as yours.

3. Explore ways of protecting the dignity and self-esteem of your loved one:
• Explain their condition and behavior openly to others before they see the person.
• Accommodations can be made to make you and your loved one more comfortable in a public situation. For example, the Alzheimers' Association has cards that can be given to the server in a restaurant that explains your loved ones dementia and behavior.

As you visit your aging loved ones, observe for changing care needs and behaviors. Have different family members or friends visit at different times of the day and evening. Stay the night. Provide opportunities for the direct caregiver to discuss the most challenging aspect of care. Talk with friends and family members about their observations. Develop ways to protect the dignity and self esteem of your loved one when inviting people in or when taking the loved one out.

Carol McGowan RN and Cindy Streekstra RN are Caregiver Coaches and geriatric nurses who share a mission of caring for caregivers as part of a family unit. Their passion for caregivers has led them to create The Caregiver Cottage, a virtual place of support where they guide family caregivers through the care giving experience.

Click here for more information on planning for elder care http://www.guidingfamilycaregiving.com

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Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Crystal Chandeliers - How to Make Them Really Sparkle

A crystal chandelier can add a touch of elegance to any room, whether you place it in your foyer, over your dining table, in your bedroom, or even in your bathroom! Of course, to be sure that your chandelier retains this elegance, it is going to need to be kept clean. The difference between a gleaming crystal and a dusty crystal on a chandelier can great.

So, how do you go about cleaning a crystal chandelier? Here are some helpful tips:

For a quick clean, or if you are unable to take your chandelier down from the ceiling, start out by putting newspaper or towels or a drop cloth beneath it (there is not reason to dirty the rest of your home just because you are cleaning one part of it!) You can then reach up with a long-handled feather duster and clean off as much as possible. Then go ahead and take a glass cleaner and spray your chandelier. In fact, feel free to drench your crystal chandelier with your glass cleaner. Then, simply let the everything drip off. Voila! Your crystal chandelier is sparkling and shiny again, with very little work.

Of course, while this is an excellent and easy way to clean your crystal chandelier, you may sometimes prefer a deeper cleaning (at least once a year). Unfortunately, a deep cleaner does require some disassembly and a little bit of scrubbing. Here is how to go about it.

 


1. Turn off the power.
2. Gently and steadily remove your lamp from the fixtures. If you are at all worried about this step, be sure to have some extra help. Chandeliers can be very heavy, depending on their size. If you prefer to leave your chandelier attached, that is perfectly fine -- just step up and remove the crystals as you need to clean them.
3. Take out all of the bulbs.
4. Protect your chandelier crystals by laying down a folded towel across the bottom of the sink, wash pan, or whichever basin you decide to use.
5. Fill up the basin with hot (but bearable) water and add soap or detergent of your choice.
6. Remove the crystals a few at a time and wash them in your soapy water, and then rinse them with hot water (you may even wish to have a hot water rinsing pan with a little ammonia in it).
7. Wipe them dry, and then immediately place them back onto your chandelier.
8. Do not take off all of the crystals at once! You may have trouble remembering their proper places on the chandelier. Just choose a place to start, and work methodically around that point.
9. Wipe off the arms of your chandelier with a non-sudsy cloth.
10. Wipe down the bulbs and then put them back into their sockets.

 

The difference between your pre-washed chandelier and your post-wash chandelier may surprise you. Sometimes it is hard to tell how dirty something is until you see it sparkling clean again.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on lighting and home decor, please visit Crystal Chandeliers.

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Clarke

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Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Easy Steps On Installing You Crystal Chandeliers

Nowadays crystal chandeliers are very demanding. Crystal chandeliers really play a big factor in adding appeal to your house.

So to all of you who purchase a crystal chandelier, my congratulations! So to help our enjoy tour crystal chandeliers I’ll give you easy way steps on how to install your chandeliers.

Remember installing crystal chandeliers requires careful attention to every detail.

First you have to know how heavy your crystal chandelier is. If you see that it nearly matches the weight of your present lighting fixture, there is no need for you to replace the junction box. On the other hand if your chandelier is heavier that your present lighting fixture there is a need for you to purchase and install a junction box that will support the chandeliers weight.

Then after that do remember that you have to shut off the power to the circuit feeding of the chandelier. Use a circuit tester to verify the electricity is shut off. Then afterwards you have to remove the old light fixture. While performing this fixture remembers you have to mark how the fixture was and mark the wires with tape.

Then if it is necessary you have to install the junction box as soon as possible. You have to attach the hardware from he new chandelier to the m mounting strap. If you cant find a mounting strap it means you have to install one.

You have to wire the new chandelier in the same way as the former fixtures. Connect the wires. But do remember that in putting the wire you have to match the colors. Remove about ½ inch of insulation from each of the new wire before attaching it to the corresponding ceiling wire.

Once you finished twisting the wires from the new chandelier to the ceiling wires, you have to twist the wire nuts in a clockwise position. You have to know that in every new chandelier you buy the manufacturer always include manual of instructions for you to be able to complete the process in installing your crystal chandelier.

Be reminded also that if your installing your crystal chandelier in a dining room or kitchen area make sure that the crystal chandelier hangs at least thirty inches above any table you might place under it. Your crystal chandelier should measure twelve inches less in diameter than the width of the table.

And of course always seek for someone’s help when installing your crystal chandeliers. Crystal chandeliers are usually heavy but delicate. Remember if you drop the crystal chandelier you’ll destroy it.

So now you have enough knowledge on how to install your crystal chandeliers, make sure that you have to buy a crystal chandelier that will blend the painting of your home for a more appealing effect. And be reminded that if you want to maintain the beauty of your crystal chandelier for a long time you have to clean it once in a while .so stand up from your seat and start installing your crystal chandelier.

Article Author Eliza Maledevic from http://www.Jump2top.com, a SEO Company. Know more about Crystal Chandeliers & Lighting Fixtures at http://www.goldenageusa.com

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