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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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, February 13, 2008

Call Center Customer Service

When we envision a call center we visualize a big room full of cubicles, desks, and customer service reps (CSRs) answering their telephones with their headsets on. We envision clients and customers calling into a queue and waiting for the next available rep. We think of call center customer service as how fast the CSRs answer the telephone calls ? the longer the wait time, the worse the customer service is perceived to be.

But call center customer service goes far beyond that. A call center is a place where a business answers the phone when a client calls. It can be a small business with just one or two employees or a big business with thousands of CSRs manning the phones. It doesn?t matter; a call center isn?t necessarily what we all envision it to be. If you have ever answered the phone at your place of business you have provided customer service at a call center.

Remember that - if you answer the phone, you are providing customer service. That means you need to be accessible to your customers, solve their problems, sell them what they need, and do it in a timely manner. Customer service is not only done by large businesses with an army of service reps, but also by every small business professional, sales person, and business owner.

Every time your business phone rings it is an opportunity to provide exceptional service to a customer. Be courteous, be polite, and your customers will love you for it.

Tino Buntic created TradePals to provide free B2B and B2C sales leads without cold calling to business professionals across The U.S.A. and Canada. Visit the site and create a free professional profile.

Visit TradePals at: www.trade-pals.com

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Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Is An Antler Chandelier For You?

Picture this - rustic dining room in a cozy A frame or country home and a fabulous antler chandelier as the focus. It looks awesome! And if you don't believe me have a look at some of the home décor websites.

One very unique feature of antler chandeliers is that each one is unique. Yes they may be similar in style or color but because each set of antlers is truly unique the chandelier must also be.

Antler chandeliers are truly a form of art that will add an element of design and beauty to your room. And what a great way to reflect on your western heritage!

So what type of décor do you use an antler chandelier in? Well you have plenty of choices. As mentioned early a country home with a country dining room. A rustic dining room would be very fitting as well, but so would an early American or Southwestern, or Native American theme.

Now those are all common sense decors but antlers can make quite a trendy statement too in a modern or contemporary room, especially if you take your time and choose a style that works as a piece of art. Antler chandeliers also look terrific in a room that's filled with game hunters finds. Perhaps a taxidermy duck, bear, elk head, or any other fitting wild game.

Antler chandeliers are available with traditional candle settings or in their more modern electric form. There are many choices on the market and there are also several online companies that will allow you to customize your chandelier right down to the type of light socket covers it has. It's a terrific option for those who know what they want right down to the last detail!

Here are some of the style options to consider.

1. Mule Deer Antlers
Mule deer antler chandeliers can range from smaller sizes around 28" in diameter to much larger at 48" in diameter. The number of light fixtures runs from as little as 6 to as many as 12 and occasionally even more depending on style.

The bucks' antlers, begin growing in the spring and they are shed usually sometime in December each year. They are high and branch forward, forking equally into 2 tines with a spread up to 4 feet making them an excellent choice for a chandelier.

2. Fallow Deer Antlers
The fallow deer antlers make a very interesting and unique chandelier because of the type of antlers they have and the size of those antlers. A 50" diameter is quite common.

This is a medium sized deer and the adult males have large palmate antlers. The bucks develop spike antlers that begin to develop in their first year and continue to grow until 3-4 years old. The cast only antlers comprised of beams and simple points.

3. Rocky Mountain Elk
The rocky mountain elk provides the basis for a spectacular chandelier and a wide selection in size and style. Their sharp pointed prongs with a beam that sweeps both up, back, and out has a nice artistic effect on the finished product.

By year 2 the bulls spike are anywhere from 8 to 15 inches long and by year 3 they have 4 or 5 points. By the 4th year the antlers have become much heavier and after year 5 they are much larger, heavier, and have at least 6 points. It is said they actually develop their best set of antlers as an old bull around age 11. By this age they can be 5 feet long with 10 points and weight more than 25 pounds. Now that's a chandelier!

The mature bulls will shed their antlers during February and March while the younger bulls will usually shed later in May. New antlers begin to grow as soon as the old ones have been shed. The antler cycle is very regulated

You can quickly see why these elk horns make such great fixtures. Variety in age, size, points, and color provide a wealth of décor choices!

4. White Tail Deer
The white tail deer chandeliers come in a range of sizes, weights and fixtures from as few as 4 candle lights to as many as 10. The style of these chandeliers makes them perfect for a game room, family room over a pool table or in a dining room.

Only the male deer grow antlers which they shed each year. The growth starts in the early spring and by September the antlers are full grown. Deer antlers are actually the fastest growing tissue that man knows about. They will grow about ½" per day and they become covered with a live material that is called velvet that is eventually rubbed off.

A buck of about 10 months old and by one year of age spikes are commonly seen. Spikes are more common than branches in deer that are undernourished. Spike bucks shed earlier than branched bucks.

White-tailed deer mature at between 5 to 8 years and deer that with spiked antlers in their younger years often mature to be trophy adults. Trophy antlers make superb chandeliers

5. Faux Antlers
For those of you that prefer not to actually have the real deal not to worry you can make your fashion décor statement with faux antlers. These faux antlers are truly amazing with the same quality finish of the real thing. Generally they are made from resin making them very durable and a lot cheaper than the real thing!

If you've got a rustic, country, or southwestern décor consider adding an antler chandelier. You'll love the look!

Daren has been lighting store for 10 years now and has become experienced with installing lighting in various areas. He has decided to create http://www.lightingus.com to answer many of the questions he has come across many times. Visit his website to learn more about decorative outdoor lighting.

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Friday, January 18, 2008

How to Purchase Crystal Chandelier

Chandelier is exactly any light that hangs from the ceiling of a home. Most people think about crystal chandelier as they hear the word chandelier.

Most people relate crystal chandeliers with ornate, baroque decorating styles. There are thousands of styles of crystal chandeliers for you to choose from, which you can hang on your dining room, living room or foyer. Whenever you plan to put the crystal chandelier, it will definitely add beauty and spark to your home.

There are some steps that you should follow in purchasing the right crystal chandelier for your home. These would help you to make sure that the crystal chandelier you purchase can fit your home.

You have to measure the height of the room where you will hang your crystal chandelier. The crystal chandelier should not exceed 30 inches above your head. It will appear dwarfed, if you hung it too high.

You have to consider the exact room you prepare to hang your crystal chandelier. Different rooms entitle to have different crystal chandelier style and size. There are some guidelines that you can use in order for you to determine the size. If you will put crystal chandelier to your living room, you have to choose crystal chandelier that is 20 to 30 percent of your living room’s width. If you have to hang it on your entrance hall, you have to choose crystal chandelier that is 30 to 40 percent of your foyer’s width. If you plan to put the crystal chandelier at your dining room, you have to choose crystal chandelier that is 1.5 to 2 feet wide if you have a six person dining table; if your dining table is an eight person, then you have to choose crystal chandelier that is 2.0 to 2.5 feet wide; for 10 to 12 people, you have to choose one that is 2.5 to 3.5 feet wide.

As you add the total watt of all the bulbs of the crystal chandelier when added all together should not exceed to 200 to 400 watts. You have to purchase the right bulbs in order to make sure of your home’s safety. Also if you are going to hang the crystal chandelier, before to do that, you have to check the electric box first and look if it can support additional lights.

You have to choose a crystal chandelier style that will hang not exceeding thirty inches above your table tops. You have to choose a style of crystal chandelier that emphasis the architectural style of your home rather than the décor alone of your room. In considering this, you are just making sure that your crystal chandelier is suited with your home, so it will absolutely give elegance and sophistication to your home.

You have to decide whether to use clear crystals, colored crystals or a combination of the two, you have match it with the architectural style of your home.

You have to look around to find the crystal chandelier that has the best price. To have to take note that high-end crystal chandeliers are priced according to its quality as well by the quantity and sizes of the crystals.

Eliza Maledevic
 

GoldenAgeUSA - Crystal Chandeliers

Eliza Maledevic writes for http://www.jump2Top.com - SEO Company

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Thursday, January 17, 2008

Diamond Chandelier Earrings

To value a diamond, the four C's are carat, cut, color and clarity. When a jeweler describes a diamond as flawless, it means that there are no internal imperfections or visible surface imperfections. Viewed under a 10-power magnification, a skilled diamond grade expert can establish the value of a diamond. Diamonds, as with many other gemstones, have their weight stated in carats. When the weight of a diamond is in decimals, this figure is accurate to the last decimal point. An example is a diamond said to be .40 carat; this could represent a weight of .395 to .404 carat.

Pink diamonds

Pink diamonds are uncommon but considered some of the most beautiful diamonds on earth. Many famous movie stars own pink diamond chandelier earrings and they are certainly a thing of beauty. These diamond earrings are luxury and people love luxurious items. Pink diamonds are 'real' diamonds that nature does not make very often. Because of this, there are man made pink diamonds offered by jewelers. They are less expensive than natural pink diamonds. These diamonds are in style

Chandelier earrings

Purchasing a pair of diamond chandelier earrings for you or as a gift can be very exciting but also a difficult decision when it comes to choosing the right pair. As with clothing or other products, diamond jewelry and earrings have fashions or styles also. Make sure you consider this when shopping for diamond earrings.

The great news is that diamond chandelier earrings are all the rage and a 'must have'. Open any celebrity magazine or watch the awards shows on television and all the women are wearing magnificent chandelier diamond earrings. These earrings are a great accessory for any outfit and make you feel glamorous. Not only will they make you feel sexy but often catch the eye of people around you. Originally started around 1920, these chandelier earrings are still available in some antique and collectible shops.

Diamonds have a fiery brilliance all their own, and wearing a pair of diamond chandelier earrings draws attention to a woman's features as they cascade from each earlobe, framing her face and drawing attention to her neck. If a woman is wearing a special chandelier pair for an evening out, bare shoulders and cascading, dangling diamond earrings will look spectacular. Do not forget to give some thought to what you want the diamonds set such as platinum, white or yellow gold and silver.

Diamond chandelier earrings that have a tapered dangle design give a modern yet sophisticated look. Worn both as casual and formal wear, they give a brilliant, yet captivating look.

So remember, for yourself or that special someone in your life, a pair of diamond chandelier earrings will last forever, go up in value and make the person wearing them look and feel special. Make sure you do some research and then go buy the earrings of your or someone else's dreams.

To know more about the beauty of Earrings, check it out for free at Pearl Diamond Earrings

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Sunday, December 2, 2007

Classicism in Crystal Chandeliers

 

Have you ever felt being regal by just staring at a crystal chandelier? I would say that crystal chandeliers exude elegance to whatever place it’s mounted on. The underlying beauty in it is the feeling of being part of a royal family and seeing the exquisite beauty it radiates. Wouldn't it be nice to hang a chandelier in your own home?

Several modern crystal chandeliers are often very ornate with dozens of lamps and complex arrays of glass shapes to illuminate the room in many intricate patterns. More often, you can observe such from a five star hotel or from homes of wealthy families. Buying a crystal chandelier could be of a luxury to any average family but to some filthy rich people it is their pride to expose the grandeur of their house. The fixture's popularity has been a status symbol from the 15th century up to this point of time. No average family could ever afford to buy this lighting fixture for the purpose of illuminating their house. Not to mention that crystal chandeliers are use to efficiently lighten up large halls during medieval period. They were used in medieval churches and abbeys.

Way back in 15th century, chandeliers based on ring and crown designs began to become popular decorative features. This paved the way to the status symbol in every society. By early 18th century, chandeliers made of ornate cast brass flourished among the house of merchant classes, also development of glass making during this time lead to the production of cheaper lead crystal. The light scattering properties of this highly refractive glass became more prominent which piloted the production of crystal chandeliers. Through out the years more complex and elaborate ceiling fixtures continued to develop until the widespread introduction of gas and eventually electrical lighting which devalued the traditional form of its lighting appeal.

Towards the end of 20th century, crystal chandeliers were used as a decorative focal point to any room, which defeated the purpose of illuminating large rooms. Now, the world's biggest crystal chandelier is located in Dolmabahce Palace, Turkey. It was a gift from Britain to His Imperial Majesty, The Emperor of the Ottomans.

This majestic charm of crystal chandelier is attracting people to decorate their houses with grandiosity. Currently, you can have a variety of different designs of these ceiling fixtures being sold in the market. Your taste would actually depend on how you would like to exude classicism on your own house. You may want to have it made from crystal, wrought iron, brass and others. To find the right style chandelier for your home, simply begin with a color or a material that is predominant in the decoration scheme of the room. What catches your eye in the room? What type of statement do you want to make? If the room is more traditional, choose crystal chandeliers with more ornamentation and decorative details. If your home is modern, opt for less ornamentation and simpler details.

But be reminded that in choosing your chandelier s make sure that it blends with the design and paintings of your house.Eliza Maledevic from Jump2top.com, a SEO Company. Visit GoldenAge Crystal Chandeliers & Lighting Fixtures at http://www.goldenageusa.com

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Monday, November 26, 2007

Astonishing Crystal Chandeliers

Definitely, no one can deny the beauty and charm of crystal chandeliers.

Since the 17th century, these amazing pieces have been delighted us and until now.

Nowadays, there are heaps of different types of crystal chandeliers. One of the crystal chandeliers that stand out is the Strass crystal. Strass crystal is manufactured by Swarovski. It is actually recognized as the world’s finest crystal.

This crystal is first machine cut, next hand polished and soon be coated with an unseen optical layer, which will create an astonishing effect. Actually, these Swarovski crystals are the ones to be used every year in the design of the excellent Swarovski Crystal Palace Collections. These astonishing crystal chandelier designs was first introduced last 2002, and the latest presentation happened in April 2006.

Now, let us see some of the astonishing crystal chandelier designs that have been here for years.

In 2006, fashion designers Bruno Basso and Christopher Brooke designed a chandelier the ‘Science and Fiction’. The chandelier’s shape was based on the Marie-Therese design, which was known with the 18th century Empress of Austria. Ornate candle arms is what the Marie-Therese chandelier was noted for, and now, the ‘Science and Fiction’ has paid respect with this old standard. The chandelier has 111 crystals and 32 lit black candles, which makes it an amazing one.

Ferrucio Laviani, a contemporary designer, has shown an astounding chandelier in 2005 which was called ‘Yoga’. Yoga has 100 crystals with different pastel shades and together with this was a beautiful gold frame. Yoga’s shape is like a children’s top. It is lit with halogens, which cast off a mild and calm glow of colors.

‘Mediterraneo’ is another beautiful chandelier which was introduced by Gaetano Pesce. The chandelier was made up with 140 crystals stands and each consists of 87 Swarovski crystals which are lit by LED. Actually, this is truly a excellent and magnificent crystal design. It even emits calming and relaxing smell and it also changes shape which is appealing to the viewers.

‘Vertigo’ is a chandelier which was designed by Chris Levine. This chandelier is like the old traditional chandelier that you can see in ballrooms. But the advantage of Vertigo is that it is lit with laser lights all through the rows of crystals. And it end up being a stunning chandelier.

‘Run of the mill’ chandeliers are now the thing of the past. Since designers nowadays are keep on experimenting and creating with the artistic beauty of crystals. They are now heaps of stunning and excellent designs of crystal chandeliers. It actually makes a lot of people discover the beauty and charm that can be seen in crystal chandeliers.

Certainly, lot of people believes that crystal chandeliers can make their homes more appealing and will add beauty to their furniture and fixtures. It certainly adds impact to the ambience of a room. And there are heaps of designs of crystal chandeliers; all you have to do is choose the best that will fit to the design of your home

 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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