Fashion Lingo and Designer Talk

By: Allen Wright

When looking for plus size clothing, it's important to know how to describe what you're looking for with more than just a color-and-size approach. I equate that to shopping for a car and asking for a red one with four wheels. In both scenarios, you never know what you're going to get and you're likely never going to get exactly what you're looking for. That means you're never going to be happy with your clothes, either.



This goes just as much for real-world shopping as it does for online shopping. The difference in online shopping is that you're reading descriptions and searching using descriptive words, and in person you're speaking with a sales person. The result is the same. If you can't feed a search engine meaningful, descriptive terms to tell it what you're looking for you're not going to find it. And I can repeat that sentence with the words "sales person" instead of "search engine" and it is just as true.



So that's great, but it begs the question "How do I describe what I want"? Simple. Educate yourself. The first thing you need to do is pick up a fashion magazine every once in a while and thumb through ha few articles. I guarantee you there won't be any in-depth, head scratching, brow furling material in there that will be over your head. But you will be able to see a piece of clothing and read how a professional describes it. You then file that away for future use. Easy, right? Now repeat that one thousand times and you'll have a fashion and design repertoire unmatched in these 50 states.



Next, do some research online by searching for fashion terminology in Google, Yahoo, MSN Live, or any of your favorite search engines. Learn about different cuts, hemlines, sleeves, necklines, and waists. You'll find that in addition to "blue dress" there is an almost infinite combination of different styles to pick from. And the only way you're going to be able to find them is to learn a new language.



Luckily for you this new-found knowledge comes with the benefit of making you sound savvy, and allowing you to communicate with fashion aficionados, sales people, and marketers everywhere. And let's be honest, isn't it just a little bit fun to know more about an outfit than the person that's trying to sell it to you? I know, it's not polite. But it sure is fun.

Author Resource:-> Allen provides information about plus size dresses at his website on finding plus size dresses.

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Jewelry Gist: Appraising And Insuring Fine Jewelry

By: Ann Knapp

Understanding and insuring the appraised worth of a fine jewelry collection are important steps in protecting valued treasures. Some may be surprised to learn that a homeowner's policy will not necessarily offer full coverage for a piece of jewelry, such as an engagement ring or beloved heirloom. And before searching out appropriate insurance coverage, a professional appraisal may be needed to render the most accurate value of jewelry pieces.



The Difference Between Appraisals and Lab Certificates

Both an appraisal and lab certificate reports provide important jewelry and gemstone information, but they actually serve separate purposes.



Lab certificates, or grading reports, indicate the value of an unmounted gemstone. These reports examine details regarding color and clarity, carat weight, cut and shape. A report for a gemstone or diamond does not typically change unless the stone undergoes an alteration, such as mounting.



Appraisals, on the other hand, are used for any type of jewelry, including pieces that do not contain gemstones. Appraisals are used to put an actual value on a jewelry piece, most often for the purpose of insurance. Individuals considering a purchase also use appraisals to authenticate the market value before completing the transaction. Market values for fine jewelry can change, so some professional appraisers suggest having a piece appraised every few years. Individuals who use the same appraiser may be able to secure an update, which is typically more economical than a brand new appraisal.



Prior to selecting an appraiser, consider the following:

1. Choose an appraiser who is an accredited gemologist. These qualifications verify the appraiser has met the educational minimums in the field of gem sciences to correctly identify and grade diamonds and gemstones.

2. Confirm the appraiser's formal training. He or she should be trained and tested by a recognized appraisal organization, such as American Society of Appraisers (ASA) or the International Society of Appraisers (ISA).

3. Know the frequency with which an appraiser performs appraisal duties. Find someone who has an extensive background in appraisals, more than just an occasional appraisal performed through a jewelry store.

4. References are critical when searching for an appraiser. Look to professionals such as attorneys, banks and others with whom the appraiser has a long-term, working relationship.

5. An appraiser's professional charges should be based on an hourly rate or the time and complexity involved. Professional appraisers never charge a percentage of the value of the item appraised.



Insuring A Fine Jewelry Collection

A careful review of an insurance policy will reveal the actual coverage for jewelry. Typically, homeowner's or renter's insurance will cover jewelry in the case of theft, but other cases of loss may not be covered. In addition, these policies set limits for loss of personal property, including jewelry. In general, policies will typically cover approximately $1,000 for theft of jewelry. Renter's insurance payouts are usually lower. But if a collection is lost or damaged, it may not actually be covered in a standard policy. It's important to seek clarification from an insurance agent on the actual coverage in these situations.



In light of these realities, many individuals choose to purchase additional insurance for a jewelry collection. When selecting insurance coverage inquire if there is a deductible. Will raising or lowering the deductible affect the policy's cost? What type of appraisal, if any, is required to obtain insurance? Most importantly, are the items fully covered for the replacement cost and will the policy cover any repairs required for damaged jewelry? There are a variety of insurance companies who specialize in coverage specifically for jewelry. These companies offer coverage in a variety of situations, including theft, damage and mysterious loss.

Author Resource:-> Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. Pandora bracelets, Pandora charms, and Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more information, Lewis Jewelers, 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit the website.

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