Antique jewelry

The jewelry which is not in mainstream production and of which the mode of production is no longer popular is known by the name of 'Antique jewelry.' This kind of jewelry has dull and rough look, combined with an old world-world charm, and this serves as the major USP of such jewelry. It takes you back to yore era, by its unfinished and dull looks. The jewelry pieces in antique jewelry usually belong to a particular period of history, when its popularity was at its peak.

In India, you can find antique jewelry in numerous forms, like Meenakari, Kundan work, and so on. Those pieces of antique jewelry that are extremely rare are usually sold at auctions, in antique stores and curio shops. They include the jewelry that belongs to the early period of history. It is this rarity of antique jewelry that makes it so appealing. However, at times, jewelry that is furnished in antique pattern is also given the name of antique jewelry.

Still, those who really value the rarity and exclusivity of antique jewelry, go for the original pieces. Antique jewelry embodies the unadulterated jewelry tradition of the country, in the earlier times, concentrating on ethnic motifs and stones, metal and design. The antique jewelry of India is popular not only within its own territorial boundaries, but also finds favor amongst people belonging to UK, USA and other western countries.

Fashion Jewelry

Fashion jewelry is also called costume jewelry, mainly for the reason that it is not made of precious metals and stones, rather lighter and cheaper material are used. Fashion jewelry is trend-conscious and keeps on changing as per changing needs. For those who are open to experimentation with new and unusual designs, shapes and colors, costume jewelry offers plethora of choices. Rather than using precious ingredients, like gold, silver, platinum and white gold, fashion jewelry designers use cheap products, like jute, leather, peppier Mache, Bakelite plastic, wood, bone, stone, oxidized metal, horn, lac, terracotta, etc.

Fashion jewelry is almost like an imitation of real jewelry and has been considered cheaper copy of the latter. It is widely available and is pretty light-weight, which forms one of its USP also. The process of making costume jewelry is such that its look deceives for original and authentic version. In place of precious stones, artificial stones, such as cubic zirconia and rhinestones, are used. Such jewelry is available in several colors and looks very attractive. At the same time, it's readily available and has economical prices.

In India also, the concept of fashion jewelry is very much prevalent, especially amongst the college going teenagers. Since the prices are cheap, they can get a wide variety and also keep up with the changing fashion. Indian fashion jewelry industry is growing in quantum, patronized mainly by the youngsters.

Following are the most popular products forming a part of the costume jewelry of India.

• Spiral bangles and rings
• Glass beads, strung on nylon
• Chunky tribal jewelry
• Surgical steel jewelry
• Ornaments with symbols and messages
• Charm jewelry, such as mood rings, charm bracelets and others.
• Tattoo jewelry
• Chandelier earrings
• Sterling silver jewelry, studded with artificial stones
• Abstract jewelry
• Body piercing jewelry

Lovely faces Sexy Girls at the Beach

If you have a car and a few days to spend

Someone who is visiting Victoria on a two-day trip recently asked: Should I rent a car to visit other parts of Vancouver Island, or simply explore the area on foot (and public transport)?
My answer: If you're only here for two days, you don't really need a car. You can walk from downtown to most of the popular attractions, and you can find public transportation or tour buses to the others (Butchart Gardens, Oak Bay Marina).
If you have more than a couple of days, however, there is plenty to see in the Greater Victoria area and beyond.
First, a basic fact of life here is that we are on an island. That means that every road out of Victoria comes to a dead end sooner or later, some sooner than others. There are basically three roads out of Victoria, and each has its own particular charms. I'll give you the essentials, and you can explore further on your own.
The first road out is the Island Highway, which eventually will take you to Sooke, Jordan River and Port Renfrew (the end of the road). Along the way you can stop for swimming and scenery at the Sooke Potholes, take a walk along French Beach (in the photo), and check out the interesting historical museum. This area also has some of the region's best restaurants, particularly the Sooke Harbour House (rated one of the best in Canada) and Point No Point, both of which are attached to lodgings. By the way, I've never made it as far as Port Renfrew; the road there is reported to be quite rugged and one-lane at times.
The second road out of town is the Patricia Bay Highway, or Pat Bay. You will have already been on this road if you came in on the ferry from Vancouver. This is where you'll find Butchart Gardens, the Butterfly Gardens and several wineries. If you're out this way, you should plan on spending some time in Sidney, which has a lovely waterfront and several good restaurants and pubs. It's also known for its bookstores.
Finally, the main road out of town is the Trans-Canada Highway, which leads to the Cowichan Valley and Nanaimo. North of Nanaimo are Courtenay and Comox, and to the west are Tofino and Ucluelet. (If you make the Tofino loop, be sure to check out the goats on the roof in Coombs!) The Cowichan Valley is known for its local food and wine and is the subject of an article in the August 2009 issue of Gourmet magazine. The article singles out the Aerie Resort and Spa, the Masthead, True Grain Bread and Hilary's Cheese Company among others.