Sunday, September 30, 2007

Amber is Beautiful

Amber is a beautiful! A true gift from mother nature. It comes in many different colors - yellow, orange, red, white, brown, green, blue and almost black. It may be transparent or clouded. Transparent tones range from pale to dark yellow, to yellow light brown. Cloudy amber comes in a wide range of colors. Amber is fossilized resin of ancient trees that grew in amber forests. Through various physical and chemical changes the resin becomes Amber. Amber is unique because it is able to preserve the organic tissues in it. It is very common to find pieces of plants and insects, trapped in amber making it extremely valuable to both collectors and the scientists. A beautiful and fascinating gem! Amber is found in various parts of the world. The largest amber deposits are off the shores of the Baltic Sea. Baltic Amber is the most sought after and valuable for making amber jewelry. Baltic Amber has been used for decorative items since prehistoric times. A Baltic amber amulet has even been found in Egyptian tombs . Amber was also very popular in ancient Rome during the reign of Neron when: jewelry, ornaments, amulets, and even dice were made from amber. During the Middle Ages, amber prayer beads were exported. From the 16th century into the 18th century item made from amber included jewelry, dishes, buttons, pipe mouth pieces, chess sets and a host of other fine products. The majority of Baltic amber comes from a 400-square-mile area - the Samland Peninsula, now known as the Kaliningrad region. The Kaliningrad amber mine supplies 99% of the Baltic amber. Up until the 19th century amber was retrieved manually from the sea. During the latter part of the 19th century operations became much more sophisticated as they began dredging and mining for amber. Since then millions of pounds of Baltic amber have been mined.. A small town in the Kaliningrad region has the world's largest amber mine. Amber has a special beauty in its ability for each piece to be truly original in nature and content. The downfall to amber is like anything organic it does not last forever. Baltic amber is known to have the longest life expectancy. Taking proper care of your amber will result in enjoyment for many years, sometimes thousands of years as seen with the recovery of jewels from the past. Some important tips for caring for your amber:  Never store amber where it may rub against hard surfaces such as metal or other jewelry.  Do not expose amber to harsh chemicals such as soap, jewelry cleaners, perfumes, hair products.  Do not expose amber to direct sunshine or heat.  To clean your amber wash in lukewarm water. Use a soft cloth to wash and dry. To restore the shine polish with pure olive oil. Where amber with pride, add it to your jewelry wardrobe and be sure to make your fashion statement!

Hot Fragrances For The Holidays

Some say alluring or exceptionally feminine, refreshing or sensual when describing the hot fragrances for wearing now and into the upcoming holiday season. The season of giving is just around the corner. Check out and compare the top perfumes and prices of some of the most popular scents today.

1) Carolina Parfum Spray from the design house of Carolina Herrera was first introduced in 2003. Feminine and exotic florals are what describes this fragrance. This scent is classified as a romantic scent. This sensual sent contains rosewood, jasmine florals and orange blossom and a hint of sandalwood and honeysuckle. It is recommended for daytime wear.

2 ) Boss Intense Parfum Spray is from the design house of Hugo Boss and first introduced in 2003. This is a new arrival and hard to keep in stock. . Boss Intense is an intensely feminine and sensual fragrance with a sophisticated edge. Boss Intense is a unique combination of Vanilla Orchid and Amber notes. Vanilla Orchid's strong notes are intensified by the warmth and depth of the Amber notes. The Vanilla Orchid originates from the mountains, though the flower is small in size, its scent is very powerful and distinctive. The orange glow of Amber radiates its warmth through the other notes giving an overall aura of passion and sensuality. This fragrance is described as rich floral and recommended for casual use.

3) Design Parfum Spray is from Paul Sebastian and was first introduced in 1985. The scent is described as gentle, floral and classified as refreshing. Fragrance notes for this alluring fragrance is honeysuckle, spicy carnation, citrus, warm musky notes and rose. It is recommended for daytime wear.

4) D & G Light Blue Parfum Spray is from the design house of Dolce & Gabbana and was first introduced in 2001. This refreshing fragrance from Dolce and Gabbana invokes the style and sophistication of Italy. Light Blue is a feminine, fruity-floral fragrance, composed of granny smith apple, Sicilian cedar, bluebells, jasmine, white rose, bamboo, cedar wood, amber and musks. The lead fragrance is crisp but finishes with the fullness of amber and musks .

5) Ellen Tracy Parfum Spray was first introduced in 2001. This enchanted scent is described as oriental, woody. This fragrance has hints of rose, peach, cinnamon, jasmine, freesia, Tonka bean, cedar, sandalwood and carnations. and classified as sultry and refined. Get the fragrance of oriental flowers and spices with flowery woodsy notes. It is recommended for evening wear.

6) Galore Cologne by Five Star Fragrance Company was first introduced in 1964. The scent is described as warm, oriental, floral and classified as refined. Fragrance notes: citrus, lily of the valley, narcissus, carnation, jasmine, rose, amber. It is recommended for evening wear.

7) L'Instant De Guerlain Parfum Spray Parfum Spray is from the design house of Guerlain. This soft, sexy scent is an intricate blend of interwoven fragrance harmonies, like citrus honey, magnolia inclusion, and amber harmony that translates into a scent that is destined to become a classic. This fragrance spells out the scent of sweet spice and orange flowers and is recommended for evening wear. 8) Michael Kors Parfum Spray by Michael Kors design house was first introduced in 2000. Creamy florals explode into exotic spices, tamed by Moroccan incense. It is a fragrant creation with a wealth of personality that will capture the heart of every woman. Noticeable aromas of Dewy Freesia, Tamarind, Chinese Osmanthus, Incense, Fresh Tuberose, White Wings Peony, Blue Ores, Arum Lilies, Cashmere Woods, Musk, Vetiver Haiti. Michael Kors is described as sophisticated and sensual, warm and wearable.

9) True Star Parfum Spray is from the design house of Tommy Hilfiger and first introduced in 2004. This new arrival is hard to keep on the shelf!! True Star is a spectacular fragrance that captures the alluring play of confidence and modesty, and the brilliance and privacy of the gleaming radiance of an American superstar. Fragrance scents of Sweet Pea, Honeysuckle, Creamy Rice Pudding, Kashi Cereal, Toasted Wheat Grains. This perfume is described as free spirited, luminous and radiant. As true for other Tommy Hilfiger fragrances, True Star will be hard to beat for holiday giving!!

10) Angel Parfum Spray by the design house Thierry Mugler was introduced in 1992. The refreshing scent is sparked with oriental and woody flavors. Vanilla, sandalwood, and a touch of patchouli are detected in this great aroma. Add some fruity notes of fresh citrus, melons, peaches and plums for an unforgettable scent. It is recommended for daytime wear.

Cologne, perfume and fragrances!

It has been said that a perfume is like gathering an armful of luscious rose pedals at the height of their bloom. The lovely scent, the heavenly fragrance and sensation you feel when surrounded by a quality perfume, fragrance or scent cannot be overstated. There can be a wide variety of ingredients in putting together a fragrance that is both appealing and attracting.


Historically these ingredients have been divided between natural and synthetic; that is, between a man made or natural botanical substance. Perfume is meant to reflect and enhance the natural environment around us, which is why many people enjoy the thought of using only "Natural" fragrances and scents.


In ancient civilizations materials and ingredients were added to oils used to perfume the skin. Today science is able to isolate and remove a pure single aroma from natural materials. As a general rule, the purer and more distilled the material, the more it costs. However, there are many wonderful fragrances you can buy that are both inexpensive and of a high quality.

Choosing A Perfume

The choice of fragrances and scents seems to grow wider every day, as manufacturers fight for our attention and try ever harder to distinguish their offerings from the competition. With such a selection to choose from, how does one even begin to know where to start when it comes to buying perfume?

Broadly speaking, all perfumes fall into one of six different categories based on their dominant top notes. Different categories will suit different people or occasions.

Earthy or woody type perfumes evoke smells of the forest, and are usually very refreshing. They often tend to appeal to the older generation, and may make ideal gifts.

Oriental fragrances use strong spicy scents, and are ideal for special social occasions, but be cautious giving them to anyone you don’t know well – these intense perfumes can be a very personal choice.

The so-called “greens” are much lighter than the orientals, and are well suited to more casual wear. Because they make a less dramatic assault on the nose, they are also safer to give as gifts!

Modern “oceanic” fragrances are becoming more and more popular, particularly among younger people who appreciate the intense but often quite unusual scents, which instantly bring to mind seaside scenes. Naturally these are an excellent choice in the warmer months when thoughts turn to holidays.

Spicy fruity perfumes are also a good warm-weather choice, and can be a good all-round choice for the woman who wants to wear something with some traditional base-notes but is a little different to the classic floral scents.

Finally, those classic floral fragrances are suitable for almost everyone and any occasion. But be wary of cheaper brands; this most feminine of all the main groups works best when the ingredients used are of high quality, and that means less expensive brands can smell exactly that.

Ultimately, choosing a fragrance is a very personal choice, and many women prefer to stick with what they know and buy the same thing year after year. But by trying different fragrances from the same group as your favourite smell, you may just discover a new gem.

Anniversary Gifts and Perfumes

How many times has your anniversary come around and you quickly rush out to buy something, anything from a myriad of anniversary gifts and perfumes available. Everyone has probably been there, waiting until the last minute and then feeling a little guilty because the gift didn't quite say what you wanted it to say. Historically anniversary gifts and perfumes have consisted of things like cotton for the 2nd anniversary and ivory for the fourteenth. Who wants to give or receive those kind of gifts these days?

Modern anniversary gifts and perfumes.

Here's a suggestion if you're really not sure what to give your spouse. Why not try perfume for her or cologne for him. Admit it, every once in a while you've smelled a certain fragrance on someone else that made you stop and really take notice, right? Sure everyone has. Why not go ahead and buy that special fragrance and give it as anniversary gifts and perfumes? It would make the perfect, personal gift that your spouse would enjoy and appreciate every time they put it on; and you would too.

Mike Yeager


Differences Between Perfume And Perfume Oils

The history of perfume oils dates back to ancient Egypt when these fine scented oils were presented to royalty as gifts. In modern times, however, when the word "perfume" is said, most people think of department store fragrances, which consist mainly of the concentrated oil and alcohol solution. Nevertheless, as more and more people are finding out about them, perfume oils are experiencing great popularity. Here are some interesting facts about perfume oils:

1) Strength of smell - Perfume oils are highly concentrated and up to ten times more concentrated than department store perfumes. This quality allows oils to last longer than their eau de perfume counterparts.

2) Alcohol - Perfumes have alcohol in them, which creates different smell effects. Most body oils use carrier oils like jojoba or grapeseed oil in place of alcohol. In some fragrances, the smell can change as the alcohol evaporates different scent notes through time. With oils, the scent is more constant.

3) Price - A noticeable difference between perfumes and perfume oils is price. Perfumes have a very high markup and great profit margins, which is perhaps why many celebrities have embarked on the trend of creating their own perfumes and colognes. Perfume oils can be sold very cheaply, or even more expensively than the perfumes, depending on how they are positioned in the market.

4) Body chemistry - Just because a perfume or cologne smells good on you, doesn't mean that the oil version will. Perfumes only have a small percentage of oil, so they are quite different than pure body oils. This interaction between the fragrance and your body may produce a different scent perception altogether.

5) Packaging - Clearly, department store perfumes are very nicely packaged and thus make great gifts for friends and family. Many perfume oils are sold in less attractive containers, which is part of the reason for their lower price.

6) Uses - Perfumes are only intended for use on the body, but perfume oils can be used to create a variety of scented products, like soap, candles, bath oils, air fresheners, and many other types of scented products. Be aware that there are different types of fragrance oils and that pure uncut oils are not safe for use on the skin.

In summary, whether you choose to use perfume oils or not will depend on the factors above. Try out a small sample first and who knows, you might just discover a delightful new product to add to your personal inventory.

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