Swarovski Crystal VS Natural Gemstones: Which Is The Best Option?

By Chris Fan, Getsparkling Inc.

For a long time, diamonds have been the most sought after jewel of all times. Its beauty, spark and intricate cuts have fascinated many followers for centuries. However, the beauty of diamonds comes at a high price. That is probably why people are seeking much cheaper options when it comes to jewelry. This has increased the demand for gemstones and crystals which are less pricey. When it comes to crystals, the best brand in the world today is Swarovski. This brand has proven to be a huge success and is competing side-by-side with natural gemstones. However, for those seeking a good piece of jewelry, choosing between Swarovski and natural gemstones is a tough decision. To help you make the decision much easier, here is a detailed description of both Swarovski crystals and natural gemstones.

★ Swarovski Crystals

The most popular crystal jewelry brand worldwide today is Swarovski. Since the Swarovski crystal jewelry brand joined the fashion market in the 20th century, it quickly found its place at the top of the market. The style and substance of the Swarovski jewelry is what excites most people. Its patented precision cut and multiple assorted colors are what make Swarovski the most recognized brand in the crystal jewelry market.

                 

Another aspect of Swarovski that draws in customers is its inexpensive price. Although it is cheaper than diamonds, it manages to achieve the same sparkling and elegant that diamonds portray. With those aspects in mind, most Swarovski fans claim that collecting Swarovski crystal collectibles can be a lucrative investment. However, how true is that?

Unfortunately, thinking that Swarovski is a worthwhile investment is totally false. In reality, the quality of Swarovski has been overrated by its customers. All Swarovski crystals are man-made gems. The founder of this brand, Daniel Swarovski, invented a specialized machine to make the Swarovski crystals stand out the competition. The machine is able to produce exquisite crystals using the highest degree of precision. However, the fact still remains that the crystals are artificially made in a laboratory. This makes them too easy to obtain. You can easily get thousands of each type of Swarovski crystals. How then can this be a perfect and unique investment?

Besides, Swarovski uses allow metals as setting materials. Spectral brilliance is created to give the crystals a silver color thus giving the impression that they are indeed made from real precious metal. At first, the crystals sparkle and shine brightly but this fades with time. The main aspect that makes jewelry breathtakingly sparkly and gorgeous is the layout and design of the stones. The jewelry is able to keep its amazing qualities if it has quality setting materials. Top-quality setting clearly makes a big difference! Excellent setting keeps jewelry glinting, protects the stones and has no negative health implications. Obviously Swarovski cannot meet this standard.

Last but not least, there is one major inconvenience of the Swarovski jewelry. They have a very firm policy that they will not restore, re-glue or repair any damaged or discontinued crystals. This means that if you have any Swarovski crystals that need some repair, you will not get the quality of service you need.

Are you still convinced that Swarovski crystals are the way to go? Why not spend your hard earned money on items that rise in value?

★ Natural gemstones

Real naturally occurring high-quality gemstones have been seen to increase in value over time. The Swarovski crystals may go out of fashion and even lose their value yet natural gemstones are timeless and will always be precious. When mines where these gems are obtained get depleted, the natural gemstones will be scarce thus drastically increasing their value. A natural gemstone is therefore a worthwhile stock investment throughout the years.

                 

 In addition to their timeless value, natural gemstones have other treasured features. Ancient legends depict these gemstones as being a sign of the ancestors’ presence. Ancient Romans claimed that gemstones could repel poison. Egyptians believed that gemstones could protect the wearer from various illnesses and also help to stop bleeding. The Greeks thought that these naturally occurring gemstones could ward off evil spirits. Throughout the centuries, natural gemstones have been believed to have both physical and mental healing properties. These properties were said to help in getting rid of negative emotions such as stress, jealousy, anger or depression and also boost confidence, promote clarity of thought and enhance self-esteem.

It is clear that if you choose to invest in natural gemstones, the results will not be disappointing. Natural gemstones possess unique characteristics in style and finesse. The natural properties and design possessed by a gemstone are what make it have a brilliant sparkle. Each gemstone is unique and has its own special characteristics just like every person is different. By wearing a natural gemstone, you are able to exhibit your unique tastes and also stand out from the crowd. Unlike man-made crystals, natural gemstones have unique meanings. For example, tourmaline is known to bring you success in your career, amethyst signifies for healing and general health, lapis wards off negative energy and protects you from dangers while blue topaz and red garnet are for attracting luck and love in your life. You can learn more about the different meanings and colors of natural gemstones through Google.

One major advantage of natural gemstones is that you can find a suitable one for any occasion at an affordable price. The sparkle of the natural gems is unmatched and it will help you savor every memorable moment. This might be the main reason prompting couples to choose garnet jewelry for their wedding day. They are able to save a large sum of money and still have that amazing sparkle on their special day. Natural gems have a unique way of refracting light thus making them a center of attraction.

Today, thanks to the great advances in technology, buying jewelry made from natural gemstones is easier than ever. You can easily purchase your gem of choice from the comfort of your home without flying across the world to get it. However, you should always be alert so that you are not tricked by imitations or flash synthetic. Ensure that the natural gemstone you buy is genuine and it is made of authentic precious metal. Real silver or gold band and setting is a sure insurance in case the gemstones require replacement. Generally, owning a piece of natural gemstone jewelry is a worthwhile essential. If you are not fond of a particular gemstone, do not worry. You can easily have it melted and recast into a model that you like.

Top 10 Unique yet Affordable Ideas for 2016 Valentine

By Chris Fan, Getsparkling Inc.

February 14 of every year is the day when people across the world, express love to their loved ones by exchanging candies, flowers, and gifts, all in the name of St. Valentine.

Valentine was a priest who went against the rules of Roman Emperor Claudius II. The law stated that soldiers should not marry. Emperor Claudius II argued that single men made better soldiers than the married ones. However, Valentine believed that nobody should stand on the day of love. Secretly, Valentine started to marry young lovers. However, it was discovered that Valentine was going against the law, and Emperor Claudius II ordered the death of valentines. To cut the long story short, the story puts emphasis on the truth of love. This day has since been commemorated as a sign of love.

The Valentine's Day is the perfect day for you to show someone that you love them and care for them. It not only covers lovers or couples but goes beyond to include friends and relatives.


2016 Valentine's Day is just around the corner. It's your wish to offer something to your loved ones, to make it special, unique and above all memorable. During this amazing and grateful moment. Finding a unique and a special Valentine’s Day is such a tricky thing to do, Right?

Here, are some of the best valentine's gifts ideas that are unique yet affordable and will surely make you lover happy:

● Gift Idea #1: A Personalized Chocolate

A large number of people believe that Valentine’s Day wouldn't be complete without candies. As one of the most passionate and powerful candies, Chocolate is considered to be the best gift that expresses love, passion, friendship, and care. Besides, most women compare chocolate to sex. According to research conducted by doctors, chocolates have been shown to improve sex life to women who take them. Probably, that explains the reason behind unending women's love for chocolates. The common sugar gifts are at times too common, and a personalized chocolate with the favorite flavor fits as a better choice. To be your unusual gift, you can include an edible plaque to the chocolate, that can have your full color meaning meaningful lines or even a memorable picture printed on it. This shows uniqueness, more love, and care to your loved one. Your lover will appreciate your creativity and any other exaggerated imaginations on it. Apart from being one of the cheapest gifts on a valentine's day, chocolates get the job done.


Where to find this:
Chocomize, a company specialize custom chocolates, located in US, they've got all kinds of delicate custom chocolates,and offer free shipping over $40.

● Gift Idea #2: Colorful Natural Gemstone Jewelry

Starting with gorgeous shiny rings to a stunning pendant, choosing a perfect, beautiful and unique jewelry is enough to surprise your lover on the Valentine's Day. This is because a diamond gift might seem too common; leave alone its exorbitant price in the market today. A diamond may be connected to true love, but again it's an incredible rip-off. Considering the high profits of diamond jewelry, sometimes you may not land an original one. But for natural gemstone jewelry, it's possible to buy a beautiful yet affordable instead of that extravagant diamond. Besides a diamond has a single monotonous color yet a natural gemstone comes in multiple colors such as red garnet, blue topaz and as a multicolored tourmaline. The colors are unique and portray different meanings. Ancient civilizations believed that gemstones had with them incredible powers such as health, prosperity and luck.

The red garnet can be a perfect alternative Valentine gift for your partner, which symbolizes love, passion as well as trust due to its unique red color additionally, it help release pressure, balance emotions and bring happiness. The blue topaz and tourmaline has a bluish color which makes your loved one look stunningly beautiful, it will make her feel courageous and loved. The blue topaz could be a perfect gift for valentine as well. As a witness of true love, red garnet was also used as a loving guardian to assist people in finding their Mr./Mrs. Right by its unique magical power. Just as every person is unique, every gemstone has its unique characteristics. Thus, a unique red garnet makes your lover much more unique. You may be surprised also to learn that the price of a natural gem is just a tenth the price of a diamond. That's amazing, isn't it?

Where to find this:
Geshia, a website full with natural gemstones, located in China, their genuine natural garnet, tourmaline, topaz jewelry is really a steal. 

● Gift Idea 3: Handmade Photo Album

Can't figure out the right words to express you on Valentine's Day? Pictures with your personalized photo boxes will accomplish that. A handmade photo album makes it unique and more meaningful. Every time you glance at the photos, the beautiful memories keep reflecting in your mind at every precious minute. Additionally during the procedure, you instantly capture new memories and have fun because you are doing it with a thoughtful heart.

This is a short procedure on how to make a DIY photo album

1. Get ready for all the necessary materials; Scissors, glue and a colorful paper with a cardboard.

2. Cut the paper and the cardboard to the sizes of your choice.

3. Cut triangular shaped papers that are slightly bigger than the corners of the normal photo. This is where you slot in your photos.

4. Paste the triangles

5. Design each of the cover and pages.

6. Put the papers intact and punch a hole at one position where you tie them with a string.


With the procedure, you have your DIY photo album ready for use. You can add your decorations

Where to find this:
J Ann B Designs, taught you how to make your own handmade photo album on youtube.

● Gift Idea #4: Personalized Stuffed Toy

Which is the best way to let someone know that you are thinking of them rather than saying it to them? An adorable personalized stuffed toy is the best way to go. It is becoming a trend for ladies to carry with them a valentine's day stuffed toy around. Giving one to your girlfriend or wife would make them feel special and loved. Choose a lovely, soft, cuddly stuffed toy and then personalize the cloth with your special message or even with an unforgettable photo like the heart shaped picture. You can even design your photo. Make sure what you personalize depicts your emotions to your loved one.


Where to find this:
Stuffedsafari, a family company specialize custom stuffed animal toy. They offer only the best quality stuffed animals - the ones that are super cuddly or fun , and you can even win a free stuffed animal each month!

● Gift Idea #5: A Special Valentine's Dinner

No matter how good a valentine's day is with your beloved one, a romantic dinner will make the day more special. Unique and a perfect dinner will be the key to her heart on this special evening. So surely you shouldn't screw this up. 

You may try this:

Start the evening soft romantic music and some scented candle to make the house sensuous and romantic. It should be followed by a love poem not forgetting to take care of yourself. You don't have to dress in pajamas and slippers if you want to enjoy the meal. Ensure that you include sweet drink since every amazing meal must be accompanied by stunning drinks. Ensure that you choose the drinks depending on your food and what you like. And what a special dinner it will be!

You can give a try to the following recipes for your Valentine.

★ Recipe A:

Appetizer: Smoked Salmon with Prawns, Horseradish Cream, and Lime Vinaigrette
Main course: Sizzling Moroccan Prawns
Desert: Rich Chocolate Tarts with Alt Flakes
Drinks: Flowers 2012 Camp Meeting Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay

★ Recipe B:

Appetizer: Asian Seared Tuna
Main course: DJ BBQ’s World’s Best Meatloaf
Dessert: Summer Fruit with Amaretto Biscuits and Chocolate Sauce
Drinks: Flirt 2011 California Red Wine

How to get more recipe:
A website named jamieoliver teaches you how to a romantic dinner at home.They offered thousands of different types of recipes.

● Gift Idea #6: A DIY 3D Love Card for Valentine

Designing your own unique Valentine's card can be both fun and meaning. It also offers you an opportunity to sort out some of the pictures that capture happy times shared between the both of you. A handmade card shows immense love and care to your partner while also serving as an easy way to express your deep feelings to the one you love. However, this might still be a little too mainstream a gift for your partner.

How about coming up with a DIY 3D Valentine's card?

This is without a doubt one of the unique gifts you may offer to your beloved, and which perhaps only calls for a few fancy crafting materials and a little creativity. For this, you can easily design a delicate 3D card, seeking inspiration from what you two share on a daily basis or by simply using a 3D pixel heart that depicts love.

Where to find this:

Solopress,a graphic design and printer lover, posted a video on Youtube to teach how to make your own 3D Valentine Pixel Heart Card. 

● Gift Idea #7: Create Your Unique Microfilm

Instead of going the traditional way of buying your Valentine’s gift, you can resort to making a custom made gift that perfectly fits your partner. And creating a unique Valentine’s microfilm is one of your surest bet in such a case. Can you visualize a situation where the two of you are curled up at the coach watching a DIY film that captures your beautiful times together, isn’t it cool? A DIY microfilm is not only an affordable gift option but also an easy-to-design gift that shows your true love.

The microfilm doesn’t even have to be a professionally done for it to be appreciated by your partner. In fact, you can just use this simple method to create a unique one that serves the purpose perfectly;

- Open MS PowerPoint to make a draft presentation

- Convert the draft PowerPoint presentation into a video format

- Play this video and let your partner enjoy.

Always ensure that your partner understands how much you love, care and show concern for him/her in everything you do.

Where to find this:

BestSlideshowCreator, posted a video on Youtube to show you how to make a photo slideshow in minutes. 

● Gift Idea #8: Electronic Wearables 

If jewelry is regarded as women's toys, then electronic products are the equivalent for men. This means you can go for simple electronic gadgets such as an electronic shaver for your man's Valentine's gift if you cannot afford to buy him an iPhone or a Surface Pro. However, with the changing world, one of the simplest yet very cool gift to buy for your partner is an electronic wearable. This type of gift not only shows your love for him but also a unique display of your taste and style. 

Simple Recommended Wearables:

- Interactive T-shirts

This is a normal type of clothing at a simple glance. However, once you insert AA batteries, an active electronic image may be seen dancing on your chest while reacting to various sounds around you.

- Fuel Band

This is a tool that helps to track your daily exercise and general activities while helping you to calculate the number of calories you’ve burned while completing these activities. They are important in helping you lead a healthier life.

- Smartwatch

It can be used to perform basic translations and calculations while others even run mobile apps. Other types of smart watches can also help you access information as an alternative to mobile phones and computers.

Where to find this:

You can find more electronic wearables on newegg website.

● Gift Idea #9: Private Couples Massage

Make this day unique and special by involving your partner in sensual and a sexy experience that you can share together. Choosing a sweet and a unique massage for your lover is a superb choice. You don't have to worry about what interests your lover. That makes it awesome and more enjoyable.

You can accommodate the following tips when writing a comfortable massage:

1. Clear space clear mind- creating a peaceful and a loving environment is important before starting.

2. Intuitively indulge the senses- the private massage should be about your partner and what they need. The private massage should make you comfortable.

3.Relax and have fun- You can share a romantic bath filled with rose petals and bubbles, dimming the lights, drinking some wine and champagne if necessary and lighting up some fragrance. Music must be part of all that.

Where to find this:

There is a video on Youtube show the technique of back massage.

● Gift Idea #10: An Unplanned weekend Getaway

What are some of the beautiful adventures this Valentine? Would you choose to go on a tropical vacation or a fancy luxury hotel? That's expensive and romantic, right?

Why don't you try an unplanned weekend getaway? Valentine's day not only serves as a way to appreciate the people we love, but it also serves as an excuse for a romantic weekend vacation as well. An unplanned weekend is an economical way that allows you to be away from the city escapades to an exciting place. During the weekend getaway, you can have a temperamental and a flighty adventure, where the two of you can enjoy a fantastic experience.

You can try these new tips during an unplanned weekend getaway:

- Explore without a map

- Try to be flexible and be ready to cope with the circumstances and the most importantly, experience your adventure.


- Don’t forget to have an emergency travel kit with you.

Where to find this:
An article from theguardian advised 20 perfect getaways for Valentine’s Day. It may give some inspiration to you.

They are just a few unique ideas that will make your Valentine’s day memorable to your lover. Avoid getting too anxious on how to spend this day with your loved one. All you can offer is love and appreciation. 


Try the above unique yet affordable gifts as a way to celebrate 14th February.