Gold cufflinks from wrecked Titanic on display

A pair of gold cufflinks has been included in a touring exhibition of objects linked to the Titanic.

Featuring items salvaged from the wreck site of the famous vessel, which hit an iceberg and sank in 1912, the Titanic: Treasures From the Deep mobile museum is currently visiting the US.

The gold cufflinks appear in the travelling display of more than 50 items recovered from the seabed alongside a gem-set tie pin, which is a movable version of the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition.


Sponsored by Country Financial and RMS Titanic, a subsidiary of Premier Exhibitions, the display uses science and history to describe recovery efforts and outline the story of the doomed voyage, with stops scheduled this month in Oregon, Washington and Illinois.

In 2007, a range of gold timepieces featuring coal and steel salvaged from the wreck of the Titanic was launched by Geneva-based watchmaker Romaine Jerome at a trade fair.

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Gold Cufflinks

Storing and Protecting Jewelry

A common, and sure, way to ruin the value of your collection of jewels is to store them improperly. Jewelry is made up of stones and metals of various hardnesses. When thrown together, they will easily scratch, abrade and crack each other.

Perfection is highly valued in gemstones, and a valuable, perfect stone can quickly become worthless, ruining the investment, security, and heirloom values your jewelry represents. Scratches on a stone can be expensive, often impossible, to repair - and can result from a mere touch (e.g., a diamond sliding past another stone can instantly result in a deep gouge or nick). Casually rumaging through a bin of jewels can literally cost you many thousands of dollars, and the damage only gets worse each time the pieces get tumbled around.

Unfortunately, while many people appreciate that jewelry is valuable, their attitude towards its care can be woefully lacking. Instead, the common idea of proper care too often seems to reflect popular images of treasure chests heaped with jewels, movie stars casually tossing bracelets and cufflinks into drawers, or the thief clutching a fistful of jewelry. These same people are often far more careful with other, less valuable possessions (fine china, crystal, furniture, car, even DVD's). I'll admit to having been one of the guilty. Part of the problem is that too few parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles bother to pass on information regarding how to treat jewelry to children -- and this is one (of many) subjects they are unlikely to encounter in school or learn from their friends. If you value your jewelry, then do your children and grandchildren (who may inherit them one day) the courtesy of explaining its worth and care.

Imagine going to sell an investment quality piece, only to find out that the stone is nicked and worthless, and the artistic value of the setting has been trashed by scratching. What you bought for $50,000 is now worth $80 as scrap.

So, how are jewelry and gemstones stored?

The most important, basic rule: Each item of jewelry should be isolated from others. If it is not possible to isolate each jewel (e.g., pendants hanging from a bracelet or necklace), then the items should be immobilized so that they do not rub past each other.

Simple Solutions...

Properly storing jewelry does not need to be expensive. Some jewelry comes in boxes or pouches which you can continue to use. You can find other reasonable solutions with a little creativity.

• Since the idea is to isolate each jewel from one another, an easy and effective solution is to wrap each piece in layers of acid-free tissue paper, untreated cotton, or raw silk. If you sew, you might try creating individual, acid-free bags for this purpose. If sewing isn't one of your talents, then several ebay sellers regularly list pre-made drawstring bags which will work.
• Brooches, earrings and stickpins can be stuck onto a board or cushion. The board or cushion may then be placed into a soft, padded bag for storage.
• Neckchains may be stored on wooden or fabric-covered hooks, or draped across cushions and stored covered in a drawer. You can also use the long box or folder in which the neckchain or necklace was delivered by the jeweler. Bracelets and knotted (on string or silk thread) necklaces are best stored laid flat.

The disadvantage of storing in wraps or bags, is that the jewels are hidden from view. This isn't always a bad thing (some stones and materials can fade with prolonged exposure to light). But as your collection grows larger, it is more convenient to locate items by sight. Some people also take great pleasure in arranging their gems, and even a small, neatly arranged, jewelry collection can be an impressive sight.

Storage Cases...

There are several types of storage cases which you can also purchase for your collection, or for an individual item.

Jewelry Boxes:

The traditional jewelry box can be suitable for a collection. However, some jewelry boxes are collectable on their own, and not really designed to hold more than a very few pieces. When looking at a box for storage purposes, make sure that the materials used to construct and line the box are suitable for jewelry (see below). Examine the box for projecting screws, nails, locks or other objects which might scratch.

Count your pieces of jewelry, making sure that the box contains enough compartments to isolate the pieces from each other. If the box features a ring holder or insert, is it large enough to hold the number of rings you need to store? Some boxes also contain necklace hooks, pockets, earring holders, and other features which you may find worthwhile.

A larger compartment can be useful for holding individually wrapped items that won't fit elsewhere.

You should probably also allow for extra compartments. Your collection may expand through future acquisitions, gifts, etc. And in the meantime, you will probably find uses for the additional space.

Travel Cases:

These are usually jewelry boxes contained in hard-sided cases. They often sport handles and a lock, though neither is usually necessary or effective. For a travel case, it is more important that the compartments have pads to keep the contents from shifting about as the case is jostled about. If the case does not come with fitted pads, then you can substitute rolled up cotton wool or fabric. And, since most people do not travel with extensive collections, these are usually best when smaller, and designed to fit into a handbag or carry-on luggage.

An alternative travel solution are roll-ups. These are leather or cloth strips which contain pouches for individual pieces. The strip is rolled and either snapped or tied to secure it closed. A variation would be the folding or hanging soft-sided organizers. Roll-ups should be made of material which is heavy enough so that there is no chance that a piece would pierce a pouch and scratch other items being stored in adjacent pouches. For some jewelry, a hard-sided case usually offers more protection than a roll-up. However, the roll-up has the benefit of being easier to pack. With either type, space is limited and you need to determine the number and type of items you are going to carry.

Jewel Caskets:

These cases are used as presentation pieces to showcase a single jewel or matched set of jewelry. Jewelry caskets are often elaborate, sometimes outshining their contents. Caskets of high quality can be works of art on their own merits, and such pieces are found in many of the world's great museums and collections. The storage value can vary. Some owners remove the jewels for storage in other containers, and choose to display or discard the casket itself. Where there are fittings inside to securely hold the jewelry, the casket and jewel(s) may be moved into a safe, or inside a compartment in a larger box, for storage.

What is important is not to throw other items into a casket meant for a specific set of jewelry. Doing so risks damaging both the jewelry and the casket itself.

Ring, Bracelet and Necklace Boxes:

The original jewel boxes are fine for storing a single item. They can be bulky however, and an assemblage of many boxes can make it difficult to easily locate an item. If you have many pieces, your collection will take up far less space if you use a box designed to accomodate more pieces (e.g., for rings you might look for a multi-ring case, or a jewelry box which contains an insert for holding several rings).

Pearl Folders:

Fine pearls are often delivered in a leather or cloth, envelope-type folder. As pearls are relatively soft and the strings can be fragile, it is a good idea to continue to use the original package for storing them. For further protection, the folder can be stored in larger jewelry boxes, or in a safe. These folders are available separately from jewelry supply sellers, as are padded silk bags designed for pearls.

Jewel Safes:

For extensive collections, a jewel safe might make sense. Aside from the extra storage space, these also offer a bit of extra security, though few would stand up to a determined thief.

Just as in jewelry boxes, you should be looking for enough drawers and other compartments to store your pieces in isolation one from another.

Some safes include a removable travel tote for items you usually take on trips. This should be small enough to fit into your purse or carry-on. Others have removable trays or drawers, which can make selecting an item easier.

Jewelry Armoires

These are larger, usually wooden pieces of furniture with multiple drawers and compartments. Like jewelry cases, they are usually fitted with linings, hooks and other useful features. Prices vary widely, and some are custom work with special features such as lighting and hidden compartments. You can sometimes find these at estate sales and auctions, after the contents have been broken up among heirs or sold off.

Other Possibilities:

• Storage solutions for coins, watches, and other collectables can sometimes also be used for storing jewelry - often at very affordable prices.
• Compartmented cases for collectibles, beads, buttons, parts, small tools, fishing tackle, etc. may also be suitable. If used for long-term storage, you should make sure that the material won't have any adverse effect on your pieces (see below).
• You might also look at the trays and attaches jewelers themselves use to store, transport and display their wares. Sellers of supplies for jewelers list a range of types on ebay. For an extensive, or growing collection, this might be ideal. Some cases even are designed to fit, in turn, into larger attache-type cases.
• Taborets used by artists to store brushes and tubes, flat files used by architects to store blueprints and maps, tool chests, and similar pieces can often be adapted to store jewelry. Just use boxes or dividers to create small compartments and line with cloth if necessary.
• You may also want to keep a weather-eye for sales of used fixtures from jewelers, watchmakers or department stores which are remodeling or quitting business. This is one place to pick up (at a reasonable price) the solutions the professionals use to store and display their inventory. Cases, safes, chests, attaches, etc. are sometimes available.

Be Aware of...

Avoid storing in acidic materials, including some types of wood, most cardboard, and paper. Acidity can tarnish metal and cause pitting on both metal and stones. Plywood and particle board can also cause adverse reactions over time, due to acids in both the wood and the binder.

The plasticizers found in most plastics can seriously corrode metal, silvered backings and some gemstones. This is a problem with common plastic bags, many plastic storage boxes, polyurethane foams, etc. Plastic bags or boxes can be used for a very short period, but if you need to store for weeks or months, you should find some other solution and not take chances. Foam "rubber" used in packaging and plastics should be discarded. Damage first appears as a slight spot(s) and proceeds to a blue or green film. This may be removed with acetone, but the surface will be affected (the chemicals pit the surface under the spotting or film). Avoid anything which contains PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). If you wish to use plastic bags or containers, make sure that they are made of inert materials of the sort used for archival storage. Mylar envelopes and bags are a popular choice, and there are inert plastic alternatives for most containers. Again, most plastics contain corrosive compounds, and you should be sure about plastic containers of any type before putting anything valuable inside for long-term storage.

Store jewelry containing plastic elements (including Vulcanite, Ebonite, thermoplastics, Celluloid, etc.) in separate storage containers. Keep pieces of each type isolated from other plastic types. Do not store the containers in close proximity to other types of stored jewelry. These materials are known to produce acidic gases and other substances which can harm precious metals, stones, and other jewelry items.

Also make certain that paper and cloths do not contain metal fragments (found in some lower-quality recycled materials) or grit.

Do not use chemically treated cloths and containers for storage. The anti-tarnish boxes and bags you use for your sterling flatware may react with other metals and stones.

Chemicals should never be used in either cleaning or storing fine jewelry. The same goes for anything involving heat, abrasives and even ultra-sonic baths - all of which can discolor, dry, scratch, dislodge and crack some gems. When in doubt, consult a jeweler as to what is appropriate for your item (what might be OK for one piece could ruin another).

Do not place items into compartments which have components which are harder than, and can scratch the stones or metals in the jewel.

Article Source: Storing and Protecting Jewelry

Cufflinks Storage
Cufflink Cases

Classic Cufflinks

Nothing accentuates a suit and tie ensemble quite like a pair of classic cufflinks. But classic cufflinks are only fashionable if they are original and stylish. You can spend hours searching for the perfect pair of cuff links in department stores and malls, or you can find exactly what you are looking for right here. Our online cufflink store carries a wide variety of classic cufflinks that are not only elegant, delicately handcrafted and made of the highest quality, but also incredibly affordable. Whether you are searching for basic cufflinks, striped cufflinks or silk knot cufflinks we have everything you need to make you look and feel good about what you are wearing.

Browse our online cufflink store for innovative designs and original twists on basic cufflinks, such as our Carnelian Slab Cufflinks, Red Enamel Knot Cufflinks and Orange Dot Cufflinks. A pair of vibrant Blue Kaleidoscope Cufflinks or modern Onyx Cobochan Cufflinks will also make a superior fashion statement wherever you go. Our Silver Candy Stick Cufflinks are just an example of how sweet your style can be. We offer Candy Stick Cufflinks in other flavors as well - try them all!

Cufflink designs vary widely, from basic to intricate to everything else in between. A popular alternative to basic cufflinks is silk knot cufflinks. French cuff shirts are often accompanied with a set of color-coordinated silk knot cufflinks. Our silk knot cufflink selection is incredibly varied. We offer Classic Black & White Silk Knot Cuff Links Trio, Sheet White Silk Knot Log Cuff Links, and a Pack of 12 Pairs of Silk Knot Cuff Links. You will also find a wide variety of exceptional colors to choose from. Match any shirt and tie with a pair of colored silk knot cufflinks and you’re bound to receive some compliments.

Classic cufflinks also come in a preppy, scholarly design. The Ivy League will never go out of style, which is why a pair of Black White Repp Strip Cufflinks or a pair of Orange Blue Repp Stripe Cufflinks are all you need to standout and look your best. You can also make a statement by mixing and matching the colors of the season with our extensive collection of striped cufflinks. Striped cufflinks have never been more fashionable or popular. By wearing a simple pair of Mocha Stripe Cufflinks in autumn, you can add some bold earth tones to your outfit when you coordinate them with your overall look.

Cufflinks are a must-have for any man, whether you are attending a formal affair, managing an important business meeting, or out on a date with that special someone. Impressions are everlasting and the right pair of cufflinks can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box and accentuate your look. We guarantee that you’ll find the right pair of classic cufflinks to fit your style at price you can afford.

Great gift ideas for men

Great gift ideas for men can be in short supply, especially when making last minute purchases. You want to choose a gift that is not only age appropriate, but one that reflects the man's personal tastes. Buying for the special man in your life like your husband, brother or father should also carry some sentimentality or personal significance.

Finding the right balance when making a list of gift ideas for men can be more challenging than finding a great bargain, though. Useful, fun gifts are usually a better idea than another tie or that snazzy pair of argyle socks.

Some gift ideas for men aren't that much different than thinking of gift ideas for a young boy. Once the fun of youth passes, most men like to be let off the hook from adulthood occasionally to remember their younger side. A pack of guitar picks and some accessories for the campfire guitarist, a new video game or controller, or a baseball and glove are great gift ideas for men.

For the men in your life who are adrenaline junkies, look at giving gifts that are more experience-related rather than physical objects. Gift ideas for men of the extreme sports type can be a skydiving class, a white-water rafting trip, or maybe a gift certificate for bungee jumping. For men who love the outdoors, getting camping gear, some new hiking boots, or maybe a bigger tackle box will catch his eye.

Older men may enjoy gifts that are less extreme. Some great gift ideas for the retiree on your list might be some painting supplies and a model car kit, a good book, some cozy slippers or a warm robe.

They may also enjoy a new pipe or a box of fine cigars if they are a smoker. Even a course in cabinetmaking can be given as gift for the man who enjoys learning and working with his hands.

Gift ideas for men you know who are sports fans could involve box seats for a great baseball or basketball game of their favorite team. Present the tickets with a jersey or hat, and he'll be all set.

You could purchase a subscription to his favorite sports magazine, if he doesn't have one already. If he goes golfing with his friends every weekend, get him some new golf balls or new shoes he could wear on the green. A mini golf set for home is fun, too.

For your more open-minded husband or brother, consider treating him to a day at the spa. These days, relaxation and pampering isn't just for women, nor does a spa day make a man any less of a man.

Invigorating facials and stress-relieving massages could really open his eyes about the way he takes care of himself, and these gift ideas for men are great ones to help your man relax.

Some gift ideas for men that you could both enjoy include gifts such as silk boxers, a set of massage oils, or a facial grooming kit - no one likes a prickly beard. Other fun gifts like a gift certificate to a great restaurant or a weekend getaway to a bed and breakfast are sure to be appreciated by both of you.

Choosing a gift idea for men doesn't have to be tough, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune. Whether it is for a birthday, for Father's day, or for an anniversary, this is your token of appreciation for having these men in your life every day.

Use a little imagination, think of functional, fun or practical gifts, and whatever you choose, make sure you've picked something that matches your man's personality.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Selvon

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Enamel Cufflinks

Amongst the most attractive substances used today to craft jewelry and fine art we find enamel. This material can be obtained by the combination of powdered glass and high levels of heat. The physical appearance of the material can be compared to soft glass because it has a glossy consistency which is a perfect complement to any object made of metal or related materials which are used by artists.

Enamel is also referred to as vitreous enamel or porcelain enamel which is commonly used in the US. The amount of work that is required in order to manufacture a good-looking enamel cufflink is quite surprising for starters, the enamel needs to be carefully melted at the right temperature in order to create a material comparable to glass and which has the hardness of a much stronger material, the enamel which is placed on cufflinks is reinforced by the beautiful metal which is used beneath it.

Once the powdered glass is melted at the right temperature it can then be combined with the main coloring agent which is a metallic oxide, the color of the enamel is determined by the amount of the materials used in the mixture and not by the amount of oxide. When it comes to cufflinks this material often projects a great sense of style and sophistication which can't be achieved by wearing only metallic cufflinks.

Interesting facts about the enamel cufflinks:

►	In order for powdered glass to become enamel it needs to be heated between 750 and 850° Celsius, the hardened material is referred to as frit, in other parts of the world such as France it is called Fondant.
►	The word Enamel is said to come from the German word "smelzan" which means to smelt, this word is in turn derived from the old French word "esmail"
►	As futuristic as the material might appear to be it actually has been around for a while in fact, the ancient Egyptians applied enamel to art pieces made of stone as well as other pottery artifacts, subsequently the Greeks, Chinese, Celts, Russian, etc. begin use this material to coat their metal objects.
►	Enamel is a very strong and durable material which is also chemically resistant, can assume brilliant and glossy colors, it has a smooth surface and can't burn.
►	Since this is a very flexible material there have been many methods for enameling an object, one of these methods is called "Cloisonné" which is a French word that means cell, this method involves the use of wires which act as barriers in order to separate different tones of Enamel which can be placed on top of a metal. Other methods of enameling are Basse-taille, Champlevé, Grisaille, Limoges enamel, Plique-à-jour and many others.

Great Examples of Delicate Enamel Cufflinks are:

	NEW Square Red Enamel Cuff Links: these enamel cuff links are very elegant because they combine the futuristic look of rhodium as well as silver, Enamel is used to coat these fine materials in order to give them a glossy look.
	Classic Black Enamel Square Cuff Links: black is the color which brings out the most attractive features of enamel which is combine with silver in order to create the perfect cufflink.
	NEW Silver Superman Cuff Links: who doesn't like the attractive Superman logo? -- these cufflinks were designed specially for those who love this great superhero and want to enjoy the elegant look of the color black, silver and glossy enamel.
	Retro 1970's Inspired Blue Enamel Cuff Links: back to basics or back to the future? -- these blue cufflinks provide the best of both worlds, a feature a soothing tone of blue which is perfectly complemented with the smooth appearance that enamel gives to this material.

Pink Cufflinks

Pink is an extremely beautiful color, it takes on the properties of the color red and mixes it with the beauty and simplicity of the color white. Just like the color red, pink can cause a person's heartbeat to increase, the respiration and blood pressure can increase as well just by looking at this eye-catching color.

People who use this pink are said to be very passionate, sexy, confident and in some cases care-free. This last statement is used because the color pink is related to youth, a time when there was nothing to worry about and we lived happily. The tones of pink people use can project an aggressive personality or a softer more carrying one. Those who use this color are also believed to live a happy life.

The color pink is used in rooms in order to reduce erratic behavior, it is also linked to the exquisite New York fashion and punk urban styles which bring sexy back. When someone gives flowers pink blossoms are usually the favorite because the color is not very common and also because it represents passion and romance.

Interesting facts about the color pink:

►	In sports, light pink is said to be a color which calms and helps people relax this is also why some teams paint the opposing team's locker room with this color, a small advantage is still an advantage. - When it comes to strength-based olympic performance males loose strength when they see a great deal of pink and women gain strength when they are around the color.
►	Pink makes people crave sugar which is why sweets taste better when they are served in pink plates or come out of a pink box. In the same note, the flavor of pink is related to cotton candy and grapefruit.
►	Did you know that during the times of Nazis homosexuals were labeled with a pink triangle which represented their sexual orientation?
►	In Catholic belief pink represents happiness and joy.
►	Marrakesh is known as the "Rose city" because of the color of its buildings, the reddish color of the ground.
►	In Japan the color pink is associated with males because it is linked to Sakura trees (cherry blossoms) that is used to represent the young Japanese warriors who died in battle while young (referring to samurai warriors)

Great Examples of Pink Cufflinks are:

	Stunning Pink Mother of Pearl Cuff Links: These are absolutely exquisite pink cufflinks which are rhodium-plated and have been polished to perfection, they feature several tones of pink which are sure to grab people's attention.
	Curved Pink CZ Crystal Cuff Links: The many beautiful pink stones in these silver cufflinks is nothing less than elegant and sophisticated, they make a clear fashion statement.
	Pink & Pearl Silk Knot Cuff Links Trio: Small, delicate and extremely elegant. These cufflinks are made from real silk and the threads have been carefully intertwined, perfect for those who love simplicity.
	Pink Strawberry Silk Knot Cuff Links: Just like the Pink & Pearl Silk Knot trio, these full sized cufflinks are simple, elegant and are made with the most beautiful tone of pink silk you could find.

Purple Cufflinks

Few colors can convey many sensations, this is where the color purple comes in because purple is one of them. Purple takes on the properties of the color red which produces motion and causes people to get excited and at the same time it blends the properties of the color blue in the entire mix. Blue is known for being a soothing calmed color which encourages concentration and productivity.

There are many tones of purple, in darker clearly defined purple tones this color helps people relax (blue properties) if the tones are high on the other hand it can cause uneasiness, but for the most part the color purple people use is somewhat darker or lighter which can uplift those who see this color, it can calm our minds and nerves and just like the color blue encourage creativity.

It has also been said that the color purple offers a sense of spirituality which sets it apart from other colors and tones. People who use this color send the message of being independent, creative, individualistic, romantic and very original. This color is also said to be related to New York fashion and NY urban style.

Interesting facts about the color purple:

►	The color purple is said to represent "pride" in Christian belief. Some say that priests who use this particular color are being proud of having knowledge which leads to God. It is also used to represent advent and Lent.
►	When purple objects are used in small spaces they often makes the place appear to be larger, this theory has actually been tested in gardens where it is said that this color visually recedes and and makes a small place feel larger.
►	Violet, a tone of purple is said to be the color of the "crown chakra" which is directly linked to our mind, our nervous system and it is also a representation of pure thoughts. Those who use the color purple or surround themselves by purple are said to be able to open the chakra which connects to infinite consciousness and also provides deep spiritual understanding.
►	In United States politics the color purple is used to represent balance, for instance those states which have an equal distribution of members of the Republican and Democrat parties are said to be purple states.
►	In countries such as Japan and those with similar belief system, the color purple is used to represent wealth and great social position.

Great Examples of Purple Cufflinks are:

	Circular "On Target" Purple Cuff Links: These rhodium-plated purple cufflinks are very elegant and a definitive must have for those who like the way silver blends and contrasts with the color purple. These cufflinks have a glossy finish which makes them even more attractive to the human eye.
	Traditional Rectangular Plum Striped Cuff Links: The perfect cufflinks for those who go for the elegant look while showing a trendy and futuristic design.
	Plum Purple Silk Knot Cuff Links: These are the perfect cufflinks for those who love simplicity and love the effect purple has in people, they are carefully hand made with real silk.
	Plum Purple & Cream Silver Silk Knot Cuff Links: Just like the already mentioned cufflinks these have a simple yet elegant design in two thread tones, silver and purple which soothes and calms people.