Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Leveraging Your Writing

A frequent conversation I have with my writing clients is how to best utilize their writing to gain more exposure and to create more income. If there is one thing that will accomplish both of these objectives, it’s learning how to leverage your writing.

I suggest that you write something once, then use it in various mediums. Here's an example. I offer a teleclass series called Getting Clear About the Writing Process. I spent several days developing the content for that four week, one hour per week series. I recorded the classes and produced a workbook from the written content. I will be selling the recordings as CDs and downloadable MP3 files, and the workbook will be offered in both printed and downloadable file formats. Eventually, I will use the content to produce a book on writing, and will record that book for sale as a book on tape. I am also planning to submit portions of the content to magazines and online sites that are seeking guest columnists. And finally, I will be expanding the content to begin offering live workshops and retreats for potential writers.

My goal is to use any writing I create a minimum of five different ways, more if possible. Some will be direct income; others will be for marketing purposes. From my example, here are the methods I am using:

1. Teleclass Content

2. CDs

3. MP3s

4. Workbook

5. Downloadable PDF file

6. Articles for publication

7. Book

8. Book on tape

9. Workshops

10. Retreats

Another form of leverage is to use parts of what you’ve written to create another completely new piece. I save all my writing, regardless if I use it immediately or not. This week, as I was finalizing my chapter for the next book in my coaching book series, A Guide to Getting It: Sacred Healing, I used writing I had done several years ago titled, “Breaking the Pattern: The Seven C’s of Transformation.” Although it was not published at the time I wrote it, I’ve used various versions and parts of it in several other works that have subsequently been published.

Writing is like piecing together a quilt. Sometimes just one sentence from a work you’ve already written will fit nicely into a new piece. Other times, I’ve used an entire article and put it in a longer piece, such as a chapter in the series, or in the book I am writing for publication next year.

The creative process is like diving for pearls. You might write ten pages and only one sentence works well for your current use. Or you might write ten sentences and they are all pearls. Combining bits and pieces from different writing sessions has resulted in some of my best work.

Then there are the times that I write something that doesn’t seem very dazzling or pertinent at the time I wrote it. Then—sometimes years later—I will read it again and the message is completely apt and the writing is compelling. I’m sure you’ve had the experience of reading a book and getting a specific message from it, then reading it again a year or two later and another completely different message jumps out at you. It’s the same with your own writing. So keep everything you work on, whether it’s on the computer or in long-hand. You never know when you will be leveraging it in one way or another!

Writing coach Marilyn Schwader is the creator and publisher of the "A Guide To Getting It" book series, which provides ideas and tools from Life and Business Coaches to help you live your life's dreams. To learn more about this book series, writing coaching, and to sign up for FREE teleclasses, visit http://www.clarityofvision.com.

Gemstone Jewelry Secrets Revealed

The mystery and magic of colored gemstones has been an integral aspect or the "Lore" of most cultures for many centuries. Here is what noted gemstone experts Antoinette L. Matlins and A.C. Bonanno have to say on the matter.

"The fascination with colored gemstones dates back to the very beginning of civilization. For our ancestors, the blue of sapphire produced visions of the heavens; the red of ruby was a reminder of the very essence of life. By Roman times, rings containing colored gems were prized symbols of power-and the most powerful wore rings on every joint of every finger!

Since ancient times, colored stones have been thought to possess innate magical powers and the ability to endow the wearer with certain attributes. According to legend, emeralds are good for the eyes; yellow stones cure jaundice; red stones stop the flow of blood. At one time it was believed that a ruby worn by a man indicated command, nobility, lordship, and vengeance; worn by a woman, however, it indicated pride, obstinacy, haughtiness. A blue sapphire worn by a man indicated wisdom, and high and magnanimous thoughts; on a woman, jealousy in love, politeness, and vigilance. The emerald signified for a man joyousness, transitory hope, and the decline of friendship; for woman, unfounded ambition, childish delight, and change.

Colored gems, because of the magical powers associated with them, achieved extensive use as talismans and amulets; as predictors of the future; as therapeutic aids; and as essential elements to many religious practices-pagan, Hebrew, and Christian."

Gemstones 101

Natural gemstones are found in nature. Laboratory-created stones, as the name implies, are made in the laboratory. These stones, which also are referred to as laboratory-grown, {name of manufacturer} - created, or synthetic, have essentially the same chemical, physical and visual properties as natural gemstones. Laboratory-created stones do not have the rarity of naturally colored stones and they are less expensive than naturally mined stones. By contrast, imitation stones look like natural stones in appearance only, and may be glass, plastic, or less costly stones. Laboratory-created and imitation stones should be clearly identified as such.

Gemstones may be measured by weight, size, or both. The basic unit for weighing gemstones is the carat, which is equal to one-fifth 91/5th) of a gram. Carats are divided into 100 units called points. For example, a half-carat gemstone would weigh .50 carats or 50 points. When gemstones are measured by dimensions, the size is expressed in millimeters (for example, 7x5 millimeters).

Gemstone treatments or enhancements refer to the way some gems are treated to improve their appearance or durability, or even change their color. Many gemstones are treated in some way. The effects of some treatments may lessen or change over time and some treated stones may require special care. Some enhancements also affect the value of a stone, when measured against a comparable untreated stone.

Jewelers should tell you whether the gemstone you’re considering has been treated when: the treatment is not permanent; the treated stone requires special care; or the treatment significantly affects the value of the gemstone.

Some common treatments that you may be told about and their effects include:

* Heating can lighten, darken or change the color of some gems, or improve a gemstone’s clarity.

* Irradiation can add more color to colored diamonds, certain other gemstones and pearls.

* Impregnating some gems with colorless oils, wax or resins makes a variety of imperfections less visible and can improve the gemstones' clarity and appearance.

* Fracture filling hides cracks or fractures in gems by injecting colorless plastic or glass into the cracks and improves the gemstones' appearance and durability.

* Diffusion treatment adds color to the surface of colorless gems; the center of the stone remains colorless.

* Dyeing adds color and improves color uniformity in some gemstones and pearls.

* Bleaching lightens and whitens dome gems, Including jade and pearls.

In this day and age, gemstones are generally worn for their natural beauty or as a fashion statement, but there are many that "buy-in" to the mythical and mystical symbolisms of gems as well. Whatever a persons reason, the world of gems today offers an almost endless choice. Many new gems have been discovered and are widely available in reds, blues, greens and many unusual shades as well. Enjoy!

For more information or to browse our selection of beautiful jewelry and gemstones besure to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com

Learn How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off. This informative Special Report reveals little-known facts and insider trade secrets that many jewelers would prefer you didn’t know. To get your FREE copy please go to http://www.morninglightjewelry.com

How to Choose a Pearl Necklace for Your Wedding Day

The elegant beauty of a strand of pearls has fascinated brides for centuries. People believe that wearing pearls on their wedding day will bring bliss to their marriage.

Pearls are classic wedding jewelry. How do you choose that perfect pearl necklace?

Here are some tips:

There are four types of pearls:Akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls, SouthSea pearls, and freshwater pearls. Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls grow in oceans. They are more valuable than freshwater pearls for their rarity and high luster.

Akoya pearls are the most popular. These pearls are valued for their rich color, mirror-like finish,and appealing roundness.

As with any other gemstones, the value of pearls is determined by their quality.

A pearl’s quality can be A, AA, AA+, AAA, AAA+. The last two, AAA and AAA+ pearls, have the best quality and they are most valuable. For pearls of the same size, an ‘A’ quality pearl necklace costs only a small fraction of AAA quality pearl necklace.

The quality and value of pearls are based upon six criteria: luster, nacre, surface, color, shape, size and matching. The educated buyer uses his or her preferences to decide which criteria are most important.

Nacre: Most buyers of pearl jewelry pay most attention to the pearls' nacre thickness. Nacre is the coating that a pearl oyster produces to cover the pearl’s nucleus; it is the key to how long pearls last. You should look for pearls with nacre thickness over 0.4mm.

Luster and Surface: Luster is the amount of light reflected from the pearl's surface. A strand of pearls with high luster, mirror finish and clean surfaces is most desirable and valuable.

Color: It is a personal choice. Consider buying a pearl necklace whose color will complement your clothing and your skin tone.

Size: The price of pearls that are larger than 7mm varies greatly. People usually buy the largest pearls they can afford.

Shape: Round pearls are most desirable and valuable.

Matching: For a pearl necklace or bracelet, matching refers to the ways in which all of the pearls are similar. It is difficult to find enough identical pearls to make a well-matched pearl necklace; therefore such a necklace commands a top price.

After you have decided the type, color, size and quality of pearls that you want, think about your budget. Take your time to shop around and find that perfect pearl necklace for your wedding day!
Provided by Premiumpearl.com.

About PremiumPearl.com:
PremiumPearl.com specializes in quality cultured pearl jewelry including pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, pearl bracelets and Tahitian pearl pendants.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

How to Choose a Pearl Necklace for Your Wedding Day

The elegant beauty of a strand of pearls has fascinated brides for centuries. People believe that wearing pearls on their wedding day will bring bliss to their marriage.

Pearls are classic wedding jewelry. How do you choose that perfect pearl necklace?

Here are some tips:

There are four types of pearls:Akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls, SouthSea pearls, and freshwater pearls. Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls grow in oceans. They are more valuable than freshwater pearls for their rarity and high luster.

Akoya pearls are the most popular. These pearls are valued for their rich color, mirror-like finish,and appealing roundness.

As with any other gemstones, the value of pearls is determined by their quality.

A pearl’s quality can be A, AA, AA+, AAA, AAA+. The last two, AAA and AAA+ pearls, have the best quality and they are most valuable. For pearls of the same size, an ‘A’ quality pearl necklace costs only a small fraction of AAA quality pearl necklace.

The quality and value of pearls are based upon six criteria: luster, nacre, surface, color, shape, size and matching. The educated buyer uses his or her preferences to decide which criteria are most important.

Nacre: Most buyers of pearl jewelry pay most attention to the pearls' nacre thickness. Nacre is the coating that a pearl oyster produces to cover the pearl’s nucleus; it is the key to how long pearls last. You should look for pearls with nacre thickness over 0.4mm.

Luster and Surface: Luster is the amount of light reflected from the pearl's surface. A strand of pearls with high luster, mirror finish and clean surfaces is most desirable and valuable.

Color: It is a personal choice. Consider buying a pearl necklace whose color will complement your clothing and your skin tone.

Size: The price of pearls that are larger than 7mm varies greatly. People usually buy the largest pearls they can afford.

Shape: Round pearls are most desirable and valuable.

Matching: For a pearl necklace or bracelet, matching refers to the ways in which all of the pearls are similar. It is difficult to find enough identical pearls to make a well-matched pearl necklace; therefore such a necklace commands a top price.

After you have decided the type, color, size and quality of pearls that you want, think about your budget. Take your time to shop around and find that perfect pearl necklace for your wedding day!
Provided by Premiumpearl.com.

About PremiumPearl.com:
PremiumPearl.com specializes in quality cultured pearl jewelry including pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, pearl bracelets and Tahitian pearl pendants.

Choosing Pearl Jewelry

When choosing pearls there are a number of things to consider besides just the quality of the pearls. While there is no right or wrong way to chose pearls, here are a few tips you should consider.

Necklace Length - You can buy pearl necklaces in a number of different lengths. Generally speaking, shorter necklaces flatter long necks, while long necklaces are nice for smaller necks. The lengths and names are as follows.

Collar - 12-13"
Choker - 14-16"
Princess - 17-19"
Matinee - 20-25"
Opera - 26-36"
Rope - 37" or longer

The most popular is the Princess length since it is a good length for both long and smaller necks.

Pearl Color - The pearl color does not affect the value of the pearl, instead it is completely in the eye of the beholder. Most people buy pearls that best match their skin tone. People with light skin usually buy white or pink pearls while people with darker skin tones tend to buy black or lavender pearls. In America, white pearls are the most popular, while in Asia, silver are the most sought after.

Pearl Sets - When buying pearl jewelry you should consider if you want an entire set, or just a certain piece. If for instance, you buy the necklace, and then later decide to buy the bracelet / earrings they may not match as well as if you had bought a set. Even if you buy the same size, and color, the style may not be the same. Some stores will allow you to buy the individual pieces of a set. So if you want to buy the other pieces at a later time, they will still match.

Owner of Strictly Pearls.

Written by, James Dunn - http://www.strictlypearls.com

Pearls Make Holiday Shopping Easy

Some people love holiday shopping, and others dread it. Finding the perfect gift can be stressful. Many men have trouble finding a gift that shows their love for the women in their lives. They want something feminine and practical, and, most importantly, something that the recipient will want to keep forever.

There is such a gift: cultured pearl jewelry.

Pearls are the perfect gift for every woman. Women who wear jewelry all the time love pearls, and so do women who only wear jewelry on special occasions. Women who are fashion-conscious and women who are not will be thrilled to have their own cultured pearls. Women of all ages appreciate pearls. Because pearls come in all styles and prices, it is possible to make an excellent choice for your budget.

A strand of cultured pearls is elegant but functional. It goes as well with a business suit as it does with a cocktail dress or casual blouse. Cultured pearl jewelry is an essential part of every woman's wardrobe. A young girl’s first “real” piece of jewelry could be a pair of pearl earrings. She will wear them on dates, to graduation, and on job interviews. On her wedding day, these pearl earrings could be the “something old” that she wears as she walks down the aisle. Your mother or grandmother probably has a strand of Akoya cultured pearls that she received as a gift years ago. A matching pearl bracelet, pearl ring, or pearl brooch will show her how much you love and cherish her.

You do not have to be an expert on pearls to select and purchase them. With a little preparation, shopping for cultured pearl jewelry can be easy. It is recommended to buy from a jeweler that you trust. Ask friends, relatives, and co-workers who their favorite jewelers are.

Once you have one or more fine jewelers in mind, you can start learning about cultured pearls. By knowing to what to look for, you can ask informed questions and make a wise selection.

Cultured pearls are judged according to five criteria:

1. Luster: Pearl luster is a combination of surface shine and a deep, glow that radiates from within the pearl. To judge luster, look at your reflection in the pearl’s surface. The clearer and crisper the reflection, the better the luster and more valuable the pearl. You should reject pearls that are chalky or dull.

2. Surface: Because cultured pearls are natural, expect some small pits, bumps, or spots. As a rule, the fewer blemishes on a pearl, the higher its quality.

3. Shape: The rounder a pearl, the more valuable it is. However, less expensive baroque pearls can be very beautiful because of their irregularities.

4. Color: Cultured pearls come in silver/white, rose, cream, and gold shades. When deciding upon color, keep in mind that as a very general rule, lighter pearls tend to flatter lighter skins, and darker pearls tend to flatter darker skins. At the same time, don’t let rules dictate your preferences.

5. Size: Cultured pearls are measured by their diameter. The diameter of cultured pearls ranges from 2 to 10 millimeters. Larger pearls are more valuable, and more expensive than smaller ones, all things being equal.

Cultured pearl jewelry is the ideal holiday gift. As long as you know where to look, what to look for, and keep your budget in mind, buying pearls as holiday gifts can be easy.

Provided by Premiumpearl.com

About Premiumpearl.com:
Premiumpearl.com is a leading online provider of quality cultured pearl jewelry. For more information and an introduction to cultured pearls, please visit us at http://www.premiumpearl.com

Monday, November 17, 2008

The Charming Black Pearls

Black pearls belong to the black group. Legends tracked black pearls of the South Pacific regions and to the wide stretch of Cook Islands, Tahiti, Tuamotu Archipelago and in French Polynesia, specifically the Gambier Islands. Cook Islands are the area producing almost 38% of the world’s supply of pearls at present.

The most common black pearl is the Tahitian black pearl which is acquired through grafting. Pictada Margaritifera is the term used to denote those skilled technicians who cultured black pearls in Tahiti.Tahitian pearls carry a metallic steel gray color; naturally these color is produced from the secretions from multi colored mother of pearl.

Black Pearls also called black lipped pearls have variety of colors such as black, dark grey and dark green. Quite famous and expensive are “peacock green” pearls. There are also black dyed pearls and these are synthetically made. These dyed pearls usually lose their color overtime.

Black pearls are naturally bigger than white pearls because the mollusks producing them are generally larger. The black pearls’ mollusks can grow as large as 12 inches and can weigh up to 10 lbs. White pearls are cultures for only a period of 5 to 6 months, thus the growth is inhibited.

There are two classifications of black pearls:

1. Natural Black pearls which is rare. These pearls are found only in one every ten thousand mollusks. Diving the mollusks are illegal because endangering these pieces of natural pearls are being avoided.

2. Cultured Black Pearls are grafted from 18 to 24 months and harvested when the mother of pearl have produced the necessary thickness needed for the pearl’s durability.

Black pearls are alluring and can be valued from A-D grade using the following criterion:

1. Color or Hue. The brilliance or luster a pearl carries is usually a striking characteristic and catches the eye. The lustrous effect is not only brought about by reflection but also refraction of light. The mirror like brilliance in black pearls is the highest quality it carries.

2. Shape. 1 to 2% of pearls in the South Seas have perfectly round shapes. Round pearls are the most precious pearls with regards to shape categories. Drop or the pear shaped pearls can also be expensive when transformed into a highly priced necklaces, earrings or pendants. Some oysters which are organically produced pearls used in buttons, necklaces and bracelets are rated for the uniqueness they have. Flat pearls are commonly used for earrings and means accessories such as rings, tie tacks or tuxedo sets.

3. Size. Black pearls’ diameter can be measured by its millimeter. Polynesian pearls measure 8 to 12 mm; some large pearls found there can measure 13 to 18 mm. The largest pearls are the ones found in South Seas. Size can be a category in rating pearls although it does not increase the value they possess.

4. Surface. Pearls’ surface is another factor in grading a black pearl. Jewelry appraiser examines a pearl on its outer layer. Those pearls with markings (2 to 3 pin pricks) can still belong to A rating as long as its surface is clean. Those perfect pearls with flawless surface are rarely found although available and thus highly priced. Any spots and marks in the nacre reduce the rating of pearls to B C or D.

When buying black pearls, a lifetime guarantee must always accompany any purchase.

Certain stores offer black pearls such as Black Pearl Aspen which is situated in Aspen Colorado, the Black Pearl Hanalei in the Kauai Island of South Sea and Black Pearl Poipu in Hawaii. They offer different kinds of black pearls accessories and jewelries. You can have a relaxation over their scenic views while purchasing for your pearls.

Online stores also offer black pearls examples are overstock.com, blunile.com, and anandiapearls.com. The prices range from $219.99, $350.00 to as high as $1,500 depending on the set and kind of jewelries you want to purchase.

Black pearls can really be a misnomer. It doesn’t particularly refer to black gems but ranges in light to dark silver. Black pearls whether natural or cultured are alluring and incomparable. Buying for these items can be quite costly so the categories regarded to them must be completely observed. Collecting them can be a passion and can really be quite an investment for future.

Black pearls belong to the black group. Legends tracked black pearls of the South Pacific regions and to the wide stretch of Cook Islands, Tahiti, Tuamotu Archipelago and in French Polynesia, specifically the Gambier Islands. Cook Islands are the area producing almost 38% of the world’s supply of pearls at present.

The most common black pearl is the Tahitian black pearl which is acquired through grafting. Pictada Margaritifera is the term used to denote those skilled technicians who cultured black pearls in Tahiti.Tahitian pearls carry a metallic steel gray color; naturally these color is produced from the secretions from multi colored mother of pearl.

Black Pearls also called black lipped pearls have variety of colors such as black, dark grey and dark green. Quite famous and expensive are “peacock green” pearls. There are also black dyed pearls and these are synthetically made. These dyed pearls usually lose their color overtime.

Black pearls are naturally bigger than white pearls because the mollusks producing them are generally larger. The black pearls’ mollusks can grow as large as 12 inches and can weigh up to 10 lbs. White pearls are cultures for only a period of 5 to 6 months, thus the growth is inhibited.

There are two classifications of black pearls:

1. Natural Black pearls which is rare. These pearls are found only in one every ten thousand mollusks. Diving the mollusks are illegal because endangering these pieces of natural pearls are being avoided.

2. Cultured Black Pearls are grafted from 18 to 24 months and harvested when the mother of pearl have produced the necessary thickness needed for the pearl’s durability.

Black pearls are alluring and can be valued from A-D grade using the following criterion:

1. Color or Hue. The brilliance or luster a pearl carries is usually a striking characteristic and catches the eye. The lustrous effect is not only brought about by reflection but also refraction of light. The mirror like brilliance in black pearls is the highest quality it carries.

2. Shape. 1 to 2% of pearls in the South Seas have perfectly round shapes. Round pearls are the most precious pearls with regards to shape categories. Drop or the pear shaped pearls can also be expensive when transformed into a highly priced necklaces, earrings or pendants. Some oysters which are organically produced pearls used in buttons, necklaces and bracelets are rated for the uniqueness they have. Flat pearls are commonly used for earrings and means accessories such as rings, tie tacks or tuxedo sets.

3. Size. Black pearls’ diameter can be measured by its millimeter. Polynesian pearls measure 8 to 12 mm; some large pearls found there can measure 13 to 18 mm. The largest pearls are the ones found in South Seas. Size can be a category in rating pearls although it does not increase the value they possess.

4. Surface. Pearls’ surface is another factor in grading a black pearl. Jewelry appraiser examines a pearl on its outer layer. Those pearls with markings (2 to 3 pin pricks) can still belong to A rating as long as its surface is clean. Those perfect pearls with flawless surface are rarely found although available and thus highly priced. Any spots and marks in the nacre reduce the rating of pearls to B C or D.

When buying black pearls, a lifetime guarantee must always accompany any purchase.

Certain stores offer black pearls such as Black Pearl Aspen which is situated in Aspen Colorado, the Black Pearl Hanalei in the Kauai Island of South Sea and Black Pearl Poipu in Hawaii. They offer different kinds of black pearls accessories and jewelries. You can have a relaxation over their scenic views while purchasing for your pearls.

Online stores also offer black pearls examples are overstock.com, blunile.com, and anandiapearls.com. The prices range from $219.99, $350.00 to as high as $1,500 depending on the set and kind of jewelries you want to purchase.

Black pearls can really be a misnomer. It doesn’t particularly refer to black gems but ranges in light to dark silver. Black pearls whether natural or cultured are alluring and incomparable. Buying for these items can be quite costly so the categories regarded to them must be completely observed. Collecting them can be a passion and can really be quite an investment for future.

Dr Nathalie Fiset is a family doctor and a certified hypnotherapist. For more information go to: http://www.unlimitedpearls.com http://www.aperfectharmony.com or http://www.a-1hypnosis.com