THE ART IS COMING...

Browse and buy fine art online at http://www.glamourjewellery.com/ Flower collection by Veronika Melnyk coming soon.

Veronika Melnyk is an artist and a jewellery designer based in Toronto, Canada.

Veronika graduated from the Art’s school in 1996.
Had exhibitions in Ukraine, Germany and Poland. Her artworks are held in private collections in the U.S.A., Canada, Ukraine, Greece and Israel. Also, one of her work was donated to the St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Institute.

Veronika works in different techniques (watercolor, oil, acrylic, egg tempera) and genres.

In her jewellery designs, Veronika uses sterling silver, gold, freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals, gem stones and semi precious stones.

JEWELLERY CLEANING & STORAGE

Protect all jewellery from sharp blows, harsh chemicals, sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Chlorine and related chemicals can severely discolor and damage jewellery as well as loosen stones and settings.

Put jewellery on after using cosmetics, hair spray or perfumes to avoid contact with substances and chemicals which may cause damage.

Carefully wipe jewellery with a soft chamois or flannel cloth after each wearing to remove oils and salts. This is especially important for pearls.

Store jewellery separately, so it will not scratch other jewellery. Freshwater pearls are best stored in a special chamois pouch because of their softness. Never store pearls in plastic bags!

Storing beaded necklaces flat is highly recommended to reduce stretching.

REAL PEARLS VS. FAKE PEARLS

How can you distinguish real pearls from the fake ones? To find out the difference, you can put the "pearl" in your mouth and slosh it softly across your teeth. Does it feel very smooth? If it does, it's fake. The real thing feels slightly gritty.

There are other ways to test the pearls and one of the most reliable is to x-ray them. Just take them into a certified Gemologist and heave them do the testing. What you are looking for is round sphere and pockets within the pearl. Also, there are a few tests, which can help you to figure out whether your pearls are real.

1. Rub the pearls lightly across upper front teeth. Real pearls: should feel gritty or sandy. Fake: will feel smooth.

2. Examine the surface of the pearls with a magnifying glass. Real: appears unusually fine-grained. Fake: may appear grainy.

3. Drill a hole in the Pearls: The examine the hole with a magnifying glass. Real: The edges of the hole in real pearls are smooth and sharp. Fake: The holes in fake pearls may appear bumpy or ragged.

4. Weight: Bounce the pearls in your hand. Real: feels heavy to hold. Fake: should feels unusually light, unless they are solid glass beads.

5. Flaws: Examine the pearls for flaws and blemishes. Real: will have at least minimal flaws. Fake: If they appear absolutely flawless they are most likely fake pearls.

IN BLOOM

Pictures taken from magazines and color swatches will help your florist create a bouquet that will suit you perfectly.

Your bridal bouquet is a burst of color that will catch everyone’s eye as you walk down the aisle. A skilled florist will use the colors of your wedding, as well as the colors of nature, to create an arrangement that is a beautiful compliment to your bridal gown.

Start shopping early for your florist. Choose the one who understands your vision the best. Take a photograph of your wedding gown and a swatch if you have one. These will help your florist recommend flowers and linen colors.

Ask your florist to adorn your bouquet with details that will reflect your wedding style. Fresh flowers will bring a touch of the season to your bridal bouquet.

WEDDING FASHION 1.0

Searching for the perfect wedding gown should be a fun process, and trying on all the beautiful dresses and wonderful styles will make you feel like a princess. The stunning dresses on the following page can help you select one that is perfect for you.

Look through this and another bridal magazines to determine what styles you like, but go shopping with an open mind. Very often, gown consultants can direct you to a style you did not consider, but will be perfect for you.

Begin shopping early. Some designers can take six to eight months to deliver a gown. Make an appointment with the salon; you want to have the gown consultant’s undivided attention.

When budgeting for your gown, remember to include alterations. You also need to include undergarments, hose, shoes and jewellery.

Once you have selected your gown, you need to select your bridesmaids’ dresses on your own at first, so you can choose the style you like the most. Keep in mind all the girls’ body shapes and size while making your selection.