Although many people now use their phone or computer to check the time, a classic wristwatch is still a practical and stylish addition to any business professional’s wardrobe. Whether you’re male or female, there’s no better fashion accessory than an elegant watch. It suggests professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail.

But how do you go about choosing the perfect watch for you? Let’s take a look at some of the considerations.

Styling

For business, you need a timepiece that’s stylish, functional and discreet. Save glitzy numbers or feature-packed creations for your leisure time. It’s best to choose a watch that blends well with your style of dress, and which appears expensive without being ostentatious. Thin watches are more practical, especially if you’re wearing a long sleeved shirt, as some of the more popular large watches can just get in the way.

While most men love the idea of a chronograph, these are probably best kept for more informal wear as, in reality, you’re unlikely to use the extra features these offer during the course of a normal business day.

Of course, if you’re a professional in the sailing fraternity or a professional athlete you may choose to wear something a little more in keeping with your line of work, with diving watches and sports watches a more acceptable option. In this case something like the Pulsar Mens Watch PU2069, with its rugged good looks and practical features, may be an appropriate choice as it’s sporty without looking as though it belongs in the gym.

If you’re just starting out in business and you’d like an inexpensive but good looking watch, the classic Pulsar Mens Watch PS9015X has a silver colour stainless steel bracelet, together with a white dial and date feature, while women may prefer something a little more ladylike such as the Pulsar Ladies Dress Watch PXT884X with its two-tone silver/gold stainless steel bracelet.

Practicality

While modern life means constant awareness of time via our phone or computer screen, it’s important that if you choose to wear a watch it’s going to be both practical and reliable. Some watches, such as perpetual motion watches, stay wound due to your body’s motion, meaning that it will only keep time if you wear it on a daily basis. So your choice of watch should keep issues such as this in mind.

Metal or leather?

Stainless steel is probably the most popular choice for business watches, although leather straps do offer a timeless and classic option for both men and women. However, just because watches may be made of stainless steel, it doesn’t mean that you are limited to a silver coloured watch. Many stainless steel bracelets come in gold or rose gold colour options too, or even a combination of all colours.

Women in business may prefer the subtlety of a one colour watch such as the Pulsar Ladies Dress Watch PJ5404X, with its gold coloured stainless steel bracelet contrasted with a white dial and gold Roman numerals. For men, the discreet but stylish Pulsar Mens Watch PS9020X with its gold coloured stainless steel bracelet and luminescent hands would be a perfect choice for the businessman who often works late into the night.

Pricing

It’s no longer necessary to spend a fortune when buying a watch. There are many elegant and sophisticated watches which don’t come with an enormous price tag, but which give the appearance of being more expensive than they actually are. Unless you’ve always hankered after one of the iconic watch brands, it’s best to stick to something that looks good, works well, and won’t blow your budget.

However, some professions do still feel the need to show their success in a visible way, and what better way than with a watch? If you’re a highly paid business professional this can be tangible evidence of your standing.

Choosing a watch that’s suitable for you

Here at Star Jewels we stock an excellent selection of watches which are suitable for both businessmen and businesswomen, and which range from the inexpensive to investment pieces. Some of our most popular watches are from PULSAR which, since its re-launch by the Japanese Seiko Watch Corporation, has offered a range of innovative designs with universal appeal.

The company really understands that every person is an individual, and that they seek to express their individuality in many different ways. Whether this is through a discreet, understated watch or a more flamboyant piece, the company are able to meet their customers’ requirements with timepieces that fit perfectly into their lifestyle.

We’re sure that, whether you’re a high flying business professional or you’re just starting out in your career, you’ll be able to find the perfect business watch for you amongst the PULSAR range. Plus, for your peace of mind, all our PULSAR watches come with a 3 year manufacturer’s warranty, so you can be sure that you’ll never lose time worrying over an unreliable watch.

Pulsar Watches for Business Professionals is a post from: Star Jewels Articles

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When deciding on what watch to buy, there are a few things to take into account. Firstly, how does it look and how functional is it. Does it meet all the requirements that you’re going to need it for? The next consideration is how strong and sturdy the timepiece and bracelet or strap is. Will it last a long time? Or will you be back looking for a better watch in a couple of months? Finally, the last question to ask yourself is, will this survive my lifestyle?
As Australians, we live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, but it’s not without its fair share of extremes. With record breaking heat in the summer and freezing cold storms in the winter, we really get a taste of it all, so it’s only fitting that our watches should be able to stand up to it. Finding a watch that actually does all of these things can be a big ask, but it doesn’t have to be anymore.

Surviving the Australian Culture

We are a country of adventurers, inventors, and entrepreneurs. We like to try things that haven’t been done, and live a life of excitement and happiness. We push ourselves to the limits in everything we do, yet we are also a nation who knows how to relax and have a good time. ‘Work hard, play hard’ has never been so relevant to a country before.
We have one of the biggest coastlines in the world, with 85% of all Australians living within 50km of the coast. Now combine that with the 10,000 beaches across the country, and it’s pretty easy to figure out why we enjoy our laid back beach going lifestyle.
Then combine the coast with the jungle in the north, the mountain ranges of the east, and vast deserts of central and western Australia, and it’s pretty clear that we need more than just a typical watch to survive all of that.

What’s required of an Australian-proof watch?

So with the environment and adventurous lifestyle taken into account, what should we be looking for in a watch suited for this great country?

• Strength – Watches need to be able to last in the environment that the wearer is in. You wouldn’t take a non-waterproof watch swimming would you? So why take a standard watch which isn’t designed for a tough environment.
• Stylish – If you’re going to be wearing the wristwatch day in, day out, you have to like the way that it looks. If you don’t like the look of it then odds are it will sit in its box collecting dust on a shelf.
• Water Resistant – Regardless of whether you live near the ocean or not, choosing a water resistant watch can really make a difference in terms of how long it lasts. Water resistant watches use seals to protect the inner workings from water and corrosion, but what many people don’t realise is that they are also brilliant at keeping dirt, moisture, and sand out as well.

Maxum watches

Taking this all into account, the team at Maxum has created the ultimate range of watches designed by, and for, Australians. Built with stainless steel and precision, these watches are unparalleled in their strength and sturdiness, allowing you to really put it through its paces.

Ranging from functional digital watches to the superior wave rider range, Maxum has a watch for everyone. The entire range was designed with the Australian lifestyle in mind, with each wrist watch coming with a 5 year warranty as well as enjoying 100 metres water resistance, with the waverider range offering 200 metres of water resistance.
It’s clear that the team at Maxum really did keep Australia and Australians in mind when designing these watches, as they are built to last. Check out our selection of Maxum watches online today and find the perfect time-keeper for your lifestyle.

Watches for the Australian Lifestyle – Maxum is a post from: Star Jewels Articles

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Man repairing watch

Maintaining and looking after your watch may seem like a big task, especially if you’re already rushed off your feet as it is. After all, who has time in their busy lives to sit down and give their watch the time and attention it needs to last?

Luckily for those busy people, there are a few simple rules that you can follow to really get the most out of your watch, without giving it more than a second thought. By adhering to these simple tips, your watch can be kept in working order for longer.

• Avoid regular exposure to chemicals and saltwater

This tip may seem like simple common sense, but the amount of people who continue to wear their watch when handling chemicals at work or heading to the beach might surprise you. Salt water corrodes metal very quickly, and even though your watch may say it’s water resistant, it’s not completely immune to the damaging effect of seawater.

The same goes for chemicals, and not just the kind you might find at a factory or workplace. Cleaning products from around the house or from make up are also to blame for many watches heading to the dump prematurely. This also goes for perfumes and colognes, so make sure you take off your watch before applying.

• Extreme temperatures kill battery life

The battery life of a watch lasts longest when operating at below or just at room temperature. Of course there will always be fluctuations, but if you’re experiencing extreme temperatures then it’s best to leave your watch somewhere neutral.

For example, if you’re overseas and enjoying a winter with snow, taking it out to clear the driveway is not a good idea. Likewise, leaving it out in the sun during 40+ temperatures is also a bad idea, as these temperatures degrade the battery and ultimately leaves you paying more for battery replacements.

• Store your watch when you’re not wearing it

If you’ve taken your watch off because you’re about to go to bed or go swimming, keep the original box around so you can store and protect it. This not only protects it from bumps and scratches, but also helps build the habit of taking it off when it’s not suitable to wear a watch.

Storing it in it’s original box also helps preserve the life of the straps and bracelet, one of the first things to degrade after wearing a watch for a long time. This is particularly applicable to fabric and leather watch straps.

• Get your watch serviced when getting your battery changed

Most watches run on batteries these days, and when they run out it’s usually simple to get them replaced. This is a brilliant time to get your watch checked up by an expert or an agent with your brand, as they can make sure there is no damage to the inner workings that need to be replaced along with servicing any necessary parts.

If you have a waterproof watch, this is also the best time to have an expert test that all of the seals are still working. By getting your watched checked when you replace your battery, you could possibly prevent more expensive repair costs down the road.

• Dry your watch whenever it gets wet

Even if your watch says it’s waterproof for 50 metres, there’s no point in taking the risk for the sake of two seconds to dry your watch. Water droplet stains can lead to rust, especially if it’s salt water. If you live somewhere with chlorinated water, you’ll want to avoid that as well.

So whether washing your hands or diving in a lake, when you’re drying yourself you should also thoroughly dry your watch too. This includes the strap.

• Don’t keep your watch underwater for long periods of time

If you don’t have a waterproof watch then this should go without saying, but if you do then this may come as a surprise. As the watch ages, the seals weaken and become easier to penetrate and break, leaving the inside of your watch exposed to water.

Even if your watch says that it can be submerged in up to 50 metres worth of water, avoid the risk altogether and leave it at the surface. If you need a watch or timer underwater, invest in a specially designed diving watch that is made to last in those conditions.

By following these six simple rules, you’ll be able to extend the lifespan of your watch by years, saving you time, money, and hassle.

How to Take Care of Your Watch in 6 Easy Steps is a post from: Star Jewels Articles

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Have a birthday coming up for a loved one? Whether it’s your child, husband, wife, or significant other, we’ve got your gift covered. Read on to find out how you can find a personal and meaningful gift for the one you love, all based on which month they were born.

January

January’s birthstone is garnet. The garnet stone is a brilliant red, and it represents power, leadership, strength, and love. Red is a power colour, and it has a long-standing history of vanquished enemies, conquered lovers, and powerful dynasties.

The Romans would cloak their victorious soldiers in cloaks of red. The French used the colour to define their freedom. The Chinese used it to represent their passion. Red is the most powerful colour statement, and the garnet is the pinnacle of imagery for power, passion, and class.

Garnet works well in both gold and silver/white gold settings, and its complementary colour is white.

February

Amethyst is the gem for February. It is a stone of violet or purple quartz. Purple was the original colour of royalty; only the richest of the rich could afford its dye.

Many consider it the ultimate in romance, as purple conveys not only the passion of red but also the happy giddiness of yellow and the emotional depth of blue. It is the ultimate combination of the highlights of love.

Amethyst is suited to both silver/white gold, rose gold and yellow gold settings, and its complementary colours are green and gold.

March

The birthstone for March is aquamarine, and it is the freshest of the gemstone colours. It conveys a cool and crisp imagery in the mind, and this is reflected in the minds of those who are born to this mineral.

It is a calm, refreshing, and peaceful jewel. Those that belong to it (for it belongs to no one) are able to flow freely through life like water.

Aquamarine is more suited to a silver or white gold setting, and its complementary colours are pink and white.

April

April is the most refined and simple of gems – the diamond. It is glamorous and represents a purity not found in any other stone. Its lack of colour tint only adds to its elegance and grace.

Diamonds represent peace and balance, as well as luck and success. Though it may be less colourful than the other jewels; its flashy appearance makes up for its lack of colour.

White diamonds suit gold, silver, and rose gold settings, and they go well with all other colours.

May

If Ireland were a month, it would be May, for the emerald is this month’s gem. Growth, harmony, and balance are the emerald’s symbolic themes.

The emerald is the colour of fresh grass, sparkling fresh buds, and new beginnings. It is said that those born in the month of May are nature lovers, and have closer ties to the Earth than the rest of us.

Emeralds are complemented by silver/white gold, rose gold and yellow gold settings, and its complementary colours are white and yellow.

June

There are two birthstones associated with June, and these are pearls and alexandrite. Although this gemstone can come in many shades, the colour used to represent June is a yellow-green shade that is similar to sunlight filtering through leaves. Those with alexandrite and pearls as there stone are serene, patient, and tend to be cheerful in the face of frustration.

Alexandrite is best worn in a silver/white gold setting, and its complementary colours are blue, green and purple.

July

The ruby, much like the garnet, conveys a hot-blooded stream of emotions, including passion, desire, love, and romanticism. Those born under the July gem also receive the benefits of power, natural leadership, wisdom, and acclaimed achievement in whatever they focus their energy on.

Rubies work well in both silver/white gold and yellow gold settings, and its complementary colour is white.

August

A much less well-known gem, it’s rare that those born outside of August have heard of the peridot. Which is a shame, because it is one of the most unique and beautiful of the birthstone gems. This stone gifts the power to influence others, and those who possess it are granted mystery, beauty, justice, and power.

The peridot works well in yellow gold and silver/white gold settings, and its complementary colours are light blue, yellow and purple.

September

The sapphire is a well-known jewel, and those who are born to this jewel are blessed with the ability to radiate strong waves of peace and harmony. Blue is the colour of emotion, and those under the sapphire are able to most strongly project onto others their love, harmony, peace, and confidence.

The sapphire works well in all settings, but is particularly striking in silver/white gold. Its complementary colours are white and pink.

October

The pretty in pink tourmaline belongs to those who are born in October. Pink tourmaline is known for its healing qualities, and is also considered to be a lucky charm. Those related to pink tourmaline are said to be energy conduits, and are easily able to transfer their emotions on to others.

Tourmaline is a favoured gemstone by many as it comes in such a varied range of colours, meaning that few gems look the same.

Pink tourmaline looks best in a silver/white gold setting, and its complementary colours are blue and white.

November

Topaz is not a gem you see often, which makes it all the more special. Topaz is the birthstone of friendship, and is the colour of sun-kissed loyalty and faithfulness. It is a stone of strength and durability. It represents strength and a healthy balance of emotions. The most stable of the gems, the topaz is an excellent example of your best friend – loyal and sincere.

Topaz works better in silver/white gold settings, and its complementary colours are brown and green.

December

The cold blue of the December turquoise is said to bring good luck. The history of turquoise is laden with wealth, success, and prosperity. Not only is it a symbol of strength, this stone is also said to help ward off illness and negativity.

Turquoise is most suited to silver/white gold settings, and its complementary colours are white and pink.

Do these stones match the temperament of your loved one’s birth month? And even if they don’t, it’s still a great gift idea!

A Guide for Choosing the Right Gemstone by Birth Month is a post from: Star Jewels Articles

The post A Guide for Choosing the Right Gemstone by Birth Month appeared first on Star Jewels Articles.

The Trollbead World Tour is a unique collection of beads designed to showcase the culture and history of thirteen featured countries. For the past year and a half, the beads have only been available in the country that they were designed to represent. However, for the first time ever, the Trollbead World Tour is making these one-of-a-kind collectible beads available worldwide for a limited time – until July 31, 2015.

There is an incredible amount of Trollbeads to choose from, ranging in styles and cultural significance. Here are the beads available for each country featured in the World Tour collection.

Australia

• Great Barrier Reef – This bead shows colours representative of coral, as the largest and most famous barrier reef in the world borders north-eastern Australia
• Sydney Harbour – The Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are the two most iconic urban representations of modern Australia
• Aboriginal rock art – If you’ve seen it, you know that it’s unmistakably unique and represents Australia’s heritage
• Kangaroo and joey – Australia has myriad animals that are unique to our shores, but the kangaroo is by far the most recognised.

Austria

• Apricot blossom – These flowers bloom in early spring and make for quite the spectacle, lining the Danube with brilliant colours
• Amadeus – One of the most famous musicians in the world hailed from Salzburg, do it’s only fitting to have a piano inspired bead commemorating the work and life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• Viennese Waltz – This piece features a couple dancing to celebrate the original waltz, that traces its origins to Vienna
• Wiener Mélange – What better than a coffee cup to celebrate Vienna’s signature coffee style, the wiener mélange!

Baltic States

• Mushroom family – These function as a reminder of the importance of family and having someone to support us throughout life.

Denmark

• Viking ship – This icon celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Danes
• Designer chair – Denmark’s reputation and appreciation of design has made it a world leader in this realm
• Anemone – A bright flower that covers Danish forest floors and is reminiscent of springtime bike rides for locals
• Amber – A light, soft material made of fossilised pine tree resin

Germany

• Garden gnome – Germany boasts over 25 million of these decorative pieces, so it’s only fitting to have a bead celebrating these strange little creatures
• Brandenburg Gate – A symbol of the united and peaceful modern German state, the Brandenburg Gate was built in 1791 and is in the centre of Berlin
• Beetle – How better to commemorate “the people’s car” than with this tribute to one of Germany’s most iconic automobile manufacturers, Volkswagen
• Frog Prince – Many of our folklore and fairy tales come from Germanic traditions, including the notion that kissing a frog may turn him into a prince.

Hong Kong

• Skyline – The view of Victoria Harbour is perhaps the most representative icon of Hong Kong
• Dragon and phoenix – According to Chinese tradition, the icons of the dragon and phoenix represent the balance of power between husband and wife
• Chinese auspicious – This bead is engraved with four character used to wish people a happy Chinese New Year full of blessing and luck
• Mahjong fortune – As the most popular game in China, Mahjong represents gathering and community of family and wealth.

Italy

• Pasta – After all, what is Italy without its rich culinary culture?
• Romulus and Remus – They are the mythological twin brothers credited with founding Italy’s greatest city, Rome
• Love locks – Inspired by Rome’s famous Milvio Bridge where lovers attach their locks and throw the only key into the river, representing the undying nature of their love
• Caprese – The signature Italian salad from the island of Capri also bears the colours of the nation’s flag, representing freedom, unity, and pride.

Japan

• Blooming Sakura – In Japan, the cherry blossom represents national values, including hope, courage, and vitality
• Rising sun – Dubbed the ‘land of the rising sun’ in ancient times, the Japanese take great pride in the sun rising over their country
• Noh mask – The Japanese musical drama, Noh, with its origins in the 14th century, is characterised by the iconic masks used in the performance
• Sacred house – The wooden cottage style of architecture is distinctly representative of Japan and the zen principles used to arrange space.

Netherlands

• Orange – The one colour that clearly represents Holland is orange, tracing its origins to the nation’s founder, William of Orange
• Clogs – While modern Dutch people no longer wear klompen, they are still iconic decorations and represent the agricultural past of the country
• Van Gogh – Holland’s most famous artist is commemorated with a sunflower inspired piece referencing one of his most famous still life works
• Windmill – Mills have played a huge part in Dutch history, and continue to be an important icon of the modern landscape and industry.

South Africa

• Africa – This bead features colours representative of the ties of heart, soul, and spirit to the African locale
• Drum beat – In ancient times, drums were used for both communication and ritual, and today they still represent the past
• Seed bead – Stemming from a generic term for any small bead, ‘seed beads’ have been used culturally for weaving and jewellery making
• African pride – The male lion is iconic of Africa, home to the ‘king of beasts’.

Switzerland

• Mountain crystal – Mountain crystals are known for their healing powers, and represent the eternity of the Swiss glaciers
• St. Bernard – These dogs have gained a reputation for their noses and sense of direction, so they are used to rescue many stranded skiers every year
• Edelweiss – This ‘noble and white’ flower is the ideal love charm of the Alps
• Pocket watch – The Swiss have gained a reputation for their exquisite craftsmanship of watches, so what better way to commemorate this than an 18 karat gold watch inspired piece?

UK

• Colours – The Union Jack flag features the famous red, white, and blue colours that symbolise diversity and unity
• Celtic kilts – Kilts have been donned in Scotland and Ireland for generations, and uniquely capture these cultures
• Love spoons – Welsh men carved these spoons on long winter evenings to symbolise health and happiness
• English tea party – If any nation is synonymous with afternoon tea parties, it’s England.

USA

• Star Spangled Banner – A tribute to the American flag and Francis Scott Key’s song that went on to become the national anthem is unmistakingly representative of the USA
• White House – The US president is one of the most recognised political figures worldwide, and the house that each president resides in during his term is equally as famous
• The Old West – The Wild West became synonymous with the American spirit of untamed freedom and exploration, and is still reminiscent of the country’s romantic, rugged past
• Pursuit of happiness – This embodies the American Dream, including the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Celebrate the diversity of the world and your own country’s uniqueness, and pick up some of these one-of-a-kind Trollbeads that will be available for worldwide shipping through till 31 July, 2015!

Celebrate Diversity with the Trollbead World Tour is a post from: Star Jewels Articles

The post Celebrate Diversity with the Trollbead World Tour appeared first on Star Jewels Articles.

In 1983, Casio released its first G-Shock model watch. Since then, over 30 different models have been released, revolutionising the Casio brand forever. Many people may not even realise that the watch they know and associate with Casio is the G-Shock model. The quintessential rubber strap, digital face, two little timer buttons on each side, the clock, the alarm … these are all in fact components that make up the G-Shock watch.

What are the origins of the G-Shock watch?

Casio set out to develop a brand of watch that could withstand the ‘triple ten’. That is, a watch with a 10 year battery life and a 10-bar level of water resistance that could also survive a drop from 10 metres high. With these three goals in mind, the Casio team developed the G-Shock design with its shock resistant structure.

The first G-Shock model was the G-Shock DW5000C. Since its inception, there have been over 30 variations of the original model on the market. For the avid skiers, some models were designed to be low-temperature proof; for the active, mud proof watches were more resistant; for divers, watches were designed with built in pressure sensors.

The evolution of the G-Shock watch

The evolution of the G-Shock watch only increased its popularity exponentially. The watch is now almost a brand in itself, and is classed in its own category. In 2010, the total number of G-Shock watches shipped worldwide exceeded 50 million.

In 2014, Casio released the Gulfmaster GWN-1000B and the Sky Cockpit GPW-1000. The latter model contains a GPS Hybrid Wave Ceptor, allowing it to receive GPS satellite and terrestrial time-calibration signals. What does this mean in the practical world? This G-Shock model will use GPS to analyse your location, and incorporate the time calibration signal in order to always provide you with the correct time, anywhere in the world.

The G-Shock evolution has also seen the advent and celebration of one of the first solar charging watch systems combined with a rechargeable battery. The system converts not only sunlight into power, but also light from fluorescent lamps and other sources.

What do the codes mean?

There is a system to the numbering of the G-Shock models which, if known, can help you decipher more from your model than just its name.

For example, the Gulfmaster model has the number GWN-1000B. The first letters, or ‘model prefix’ code, tell you about the model’s selling technology. GW here stands for G-Shock Wave Ceptor. DW means the watch is ‘digital, water resistant’. The numbers represent the model number. The letters following the number are the ‘model suffix’. B, for example, signifies that the watch is in the second wave of a non-limited edition design. A lowercase ‘b’ signifies a watch with ‘black or negative display’. The first ever Casio G-Shock model then, the DW-5000C, was digital water resistant, model 5000, and the C stood for a screwback design.

Whether the G-Shock watch is intended for everyday use, for use during extreme sports, or just for showing off, the Casio team has dedicated itself to finding new and inventive ways to develop the watch that has more resistance than you. The G-Shock technology has shaped the fashion for men’s watches, and it’s now known as the classic digital wristwatch.

And what’s in the future for G-Shock? Only Casio may know. However, it does seem that technology is not that far away from combining the G-Shock watch with the functions of a smartphone. Only time will tell how this is to be implemented in the G-Shock watch.

A Complete Guide to G-Shock Watches is a post from: Star Jewels Articles

The post A Complete Guide to G-Shock Watches appeared first on Star Jewels Articles.

As Christmas comes around, you’re more than likely contemplating what gift to buy for that special someone. You probably want to find them something special that they wouldn’t really buy themselves, an item that is useful and will be used. Most importantly, you’re likely hoping to find a gift that will make that special someone feel special.  A watch can be just what you’re after to meet these requirements for a man.

There are so many different watch styles available these days that you might be wondering which is the right type for your partner. Here are some hints and tips to help you choose the right watch for that special man in your life.

What purpose?

The style of a watch is largely defined by its purpose. Do you want to buy a watch for everyday use, for work, for play, or for formal occasions?

Buying a high-tech, multi-functional sports watch for your partner to wear to work everyday simply does not fit. A compass, rubber strap, and night vision are not entirely useful features of a watch that will only be worn in an office. The watch will seem out of place, and over time your partner will find it bulky, impractical, and inconsistent with his work style. That’s not to say that you can’t find an everyday watch that still looks ‘sporty’ in style, if that’s the look your partner is after.

However, if your partner has an active, out-of-office lifestyle, then purchasing a dressy, formal watch will again not be a good fit. If the style of a watch doesn’t fit its purpose, then it’s likely you’ll see the watch in your partner’s top bedside drawer and not on his wrist.

The strap of the watch can be a useful indicator as to its purpose

A rubber strap is typically reserved for sports watches or ‘fun’, playful watches. A stainless steel strap is useful for a watch that will be worn to work or formal occasions, while a leather strap indicates a watch that is practical for everyday use. When buying a watch for everyday use, make sure the strap is not too thin as it may wear over time and fray quicker than a watch with a thicker strap.

The face and function of the watch

Once you have considered the purpose for which your partner may need a watch, you can decide on the watch’s face and functions. A useful rule to bear in mind when shopping for your partner’s watch is that the more simple or minimal the face of a watch is, the more stylish it is considered.

Another useful tip is to be aware of the size of your partner’s wrist. It can look out of place if your partner has a very large wrist and is wearing a watch with a small face. If your partner has a thin wrist, then buying a watch with an extra large face will seem bulky. However, watches with slightly-larger-than-normal faces can work on men with small, regular, or large wrists.

Be careful of colours

Be wary of buying neon or brightly coloured watches. While these watches can at times make a great statement and your partner may really enjoy the style, this type of watch will have a shelf-life in terms of fashion. A brightly coloured watch will not be as timeless as a more neutral-coloured watch.

That’s not to discourage you from buying fun and exciting watch styles. It’s simply a good idea to be aware that trends do pass, and when that happens your watch may be put away for some time until the ‘retro’ style returns.

When considering the purpose and style of a watch, it’s important to always think about the personality of your partner. Embrace the parts of his personality that you love, and you will be able to find a watch to match it.

Finding the Perfect Watch for Your Special Man is a post from: Star Jewels Articles

The post Finding the Perfect Watch for Your Special Man appeared first on Star Jewels Articles.

If you’ve ever bought a watch and found when you got home that it’s too big, this guide is for you. Resizing your watch by removing some of the links is a task that you can do yourself without too much trouble. It’s just knowing what to do!

Tools of the trade

You’ll need a few watch repair tools to help you remove links from your watch. Here’s a few of the basic items that you may need:

• pin removal tool like a small nail
• flathead screw driver
• tweezers or pliers
• cushioned yet stable surface like a mousepad on a table

Most watches with a metal band are set up to connect fairly similarly. Often you’ll be able to see small nail shaped pins that sit in the join between two links. There will also be a clasp that opens and closes so you can get your watch on and off.

On the above image, you’ll see a small arrow. This arrow indicates to you what direction the pins in your watch should be removed. Never push your pins out in the opposite direction to this, as it may cause damage to your watch.

Setting up to resize your watch

Layout your watch on your clear surface. Using a mousepad to work on is one way to keep your watch protected so you don’t accidentally scratch the watch face. The first thing you’ll want to do is detach the spring bar from the clasp so as to make it easier for you to remove links. The way to do this is to compress the spring bar, and then slowly lever it out from the clasp. Be careful as you do this so that the spring bar doesn’t fly away.

Removing a link

Before you can take a link out, you’ll need to push the pins that connect one link to another out. Use your small nail or pin removal tool to push your first pin out. Line it up so that it will push the pin out in the same direction the arrow is pointing. The flat head screwdriver can be used to lightly tap the nail and help the pin on its way. Once starting to slide out, use the tweezers to completely remove the pin.

Some watches will also have ferrules, which are like a locking tube, that helped hold the pin in place with each link. The ferrule will come out once the pin is removed. Make sure you hold on to all these pieces for when you reconnect your watch band.

Once the pins are gone you can take the link off. When resizing, alternate between taking links from either side to keep the bracelet even. It’s best to only remove the same number of links from either side, however if taking off an uneven number gives you the best fit take an extra link from the 6 o’clock side of the watch bracelet. This will help your watch sit best on your wrist for reading the time.

Putting it all back together

Once you’ve got your bracelet to the desired length, it’s time to put the bracelet back together. Connect any links by reinserting your pins and ferrules. If your bracelet had ferrules, place one in the middle of the link. You can then slide the pin into place – only this time moving it in the opposite direction to the arrow. There should be a click once it is in correctly. Finally, re-attach the spring bar by sliding it into place, doing the reverse of what you did when disconnecting it. Check that it is secure.

How to Resize Your Watch at Home is a post from: Star Jewels Articles

The post How to Resize Your Watch at Home appeared first on Star Jewels Articles.

Getting ready for a job interview is nerve wracking enough, even without having to worry about what you are going to wear and how you are going to accessorise. First impressions do count, and when it comes to landing that dream job what you wear can convey more about you than you realise.

We’ve put together some tips for accessorising your outfit to succeed. When it comes to making the right jewellery choices, for both men and women, there are some basic guidelines to keep in mind.

1. Dress for the interview

When you are going for a job interview, the appropriate attire will partly depend on the job you’re applying for, but it always is best to err on the side of caution. In other words, don’t go crazy with your outfit choices. Don’t have any undergarments showing, and a suit and tie is generally the best option for men. The same goes for the jewellery you choose to wear. If you are unsure of something, don’t wear it. Select simple, elegant pieces that compliment your outfit.

2. Make a statement … just not with your jewellery

You want the attention to be on you and how employable you are – not on what you’re wearing. During the interview you want the interviewer to be looking at you and listening to everything you’re saying, not admiring those chandelier earrings. Statement jewellery can be distracting, so avoid bright chunky necklaces or your fluoro coloured sports watch.

3. Less is always more

When choosing the right jewellery to wear to your interview, you want to select only a few pieces that will compliment your outfit. For example, select one pair of earrings and one necklace. Don’t overdo your look with multiple bangles, rings, and a watch. On top of looking too busy, wearing loads of bangles that hit one another can interrupt the flow of conversation.

Choose to wear two to three items of jewellery and that’s it. When it comes to rings, don’t wear more than one ring on each hand (with the exception of wedding and engagement rings that stack on top of one another).

4. Stick to the basics

Classic jewellery items are the ideal choice for job interviews. Gold, silver and pearls compliment most outfits, and tend to add just the right amount of sparkle without looking gaudy. As a general rule, wear items that are petite and conservative. For pendants, select something that is no bigger than one inch in diameter.

5. Minimise

Even if you do have piercings that go right up to the top of your ear, it’s best to only wear one pair of earrings to your interview. Once again, you want the person interviewing you to be focusing completely on you and what you have to offer, and not on how many piercings you have.

6. Keep motifs to a minimum

If there’s a choice between a small heart-shaped pendant and a Disney character, go with the first option. Again, this is about what qualifications and experience you bring to the role, not who your favourite cartoon character is. Similarly, it’s no time to be making a political statement, so refrain from wearing anything that someone may find offensive.

7. The lowdown on watches

Watches are a good item to wear to an interview. They show others that you are serious about being punctual, and can add panache to a professional outfit. Just make sure that the watch you wear is not too chunky or bulky. Go for a metallic, simple looking time piece for wearing to interviews.

8. Coordinate your jewellery items

Don’t mix and match silver, gold, and gemstone jewellery together. Part of the idea of keeping it simple is to coordinate your jewellery. If you have a petite necklace with a matching pair of earrings, that’s perfect to wear to your interview.

9. Specifically for the guys

Guys can certainly wear jewellery items to interviews too, but like women they need to be careful with their choices. Keeping things classic is always the best option. For tie clips and cufflinks, go with a simple design. You shouldn’t wear anything that has a meaning or message, just something classic, timeless, and professional.

First impressions count, and when you’re going for a job interview you want your first impression to speak volumes of your professionalism. By following the simple rules above, you’ll be able to accessorise stress-free for your job interview outfit, giving you that extra boost to land that dream job!

A Guide to Wearing Jewellery for Your Dream Job Interview is a post from: Star Jewels Articles

The post A Guide to Wearing Jewellery for Your Dream Job Interview appeared first on Star Jewels Articles.

Just got engaged? Your wedding day is going to be one of the most exciting days of your life. Right now, you’re probably still on cloud nine, thinking about your fiancé, your wedding dress and honeymoon!

For many brides it can be an overwhelming time, and once the planning begins it can be a little stressful, to say the least. The key is to know what you want, and plan your day around what the two of you want to get out of your special day. You’re only doing this once, so do it the way you want to.

Not sure where to start? Here are some helpful tips on what to do next now he’s put a ring on it.

Sharing the good news

The first to know should always be your parents. If you’re more on the traditional side, your now fiancé will have asked your parents before proposing, but today this certainly isn’t essential. If your parents and your fiancé’s parents haven’t met one another yet, now is the time. Leave wedding planning out of it for now, and let both parents enjoy the good news by celebrating your engagement together.

If either of you have children, they should be the second to know, apart from your parents. Then it’s up to you who you tell next. Usually it will be the rest of your immediate family and your close friends.

In terms of making an announcement, many people still like to use the newspaper to announce their engagement. Once you’ve told all of your nearest and dearest in person or over the phone, it’s okay to let acquaintances and old work colleagues know with your Facebook update or relationship status.

Choosing a date

Choosing the date of your wedding day is something you need to discuss with your fiancé. You firstly need to think about what season you want to get married in. Spring through to early summer tends to be the most popular time, and so you’ll need to be booking a venue, caterer, etc well in advance if you want to get married at this time of year.

Consider what you envisage for your special day. What flowers do you imagine? Are you getting married outside in a lush garden or on a beach? This will all have an impact on the wedding date you choose.

Give yourself plenty of planning time. Don’t rush ahead for a wedding just a few months down the track as planning a wedding can become stressful if you’re pressed for time.

Once you’ve chosen a date, let people know about it with a ‘save the date’ announcement in the mail.

Creating your budget

Before creating your budget, take the time to start researching how much things are going to cost. Look at different photographers/videographers and venues for your ceremony and reception. Without having a realistic idea of costs, it’s difficult to outline a reasonable budget.

Talk to your parents and soon to be in-laws about any contributions they may want to make. Some parents may want to pay for the bar tab, the honeymoon or flowers.

Create a priority list. This means listing everything you’ll need for your wedding day in order of how important it is to you. For example, it might be really important for you to get married in a dress by a particular designer, but you aren’t too fussed about what type of flowers or cake you have, so these are two areas which you can spend less on to make sure you can afford that stunning gown.

You should be creating this list with your fiancé. Make sure they get the opportunity to put a few things on the list that are important to them. For example, men like to make sure they get to choose the cars for the wedding.

Creating a plan

Create a timeline for tasks that need to be completed leading up to your wedding day.

Some things you’ll need to get a start on right away once you’ve locked in the date. Choosing and booking your venue will be one of the very first jobs on the list. There will also be items that will need to be done a week or two before the wedding, like finalising deposits for certain items, collecting your dress, and other bits and pieces.

Useful resources

There are so many useful resources online for brides-to-be. Planning advice, venue directories, and even helpful budget calculators are available. Use these websites to gain some inspiration and advice.

Here is our pick of some of the best online resources currently available:

• http://www.i-do.com.au/
• http://kissthebride.com.au/
• http://www.easyweddings.com.au/
• http://www.weddingpages.com.au/
• http://www.brideonline.com.au/
• http://www.polkadotbride.com/

Planning your wedding should be a fun process, something you enjoy doing together as a couple. So grab your fiancé, crack open a bottle of bubbly, get out that notepad, and start making plans!

Getting Married? What Next is a post from: Star Jewels Articles

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