Are you looking for a meaningful present for your special someone? Consider looking into a  diamond necklace! It is a timeless and meaningful gift to mark your relationship with a dear one on any occasion. As the saying goes – a diamond is forever… And it is well known that it serves as a symbol of a beautiful, enduring, and eternal relationship. 

A diamond necklace, as the name might imply, consists of a chain made of precious metal, with a central diamond attached by a small loop. While looking for the perfect pendant, it is easy to get swept up in the excitement of the number of options available to buy, but it is important to carefully consider some factors before you do. In this article, let us break down the basics and dive into some tips to buy the perfect pendant.

1. Are You Choosing Lab-grown or Earth-grown?

Given the numerous kinds of diamonds available today, it is no simple task to zero in on the best type that you should buy. Therefore, one of the first factors you should consider is whether your necklace’s pendant should be a diamond grown in a laboratory or a conventional earth-grown one. 

Lab-grown diamonds are also known as cultured diamonds. This type of diamond differs from the conventionally mined variant, as they are the products of an intricate manufacturing process. The creation of these special diamonds took the world by storm with the numerous advantages they had over earth-mined diamonds. For example, they come in all shapes, sizes, and hues, and are available at a fraction of the price that natural diamonds are. 

Not to mention, they are ethically produced, and you can rest assured that your gemstone does not support harsh diamond mining. These jewels come guilt-free, and the environment would thank you for the purchase too. However, some would still opt for the earth-grown variant as they are viewed as the more classic choice.

2. Popular Diamond Pendant Styles 

Jewelry design trends have evolved over the decades and each design has its own distinct style and appeal. When selecting a piece of jewelry for someone else, it is recommended that you keep in mind this special someone’s general taste and leanings. Below, we explore the most popular settings and styles and look at the factors that make them appealing.

1. Solitaire Diamond Pendants 

Solitaire diamond pendants feature a single or solitary diamond. These pendants have and continue to be a popular choice. They are often clasped with a little loop on a jewelry chain, typically made of white gold, yellow gold, or platinum.

2. Stationary Diamond Pendants 

Stationary diamond pendants are designed in such a way that the gemstone appears to be resting on the necklace’s chain; it stays stationary and does not move around the chain. Consumers opt for this style for its effortless simplicity and minimalism.

3. Three-Prong Martini Settings

Prongs allow the most amount of light to enter the featured diamond and reflect to the eye. As the name indicates, a three-prong martini setting pendant has delicate prongs or tines holding the stone in place to allow more of the diamond to be visible. Typically, a martini setting resembles a martini glass when viewed from the side and looks like a con with its V-shape. This setting varies from the usual basket setting as it is positioned lower. It is considered a modern style that also minimizes drooping. 

4. Four-prong Settings

A popular choice for diamond pendants, the added security of the additional fourth prong is its largest factor of appeal; Some prefer this setting as opposed to three solely for the firm secured positioning of the jewel. Further to this, in contrast to the martini setting, these pendants resemble baskets at the base and are flatter compared to the cone variant. 

5. Halo Settings

Halo setting pendants include a dazzling circle of smaller diamonds surrounding one central diamond. As you could imagine, this setting is popular owing to the illusion of a larger stone, and the glitz of the extra sparkle that the smaller gems provide.   

3. Consider the Length

Chains come in different lengths and are a crucial aspect to consider while selecting as it determines where the diamond pendant will sit on the wearer’s torso. 

The most popular chain length for diamond pendants is between 16 and 18 inches, which rests anywhere between the average wearer’s neck and the collarbone region.

4. Things To Focus on in a Diamond

It is no surprise that the quality and grade of the diamond are vital factors to consider when purchasing one, as these directly impact the look of the gem resting on your neck or your partner’s. The overall look of your diamond pendant necklace is dependent on the diamond’s high rating in, color, clarity, carat, and cut. Also, ensure that you check for the jewel’s certification. 

1. Color

It is recommended that you try to ensure the diamond looks white in relation to its setting. Typically, the highest quality diamonds are totally colorless, while lower grade diamonds can often have a slight yellow tint. 

The diamond color s measured using a scale from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) called the color scale. This scale determines the underlying tint in a diamond and charts it all the way from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown in color).  

2. Clarity

As pendants are worn directly in the line of sight, clarity is a key factor in diamond pendants. Review the diamond closely and carefully to ensure no visible blemishes and inclusions are present when looking at the stone with the naked eye. 

3. Carat

The carat size you choose for your diamond pendant depends on your preferences as well as your budget. Of course, the larger your stone is, the more expensive it will be. If you are looking for a simple everyday pendant, choose one that is between 0.25-1 carat.

4. Cut

Diamond cut quality is an important factor in a diamond’s brilliance and possibly, its most complex. The cut of your diamond is a determinant of the look of the stone as it dictates the angle at which the light hits the diamond, and this would determine its brilliance and sparkle. Paying a premium and not getting a spectacular diamond because it has light performance deficits is disappointing. To determine the best cut, an expert meticulously studies how successfully a diamond interacts with light to create stunning visual effects, such as the scattering of white light into all the colors of the rainbow. Fire, brilliance, and the amount of sparkle a diamond produces are caused by reflections within the diamond owing to the angles of the cut.

5. Certification

A certificate would give you the added assurance of the stone’s quality and must never be forgotten. Make sure to look for a diamond with a GIA or AGS certification as these are reliable grading entities; Ensuring that your stone has this certificate helps to confirm that you get the quality you are promised and your money’s worth.

5. Conclusion

And that’s that! Armed with this knowledge, you are all set to find your perfect diamond pendant necklace. Keep in mind the 4C’s along with the tips shared above and rest assured that your partner will be awestruck with your taste in jewelry.

Introduction:

The strangest thing about glamor is it’s addictive – the lure of endless fame, success and money. Every night on the Runway dreams become reality, models become celebrities, and designers become Gods. But what happens when the spotlight finally fades, and the after parties begin? 

The Fashion industry’s obsession with drugs is almost historical, with industry giants constantly using drugs for inspiration, naming entire collections, even shows over the same. 

Andrew Groves’ 1999 runway show, ‘Cocaine Nights’ and Jeremy Scott’s Moschino Capsule Collection are only minor examples in the long-list of designers who decided to take inspiration from drugs. 

But that is precisely what piques the curiosity – are drugs the real problem or the industry that can’t seem to stop endorsing the addiction culture?

Let’s find out. Shall we?

The Fashion Industry’s Obsession With Addiction

Let’s be honest. Drugs and fashion share a much better relationship than Bootcut denims and crop tops ever shared. 

In fact when supermodel Kate Moss was photographed snorting Cocaine sometime in 2005, she was literally taking one for the team. Because one of the worst-kept secrets of all time is how the fashion industry is fueled by Cocaine. 

One industry insider had even confessed to the British newspaper, Independent at the time, “Models use coke like truck drivers do.” 

And if that wasn’t enough, there was more. 

While one source made a problematic comparison between models seeking drugs for performance-enhancement and athletics doing the same with steroids, another sympathizer blamed the long hours and said that drugs help models “to stay awake and keep working.”

What’s even stranger is how Kate Moss’ photographs have attained an iconic status, so much so that the artist Stella Vine curated an entire artistic experience out of these photos. 

Named ‘The Beautiful And The Damned’ after Fitzgerald’s popular novel of the same name, the name is funnily enough nostalgic of Moss’ 30th birthday party theme.

Stella Vine’s Beautiful And The Damned exhibition featured four paintings of Kate Moss inspired by that one viral media photo. This is a classic example of the industry’s obsession with two things –

• Substance abuse.
• Treating substance abuse as a cultural experience.

The popularity of substance abuse treatment centers have only made the plea for recovering addicts stronger. 

This further probes into the intricacies of how art is viewed – a hallucinatory substance-inspired experience or a social and cultural rite of passage for newcomers and veterans alike?

Famous And On Coke: A Trend

Years ago Sophie Anderton once commented about the industry’s addiction to drugs, “Drugs are so accessible within the industry, and it is very difficult to steer completely clear of them.” 

She was perhaps right because Kate Moss definitely did not lose out on any major contracts with big Fashion houses like Chanel and Dior.

In fact, brands were probably all right with what happened to Moss. If she died overdosing on some kind of a substance, even better. Because then Moss would be an even bigger icon. Look at what Stella Vine did! That was 17 years ago. It’s 2022 and the industry still can’t get over their addiction woes!

So we decided to check out a few famous celebrities from the fashion world who just won’t end their toxic relationship with drugs.

1. Anna Nicole Smith

Toxic relationships often have the power to end you if you don’t end the same. And that’s exactly what happened to the gorgeous Anna Nicole Smith. 

Although she had claimed all addiction rumors involving her were untrue, her untimely death in 2007 from overdose proves otherwise. 

The American model worked with several lifestyle brands in her lifetime, acted in films like Skyscraper, To The Limit, and even had her own show called The Anna Nicole Show. 

It’s always heartbreaking when substance abuse takes a life, but Smith’s denial made things only worse for her. 

2. Alice Dellal

The British-Brazilian model also happens to be a terrific photographer. But that is not why she has appeared on this list. 

The model was only 20 when the media caught her with lines of white powder, a hollowed out tube, and an oyster card – everything that you need for snorting some coke. 

And this was not the only time Alice Dellal’s photographs were more provocative than the audience was prepared for. 

There were more like the one where she was seen wrapping coke, or the one where she is lying down on the floor after a night of hard partying. 

Has things changed? 

No!

3. Naomi Campbell

If there is anyone more famous than Kate Moss when it comes to substance abuse then it has to be none other than Naomi Campbell.

Let’s make this clear – we don’t need to make assumptions based on media photographs. There have been way too many arrests, rehab stints, and even manager management sessions for the former supermodel. 

Campbell herself confessed that drugs were not her only addiction, alcohol was a big temptation too. She even went on record to say, “I never thought I was an alcoholic, but it goes hand in hand with the drugs. Emotionally, I was just gone.”

4. Jael Strauss

It was certainly a moment of ‘No, not you too’ when the former America’s Next Top Model contestant was seen in Dr Phil’s show where she discussed her addiction to Meth. 

She spoke at length about how she came to depend on substances more and more while dealing with the death of a friend. 

Jeal looked dramatically different from how she appeared on America’s Next Top Model – marked-up skin, rotten teeth, swollen face, it was just too shocking to witness what long-term substance abuse can do to the human body. 

The only good thing? 

Yes, apart from teaching her how to stop smoking for good, Dr Phil was able to help out Strauss with the medical care and attention she desperately needs.

The Trope Of The Tortured Artist

The whole image of the tortured artist endorses substance abuse, depression, and emotional instabilites. It is more like a trope than a stereotype where the entertainment industry keeps endorsing the drug culture almost as a way of life. It’s almost like you need drugs for creating great art. 

But that’s not true considering all the people who managed to create artistic experiences without any performance-enhancing substances or even the ones who came back stronger after a visit to Rehabilitation centers. If there are many examples of supermodels addicted to drugs, you know what’s more? 

The number of celebrities who came back, clean and strong – from Bradley Cooper, Eminem, Robert Downey Jr. to Demi Lovato and Jamie Lee Curtis, the list is pretty long. So if you think there’s someone close to you trying to battle addiction then remember time is of essence – the earlier you seek help, the better for you. If these celebs could do it, why can’t you?

We all know how important self-care and self-love are – these days now more than ever. On top of all that’s been going on in the world over the last couple of years, we still have busy lives where we juggle motherhood, work, and private lives – it can get overwhelming. And while there are plenty of self-care tricks for women that you may be aware of, there are things you may not have tried or ways to take your current routine to the next level. Let’s look at some self-care tips you may not know of and can add to your self-love toolbox.

Super Powered Sleep 

The importance of getting at least eight hours of sleep a night has been ingrained in our minds since we were young – hey, they don’t call it “beauty rest” for no reason! But, try as we might, we still struggle to catch those elusive z’s. Take your sleep routine up a notch by investing in products that will make sure you fall into deep, restful, restorative sleep. Sleep supplements are a great place to start, as well as a white noise machine. Additionally, it would be best to curate your nighttime routine conducive to sound sleep – calming aromatherapy, and herbal teas are great ways to set the stage for deep sleep. Oh, and don’t forget about the power of investing in some seriously luxurious sheets!

Talk It Out 

While we all have friends and family members that we turn to in times of joy or crisis, they’re not always the most unbiased people we can talk to. The reality is that even the most emotionally healthy individuals can benefit from talk therapy. You may think everything in your life is going great – and it could be! But, it’s always beneficial to hash out what’s going on with a certified therapist that can help you stay as mentally and emotionally healthy as possible. Investing in therapy is one of the ultimate forms of self-care. 

Let’s Get Physical, Physical 

We know that staying physically active is paramount to our physical and emotional wellbeing – but that’s not the kind of physicality we’re talking about here. Having a healthy intimate relationship with your significant other or yourself is an incredible act of self-love. Romantic acts release potent chemicals in our brains that help us feel fantastic. Even if you’re happily single, there are techniques that will boost your mood and your overall health.

Be a Globetrotter 

Jetsetter, globetrotter, however, you want to slice it – become it. If you’ve been dreaming of setting off to some exotic location or even just a weekend road trip – stop dreaming and make it a reality! Getting out of town and going on vacation has been proven beneficial to our health. Not only is vacationing healthy, but it also gives us time to unplug from our day-to-day commitments and reconnect with ourselves – and love ourselves. 

A Little Retail Therapy 

Many minimalists will tell you this is not the way; maybe you’re an accountant too – but if you can keep things within reason, there is nothing wrong with a little bit of retail therapy. Biting the bullet and splurging on things we’ve been coveting for a while feels fantastic. Even just strolling through an outdoor mall, window shopping until something catches our eye is beneficial to your mental health. Of course, you want to resist the urge to impulse buy things that could end up with you feeling buyer’s remorse – but if you see something while shopping in an iconic shopping distrcit that you genuinely love, treat yourself! You deserve it. 

Laugh And Cry 

Laughter is the best medicine – how many times have we heard that? A million – because it’s true! Do you know what else excellent therapy is? Crying! When times get overwhelming, and you need to have a good cry, permit yourself to let it all out! Scream into a pillow if you need to! Laughing and crying and significant expressions of self-love. 

While making others happy and living with a generous spirit are essential in this life, treating yourself with the same amount of TLC and generosity. So, add the tips mentioned earlier to your arsenal of self-love acts and start feeling better today!

Spring and summer are coming and with these seasons comes more time outdoors. What most people don’t consider is that this additional sun exposure can lead to premature aging, burns, and more if you aren’t careful. Some sun is important, but you’ll want to think about the activities you’ll be doing outside so you can avoid getting uncomfortable burns that may leave lasting effects. These essentials will help you protect your skin whether you’re going on a cruise, heading to the mountains, or just walking around outside.

Long-Sleeved Shirts

This may seem counterintuitive, especially during the hot summer months. Shirts made of light, breathable material, however, provide the perfect protection for your skin while still keeping you cool. Wearing a long-sleeved shirt will keep the skin on your neck, shoulders, and arms more protected without putting on sunscreen. So, whether you’re spending time at the lake or pool, going for a hike in the woods, or exploring urban areas, a long-sleeved shirt can keep your skin healthier.

Avoid the Strongest Sun Hours

In North America, the times between around 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. are the strongest sun hours. This means that when you spend time outdoors during that time, the sun’s rays are harsher and can lead to burning your skin more quickly. Those with fair skin or on medications should avoid direct exposure during these hours. If you plan to be outside midday, there are plenty of ways to keep your skin protected.

Wear Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a great accessory. Women’s sunglasses protect your eyes and the thin skin around them from the sun. While you may be able to tolerate more sunshine, burning your eyelids is a whole other matter. Sunglasses will protect the skin around your eyes and using them can also help slow the signs of aging around your eyes. Sunlight is important for vitamin D production, but some parts of your skin aren’t able to handle the rays as well as others.

Get a Wide-Brimmed Hat

People on certain medications are much more sensitive to the sun. This means they are more at risk of burning and getting sun damage. A wide-brimmed hat is a perfect accessory that not only looks good, but also protects your face, neck, and ears from harsh sun rays. If you prefer not to wear sunscreen on your face, or you forget to put it on, a hat can go a long way to providing the extra barrier you need. It will filter the sun without totally blocking it. It helps you get the benefits without the potential risks.

Use Toxin-Free Sunscreen

According to the Environmental Working Group, most regular sunscreens contain ingredients that are toxic and harmful for health. These ingredients can be disguised in fragrances and preservatives that make sunscreen more shelf-stable, but increasingly harmful for human health. The biggest distinctions in sunscreens are whether they provide chemical protection from too much sun, or if they provide barrier protection using something like zinc oxide.

Non-nano particle zinc is the best option, but it will leave a white film on you when you’re enjoying some fun in the sun. Another important consideration to protect your skin is to use sunscreens with less ingredients to ensure you aren’t being bombarded with chemicals that can cause cancer, infertility, and other hormone dysfunction while sunbathing at the beach.

Drink Water

Hydrated skin isn’t as easily damaged. When you’re heading outside in the heat, even if you’re not sweating too much, drink more water and you’ll better withstand the sun and recover more quickly. Water also helps your skin retain its tone and ultimately helps it look and feel more healthy in and out of the sun.

Get More Collagen in Your Diet

Collagen is trending right now because people are waking up to its incredible benefits. While many people simply want to look younger and have softer skin, others are looking for ways to improve skin health from the inside out. Eating collagen in meat or taking a supplement can give your skin what it needs to recover from being out in the sun more quickly and with less cellular damage. Take it alongside a quality vitamin C supplement for maximum absorption and to remove free radicals from your body that continue to damage your skin.