Before this discovery the oldest known necklace to have been found about 30,000 B.C. They are made mostly of shells, bones, stones, animal teeth or claws, strung on a thread. Basically the same concept is used today though there are some variations

In 2500 B.C. gold was starting to be used in neck jewelry. Gold neck adornments and chokers have been discovered at the Royal Grave of Ur. They are in what is now known as Iraq. 2000 B.C. was when Sumerian bead neck jewelry started to use alternating patterns of colored stones and gemstones and metals such as copper or silver.

Ancient Egyptian neck jewelry evolved from simple stringed beads to complicated patterns and include the ‘broad collar’ and pectoral type. They were worn by both sexes, mostly royals and wealthy citizens. They were often buried with their dead owners.

During the Classical Greek period from about 480 to 300 B.C. most necklaces were three dimensional pendants. They were mostly in the form of heads, seeds, or acorns. They were suspended from a row of flat elements usually some type of rosettes.

Alexander the Great in 356 - 323 B.C. conquered the Orient. Gold was plentiful throughout the Greek Empire. It was often used on making in necklaces and other types of jewelry for several centuries.

In Ancient Rome the wearing of jewelry was frowned upon. Laws regulated how much gold could be worn by women or buried along with the dead. From about the first century on, Roman Jewelry began to distinguish itself. Gemstones came into use and were usually cut in circles or rectangular shapes.

In the end of the second century gold piercing techniques were invented. It produced a lace like quality in gold neck jewelry. The favored style of the time was a chain of differently colored gemstones connected by gold links.

In the second and third century it became popular to wear multiple necklaces all at the same time. The types of neck jewelry sometimes indicated the level of wealth or class of the wearer. Necklaces were very popular in whatever form could be made. Over the next few centuries the popularity of wearing of necklaces waned significantly. In the late 14th century necklaces started to regain their popularity due to fashions décolletage.

Since then however, necklaces are very popular among all the classes. A favorite gift of children to their mothers is the famed or infamous macaroni necklace. What mother doesn’t love such a gift from the heart? They are precious not in gemstones or gold but in sentiment and heart value.

Necklaces are worn now for a variety of reasons not the least of which personal adornment. Many people wear medals that are religiously significant such as those with images of the Saints or Jesus Christ. Many wear a plain cross while still others will wear a Crucifix which is a cross on which the image of the body of Christ is fastened. It stands to reason that it can be said that necklaces have been and will remain a piece of jewelry that is completely versatile in its design and the intent of the wearer.

About The Author
Martin Smith is a freelance writer providing advice and information on a variety of products. His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource. Drop by the site for more information if you have time ! http://www.1st-4-jewelry.com.

the image credit by Luca Baroncini

The popularity of the medium length hair style has never waned, and it remains extremely popular today. In fact, most hair styles that you see can be considered medium hair styles. Just think about the textured bob or the layered hair cut. Most of these styles look their best at a medium length.

There are a lot of reasons why people choose the medium hair style over other types of styles. The medium hair style is easier and quicker to style than longer hair and it affords more versatility than shorter styles. No matter whether you wear it up or down, the medium hair style offers a great deal of variety to the wearer. Here are just a few ideas:

” Quick and Casual. No matter if your medium length hair style is straight or curly, you can whip it up in a flash to create a simple, casual updo at a moment’s notice. Simply pull your medium hair style up into a bun, French twist or ponytail, allowing a few sprigs to escape here and there, and you’re done. You can also practice variations of the ponytail and add interest to your medium hair style by changing the amount of hair that you pull through your scrunchie.

” Funky and textured. Probably the most popular medium hair styles of today feature a lot of textured, creative cutting techniques. By using a combination of scissors and razor, your stylist can turn your medium hair style into a fashion statement complete with wispy layers and interesting movement.

” Cute and curled. This medium hair style is extremely easy to accomplish if you have natural curl or a perm adding texture to your medium hair style. If not, you can easily add interest to your medium hair style with hot rollers, tube rollers or a curling iron. Simply, roll your medium hair style, spritz it a little, take it down, run your fingers through your medium length hair style, spray and go.

” Captivating color. The medium hair style is perhaps the perfect length of hair in which to try funky and fresh color techniques. From chunky highlights to ink-dipped tips, make your medium hair style stand out from the rest with interesting color.

As you can see, there are numerous things that you can do to make your medium hair style stand out among your peers. While others are stuck pulling their long tresses up or styling their short locks the same old way, you can quickly change your medium hair style to reflect your mood or the occasion. And the beauty of the medium hair style is that almost everything you do will be quick and easy.

About The Author
Michael Barrows’ website gives great advice for good hair. Get your free ebook packed with hair style and hair care tips and advice, visit http://www.great-hairstyles.com.

the image credit by Flavio Takemoto

If this sounds like you, then maybe all you need is a plan and a strategy. I can’t express this enough. Whether your trying to create a certain look, organize your wardrobe, or pull together the pieces your missing, you need a plan.

First things first… You have a look in your head. You styles are inspired from a whole bunch of places, but in the end you have this certain look your going for, right? Well what is that look. Let’s try to break it down. The first thing that you need to do, is gather a couple distinct photos of fashion concepts that you are in love with. This can be from particular runway shows, celebrities, or even someone you saw walking down the street. After examining the photos, try to put into words what you are looking to achieve and what you see in the photos, use adjectives… Glamorous, elegant, sophisticated, boho, laid back, etc. Just make your list.

With these adjectives, I want you to list pieces that you think bring best to life these adjectives. For example, GLAMOROUS = Diamonds, fur, silk, satin, etc. ELEGANT = Black, pearls, sequins, etc. SOPHISTICATED = Pencil Skirt, Power Suit, etc. When you do this, you will see what it is your lacking in your closet.

Go through your clothes and make a list of your favorite items, the ones you are always wearing! At this time, try to also see if how your adjective-item list compares to your actual closet. The new items that you need to make your existing wardrobe A POW effect, the item needs to work three ways with your current clothes.

Are you starting to get the picture now? Things should start to slowly fall into place. Items that you need, whether expensive or cheap start to be clear. THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT TO HAPPEN!! Now with your list in hand, its time to shop!

Again, first things first, you have the strategy, now we need the plan. Take a look at your wish list and keeping in mind your budget, figure out how much you want to spend for each item and also if you can purchase this item now. For example, a diamond bracelet your lusting after is not in the same range as buying a cardigan. Your budget is ready and you know what your on the look out for.

When shopping, dress for shopping. If you’ll be looking for a special occasion dress, try to wear or bring undergarments (strapless bra, etc.) to go with the style. Otherwise, wear easy on/off clothes. Also, styled hair and makeup will make looking at yourself in the dressing room mirror just that much easier. Shop by yourself. If you really need a second opinion, bring your camera with you and take a quick snap shot in the mirror with the flash off!

Buy what you need, pass what you don’t! Don’t let shopping be a struggle it should be fun so enjoy yourself!

About The Author
Selma Yalazi-Dawani is the editor-in-chief for Lumana Online Magazine. A site about beauty, fashion, celebrity style and much more. If you would like to reprint more of her articles, email her for more information… selma@lumana.com … Visit the site to read more articles by Selma and her staff at www.lumana.com You can also join the fashion forum for a daily fashion update. She likes to play stylist and make-up artist to all her friends in her spare time!

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When the heart is broken, a spectrum of feelings is manifested. These feelings consist of hurt, pain, anger, sadness, relief and forgiveness. In the process of living with these feelings and going through the experience of having a broken heart, what happens physically and emotionally to women?

In my practice, many women have scheduled an appointment with me for an annual gynecological examination or they were returning for their weekly obstetrical examination. Within the first few minutes of interviewing the patient about her medical history since the last visit, I realize there is a strong emotional and physical component to the visit that is not directly related to what is considered a routine exam. In essence, the emotional and physical components are indicative of a broken heart. I make a holistic assessment of the patient’s medical history, emotional, spiritual, physical and clinical findings. These cases may warrant a referral to a specialist, depending on her status at that moment. A follow up visit is always scheduled.

Throughout time, it has been said individuals have died of a broken heart. For instance, a wife died and then her husband died from natural causes within a week or a sister died and her sibling died naturally very soon thereafter. Were the subsequent deaths just a coincidence or did they die from a broken heart?

Researchers have started scientifically looking at such cases and calling it the Broken Heart Syndrome. In health care terminology we call this condition stress Cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy is heart muscle weakness. It can occur after various emotional and physical stressors such as fear, surprise, anger and the death of a loved one. Stress cardiomyopathy affects primarily women and occurs most frequently in middle aged women and women over age sixty. Many of the women that have been studied have no prior history of heart disease and the majorities are postmenopausal. There is no known reason for the increase frequency in women in these age groups and postmenopausal women in particular. Physical stressors can fuel a stroke or seizure and as mentioned emotional stressors such as fear, grief and anger can cause this condition.

Women with dis-stressed can suddenly and unexpectedly experience a heavy feeling in the chest, shortness of breath, abnormal rhythm of the heart, low blood pressure, congestive heart failure and shock. It can be life threatening. She may appear sad, express feelings of sadness, lock of concentration and difficulty sleeping at night. The good news is there can also be a quick and complete recovery.

Aromatherapy is a fantastic complementary therapy. One hundred percent essential oils are more potent than herbs –less is better than more. They are volatile oils which are obtained directly from the root, flower petals, leaves or skins of fruit. The price can range from approximately five dollars to several hundred dollars for a half ounce. It takes 2000 pounds of rose petals to make one pound of oil. Therefore there is a variance in the cost of essential oils. The essential oils widely used to restore the heart are Rose Otto, Jasmine sambac, Neroli, Rosewood, and Lavender. Essential oil blends can be used through inhalation and application methods. They can be inhaled by using a diffuser, sniffed directly from the bottle (less expensive oils) or they can be used in the bath/shower or through vapor and nebulizer. They can be applied by massage or as perfume oil.

Lavender has a long history as a medicine and perfume. In Chinese medicine it circulates heart Qi. It can restore vitality, relieve tension and calm a person. Dried lavender buds can be added to the bath or a tea can be made from the dried herb. To make a single note lavender perfume oil add three drops of 100% Highland or Bulgarian lavender essential oil to one tablespoon of jojoba oil. Jojoba oil is a stable carrier oil, won’t rancid and is relatively odorless. The benefits of essential oils are numerous. However, care must be taken in using them. Aromatherapy is very technical. One oil can cancel out the effects of another oil. Some oils are toxic and what may benefit one person may have no effect on another person. One fragrance may be pleasant to one person and offensive to another. Determine which oil is best for you. Our behavior is affected by the aromatic scent. They also help the body regulate itself and come into balance. Therefore the stressors and feelings produced by a broken are relieved with the consistent use of aromatherapy.

About The Author
Johnetta Miner, NP, is the founder and President of Johnetta Miner, NP. She is a Jin Shin Jyutsu® Physio-Philosophy practitioner and Jin Shin Jyutsu self help instructor. J. Miner, NP has provided primary care to adolescents and women specializing in prenatal, obstetrical and gynecological care. She advocates preventative health care in an integrative manner, combining traditional and western medicine. Johnetta brings years of experience to the company as a Registered Nurse, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Public Health Consultant. She can be reached at http://www.jeminer.com.

 the image credit by Ruxandra Moldoveanu

Although anemia is caused by an iron deficiency in your body, you will not need to worry too much about your baby, since he will be sure to get as much iron from you as he needs. Your baby will only be in danger of suffering from anemia if the situation is completely ignored.

How will I be able to tell if I am anemic?

Anemia should be easily identifiable in the blood tests that you take frequently throughout your pregnancy. The baby will start drawing on your iron reserves much more heavily around week 20, so you may develop anemia later in your pregnancy.

Common symptoms of anemia during pregnancy include:

Feeling exhausted or weak
Pale or light skin
Fainting spells
Palpitations
Breathlessness

Who is most at risk?

Pregnant women who have poor nutrition, due to nausea and vomiting or simply bad habits, are more at risk of developing anemia. Also, women who are carrying multiple fetuses may be at a higher risk, as two babies will deplete iron stores twice as much. Women who have two or more pregnancies relatively close together may be at risk for similar reasons.

How much iron should I be getting?

The recommended daily allowance of iron is around 15mg for women trying to conceive. Pregnant women will need to consume about twice that much each day. Your healthcare provider may advise you to start taking an iron supplement, although these are known to cause constipation, nausea, and vomiting. It may be wise to simply try and include many iron rich foods such as spinach, dried fruits, or liver in your diet.

Keep in mind that your choice of beverages and other foods will affect your rate of iron absorption. Consuming foods rich in vitamin C along with the iron rich foods will facilitate absorption, while consuming caffeine will hinder it.

About The Author
Susan Tanner is a wife and mother of three. She is also the editor of pregnancy-guide.net. Pregnancy-Guide is an online community for mothers to find support and valuable information. Please visit Pregnancy-Guide at http://www.pregnancy-guide.net.

the image credit by easy37

Choosing the size you want to be is often one of the biggest decisions you will need to make. It is important to take the time to decide what you’ll be happy with. I know that as the time got closer to my surgery day, I found myself doing what probably comes naturally to most men - I became a breast watcher! Until then I had no idea of the many different shapes and sizes that existed. It sure made me realise what I did NOT want!

A good surgeon will be able to judge from your frame, and especially your height, approximately what will be the best size for you. It makes sense that the taller you are, the larger implant you can have without it looking wrong. However, the decision is ultimately yours.

There are 3 recognised and reliable methods for deciding on final implant size that you can easily do for yourself:

1. The Rice Test
2. The Water Test
3. Implant Sizers

We generally use the “cup size” method in order to discuss breast size, but everyone knows how unreliable this is. That is because the cup size system, introduced by the Warner Brothers Corset Company in the 1930’s relies on indirect measurements to infer the volume of the breast. It varies widely based as much upon the size of the person as on the breast. Therefore, it is volume that is used for determining the implant size.

It might be interesting to note that the advice I gleaned from reading posts in chat rooms and talking to my surgeon, was that if a woman is to have any regrets post-surgery, it is usually that she did not go big enough. You are going through an awful lot of expense, inconvenience and discomfort, so you may as well make it count! I did (only by 40cc), and I have not regretted it! My final size is a very comfortable and flattering 340cc. This equates to a much longed for DD cup (from a B cup).

A good idea is also to use the “rice test”, or what I used - the “water test”. What this involves is getting 2 plastic bags (or surgical gloves with the fingers knotted) and a sports bra of the new size you desire to be. Fill the bags with varying amounts of rice or water (make it warm water!), placing the bags inside the bra, then try on various clothing. I found it easier to lay the bra on my bed, place the water bags into the empty bra, then lean myself into the filled bra and do it up. This tip saves a lot of shoving and potentially burst bags!

Walk around, look at how it looks/feels until you get the right amount. Now empty and measure the rice/water, then contact the surgeon with your desired size in time for him/her to have the correct implant (and they will need 2 sizes either size of this just in case on the day there is more/less room inside your breast than anticipated). This is where I found water the better option - it’s easier to measure correctly the cc’s! (Note that 1cc = 1ml).

However, if using rice, here is an approximate conversion chart:

1 cup = 236cc
1/2 cup = 118cc
3/4 cup = 177cc
1/4 cup = 59cc
1/3 cup = 78cc
2/3 cup = 156cc
1/8 cup = 30cc

You can also ask your surgeon for implant sizers that you slip inside a bra of your desired size to try on different implant sizes. It is useful to remember, though, that implants typically appear up to 20% smaller after they are implanted. This may be because the look is different with the implant “stacked on” externally, as opposed to integrated with your breast into one unified shape.

About The Author
Karen Beaumont is the author of the best-selling book “Boob Job Secrets”. Download the first 2 chapters for free, from this link: http://www.BoobJobSecrets.com

the image credit by Arlen Roche

Close, But No Cigar

The two of you will spend two hours together. Close together, but not talking! That is like having sex on the first date. Also close together; no talking. In either case, the lack of communication does not help you get to know the other person. This would be like going to the library and reading books on a sofa together. Without dialogue and an exchange of ideas and opinions, you can’t get to know the person you’re dating. You can’t determine if he’s Mr. Right or Mr. Wrong. Let’s face it: in most cases he’ll be Mr. Wrong. So, it just makes sense to determine right from wrong as soon as possible. Why date for a month or two only to decide you don’t like the other person. Find out on the first date if you can.

How To Turn A Movie Into A Good First Date.

You can’t know if you’re to end the relationship only after watching a film together. All you can notice during a movie is whether he likes butter on his popcorn. The value of a movie date starts before you enter the theater and resumes after the movie is over. Here’s how a movie date can help you in the dating process.

Before the movie, watch to see whether your date is controlling and unyielding in choice of movies. Is he willing to compromise? Does he respect your preferences or laugh at them. When he chooses a blood-and-guts movie over your comedy film, ask him why he finds that kind of movie interesting. Here is your first inkling of his consideration as well as his taste in entertainment.

After your first movie date, discuss what each of you liked and disliked about the movie. The actual answers are unimportant. What you’re listening for are opinions, beliefs, and attitudes that will help you decide whether to continue to date this person.

Are You Dating A Boy Or A Man?

If your partners’ opinions are childish, he is probably not mature enough for a long-term relationship. One clue is if he got really excited when the machine gun mowed down all the people in the restaurant scene. This could be a hint that life is a video game to him or that he has some serious anti-social tendencies.

If he isn’t really interested in talking to you, decide right now that this is your first-and last-date. All he’s interested in is a short-term relationship. Usually that means that all he wants next is to have sex. On the other hand, if you can’t get a word in because your partner’s talking all the time, nod politely and yawn occasionally to signal that it’s getting late. Decline a second date from this windbag. He may be intelligent and charming, but he’s more interested in himself than he is in you.

This Is Only A Test

Remember, first dates are evaluation dates. You are interviewing prospects for the job of being your life partner. It is just the first step in a lengthy screening process to find Mr. Wonderful. Have fun, but spend your date time getting acquainted so you know who’s worthy of that second date with you.

About The Author
Dr. Alan Stafford, Relationship Results Coach
I help Singles and Couples build relationships that work
www.relationshipsuccessexperts.com

Click here to ask Alan a question about your biggest relationship issue http://relationshipsuccessexperts.com/askalan.htm

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©2005 Alan Stafford/Relationship Success Experts

the image credit by Bruno Sersocima