My Pink Diamonds

The cut of a diamond is the physical measurement and relative proportion of a polished diamond and is the most important characteristic in producing a diamond’s beauty. A single number does not define cut. Instead, it is a myriad of measurements, relative percentages, angles, finish, and performance of light within the diamond.

The brilliance and sparkle of a diamond is the result of the reflection and refraction of light within a diamond and is the cumulative effect of the many facets on the surface of the three-dimensional diamond shape. What makes judging cut difficult is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Different people perceive the beauty of a diamond differently in terms of what they perceive as beautiful.

In recent years, major diamond grading laboratories like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS) have established cut grades to help the consumer make better decisions for purchasing diamonds based on cut characteristics. However, the cut grading systems are different from each other and constantly changing. As a result, there is no single official cut grade but the current systems are a giant leap ahead of the past with no cut grades.

The quality of the cut is most visible in terms of how light performs in a diamond to produce Brightness, Fire, and Scintillation.

Brightness is the visual effect of all the internal and external reflections of white light. This brightness (also known as brilliance) results primarily from the angles of the facets and the relative size of the top facet called the table.

Fire is the visual effect of rainbow colored flashes of light caused by the separation of white light into various colors when the diamond acts as a prism.

Scintillation is the visual effect of sparkle and patterns of light and darkness. Sparkle is the points of light that flash as the diamond, the light source or the observer moves. The arrangement and contrast between the bright and dark areas is important to what the eye perceives as beautiful. An all-bright diamond or an all-dark diamond is less attractive than a diamond with a balanced, symmetrical and contrasting pattern of reflection.

Some of the more important diamond measurements influencing the cut grade are depth percentage, table percentage, crown angle, and pavilion angle. The initial cut grade research focused on round brilliant diamond shapes but the grading laboratories are slowly introducing cut grades for the fancy shapes like the princess, emerald, oval, radiant, cushion and others. Each diamond shape has its own set of cut parameters that produce the optimal light performance and beauty for that particular diamond shape.

If the cut of the diamond is the key to its beauty, why would anyone purchase a diamond without great cut? Probably the main reason is lack of knowledge by the consumer. Until recent years, it has been difficult for the consumer to assess the cut of the diamond because jewelers focused on color, clarity and carat weight. The jeweler used the bright lights in the showroom to mask the light performance of the diamond. As the diamond shopper becomes more aware of what constitutes cut and has access to the GIA or AGS cut grades on the diamond grading reports, they will be able to filter out the average and poor cut diamonds in their purchase decisions.

Sometimes budget is a factor in purchasing something less than the best cut. However, cut is typically a real bargain since there is little visual difference between the top echelons of diamond cut and the price difference between average and exceptional cut is often minimal. Perhaps the real cost of getting better cut in a diamond, is the time and effort to learn about cut and to find a retailer who can provide diamonds with exceptional cut at reasonable prices.

Once a diamond shopper has determined what shape of diamond they want to purchase, they need to research what cut parameters contribute to desirable appearance. Some diamond shoppers fall into a trap of narrowly defining their acceptable range for every diamond measurement, not realizing that the beauty of the diamond results from the interrelationships of all the facets. Simply picking the middle of the range for each parameter can lead to a mediocre result. The cut grades are an attempt to rate how a combination of factors work together in the diamond.

Regardless of the cut grade systems today or in the future, only the diamond shopper can determine what is most appealing to their eye. Cut is critical to the beauty of the diamond so making the best diamond purchase decision means understanding the importance of cut and finding that special diamond that is beautiful to behold.

Few diamond shoppers can walk into a high-end jewelry store and buy a 5-carat, D color, Internally Flawless diamond with Ideal cut parameters. If you are like most diamond shoppers, you have a limited budget. However, you still want to get the biggest and most beautiful diamond within your budget. You can take some simple steps that will ensure you get the biggest diamond possible.

1) Diamonds have price per carat increases at the most popular carat weights (0.50, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 2.00, etc.) because that is what shoppers request when they go into a jewelry store. Your dollars can go further buying a diamond that has a carat weight just under those weights. For example, a diamond that weighs 0.90 carats can be the same millimeter diameter as a diamond weighing 1.00 carat but cost $1000 less.

2) The price of diamonds is very sensitive to color grade, yet most shoppers have a difficult time seeing the difference between some of the color grades. If you buy the lowest color grade that looks beautiful to your eyes, the lower price per carat allows you to buy a bigger diamond with your dollars. The highest color grades (D, E, and F) are categorized as “colorless.” The next color grades (G, H, I, and J) are “near colorless” and the source of beautiful diamonds at much lower prices.

3) A ring with several smaller diamonds is less expensive than a single diamond with the same total carat weight. For example, three 0.50 carat diamonds will cost a fraction of what a single diamond weighing 1.50 carats. The same holds true for a 1.0-carat center stone with 0.25-carat diamonds on each side. If you want a finger full of diamonds with a limited budget, consider several diamonds rather than a solitaire.

4) All diamonds have inclusions; the key is what you can see with your eye. Once a diamond is clean to the eye (VS2 or good SI1 for brilliant cut shapes), higher clarity grades have no impact on the beauty or appearance of a diamond, they only add to the expense. Get the lowest clarity grade you are comfortable with and save a lot of money will no sacrifice in beauty.

5) The shape of the diamond can affect the millimeter size. Of course, you should always get the diamond shape you like best but some shapes do look larger than other shapes. Ovals, marquises and pear shaped diamonds generally look larger than round or square diamonds with the same carat weight.

6) Even diamonds with the same shape and carat weight can be different sizes. The cut of the diamond can influence the millimeter size. Shallower diamonds tend to be bigger in length and width than deeper diamonds. It is similar to two men each weighing 200 pounds, where the smaller waistline probably results in a taller man.

7) The type of setting you select to hold your diamond can influence the diamond’s perceived size as well as affect the dollars you have to spend on the diamond. White gold settings cost about one-third of platinum settings, leaving more money for your diamond. Bezel set diamonds or diamonds with pave around the center stone can make the diamond appear bigger.

Perhaps the most important factor in getting the biggest diamond for your dollars is where you purchase. The retail markup on diamonds can range from well under 10% with online retailers to over 200% at high-end jewelry stores. Finding a retailer with very low overhead and low prices will ensure more of your dollars go for your diamond. Why spend your money for polished marble floors, fancy display cabinets, and elaborate store interiors, all things you cannot wear out of the store?

In the end, you want to go with the diamond that excites you and makes you happy every time you wear it. That is the best indicator that you have made the right decision and have the best diamond for you.

Choosing just the right jewelry for you goes beyond how good it looks on you, or how good it makes you feel. Some people have allergies to certain metals, so it helps to understand what to look out for if your skin is extra-sensitive, or you are prone to allergies. In our Spence Diamonds showrooms, we’re always ready to answer your questions about how metal allergies can affect you, but in the meantime here’s a bit of Metal Allergy 101:
Most often, rashes and infections on your skin caused by jewelry are a result of nickel allergy. Ever had an itchy red spot under a jean stud or watch buckle? Maybe when you had your ears pierced you developed an unusually uncomfortable reaction?
Nickel is the metal that causes the most rashes. And it is also quite commonly used in almost anything metal, for e.g.: jewelry, kitchen utensils, scissors, paper clips, keys and of course the coin by the same name. Nickel has a more whitish appearance, so such metals as white gold, silver and all kinds of silver-coloured metals (other than sterling silver) can and likely do contain some amount of nickel. 18 or 24 carat yellow gold do not contain nickel, but 10-carat yellow gold may have traces of nickel, too.
How Do You Know if You Have an Allergy to Nickel?
The first sign of nickel allergy is red and itchy skin, in the areas that have come in contact with metal, such as under a ring or necklace. Later on, tiny water blisters appear, making the skin moist and even oozy, and can even cause it to peel off. At this point, you probably want to be searching for jewelry that cooperates with your skin a little better. If the condition carries on for a long time, your skin may become red, scaly and cracked, and the rash can spread to other areas of your skin that have never even been in contact with nickel! So it’s worth doing your homework on how to avoid such a reaction.
Some Good News, Some Bad News
The bad news first: Once you’ve become sensitive to nickel, you’re likely to stay that way for the rest of your life. The good news is that over time, you may become less sensitive to nickel allergy. But there is hope as there are still plenty of metals that you can safely wear, including 18 and 14 carat gold, sterling silver, and a number of other hypo-allergenic metals. In addition, if you discover an allergy to nickel with an existing piece of your jewelry, Spence Dimaonds offers an electrochemical process called rhodium plating that coats the ring and protects your finger from exposure to nickel. It is a very easy and very common process that will not harm your ring in any way. If you’d like to know more, we’d be happy to answer your questions about rhodium plating in one of our showrooms.
If you think that you might have an allergy to nickel, ask a member of our staff in one of our Spence Diamonds showrooms to help you select an item that will not only add a bit of sparkle to your life, but will also be safe and comfortable next to your skin.

You slip the ring on your finger, or hold the earring up to your ear, and you can’t believe the flashes of light shimmering off that diamond. “It’s stunning,” you think to yourself, “and I don’t ever want to take it off.”
A diamond is a treasure that should last a lifetime, and with the right care and maintenance, so can that incomparable sparkle. At Spence Diamonds, we want you to enjoy your diamond’s sparkling beauty for generations, so here’s a few “dos and don’ts” of caring for your new diamond:
It is okay to:
Clean your jewelry in warm, soapy water with a soft brush
Use a mild soap, such as dish soap
Use products designed specifically for cleaning diamonds (ask us in store for details)
It is not wise to:
Wear your jewelry when using abrasive cleaning products, or ones that contain bleach or chlorine
Wear your diamond during manual labour activities, while using heavy equipment, weightlifting or while playing sports (for your own safety as well as that of your jewelry)
The setting of your diamond and the metals used in bands, bracelets and necklaces should be taken into consideration, too. Especially in the case of gold, you want to be sure that the cleaning products you choose won’t tarnish the finish of your precious metals. By following the guidelines above, you should be able to keep your valuables in showroom shape, plus it gives you a perfect use for your old toothbrushes! On that note, its best if you stick to mild soap and water with your toothbrush. Today’s new toothpastes are great for getting your teeth whiter, but are usually much too abrasive for your jewels.
Everyday wear and tear, and even the perspiration and natural oils from your fingers can have an effect on your jewelry’s natural glow over time, so a regular cleaning will ensure that they always look their best.
If you have any questions about the proper care of your jewelry, you can visit any Spence Diamonds showroom. We’d be happy to offer plenty of tips on proper care and maintenance of your jewelry investment.

Without a doubt, diamonds are among the most exquisite stones in existence. This is mainly due to the colorless appearance, which is a combination of the diamond characteristics: cut, clarity, color, and carat. For years these core characteristics have help describe the beauty of a diamond.

The cut of a diamond is always the first to be considered—as it is considered as the most important of the characteristics. This is because the cut usually determines the value. For instance, a big or heavy diamond isn’t always valuable if the cut is poor. Although many refer to the shape of the stone as its cut, this term actually refers to the reflective qualities of a diamond. In layman’s terms, the cut determines the diamond’s ability to handle the light passing through the stone. The light that passes through the diamond should reflect back to the eye; with poorly cut diamonds, the light leaks out.

Meanwhile, the clarity of the diamond allows one to see the flaws of the stone. Clarity is rated from F (flawless) to I1 to I3 (the lowest of the grades). Experts do not suggest buyers get diamond with the last three ratings, as diamonds with these ratings have visible internal flaws (meaning the diamond is obviously of poor quality). Needless to say, buyers should opt for colorless diamonds, since this also means it is clear. The highest grade of diamonds is colorless. Next to colorless on the color scale is near colorless, faint fellow, and very light yellow. Diamonds with a light yellow color are of low quality.

The final characteristic is the carat, or the weight of the stone. A carat is 200 milligrams, although bigger doesn’t always mean more valuable. Good diamonds should always strike a balance between all four characteristics.

When you buy something as significant and timeless as a diamond, for any occasion, it makes sense that you would like to know the history of that valuable memento.
In the late 1990’s, the world became aware of the existence of “conflict diamonds,” jewels that have been used to fund insurgent or invading army’s war efforts.
Today, over 99% of the world’s diamond supply has been verified to be completely conflict free, and reputable retailers and suppliers of diamonds the world over have embraced a policy never to support the countries involved in the diamond trade that still engage in these practices. Still, retailers such as Spence Diamonds see the value in educating their customers and staff on the issue of conflict diamonds, to better understand the importance and the process of diamonds that are procured through fair trade.
In 2000, a joint initiative supported by the United Nations General Assembly created the Kimberly Process, an international certification regimen that aims to put an end to illegally traded diamonds. Today, 69 countries are legally bound by the rules of this strict and thorough process.
Any trade of diamonds between these 69 countries (which includes Canada, the U.S., Belgium and many of the African countries involved in the trade of diamonds) must adhere to these guidelines:
Each participating country must have laws in place that mandate the Kimberly Process
Any shipment of diamonds must be inspected to ensure that each shipment adheres to the guidelines
They must then be shipped in tamper-proof containers
They must be accompanied by a uniquely numbered, Government validated Kimberly Process certificate
Shipments must only be made to participating countries in the Kimberly Process
Each diamond, when sold by a retailer must be accompanied by the following warranty statement:
“The diamonds herein invoiced have been purchased from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations Resolutions. The undersigned hereby guarantees that these diamonds are conflict free, based on personal knowledge and/or written guarantees provided by the supplier of these diamonds.”
In a very short time, the Kimberly Process has had a profound effect. In the six years since its creation, the Kimberly Process has reduced the trade of conflict diamonds, from 4% to less than 1% of the entire diamond industry.
Retailers like Spence Diamonds have always maintained a strict policy about the origin of their diamonds. The diamonds in Spence stores come from large, reputable diamond suppliers who ensure that the diamonds originated from Kimberly Process compliant countries such as Belgium and Canada. As a major centre for the trade of diamonds, Belgium has always had a system for diamond verification, even previous to the creation of the Kimberly Process. Today, Belgian diamond wholesalers employ one of the strictest levels of security when it comes to the trade of diamonds, according to the U.N.
All of the diamonds purchased for Spence Diamonds have been certified as conflict free.

Perhaps you’ve heard of the “Four C’s” of diamond quality. Each and every unique diamond in the world has its own defining characteristics, and understanding each of them will help you make an informed decision when you come into a Spence Diamonds showroom.
Cut
Nothing is more important to the brilliance and sparkle of a diamond than its cut, as it is responsible for around 40% of a diamond’s price. A well cut diamond will reflect light from one facet to another and back through the top, creating a dramatic sparkling effect that only a diamond can emit. Only the most skilled diamond cutters can shape a diamond with exacting precision, to release its full brilliance, taking into account such factors as proportions, finish, and of course symmetry.
Colour
When examining a diamond, be sure to view it “loose” (unmounted) under a neutral light source, to get the best view of its colour. In the “normal colour” range, the colour of a diamond is rated on a scale that goes from D to Z, with D being the whitest diamond available, and Z being a tinted, light yellow colour. For most jewelry, a colour grade from G to J is usually best.
Why “D to Z?” Before this rating system was invented, diamond professionals used many other symbols (including liberal uses of “A” and “AA”) to rate colour, so the creators of the new system started at D, to avoid any confusion with the outdated ratings systems.
There are also various coloured diamond choices available today, but when you are looking specifically at a white diamond, you should understand how this scale works, and where your diamond of choice is rated on the spectrum. Also, the mounting of a diamond can impact its appearance. A more yellowish diamond will appear whiter next to a gold setting, whereas a white gold setting will make the diamond look less pure if you compare the two side-by-side.
Clarity
The clarity of a diamond refers to the number and nature of inclusions or blemishes that are visible when you view it under a microscope. Some diamond professionals refer to clarity as “purity” or “quality,” but neither of those start with “C,” so we’ll stick with clarity.
A blemish is an imperfection on the surface of a diamond, and an inclusion is a small spot contained within it. Diamonds with little or no imperfections such as these are rarer, and much more valuable. Five factors determine a diamond’s clarity: the size, number, position, nature and “relief” of the inclusions. Relief describes the level of visibility of these imperfections. The clarity scale of a diamond is the easiest to understand: It varies from Flawless, to Internally Flawless, and from there goes to VVS, VS, SI and I. These are easy to understand and remember, because they stand for: Very Very Slightly included, Very Slightly included, Slightly Included, and Included. Each of these designations has varying levels as well, but getting a handle on these will help you understand the importance of clarity in a diamond’s grading.
An “I” rated diamond will have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye, whereas even a skilled diamond expert would need a microscope to see the inclusions in an “SI” diamond. Because of this, diamonds rated “SI” usually represent the best value for your investment.
Important Note: Skilled jewelry makers often mount a diamond so as to mask an inclusion from sight, helping it appear more flawless. Before buying a diamond, be sure to examine it loose under a microscope to get a better idea of its clarity.
Carat
The last and most obvious characteristic that a diamond is measured by is its Carat (abbreviated “ct.”). A carat is a measure of weight, and it takes 142 of them to make an ounce.
Interesting bits of trivia:
You can mail 142 one-carat diamonds with just a single postage stamp (Not that you would want to)!
The majority of diamonds used in jewelry weigh less than one carat.
Obviously, a diamond’s carat weight can have a big effect on its value. When written, carat weights are expressed as decimal numbers: 1.00 ct., 0.48 ct., 1.57 cts., and so on. In a piece which has more than one diamond, often times you will see the total carat weight of the diamonds shown.
At Spence Diamonds, each and every diamond comes with an official Diamond Certificate, which will give you a detailed blueprint of your diamond. Now that you understand the “Four C’s” of diamond grading, you’ll have a better understanding of these certificates, which give you detailed info on all of the factors discussed above, including a “plotting” that shows the exact location of inclusions and blemishes.

If you are looking to make a statement about your own personal sense of style and elegance, or perhaps you wish to make a statement about your status or success, then there are few accessories or items of jewelry which can compare to the sheer simplicity and beauty of diamond earrings.  Real diamond earrings have gained tremendous popularity in recent years, perhaps most noticeably with the advent of the hip-hop scene and the popularity of bling as a fashion statement. Although many jewelers have jumped onto the bling bandwagon, just as many have decided to specialize in this phenomenon. Diamond earrings are available today in a large range of dazzling designs and unmistakable elegance that is adorned with a magnificent number of brilliant and exquisite white diamonds.A diamond is the rarest form of precious stone, taking millions of years to be created deep within the bowels of the earth under tremendous pressure. That something so clear, brilliant and pure can be created in the dark heat deep within the earth seems incredible, and no one can look at a perfectly cut diamond glinting in the light and not be moved by its magic and beauty.  A diamond earring is perhaps the most noticeable of all your diamond jewelry because of where it is worn, unhidden by clothing and prominently displayed.With anything from half a carat to two and a half carats, a pair of diamond earrings will glint and sparkle given any opportunity and even a small glimmer of light will reflect and refract a rainbow of sparkles. Nor are they restricted to women. Men, too, are beginning to draw away from the single gold stud, and instead opt for carats of diamonds set against the beauty of 14 carat yellow or white gold. If you are looking to make a statement about yourself, then wearing a pair of diamond studded earrings is guaranteed to ensure that people will notice your choice of jewelry, and the message which it will convey about you will be unmistakable. Nothing quite indicates success in the same way as diamond jewelry does, and a beautiful set of diamond earrings sets the standard even higher.You can find a massive range of diamond earrings online, ranging from the classic solitaire diamond stud to over 6 carats of glittering diamonds, dazzlingly cut and set in unmistakable genuine gold. These are leagues above the earrings worn by those around you. Whether studs or diamond pendants, nothing quite competes with the combination of genuine diamonds and 14K gold. With their novel designs and colors, these are anything but ordinary earrings that have been decorated with jewels.  The design and style of some of these beautiful earrings have been planned and developed from the very earliest stage to ensure that the final result is nothing less than imaginative, reliable and absolutely beautiful.  It is hard to beat a beautiful pair of designer hoop earrings displaying 3 carats of scintillating diamonds in a highly polished gold setting, with a choice of white, yellow and pink gold. If you are looking to purchase a diamond earring for yourself, then certainly you will be interested in what is available online, where prices are significantly lower than you will find in shopping malls.  However, if you are looking at giving a diamond earring as a gift, then such jewelry clearly an enormous amount to say. It has long been accepted that women adore diamonds, and more recently it has been widely accepted that this remarkable precious stone appeals just as much to those men who have the sense of style and elegance to wear them.The bling revolution has led to diamond encrusted earrings being just as popular with men as with women, and this trend is reflected in the range available, particularly in online stores that are becoming increasingly more popular due to the excellent prices they are offering. Photographs will provide you with images of earrings of tremendous beauty and style, but of course they can never quite capture the sparkle and glint caused by even the slightest movement or tilt of a genuine diamond in any kind of light.  Because diamond earrings incorporate a large number of small, round cut diamonds, the effect is suggestive of an even larger number of diamonds having been encrusted into the settings, and offer a sparkle and brilliance greater than you might expect to meet the demanding needs of today’s clientele.

Engagement rings, pre – set rings, loose diamonds, bracelets, earrings, pendants, necklaces you name it and you have the whole range in front of your eyes. Diamonds have been a lady’s best friend for ages, even today; the saying goes as a timeless charm. It’s a beauty- the hardest material in the world has a charm which you will not find in anything else. Cut out with beauty after painful hours of labor, these are yet not affordable by many. To posses a diamond is a thing in itself. The beauty of diamond is, certainly, timeless. The price of the diamond jewellery basically depends upon the cut, clarity and purity of diamond. Diamonds are generally classified as Natural Diamond, Synthetic Industrial Diamond and Thin Film Diamonds on the base of their appendage of creation. The phrase “diamond” is gained from a Greek articulate “diamond” which corresponds “invincible”.Diamonds can be scientifically assorted into four characters, called type 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b. Before you buy a diamond, you must know the four Cs of diamond – color, clarity, cut and carat. Depending upon these four, one should choose a diamond. Diamonds are found in three basic colors – white, blue, brown and pink. Out of these pink is still a rarity and can cost a fortune for one to be able to buy it. White is the most basic and most common form of diamond sold worldwide. Then comes the brown and black. As black diamond is considered good for Black Magic, it is most sought after by magicians and is hence priced high. They say the clearer the diamond, the better the diamond and so is the price. The best way to check it is to see through a microscope available with jewelers before buying a diamond whether embedded or non – embedded. The more the cut, the costlier the diamond. This is because; it is really tough to cut a diamond and moreso making a design on it. The last thing the carat. For all good reasons, the bigger the size or the heavier the weight of the diamond, more would be its price. As, buying diamond involves a lot of money, the place you are buying it from should be reliable. Online shopping stores are one of the places upon whom you can rely. Authenticated, these are the places which give you an authenticity or guarantee that the diamond you are buying is the real one. To buy from one, just log on to any of the websites of online shopping stores and get the best of the diamonds at affordable prices and that too at your doorstep!!

In any and every given moment of your life, you are either in command of yourself, or you are being commanded. Guy Finley

Keeping a wardrobe that is complete and always new is rare. The costs of buying clothing today and with the constant change in styles, bargains are a treasure. There is a definite challenge to being well dressed at all times, especially on a limited budget. For working women this is difficult, yet, it can be done.

The key is in the planning. It takes money to build a wardrobe, or to start over from one season to the next. When you plan your wardrobe, keep in mind your particular style or look. If you find yourself asking questions like, What on earth will I wear today? Or, I have got absolutely nothing to wear! Another favorite is to telephone a few friends to see what they are going to wear. If you find yourself doing any of these, then, your goal is to plan.

Asking yourself some of the following questions may prove helpful:

Does your wardrobe consist of more than 20% of clothing you have not worn in over a year, thinking they may come back in style?

Do you own enough accessories to start your own craft store?

How often do you make impulse purchases?

Before purchasing, do you allow enough time to actually try on the garments?

Answering these questions may make you frown, but these fashion problems are not uncommon. Just realizing what your fashion sense is, is the first step.

Getting to know your own particular styles including the strengths and weaknesses of your figure type is a start. Make a point to focus on a clear image of what you consider being well dressed. Knowing what you like, want, and what looks well on you are important. Buy only what suits you best and not rely on the opinion of someone else. Nor should you base your decision only on what is currently popular.

Fashion is distinctive to each individual and does not need to be classified into a standard mold. Let your own taste dictate your fashion and beauty behavior. Pay attention to fashion and beauty magazines and adjust your taste to the fashions that are made available. Rather then being blindly led to something that may just be the popular style of the moment, adjusting your style is the better way to go.

Where do you start to build a best-dressed wardrobe? Start at the beginning and learn to stretch your fashion dollars by saving any clothing you already have. Make an inventory of what you have in your closet. Most of us usually make two main divisions. One is your summer-wear; the other is your winter wear. Stay within reason and keep anything that is still useful and in good condition. Just try not to cling to any clothing, even for sentimental reasons, that have not been worn for over a year. They only take up space.

Dresses, suits and coats are your most important investment and should be cared for properly. Upon removing them at the end of the day, be sure to immediately hang them up on their individual hangers. Check for spots and stains, and if necessary, brush them off and air them first before putting them away.

In dressing well, the other parts of your wardrobe include your shoes and accessories. Shoes are a major item and must be kept clean and in shape as often as possible. Constantly walking along cemented sidewalks can be a death march to your shoe heels and soles. Have them repaired as frequently as possible and discard shoes when they are unsalvageable.

Accessories are additional items that may be the central aim of your outfit. Give them your attention. Jewelry items must be sparkling clean. Any traces of tarnish on silver pieces can be cleaned with silver polish. Soap and warm water may be applied to jeweled rings, except on pearls, to remove dust and dried soap on the stones or settings. A little soap and water rinse, and even a little rubbing alcohol on many costume pieces can bring back the shine.

With a little planning, a lot of care, and special thought to your wardrobe purchases, you can add life to your clothing and have a closet that will rival any superstar. Dressing well is a sign of your self-esteem. And self-esteem is a part of your personal development. Without it, you may not be motivated to pay any special attention to the way you dress. Go do, and be well dressed!