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titleHorseshoes and the Trims They Bring - HorseShoe Manufactures Set the Trend, Our Horses Pay the Price/titlepSome recent and not so recent research has prompted my writing this article. Over the past two decades horseshoe manufactures have been inadvertently or perhaps purposely setting trends that could be proving to be detrimental to even those horses that go barefoot. You read it right; trend set by horseshoe manufacturers could have an effect on your barefoot horse. Not through their production of horseshoes, but rather by the style of shoes that they produce./ppThinking back to when I began as a farrier almost 25 years ago, I can remember making my weekly pilgrimage to the local farriers supply store to purchase the required horseshoe inventory to stock my shoeing truck for the week. I would calculate the number of pairs and the sizes I would need for the coming weeks work. As my business increased, it became more difficult finding the time to make those weekly trips, and I soon found myself buying inventory for the month./ppEstablishing a horseshoe inventory was pretty straightforward. I, like most farriers at that time, would buy fullered, punched keg shoes by the case, in the most common sizes 00, 0, 1, 2, 3. The term keg shoe defines the most common of machine made horseshoes. The keg shoe comes in a generic oval shape and was called the keg shoe because they were originally shipped in kegs (barrels). This type of shoe almost always needed to be shaped to fit the hind or front foot of the horse. All too often the hurried farrier simply would spread, or close the shoe to fit a foot, and then shape the foot to the shoe., rather than the shoe to the foot./ppThis practice was likely the first in the beginning of what would become trend, started by the type of shoe that was available from a shoe manufacture. It was the shape of the early manufactured keg shoes where it all began, trend setting./ppAs new manufacturing techniques developed, manufactures began producing shoes in a variety of new shapes. The first new style shoes to be offered were front and hind pattern shoes which came out of Europe. American farriers who at the time were taking flack for setting the trend of long toe and low heels, this said to help increase stride, were quick to embrace this convenient way of addressing breakover. This ws the beginning of a new trend, ont that may prove to be just as damaging to todays horse as long toes and under run heels./ppIt was the hind pattern shoe that really changed things. The hind pattern shoe was the first readily available shoe to be offered with a square toe. Quickly manufacturers introduced hind shoes with ready-made side clips, and front shoes with toe clips. The front shoe pattern was often rounder than the standard keg shoe that many of the farriers were using at the time. This may have been why some farriers began using hind patterns on the fronts of the horse; this proving to be a simple way of providing a square toe to the front foot, making fitting easier./ppTwenty years ago, the square toed horseshoe, was more often viewed as a remedial or corrective type horseshoe. It was not often used as a keg shoe. Prior to being able to purchase the square-toed shoe, the square toe needed to be forged./ppOver about a ten year period pattern shoes flooded the market./ppAmerican based companies began producing front pattern shoes that were not as round as the European type pattern shoes. These new patterns more closely resembled the traditional keg shoe. With increase in production came price reductions, making it more economical to purchase clipped shoes, rather than forging them. In the mid nineties Eventer-type shoes were introduced. These pattern shoes had a rolled cross section, claiming to aid in breakover, they also came in front and hind patterns./ppAbout the mid nineties, we say increase in the use of the Natural Balance Shoe (NBS), which was fashioned after the footprint of the feral horse. It too had square toe and came in front and hind patterns. Each time a new shoe was introduced, it was accompanied by claims that the shoe aided breakover, and / or provided needed heel support. This is still true today, of most newly developed horseshoes.brSo where is all this going?/ppTo the point, shoe manufacturers have been setting trends that influence the way the farrier addresses the foot./ppRecently, I have compiled research on a little understood malady that affects many of todays horses, the black hole seedy toe./ppOur research began in 2001, the opening of the International Institute of Equine Podiatry. Inc., since which time we have examined over 1200 hoof cadaver specimens. We observed a dramatic increase in the occurrence of black hole-type seedy toe. Investigation has now provided evidence that suggest that various trimming and shoeing trends could be that cause for this increase in the incidence of this malady./ppOur research has shown that more often that not, the black hole is evidence of a Hyper Keratinized Horn mass, located at the creana marginalis of the coffin bone (seen as a notch in the coffin bone). One theory suggests that an abnormal increase in the size of the creana marginalis was likely due to a compromised blood supply. Further studies implicate that the cause of manifestation of the HKH mass at the site of the creana marginalis is stress./ppBiopsies were taken from twenty (20) specimen masses and prepared for examination. Opinions gathered from several pathologists were unanimous; the HKH mass was the result of hyperplasia of epithelial cells with keratinization, this likely caused by stress./ppMicrophotographs of tissue samples from the masses often showed elongated secondary epidermal laminae (SEL); this occurrence has been associated with changes in response to stress./ppMeasurements were taken of the solar foot print of the twenty specimens from which the masses were harvested. This showed us that the greater the variance in balance, the larger the mass often appeared. The most widespread causes of imbalance were the under run heel, and the creation of excessively short breakover./ppThe research has allowed us to develop a number of hypotheses./ppbi1. /i/bThe theory that abnormal increases in the size of the creana marginalis of the coffin bone is the result of a compromised blood supply due to long toes is no longer tenable.brbi2. /i/bResearch supports the theory that abnormal increases in the size of the creana marginalis may be natures way of increasing surface area in response to increased stress.brbi3. /i/bEvidence supports the theory that stress and the resulting HKH mass is the cause of the enlargement of the creana marginalis of the coffin bone./ppOur conclusion are that trends perpetuated by various shoe types and various trimming techniques proposed over the past decade, are responsible for an increase in the development of the HKH mass, and the resulting black hole seedy toe. The majority of the proposed techniques promote dramatic reduction in breakover, which can lead to improper positioning of the coffin bone within the hoof capsule. There are a number of factors that have surfaced, many of which are the result of improper trimming./ppWhat this all means to those of you that have chosen to go shoeless with your horse, is that you should look more closely at the way your horse is being trimmed./ppHere are some recommendations that may help in preventing mass growth, and may aid in stabilization of an existing condition.brol liAggressive rolling of the wall at the toe should be avoided. Avoid dubbing the wall or rockering of the toe into or palmar of the whiteline. liAvoid ground parallel coffin bones. liDo not lower the heels to the viable (live) sole at the angle of the bar/wall (often results in ground parallel coffin bone). liUnder run heels do not justify radical break over placement. liTreating of black hole seedy toe with topical solutions or soaks will do little to remedy the problem. liBalance should be addressed and any cause of stress relieved; this does not mean excessive removal of material at the toe./ol/ppThis new evidence bring into question the Universal Sole Trim theory, Natural Balance trim, and any other method that may disrupt balance, causing stress at the site of the creana marginalis (tip of coffin bone)./ppThere are far more studies to be done. Immunology studies are underway, and further research into the cause of the HKH mass is ongoing./ppAbout the Author: KC La Pierre, RJF, PhD is the Co-Founder of the Institute of Applied Equine Podiatry, Inc. A professional Farrier for over two decades, a researcher, and educator. KC La Pierre is a proud member of the Guild of Professional Farriers and a traditional Journeyman Blacksmith. Recongnized by many as one of the foremost Applied Equine Podiatrist in the world today. His lectures and teachings have been presented throughout the U.S. and Abroad. His innovative approach to teaching the art of Applied Equine Podiatry has met with rave reviews the world over./ppFor more information on Applied Equine Podiatry please visit the Institutes web site at a target=_new href=http://www.appliedequinepodiatry.orghttp://www.appliedequinepodiatry.org/a/pbrbr

titleChristian Clothing - Contemporary Way to Share the Good News/titlepChristians have discovered a contemporary way to spread the Good News, by wearing the message through Christian t-shirt evangelism. Wearing their faith has become a fashion statement and a faith statement./ppAccording to Websters Dictionary, evangelism is a preaching of or zealous effort to spread the gospel. Christian clothing takes the boldness to a new level. The zealous preaching is printed, implied, or visually displayed on the shirts, hats, or other Christian apparel./ppAccording to Family Christian Stores, Christian retail is a $4.3 billion industry. With the emergence of Christian clothing lines to suit styles from urban to designer, Christian consumers are being outfitted to match their convictions./ppSome companies have chosen to mimic popular brands or slogans by tweaking them with a Christian theme. There are Christian clothing retail stores online and in local malls. Though there are no new ideas under the sun, according to the book of Ecclesiastes, new Christian t-shirts seem to attract a sure buzz on t-shirt forums and in church bookstores, how much more when you see one walking down the street./ppWith the fast pace of peoples lives and the entertainment industry vying for our attention, Christians are able to keep up by becoming a walking billboard for Christ. When was the last time you didnt take that moment to read the bumper sticker on the car in front of you? Bold statements have moved up a notch, from the bumper of a car to the shirt on someones back. Its advertising space when you really think about it. And what better to advertise for than the King of Kings and the forgiveness of sins./ppWalking in the Spirit and living a life that reflects the nature and love of Christ is the true calling. Wearing Christian clothing as part of our desire to share Jesus, wow, what a treat!/ppFor the latest in a TARGET=_NEW href=http://www.seizeeternity.comChristian Clothing/a go to seizeeternity.com/ppCodie Brenner has a bachelors degree in Journalism with a minor in Creative Writing from Pepperdine University. She is a freelance writer, mother of three, and Christian clothing entrepreneur./pbrbr

titlePuppies in Costumes/titlepHere are a few helpful tips to keep your dog safe and reduce his stress, fear and anxiety if you are taking him out and about on Halloween. With all the commotion of excited little ones and extra noise and activity around your dog, he may not be able to cope. These tips might make it a little easier, but dont forget if he is so overwhelmed and scared, why bother? We all know dogs in costumes are funny, but you are not doing this for his entertainment, but yours./ppPRACTICE:/ppDress your dog up in the costume your have selected a couple of times before the big day and walk him around in it as you are going to do on Halloween. This way at least he wont be intimidated by this unusual apparel. If he is used to it he may relax and enjoy the walk about with all the extra activity being interesting, rather than distressing./ppBE AWARE OF YOUR PETS ANXIETY:/ppDogs in costumes will let you know by their actions if they are not going to tolerate being dressed up. I know it seems funny to watch a dog struggle when we try a hat or sunglaases on them, just for the entertainment value. But this is distressing and putting a dog in a full costume may be something they just wont tolerate. Once again if your pet cant get used to the costume, dont bother./ppBE VISIBLE:/ppSome dog costumes come with a reflective coating on them, but if you have one that does not, simply add some reflective tape which you can buy at the hardware store./ppMAKE SURE THE COSTUME IS SAFE:/ppThere should be no loose pieces or decorations on the costume that your pet can ingest. Your dog may find it way to appealing to chew off dangling buttons or material, which could cause choking or worse, a bowel obstruction. Also make sure nothing is hanging around his feet where he could get tangled or trip./ppMAKE SURE THE COSTUME FITS PROPERLY/ppJust as you do with his collar, check and make sure you can get two or three fingers between your dog and the fabric or tie-on that goes around your pet to hold the costume in place. Any ties or wraps around the neck should have extra care and attention, making sure they are comfortable./ppMAKE SURE THE COSTUME IS LIGHTWEIGHT:/ppRemember this is like us wearing a fur coat and then covering that up with more clothes. If the costume is too heavy he may overheat and become exhausted. Carry a pet water bottle and offer it often. Watch for excessive panting or lagging behind. If this happens remove the costume./ppUSE A LEASH AND MAKE SURE ID TAGS ARE ON YOU PET:/ppThis is something all responsible dog owners know, and needs no extra explanation./ppCARRY YOUR OWN APPROPRIATE PET TREATS:/ppWe should all know by now not to give our pets chocolate as it is toxic. Also anything with a wrapper or a lollipop stick is once again dangerous due to the possibility of choking or bowel obstruction if they are swallowed. If you have healthy dog treats, then your pet wont feel left out of the evenings festivities./ppHAPPY HALLOWEEN AND MAKE SURE PETS AND PEOPLE ALIKE HAVE FUN!/ppEven though we think Halloween is fun, our dogs may be stressed out and scared. Here are a few tips to help relieve their anxiety if you are taking you dog out trick and treating in a costume. Always put your pets feelings first and read their moods. For more info on happy healthy dogs check out my website: A target=_new href=http://www.recipes4gourmetdogs.com/http://www.recipes4gourmetdogs.com/A/pbrbr

titleIs Your Home Safe Enough/titlepAs D-Day is approaching, your new baby is getting ready to arrive and you are frantically cleaning to get ready for your new arrival. You want what every new parent wants, the most perfect nursery, a sparkling clean house and a safe environment to raise your new bundle of joy. However, what you may be giving him is a home filled with dangerous toxins that he will be touching, breathing in, and ingesting. In the Indoor Air Quality Act of 1989, The Environmental Protection Agency commented that indoor air quality is a top environmental health problem in the U.S. Our air pollution is higher indoors, the place we spend most of our time, than outdoors./ppThe EPA states that it is 3 to 70 times higher. That is a frightening statistic. Newer houses are being built to be more efficient. This includes being more weather resistant, meaning less air entering/exiting the home than some of the older homes. Great, right? We stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer! In an ideal situation, that would be fantastic. Unfortunately, the products used in many households contain dangerous ingredients and toxins. Some of these ingredients are released into the air (think about the grocery store cleaning isle) and we breathe them in, absorb them from our skin, and in some accidental cases ingest them./ppAccording to the American Lung Association, some of the products release contaminants into the air and have been linked to cancer, eye, skin, and respiratory irritations, asthma, nausea, and dizziness, among many other problems. There are so many dangers in the world to let the products used in our homes be one of them. Healthy products are out there. Please make sure you, your children, families, and friends are not among the people who are being harmed by these toxins. Stay tuned for a list of some of the toxins found in most households and what you can do about it./ppAthena Lodge/ppMom of 3 Wonderfuls/ppHealthy Products + Time with my Kids = Healthy Family/ppa target=_new href=http://www.forourkiddos.comhttp://www.forourkiddos.com/a/ppGoal: Help People Make Their Home A Safe Home!/pbrbr

How to Protect Your Assets Through Rental Background Check

Anyone with rental properties should perform a rental background check on individuals who are interested in renting out their house, apartment or other investments. Once you do this, you would receive useful information about the man or woman, giving you an objective way of deciding if they are the type of people you’d like to be your new tenants. Since rental properties should be your assets, you should do everything you can to protect it from malicious people.

For landlords, picking a tenant can be a difficult task because they usually make their decisions based only on a single interview. Landlords prefer tenants that would pay rent on time, while ensuring that the condition of the house remains taken care of. Most landlords have experienced playing hide-and-seek with tenants when it comes to paying the rent, or their rented properties have been trashed. Although a rental background check would not guarantee you would not experience these situations anymore, you have a greater advantage in weeding out people who have histories of such offenses to their other landlords.

A rental background check provides information about a particular individual’s aliases, tax liens, judgments, evictions, civil litigations, criminal records, sex offender registration, bankruptcies, current vehicle registrations and existing address. It would also include a verification of identity, social security number verification, the place and date SSN was issued and information about their current neighbors.

From these given information, landlords can determine which people to trust their properties with and which people are not worth giving a shot. Although the rental background check would not tell you that a person is “suitable for renting properties”, the information listed would provide you with a chance to make a decision based on facts, rather than first impressions. Unfortunately, since a rental background check comes with a fee, most landlords disregard obtaining such records for every tenant application not knowing that the paperwork could be all worth the money, time and stress wasted on an irresponsible tenant.

VISIT US NOW to perform a comprehensive background check and read more on topics such as Rental Background Check or Security Background Check and so much more!

Framing A Sports Jersey

One might think that keeping the jersey they wore in high school in the closet is the best way to maintain it. I would have to say they are sorely mistaken. That football jersey you wore during the championship game, the uniform donned for your first pee-wee league game, or even the jersey you wore when your favorite team won a championship. These items are not just articles of clothing, they embody pieces of personal history and deserve to be treated as such.

The best way known to maintain a jersey is to have it framed. Framing a jersey serves two purposes. The first purpose is that framing a jersey maintains it in its current state and protects it from any future damage. Being the owner of many jerseys, some framed and some not, the damage a jersey can sustain by just being hung on a hanger compared to one framed and hung on a wall is amazing. Over time the threads and fabrics in the shoulders will stretch and weaken. Not to mention the damage that can be caused by constantly wearing, washing, and drying of a jersey. The other reason to frame a jersey is so that it can be displayed in all of its glory above the mantle or beside that 52 inch plasma TV we all want adorning our wall. Just imagine that jersey hanging on the wall while watching a championship game on the big screen. Reliving your glory days while at the same time sharing those memories with family and friends. In all honesty how can a jersey stuffed in a drawer somewhere even compare.

The assumption that most people make is that framing a jersey is as simple as slapping it in a frame, covering it in glass and tossing it on the wall. That could not be farther from the truth. Framing a jersey properly is a talent best left to professionals. Why would a person have it any other way? Would you really want to risk damaging that one of a kind jersey autographed by a childhood hero? Beyond the possible damage that could be inflicted upon the jersey, a professionally framed jersey is a work of art that any self respecting sports fan can be proud of.

Although if you do go the route of do it yourself framing there are a few things to remember. Determine how much of the jersey you want to display and measure the matting board, foam core backing and frame accordingly. Make sure that you tightly secure the jersey to the matting board either by sewing it or pinning it. Finally I would suggest using Plexiglas instead of glass because glass can shatter and damage your jersey.

I am not suggesting that all jerseys should be framed. That one that my wife wears while cleaning the house is definitely not on the list of jerseys I would frame. On the other hand there are those that deserve nothing less. Why leave them in the shadows of a dresser or a closet only to fade slowly from memory until no longer do they inspire us or remind us of those moment we are most proud of.

If you would like more information about framing a jersey feel free to visit http://www.sportsframer.com

Joseph Gill

Email Marketing Solution - Get Ahead in Competition

Every businessman wants that his or her product reach to a huge mass and that is why advertisements and advertising solutions are used. These days online advertising is utilized in a great way and some latest tools have been devised apart from search engine marketing and banner advertising. Email advertising is one such tool. An Email is promoting quite a big range of products these days. Be it financial services, health-care products, electronic gadgets, toys, apparel, wealth management services, asset management services or property. This kind of advertisement is successful also and it is made successful with the help of companies which are providing Email marketing solution.

These advertising solutions are growing with the growth of Internet. Now people are relying on the Internet for the sake of knowing about a product or a service. And they want to know these information through Emails which are the best communication options. Nowadays Emails are not only used for the purpose of communication but also for the product promotion. Various companies are opting out for the write-ups to promote their services. These companies are using newsletters, what’s new letter, greetings and event invitations to reach their online prospects and they are opting for Email marketing solution companies.

It is a fact that Email services mark a huge impact on the online audience since these are direct. If the displayed product is benefiting the audience they buy it. Email marketing solution is successful also because it is fast. These solutions can be used to communicate more information frequently to the online audience. Write-ups develop curiosity in the prospects and since Emails are read and understood easily so Email campaigns are effective way to advertise. These solutions increase sales and do brand promotion in a nice manner. These campaigns can prevent your present customers from leaving your company also as you are building a relationship with them over time. You can add supplementary ad features also like coupons or helpful hints.

Therefore, take the help of an Email marketing solution company to promote your useful products. This is a nice way to stay ahead in the online competition.

Author: Author is expert in Email Marketing, presently render her services to Rupiz Xpress that helps you in building email marketing, email marketing solutions, email campaign, low cost lead generation, customized lead generation.

The Advantage to Buying Promotional Products Online

Buying your promotional products and corporate apparel online provides five major advantages: a greater selection, better pricing, convenience, customer service, and faster ordering time.

Manufacturers often display their entire line of products on the internet, providing you with a greater selection of products. With all of these manufacturers online, you gain the opportunity to compare pricing and quality in a simple and accessible online format, instead of wasting time flipping through endless catalogs that crowd your workspace.

Better pricing is readily available online, but you have to search for it. Type any promotional product related keywords into your favorite search engine and sift through the results until you find a company with discount pricing. Another great trick is to choose an item and have a few companies give you a quote with the price of freight included. This will get you a number much closer to the total cost.

How do these online companies afford to sell the exact same product for less than other distributors? Traditionally, promotional items are sold by a distributor who has outside sales people that will go to your place of business, show you samples, and walk you through the process of placing an order. These outside sales people are the primary expense of an off-line distributor. This expense is then factored into the price of the promotional item, thus raising your total cost. When purchasing discount promotional products online, you can eliminate this huge cost and save considerable amounts of money.

Convenience comes with the capability of placing your entire order online. All successful online companies offer this service with encrypted order forms to secure your purchasing information. It is always a necessary hassle to send the artwork to your promotional products company. This is made easy with the online form. With online ordering you gain the convenience of placing your order anytime, twenty-four hours a day.

A few of these online companies also provide customer service departments with long hours. They are set up primarily to take your calls, handle rush orders, and to answer your questions promptly. If you prefer to communicate through e-mail, this is a great way to document your order from start to finish. You can e-mail a question to your distributor, leave for lunch, and have it answered by the time you return.

A faster ordering time is the fifth major result of the online purchase. I have personally visited hundreds of clients. This obviously requires an appointment, which naturally must fit into both parties’ schedules. An off-line salesperson is forced to interpret your needs prior to your meeting. They bring what samples and catalogs they have on hand, but these may not meet your needs and thus your ordering time will be extended for a second meeting. If you have any questions about product availability, turn around time, or any other factory sensitive inquiries, the salesperson will have to return to his office in order to contact the factory, in order to answer your question. When you order from an online company, the customer service team is already in their office, so they can contact the factory with your questions and call you back immediately.

I have given you five great reasons to buy promotional products online, but I must also remind you that there is always a trade-off. Online promotional products companies work very hard to cut all possible costs and to pass the savings on to you. You will find that this results in a charge for samples and pre-payment requirements. The charge for samples insures that the company will not give away products to non-customers, as this would considerably raise the real customers’ costs. Paying in advance is very common among internet purchasing in general, and necessary for almost every online company to insure payment. Pre-payment is nothing to worry about. You still have the right to a quality product, and you gain an enormous savings.

One other tip, select an online company that has in-house embroidery or screen printing facilities. It has been my experience that these companies have much better control of expediting your orders, a stronger knowledge of branding, experience which allows them to better monitor quality control, and a great tendency to complete rush orders faster.

You will find that many more successful businesses are now placing their promotional product and corporate apparel needs in the hands of these qualified online distributors. The advantages are numerous; convenience, speed, selection, accountability, service, and above all, savings.

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Author: Rick Sheldon has 18 years experience in the Promotional Products Industry and is currently CEO of Save on Promotional Products Inc. a Discount Online Promotional Products Company. He can be contacted at 1-800-826-8706; email: rick@saveonpromotionalproducts.com; or visit http://www.saveonpromotionalproducts.com.

Drive Traffic on the Course With Corporate Logo Golf Balls

When your company is attempting to get right into the thick of business negotiations, there is no better way than with corporate logo golf balls. These corporate logo golf balls will provide not only quality play for the golfer, but they will also make an impression as the logo will consistently become more recognizable.

This is called mind share and it is truly integral in the basic building blocks of any business. Mind share ultimately leads to market share and this will positively affect your revenue line. Corporate logo golf balls can assist you in this as the balls will carry your corporate logo as the golfer plays. This is actually a subtle way to market your company as you will not need a representative of your company out on the green. The corporate logo golf balls will be doing the marketing for you.
As the balls come out of the golf bag, the golfers will notice the quality of not only the ball itself but the professional image in which you are portraying. This is a positive for your company as they will talk about them at every swing. Others will wonder where you obtained such quality corporate logo golf balls and this will lead to potential business coming to your door.

You can provide these corporate logo golf balls in a variety of ways. You can offer them at trade shows, corporate events, giveaways and even for a variety of promotions. These corporate logo golf balls are an excellent marketing tool as many of the leading business people all over the world handle their negotiations on the back nine of the green. Deals are struck and relationships are built as well as solidified in a round of golf. It is only natural that you incorporate your business in to this business playing field.

As the surface of the golf ball is dimpled, you will need to pay close attention to the printing of your logo. If it is printed too small, then it will give the appearance of unprofessionalism. If it is too large, then the ball will not be eye appealing and will not receive the attention that they deserve. This is why it is very important to choose a company to handle the task of imprinting your corporate logo golf balls in a professional manner. A company in which is experienced in this line can provide you the peace of mind when dealing with your marketing strategies. Corporate logo golf balls are a valuable asset to the business as it will inadvertently incorporate your business into other areas in a subtle way. It is professional and shows that you have class.

Chris Miller is the owner of http://www.promopunch.com in which specializes in custom imprinted products for promotions, marketing, giveaways, corporate gifts and tradeshows.

To learn more, visit http://www.promopunch.com and contact Chris for expert advice and support with your current marketing campaign.

Opal - The Queen Of Gems

The birthstone for October, opal was highly prized in ancient Rome and considered to be a gem of hope and healing. Ancient Arab cultures thought that opals fell from the sky during flashes of lightning. It can occur in many different colors, along with colorless. Seldom is a stone only one color. Shakespeare in one of his plays describes the stone as being ‘the queen of gems’.

There are many theories as to how the stone got its name. The Sanskrit word upala, meaning valuable stone is one theory. Some scholars say it came from the Greek word opallios which means color change. Others say that the ancient Romans called it opalus, which means stone of many elements.

There are two different types of the stone. Precious opal which is a stone that has the play of light characteristic, and common opal which does not. Play of light means that reflected and refracted light in many colors can be seen in the stone when viewed from different angles, colors that are different from the main color of the stone. Most gemstones are precious opal but the common type can also on occasion be of gemstone quality. Up until the middle of the 19th century, precious opals were very rare and most were found in what is now Slovenia in Europe. It is now found in Australia and Czech Republic, Hungary, North, South and Central America, and Northern Africa as well as Slovenia.

Not all opals used in jewelry are solid gemstones. Doublets are thin pieces of opal that are fastened to a backing material, while triplets are thin pieces of stone that are attached to a backing material that have a clear quartz cap. There are also synthetic opals being manufactured that are indistinguishable from natural stones except by trained gemologists.

Compared to other gemstones, opal is fragile. Its softness makes it susceptible to damage if not worn with care. It is also a gem that is made up of 3 to 6 percent water. If the stone is exposed to conditions that would dehydrate it, cracks can occur as well as the loss of the play of light. An opal should be worn often to allow the stone to retain its moisture by contact with the air and human skin, and should be mounted in such a way as to give it protection.

There is a great price variation with opals, with the common variety usually much less expensive than the precious. The most expensive precious type of stone is the black opal, which refers to a stone that has a dark main color, and very brilliant flashes. Because precious opal can reflect so many different colors, it can be stylish and match many different types and colors of apparel. As long as care is taken when worn, opal can be worn and enjoyed every day.

Alan Beggerow owns and operates Cathleen’s Bargain Basement, an online business that offers custom made apparel and hand crafted teddy bears by Cathleen, and also offers a selection of jewelry, home decor, Asian motif items, and much more. http://www.cathleensbargainbasement.com

Alan Beggerow is also a free lance writer. For further examples of his writings, visit his political and current events blog Random Thoughts at http://www.winkle52.blogspot.com