HowToDoThings.com Recent Jewelry & Accessories Articles

How To Make a Bra Purse

teen — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:27:05 -0500

Are you in need of a tiny purse for a night out? Maybe you want to recycle your old bra into something useful. Believe it or not, you can do both. Follow these instructions and you can make a bra purse.

Materials and Tools:
Bra (new or gently used)
Needle and thread
Scissors
Decorations such as beads, ribbon, fringe or buttons

How To Clean Discolored Fake Pearls

Deirdre — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 18:11:24 -0500

A set of fake pearls can be a lovely addition to your costume jewelry wardrobe. If your set has started to yellow or has lost its luster, it may just need a good cleaning. A few simple steps are all it takes to have those pearls gleaming again.

Materials:
Discolored string of pearls (or earrings)
Mild soap
Warm water
Soft toothbrush
Chamois cloth
Small bowl (glass or plastic)

How To Care For a Fine Watch

nickbarr20 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 11:57:33 -0600

Many people become very attached to their watches. People often spend many thousands of dollars on them, and we often wear them as a bit of a symbol of the type of person we are. Importantly, we often keep them for many years, with some watches passed from generation to generation. Therefore, it is important to take care and attention to ensure the longevity of your watch’s lifespan.

Just like a car, a watch is an instrument with fine mechanical parts and does require regular servicing. While full servicing should be carried-out by a professional, there are many things that you can do yourself to make sure your watch provides enjoyment for many years to come.

How To Go Christmas Shopping

bronwyn — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:35:29 -0600

Although the holidays are supposed to be about peace, friendship, giving, and family, they can quickly turn into stress about parking places and last-minute gift buying. It doesn't have to be this way! If done the right way, Christmas shopping can be a stress-free, and even enjoyable experience.

How To Tie a Scarf

Thomas Hart — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 13:43:39 -0500

There are many different types of scarves and many ways they can all be tied.

The main types of scarves include: The Long Knit Scarf, The Short Knit Scarf, The Long Silk or Satin Scarf, The Square Silk or Satin Scarf,The Extra Wide Fabric Scarf and The Fur Scarf.

The Long Knit Scarf (6 feet or more). This can be worn in two ways. The first way is to place the middle of the scarf at your neck. Begin wrapping the two sides hanging down around you neck over and over, alternating sides each time. It is important to make sure you wrap it close to your neck one time and then very loose the next to you get several layers and levels hanging around you.

The second way to tie a long knit scarf is to fold the scarf in half, then place the new middle on your neck. Take the two ends and tie them in a loose knot around your neck.

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How To Wear Strapless Sandals

Staff468 — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 12:41:00 -0500

Like many of the best summer fashions, strapless sandals for both men and women originated in Hawaii but have since made their way to the rest of the states. Here are some tips on how to wear strapless sandals.

Strapless sandals stick to your feet via adhesive--the rubber of the sandal has been impregnated with an adhesive that sticks to the bottom of your foot. The strapless sandals remain on your feet until the adhesive become too dirty and loses its "stickiness." The bottom of the sandal has a non-slip surface (but no adhesive on the bottom, of course!).

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How To Buy Diamond Jewelry

Joan598 — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 18:43:00 -0600

Diamond jewelry is a significant purchase, but it's not one that needs to be scary. Armed with some basic information, you can buy diamonds with confidence, either for yourself or a very special someone else.

Do your homework. Familiarize yourself with some basic terminology like the Four Cs (cut, color, clarity and carat weight). Know which options are most important to you. Here's a quick overview:
- CUT determines the stone's fire and brilliance and is probably your most important C. Not to be confused with a diamond's shape, cut refers to how a diamond's facets are created to maximize the amount of light that is absorbed, redirected, and released. Nature controls the other 3 Cs, but a diamond's cut is in the hands of the craftsman who shapes it.
  
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How To Tie Your Shoes

Shannon553 — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 21:33:00 -0600

Learning to tie your shoes properly is an important part in taking care of your shoes and avoiding accidents; tying your shoes will prevent tripping over shoelaces, not to mention help keep your shoes on your feet. There are many different ways to tie shoes, and keep in mind that practice makes perfect.

Method 1 - Standard Shoelace Knot

Hold one end of each shoelace in each hand.
Cross the shoelaces, making an X.
Pass the top end of the shoelace under the other and through to the front. Pull tightly, making a starter knot.
Take the right shoelace and fold it in half, making a loop.
Take the left shoelace and pass it loosely behind and around the right loop, so that a hole forms between the left lace and the loop.
Continue to wrap around until the left lace has made it around the right loop.

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How To Buy Designer Handbags and Purses

Shannon553 — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 15:57:00 -0600

Designer handbags are not just for the rich and famous. More and more people are spending thousands of dollars to own a designer handbag. Why the craze over designer handbags? The fact is that the name of the designer has everything to do with the craze over designer handbags. The idea of carrying designer handbags can give you a sense of felling satisfied and a sense of pride.

When searching for designer handbags, make sure you are buying from a reputable store or online dealer. There are many replicas on the market today and it can be extremely hard to tell if you're getting the real thing. Also, be prepared to spend a hefty price for your designer handbag.

ONLINE

eLuxury is a well know and reputable site for selling designer handbags. eLuxury is run by LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy). eLuxury.com offers a wide variety of high end designer handbags.

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How To Batik

Deborah331 — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 11:35:00 -0500

Batik is an art that combines dyes and hot wax to create beautiful fabrics. Steps to create this type of art are as follows:

Decide on design, fabric and dyes needed.
Assemble all necessary supplies:

Batik wax
Brushes
Bucket
Cold water
Fabric that is prepared for dyeing; do not use permanent press fabric
Hoop or cookie sheet
Electric skillet
Procion MX Fiber-Reactive Dyes in desired colors
Rubber gloves
Tjanting tool
Pencil
Tub for dyeing
Synthrapol
Large cook pot

Prewash and dry the fabric to be used.
Iron the fabric.
Stretch the fabric over the hoop or cookie sheet and pull taut.
Draw the desired design on the fabric using a pencil.

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How To Determine Your Shoe Size

Victoria59 — Wed, 17 May 2006 09:15:00 -0500

Making sure that you are wearing the right size shoe is a basic for daily comfort. Shoes that are too small are one of the major causes of foot pain and problems. Shoes that are too large can cause blistering and a lack of stability. Also, just because you knew your shoe size a few years ago doesn't mean it is the same--feet, like people, change over time.

Measuring tips:

The best time to measure your feet with the following method is at the end of the day, when your feet are at their most swollen.
Wear the same style of socks that you plan to wear with your shoes.
Measure both feet and choose the shoe size that fits the bigger foot.
If you are alone, it is best to take the measurements while sitting. If someone else is helping you, then standing on your feet is best.

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How To Buy and Care for Costume Jewelry

Tue, 02 May 2006 19:56:00 -0500

Many jewelry buffs have discovered some real treasures in the costume jewelry cases at department stores and antique shops. Costume pieces are made of materials that are less valuable than fine jewelry, and usually feature glass, plastic or synthetic stones rather than precious gems. Because the fake "jewels" are less expensive than the real thing, they often come in larger, flashier styles.

Prices of costume jewelry vary greatly; you can find costume jewelry pieces that cost under $10, but you may also discover higher quality pieces that cost several hundred dollars or more. Some of the vintage costume jewelry pieces carry a heftier price-tag but are particularly well-made, often featuring unusual designs and lots of sparkle. If you are in the market for costume jewelry, here are some tips to help you find just the right piece to add to your collection.

How to Buy Costume Jewelry

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How To Buy, Clean and Care for Pearl Jewelry

Sun, 23 Apr 2006 19:44:00 -0500

If you want to invest in a classic piece of jewelry that will never go out of style, consider buying a strand of pearls. This will be the perfect touch for every occasion. Whether you are wearing jeans and a blouse for a casual luncheon out or are putting on a formal dress for a wedding, pearls can be the perfect accessory to complete your look and give you the elegance you desire.

How to Buy Pearls:

When shopping for pearls, consider the factors that affect the value. This includes the luster, the thickness, the shape, the texture, the size and the color. Understand that the luster refers to the glow or brilliance of the finish. High quality pearls have a high shine.

Be aware of the shape of the pearls. Look for very round ones that have a smooth texture or surface that is not marred by imperfections.

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How To Buy, Clean and Care for Gold Jewelry

Sun, 23 Apr 2006 07:44:00 -0500

Chances are you already have some gold in your jewelry box. Gold is a very popular choice and it is always very stylish. If you are in the market for more gold jewelry, here are some things to know before you make this purchase:

How to Buy Gold:

Do your homework before you buy.

Understand that there are variations in gold that affect its color, quality and price.

The main factors to consider include karat weight and gram weight, color and style.

When it comes to karat weight, most gold has markings inside that indicate its purity. In the United States, the most common options are 10K, 14K or 18K. The higher the number, the higher the gold purity is in the piece. (Anything 10K and up is considered pure gold.)

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How To Buy, Clean and Care for Platinum Jewelry

Thu, 20 Apr 2006 17:14:00 -0500

When you decide to purchase a high quality piece of jewelry, platinum is always a good choice because it is very strong and durable. This also makes it an excellent setting for diamonds and other precious gemstones. In addition, platinum is more pure than other types of precious metal and because of this, it is hypoallergenic.

Tips to Buy Platinum:

Look for markings that will assure you of the quality of your platinum, which includes 950 Plat, 950Pt, Pt950, Plat, 900Pt, Pt900, or 900Plat.

Understand that each of these markings refers to the percentage of platinum used in the piece.

Expect platinum to cost more than gold or white gold, but know that in return it will be more durable and will hold up to everyday wear well.

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How To Buy Diamond Engagement Rings--Part II

Fred238 — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 09:18:00 -0500

There they are...case after case of sparkling beauties! Smiling sales people eager to show you anything, and what appears to be a pit boss in the back for ground support. There's a guard at the front door and you wonder "Is he here to protect the jewelry store from being robbed or to make sure I leave with something!" Jewelry stores and their overly eager commissioned sales people can be a little intimidating for the average bear, but not for you!

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How To Buy Diamond Engagement Rings--Part I

Fred238 — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 13:23:00 -0500

So, you are ready to buy an engagement ring. Seems like a fairly straight forward deal. Here's the plan: Withdraw all your cash from the ATM or bring your checkbook or your brand new or heavily abused credit card; get into a form of transportation; enter jewelry store; pick out what you like; pay and leave. It can literally be that easy! Buying an engagement ring is a piece of cake; buying a good one is a little trickier.

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