How to Measure Your Finger for a Ring

I was asked today how to measure ones fingers for a ring without running to a Jewelry store. It is actually pretty easy. To measure your finger for a ring you d not need a printer or a crazy calculation and can be done by yourself without help.

This measurement system works for men and women who need to determine their ring size. Before measuring your finger you want your body to be warm as our fingers expand when they are warm and you will want your new ring to be comfortable even in the summer heat.

1. Cut a thin strip of paper a thicker stock paper would work best so that it doesn't rip.
   
2. Wrap it around the finger that you need sized. Make sure it is below your knuckle sitting where you want to be able to wear your ring.
   
3. Mark the spot where the paper meets and measure the distance with a ruler.
4. Now wrap the strip around your finger again and try to slip it on and off without hurting your knuckles. You want the real ring to slide off your knuckles and not get stuck.

I suggest you do this twice just to make sure you get the proper measurement. It is much less hassle to take an extra minute to make sure then to deal with exchanging the ring for one in a different size after it has been purchased.

If you would like to be able to switch back and forth between hands you should measure both hands as the same finger on your other hand can be slightly larger or smaller. If the company you are ordering your ring from only does whole sizes such as the measurements below and you know you wear lets say a 5.5 then go for the size 6 in that particular ring.

Your ring size:

• Size 4 is 1 and 13/16 inches
• Size 5 is 1 and 15/16 inches
• Size 6 is 2 and 1/16 inches
• Size 7 is 2 and 1/8 inches
• Size 8 is 2 and 1/4 inches
• Size 9 is 2 and 5/16 inches
• Size 10 is 2 and 7/16 inches
• Size 11 is 2 and 9/16 inches
• Size 12 is 2 and 5/8 inches
• Size 13 is 2 and 3/4 inches
• Size 14 is 2 and 7/8 inches

Now all that is left to do is order your new ring.

If you have any other jewelry questions please feel free to ask as I am sure others have the same question.

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In Memory of Gabi And Rivky Holtzberg OBM

How do you honor the memory of two amazing souls? Two souls who helped shine light in a remote place on earth? Who lived and died serving God? Its not possible. Even a year after the terror attacks in Mumbai, India that took the lives of so many the memory of Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg lives on. Their work and dedication to those in Mumbai lives on. Their names live on in the children named after them in hopes that their lives will shine as brightly and touch others as profoundly as their namesakes.

Their murder hit me harder and more profoundly then other terror attacks around the world. It could be because I spent time in a community so closely tied to theirs that as soon as the attacks began the emails started flying. At first the emails late Wed night made no sense but as the hours dragged on and they began to get more and more urgent for prayer requests the horrible reality set in. Mumbai, India was under attack by terrorists and they had entire families held hostage. What can you do in the first desperate hours other then pray?

The time for prayers of safety is over and the time to help what is left of the community rebuild has begun. We all need to help the community rebuild and shine even more brightly then before.To help rebuild the community in Mumbai I will be donating a portion of the retail sales from my website www.stelladot.com/felissahadas to http://www.chabadindia.org from now until December 18, 2009.

To make sure that the donation goes to the right place please input my name Felissa Elfenbein as the hostess (in the top corner it says can't attend a show? Find your hostess click there) and as my thank you for your support of Chabad of Mumbai you will receive flat rate shipping.
Thank you in advance for your help in the rebuilding effort.



Fallen Angels by Moshe Kravitsky
Lyrics by Moshe Kravistky

She closed her eyes
He wiped her tears
He said Shema
It calmed his fears

He held her hand
Said it’d be alright
Knowing well they both could lose their life

And as my world watched it on the screen
We hoped and prayed and prayed again
That it would be a silent dream
But the dawn ushered in an unfamiliar light
The worst was heard confirmed

Now I cry to you, I lean on you,
my fellow Jew I ask of you

Chorus:
Tell me how do we say goodbye
to the angels that have fallen from our life
And how do we say goodbye
to the angels that have flown away at night

3500 siblings asking why
An orphan’s forced to cry
Mommy, Totty hold my hand
One day I pray you’ll understand
The cowardly lion is not the king of the land.
But the question remains, I ask

Chorus:
Tell me how do we say goodbye
to the angels that have fallen from our life
And how do we say goodbye
to the angels that have flown away at night

Don’t judge me when I mourn
Today it’s me who’s torn
Don’t look at me
My tears are falling fast

They say it’s all a blessing in disguise
I can’t differentiate the lies from truth
What’s a mind to do

We were the super heroes of the night
We would illuminate the sky
They took away the torch but not your flame
What’s my mind to do
I will never forget you
I will light the ski from here to Mumbai
And nothing will ever look the same

Chorus:
Tell me how do we say goodbye
to the angels that have fallen from our life
And how do we say goodbye
to the angels that have flown away at night

Chassidim Never say goodbye
We want Moshiach Now

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How to take care of your Jewelry

My wavy hair is fantastic and my skin is glowing. It is hot a humid here in Miami and life is great.

What does my hair skin have to do with jewelry? The same recipe that means success for hair and skin is harmful to your jewelry. Put simply humidity will shorten the life of your jewelry if not properly cared for.

Ideally jewelry should be kept in an individual storage bag when not in use and placed in a cool dry place. Dry location can get away with storing jewelry in a jewelry box or jewelry bags. In humid climates ideally you want to store each piece in its own airtight container. Such as a Ziploc baggie or small individual stack-able containers.

You should never bring your jewelry in the bathroom with you where it gets all hot and steamy from the shower. Humidity will cause the gold plating and metals to turn more quickly then a dryer less hot location.Some precious stones should never get wet. If possible take off your rings before washing your hands in the bathroom. Every little thing you can do to prolong the life of your jewelry allows you to keep and wear that piece of jewelry for that much longer.

Before going to the gym or any kind of exercise take off your jewelry because sweating in your jewelry will eat away at gold plating (no matter how thick it is) or any paint that may be on it.

Don’t throw your jewelry all on top of each other. That only serves to get stuff caught up on each other and scratch on other pieces. Each piece of jewelry should have its own spot to rest in while you are not wearing it.

If you are wearing jewelry and perfume, spray the perfume on directly after getting out of the shower when you are fully dry wait for the perfume to dry and soak into your skin and then continue with your routine. Even better if you know you will be wearing a necklace spray your perfume somewhere where it will not come in contact with the perfume. Perfume has alcohol, oils, colors, and scents that will shorten the life of your jewelry and cause build up making it not as vibrant. The same goes for lotion it has any number of additives the can shorten the life of your jewelry.

Jewelry should be last on in the morning and first off at night when you get home. I know we all have piece of jewelry in our collection that we would sleep in if we could but the oil from our bodies and sweat are not good for the metals, stones, and paints.

Keep your jewelry clean wipe it down with a jewelry cloth to get rid of any build up that might have accumulated on it. This will keep your jewelry shiny and make sure it catches attention for the right reason. If something spills on it clean it off right away.

If you are a mom to a young child don’t let the little one pull on, chew on, or play with your jewelry. It is not meant to take that kind of abuse and could break outright or enamel and plating could come off in your child’s mouth.

Felissa is an Independent Stella & Dot Jewelry Stylist based out of Miami, Florida. She facilitates trunk shows and private viewings in your home and office. To check out her website you can visit www.StellaDot.com/FelissaHadas

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A little more on Adding Value to your Company

When considering your business and how to add value to something you believe is valuable to others take a step back and think about what it is you are doing. Does this new addition really add value that your target audience will appreciate or will you be lessening your brand and image by bringing on this particular thing. Whether taking on a partner or cross promoting with another company will they care about your image and good name as much as you do? Do they know what is important to you when it comes to your business? If all you care about is a numbers game and drawing more people to you then partnering with anyone out there on the Internet without looking into their name or product isn't a concern for you. However if you are trying to cultivate your image so that your customers know you care about each and every one of them then it is important to make sure your new team member is trying to do the same thing. Yes we all need to get our brand out there but we shouldn't do it if it will cost us our name that we have worked at creating.

Last night I went to a theater production that I am going to keep nameless. It was a professional production that completely dropped the ball as far as I am concerned. Instead of working together, whenever the entire cast was singing you couldn't understand the words. Each individual person was on the stage for themselves and not the good of the show. People bumped into set pieces, wardrobes were malfunctioning – several wigs fell off during dance numbers. I personally would be embarrassed to have my name associated with a show that was such a mess. and this coming from a person who can think a group of 5th and 6th graders put on a magical performance. By not doing their job 100% last night the cast and crew sullied the production and the people who worked so hard to get it on Broadway in NYC and then take it traveling around the country. It was just another night on the stage for them, another show to get through instead of put their heart and soul into the performance. I would never recommend this show to anyone which means they tarnished the brand and there is nothing they can do to change that for me now.

Obviously you don’t want to associate yourself with a company or person who doesn't care enough to love their own brand and it was obvious the actor and actresses on stage last night did not. To find the right partner for yourself whether it is a one off deal or something you hope to continue into the future make sure it is the right decision for you. Are they the type of person or company that will do everything possible to make sure the customer or client is happy? Do they value customer service and quality over quantity? Does what they have to offer better your brand or are you doing them more of a service then they are doing for you? Make sure you are each offering something tangible to the other even if it is just name exposure make sure both sides are trying to achieve the same goal. Word of mouth from happy customers and clients who love their product and feel the two complimented each other. Even if you think all I am doing is hiring a receptionist does that person convey the message I want to be sending to anyone who calls they are the new “face” of your business the first person that everyone comes in contact with make sure that receptionist knows how important their work is to your company.

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PSA: Dogs and Halloween!

About now you are all going to the store and bringing home candy for the children who come trick or treating in your neighborhood. Here are some safety tips.

If you have a dog who counter surfs or gets at food in the pantry you might want to stick with a non chocolate candy this year. The rule of course is that the darker the chocolate the more toxic it is. That being said an entire bag of peanut butter cups or fun sized snickers will leave any size dog with quite a stomach ache and the potential for worse. IMHO I don't feel the risk is worth it. Not that any candy is healthy for a dog to eat but candy corns and gummies are a lot less toxic then chocolate.

Leave the dogs home on Halloween in a safe and secure room in their crate.You don't know if a kid will be wearing a costume that will freak out your dog and the reaction is either going to be fight or flight. Plus with all the crowds you don't want them to get stepped on by accident. Walk them in their costume during the day so the neighbors can see and comment everyone will be happier especially your dog.

Halloween night make sure to have the dogs in a safe and secure location preferably in their crate before you take the candy out and the first kids come by. Wouldn't want the dog to run out the door by accident when you open it for a group of kids. Even the best trained dog could forget themselves and put their mouth in the treat bowl or run out the door with all the commotion and excitement.

If this is your pets first Halloween with you this is not the time to show off to your neighbors by having a giant dog barking on the other side of the door or a stressed out little one who wants to run and hide. If you are having a party at your house and people will be dressed up or there will be a lot of kids running around put the dog away in a room with a sign on the door saying something like sleeping baby so no one tries to go in and play and the next thing you know your dog is missing.

If you have kids who are going around make sure the candy is in a dog safe container the minute it comes in the door. Best if it goes on a top shelf in the pantry or the fridge or freezer and given out by an adult. Any extra candy that you have from passing out should be stored the same way.

Walking your dog after Halloween. Take a flashlight along with you and a pocket full of appropriate treats in case they find something half eaten or still in the wrapper on the ground so that you can make a trade your treat for the one they found on the ground. All it takes is a second because they can smell it before you can see it. Keep dog treats in your pocket for several days after Halloween for when you are out walking you will be surprised at how much candy you find out there now that you have a dog to walk and keep away from it.

Everyone including your dog can have a safe and Happy Halloween you just need to plan ahead.

Felissa is an Independent Stella & Dot Stylist located in Miami, Florida. She facilitates Trunk Show for women and their friends all over South Florida.To view the jewelry or book an event visit www.stelladot.com/felissahadas or email her Felissahadas@gmail.com

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How to choose Jewelry that will make you HAPPY!

In this article I will be putting links to different pieces for you to look at and think about. Click on them all to help you look at pieces you never would have on your own. Are they you? Do they make you smile? Do you "get" it? Can you picture yourself wearing it?

Happy doesn't necessarily mean you are keeping up with the latest trends or buying the exact same piece your friend is wearing. Only you can know if you will be happy wearing it or if it will never see the light of day.

To me never seeing the light of day is an unhappy purchase and I know for me I would much rather want to wear the piece of jewelry to sleep because I don't want to take it off then to never put it on in the first place. I have quite a few piece of jewelry real and costume that fall into the not wanting to take it off ever category.

In order to really be happy with your purchase I recommend you take a minute and really look at yourself with the item on or at least spend some time looking at a picture of the item. Try something else on while you think about the original item. Do your eyes and heart keep getting drawn to the original item? Is this an item you wish you owned? Then go ahead and purchase the item.

Does it make you smile when you look at it? If this piece of Jewelry makes you smile when you look at it chances are you will feel happy and comfortable wearing it. Not only will you find yourself coming up with excuses to wear it but random people will come up to you on the street and ask about it. People would not come up to you if you are hiding the piece of jewelry or if you are unhappy or bashful while wearing it chances are it will not look right on you and stick out.

Can you see yourself wearing the item? What will you wear it with? Do you need to wear it with a cocktail dress or could you also pair it with Jeans and a tank top, tee, or turtle neck and be just as happy wearing it? For instance when I first saw the Garden Party Necklace I thought I would need to wear it with some kind of fancy outfit that I could never find. Plus it is giant and I never used to wear statement necklaces. Sure I might have oogled them at Tiffany's or Cartier or window shopping I just never thought it would be an everyday thing for me to wear a statement piece. Guess what I wear the Garden Party all the time with Jeans, a black shirt, and sneakers and women stop me to ask where I got it.

Is this piece too colorful, too big, too bold, too gold, too silver, too long, too short? If any of those things about the item really bother you, I suggest you look for something a bit more your style. I am not saying give up on those things completely but you need to look at the entire piece and love it. If there is something about it that bothers you figure out what it is and look for a piece without that issue.

Sometimes you see a piece of jewelry and just don't get it. If you are somewhere where they care more about helping you then making a sale in 2 seconds let them show you how to wear pieces you would not have considered. For instance I truly did not "GET" the Adrienne Mixed Chain Necklace. I saw the video about how to wear it and I said ok I sort of understand it. Several weeks later I saw it in person on someone and fell in LOVE. I have paired this necklace with everything from Jeans and a tee to a skirt and blouse. I let a young girl play dress up with my jewelry and she saw it as a belt and that is how she wore it.

However if the piece is gold which is something you don't normally like and can you still see the entire piece and love it then I say go for it. Take that step out of your comfort zone you will be happy you did.

If you find yourself always reaching for the same type of jewelry maybe it is time to take a look around at what other women have on and if you like it ask where they purchased it. If you don't like it think about what you don't like about it so you can avoid that in your next jewelry purchase. This exercise will open your eyes to the amount of jewelry women wear even ones you didn't think wore any you would be surprised they do they might even wear bold statement pieces that you just never noticed before. Obviously if the point was to get noticed then they didn't do a good job but at the same time they figured out how to wear the item without sticking out like a sore thumb which means they probably love the piece of jewelry and that is something you want to strive for in your next purchase. Be in love with the piece of Jewelry, feel confident wearing it, feel happy when others notice it and smile.

Don't be bashful invite a Jewelry Stylist to be your personal shopper and help you figure out what you like and let her know that you have never really gone jewelry shopping before and would love some help picking the jewelry and figuring out what to wear it with.

__________________________

Felissa is an Independent Stella & Dot Stylist in Miami, Florida. She does Jewelry Trunk Shows for women both in their home and at their offices as well as private viewings. She will let you take your time trying on all of her jewelry and give you tips on what to wear it with. You can contact her at felissahadas@gmail.com to book your event.

Felissa is looking to expand her Stella & Dot Team join her as a Stylist today and let her coach you to success.

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Join me on Facebook!

I just created a group on facebook and would love for you to join. Doesn't matter if you like just one piece or if you love the entire collection I would love to hear from you. Let me know what your favorite piece or pieces are. The more I know what you like the better I am able to help you and your friends.

Here is the link to my page http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=125877377021&ref=ts

Interested in having a party? I would love to put a Trunk Show together for you.

Need help with a fundraiser I can do that as well. I can tailor the fundraiser to fit your organizations needs.

Of course if you are completely in love and would like to become a stylist let me know I am building my team and would love to help you succeed with Stella & Dot.

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Consider Your: Skin Tone When Choosing Jewelry

The first step in determining your skin tone is to flip over your hand and examine your wrist right where you dab your perfume. What color are your veins? Do they appear bluish in color or are they more green?


Bluish colored veins are a sign that you have Cool Skin Tone.
To be even more sure use this checklist do you sunburn very easily, notice pinkish or rosy-red undertones when looking in the mirror? You have a Cool Skin Tone.
Most people with this skin tone will have light-blue, blue-green, gray-green, and gray-blue eye color. Skin tones usually range from very fair to moderately fair.

Cool skin tones do well with silver, platinum, and white gold. Diamonds really are a girl with cool skin tone's best friend. Another good choice is white pearls. Gems and painted Jewelry should focus on jewel tones such as pinks, purples, rich blues, greens, and magentas.

Greenish veins are a sign that you are someone with a Warmer Skin Tone. Your checklist to be sure includes the fact that you tan easily, have a high threshold for sun exposure, you notice a yellow or golden-apricot undertone to your face when looking in the mirror.
Typically these people have green, hazel, dark brown, and amber colored eyes. Skin tone usually range from medium to olive brown/dark.

Warm skin tones are better off with gold, pewter, brass, and copper. Warm skin tones favor stones look great with corral colored Jewelry or golden pearls. Gems and painted Jewelry should focus on earth tones such as browns, oranges, brownish- greens, yellows, and yellowish-greens.

However you have to choose something that you love and will feel happy wearing. Don't choose something just because it is more appropriate for your skin tone or face shape or body style if you will never wear it. You want to pick things that you want to show off and have fun wearing.

Felissa Elfenbein
Stella & Dot Independant Stylist
Miami, Florida

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Consider Your Face Shape when Choosing Earrings & Necklaces

The fact that Earrings are worn so close to the face to produce the best possible style for you they should complement your overall face shape. Of course it is also important to think about your skin tone, the season, what you are wearing, as well as the look you are trying to achieve.

Lets start with a round face shape. If this is you it is best to go for lean, long and angular curved lines. This will help to elongate and add a little angle to your face. You can wear drop earrings in dangles, ovals and oblongs shapes. Another good choice for you is to go with square and rectangular along with angular earring styles. Styles you should avoid include small studs which will get lost on your face hoops which will make your face look even more round and chunky large earrings.

Necklaces: You want to go with a style that will elongate your face, necklaces that extend below the neckline (28" to 32") are a great choose for you in order to add definition to your face.

If you have a diamond shaped face you should wear short and wide style earrings. A straight line and curves combination will work well for you. Studs are a great fall back for you as well as small small drop shaped earrings. Styles you should avoid include long and thin earring style.

Necklaces: chokers help contrast and soften the sharp angle of the chin.

Women with square shaped faces should choose styles with a round and angular edge to help soften your face so it doesn't appear as harsh. As long as you avoid hard angles and square shapes, you can wear just about any style you desire. To add roundness to your face go for hoops and curved edges, and drop long tear drops, or multi-tiered dangling styles will give your face some length.

Necklaces: You want to look for a style that will elongate your face, something that will extend below the neckline (28" to 32").

Are you lucky and were born with a classic oval shaped face? You can work with almost any style to create the overall look you desire. Try different shapes and styles and decide which you like the best. You can wear soft shapes like studs, ovals and teardrops. A fun cute look for you would be to choose a spiraled dangl-y pair. Hair style also plays a role in which style and stone will look best on you. Women with oval faces and short hair can wear pearl, diamond, or gemstone studs. Style to avoid any incredibly long and thin shapes this will just pull you down and make you look tired and worn out.

Necklaces: can be either long or short. If you have a long neck, than chose a shorter necklace.

Have a triangular face you need a style that will soften your sharp angles. Large oval or small circular earrings will work well for you. Choose styles with curves at the bottom this will help soften your face. Style to avoid anything that come to a point.

Necklaces: You want to choose a style that elongates your face, something that will extend below the neckline (28" to 32").

With a long and or thin face the style that best suits you is the simple studs and elegant chandelier styles. Any three dimensional style will add roundness to your face. Another style to choose would be circular, triangular with the point facing the top and square. Styles to avoid flat and dangling earrings.

Necklaces: Your best bet is a choker, especially if you also have a long neck this will help soften your overall appearance.

Heart shaped face should go with styles that are wider at the bottom this includes tear drops, elegant chandeliers, as well as triangle shapes that begin with a point. You can even choose circular and oval styles which will work with your face shape however be care to choose ones that do not taper off as they reach the bottom. An interesting style choose for you would be pyramid. Styles to avoid anything that is heart shaped or very short.

I hope this guide helps you choose a pair of earrings that will really make you happy. Not every style is for everyone choose what will look good on you and don't worry about what the next person is looking at. If you are at a jewelry party experiment with looks you have never tried before. Take pictures so you can see just what works and what doesn't. This personal shopping experience is about you. Make the most of it.

Felissa Elfenbein
Stella & Dot Independent Stylist
Miami, Florida
www.stelladot.com/felissahadas
Miami, Florida

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A Few Jewelry Terms to Familiarize yourself with

Gold Plating is a method of depositing a thin layer of gold onto the surface of another metal, most often copper or silver by chemical or electrochemical means.

Silver Plating is a methid of depositing a thin layer of silver onto the surface of another metal.

Enamel is the colorful result of fusing powdered glass to a substrate by firing, usually between 750 and 850 degrees Celsius. The powder melts and flows and hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating on metal , glass or ceramic. The ancient art of enamel has been around since 13th Century BC. A liquid coating made of pulverized glass is brushed then fused to metal. Quality enamel like that used by Stella & Dot is always hand painted and then baked in a very hot oven to set. Lustrous, brilliant, and extremely durable, our enamel is built to last. Check out the Kelly Cuffs, Kelly Necklace, Happy Flower Necklace, Bloom Flower Rings, Garden Party Necklace and Earrings.

Enamel Paint is a paint that air dries to a hard, usually glossy, finish.

14k Gold is a measure of the purity of gold alloys with 24 carat or karat being the most pure.

Embroidery is the art of hand decorating fabrics and other materials with needle and thread. Embroidery sometimes incorporate other materials such as metal beads, pearls, glass beads, and glittery sequins. Stella & Dot uses the same factory that Jason Wu who designed Michelle Obama's Inagural Ball Dress uses.

Felissa Elfenbein Miami, Florida
Stella & Dot Indepedent Stylist
To check out the collection
www.stelladot.com/felissahadas

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