tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71607606926991032182024-03-19T03:07:29.734-07:00Yuki To StudioBeauty Tips, Life Hacks, Travel Tips, and Stories From An Ordinary GirlYuki Tohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579864795213814698noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7160760692699103218.post-59324122521003702842018-08-22T10:28:00.001-07:002021-02-22T13:24:27.740-08:00How Do I Start a Jewelry Collection?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZ1s7s1hBgeKRi3_VkTrI5QBKvmGyKxUkXSah4FFdPi9e8ZEFYAPaCcfVyzjnL7pnJERimdLZYjSgCWeOfczI30WYANgbEl7XcNHyIP60srDuNgXWBl1I8-8I1zYQb4ONWtNhtuDeiB8/s1600/cartier+juste+un+clou+and+love+bracelet+with+rings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZ1s7s1hBgeKRi3_VkTrI5QBKvmGyKxUkXSah4FFdPi9e8ZEFYAPaCcfVyzjnL7pnJERimdLZYjSgCWeOfczI30WYANgbEl7XcNHyIP60srDuNgXWBl1I8-8I1zYQb4ONWtNhtuDeiB8/s640/cartier+juste+un+clou+and+love+bracelet+with+rings.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have never thought of myself as a jewelry person. When I was a small girl of perhaps 3 years of age my mom had my ears pierced and it hurt a lot. The memory has faded over the years but I clearly remember lots of crying triggered by fear and pain. The wailing was uncontrollable. To this day I wonder if my ears are unevenly pierced because I wiggled. The lady drove a needle through my ears to create the piercings. Balls! Brave, I am not.<br />
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Do I plan to get more piercings or painful bodily modifications? No, thank you.<br />
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In fact, I probably felt a little resentment against something or someone after that day. As a result, many gold earrings were lost during my childhood and well into my adulthood...last time I lost an earring I lost the matching pair to two of my favorite earrings on the same day (but that was well over 7 years ago). In general, I think giving children gold jewelry or any jewelry is foolhardy. If I had a daughter I would not have her ears pierced. It's her choice, not mine. At last, we don't select the culture we are born into or dictate our parents' decisions.<br />
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But let's be honest, I did get another piercing on the upper part of my ear when I was 18 or 19 (and I was brave! Though it did hurt a bit). I let it shut down after a year or two. It was not for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDaV82gwgVSlMxGQJBSEvja3S2DVL8NqbOzvYXb8i5S6_UnFG6nDqcc5T8sIAINxNpbKwvUcZgzDzt8thyphenhyphenJIKfTxnN-jtrFh6BnxI8-d7I2HIP7jcXiuiX8TVpoekPB-PN1SCsU8BLp8/s1600/cartier+diamants+legers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDaV82gwgVSlMxGQJBSEvja3S2DVL8NqbOzvYXb8i5S6_UnFG6nDqcc5T8sIAINxNpbKwvUcZgzDzt8thyphenhyphenJIKfTxnN-jtrFh6BnxI8-d7I2HIP7jcXiuiX8TVpoekPB-PN1SCsU8BLp8/s640/cartier+diamants+legers.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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But jewelry is not just about earrings although earrings are fun.<br />
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On my tenth birthday, my dad presented me with a gold necklace with a round pendant with my first name's initial. Unfortunately, many years later I lost the pendant while I was taking a shower. For some strange reason, I did not ask for help to retrieve it (I am pretty sure it was because I was under the impression that all drain holes turn into black holes). Oh well. I did learn to keep jewelry away from drain holes or close drain holes before handling jewelry. For some reason, I keep my everyday jewelry in the bathroom, do you? My dad also went on to present to me at least one more piece of gold jewelry until my parents got divorced.<br />
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Since I got married, my mother-in-law has presented me with many interesting jewelry pieces. The most special item I've received from her (although it is by no means the most expensive) is a Robin Rotenier necklace with a bee pendant for protection. It's like an amulet and I wear it often. I like the imaginative aspect of this piece and I treasure it.<br />
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Of course, I also have a few pieces from my mom which I've borrowed permanently. My favorite piece is a substantial onyx ring set in sterling silver and marcasite stones. When I wear it, it reminds me of her and I think it's sort of Mom protection at work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_FUfN8lZxd14SAOF8oyJzbSgPrWCAxcK0gTrRYQpYXmk06hXAYx_1LoKzKCaAju13ptFBcYqmKeHBZtKqBnlAD_dMt1NDx3fy305dw5KySjwDtChZFCSYrPHWD1bG9NcvqwD7GjS5XI/s1600/IMG_1850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1544" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_FUfN8lZxd14SAOF8oyJzbSgPrWCAxcK0gTrRYQpYXmk06hXAYx_1LoKzKCaAju13ptFBcYqmKeHBZtKqBnlAD_dMt1NDx3fy305dw5KySjwDtChZFCSYrPHWD1bG9NcvqwD7GjS5XI/s640/IMG_1850.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As to my own purchases, I collect pieces in sterling silver and steer clear of fashion or costume jewelry unless it is a reputable brand that produces quality pieces (sometimes its a hit or miss). I don't like the smell of nickel or cheap jewelry, or wasting my money. My most recent purchase is a Robin Roternier bracelet in sterling silver which I love. See above for reference. It is substantial and very comfy for a girl that sits at a computer for a large part of the day.<br />
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I am also a big fan of vintage jewelry. I like the glamour and hippie nature of olden times. Back in our early days of dating my husband presented me a bag full of costume jewelry which we found at one of the thrift stores in Ocean Beach in San Diego. It's been a treasure trove of random tidbits.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpHr0n5wrQV82AXmN_-bwSzPhOCbdm-ZmowquDEudd_fsrq-eZVjlKSzOLsIyzGlv7Cp0HuvIrD9UGi7rIhFJDD-4fN04yJh000XIzPcuELLDS1RWFt7OAGa3cCw8QoVP-w9utteojos/s1600/rachel+zoe+jewelry+game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="724" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpHr0n5wrQV82AXmN_-bwSzPhOCbdm-ZmowquDEudd_fsrq-eZVjlKSzOLsIyzGlv7Cp0HuvIrD9UGi7rIhFJDD-4fN04yJh000XIzPcuELLDS1RWFt7OAGa3cCw8QoVP-w9utteojos/s640/rachel+zoe+jewelry+game.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My jewelry game has matured a bit in the last couple of years. My jewelry goals are to be like Rachel Zoe. She's really over the top with her jewelry not unlike a Christmas tree with fancy decorations. I dig it. Nay, I love it. But I have my doubts whether I will ever attain this level of jewelry game.<br />
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I don't think I have the personality to pull it off.<br />
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A more reserved part of me thinks I should wear layered jewelry like many of the women on Instagram that layer dainty necklaces brilliantly. Of course, being practical, as I am, it is difficult to imagine myself wearing a lot of jewelry. The truth is working on a computer desk with lots of arm candy can and often is bothersome, too many bulky things around my neck can draw attention to my broad shoulders and poor posture, heavy earrings are a nonstarter for me, and well I would honestly need to hire a security guard to keep me from getting robbed. Hehe. Personal reservations aside I have a confession:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Lately, I've been obsessed with all things Cartier. Yup, the big luxury jeweler has caught my attention, which brings me to today's topic: How do I start a jewelry collection? </blockquote>
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Like the collection of any other object, to start a cohesive and well-curated jewelry collection you need to <i><b>choose a theme for your collection</b></i>. You can focus on a particular material and <i><b>further refine your criteria </b></i>by focusing on the purity of the material, color, era, style or even country of origin. Similarly, you can just <b><i>collect pieces from just ONE or a handful of designers </i></b>whose style resonates with you. Further, <b><i>designer pieces (especially those purchased second hand) tend to retain their value so you can sell it in a pinch.</i></b> To recap:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h4>
<b>1. Select a theme e.g. choose one designer whose pieces you like, pieces of a certain metal and desirable purity level, or pieces with a certain style for example tribal or art deco.</b></h4>
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<b>2. Make a list of your favorite jewelry pieces and think about what you wear all the time: Is it a ring? Earrings? Bracelet? Necklace?</b></h4>
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<b>3. Save up and buy a piece of your most worn type of jewelry. For example, get a ring if you often wear rings (you will be able to see the beauty on your finger), and gradually build up from there.</b></h4>
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As for me, I collect pearl pieces by Mikimoto and sterling silver pieces in art deco style. My favorite sterling silver jeweler is Robin Rotenier. Although Robin Rotenier committed suicide a few years ago by jumping off his apartment in an NYC high rise, which is terrible and tragic, his talent was magnificent and his brother Remy Rotenier continues the family legacy. He is also a jewelry designer and although his stuff is sold through mass-market channels like QVC (potentially putting a damper on the resale value of the piece), the Rotenier style is reminiscent of art deco meets goth infused with a little rock'n'roll which results in stunning pieces.<br />
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Getting back to Cartier.<br />
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My obsession with Cartier makes me think I am a basic bitch (in the loving and well-meaning kind of way, or an ideal consumer driven by what's popular with celebrities).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOxtKJorYKwBp_DwPzFDHWDMYKulxt6A67wtoIlw3tqoNjGS71lTmeeQ-5ZElTZ8qr2i075r5cSKz2X7A4Y4L47ZMDmbOC3EAnc3N4cGsyQxW3OkgqpAwY448kzkIrnN4IMuCBcoRPRk/s1600/juste+un+clou+bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOxtKJorYKwBp_DwPzFDHWDMYKulxt6A67wtoIlw3tqoNjGS71lTmeeQ-5ZElTZ8qr2i075r5cSKz2X7A4Y4L47ZMDmbOC3EAnc3N4cGsyQxW3OkgqpAwY448kzkIrnN4IMuCBcoRPRk/s640/juste+un+clou+bracelet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In my imaginary Cartier collection I would own a rose gold set of love bracelet and matching ring as well as a juste un clou bracelet and matching ring, and while I am at it, a diamants legers necklace in rose gold would be nice as well. All would be slightly encrusted in diamonds and let's not forget my puppy, a diamond encrusted choker for him. Hehe, I hear the tune of Santa Baby playing in the back of my head which makes me giggle..."Santa Baby, I want a yacht and really that's not a lot...Been an angel all year...I've been a really good girl this year....<br />
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While I am not ready to make any such purchases, and doubt whether I will be anytime in the near future or otherwise, I think it is important to organize one's jewelry collections thoughtfully.<br />
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For me, jewelry is like armor. You wear it to protect yourself. And well, as I continue evolving my style I wonder how my armor will evolve, will it become more decorative and pretty or will it grow spikes? Right now, it seems to want to sprout flowers although I think Cartier pieces are timeless.<br />
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Anyway, be it jewelry or artwork, glassware or what not, having a thoughtful collection will make you very proud to display it. And after all, what's the point of jewelry other than to display it to yourself and others? What kind of jewelry do you collect? And, what role does jewelry play in your life?<br />
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Love,<br />
Yuki<br />
<br />Yuki Tohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579864795213814698noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7160760692699103218.post-21168411557559226062018-05-06T15:57:00.002-07:002021-02-22T13:24:42.493-08:00My Lip Freckle Removal Story<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdHVTdYIfdQrm1YHKlema-N29arGdNFOZG_fifRt3oDQRfi1Q6fh3s_QQ6MCUE0nk_nOdk9t6Zw9p_l2DkmZwoaOG56-TPqKnyTsux4s9LmsLSbqdCDpLL3XIcHUvGJcbEtY5FHXSCpY/s1600/Lip+Freckle+Removal3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="lip freckle removal, cryotherapy lip freckle, labial melanotic macule" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="800" height="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdHVTdYIfdQrm1YHKlema-N29arGdNFOZG_fifRt3oDQRfi1Q6fh3s_QQ6MCUE0nk_nOdk9t6Zw9p_l2DkmZwoaOG56-TPqKnyTsux4s9LmsLSbqdCDpLL3XIcHUvGJcbEtY5FHXSCpY/s640/Lip+Freckle+Removal3.jpg" title="Cryotherapy for Lip Freckle Removal, Cryotherapy for Labial Melanotic Macule" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cryotherapy for lip freckle removal before and after picture and one week recovery after procedure.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Do you have a lip freckle? I used to. <br />
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The scientific name for a lip freckle is labial melanotic macule. A labial melanotic macule is a flat oval patch on the lower lip (usually) of brownish or blackish tint. They can range in size between 1 to 8 mm. They are not cancerous (although you may get a pathology report to be safe) but they can be aesthetically unpleasing.<br />
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One melanotic macule formed on my lower lip after I bit my lip moderately hard while horsing around. Blood pooled and a dark circle formed. When the injury healed I was left with a brown patch of skin against the pink skin of lip tissue. <br />
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Doctors think we get lip freckles from sun exposure. This is curious. I thought my lip freckle developed as a result of my injury but looking back (years later) I suspect I may have exposed my lips to the sun without protection. I could have spent too much time in the sun leading to hyper pigmentation when the injury was still healing, or as I now recall, I was probably being too aggressive with a toothbrush removing dead skin from my lips. This could have made my skin extra sensitive to sun damage. I do live in the desert after all, so keeping a layer of dead skin on is as good an armor as any to protect my skin against UV light damage.<br />
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But anyway, two years after it first developed I had the freckle removed. It grew from a smallish blob to a larger blob over the years and I was unhappy with its appearance. However, I also wondered what would be the best cost effective procedure to have it removed. I was worried about the possibility of scarring and eager to save money.<br />
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The Freckle Removal Procedure</h2>
After some research I learned that to get the lip freckle removed I had 3 options: 1) to have it frozen off, 2) laser it off, or 3) cut it off.<br />
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I opted to go to a professional dermatologist (with the lowest consultation fee in my area but to be truthful he also had excellent reviews minus the usual complaints...long wait and out of date office furniture) to get my lip freckle removed. It was the best decision I made! The dermatologist answered my questions about side effects, possibility of scarring and so on and performed the procedure on the same day as the consultation. <br />
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I opted to go with cryotherapy. The dermatologist simply pinched my lower lip, pointed the nozzle of his nitrogen (cryotherapy) bottle at my lesion and sprayed for 10 seconds. And, that's it. We were done!<br />
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Immediately after the procedure I felt a slight burning sensation. The derm told me it would look like a cold sore and to expect it to heal within the next week. He gave us no special instructions for wound care, but told us (my husband and I) to come back if it didn't work and he would do it again free of charge.<br />
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Sure enough, it took about 7 days for the old skin to fall off and the new skin to show up free of any discoloration. There was some inflammation on the 3rd-5th day after the procedure, but there were no complications. I was thrilled. I made sure to stay out of the sun and if I did go out opted to wear a large brimmed hat. As for wound care I would apply Neosporin antibacterial ointment to keep my lips moist and I also used a straw to drink beverages for the first few days to keep unnecessary bacteria off my lips. One year after its removal my lip freckle has not come back and I am very happy. <br />
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The total cost of the procedure was less than $120 with 7-10 days recovery time.<br />
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Have you ever had a lip freckle or do you currently have one? What do you think of it? Let me know about it in the comments below.<br />
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XOXO,<br />
YukiYuki Tohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579864795213814698noreply@blogger.com5