Some people purchase loose gemstones for jewelry making, while others do so for investment purposes. Still others are looking for the perfect stone to have made into a piece of jewelry by a custom jeweler. Most gemstones are minerals, but some rocks such as lapis lazuli and organic materials like pearls or amber considered as such. Today, four stones are precious gems: diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire. Everything else falls under the category of semi-precious stones. When purchase loose gems, obviously should only deal with a reputable jeweler that trust, online or in person. Always get a certificate from the seller and be sure exactly what are purchasing. Diamonds are the only gems that have a universally accepted grading system based on the concept of the four C’s: color, cut, carat, and clarity. Clarity is determined by placing the diamond under 10X magnification. However, cut is most important for the value of a clear diamond, because without the proper cut, the diamond will not sparkle, as it should. Clarity and color are next in importance. All other gemstones grade on 20/20 vision with the naked eye. The quality of all colored gemstones, together with colored diamonds, is based on the clarity and brilliance of the stone’s color, which is further divided into three parts: *hue*, *saturation*, and *tone*. Hue refers to the stone’s color, which produced in the following spectral hues: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, purple and pink. Purple and pink are spectral hues, as purple lies halfway between red and blue, and pink is really a lighter shade of red. Natural stones seldom have pure hues, so these are into primary, secondary, and sometimes tertiary hues. Saturation refers to the clarity of color, or the stone’s freedom from brown or grey hues.

Executive Health

Executive Health Practitioner Associations are coming together to customize health programs for groups of executives and independent businesses with an objective of reducing the lost productivity time. At the core of many Executive Healthcare packages is an Executive Physical. In many instances, the doctor will travel to company facilities in order to perform a basic physical for all executive members. In others, as in the case of Elite IPA (Independent Practitioner Association), the office visit is an option, but executives are given the benefit of in-depth diagnostic treatment, which allows for an even more in-depth analysis of their health than what is typical. This level of the physical exam, given at a time that is convenient for the executive, is to have a positive impact on the bottom line. The average wait to see a physician is 68 minutes. There is no wait with the IPA Health associates for executives. IPA works around the schedule. Nor does IPA rush the visit. The visit is complete only when all of the concerns and questions answered. For those who prefer to communicate in writing, IPA is only an e-mail away. IPA physicians travel with hand-held e-mail devices for quick responses. Furthermore, IPA does not rush the visit. The visit is complete only when all of the concerns and questions are answered. Of course, there are times when one just wants to speak directly with the doctor on the telephone. One of the first things given to a new IPA patient is the doctor’s personal cell phone number. Wherever business or pleasure takes you, IPA is just a phone call away. Turn to IPA’s Executive Health for a complete executive physical that looks at health from all angles. True health and wellness is only achieved when there is a good understanding of the family history and personal medical history. IPA offers the latest in both non-invasive and blood-based cardiovascular screening testing. For early cancer detection, there may be reason to consider modern scanning approaches, including the PET technology. The integration of state-of-the-art cancer detection approach is a major feature of the program, as is ready access to leading specialists for preventive consultations.

Minimal Scar

Minimal scar surgery uses modern techniques to reduce scars and avoid visible scarring. Minimal-incision or endoscopic surgery is performed using a tiny fiber optic lens inserted through half-inch incisions placed inconspicuously in your skin. The camera lens is connected to a video screen, allowing for visualization of the surgery. The surgeon makes small incisions for the insertion of tiny scalpels, scissors and retractors. The surgeon performs the procedure while viewing the television monitor and manipulating the tiny instruments externally. Minimal-incision surgery is particularly useful with younger patients, where the removal of excess skin is not required. A minimal-incision facial surgery for patients in our region to make the face look as young as they feel. A forehead lift or brow lift can smooth out your wrinkles and correct drooping brows and heavy lids to provide a younger, friendlier appearance. A mid-facelift or cheek lift can remove facial wrinkles and lift sagging cheeks, while a neck lift can tighten loose, sagging skin under your chin. Benelli made a major contribution to the reduction of breast lift scars. He eliminated the anchor and lollipop scar patterns used for breast lift and breast reduction. At first he developed a new skin procedure, he called the "round block," that he followed with two glandular techniques which were quite innovative. His technique leaves a scar around the areola only, coined the "doughnut pattern."