It’s A Women’s World

One of my guilty pleasures is taking a bit of time for myself to read romance novels. I have always read them, even when I was a teenager. They were on my mom’s bookshelf, though I’m not sure if she realized what I was reading. For the most part I enjoy the romance but skip the really intimate parts.  Many people read them and enjoy the entire package. Though some may say that romance books aren’t really great fiction, I have to disagree. Some of the books that I have saved to read over and over again are of the romance genre. Not all of them, but some.

There are different kinds of romance novels. There are the shorter varieties, like the series put out by Harlequin and there are the longer ones that are more like novels. The shorter romance books focus on the romance more than anything, while the longer ones have a long and twisting plot where romance is just part of the story. Those are my favorites. If I find a book that has a romance set among historical events or set in historical times, I am going to buy it.

You can buy romance novels new or you can find them used. They are very common, as many people like to read them. It’s funny how if you ask someone what their favorite books might be, they never mention romance books.  Yet they seem to be everywhere and the sales are always good. You can find them in thrift stores, used bookstores and in yard sales. Romance novels are often passed around and people save their favorites.

Many people start their writing careers by writing romance novels. Some move on to pure fiction or even script writing, but many of them find that they love to write romance and they stick with it. Some of these authors put out book after book, and their fans are loyal. Take Danielle Steele for example. She’s not really referred to as a romance writer, but many of her stores heavily revolve around romance. She is a fiction writer, but many that love romance novels also love to read her work.

No matter who you like to read, you can find romance novels anywhere you buy books. You can also join book clubs that will mail you books each month. Don’t forget about your local library, as they may have many of these you can sign out. Trade around with friends to save a little money on romance novels, and don’t forget to save your favorites for yourself.

The Italian people are vivacious, expressive, artistic and are passionate about life. Everything is art! Whether you’re talking food, festivals, drama or art, every Italian is an artist, and the rendition and presentation are beloved traditions of celebration.  Italian women are elegant when it comes to fashion and shopping for jewelry to accessorize is almost a hobby.  Italian jewelry has a rich and interesting history and the craftsmanship is world renowned. Come with me and see why.

Fine Italian jewelry making is a centuries old traditional art and Italian jewelers today are as passionate about their craft as they were in the 1300s. In fact, classical Italian jewelry made today still reflects the influences of ancient civilizations encountered in the far reaches of the Roman Empire. Egypt and Greece were particularly influential.  Over the centuries, various designs and techniques of many cultures have been synthesized into the Italian jeweler’s repertoire, producing the stunning creations you’ll find in Italian jewelry design today.

Gold is still the metal of choice of many Italian jewelry designers. Techniques gleaned from Etruscan designs dating to the 9th century B.C. are still in use today. One famous Italian artisan, Pio Fortuna Castellani, is credited with reviving the Etruscan technique known as granulation, a particularly beautiful and unusual effect in gold work. The House of Castellani carries on this work today, passed down from Pio Fortuna. Granulated gold work is revered by jewelry connoisseurs and today’s top Italian jewelry designers passionately craft their works of art for many eager customers. The granulation technique is signature to classical Italian jewelry.

Sterling silver is not neglected by the Italian jeweler. Necklaces, pendants, earrings, pins, hair ornaments and bracelets are some of the types of adornments you’ll find. Italian jewelry has a centuries acknowledged reputation for creative pieces of the best quality.

Even costume, everyday type Italian jewelry reflects the creative design and vivid imagery with which every Italian seems to be blessed. Everyday Italian costume jewelry is often vividly colored, elaborate, or simply over sized. The word “flair” comes to mind when thinking of their designs. Any Italian jewelry piece is bound to be a trend setter.

Several years ago, I was lucky enough to visit Rome. My daughter and I were shopping near the Vatican one evening. The shops were each a work of art in their own right, and the Italian jewelry shops were spectacular displays of true art! So beautiful were these pieces, it made you want to eat them!  If you can’t visit Italy, you can take a virtual tour of Italian jewelry shops right from your computer. Italian jewelry websites are as artful as their brick-and-mortar counterparts, with high quality images of this luscious jewelry. Go take a look for yourself!