
Image taken on 2004-07-14 11:36:36 by Stéfan.
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With the holiday season already started we have decided to compile some of the best tips for buying a loose diamond and some of the best diamond gifts available this Christmas.
Loose Diamonds for the Perfect Jewelry
Diamondsoftheday.com is selling loose diamonds at ridiculously low prices. Each day they offer two diamond specials in which wholesale loose diamonds are offered at a discount price. The discounted price lasts only for 24 hours and then it is pulled, so consumers need to be quick on the draw in order to get these great deals. Loose Diamond Christmas Tree
This wacky but pricey gift comes all the way from Tokyo, Japan. Takashimaya, a well known Japanese department store is actually offering a Christmas tree covered with 400 loose diamonds for actually 1.8 million dollars. This basically consists of a small tower made of preserved roses with teddy bear. Loose Diamonds for the Tech Geek in your life.
The Minox DC 1011 Carat 10 MP Diamonds & Gold Digital Camera 60634. This camera is great for those who love to have the latest technology and that extra bit of flair. There are total of 10 actual diamonds surrounding the lens of the Minox DC 1011 Carat Diamonds and Gold Digital Camera and the camera’s body is coated with 24 carat gold plating. Every Minox DC 1011 Carat 10 MP Diamonds & Gold Digital Camera was finished by hand, so each camera is its own piece of art. This unique look will certainly make the Minox 10 MP Diamonds & Gold Digital Camera 60634 stand out a great gift this season.
Diamond Eye Lashes
The Japanese Shu Umera set off the exotic false Eye Lash craze and now has branches of his Tokyo Lash Bars in Manhattan and a newly opened Vancouver branch.
This gives you a wide range of choices including diamond eyelashes. So you might want to look into getting a set before the Christmas party to make sure that you are the real belle of the ball.
For more information on diamonds please visit www.diamondsofday.com or for great deals on loose diamonds check out www.awdiamonds.com.
If you are staying in Tokyo, it can be nice to get out of the city centre and experience some of the nearby suburbs. Kichijoji lies out to the west of Tokyo, about 20 minutes by subway, and is a lovely area to visit, with its narrow side streets crammed with boutiques, galleries and cafés. It has a charming ’small town’ feel and pleasant atmosphere. You can reach Kichijoji by taking the JR Chuo Line or Sobu Line from Shinjuku station and the Inokashira Line from Shibuya. Kichijoji station is very large and can be confusing as it has many exits and seems to merge into the Lonlon department store (where, incidentally, it is possible to find a very fine cup of English tea with milk). Leaving the station by one of the north exits, you will find yourself on a busy main road. Cross over this road and you will think you’ve walked into just another undercover shopping arcade. However, venture a little further and you will discover a maze of narrow streets full of small shops and galleries. Here you will find fashions, stylish home accessories, tableware and groceries. There are lovely cafés and restaurants, too, some of which have adopted a French theme and serve things like cinnamon toast and delicate sandwiches. If you haven’t had your fill from central Tokyo, there are also large department stores such as Loft and Parco and, to the south, Muji and Marui (OIOI) City. When you’re done with shopping, you can make your way to the Inokashira Park. To find the park, you’ll have to get yourself to the south side of the station, across the main road and follow one of the side streets still heading south. Inokashira Park is really beautiful all year round and is a lovely place just to sit and relax or eat your bento lunch. There are a few fun things to do there like hiring a boat on the lake or visiting the zoo. There is also a beautiful temple which you can go and look at but are, understandably, discouraged from entering unless you know what you’re doing (by which I mean that you should not enter the main temple building but you are free to wander around the grounds). You can also experience some culinary specialities while in Kichijoji. I am informed that this is one of the best places to buy yakitori chicken sticks which you can smell cooking in the small cafés near the park and we tried local speciality menchi-katsu from a stall on the north side. Both were delicious and well worth the queuing. If you are interested in crafts, sewing or homewares, just to the south of the station, with its own exit inside the station, you will find the Yuzawaya store. This is a wonderful shop which, over seven or eight floors, contains everything you could need for sewing and craft projects including gorgeous fabrics, all kinds of wool and yarns, beads, buttons and many other sundries and accessories. There is also a large range of homewares such as cooking utensils and crockery, stationery, bicycles and toys.
The wonderful online world is constantly modifying and changing as consumers learn to demand more; as companies try newer, more innovative approaches, the world of e-commerce and web shopping carts is forever changing and constantly evolving for the better. Japan is just starting to embrace online shopping and other money-making strategies online. This is the best time to emerge as the online shopping world is getting stronger and better every day. As of the present, there are over 60% Japanese who have internet access and the numbers are expected to increase over the next few years.
As designers and programmers integrate newer and more secure web applications, with the main objective of consumer security, ease of payment processing and of course confidentiality, the e-commerce software of the present is light years way ahead of those that existed just a few years ago. A few years back, online shopping in Japan was almost non-existent. But today, Japan is slowly but surely entering the online business. And with such an advance country, why not? As time continues, expect to see wonderful things from these Japanese shopping carts.
The importance of online business is offering a high level of online security in attracting customers to make a purchase from their websites. Identity theft is as real as the next crime, and quite frequently, hackers steal confidential information online and later manipulate it for fraudulent purposes. This is one of the disadvantages of online shopping, by purchasing a product; you put your privacy at risk. The mere fact that you are encoding credit card information that is confidential should make you wary. But web developers and programmers are working with security firms online to improve their batch processing systems and create the most secure system of transferring financial information for credit card processing. Companies like MasterCard and Visa have issued newer security requirements; they will reject payments from shopping carts that do not meet their security standards.
Also, it is very important to make the website multilingual to cater to your Japanese and global market. Always prioritize hiring a professional web translator for a better result. Web translation does not only involve word per word translation; the translation should make sense and should be understood by the reader. Do not narrow your shopping website to one race and one race only. The whole idea of online shopping is going global at a fast pace now. The internet is the key that would open the world; Japanese merchants should take advantage of that and go global with their business.
In the past, merchants had to accept checks and money orders and use online payment systems. Today, online shopping carts offer privacy and convenience to their customers. Shopping carts have revolutionized online shopping and Japan is taking advantage of this. Great things are expected for online shopping; because the more secure that people feel using them, the better money-making potential it is for the business. Surely, without the online shopping software of today, internet would be a lonely and much less profitable world.
A family vacation in a Disney theme park or Disneyland is always a dream holiday for millions of people around the world. The Disney brand is such a resounding success worldwide that it is inconceivable that any child in any developed country do not know what is Disneyland. If you are living in Asia and if Orlando or Paris is too far away to take your family for a Disney vacation, then you can settle for either of the 2 Disneylands in Asia located in Tokyo and Hong Kong. Disneyland, wherever they are located usually have more or less the same theme. Afterall, those are Disney’s well entrenched trademarks aren’t they? For example, in Disneyland Tokyo will find the following theme parks which can be found on other Disneylands albeit sometimes in different presentations. World Bazaar – Sprawling smack at the entrance of Tokyo Disneyland is the World Bazaar. This Bazaar is a reminiscent of turn of the old American town with the feeling that you may come face to face with an Sioux Red Indian or an outlaw bandit wanted by the local county sheriff. Here you will find restaurants, shops, outlets selling souvenirs and stuff that are appealing to tourists who wants something to remember their vacation there. Tomorrow land – A space age futuristic theme park. A delightful combination of science and innovative imagination. In Tomorrowland, you can enjoy rides that rockets you to outer space or if you are a science geek, get invited to the “Inventor of the year award ceremony.” One of the favorite rides in Tomorrow Land is to help Buzz Light Year pulverize the Evil Emperor Zurg. Whatever that is. Toon Town – Bring your kids to Toon town and they will love you happily ever after. Toon Town is where Disney colorful characters work and play. Toon town is designed to cater exclusively for the kids and is bursting with colors with plenty of kiddy rides. Fantasy land – How can one be in magical Disneyland without entering the world of fairy tales and cartoons? Meet Disney’s mighty icons such as Mickey Mouse, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Donald Duck, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Captain Hook and a host of Disney cartoon characters. Critter Country – This is the land of the, well, what else, you’ve guessed it, Critters. The critters are small animals from the Disney movie “Song of the South”. Enjoy watching the critters burrowing little homes along the banks of the Rivers of America and on the slopes of Splash Mountain. Western land – A visit to the Wild Wild West brings you back in time to the earliest settlers of the American West. Perhaps the most important chapter of the American history. Enjoy dinning in restaurants from the wild west era. Adventure land – This is the where you visit the African, South American and Asian rainforest. You can even take a cruise in a “crocodile infested” river. Tropical jungles in downtown Tokyo? Well, this is what Disney magic is all about isn’t it? Chris Chew is an avid traveller. More travel articles at Bollywood or Hollywood? and Vacation Yunnan
With Japan rated as the third largest coffee consumer in the world, it comes as no surprise that coffee shops (kissatens) abound, with Tokyo alone home to over ten thousand. Shops come in all sizes and styles, but the smaller versions usually include only a counter and a few tables that are often sole proprietorships run by a husband and wife team who are helped by a part time waitress. These establishments also often double as a small restaurant which offer sandwiches or a light meal during lunchtime. For breakfast a “morning set” is often available which usually consists of juice, coffee, eggs and toast. These mom and pop businesses are gradually being replaced by the bigger chain shops such as Detour, Tully’s, and Starbucks, which offer over the counter coffee, more spacious seating arrangements, and in the case of Starbucks a no smoking environment. This has proven to be a big selling point in a nation that currently has very few restrictions in regard to smoking in public restaurants and bars.
Others have striven to develop a unique theme to distinguish themselves from the competition. Music coffee shops for example featuring jazz, classical, or rock, have always been a favorite hangout for the younger crowd since their inception in the early 1960’s. Less mainstream but proving to be quite popular are the manga (comic book) coffee shops that have sprung up in recent years in Tokyo. Coffee is served gratuitously, and the customer pays only for the duration of time spent reading the thousands of manga provided on library type shelves lining the room. On a similar theme, “Maid Kissa” coffee shops feature beautiful young waitresses donned in maid costumes that resemble characters from famous Japanese comics. As the customer enters the premise he or she is greeted by an alluring “welcome home my master”. In addition to the verbal role play offered, maids pour coffee and tea for patrons, or engage in a game of cards upon request. Many of these coffee shops are decorated in the style of an English Mansion to simulate feelings of truly being “master of the house”. Some shops are subtly veering from the coffee shop image by referring to their place of business as cafes, often reflecting the owners personal taste in interior design and music, and emphasizing a European atmosphere where home style food and a great cup of coffee can still be enjoyed.
Despite the various themes employed by owners to attract customers, the main feature of the menu is still coffee. For purists looking for an exotic blend or a special roasting method, a growing number of shops are now offering patrons fresh ground coffee using in house percolating techniques they hope will lure customers away from the instant coffee shop franchises that have come to dominate the market in recent years. Whether you’re searching for a temporary sanctuary from the clamor of the city, or a quick pick me up first thing in the morning, coffee shops in Japan have something for everyone.
Whether youre a tourist or are coming to Tokyo on business or for Aichi World Expo, we hope that youll find it to be one of the most exciting cities in the world.
Paris Paris plays a central role in the fashion world and is home to a number of large fashion houses including Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Parisians are renowned for their simple yet elegant style, and given the excellent pick of stylish boutiques and designer shopping areas, it is easy to see why. The city is made up of 20 different neighbourhoods (arrondissements) each with its own distinct character and attractions. Head to Avenue des Champs Elysees in the 8th arrondissement, where you will find an array of designer stores, chic cocktail lounges and luxury car showrooms, as well as the largest Louis Vuitton store in the world. Boulevard Haussmann – another impressive avenue – houses Les Galeries Lafayette, a large department store selling beautiful designer wear. The store holds its own fashion show every Friday, giving you the change to view the latest couture. Also located on the avenue is Au Printemps, a must for visitors who adore gourmet cuisine and fashion. The store boasts a superb range of men’s and women’s designer labels and a handful of excellent restaurants. If the main reason for your visit isn’t fashion then you may like to peruse the unique antiques at Le Louvre des Antiquaires, located beside the Louvre on place du Palais Royal. Or browse first-edition French literature at one of the small shops in Sorbonne. Elegant, chic and stylish, Paris is the city to visit for a classic shopping experience. London This busy metropolis is a shopper’s delight, offering a dazzling array of shops suited to all tastes and budgets. Visit Bond Street’s boutiques and designer shops for a truly luxurious experience. Here you’ll find Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Hermes and Chanel amongst the throng of shops. This area is also well known for its luxury jewellery shops, including Tiffany & Co and De Beers. Knightsbridge is an exclusive area, and home to the world-famous Harrods, a luxury shopper’s dream. Selfridges and Harvey Nichols are both also well worth a visit with rail upon rail of designer labels. To avoid the tourists and experience a slice of ‘city’ life, visit The Royal Exchange; a stunning building housing a collection of excellent designer shops and gourmet restaurants. Fortnum & Mason is a food lover’s dream, with an abundance of luxury food items available such as black or white truffles, caviar, chocolates, wine and champagne. And finally, those looking for something unique should visit Grays Antique Market next to Bond Street station. This indoor market holds one of the largest collections of antique jewellery in the world. Madrid This stylish European city offers a wealth of sophisticated shopping. The Salamanca neighborhood should be your first stop, offering chic boutiques and designer shops. Calle Serrano is renowned for having some of the most exclusive shops in the city. Peruse the expensive jewellery stores and designer boutiques whilst admiring the stunning architecture along the way. Here you will find Armani, Versace, Hermes and Hugo Boss amongst the many designer offerings. Dubai The Deira Gold Souk is the largest gold souk in the world, selling a dazzling array of gold, diamonds, precious stones and other wonderful pieces of jewellery – visit here to have a bespoke ring or necklace designed just for you. The most impressive shopping venue in Dubai has to be the Dubai Mall, which is going to be one of the largest shopping malls in the world, covering an area of 12.1 million square feet. The mall is due to open in August 2008 and boasts a fashion island with over 70 designer flagship stores selling the latest fashion creations, the world’s largest gold souk with over 220 gold retailers, one of the largest aquariums in the world, a waterfall, Olympic-sized ice-rink and a large indoor/outdoor street with a retractable roof. Milan Home to Versace and Armani, Milan is one of the world’s fashion capitals. Walk among the glamorous Italians and soak up the sophisticated atmosphere. Head to Milan’s fashion district – Quadrilatero della moda – where you will find Via Montenapoleone, the finest street in the area. Designer stores abound – this street is a label-lover’s heaven. Other noteworthy streets are Via Borgospesso, Via Santo Spirito, Via Manzoni and Via della Spiga, which also boast an impressive array of designer shops. After a long day buying the latest designs, head to Nobu in Via Manzoni to sample delectable gourmet Japanese cuisine. If you are spending a few days in Milan and have a little spare time on your hands then it is well worth taking a trip out of town to one of the many designer outlet stores, which include Dolce & Gabbana, Frette, Fratelli Rossetti and Max Mara. This fast-paced capital has a lot to offer in terms of unique shopping experiences. In this quirky city of strangeness and gadgets it is possible to buy anything. Tokyo Tokyo can seem like an endless maze and finding specific streets can be a tad difficult. The best way to experience this wondrous city is to amble around the streets, absorbing the cultural differences. This way, you are more likely to find unique shops and other hidden gems. However, if you are determined to source the best of what Japan has to offer, then head to the Ginza district, which is famous for its glittering showrooms displaying the latest high-tech gadgets, elegant department stores, traditional shops and contemporary galleries. Another great area offering high-end goods is Omotesando. Here you’ll find the large shopping centres and designer boutiques. New York Surely the number one shopping destination in the world? Brimming with excellent shopping experiences, from vast department stores to chichi designer boutiques, New York is the place to visit if you want to flash your cash. So, let’s start with the department stores – Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Barneys and Saks are names recognised around the world, with tourists piling through their doors.These department stores showcase a stunning array of premium designer goods and are therefore a fashion attraction not to be missed. Bergdorf Goodman is perhaps a lesser known household name, but impressive nevertheless and also well worth a visit. Here, shoppers can find a sophisticated space, selling designer menswear and womenswear. Make like Carrie Bradshaw, put on your favourite heels and strut down Madison Avenue. Along with its elegant department stores, the street is home to Tiffany & Co, designer flagship stores, art galleries, spas, salons and restaurants. Treat yourself at one of the spas and feel like a god or goddess for the day. |
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