4 Shopping Tips for the Holiday Season

It’s that time of year again, holiday shopping has begun! Everyone is looking for those unique gifts, hot toys, and cool electronics. Whether it is a hard-to-find toy for kids or the latest 4K smart TV. Black Friday sales seldom fail to pique the interests of even the most casual shoppers. Yet even after the chaos of Black Friday lies both Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. While it’s clear that businesses are after your dollars during the holidays, you should be aware that cybercriminals are on the lookout, too.

When it comes to holiday shopping, you need to be careful that you don’t fall prey to these criminals. Here are some tips to following for your holiday shopping:

Online Shopping Tips

1. Do not use public Wi-Fi for any shopping activity.

Public Wi-Fi networks can be very dangerous, especially during the holiday season. Public Wi-Fi can potentially grant hackers' access to your usernames, passwords, texts and emails. For instance, before you join a public Wi-Fi titled "Apple__Store," make sure you first look around to see if there's actually an Apple Store in your vicinity, and thus, confirm that it is a legitimate network. To help stay secure, you should always be on the lookout for the lock symbol on your webpage.

 2. Look for the lock symbol on websites.

When visiting a website look for the “lock” symbol before entering any personal and/or credit card information. The lock may appear in the URL bar, or elsewhere in your browser. Additionally, check that the URL for the website has “https” in the beginning. These both indicate that the site uses encryption to protect your data.

 3. Know what the product should cost.

If the deal is too good to be true, then it may be a scam. Check out the company on “ResellerRatings.com”. This site allows users to review online companies to share their experiences purchasing from those companies. This will give you an indication of what to expect when purchasing from them.

4.    One-time use credit card numbers.

Many banks are now offering a single use credit card number for online shopping. This one-time number is associated with your account and can be used in place of your credit card number. This way, if the credit card number becomes exposed, it cannot be used again. Check with your credit card company to see if they have this option available.

5 Most Expensive Jewellery Pieces in the World

5. Chopard’s Blue Diamond Ring

The Chopard’s Blue Diamond Ring is an absolutely exquisite ornament. It is one of the most expensive jewellery pieces in the world. The main reason is the blue diamond. Since this kind of gem is hugely coveted and costly, because of its exclusivity. The ring by Chopard features an oval-shaped blue diamond weighing 9 carats, which is set in white gold of 18 carats, along with triangular clear diamonds on the sides. Together, the ring is definitely one that can make any woman’s heart swoon. The rare and beautiful piece is currently valued at $16.26 million.

4. Heart of the Ocean

The Heart of the Ocean is one of the most recognizable pieces of jewellery in the world. It is the original replica of the exquisite necklace featured in the movie, Titanic. Gloria Stuart, who portrayed the elderly Rose in the movie, wore this replica to the 1998 Academy Awards. It was created by the well-known jeweller Harry Winston, with a real blue diamond of 15 carats. Priced at $20 million, the necklace is one of the most expensive pieces of jewellery worn to the Oscars. And among the world’s costliest necklaces. Even its imitations sell for $3.5 million at auctions, due to its history of love.

3. The Perfect Pink

There’s enough reason for The Pink Perfect ring to be one of the most expensive jewellery pieces in the world. Priced at $23.2 million. It has a 14.23 carat intense pink diamond, which is rare, due to the singular tinge, and perfect colour, cut and clarity, as well as the fact that less than 10% of pink diamonds are of over 0.20 carats. Besides, in 244 years of auction history, only 18 diamonds were of 10 carats or more. It is flanked on either side by two colourless diamonds, weighing 1.73 and 1.67 carats. The three rectangular diamonds are set a charming rose and white gold ring of 18 carats.

2. The Graff Pink

Private collector Laurence Graff purchased the $46.2 million worth of The Graff Pink. Priced at $1.85 million per carat, from its famous creator, American jeweller Harry Winston, in 2010. This stunning ring, one of the most expensive pieces of jewellery in the world. It has a pink diamond of 24.78 carats, a rare type II colour diamond with the finest rating, designated as one of the greatest diamonds found. The pink has a perfect rectangular step cut, with delicately rounded corners, and is set between two shield-shaped diamonds. The three diamonds are mounted on a platinum ring.

1. L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace

The L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace has the World Record as the most valuable necklace in the world. This diamond piece, weighs 637 carats, with the world’s largest internally flawless diamond as its centre-piece. The Incomparable diamond is yellow in shade. And it weighs 407.48 carats. It was discovered over 30 years ago by a young girl, when it was a massive 890 carat by-product of a diamond mining. In addition, it took the Mouawad Jewelry over four years to polish it and craft it into a necklace of $55 million with 91 diamonds of various cuts, including 229.52 carat white diamonds, set in 18 carat rose gold.

These are some extremely rare, beautiful and flawless jewellery piece, studded with exceptional gems. While there are individual gems like the Pink Star Diamond which is the most valuable diamond in the world. Or the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond which is another expensive piece with a high price and rich history, owned by Laurence Graff. The pieces featuring in this list are ornaments that only some lucky women have been able to wear or own, while the rest of the world gaze at them in awe and desire.

Top 5 Supermarket Chains in the World

5. Lidl

Country: Germany

Locations: 10,000

Number of Employees: 315,000

In 1973, the first modern Lidl grocery store opened in Ludwigshafen, about 25 miles south of Frankfurt. A staff of three offered approximately 500 products. Expansion during the 90s saw branches outside of Germany and eventually all across Europe. By the 2000s, Lidl had established itself as a leading retailer in the UK.

With their recent expansion into the United States in 2017, Lidl now operates in 27 countries, with revenue of $28.2 billion. Around 90 per cent of the products Lidl offers in its supermarkets are of their own private label brands.

4. Carrefour

Country: France

Locations: 10,103

Number of Employees: 378,923 

Headquartered in Boulogne-Billancourt, the Carrefour supermarket company was established by the Fournier, Badin and Defforey families in 1959. Carrefour (crossroads) became the largest retailer in Europe after a merger with the Promodès retail group in 1999. Paul-Louis Halley had founded and run Promodès until his death in 2003. The Halley family later divested their controlling share of the business in 2008.

Today, Carrefour operates stores in 30 countries and is largely credited with innovating the concept of the “hypermarket” (known as a Superstore in North America) in 1969. The company ranks 68 on the Fortune Global 500 list, with 2017 revenue of $91.2 billion.

3. ALDI

Country: Germany

Locations: 10,366

Number of Employees: 162,579

The discount supermarket chain was founded by brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht in 1946 after they took over their mother’s store, which had been operating since 1919. The company split into two parts in 1960, later named ALDI Nord and ALDI Süd. The company began expanding internationally in 1967 with the acquisition of Austrian grocery chain Hofer. ALDI Nord would continue growth into the Netherlands in 1973.

Now with locations in 20 countries, ALDI boasts 40 million customer visits monthly, 90 per cent of their products exclusive ALDI brands and 2017 revenue of $34.8 billion. Well-known American supermarket chain Trader Joe’s operates as a subsidiary of ALDI Nord.

2. Walmart

Country: United States

Locations: 11,088

Number of Employees: 2,300,000

Ranked the largest company in the world based on revenue, Walmart began its operations in 1962, when Sam Walton opened the first store in Rogers, Arkansas. Expansion followed, and after 24 more locations, the company incorporated in 1969 as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Walmart became publicly traded in 1970, with its stock selling at $16.50 per share. In 1988, the first Sam’s supercentre would open in Missouri, and the company would go global in 1991 through a joint venture with Mexican retail company Cifra. Today, Walmart operates in 27 countries.

Walmart remains family-controlled, with Sam Walmart’s three children the largest shareholders. Walmart reported 2017 revenue of $500.3 billion under 55 different banners including its eCommerce business, which operates websites in 10 countries.

In 2018, the company changed its name to Walmart Inc.

1. SPAR

Country: Netherlands

Locations: 12,777

Number of Employees: 350,000

Adriaan van Well launched the first SPAR store in the Netherlands as DESPAR in 1932. DESPAR was an acronym for a slogan that van Well had created: Door Eendrachtig Samenwerken Profiteren Allen Regelmatig(all benefit from joint co-operation). In 1947, the company expanded internationally into Belgium through a group of wholesalers, eventually leading to the establishment of SPAR International in 1953. The next several decades saw SPAR expand into numerous international marketplaces over the world, including Russia, China, India, Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East. 

Headquartered in Amsterdam, SPAR is the world’s largest supermarket chain based on the number of locations, with 12,777 serving 13.5 million customers a day in 48 countries. The company’s 2017 revenue totalled $40 billion.

Top 5 Baby Products Brands

1. Pampers

 

The Pampers diapers are the brainchild of Victor Mills, an American chemical engineer.

In the 1970s, Pampers introduced diapers with adhesive belts.

It also came up with thin diapers that had an absorbent gel material.

They introduced diapers that come with a protective layer of lotion to keep your baby’s bottom soft and smooth.

Their diaper range includes Pampers Diapers, Pampers Active Baby Diapers, Pampers New Baby Diapers and Pampers Baby Dry Diapers. This is one of the most well known among the many baby care products brands.

2. Mee Mee

 

Mee Mee is a popular brand in baby care products these days.

Their bath-time range consists of baby towels, napkins, baby bathtub, potty trainer seat, bath sponge, shampoo hat, bubble bath and bathrobe.

Their bedtime range consists of blankets, bed sets, carry nest, mats, mosquito nets, pillows, quilts, and shawls.

Their baby care range consists of cream, lotion, oil, shampoo, brush and comb sets, cotton buds, diapers, finger toothbrush, height chart, knee pads, and laundry detergent. It also offers liquid cleansers, nappy liners, nail clippers, medicine dispensers, safety pins, tongue cleaners, toothpaste, wipes and more.

They also have a complete nursing and feeding range, in addition to baby clothes, baby toys and playtime accessories, baby furniture, and travel gear.

3. Lotus Herbals baby+

 

Lotus Herbals baby+ is another brand that features products made with natural and safe ingredients. Their range includes products for cleansing, moisturizing, grooming and hygiene of the baby’s delicate and sensitive skin.

Wrap your baby with the goodness of nature because  Lotus Herbals Baby + product is made with extracts derived from plants, herbs and natural butters. Affordable and having negligible side effects, these products are quite popular with mommies.

4. Pigeon

 

Pigeon is a global baby and mother care brand that is now available in India.

Their nursing range consists of nursing bottles, nipples, and nursing accessories.

Their skin care range consists of products like baby wash, shampoo, diaper rash cream, etc.

Their baby health care products and grooming accessories include toothbrushes and toothpaste, nail clipper, nail scissors, nose cleaner, comb and brush, digital thermometer, wipes, and tissues.

They also have a complete range of cleaning and sterilizing accessories, diaper, and laundry care, weaning accessories, pacifiers and teethers and baby outdoor gear.

5. Himalaya Herbal Babycare

 

The brand offers Ayurvedic products for your little one.

For their baby care section, they mostly focus on bath-time products.

Their bath range consists of shampoo, baby bath, soaps, baby cream, lotion, and prickly heat powder. It also offers products like diaper rash cream, baby wipes, and diapers.

List of Top 5 Most Expensive Burgers In The World

5. The X Burger:

The X Burger is made by the famous Australian chef. It is made with beef, truffles and salads as well. The topping of this, is done with tomatoes, red onions and mushrooms to complete its looks and further served with the wine sauce as well. It is also filled with cheese to make it more delicious and attractive for the fast food lovers. The price is $160 which is very expensive for a single unit.

4. The Richard Nouveau Burger:

Richard Nouveau burger was the best invention in burgers which was made in 2008 and is now very famous in the whole world. It was first introduced at the Wall Street restaurant of New York. The topping of this is done with the cheese, gold flakes and mushrooms as well. The price is $175. The look is much different than all other burgers which attract more people towards it.

3. The Burger:

Burger King is the most famous fast food restaurant in the whole world and is famous for producing world most expensive units of this food as well. The special food was introduced in 2008 in the chain of London. It is made with beef which is further made with truffles, champagne and onions as well. The price of its one unit is $186. The appealing is the best thing about it.

2. Le Burger Extravagant:

Le Burger Extravagant is the famous of the New York Serendipity which is famous for hotdog burgers. The beef used in it which is further combined with white herbs, truffles and smoked with sea salt which added delicious taste and texture in it. In this, cheddar cheese is added to complete its taste. The price is $295. It is further served with mustard sauce which completely changed its taste.

1. The Douche Burger:

The Douche Burger is the most expensive in the world. It was first made by the Franz Aliquo for the restaurant of New York. In this, beef is used and also combined with gold leaf, truffles, cheese and different sauces as well. The price to grab this delicious food is $666. The whole look of this is very different and appealing as well.

Top 5 Most Expensive Jewelry Brands In The World

Most Expensive Jewelry Brands:

Let’s go through 5 most expensive jewelry brands in the world, who have been designing some exquisite masterpieces that have become eternal!

1. Harry Winston:

Harry Winston, the undisputed name in the world of diamonds tops our list of 10 most expensive jewelry brands in the world. For those, who have a knack for diamonds and high end ornaments must be aware of the Hope Diamond.

One of the Winston’s greatest gemstones, the Hope Diamond has a long tale of history from being originated in India and to have adorned many imperial necks right from Louis XIV and George IV to wealthy civilians including Thomas Hope, Pierre Cartier, socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean and Harry Winston, who donated the rock to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958, after owning it for over 10 years.

Every year Harry Winston’s expensive masterpieces are hired by the Hollywood actresses, so as to mark their presence at the Oscar Red Carpet.

It is widely believed that only the finest quality and rarest stones are used for Winston jewelry. For their histrionic legacy and highly elaborate diamond master-pieces, the company may continue to rule the diamond world for years to come.

2. Cartier:

Cartier has a long reigning history of putting some of the world’s most expensive jewelries in auction. Such historical auctions of priceless royal ornaments depict the brand’s grandiosity in the world of making royal jewelries.

Founded by Louis-François Cartier in 1847, it is a French brand best known for its jewelry and watches including the Bestiary. It was a Panther-shaped brooch created for Wallis Simpson in 1940s and has been considered as one of the timeless jewels from the history.

The Duchess of Windsor was so enamored by the brand’s signature panther that she ordered for several pieces with the same animal motif. And the most famous is her 6.5 inch diamond, onyx and emerald bracelet, which recently went under the hammer for just over $7 million.

Cartier jewelry still makes use of Art Deco elements, thereby appealing to modern tastes, apart from remodeling their panther-signature motifs.

3. Van Cleef Arpels:

The eponymous French label was founded by Alfred Van Cleef and his uncle Salomon Arpels in 1896. Originally based in France, the jewelry brand still maintains Old World elegance in their exquisite pieces apart from designing avant garde pieces.

This prestigious French jewelry maker is worldwide popular for their adroitness in using precious stones and groundbreaking gem-setting techniques. They are known for inducing the Mystery Setting – a process that enables maximum exposure to the gemstone.

4. Buccellati:

Buccellati, the Italian luxury brand is known for the impeccable quality of their gold ornaments. True to their heritage, the high end jewelry company adheres to Roman styles, which can be pretty visible in their collection of cuff bracelets. The brand reinterprets their master-pieces through lacy carvings so as to make them look soft from afar.

The brand is also famed for brushing and mattifying metals, whilst mixing silver and gold for texture and light enhancement.

5. Tiffany & Co:

Thanks to The Great Gatsby movie, Tiffany jewels are not only famous in America but now in Asia as well. However, this luxury brand was established back in 1837 and became quite popular for their exclusive designs in diamond jewelries, sterling silver and watches.

Their diamond jewelries evoke timeless designs that appeal to luxury and class. They are famous for crafting high dimensional whimsical motifs of flowers and birds in the form of brooch, pendant, earrings and even hair accessories.

5 Tips For Choosing Your Bridal Jewelry

Jewelry makes a woman complete and forms an integral part of a bride’s getup to give an exquisite look to her personality on the biggest day of her life. Undoubtedly, bridal jewelry adds glam to the bride’s aura and forms a significant part of her wedding trousseau.
Every bride dreams of looking like a princess on her marriage ceremony and jewelry makes that dream come true by giving an amazing affect to her personality. In fact, every bride also desires to wear jewelry with a unique touch which makes her look different and also goes well with her attire and over all getup.

So, for choosing the perfect bridal jewelry, it’s necessary to plan everything beforehand and select each piece of jewelry carefully keeping the bride’s dress and her over all personality in mind.

Here are 5 tips which can be used by a bride to choose her bridal jewelry to get the most stunning look on her d-day:

1. Matching neckline with necklace silhouette:

It is one of the important points to be considered while planning one’s jewelry, specially the necklace. If the necklace silhouette is not in accordance with the neckline, the beauty of the dress as well as the exquisiteness of the necklace both will be marred.

2. Buy Detachable Heavy Jewelry Pieces:

The jewelry pieces made for weddings are generally so heavy that they are rarely used after one’s wedding ceremony. For this, the best option is to opt for such heavy jewelry pieces which can be detached later. Keeping in view the rising demand for such items, such pieces are readily available in the shops especially for necklace pieces and earrings.

3. Earrings should match the Hair style:

Before buying the matching set of necklace and earrings, one must keep in mind the hair style and visualize whether it would go with it or not. One can also try it beforehand to give a clear picture and order for alterations accordingly.

4. Utilize your mother’s jewelry to give a classic touch:

Old is gold and this fact can’t ever be denied. For occasions like marriage when a bride is expected to be in the most traditional attire, what else can be better than wearing one’s mother’s jewelry by making some alterations in it according to one’s dress? It certainly gives a classic touch to one’s personality.

5. Match your jewelry according to your wedding occasion:

In a wedding occasion, there are many functions like mehandi ceremony, sangeet and fere. The bridal jewelry should be chosen accordingly and the heaviest ones should be kept for the main marriage ceremony.