Originally published at Henri Maillardet

Sapphires are a promise of faithful love.

Sapphire is one of the most eye-catching gemstones used by jewellers for their creations. In the past, it was believed that the one who owned a sapphire was a good person, loyal and capable of managing command. Today, the precious stone is a refinement that any woman would love to keep in the jewellery box and flaunt on special occasions. But what is it, where does it comes, and why are we so fascinated by it? Let us explore the splendour of sapphire jewellery together.

What Is Sapphire?

Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide), easily recognised by its bright blue colour. It is the only substance of natural origin to have a hardness of level 9 on the Mohs scale, a rating system that goes up to 10 – the value attributed to diamond. In fact, this gemstone can only be scratched by boron nitride or diamond. 

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Originally published at Henri Maillardet

How to dress up a clean-cut look? With diamond jewellery, of course.

We’re lucky. We live in a time when – almost – anything goes. We’re free to wear what we want, when we want it. This means that the old rule about only wearing diamonds in glamorous outfits can easily be reinterpreted. 

Because here’s the thing: if a diamond engagement ring can be worn every day, why should that be any different for a statement diamond necklace, a pair of delicate diamond earrings, or a nicely paired set of gorgeous diamond bracelets you’ve been meaning to take out? Haven’t you heard? Saving anything for a special occasion is a thing of the past, too.

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Originally published at Henri Maillardet

Trends, by nature, come and go. But some really do cross over into being long-standing and dependable.

Whether you’re looking for your very first piece or adding to an ever-growing collection, investing in luxury jewellery is not something to be taken lightly. Pearls, diamonds, and lustrous gemstones all draw us in like moths to a flame and have the remarkable ability to override our head in favour of our heart. It must come as no surprise that many luxury jewellery acquisitions are passion purchases. And who can blame us?

But while it can’t hurt to give a little thought to the intrinsic value of a piece, you shouldn’t compromise on looking for something that suits your personal style. Sure, there is the myth that buying luxury jewellery means buying only simple, timeless pieces, but it’s simply not true. Invest in luxury items that are a reflection of your personal taste and the trends you identify with, and you’re guaranteed to be happier with them.

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Originally published at Henri Maillardet

A rule of thumb says that office jewellery should be minimal, comfortable, and limited to no more than three pieces. But what if you want to show off your personality and add some style to your outfits?

When it comes to creating a professional wardrobe, being more selective with what you purchase is worth it, even if that results in you buying fewer items. Not only will you look better, you’ll also get more value for your money because your closet won’t end up full of clothes you never get the chance to wear. The same is true of jewellery. Building a tasteful jewellery collection for work is important for any professional.

But selecting the appropriate jewellery for office is a challenging task. On the one hand, you try to add that little glamour and personality to your formal look. On the other, you don’t want to appear flashy and over the top. A rule of thumb says that office jewellery should be minimal, comfortable, and limited to no more than three pieces. But what if you want to show off your personality and add some style to your outfits? 

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Originally published at Henri Maillardet

Jewellery has always been an integral part of fashion.

But jewellery is more than ornamentation: it’s a means of communication. Take a walk down history lane with us and have a look at jewellery trends through the decades.

The Glittering 1910s saw diamonds everywhere, often paired up with sapphires, aquamarines, and garnets. Engagement rings and necklaces boasted asymmetrical, nature-inspired motifs. Common themes included leaves, insects, and exotic animals. The “white-on-white” combination – that’s diamonds on pearls – was a favourite. After the Industrial Revolution there was more disposable income available, and items started to be produced en-masse. Sentimental jewellery became popular, and soon so did souvenir jewellery.

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Originally written for Engagency

I worked on Instagram content for 30+ brands and coaches, most in the fitness, nutrition & wellness industries, some listed below. Click on the names for the instagram profiles of the client, and on “captions” for a selection of the content I worked on.

• @168fitness – captions
• @aliciagowans_wbffpro – captions
• @angelicavfitforlife – captions
• @barbellefitnut – captions
• @babingtonsoap – captions

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Originally published at Henri Maillardet

What are the most meaningful precious stones in the world?

A quick look at our High Priestess, Möbius, Infinity Love, Infinity Flower and Star collections is enough to see it: our unique pieces capture the beauty and exquisite detail of nature through the use of precious stones such as diamonds, emeralds and tanzanites. But how did precious stones become so sought after to begin with?

Here’s what we know: jewellery evokes feelings of luxury and opulence. This makes the act of buying jewellery an emotional process – one wants to get it right, whether they’re buying to celebrate a loved one or to add another unique piece to their personal collection. No wonder, then, that the symbolic meanings of gemstones make choosing that little harder – and getting it right, that little more rewarding.

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Originally published at Henri Maillardet

High jewellery, like haute couture, commands the question as to where luxury product ends and art begins.

Despite a climate of financial insecurity and fluctuating global markets, one tier of the jewellery industry is thriving: high jewellery – or, in French, haute joaillerie. Essentially, high jewellery refers to the most expensive pieces of jewellery available from the big-name houses, many of which are one-of-a-kind, cost millions due to materials, workmanship and signature, and include extremely valuable gemstones as distinctive features.

It’s easy to believe there is a synergy between haute couture and high jewellery; both exemplify the best in creativity and materials, and offer designs that drive the imagination beyond the possible. But the highest form of jewellery art does more than inspire fantasy and imagination. It also keeps old craftsmanship alive, and offers a tangible and portable way to take – and show off – wealth (because even if contemporary aesthetic preferences are evolving, this mindset is not changing). In this way, high jewellery remains an attractive market in its own right.

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Originally published at www.prioritypass.com

Every little bit helps – especially when you’re traveling. No one wants to stare at their phone or tablet the whole time, trying to figure out the best place to eat or the best route from A to B. Exploring a new place should be all about freeing yourself up and being fully immersed in the new experience.

We’ve put together a selection of top apps available on both iOS & Android, so you can get back to enjoying the moment. Just make sure you took care of connectivity services before going abroad. Use a portable Wi-Fi router, so you never go offline (apart from when you want to) whatever destination you choose.

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Originally written for Nixa.io

In the future, more employees will work from home. That was a certainty before 2020, as remote work opportunities had been trending for years. However, as the Covid-19 crisis accelerates the future of distributed work, employers seem determined to make such opportunities permanent.

Of course, not every position is viable for remote work. But, where businesses were once reluctant to offer remote work, many are now adopting it for a variety of strategic reasons. Some hope to attract top talent with flexible work opportunities. Others view remote work as a potential cost savings mechanism. Still others hope to tap into a workforce they previously could not consider.

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Originally written for MHOGAR

We’ll take you home.

Welcome to MHOGAR.

We hope this is the first step to finding your dream home, and are excited to have you here with us. We provide a professional, reliable service for clients looking for properties on the Costa Blanca.

We are based in Calpe, Alicante, but have properties all over Costa Blanca, in Benidorm, Albir, Altea, Calpe, Benisa, Javea and more. What started out as a passion project soon turned into a rapidly-growing business, and we now have experience in helping our clients find their dream home in the area.

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Originally written for Laura Trif Photography

About Me 

My name is Laura and I am a professional photographer, specialised in couple photography – with a twist. I help couples bring to life their love stories through candid shots and real moments captured on camera, in the magical city of Barcelona. For the last two years, Barcelona has been my home and happy place. Now I want to share its thrilling charm with you through a photo session that you will remember long after, with a smile.

My mission is to bring to life a reflection of the beautiful love that exists in people’s lives. I am a romantic at heart. I breathe, dream, and aim to have my photography be like the light touch of Cupid’s wings that embraces the inimitability of each love story. It is my hope that the ravishing imagery of your love on Barcelona’s background will hang on the walls of your home, as a tender token of the love you have one for another.

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Originally written for www.prioritypass.com

Sometimes it’s not the journey, it’s the destination – especially when the destination is a sun-drenched beach on the other side of the world. But you need to get there first, and it seems like it’s going to take you a while.

Singapore Airlines takes the prize of world’s longest flight, with nearly 19 hours in the air while you’re flying from Newark in the United States to Singapore. That’s bound to be eclipsed soon though, as airlines and aircraft manufacturers are working on the next major nonstop air route: Sydney to London, estimated at over 20 hours. That’s all 8 of the Harry Potter movies, if you can’t get much sleep on a plane.

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Originally published at www.prioritypass.com

Have you ever wondered why we want to travel so much? The answer is simple: there are plenty of things to be gained from exploring new places, such as making new friends or learning about new cultures. Travelling is said to make us happier, boost our confidence and enhance our creativity. But, most importantly, the relaxed breakfasts, the long walks and the new experiences all help us remember to slow down, enjoy our day and appreciate the world around us. Sound like something you’ve forgotten to do lately? Keep reading and remind yourself of all the reasons why you want to take that trip.

Helps You Disconnect

Many of us live in cities and deal with stress and crowds on a daily basis. Our regular routine involves rushing from place to place, using crowded public transport and creating busy schedules for ourselves. Gradually stress begins to accumulate, burnout makes us dissatisfied and we struggle to find time for an adventure. Getting caught up in it all can be overwhelming and see us dreaming of escaping to greener pastures. It’s important to know when we need to take a step back, take a deep breath and… get ready to take off. Travelling can disconnect you from your daily routine and help you break the repetitive patterns that can leave you drained. As your mind enjoys a much-needed reset, you may find yourself thinking about things in a new light. In the end, you’re likely to come back feeling refreshed and with a whole new perspective on your life.

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Originally written for norwegianreward.com

Pre-book an airport lounge with Lounge Pass at the beginning and end of every trip from £13.50.

No matter how well we plan our trips, getting to the airport can be a very stressful experience for many of us when traveling. It’s difficult to daydream about our well-deserved holidays when we are stuck for hours in noisy terminals with nowhere to sit amongst busy, overpriced restaurants. Travel anxiety has even become a buzzword of our generation – so used to extended traveling, yet so often stressed and overwhelmed in the lead up to it.

An airport lounge is the ideal place for you to escape the crowds, and this is where Lounge Pass comes to the rescue! Lounge Pass is the world’s leading pre-bookable single access airport lounge provider. It offers pre-bookable airport lounge access at both the outward and homeward ends of any journey. Pre-booking guarantees you access to a comfortable space where you can relax before boarding, help yourself to a range of refreshments, or simply kick-back in comfortable seating.

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Originally published at www.prioritypass.com

Traveling can (and should) be a wonderful experience, but all too often planning for a trip can give you butterflies, and sadly not the good kind. You catch yourself wondering, “Have I packed everything I need?” Then, if the answer is yes, you think, “Oh no, have I packed too much?” This is often followed by, “Will I get to the airport in time?” “Will everything be ok at home?” “What if I don’t enjoy the trip?”

Increasingly, something enjoyable begins to look like… travel anxiety. If you struggle to stop that internal chatter from making you nervous, unsettled and unable to feel any pre-traveling excitement, know this: you are far from alone. And that horrible, anxious feeling? It’s more common than you think. “But how to get over it?” must now be the question lingering on your mind. We’ll tell you how.

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Originally published at www.prioritypass.com

If there’s one thing worth leaving your warm, cosy home for to face the cold December weather, it’s the excitement of a Christmas market. Wandering around stalls, wooden chalets and snow-covered cathedrals while enjoying festive treats and cinnamon-infused mulled wine must be the most tempting activities of the festive season. If you haven’t made any plans yet, you may want to pack your bags, grab friends and loved ones and take your pick from Zurich, Copenhagen and Frankfurt – three beautiful European cities with plenty of festive attractions and events scheduled in the final days of 2019.

Zurich

Planning a ‘Swissmass’? Look no further than Zurich, in the north of Switzerland. Contrary to popular belief, Zurich isn’t actually the capital, but is the country’s financial center. Zurich is worth a visit all year round, but even more so around Christmas, when mulled wine, twinkling lights and enchanting markets go hand in hand with quirky pop-up bars, designer shops and a unique fifty-foot tree!

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Originally published at www.prioritypass.com

As decorations go up and temperatures go down, we know that winter is here (depending on where we are in the world, admittedly) which means one thing… It’s time to start thinking about a winter vacation destination! For some, wandering around the beautiful food and gift stalls of a European Christmas Market may sound just right. For others, chasing the sun somewhere as far from home and as hot as it can get may be much more appealing.

Generally, we tend to associate the holiday season with being at home, visiting family and friends, and counting our blessings (and destinations ticked off the bucket list) as we wait for the year to end. But sometimes we may just need to get away one last time before January, and we have a feeling that 2019 will be one of those years for many of us. Here are a few ideas for your winter holiday season, if the bug’s still in your system too:

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Originally published at www.prioritypass.com

Travel means something different to every single one of us. Some travel to get the bug out of their system, others to escape their day-to-day, many just want to make new memories. Whatever the reason, we all deserve a vacation every once in a while – and know when the time has come, mostly because we find ourselves spending more time daydreaming about the next destination.

But – and this is a feeling we all know – sometimes simply catching a glimpse of flight prices is enough to make us put down our mobile phones or snap our laptops shut. It can seem like the bucket list is long, while the time and resources are short. And, with so many spectacular sights across the globe, it’s hard to narrow them down to only the ones we can dream of for now. The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way.

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Originally published at www.prioritypass.com

Priority Pass is the world’s largest airport lounge access program in the world, with over 1300 lounges across 600 cities, in 148 countries. That’s a lot of places to choose from when it comes to our Lounge of the Year Awards.

Every year, we celebrate the lounges offering the best service, experience, refreshments and business facilities, based on the ratings of over 50,000 Priority Pass Members. We’ve been doing this for the last 15 years by selecting winners across 5 set regions:

• LATAM – Latin America and The Caribbean
• APAC – Asia-Pacific
• MEIA – Middle East, India and Africa
• Europe
• North America

See last year’s winners, airport lounges based in Ecuador, United Arab Emirates, Latvia, Thailand and Mexico, here.

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Originally written for Vertical Leap

Struggling to decide how to mark this year’s Valentine’s Day? We’ve got you! From putting the best vegan chocolate bars to test, to finding the best kissing spots for you and your valentine, here’s a rundown of our best vegan gifts and date ideas.

45g of organic, handmade chocolate

And did we mention free from dairy, soy, gluten and refined sugars? Our selection of Pana Chocolate bars ranges from Strawberry and Pistachio to Fig and Wild Orange. This is chocolate with consciousness at its core – and, as you can probably already tell, lots and lots of flavour.

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