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1 Ht, OAKVILLk BEAVER F9Wednesday, April 7, 1999 Something special to wear... By Jamie Turner ADVERTISING FEATURE A Glimpse ofRadiance is £ B r i d a l / F a s h i o n shop like no other. The designs are elegant and the workmanship top of the line, but it's the relaxed, homey atmosphere that greets every client which makes it such a unique experience. It's a place where the frazzled bride to be can kick off her shoes at the door, fall into an over­ stuffed chair and talk to people who really listen. Proprie tor/De signer, Rebecca, set out to make it this way, "I wanted to bring my expertise and knowl­ edge to a part of life that doesn't get enough respect." A» Glimpse of Radiance knows weddings are special, one-time events, and ensures that every one receives the respect and attention it deserves. A Glimpse of Radiance offers both custom and ready to wear wedding apparel. Come in and browse through our collections, or feel free to bring in a sketch, a magazine picture or simply your idea. Veils, shoes, crinolines, and jewellery are available. They can accommodate the entire wedding party, including Bride's maids, Mothers- of-the-Bride, groom, and flower girls. Don't for­ get your groom; they offer a complete selection of tuxedo rentals. Restoration is an area where they are highly qualified. Feel free to come in with your mother's wedding dress and see what can be done. Redesigning necklines, sleeves and trains or making custom headpieces are other services they perform. The craftsmanship at A Glimpse of Radiance is exceptional. Rebecca, who has been sewing since she was 10, worked in Hollywood for over 20 years, creating clothes for celebrities such as Demi Moore, Glen Close, and A1 Pacino. Her associate and co-designer Alison, assisted in con- Photo by Barrie Erskine Rebecca shows off one of the beautiful gowns. structing costumes at Stratford Theatre before applying her talent to Bridal design. Both feel the theatrical background is quite useful because like theatre, weddings are 'one-time performances' based on creativity and perfection. Theme weddings are also areas in which the shop specializes: i.e. Romeo and Juliet, Gothic or some other time periods. "If you have something specific in mind, we can do it for you," Rebecca says. A Glimpse of Radiance offers a wide selection of evening attire and special occasion wear that includes exclusive lines from the States -- from the west to the east coasts. Lately, many requests are coming in for that custom "something spe­ cial" attire for the approaching millennium soirees. Alternations and tailoring are all done in-store on everything from dresses for the prom, to creat­ ing one-of-a-kind lingerie, to horse blankets. To experience the utmost in customer service, and the most beautiful and unique gowns and accessories, drop by A Glimpse of Radiance, a Bridal/Fashion shop that care- above all about your happiness. Choosing an engagement ring Giving a diamond engagement ring is a custom that started over 500 years ago As the country with one of the highest dia­ mond engagement ring acquisition rates in the world, Canadian couples have embraced this important relationship "rite of passage" more than any other culture. Honouring a custom that began in 1477, 85 per cent of all Canadian brides receive a diamond engagement ring. That rivals both the U.S. and Japan - two of the largest diamond markets in the world. And although 41 per cent of all couples spend between $1,000 and $3,000 on a diamond engagement ring, research shows that less than half of all men and women understand the 4Cs - the characteristics that determine the value and quality of a diamond. To help couples buy a dia­ mond engagement ring wisely, De Beers' Diamond Information Centre offers these tips on how to choose the most enduring sign of love and commitment: STEP 1: Determine Your Budget. While this is a very personal exercise that often depends on income, 65 per cent of the men who are aware of it say that the two months' salary guideline is a useful tool when deciding how much to spend. Diamonds are available in a wide range of prices, depending on their own individual combination of the 4Cs - so you're sure to find one that suits your personal taste and budget. The most impor­ tant rule of thumb is to choose the finest quality diamond you can afford. STEP 2: Educate yourself and make sure you understand the 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. These are the four characteristics that determine a diamond's quality and value - and as a result, it's price. No two diamonds are alike, although they may look identical to the naked eye. The following information on the 4Cs will help you become an informed and knowledge­ able consumer. CUT: This is perhaps the most important of the 4Cs because a quality cut is what gives a dia­ mond its brilliant sparkle. A good cut releases the "fire" and "sparkle" of a diamond through the arrangement and proportion of its 57 or 58 facets (tiny planes that create angles to reflect light). It is important to distinguish between the cut of a diamond which is purely a technical issue, and its shape. Shape is a matter of personal taste, with the round (brilliant) cut the most popular of all shapes. COLOUR: Diamonds come in many colours, while the majority have a barely perceptible yel­ low or brownish tint. Determining a diamond's colour is done by measuring the degree to which a diamond approaches colourlessness. The high­ est quality and most expensive stones are described as colourless and are very rare. Jewellers evaluate the colour of diamonds on a letter scale beginning with D (colourless) and moving down through the alphabet. Diamonds with a strong, pure colour are called "fancies" and can be found in pink, blue, yellow and many other colours. CLARITY: A diamond's clarity is determined by the degree to which it is free from naturally occurring inclusions, often called "nature's fin­ gerprints." Almost all diamonds contain small traces of non-crystallized carbon - the element from which they are formed. These inclusions usually require magnification under a standard 10-power jeweller's loupe before they become apparent. The fewer the inclusions, the rarer the stone. CARAT: Carat refers to the weight and, there­ fore, the size, of the diamond. One carat is divid­ ed into "points." As a result, a diamond weighing 50 points is half a carat. STEP 3: Research her tastes. If you're a man planning on surprising your girlfriend with a dia­ mond engagement ring, do some research on her personal style and preferences. Take her fantasy shopping. Talk to her friends. Watch what makes her gasp in awe. Ask her how she feels about other rings she's seen. Read the signals and you'll make a choice that will delight her forev­ er. STEP 4: Find a reputable jeweller. Visit a reli­ able jeweller whom you know and trust and ask him or her questions until you've established a good rapport. The fifth unofficial C is CONFI­ DENCE in the professional who will help you choose a diamond of enduring quality to repre­ sent your enduring love. For a free booklet on how to buy the perfect diamond engagement ring, call the Diamond Information Centre at 416-926-7313. Your Perfect Wedding Guide "S t a r t M a r r ia g e !U s FINE CUSTOM & READY TO WEAR CLOTHIERS Bridal • Evening Attire • All Occasion Deluxe Facials $55 Nourishing • Moisturizing - Sensitive Detoxifying - Antiwrinkle ■ Acne Chosen for your particular skin type, this facial stimulates your senses by including cleansing, hydration, exfoliation and use of an ampoule containing herbal extracts, followed by a face, neck, shoulder, hand and arm massage. A customized mask completes the treatment. * Eye Zone Treatment with Facial $10 O a k v ille T ravel S ervice Family Owned & Operated Since 1950 336 Church St. 845-7154 Moor Spa Body Wrap $85 A Complete Banquet Facility with Tailor Made Menu £ ( S j j from the Tower with a View! Perfect for any occasion • W eddings • Christenings • Com pany Parties • Showers 'Anniversaries • 60-150 guests. Arrangements can be made upon request o f the following: * Flowers * Disc Jockey * Cake/Pastries PonraS by RUDV CAPPELLETTO• The Moor Spa Body Wrap detoxifies, revitalizes & refreshes the body helping the skin to regain suppleness & elasticity. It is an effective treatment for cellulite, weight loss, stretchmarks & scar tissue. 10% off with this ad Don't miss our One of a Kind Millenium collection custom designed by local designer Theresa Richarz Please call fo r details. OUR SERVICES INCLUDE • Facial • Body Wrap Treatment • Bio- Lifting Treatment Manicure • Bust Care • Hair Removal • Aromatherapy Products Dressm aking & Alterations done on premises. "Accessories" Rental Available D on't forget your groom - Tuxedos available 346 Lakeshore Rd. E. (in D o w n to w n O ak ville) (905) 842-2002 Fax (905) 842-7337 TOWER GARDEN... and Banquet Hall 300 City Centre Drive, 12th Floor M ississauga City Hall ■ ■ Call Today: (905) 615-3111 267 LAKESHORE RD. E (DOWNTOWN OAKVILLE) 845-8998 INTIMATE APPAREL 4L EXOTIC LINGERIE ---------------BOUTIQUE--------------- f t Romantic Indulgence^ktIts Finest. Exotic lingerie, adult novelties, lotions * and games. Satin, lace,vinyl, leather & latex wear. X Gift Certificates available. H All major credit cards and Interac accepted. ■ . . . metur, JScud&ExDandcjbJjdvSectioti 18K & Platinum - Jewellers Custom work since 1985 267 Lakeshore Rd. E. Downtown Oakville Fulfill your honeymoon DESIRES REBECCA C U B I C Z I R C O N I A & C R Y S T A L J E W E L L E R Y You'll Love our pleasurable shopping atmosphere M a n n i n g J e w e l l e r s GOLDSMITH & DIAMOND MERCHANT 2387 Lakeshore Rd. W. (between 3rd Line & Bronte Rd.) TRAFALGAR VILLAGE 125 Cross Avenue (9 0 5 ) 8 4 4 -2 6 6 8 Mon. to Fri. 10:00 a m. - 8:30 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6 pm