8 THE QUEENS COURIER • BRIDAL • JANUARY 19, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
bridal
Looking for a bridal party gift?
How about smart jewelry?
Jewelry has signifi ed the bonds
between people since the ancient
Egyptians created the wedding
band. But the digital revolution
is quickly converting jewelry
from a symbol of connection to
wireless ways to stay connected.
Rings, watches, pendants -
even cuffl inks - have been transformed
into miniature electronic
devices that keep us in touch
with people, including ourselves.
Th is merger of fashion and function
is catching on fast with consumers.
According to Gartner Inc.,
an information technology and
research advisory fi rm, purchases
of wearable smart devices will
increase 16 percent in 2016, with
smartwatch sales alone predicted
to rise a whopping 66 percent.
Th e wearable device trend
took off a decade ago, primarily
for fi tness. Th e Nike+iPod fi tness
tracker was the forerunner
for a fl ood of new products
embedded with tiny sensors
that report the wearer’s workout
progress.
Functions, aesthetics
determine price
Today, nearly all the major
tech companies compete in the
smartwatch market, including
Apple, Google, Microsoft ,
Motorola and Samsung.
Meanwhile, some traditional
watchmakers - such as Tag
Heuer - have developed their
own high-tech timepieces.
Top designers are also collaborating
with high-tech developers
to create smart rings,
bracelets, necklaces and other
fi ne and fashion jewelry. FitBit,
for instance, off ers a line of fi tness
trackers conceived by Tory
Burch, a well-known women’s
wear designer. Th e technology is
embedded in embossed metallic
pendants and bracelets.
Protect smart
investments
Since smart jewelry could be a
major jewelry investment - second
only, perhaps, to an engagement
ring - it’s important to adequately
protect it with insurance.
Most homeowners insurance
policies cover jewelry to some
extent. In many cases, however,
your coverage may be limited.
Plus, a jewelry claim could aff ect
the status of your entire policy.
Th at’s why it’s important to evaluate
your insurance options.
Typical warranties and protection
plans won’t reimburse you
if your smart jewelry disappears
under mysterious circumstances
- meaning you’re not sure whether
it was lost or stolen. Th e best
jewelry insurers, such as Jewelers
Mutual Insurance Company, a
leader in jewelry insurance since
1913, will cover loss in such circumstances.
Th ey will also repair
or replace the item through the
jeweler or manufacturer of your
choice and a loss.
If you’re someone who appreciates
socially responsible companies,
there’s another reason
to look up Jewelers Mutual. Th is
summer, the company is making
news by off ering $2 million
in donations to nonprofi ts that
fi ght hunger, provide aff ordable
housing and deliver medical
research and exceptional care
to kids battling cancer and other
life-threatening diseases.
As part of its “Band Together”
campaign, Jewelers Mutual
is inviting consumers to select
which cause receives the largest
share of its unprecedented philanthropic
gift . For everyone who
casts votes at JewelersMutual.
com/BandTogether from July
11-31, this campaign off ers more
than the chance to help their
favorite nonprofi ts. Every individual
who answers the call to
“Band Together” online will be
eligible to win a set of three stacking
bands from Stacked New
York. Th ree exquisite sets will be
given away during the campaign.
While, the bands are not the kind
equipped with smart technology,
they are a smart fashion choice
and symbolize the timeless bonds
that connect people to something
bigger than themselves.
Courtesy BPT
Have a rough and tumble honeymoon in the Wild West
Th e big skies and open spaces
of the American West have captured
the imagination for hundreds
of years. Whether it’s the
beauty of a desert sunset or the
cold majesty of snow-capped
mountains, there’s something
about the landscape and the
clean air that reinvigorates the
spirit.
Seeking relief from the hustle
and bustle of modern life,
people from all over stay at one
of many dude ranches across
the country. Here, an intimate
blend of adventure and comfort
allows visitors to experience the
majesty of the west in style and
unmatched luxury.
Since 1926, members of Th e
Dude Ranchers Association
have served as stewards of both
the land and the traditions of the
American West. Always eager
to share their way of life with
guests from the big city or just
down the road, they have transformed
the rancher’s way of life
into one of the most incredible
vacation opportunities around.
For a taste of the variety
off ered, here are fi ve reasons all
kinds of people return to dude
ranches across the country.
1. Roughing it has never been
so luxurious. Simply put, it’s
hard to fi nd a more relaxing
experience. With many ranches
off ering morning yoga to limber
you up before you get in the
saddle along with spa services to
induce a state of complete relaxation,
you’ll think those cowboys
had it easy on their cattle
drives!
2. An educational adventure
for the whole family.
Many dude ranches have an
array of kid-friendly activities.
Children of all ages can ride
horses, play, learn about animals
and the wonders of the
great outdoors. Parents treasure
this direct, hands-on learning,
and kids, well, they hardly know
that what they’re doing is educational.
3. A perfect getaway for animal
lovers. Th ere is no shortage
of people who visit a dude
ranch in order to live their childhood
dream of having a horse or
a pony. Horses are an integral
part of the dude ranch experience,
and whether you ride them
through the mountainside meadows
or learn some grooming
techniques, working with these
animals is a magical experience.
4. Indulge in a meal like none
other. Aft er a day luxuriating in
the crisp western air, nothing is
better than sitting down with
your family for a gourmet meal
paired with the perfect wine.
Yes, the food is a world-class
combination of classic favorites
and new fl avors, but it’s also
a chance to share stories with
your loved ones, hear about the
things your kids discovered and
create lasting memories.
5. Discover something about
yourself. Each year, there is no
shortage of people who come to
relax and let the stress of daily
life melt away. While doing this,
they also manage to participate
in things they never imagined.
Whether it is zooming down a
zip line, going whitewater raft -
ing or mountain biking, many
people discover new experiences
that give them a new perspective
on life.
Founded in 1926, Th e Dude
Ranchers’ Association was
founded to preserve, protect
and promote this unique vacation
experience. Since then, the
core principles of dude ranching
remain the same: horses,
hats, hospitality, heritage, honesty
and heart.
With more than 100 accredited
members, all of which are
required to uphold the highest
quality and standards within
the dude ranching industry, Th e
Dude Ranchers’ Association can
help you fi nd your next dream
vacation.
Courtesy BPT