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The success of Gabon special economic zone (GSEZ)
Africa still attractive to investors, says PenCom head
Agro-processing is the sector that will provide jobs
Prospects for African countries are very promising, says BCG CEO Rich Lesser
Access Bank's Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
Private Equity: The African Adventure
AFC's history-making Kpone project
Zimbabwe Stock Exchange goes automatic
East Africa's banks optimistic outlook despite challenges
Exchanges give SMEs a helping hand
African Banker is a quarterly magazine dedicated to banking and finance in Africa.
Tom Minney
Roadside mechanics fixing tyres and engines, street vendors hawking telephone cards, a factory turning old tyres into luxury sandals for the world – small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are creating the productivity and jobs that Africa needs.
Africa has an estimated 40m micro, small and medium enterprises and their importance is widely acknowledged. "96% of Nigerian businesses are SMEs," says Dapo Okubadejo. KPMG lead for Africa merger and acquisitions, private equity and transaction advisory, citing statistics from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
A World Bank report found SMEs provide more than 60% of employment in developing countries. They contribute 51% of the gross domestic product in high-income countries but only 16% in low-income countries, suggesting much room to grow, but the lack of long-term risk finance is slowing Africa's SME growth revolution.
Banks are key, but bank loans are short term and have to be paid back, putting pressure on cash flows and slowing growth. Banks require collateral, which can be difficult.
Equity investors can be a better fit, whether family, friends, angels, venture capital investors, or specialist funds such as GroFin, Business Partners International and African Agricultural Capital, which are active in the market.
Shareholders share risks and rewards and the business usually never pays back, as a shareholder sells to another. Good equity investors add management and strategy, and build growth platforms by improving governance, operations and accounting.
Thirteen African securities exchanges have created specialist trading boards to help SMEs access equity since 2002. The boom year was 2013, when Ghana, Nairobi, Nigeria and Dar es Salaam securities exchanges opened growth boards.
Nicole Cheyne, business development manager at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), says the best finance mix for an SME "depends on, among other things, the size of the company, where it is in its life cycle, and what its future strategic intent is. The debt vs equity debate still stands. The benefits of listing cannot, however, be achieved through bank funding. There is a limit to the amount of gearing that a company balance sheet can sustain and therefore an appropriate mix of equity and debt is desirable."
Geoffrey Odundo, CEO of the Nairobi Stock Exchange, explains the enthusiasm for Kenya's Growth and Enterprise Market Segment (GEMS): "The SME board is an excellent use of resources, especially considering the massive contribution of SMEs to both the local and global economy. The SME board offers cheaper and longer-term capital compared to banks. GEMS offers other benefits such as improved corporate governance and operational efficiency, while boosting the public profile of the listed company." GEMS was launched in 2013 with plans to list five companies a year. The first listing was Nairobi builder Home Afrika Ltd, followed by three more companies in 2014.
"Regulators (whether the exchange or the securities regulator) in various jurisdictions have recognised the importance of reducing the cost for SMEs of accessing capital market financing," says Siobhan Cleary, head of research and public policy at WFE.
"The trick is to find the balance where investors have what they need in order to make informed decisions and SMEs are still able to access capital markets in a cost-effective manner. Transparency is a central component of the listed environment, as is flexibility, to ensure SMEs get the support they need," she continues.
Listing requirements for growth or SME boards are usually more relaxed compared to the main trading boards, with the aim of cutting barriers. For example, to join the Ghana Alternative Exchange (GAX) run by Ghana Stock Exchange, companies only need 250,000 cedi ($65,000) in capital and 20 shareholders.
They do not need a track record of profits but only a business plan suggesting they will make profit by the third year. Companies listing on the main board need 1m cedi ($260,000) in capital, 100 shareholders and three years of profit history.
SME issuers may publish online instead of in print and advertisements. Listing and annual fees may be reduced. However, the information quality of the disclosure is usually the same, so investors can make informed decisions.
Many follow the AIM model, at the London Stock Exchange where experienced Nominated Advisors (Nomads) help SMEs with listed-company skills. The JSE's AltX requires a designated advisor and an issuer's directors must pass an induction programme. Licensed intermediaries on many African exchanges screen companies to see if they are healthy and ready for public investors. They also ensure issuers comply with ongoing governance and listing rules.
Some exchanges subsidise research houses to publish one or two reports a year on listed SMEs. Exchanges can also help SMEs with visibility to advertise their products and gain credibility associated with good governance and accounts. There is often little liquidity but that could also be said for all except leading companies on the main boards especially in Africa.
SME boards may start slow before picking up momentum. Since the JSE's AltX was established in 2003, it has listed over 123 companies and raised more than R48.9bn ($3.4bn). 31 companies have migrated from AltX to the JSE Main Board. As Cheyne says: "An overwhelming majority (of senior executives of AltX issuers) have mentioned that their listing was instrumental in accelerating their growth."
Families who own SMEs were initially resistant to disclose trading results or share voting control, but that is changing. As Odundo says: "We expect about four listings in the course of the year [on GEM in Kenya], two of which are already being processed."
Incentives also help listings. One is to reduce tax for five years: 25% income tax for companies which list by introduction, while companies that list at least 40% of their shares pay only 20%, compared to Kenya's usual 30% rate. Other incentives include no stamp duty on additional share capital and no capital gains tax on sale of shares for listed companies.
More than 200 SMEs are listed across Africa, including 43 on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius Development and Enterprise Market, 33 in Morocco, 32 in Egypt and 2 on each of the Botswana Venture Capital Board and GAX.
KPMG's Okubadejo calls for active promotion and incentives. As he says: "SMEs are the spark that will ignite and launch the economic rocket that is Africa.
Written by Tom Minney
Tom Minney, CEO of African Growth Partners Limited, a Mauritius-based consultancy specializing in capital, consultancy and communications. On communications, Tom has some 20 years of journalism and writing experience, including Reuters, BBC Africa, African Business.
Winners Announced for African Banker Awards 2019 | Les gagnants pour les Trophées African Banker 2019
Call for more inclusion at this year's African Banker Awards Winners of the 2019 edition of the African Banker Awards were announced at a …
Interview: Olukayode Pitan, managing director of Bank of Industry
At the helm of Nigeria's oldest and largest development bank, Olukayode Pitan has charted a course that has led to spectacular and sustainable growth.
In conversation: Abu Jimoh, CEO, Coronation Merchant Bank
Jimoh discusses the Coronation's vision and aspirations to become more than an investment bank.
Interview: Felix Bikpo, Group CEO, African Guarantee Fund
The African Guarantee Fund (AGF) is working with financial institutions across the continent to provide SMEs with game-changing access to funds.
We now have the foundation to begin diversification
Equatorial Guinea's Secretary of State for Planning and Development was responsible for overseeing the second phase of the National Development Plan, Horizon 2020.
African Banker Issue 47: Tech, Innovation and why the customer is king
Our sister publication African Banker, takes an in-depth look at the state of the banking in west Africa, with an overriding theme of the importance …


Deformable image registration (DIR) has been an important component in adaptive radiotherapy (ART). Our goal was to examine the accuracy of ART using the dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and to determine the optimal timing of replanning. A total of 22 patients who underwent volume modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for head and neck (H&N) cancers were prospectively analyzed. The planning target volume (PTV) was to receive a total of 70 Gy in 33 fractions. A second planning CT scan (rescan) was performed at the 15th fraction. The DSC was calculated for each structure on both CT scans. The continuous variables to predict the need for replanning were assessed. The optimal cut-off value was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. In the correlation between body weight loss and DSC of each structure, weight loss correlated negatively with DSC of the whole face (rs = −0.45) and the face surface (rs = −0.51). Patients who required replanning tended to have experienced rapid weight loss. The threshold DSC was 0.98 and 0.60 in the whole face and the face surface, respectively. Patients who showed low DSC in the whole face and the face surface required replanning at a significantly high rate (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). Weight loss correlated with DSC in both the whole face and the face surface (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05). The DSC values in the face predicted the need for replanning. In addition, weight loss tended to correlate with DSC. DIR during ART was found to be a useful tool for replanning.
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7. Bhide, S.A., Davies, M., Burke, K., McNair, H.A., Hansen, V. and Barbachano, Y. (2010) Weekly Volume and Dosimetric Changes during Chemoradiotherapy with Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Prospective Observational Study. International Journal of Radiation Oncology* Biology* Physics, 76, 1360-1368.
8. Hansen, E.K., Bucci, M.K., Quivey, J.M., Weinberg, V. and Xia, P. (2006) Repeat CT Imaging and Replanning during the Course of IMRT for Head-and-Neck Cancer. International Journal of Radiation Oncology* Biology* Physics, 64, 355-362.
9. Yang, H., Hu, W., Wang, W., Chen, P., Ding, W. and Luo, W. (2013) Replanning during Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy Improved Quality of Life in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. International Journal of Radiation Oncology* Biology* Physics, 85, e47-e54.
10. Castelli, J., Simon, A., Louvel, G., Henry, O., Chajon, E. and Nassef, M. (2015) Impact of Head and Neck Cancer Adaptive Radiotherapy to Spare the Parotid Glands and Decrease the Risk of Xerostomia. Radiation Oncology, 10, 1.
11. Bhandari, V., Patel, P., Gurjar, O.P. and Gupta, K.L. (2014) Impact of Repeat Computerized Tomography Replans in the Radiation Therapy of Head and Neck Cancers. Journal of Medical Physics, 39, 164-168.
12. Ahn, P.H., Chen, C.C., Ahn, A.I., Hong, L., Scripes, P.G. and Shen, J. (2011) Adaptive Planning in Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancers: Single-Institution Experience and Clinical Implications. International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, 80, 677-685.
13. Brown, E., Owen, R., Harden, F., Mengersen, K., Oestreich, K. and Houghton, W. (2015) Predicting the Need for Adaptive Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer. Radiotherapy and Oncology, 116, 57-63.
14. Fiorentino, A., Cozzolino, M., Caivano, R., Pedicini, P., Oliviero, C. and Chiumento, C. (2014) Head and Neck Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy Parotid Glands: Time of Re-Planning. La Radiologia Medica, 119, 201-207.
15. Markus, S., Kristina, G., Jürgen, D., Rolf, B. and Eva, M.S. (2014) The Frequency of Re-Planning and Its Variability Dependent on the Modification of the Re-Planning Criteria and IGRT Correction Strategy in Head and Neck IMRT. Radiation Oncology, 9, 175.
16. Ding, G.X., Duggan, D.M., Coffey, C.W., Deeley, M., Hallahan, D.E., Cmelak, A. and Malcolm, A. (2007) A Study on Adaptive IMRT Treatment Planning Using kV Cone-Beam CT. Radiotherapy and Oncology, 85, 116-125.
17. Fiorentino, A., Cozzolino, M., Caivano, R., Pedicini, P., Chiumento, C. and Oliviero, C. (2013) Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Dose Monitoring during Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer: Parotid Glands. Clinical and Translational Oncology, 15, 412-415.
18. Hu, C.C., Huang, W.T., Tsai, C.L., Wu, J.K., Chao, H.L. and Huang, G.M. (2011) Practically Acquired and Modified Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Images for Accurate Dose Calculation in Head and Neck Cancer. Strahlentherapie und Onkologie, 187, 633-644.
19. Elstr?m, U.V., Wysocka, B.A., Muren, L.P., Petersen, J.B. and Grau, C. (2010) Daily kV Cone-Beam CT and Deformable Image Registration as a Method for Studying Dosimetric Consequences of Anatomic Changes in Adaptive IMRT of Head and Neck Cancer. Acta Oncologica, 49, 1101-1108.
20. Wu, B., Ricchetti, F., Sanguineti, G., Kazhdan, M., Simari, P. and Jacques, R. (2011) Data-Driven Approach to Generating Achievable Dose-Volume Histogram Objectives in Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Planning. International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, 79, 1241-1247.
21. Lee, L., Le, Q.T. and Xing, L. (2008) Retrospective IMRT Dose Reconstruction Based on Cone-Beam CT and MLC Log-File. International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, 70, 634-644.
22. Hilts, M., Batchelar, D., Rose, J. and Crook, J. (2015) Deformable Image Registration for Defining the Postimplant Seroma in Permanent Breast Seed Implant Brachytherapy. Brachytherapy, 14, 409-418.
23. Andersen, E.S., Noe, K.?., S?rensen, T.S., Nielsen, S.K., Fokdal, L. and Paludan, M. (2013) Simple DVH Parameter Addition as Compared to Deformable Registration for Bladder Dose Accumulation in Cervix Cancer Brachytherapy. Radiotherapy and Oncology, 107, 52-57.
24. Christensen, G.E., Carlson, B., Chao, K.C., Yin, P., Grigsby, P.W. and Nguyen, K. (2001) Image-Based Dose Planning of Intracavitary Brachytherapy: Registration of Serial-Imaging Studies Using Deformable Anatomic Templates. International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, 51, 227-243.
25. Kim, H., Huq, M.S., Houser, C., Beriwal, S. and Michalski, D. (2014) Mapping of Dose Distribution from IMRT onto MRI-Guided High Dose Rate Brachytherapy Using Deformable Image Registration for Cervical Cancer Treatments: Preliminary Study with Commercially Available Software. Journal of Contemporary Brachytherapy, 6, 178-184.
26. Sebastia, S., Ignacio, A., Marimar, S., Roberto, B., Santiago, M.H. and Meritxell, A. (2012) Dose Accumulation during Vaginal Cuff Brachytherapy Based on Rigid/ Deformable Registration vs. Single Plan Addition. Brachytherapy, 13, 343-351.
27. Hu, Y., Ahmed, H.U., Taylor, Z., Allen, C., Emberton, M., Hawkes, D. and Barratt, D. (2012) MR to Ultrasound Registration for Image-Guided Prostate Interventions. Medical Image Analysis, 16, 687-703.
28. Pursley, J., Risholm, P., Fedorov, A., Tuncali, K., Fennessy, F.M. and Wells, W. (2012) A Bayesian Nonrigid Registration Method to Enhance Intraoperative Target Definition in Image-Guided Prostate Procedures through Uncertainty Characterization. Medical Physics, 39, 6858-6867.
29. Chen, T., Nie, K., Narra, V., Zou, J., Zhang, M. and Khan, A. (2014) Dosimetric Analysis on Breast Brachytherapy Based on Deformable Image Registration. Medical Physics, 41, 218-218.
30. Ishimaru, F., Tanooka, M., Inoue, H., Odawara, S., Takada, Y. and Niwa, Y. (2014) Body Mass Index Can Affect Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Toxicity in Patients with Prostate Cancer Treated with External Beam Radiation Therapy. Oncology Letters, 7, 209-214.
31. Ciardo, D., Alterio, D., Jereczek-Fossa, B.A., Riboldi, M., Zerini, D. and Santoro, L. (2015) Set-Up Errors in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated with Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy: Quantitative Comparison between Three-Dimensional Cone-Beam CT and Two-Dimensional Kilovoltage Images. Physica Medica, 31, 1015-1021.
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Wyatt Ulrich, Cade Gotta Stay Hot In Opener vs. Kansas City
SIOUX FALLS - The Sioux Falls Canaries fell (18-24) to the Kansas City Monarchs (25-17) by a final score of 12-4 Tuesday night at The Birdcage. The teams will meet in a doubleheader Wednesday starting at 5 pm.
Ty Culbreth (6-2) suffered the loss on the mound for the Birds. Culbreth pitched five innings and allowed ten hits and seven runs (seven earned). Culbreth struck out seven Monarchs. Cody Mincey (3-0) was credited with the win for the Monarchs. Mincey went seven innings, allowing three runs (two earned) in the third. He struck out two.
Wyatt Ulrich extended his hit streak to 24 games in the loss. He picked up an eighth inning single and scored twice in the contest. Ulrich has now reached base in 28 straight games.
Cade Gotta's success at the plate also continued in the loss. Gotta recorded two hits and picked up two RBI. Troy Alexander made his first appearance at the Birdcage since May 21 and picked up two hits and an RBI. Mike Hart recorded two doubles in three at-bats.
The Birds and the Monarchs will play two games on Wednesday. Game 1 of the doubleheader will feature a pitching matchup of RHP Jameson McGrane (1-1, 3.00 ERA) for the Monarchs and RHP Carlos Pimentel (3-2, 5.73 ERA) for the Canaries. Game 2 will feature RHP Justin Shafer (2-2, 4.84) for the Monarchs and RHP Charlie Hasty (1-0, 5.96 ERA) for the Birds.
Wednesdays are "Awesome 80's Wednesdays." This Wednesday we celebrate the classic Beetlejuice! Enjoy the wide array of party-smashing music and help us celebrate some of the best flicks of the Decade of Decadence! We'll feature a different 80's movie every week and have 80's movie trivia to win totally tubular prizes! Tickets are $8 with an online purchase. Buy one hot dog and get a second for just 80 cents. All Canaries pro shop merchandise is 8% off!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Stimulates hair growth getting deep into its follicles. Coconut oil promotes the scalp health fighting against such problems as insect bites, lice and dandruff. Coconut oil adds luster, shine and softness to the hair. Coconut oil prevents hair breakage and split ends, contributing to hair length.
Will help stimulate blood flow and unclog blocked follicles. These effects may help fight hair loss.
Penetrates quickly and is great for dry skin and damaged hair. It is believed to have exceptional nourishing, protective and reparative properties, which may help with aging and/or irritated skin. It also makes an excellent massage oil and leaves hair feeling healthier and more manageable.
Droppers are great for all types of hair application.
Squeeze desired amount from pipette into palm of hand and rub hands together. Comb fingers through your hair and massage deeply into the scalp. It is an oil based liquid so if your use a lot in one area, it will leave a shine ~ which is why its also great to use when your hair is wet post shower. Same application, just let your hair dry with the serum and it will absorb and be more of a silky finish.


is this you in the picture.
And as always thanks for the fast and good work and the fantastique guide.
How viable is it as league starter? i have played it once but it was after i had some currency to afford all stuff. How good can you play it without the expensive items etc?
Yes, I have no doubt that not only does Nicole Kidman play POE, but she makes guides for it as well.
I played it as witch and as berserker the last 3 or 4 leages and its really good for lvl.
gear is no problem since the most things a really cheap at beginning of leage.
Only astra is expensive. but a good int amu does it since you can afford the astra.
What about leveling section? Is there any options to start new league with this build?
I've always been a fan of your builds!
But now i can't understand something. In your main gem setup there is no Life Leech gem. This is mistake or i just stupid?
How do you get your first WI? Is farming A6 western forest for the cards is a viable option?
Thinking about using this as a starter. A leveling guide and/or PoB would be much appreciated.
Thanks for the guide in any case!


To begin our function on various kinds of gemstones, we will begin with the very best as well as most well known gemstone of them all the diamond. The diamond is the utmost gemstone. It has really couple of weak points as well as numerous staminas. It shines with its remarkable worth as well as nostalgic worth. It is made use of in wedding rings to represent limitless love or used as gifts/jewelry to be offered to loved ones. Yet the diamond is a lot more than its timeless appeal.
The ruby obtains its name from the Greek job adamas indicating irresistible. In firmness, there is no contrast. The ruby prices in the Mohs range a 10 which is the hardest material in the world. Its reducing resistance is 140 times that of the ruby and also sapphire, the gems(Diamond) that are next in the Mohs range in hardness. The ruby's optical properties such as radiance and inflexibility make it one-of-a-kind as well as quickly distinguished from other imitations. Delight in!
The initial videotaped ruby go back around 800 B.C. in India. Some believe it also dated back 6,000 years earlier. The rubies were made use of as decorative functions and as amulets to prevent evil as well as give defense in battle. Throughout the Dark Ages, rubies were even specified to be utilized as a clinical help. Religious physicians also informed individuals that if they hold a diamond in a hand and make the sign of the cross would certainly, it would certainly treat and also disease and also heal wounds.
Diamonds ended up being more preferred throughout the 19th century due to discovery of ruby deposits in South Africa. This discovery brings about boosted supply, improved cutting as well as brightening techniques, and also growth in economy. In 1979, rock hounds found the Argyle pipe in Australia which to this date is the richest ruby deposit on the planet. Argyle, ever since, alone is accountable for supplying over one third of the world's diamonds every year.
Diamonds includes an allotrope of carbons that are developed in high-pressure, high-temperature problems. Diamonds are produced 90 miles under the Planet's surface area at temperature levels of concerning 2200 degrees Fahrenheit. Diamonds are created deep within the planet and eventually, over incredibly long durations of time, push their way to the earth's surface area, generally via volcanic eruptions.
The age of these diamonds from beneath the surface area of the planet are from 1 to 3.3 billion years old! When diamonds are formed and begin their ascent to the earth's surface, they go via networks where the magma from the volcano rises to the surface, selecting up diamonds in the process and also eventually depositing them on the surface area, where they are at some point found and mined.
There are 4 distinctive characteristics that figure out the worth and also high quality of a diamond. These are the color, cut, clarity and carat weight. Otherwise known as the 4 C's of a diamond. In the complying with, we will talk about these attributes in information.
The cut a ruby is determined by the ruby's proportion such as its shape, size as well as depth. The cut establishes exactly what is called the diamond's "brilliance". Even if the diamond itself has excellent color and also clarity, with an inadequate cut the ruby will certainly have a plain sparkle. This is because the cut figures out exactly how light travels within the diamond. The Gemological Institute of America has actually also developed a clearness grading system to rank diamond quality. This grading system includes Perfect (Fl), Internally Remarkable (IF), Extremely Extremely Somewhat Included (VV1 or VV2), Extremely A Little Consisted Of(VS1 or VS2), Somewhat Consisted Of(SI1 or SI2), and Included(I1, I2, as well as I3). Although this system had been added to the diamond sector, it is not extensively used. This is because of that it took a whole lot of practice and also training to integrate it.
The cut a ruby is determined by the ruby's proportion such as its shape, size and also deepness. The cut establishes exactly what is called the diamond's "sparkle". Even if the diamond itself has excellent shade and clarity, with a bad cut the diamond will certainly have a plain radiance. This is because the cut figures out exactly how light journeys within the diamond.
There are 3 kinds of cuts that could determine the diamond's luster. These are a superficial cut, a cut that is unfathomable and excellent cut. A shallow cut is a cut of a diamond that is too low, that light taking a trip via it is shed under of the rock and does not return into view. This cut makes a diamond appear drab and plain. A cut that is as well deep is a cut that is too expensive, that light traveling via it escapes via the sides and dims the stone. A perfect cut is an ideal cut on a ruby that mirrors light to the top of the rock, offering it best luster.
As specified on the last newsletter, a single carat weight(ct) considers regarding 200 milligrams or.2 grams. For smaller carat weight rubies that evaluate much less than a carat, it is shared as factors (pt). Factors are 1/100 of a carat. Carat weight of a diamond is crucial due to that larger diamonds are rarer than smaller sized ones, so primarily the bigger the diamond the more costly it is. There is no standard grading system or diagram that could show various carat weight. This is since there are so many variants of diamonds fit and also cut, that makes rocks of similar weight, look various.
Given that rubies are one of the most valuable and also rarest of all the gems, initiatives have actually been made to duplicate or even enhance rubies making use of cheaper options. A great deal of times, sincere blunders have actually been made and these options or various other gems such as spinel were sometimes perplexed with actual diamonds. Sometimes, some unethical people attempt to offer these alternatives to misfortunate customers in order to revenue. Below we will certainly review concerning these alternatives as well as means to identify them.
Synthetic diamonds are diamonds that are grown produced in a laboratory. The very first well-known instances of diamond synthesis were asserted to be documented between 1879 - 1928, yet this was never validated. It had not been until the 1940's where research started in the USA, Sweden, Soviet Union began looking into. Synthetic rubies are otherwise referred to as High Stress Heat (HPHT) rubies or Chemical Vapor Down Payment (CVD) rubies. The name of both these artificial diamonds originates from the procedures used to produce them. A few of these synthetic rubies can either have greater, lower or comparable characteristics compared to that of a ruby. For that reason, these synthetic diamonds are utilized for abrasives, cutting and brightening tools, and also switches over in power terminals.
Simulants are non-diamond compounds that are used to replicate the look or even the shape of a diamond. The most standard and also well understood simulant is cubic zirconia (CZ). CZ at simple sight can sparkle even more compared to a ruby as well as it is less thick, indicating that a 1 carat weight CZ will certainly be much bigger compared to a 1 carat diamond. Nowadays, a more preferred simulant is moissanite, which has just the same features of a ruby. These qualities consist of hardness (Moissanite-9.25 and also diamond-10 in Mohs range), refractive index(Moissanite -2.65 and also ruby -2.42) and diffusion (Moissanite -.104 as well as diamond -.044). This makes it difficult to distinguish both at plain sight and would usually call for testers to discriminate. In the following area we will talk about ways to determine moissanites and also other imitations.
An old method of identifying rubies is to do a scrape examination. This calls for scraping a diamond with one more ruby which is harmful and is rarely utilized nowadays. The most effective as well as most trustworthy method to test for diamonds is to make use of testers that utilize thermal conductivity. These testers are composed of battery powered thermistors installed with a retracting copper idea. This tester works by injecting the warm onto the tested rock then the device gauges the quantity of warmth that it performs. However thermal conductivity testers functions best to identify diamonds and also its other simulants, it will certainly not assist identify laboratory produced or synthetic stones. To be able to recognize these, specific optical strategies are needed. Laboratories use methods such as spectroscopy, microscopy and luminescence in order to figure out a specific rocks beginning. The average individual can make use of loupes as well as microscopes to differentiate artificial rocks. All-natural rubies usually have small imperfections and defects such as additions or some kind of foreign product, which will not be located in synthetics.
Just How to Get Diamonds When Getting Wholesale.
You have been dating the person of your dreams for quite a long time now. You could or may not be staying with each other as a pair, either of both has its own partnership issues; if you do not live as a pair, the sensation of isolation that rises through your heart each time your companion claims the words "great bye" after a wonderful day well spent with each other inspires you to do more as well as every single time you turn wrongly to show to him or her your sensations, the vacant area that welcomes you, promptly turns your motivation to do more into a resolve to do even more now! For those that have actually taken their partnerships a step further by relocating with each other.
As a result of the solitude felt each time a companion says great bye, various kinds of pressures as well as sensations embeded in they might be the should make your love authorities for the entire world to see or you both wish to start a secure family members. Whatever encourages you right into finally making the primary step to one of the most crucial dedication you would ever before make in your whole life might not be off importance however the symbol which you need to supply while taking this step is of the utmost value - "The Involvement Ring".
Today buying an involvement ring has now become the standing quo of determining yourself as one that is currently taken and ready for marital relationship but have you ever had fun with the rock or band on your hand and considered its history? Since it's not specified in the scriptures or the earliest files that give thorough accounts of techniques before marital relationship in time passed.
The popular involvement ring of the contemporary age had its start as current as the 19th century and also had not been constantly an icon of unequaled love, it was basically the first component repayment of the bride-to-be cost to be paid to the bride's household but handed over and also used by the bride-to-be. It was a sort of insurance offered the lady, in case the potential companion which was constantly the male back then dissolves the marital relationship consequently endangering the female's merit as well as interest other guys.
Real meaning and icon of the interaction ring started beaming with in the 20th century, when men offered their fiancées a band that symbolized their love and also intentions for a marriage union, the involvement ring represented that she had been taken, out of limits and prepared to be wed to her real love and also it was positioned on the 4th finger of the left hand, for that finger was thought to have a vein going through it which came directly from the heart for that reason signifying the finger as a "heart finger". Earlier rings might simply be an item of silver or an iron band with no adornment, which the woman inserts right into her fourth finger on her left hand, this was the method momentarily till commercial rings and the media took control of the involvement scene. The Adverts shown on interaction rings in the middle of the 19th century recommended that men must invest no much less compared to 2 months of their regular monthly income to purchase the excellent ring for his valuable bride-to-be to be and also simply with an advert the interpretation and also style of the engagement ring took a new instructions. The modern-day engagement ring is a symbol that shows that a person is engaged to be wed snappy. The cut, pricing as well as construct from the engagement ring although not all crucial, includes a particular flavour to your involvement day or ceremony and also has repudiated a new jewelry market all on its own. The Involvement ring now is available in different designs; it can be a band made of priceless materials such as Gold, Platinum or Silver or maybe a band tied with treasure rocks to give an alluring appeal to the ring. The different significant designs of engagement rings shall be reviewed below.
Solitaire rings; these are the essential traditional engagement rings, the solitaire ring is composed of a band and also a gem rock; the band can be made from any material of your selection varying from gold to platinum while the gemstone need to likewise be opted to fit your peculiar attributes, it could be diamonds or pearl cut in various manner ins which would certainly be described below.
Engagement Rings with Side rocks: These charming rings are made with gems put into the sides of the band, which could be made of any kind of steel material depending on your preference. Some side rocks call likewise had a central rock at the middle. The preferred gems made use of for this style of rings are typically diamonds but you could directly tailor your gemstone to the preference of your love.
The Three Rock Bands or the Trinity ring: this is a ring design with its own charming background, it is believed that each rock in the three stone ring represents the past, existing as well as future of the time where a pair has spent together as well as the ring would certainly bind them with each other for all endless time. The ring layout is that of an immaculate platinum band with 3 splendid gemstones; one at the middle with 2 location purposefully by the sides. The gems are usually mad of rubies but you are enabled to tailor your own into three various sorts of gemstones if you so need.
The Matching Bridal Set: this is a stunning combination of both the interaction ring and the real wedding event band, there is no collection style on just how a matching wedding collection needs to resemble however it is generally good to have either the engagement ring or the wedding celebration ring emphasizing the other as well as the other way around I.e. an elegant platinum involvement ring with a gems must be coupled with a basic Gold timeless wedding celebration band, giving the bride-to-be with a touch of colour. Stress Rings: allow the name not function as an obstacle to you when thinking about the tension ring for it is one of those styles we call straightforward yet indefinitely stylish, it includes a band made from any product of your choice, firmly holding a gemstone in its grip with pressure i.e. the gemstone is not held by prongs but squeezed in between both sides of the band product you selected. The band material serves as its holding assistance. It is highly suggested you go for two contrasting colours for the band and the gems to highlight the real elegance of the tension ring.
The Padding cut: this approach of cutting a gems, provides the stone a classic shape that is between a rectangle and an oval, it is just one of the most preferred jewelry cuts and it's also referred to as the antique cut.
The Marquise cut: the technique used in cutting the form of the marquise cut gives the gems an oval shape in the center with ends. This ring has a traditional elven or ought to I say natural look that brings out the superordinary beauty in your bride-to-be.
The Emerald cut: the emerald treasure normally has its own specified shape and also this cut approach clearly mirrors it, the emerald cut is a rectangular cut with chopped edges sticking out at its 4 ends.
The Asscher cut: this approach of reducing the gemstone gives it a shape people claim is similar to the emerald rectangle but it is much more octagonal in form compared to rectangular shape, the octagonal shape assists it capture light as well as mirror it in various instructions. It's a perfectly lovely cut for a rings gems.
The Princess cut: this is among the most previously owned cuts on gems, it is square in form and aids draw out the beauty of the gems used fairly demurely. The Round cut: this cut basic looks round but its more than that for it has different spikes contributed to its surface areas making it one of, otherwise the most radiating gemstone cut of the whole lot, it is understood amongst women for its capacity to blind the eye (glimmer).
The Heart cut: ideal for the romantics in mind and also formed to stomach their hearts, it is a straightforward as well as sophisticated cut that is rather preferred amongst women. After offering a basic reveal on interaction ring layouts and cuts, the next action is to bring to your notice the leaders in the sector that gives you with the most effective and also most costly rings- in many cases- available.
Costs Barnes: the manufacturers of some of the most exquisite as well as costly involvement bands available. Tiffany: everyone understands the name Tiffany this designer home also gives clients with top of the range rings as well as rates defer. Tacori: the Tacori layout is likewise one of the most demanded involvement rings in the jewelry sector the cut and also plan of its designs are always a joy to look at.
In choosing a ring your budget plan should additionally come into play so either you buy Tiffany's or a typical interaction ring, it's the thought that counts.
You have actually been dating the person of your desires for fairly a long time now. You may or could not be staying together as a couple, either of the 2 has its very own connection problems; if you do not live as a couple, the feeling of isolation that rises through your heart every single time your partner states the words "great bye" after a lovely day well invested together motivates you to do more as well as each time you turn wrongly to show to him or her your sensations, the vacant room that greets you, rapidly turns your inspiration to do even more right into a willpower to do more currently! For those who have taken their connections a step better by relocating in together.
As a result of the isolation felt each time a companion claims good bye, different types of pressures and also sensations embeded in they could be the should make your love official for the entire globe to see or you both intend to start a secure household. Whatever encourages you right into finally making the initial step to one of the most crucial dedication you would ever make in your entire life could not be off significance yet the icon which you must give while taking this action is of miraculous relevance - "The Engagement Ring".
Today purchasing an engagement ring has now come to be the status of determining on your own as one that is currently taken and all set for marital relationship however have you ever before played with the rock or band on your hand and also thought of its background? Considering that it's not specified in the scriptures or the oldest papers that offer comprehensive accounts of practices prior to marriage in time passed.
The preferred engagement ring of the contemporary age had its beginning as recent as the 19th century and also wasn't always a sign of unequaled affection, it was much more or less the very first component payment of the bride-to-be rate to be paid to the bride's household however handed over and also worn by the bride-to-be. It was a type of insurance coverage attended to the woman, in case the potential companion which was constantly the guy back then dissolves the marriage thus jeopardizing the woman's virtue and allure to other males.
Real definition as well as symbol of the involvement ring started radiating via in the 20th century, when men gave their fiancées a band that symbolized their love as well as intentions for a marriage union, the engagement ring signified that she had been taken, out of restrictions and also prepared to be wed to her true love and also it was put on the fourth finger of the left hand, for that finger was thought to have a blood vessel running via it which came directly from the heart as a result symbolizing the finger as a "heart finger". Earlier rings can just be a piece of silver or an iron band without any adornment, which the female inserts right into her fourth finger on her left hand, this was the practice momentarily till commercial rings as well as the media took control of the engagement scene. The Adverts shown on interaction rings in the center of the 19th century recommended that guys need to spend no less than 2 months of their month-to-month revenue to buy the excellent ring for his valuable bride to be and also just with an advert the meaning and also style of the interaction ring took a brand-new direction. The modern interaction ring is a symbol that reveals that an individual is engaged to be wed snappy. The cut, rates as well as make from the interaction ring although not very important, adds a particular flavour to your engagement day or event and has actually spurned a brand-new jewellery market all by itself. The Interaction ring currently comes in different styles; it can be a band made of precious materials such as Gold, Platinum or Silver or maybe a band tied with treasure stones to offer an alluring charm to the ring. The various major designs of interaction rings will be reviewed listed below.
Jewelry rings; these are the ultimate timeless involvement rings, the solitaire ring contains a band and also a treasure stone; the band could be made from any kind of product of your selection ranging from gold to platinum while the gemstone need to likewise be decided to fit your peculiar characteristics, maybe diamonds or pearl cut in various manner ins which would be described below.
Interaction Rings with Side rocks: These elegant rings are made with gems inserted right into the sides of the band, which could be made from any type of steel material relying on your preference. Some side rocks sound also included a main rock at the middle. The preferred gemstones utilized for this design of rings are usually rubies yet you could directly personalize your gemstone to the preference of your love.
The 3 Stone Bands or the Trinity ring: this is a ring layout with its own romantic background, it is believed that each rock in the 3 rock ring signifies the past, present and future of the time where a couple has actually spent with each other and the ring would certainly bind them together for all eternity. The ring design is that of a spotless platinum band with three elegant gems; one at the middle with two location tactically by the sides. The gems are usually crazy of diamonds but you are enabled to customize yours into 3 various sorts of gems if you so need.
The Matching Bridal Establish: this is a stunning combination of both the interaction ring and the real wedding band, there is no set style on exactly how a matching wedding collection needs to appear like yet it is generally great to have either the interaction ring or the wedding ring highlighting the other as well as the other way around I.e. a splendid platinum engagement ring with a gems must be matched with a basic Gold traditional wedding event band, providing the bride-to-be with a touch of colour. Tension Rings: let the name not function as a barrier to you when thinking about the tension ring for it is one of those styles we call simple however forever elegant, it includes a band made from any kind of material of your selection, tightly holding a gemstone in its grasp with pressure i.e. the gemstone is not held by prongs however squeezed between the 2 sides of the band product you chose. The band material works as its holding support. It is extremely suggested you choose 2 contrasting colours for the band and also the gems to draw out real appeal of the stress ring.
The Padding cut: this method of cutting a gems, provides the stone a classic form that is between a rectangle and also an oval, it is one of the most prominent jewelry cuts and also it's likewise referred to as the antique cut.
The Marquise cut: the technique used in cutting the form of the marquise cut offers the gemstone an oval shape in the middle with ends. This ring has a traditional elven or ought to I state natural look that brings out the supernatural charm in your bride-to-be.
The Emerald cut: the emerald gem normally has its very own specified shape and this cut approach plainly mirrors it, the emerald cut is a rectangular cut with chopped corners protruding at its 4 ends.
The Asscher cut: this technique of cutting the gems gives it a form individuals claim is comparable to the emerald rectangle but it is extra octagonal in form than rectangle, the octagonal form helps it capture light and show it in various directions. It's a perfectly attractive cut for a rings gemstone.
The Princess cut: this is just one of one of the most secondhand cuts on gemstones, it is square in shape and also aids draw out the elegance of the gems made use of quite demurely. The Round cut: this cut general looks round yet its even more than that for it has different spikes included in its surfaces making it among, otherwise one of the most radiating gemstone cut of the lot, it is recognized among females for its capacity to blind the eye (sparkle).
The Heart cut: best for the romantics at heart and formed to stomach their hearts, it is a simple as well as elegant cut that is quite prominent amongst ladies. After giving a general subject on engagement ring layouts and cuts, the next step is to offer your notice the leaders in the industry that offers you with the very best and also most pricey rings- in many cases- out there.
Costs Barnes: the producers of a few of the most beautiful and also expensive engagement bands out there. Tiffany: everybody knows the name Tiffany this developer residence additionally supplies clients with top of the array rings and prices delay. Tacori: the Tacori layout is likewise among the most searched for interaction rings in the jewelry industry the cut and also plan of its styles are constantly a delight to look at.
In selecting a ring your spending plan need to also enter into play so either you purchase Tiffany's or an ordinary interaction ring, it's the idea that counts.
Rubies are naturally available in a very large range of colors. Most individuals understand about anemic diamonds and also GIA's color grading system that is made use of to identify a diamond's body color ... you know D, E, F, etc. This shade grading system is just made use of to categorize one of the most usual ruby body shade of yellow nevertheless anytime a ruby is found in another color like pink, blue, green, etc.; after that this diamond is described as a "" expensive ruby"".
All-natural Fancy rubies could be really pricey and often times more pricey than a comparable size anemic diamond. An excellent example of a Fancy diamond is the notorious 45.52 carat expensive deep blue diamond, the Hope Diamond, which gets on display screen in the Smithsonian Nature Gallery in Washington, DC.
A color improved diamond is a 100% natural ruby that has actually had its color transformed. As well as finest of all, shade improved diamonds can be found in an extremely vast selection of colors at extremely economical prices!
A little bit of background- For several, several years it has been popular that a diamond's color might be "" boosted"" by placing a little bit of colored substance externally of a ruby and just like magic ... a diamond that had a recognizable yellow-colored color would certainly alter to a much more appealing near anemic diamond. Regrettably, this sort of color enhanced diamond can change back to its original body shade if this colored material was accidentally removed. In more recent years, the innovation of shade boosted diamonds has actually gone extremely high tech. It is currently feasible to totally change the color of a ruby! These procedures are taken into consideration long-term because it does stay secure when revealed to everyday normal problems. The color will not discolor if subjected to sunlight or be cleaned off by rough chemicals.
Exactly how is it done? The preferred result of any one of these treatments is to have a much more valuable ruby. A much less marketable ruby would certainly be a ruby that has a reduced body color or in some cases a reduced clearness. The color improved ruby treatment firms understand if they start off with a particular type of diamond and procedure it for a specific quantity of time that they need to finish up with a particular color however it does not constantly work by doing this. This is a scientific research that does require some art in their procedures ... the only process that gives regular results is the covering process.
The three processes are as complies with- Refine # 1- HPHT Color Boosted Diamonds- High Stress/ Heat (HPHT) treatment could enhance the shade of certain kinds of brown diamonds and hence boost their value. General Electric has developed a procedure that basically is a mechanical simulation of a ruby's creation in nature. The color boosted ruby will be warmed up to a really high temperature under a very high, maintained stress. Faults in the crystal framework are then rearranged causing a change of the diamond's shade. Because the problems of HPHT are extremely much like diamond's initial development, just a well equipped laboratory will certainly be able to positively recognize this kind of color improved diamond. HPHT was first made use of to turn yellow-colored diamonds into even more valuable fancy tinted enhanced diamonds, now it is also made use of to change some unpopular brown diamonds into better colorless colored improved rubies.
Process # 2- Irradiated Shade Improved Diamonds- OK ... do not begin obtaining all thrilled due to the fact that you saw words irradiated! This is a 100% risk-free process that is very just like just what is made use of to protect food by revealing it to a stream of Gamma rays. The color enhanced diamond process is done in several different ways yet the results are just the same. You begin with a low shade (P, Q, R, and so on) 100% all-natural diamond that has actually already been cut and also brightened, after that it is exposed to a stream of fast electrons. Throughout this component of the procedure the diamond will resort to a very dark shade due to the fact that some of the atoms in the ruby's crystal framework have actually now been disjointed and also this consequently has actually impacted the way light travel through the ruby. Next the diamond undergoes a regulated heating (annealing) process, this enables a few of those atoms to move (partially fixed) in order to acquire a preferred shade.
Process # 3- Covered Color Improved Diamonds- The finishing on polished diamonds refers to a thin man-made layer that alters the color of the ruby. The covering could either be of the preferred color or can trigger a tinted interference-effect. Regrettably often this procedure is done to deceive a purchaser. It is a relatively very easy process to execute, it has actually been around for several years (although the finishings products are far better currently), and also it does not need a great deal of expensive advanced devices. Lately, I've seen some pink covered rubies on the marketplace, they are really appealing ... and also obviously you would certainly need to purchase them recognizing that they have been coated and also follow your jewelry expert's guidelines concerning possessing and also looking after these color boosted rubies. The finishing can be related to the entire of a diamond's surface, simply all-time low of the diamond, or to a narrow zone near the girdle. A well-applied covering can transform the color by several shade grade. Some coatings can be removed through boiling in acid, solid cleaning services, or perhaps household chemicals. Sometimes dots or bigger areas of purple or blue ink are painted on the diamond to help neutralize a yellowish shade. The ruby's setup will typically cover the dots, so they are difficult to see in a mounted rock.
So, is a color improved diamond right for you? Possibly ... all-natural expensive shade diamonds could be attractive but they are costly! Color boosted rubies are budget friendly as well as permit lots of people to own a vibrantly colored ruby. Ask your neighborhood jeweler if they have any kind of Fancy diamonds ... either all-natural or color improved rubies. It is constantly interesting, and fun, to check out something different!
Under typical wear the irradiated and HPHT color enhanced rubies will certainly have no worry of the color fading away. The only factor to consider will be when you need to have any sort of service done on the item of fashion jewelry. If this kind of shade boosted diamond is exposed to too much amounts of heat it could impact the color. The jewelry expert will need to recognize that the diamond is a shade enhanced diamond before any job is done and after that the jeweler will certainly be able to pick the finest strategy. Shade enhanced rubies are currently additionally utilized as the tiny accent rubies around a larger anemic diamond. There are numerous exciting pieces of precious jewelry offered with small blue, yellow, black, or environment-friendly color improved rubies.
Not all sellers give diamond grading lab records (aka diamond quality records) to their consumers. So my general suggestions to you is to maintain your money in your pocket when handling such jewelry experts.
Just acquire a ruby engagement ring if it features the initial ruby quality record.
A lab record is an independent evaluation of the 4Cs of a loosened ruby and consists of a plotted layout of the stone's quality features and a graphic representation of the stone's proportions. Having such a report permits you to compare rubies of different qualities and also ultimately assists you make a more informed purchasing choice.
A seller might cut edges and also not provide a lab record or an underhanded seller could give a fake one because of the time, difficulty and also cost he'll bear to obtaining a rock graded.
Yeah - there is a rate for rating a diamond (though that cost is at some point paid by the consumer), plus the delivery and also insurance coverage charges for sending out the ruby to the laboratory. As well as allow us not neglect the chance cost of a jeweler not having the ruby in his shop offer for sale for a couple of weeks while the grading takes area.
Yes, all diamond high quality reports are not developed equal. Within the sector, it is an agreement that the two premier labs are GIA-GTL (Gemological Institute of America's Treasure Profession Lab) and the AGS (American Treasure Society Laboratories).
The GCAL (Treasure Certification and Assurance Laboratory) likewise offers extremely regarded reports or "diamond certificates" as they are referred to by GCAL. The GIA has the strongest global credibility for self-reliance and consistency. Because of their continuous shade and also quality strictness guidelines, the globe's biggest and also most costly rubies have been sent there for rating decades. In 2006, GIA-GTL included a two-dimensional cut grading system for rounded brilliant diamonds.
AGS makes use of the strictest cut criteria in the industry. It utilizes a three-dimensional light performance metric that can quality a number of diamond shapes. As a matter of fact, it is the only cut grading system that is recognized by the scientific community.
Exactly what is even more, its Diamond Quality Record utilizes an unique as well as exclusive 0 to 10 grading system to review the 4 Cs - a system which is simpler to understand than GIA's grading system. As a matter of fact, AGS even goes the extra action by relating their 0-10 rating range to other types of score. For instance, the conventional VS1 diamond clarity score is a 3 on the AGS Diamond Top Quality File.
1. Ruby grading is not standard or controlled and thus you could encounter rate 2 labs that employ looser guidelines to the rate 1 grading labs discussed over. If you buy a ruby that has been graded by a tier 2 lab, you could wind up paying more for a minimal high quality ruby. So as an example, a diamond rated a "F" in shade at a rate 2 laboratory may get a G, H, or reduced color score at a more reliable lab. The market also discounts diamonds graded by lower recognized laboratories by concerning 15-30% or even more. So either you just buy a diamond rated by a rate 1 lab or you accept that you could be buying a lower quality ruby compared to exactly what is mentioned on the record if that ruby is rated by a minimal recognized laboratory.
2. Lots of huge store have huge agreements with minimal known labs with "softer" ruby grading standards. A few of these softer laboratories put "suggested replacement worths" on the laboratory reports - values which are above exactly what shops means offer the diamonds for. So a salesman in a chain shop might say to you, "Take a look at the good deal you are obtaining below. We are selling you this ruby interaction ring for $2500 yet the report states that the suggested replacement value is $4000." Wow - just what an offer - NOT! This is why it is much better that you trust only independent rate 1 laboratories.
Additionally keep in mind that trustworthy diamond rating records are not appraisals as well as do not provide appraisal numbers. Diamond appraisals are usually blatantly inflated and are not something you'll intend to rely upon.
"It is wrong to state that pupils, grads, their companies, or certain gemstones are "certified" by GIA. The Gemological Institute of America does not license any person or anything. Neither a trainee nor a grad that has actually been granted a certificate or diploma, nor a gem which has actually been graded or identified by GIA has been certified by GIA".
So it is possible that you the customer is left holding the bag ought to an inaccuracy in a record is later on discovered. Courts have actually frequently ruled that sellers, not labs, are accountable for such errors. Why? Due to the fact that the labs suggested beforehand that their reports couldn't be held responsible.
A. You can fly to India where jewelers provide a life time buyback plan to their consumers. As well pricey to fly?
B. You can discover one of the 20% people jewelers who sell totally bound rubies. These are diamonds that are marketed with life time breakage, life time trade-in and life time buyback plans.
C. Not as great a treatment as purchasing a totally adhered diamond yet you could purchase a ruby that includes an actual "certificate" as well as not a record. "Certified diamonds do have guaranties" albeit for much shorter durations.
Certification Some sellers describe a "diamond report" as a "certified ruby" yet practically this is not remedy. From a legal standpoint, a ruby report is a simply a professional point of view though in reality, facets of a ruby rating report are not just point of views.
For instance, a diamond's carat weight (weight) could be accurately determined in addition to its cut grade by measuring its optical performance or by describing a computer system model. A certificate on the various other hand is a statement of reality - a record for which the company approves lawful duty and will certainly make restitution to the customer for mistakes.
Some top diamond grading laboratories provide both records and also certifications. AGS provides Ruby Quality Records (non-certified reports) as well as additionally Diamond Top quality Certificates. Ruby Top quality Certificates are prepared exclusively for AGS retail jewelers and uses warranties from taking part American Gem Society member stores.
GCAL certifies it's diamond grading additionally. Its 100% money-back guarantee plan is valid for a period of 2 years from the date on the relevant certificate. This plan makes certain the precision of the cut, color and quality qualities and also the carat weight.
A record or certificate should will certainly have a number on it that might or may not be inscribed on a ruby. You will have the ability to enter that number on the site of the accrediting lab to inspect a record's validity.
The Record #. This number is given as well as tape-recorded in a lab's document as well as might or might not be engraved on a ruby's girdle. You could get in the record number on a grading lab's site to inspect the authenticity of the ruby high quality record or to get even more details regarding the ruby. Forming & Aspect Style: This is the outline as well as the reducing design utilized for the facet setup. There are 3 standard aspect designs - "fantastic cut, action cut and mixed reducing style" and 12 standard shapes that include notables such as round dazzling and princess cut" diamonds.
Dimensions: This describes dimension (not weight) of a ruby. Dimension includes measurements such as length, size, weight and also diameter. A dimension is commonly noted to the hundredth of a millimeter. Dimensions play a significant role in how a ruby glows.
Carat weight Weight: The weight of a ruby is determined to the hundredth of a carat weight as well as some also give such step to the thousandth of a carat (1.123 ct.). Carat is the most objective and the easiest to comprehend of the 4Cs because all one has to do is weight the stone. Shade Quality: This tells you the degree of shade absence in the diamond. The less color the higher the grade.
Rubies are generally graded from D-Z; the closer to "D" the whiter the ruby. You must never ever see ruby shade variety such as (G-H, I-J-K, and also so on) on a ruby report. You should only see shade arrays on evaluations for rocks that are installed.
Clarity Quality: Practically every diamond has inner imperfections called additions and also external blemishes called imperfections. A diamond is rated inning accordance with the size, type, location as well as quantity of these flaws.
Clearness grades vary from Flawless (FL) - Included. Labs use a couple professionals to grade the quality of a diamond in order to think of an extra exact analysis.
Cut Quality: A lot more recent diamond reports include a cut grade for basic round dazzling diamonds. Cut considers the brilliance, fire and scintillation of the ruby. Cut quality varies from Excellent - Poor.
Various other elements you may encounter on a diamond record consist of the gloss, balance, fluorescence and also proportion. Armed with this details, you are much better able making an analysis of the top quality of diamond that is installed in an involvement ring.
To begin our function on different kinds of gems, we will start with the very best and also most popular gems of them all the diamond. The diamond is the best gems. It has extremely couple of weak points and many staminas. It sparkles with its extraordinary value and also nostalgic value. It is utilized in wedding celebration rings to stand for countless love or made use of as gifts/jewelry to be offered to enjoyed ones. Yet the ruby is so a lot even more compared to its timeless charm.
The diamond obtains its name from the Greek job adamas suggesting unequalled. In hardness, there is no contrast. The diamond rates in the Mohs scale a 10 which is the hardest material in the world. Its reducing resistance is 140 times that of the ruby as well as sapphire, the gems(Corundum) that are following in the Mohs range in firmness. The ruby's optical residential or commercial properties such as appeal as well as inflexibility make it unique as well as easily identified from other imitations. Enjoy!
The first tape-recorded ruby days back around 800 B.C. in India. Some think it even went back 6,000 years back. The rubies were used as ornamental objectives as well as as amulets to ward off bad and also supply protection in fight. Throughout the Dark Ages, diamonds were also mentioned to be made use of as a clinical aid. Religious medical professionals also told people that if they hold a diamond in a hand and make the indication of the cross would, it would certainly cure and also ailment and also heal wounds.
Rubies became extra preferred during the 19th century because of discovery of ruby down payments in South Africa. This exploration causes raised supply, boosted reducing and brightening strategies, and also growth in economy. In 1979, rock hounds found the Argyle pipe in Australia which to this day is the wealthiest diamond down payment worldwide. Argyle, ever since, alone is accountable for supplying over one third of the globe's diamonds every year.
Rubies is composed of an allotrope of carbons that are formed in high-pressure, high-temperature conditions. Diamonds are created 90 miles under the Planet's surface at temperature levels of concerning 2200 levels Fahrenheit. Diamonds are developed deep within the earth and also ultimately, over very extended periods of time, push their way to the earth's surface, normally with volcanic eruptions.
The age of these diamonds from under the surface area of the planet are from 1 to 3.3 billion years of ages! When rubies are developed and begin their climb to the planet's surface area, they go with networks where the lava from the volcano climbs to the surface, choosing up rubies along the road as well as at some point transferring them externally, where they are at some point located and mined.
There are four distinct attributes that identify the value and also top quality of a ruby. These are the color, cut, clearness and also carat. Otherwise called the 4 C's of a ruby. In the complying with, we will discuss these attributes thoroughly.
The cut a ruby is established by the ruby's percentage such as its shape, size and also deepness. The cut identifies exactly what is called the diamond's "luster". Also if the ruby itself has best color and also clarity, with a bad cut the diamond will certainly have a dull luster. This is because the cut identifies just how light travels within the ruby. The Gemological Institute of The U.S.A. has likewise created a quality grading system to rate diamond quality. This grading system consists of Perfect (Fl), Internally Flawless (IF), Really Really Slightly Consisted Of (VV1 or VV2), Extremely Slightly Consisted Of(VS1 or VS2), A Little Consisted Of(SI1 or SI2), and Consisted Of(I1, I2, and also I3). Although this system had been contributed to the ruby market, it is not extensively utilized. This is because of the fact that it took a lot of practice and also training to integrate it.
The cut a ruby is established by the ruby's proportion such as its form, size and also depth. The cut determines exactly what is called the ruby's "radiance". Also if the diamond itself has excellent shade as well as quality, with an inadequate cut the ruby will certainly have a plain radiance. This is because the cut establishes how light trips within the ruby.
There are 3 kinds of cuts that can figure out the ruby's luster. These are a superficial cut, a cut that is as well deep and also excellent cut. A shallow cut is a cut of a diamond that is too reduced, that light traveling with it is shed on the base of the stone as well as does not come back into sight. This cut makes a diamond show up drab as well as dull. A cut that is also deep is a cut that is as well high, that light traveling via it leaves with the sides and dims the stone. An ideal cut is a best cut on a ruby that mirrors light to the top of the stone, providing it best radiance.
As specified on the last e-newsletter, a solitary carat(ct) weighs concerning 200 milligrams or.2 grams. For smaller sized carat weight diamonds that evaluate much less compared to a carat, it is revealed as factors (pt). Points are 1/100 of a carat. Carat weight of a ruby is essential as a result of the reality that bigger diamonds are rarer compared to smaller ones, so primarily the bigger the diamond the a lot more pricey it is. There is no standard grading system or representation that could reveal different carat weight. This is since there are numerous variations of diamonds in form and cut, that makes rocks of comparable weight, look different.
Since rubies are one of the most important and also rarest of all the gems, initiatives have actually been made to replicate or even improve rubies using cheaper choices. A whole lot of times, truthful blunders have been made as well as these choices or other gemstones such as spinel were sometimes puzzled with genuine rubies. Sometimes, some deceitful individuals attempt to offer these alternatives to misfortunate purchasers in order to earnings. Listed below we will go over regarding these options as well as means to recognize them.
Synthetic diamonds are rubies that are grown manufactured in a research laboratory. The first recognized instances of ruby synthesis were asserted to be recorded in between 1879 - 1928, yet this was never validated. It wasn't till the 1940's where research started in the USA, Sweden, Soviet Union started looking into. Synthetic diamonds are or else referred to as High Stress Heat (HPHT) diamonds or Chemical Vapor Deposit (CVD) rubies. The name of both these synthetic rubies originates from the processes used to produce them. Some of these artificial rubies might either have better, lesser or comparable features than that of a ruby. For that reason, these artificial rubies are used for abrasives, cutting and also brightening devices, and switches over in power plant.
Simulants are non-diamond substances that are used to duplicate the appearance or even the shape of a ruby. One of the most standard and also popular simulant is cubic zirconia (CZ). CZ at plain view can glimmer more compared to a ruby and it is much less thick, indicating that a 1 carat CZ will certainly be much bigger compared to a 1 carat diamond. Nowadays, an extra preferred simulant is moissanite, which has all the exact same attributes of a diamond. These features consist of hardness (Moissanite-9.25 as well as diamond-10 in Mohs range), refractive index(Moissanite -2.65 and ruby -2.42) and dispersion (Moissanite -.104 and also ruby -.044). This makes it difficult to set apart the two at simple sight and also would typically require testers to discriminate. In the following area we will certainly review exactly how to determine moissanites as well as other replicas.
An old approach of determining diamonds is to do a scrape test. This needs scraping a ruby with an additional ruby which is destructive and is seldom used nowadays. The ideal as well as most reputable way to examine for diamonds is to utilize testers that utilize thermal conductivity. These testers include battery powered thermistors mounted with a retractable copper idea. This tester works by injecting the heat onto the evaluated stone and after that the tool gauges the amount of heat that it conducts. Nevertheless thermal conductivity testers functions best to identify rubies as well as its other simulants, it will certainly not help identify laboratory developed or synthetic stones. To be able to identify these, certain optical methods are needed. Laboratories use strategies such as spectroscopy, microscopy as well as luminescence in order to figure out a particular stones origin. The average person could make use of loupes as well as microscopes to distinguish synthetic stones. Natural diamonds normally have minor flaws as well as flaws such as additions or some kind of international material, which will not be discovered in synthetics.
Diamonds are normally offered in a really large range of shades. Most individuals understand about colorless rubies and also GIA's color grading system that is made use of to classify a ruby's body shade ... you know D, E, F, and so on. This color grading system is only made use of to categorize the most usual diamond body shade of yellow nevertheless anytime a diamond is discovered in an additional color like pink, blue, environment-friendly, etc.; after that this diamond is described as a "" fancy diamond"".
All-natural Fancy diamonds could be extremely pricey and also often times more pricey compared to a similar dimension anemic ruby. A great instance of a Fancy diamond is the notorious 45.52 carat fancy deep blue diamond, the Hope Ruby, which is on display screen in the Smithsonian Nature Museum in Washington, DC.
A shade enhanced ruby is a 100% natural diamond that has actually had its shade altered. And most importantly, color improved rubies been available in a really vast choice of shades at very cost effective rates!
A little bit of history- For lots of, numerous years it has actually been well understood that a diamond's color could be "" enhanced"" by placing a little colored material externally of a diamond as well as just like magic ... a diamond that had a noticeable yellowish color would certainly transform to a much more eye-catching near colorless ruby. Unfortunately, this type of shade enhanced diamond could transform back to its initial body color if this colored material was accidentally eliminated. In even more current years, the technology of color improved diamonds has actually gone extremely advanced. It is now possible to totally transform the color of a diamond! These processes are thought about permanent due to the fact that it does remain secure when subjected to day-to-day typical conditions. The shade will not fade if subjected to sunshine or be cleaned off by severe chemicals.
Exactly how is it done? The wanted end result of any of these therapies is to have a more valuable ruby. A much less marketable diamond would certainly be a ruby that has a reduced body shade or sometimes a reduced quality. The color improved ruby treatment business know if they start off with a certain kind of diamond as well as process it for a specific quantity of time that they should wind up with a specific color yet it does not constantly function by doing this. This is a science that does call for some art in their procedures ... the only procedure that gives regular results is the finishing procedure.
The 3 processes are as follows- Process # 1- HPHT Shade Boosted Diamonds- High Pressure/ High Temperature Level (HPHT) treatment could boost the shade of particular kinds of brownish rubies and also hence boost their value. General Electric has actually established a procedure that virtually is a mechanical simulation of a ruby's development in nature. The shade enhanced ruby will certainly be warmed up to an extremely high temperature under a really high, stabilized pressure. Faults in the crystal structure are after that repositioned causing an alteration of the diamond's color. Since the problems of HPHT are extremely just like diamond's original formation, just a well equipped laboratory will be able to positively determine this sort of shade enhanced diamond. HPHT was initially used to transform yellow-colored diamonds into more marketable fancy colored boosted rubies, now it is also made use of to transform some undesirable brown rubies into better colorless colored boosted rubies.
Refine # 2- Irradiated Color Boosted Diamonds- OK ... do not begin getting all excited since you saw words irradiated! This is a 100% safe process that is very comparable to just what is utilized to preserve food by revealing it to a stream of Gamma rays. The color boosted ruby procedure is performed in several different means yet the results are all the very same. You begin with a reduced shade (P, Q, R, etc.) 100% all-natural diamond that has actually currently been cut and also polished, after that it is subjected to a stream of fast electrons. During this part of the process the diamond will rely on a very dark color since several of the atoms in the diamond's crystal structure have now been disjointed and this subsequently has influenced the method light passes through the diamond. Next the diamond undergoes a controlled home heating (annealing) process, this allows several of those atoms to transfer (partly repaired) in order to acquire a wanted shade.
Refine # 3- Layered Color Enhanced Diamonds- The finish on refined diamonds describes a slim fabricated layer that modifies the shade of the diamond. The finish could either be of the desired color or can cause a tinted interference-effect. Sadly often this process is done to trick a buyer. It is a reasonably easy process to do, it has been around for several years (although the coatings materials are far better currently), and it does not need a lot of pricey advanced equipment. Lately, I've seen some pink covered rubies on the marketplace, they are very appealing ... as well as certainly you would certainly need to buy them understanding that they have actually been coated and also follow your jeweler's guidelines regarding possessing and also taking care of these color improved rubies. The finish can be related to the entire of a diamond's surface area, simply all-time low of the ruby, or to a narrow area near the girdle. A well-applied coating could change the shade by one or more shade quality. Some coatings can be removed through boiling in acid, strong cleansing solutions, or perhaps house chemicals. Sometimes dots or bigger areas of purple or blue ink are paintinged on the ruby to help counteract a yellowish color. The ruby's setting will normally cover the dots, so they are hard to see in an installed rock.
So, is a color boosted diamond right for you? Maybe ... all-natural fancy color rubies can be lovely but they are expensive! Color enhanced rubies are affordable and also enable lots of people to own a vibrantly tinted ruby. Ask your local jeweler if they have any kind of Fancy rubies ... either natural or shade enhanced rubies. It is constantly fascinating, and enjoyable, to take a look at something different!
Under regular wear the irradiated and also HPHT color enhanced rubies will certainly have no problems of the color fading away. The only consideration will certainly be when you should have any kind of service done on the piece of fashion jewelry. If this kind of shade boosted ruby is subjected to extreme amounts of heat it may impact the shade. The jewelry expert will require to recognize that the ruby is a shade improved diamond before any kind of work is done and afterwards the jeweler will be able to select the most effective strategy. Color boosted rubies are currently likewise utilized as the small accent rubies around a bigger anemic ruby. There are lots of amazing pieces of precious jewelry available with tiny blue, yellow, black, or green color boosted rubies.
Interaction rings are offered in a variety of designs, rocks, cuts and also shapes. Among all the sorts of rocks made use of in engagement rings, rubies are one of the most precious and also suitable ones. Their glimmer absolutely has the capability to win a female's heart. There is an amazing collection of ruby interaction rings readily available in the marketplace. A few of the rings are designer developments, which are created based on the client's choice. They can also be called customized diamond engagement rings. Some of the jewelers supply the consumers with the ability of seasoned developers to bring magic to the otherwise routine functions and forms.
Designer ruby interaction rings are not only created according to the choice of consumer but additionally suit their budget. These rings are affordable, as compared to the other ruby involvement rings. The customers can select their very own ring setups as well as match the diamonds, to develop a special piece of precious jewelry for enjoyed ones. Many of the designer diamond engagement rings are made in white gold, yellow gold and also platinum. Apart from the settings as well as ruby selection, there are a variety of various other details that play an essential role in developing a ring. Besides selecting a particular style, it is essential for the purchasers to keep in mind the different combinations of designs. The size, density and also precise dimension of the rings are additionally essential and must be taken right into factor to consider while creating a diamond interaction ring. Most of these rings take about 6 to 8 weeks to be made.
Developer diamond interaction rings are really excellent alternatives, contrasted to the readymade rings easily offered. These rings supply even more fulfillment to the buyers and are special, owing to the personal touch. They give the customer to work with the design and option of stone and personalize the development.


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A blend of Muscat d'Alsace and Muscat Ottonel from Herrenweg Vineyard make up this wine. Zind-Humbrecht's dedication to terroir expression guides all winemaking practices, which include extended pressing cycles, abbreviated clarification cycles (to retain natural yeasts and proteins in the must), natural malolactic fermentation and extended aging on the lees. The wine is aged 8 months in 40-year-old French barrels.
The nose is very intense and refined with floral and fruity aromas. The palate is delicate and the dry finish makes a very interesting wine. The perfect summer wine.
Enjoy as an Aperitif or with shellfish or asparagus.
All the Muscat comes from the alluvial gravelly soil of the Herrenweg vineyard in Turckheim.


The following is a summary of our recent interview with Elizabeth Morgan, which can be listened to on our site here or on iTunes here.
With so many different ins and outs, estate planning — especially for individuals who have greater exposure to credit or litigation risk, or those with high net-worth — can be a daunting task.
This time on our Lifetime Income series, we spoke with Elizabeth Morgan, an estate planning professional and specialist in taxation and trusts at Elizabeth Morgan and Associates, about how individuals can implement different investment vehicles to protect their assets in retirement and inheritance situations.
In Morgan's view, everyone can benefit from asset protection to some degree.
For investors concerned about future creditors, establishing a trust in a jurisdiction where, despite their status as the grantor to the trust, their assets would be protected can be hugely beneficial.
The other danger investors need to consider is their exposure to litigation risk. Many groups of people in the US face a greater threat to their assets from litigation, including doctors and celebrities, but also those with a high net-worth.
In addition to homestead laws and other forms of protection, retirement plans are fantastic vehicles to shelter wealth from litigation, Morgan stated.
The first tier of the bucket includes statutory exemptions, such as homestead protection, retirement plans, life insurance and annuities, and 529 plans for grandchildren and children, among others.
Next, investors could look to spendthrift trusts for children and grandchildren.
"If our legacy is what we can pass to our children, the sooner we pass it to them where it can't be taken from us (or them) the better," Morgan said.
The final category includes protective vehicles, such as limited liability companies, partnerships, and protective trusts.
"You fill those buckets to the extent possible, and if one of your buckets goes down, the whole ship won't sink," Morgan said.
What Are the Benefits of Offshore Trusts?
Because of changes to tax law, since 1974, offshore trusts have not been nearly as beneficial as they once were for sheltering assets. Now, the question becomes, why would an investor want to use an offshore trust?
The answer is for asset protection, Morgan stated.
"After 1974, these (foreign) asset trusts were used primarily for global diversification, and to achieve asset protection, because you couldn't get that in the United States with regard to our legislation," she noted.
Now, we have a movement in the US where some individual states allow investors to establish an asset protection trust, but because of the "Full Faith and Credit" clause of the Constitution, these trusts may not always be recognized between states.
"Going offshore gives you an asset protection benefit that you don't have necessarily by being in an asset protection jurisdiction in the United States," Morgan noted.
Using the trust to get asset protection and other benefits can be great, but the tripwire that individuals have to avoid is tax reporting and making sure that it's done correctly, Morgan stated. Offshore structures can also help investors achieve greater diversification by holding assets outside of the United States.
The reality, though, is that individuals considering offshore asset protection should consult with a financial advisor, lawyer, and accountant to make sure everything is handled properly.
Listen to this full interview with Elizabeth Morgan on our website by clicking here. Become a subscriber and gain full access to our premium weekday interviews with leading guest experts by clicking here.


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Breaking the Silence on Depression: Challenging Task for Sri Lanka
Samanthi Bandara Apr 07, 2017
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Article to Mark World Health Day on 07 April 2017
Mental health has been emphasized as a core component of health by the World Health Organization (WHO) since the late forties. For many years however, safeguarding mental health remained on the backburner. But mental health issues started gaining priority regionally and globally in the mid-nineties, thanks to a WHO Report titled Bridging the Gap. After this landmark report, a diverse area of mental health was explored, and evidence based initiatives and interventions came into action. Moreover, the importance of investing in mental health is further emphasized by the goal number 3 of the SDG agenda.
Depression or depressive disorders, is the most common mental disorder, and is referred to as the unknown silent killer.
A Global and National Public Health Concern
Global health estimates of the WHO found that about 322 million of people suffered depression in 2015. As such, approximately 4 out of 100 people suffer from depressive disorders. In terms of gender, females are approximately 1.5 times more likely to get depressed than men. Prevalence is relatively higher among older persons between the ages of 55-74 years. Depression is the largest contributor to non-fatal disease burden in the world. Another crucial aspect of depression is that severely affected people are more likely to attempt to inflict injuries to self –suicide or other forms of physical harm. As per global health estimates of the WHO for 2015, there were around 802,321 reported cases of depression in Sri Lanka. The prevalence of depressive disorders in Sri Lanka (4.1%) does not considerably differ from the global and South-East Asia region's figures (4.4%). With regard to the major depression, prevalence and the disease burden have increased over the years(Figure 1). As in other parts of the world, prevalence is higher among females.
With regards to the disease burden, number of years lived with disability has also increased over the years. Tragically, Sri Lanka lost about 103,113 of life years due to major depression in 2015 (Figure 2).
Many studies have found that poverty and low income can push people towards depression. A study published by the Journal of Affective Disorders on depression in Sri Lanka revealed that the lack of basic amenities and poor financial resources are strongly associated with depression among men in Sri Lanka. Being unable to fulfill basic needs such as food, water, sanitary facilities and housing, and unemployment also contribute to depression in men in Sri Lanka.
Economic and Social Costs of Depression
Depression is a health concern that cannot be ignored as it leads to social and economic repercussion and could even shorten the span of productive lives due to suicide. Many studies found that depression reduces productivity, increasing health care costs and staff turnover. The Integrated Benefits Institute says employee absenteeism and presenteeism caused by depression reduced productivity by 80%. From the employers' perspective, lost productivity accounts for 70% of the total cost of depression while medication accounts for the remaining 30%. Haslam et at (200) found that symptoms and medication of depression weaken work performance, and leads to workplace accidents. Impaired work performance caused by depression also weakens the economic and social capabilities of individuals. According to WHO, the loss of productivity at workplace due to depression and anxiety causes losses of about US$ 1 trillion per year or approximately US$ 130 per head, globally. Accordingly, investing in tackling depression can benefit not just individuals, but the economy as well. Investment in treating depression can result in better health and higher productivity in the work place. In this context, Sri Lanka can also gain US$ 4 for every US$ 1 invested in treating depression as WHO stated.
Is Sri Lanka Ready to Address Pressing Issues in Mental Health?
Providing comprehensive and quality mental health care services in terms of promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation with effective, accessible, equitable and affordable for the entire population is a challenge for every country. Likewise, Sri Lanka is confronting three critical issues in terms of service provision, financial resource mobilization, and rigorous information system within the country.
In Sri Lanka, depression is simply treated as a component of mental health policy, and therefore, the national mental health interventions are not tailored specifically towards tackling depression.
However, Sri Lanka has taken significant steps over the years to address mental health issues with the assistance of various development agencies. At the foremost, Ministry of Health considers mental health as a core component of non-communicable diseases and therefore a separate directorate for mental health is in place. Secondly, the initial Mental Health Policy for Sri Lanka 2005-2015 is now being revised for the period of 2015-2020, and preparations for the mental health action plan 2015 – 2020 is underway. Medical services are provided through hospital networks at national and reginal levels, with multidisciplinary teams of professionals (Consultant Psychiatrists, Medical Officers of Mental Health/ Psychiatrists, psychiatric nursing officers, Community Support Officers (CSO), Psychiatric Social Workers (PSW), Occupational Therapists). While there is only a single hospital designated for mental health services (National Institute of Mental Health), 23 psychiatric in-patient units/wards, 86 outpatient clinic centers and 250 outreach clinics are operated throughout the country. In addition, day-treatment facilities as well as 22 intermediate mental health care rehabilitation units are also being managed by the Health Ministry. Apart from the hospital based treatments and services, psychiatric nursing officers, CSO, and PSWs are closely working with other community health workers (MOH, Public Health Midwife etc.) to identify people with early signs of mental illness and to direct them for continuous medical treatment and counseling.
Adequacy and rationality of financial resources being mobilized for mental health is still questionable. One reason is that, the Health Ministry spends a large portion on curative care while a very small amount is being allocated on prevention and health promotion. While treating the mentally ill people at hospitals, strengthening the preventive and promotional measures on mental health is also important to reduce the incidence of mental health cases.
Developing evidence-based mental health intervention and utilizing financial resources effectively can only be done with proper information on mental health. However, Sri Lanka is still far behind of maintaining a unique information system on mental health within the country.
What Needs to be Done?
Thus, mental health services in Sri Lanka have room to improve, especially with regard to their reach, when considering the increasing rates of depression. One reason for this could be irrational resource allocation where all the sophisticated and intermediate mental health care facilities are concentrated only at big hospitals. More than two third of Health Ministry's expenditure on mental health, excluding provincial allocations (US$ 6.4 million out of US$ 8.5 million in 2008/09), is directed to main psychiatric hospitals.
Spending on prevention of mental illnesses and promotion of mental health is minimal. As such, the poor, especially those in rural areas, have limited access to mental health facilities. A patient-centered service model can be a possible solution to expand the coverage of services. One of the ways to implement this is by integrating mental health service, into the existing decentralized community health care system, as part of Maternal and Child Health care services. Next, mental health services can be coupled with existing primary health care (PHC) service system that can enable community base intervention, and build social capital to sustain the continuing care. District Mental Health Programme in India has already integrated mental health into PHC in Kerala. However, adequate physical and human resources are essential for the successful implementation of such measures. A multisectoral approach towards mental health financing, with a proper coordination mechanism to link other ministries, could improve the management and coordination of efforts and reduce the wastage of resources.
Absence of information on depression (and other mental health disorders) is another obstacle which hinders the proper planning and implementation of measures to address mental health issues. None of the routine national surveys collect data on common mental disorders – depression and anxiety. Even now, Sri Lanka relies on fragmented sample studies by independent researchers and international data bases such as WHO, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). Therefore, the Ministry of Health should develop a comprehensive data base mechanism, invest on mental health research and carry out evidence based interventions.
Tags: Depression Mental Health World Health Day
Tobacco Smoking in Sri Lanka: Going the Last Mile
Urban Solutions: Building Pandemic Resilience in Sri Lanka's Cities
Sri Lanka's Human Capital Progress: Still Less than its Full Potential
Samanthi Bandara
Samanthi Bandara was a Research Officer in the Health Economics Policy Unit at IPS. Her research interests are healthcare financing, healthcare evaluation, and impact assessment of health policies/interventions. She holds a BA (Hons.) in Economics with a special module of Health Economics from the University of Colombo and MSc in Health Economics from the Centre for Health Economics, University of Chulalongkorn in Thailand.


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Q: Vim syntax highlighting unwanted words I have created a syntax file for some AnB-files for vim and while it does load the syntax highlighting and highlight everything I want it to highlight, it seems to highlight some unwanted stuff as well.
The images show both my highlight file and the AnB file and the problem is:
The word "Elgamel", the characters "g" and "h" (any single lower-case letters) and the words "M1" and "M2" (any single upper-case letter followed by an integer) are highlighted with an unwanted magenta color. Anyone knows what to do here? I tried searching for the problem on both google and stackoverflow, but I couldn't find any similar questions (I might not search using the correct terms, though :D)
Syntax file: http://i.imgur.com/bYoAQcu.png
AnB file: http://i.imgur.com/FOtccXJ.png

A: You can use the plugin HiKinkTrace to determine the highlighting group for the offending text, that should help you to narrow it down.

A: This looks like error highlighting from the spell checker.
:set nospell

should then turn it off. You can determine which syntax groups get spell checked via :syntax spell, see :help :syn-spell. Usually, you use enable spelling in comments, etc. by added contains=@Spell.

Here's a tip for syntax script development: When you need to find out which syntax group causes the highlighting. :syn list shows all active groups, but it's easier when you install the SyntaxAttr.vim - Show syntax highlighting attributes of character under cursor plugin.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange