Thank you for contributing to our beautiful Bridal Issue for 2012.

Dr. Heather Rooks, DC

It is cutting edge health care that looks at people as a WHOLE SYSTEM as opposed to individual areas looked at separately. Using advanced diagnostic testing, DNA analysis, blood work, urine, and saliva among others, doctors in this area can determine your overall health and pinpoint specific organs or organ systems that may be dysfunctional. In some cases, long before pathological consequences results.

From prevention to handling chronic conditions, functional endocrinology is based on the idea that the body is an inter-related system, and that no part of the body works all by itself, without having some effect on other parts of the body. A very simple example of this is to imagine a fire in the kitchen. The smoke does not stay contained in the kitchen but, rather permeates the entire house with a pungent unmistakable odor. In your body, it is much the same. Dysfunction or imbalance does not stay relegated to the “problem” area. A diabetic patient may lose their vision, a thyroid patient may gain weight and lose hair, and so on. We are interested in finding all areas of bodily dysfunction and working hard to restore some normal function and not just managing a symptom.

An example: Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem and a lack of this critical vitamin in the body can affect bio-chemical reactions amongst cells and affect energy levels.

Toxins from chemicals found in your food, your house or your work environment can damage the liver affecting its ability to function normally, or in some cases, cause water retention and swelling. This then can cause additional stress on the heart and cardiovascular system.

Getting your body to FUNCTION better, and in some cases, normally again, can have a dramatic impact on how you look and feel. Often, patients find renewed energy, loss of weight, improved biological function, and an overall better outlook by simply feeling better.

It has been said “Your Health Is Your Greatest Wealth”. Functional Endocrinology gives you, the patient, an opportunity to improve what you know as the “status quo” for you, and improving your overall wellness.

In my practice I have decided to focus on 2 EPIDEMIC conditions. TYPE 2 Diabetes and Hypothyroidism.

Are you suffering with Type 2 Diabetes… regardless of what Rx you take or what you do?

Help is available. My unique approach to diabetes is totally different – AND MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE – than what most doctors who are trying to reverse diabetes naturally are currently doing. You see, where most physicians test for blood sugar levels and A1C levels and not much else, I’ve designed an integrative testing approach that goes into much more depth. I then use my detailed findings to individually tailor and customize a treatment plan for each patient based on his or her own underlying causative factors.

The results have been life-changing for my patients…

Imagine…

* Imagine how life would be if you no longer had to worry about your blood sugar…

* Imagine how life would be if you no longer needed the drugs…

* Imagine how life would be if you no longer had to inject yourself with insulin…

* Imagine if you had the energy to exercise and lose the diabetic weight…

* Imagine life without having to get up constantly throughout the night to use the bathroom…

* Imagine what life would be like not living in constant fear of the devastating effects of this disease…

* If you can Imagine any or all of these things come to an event to learn more about HOW this can be done!

As senior clinic director, Dr. Rooks is skilled and experienced at treating the root physiological, biochemical, and hormonal imbalances associated with Type 2 Diabetes and with Hypothyroidism.

Dr. Rooks uses breakthrough diagnostic testing and analysis that’s rarely done in conventional settings, to uncover the hidden, underlying causes a person may be experiencing from Type 2 Diabetes and Hypothyroidism. She also takes great pride in delivering personalized healthcare treatment to patients as well as providing an environment that supports and inspires patients to reverse their poor health. Dr. Rooks graduated from the University of Delaware, with a BA in Biology and has a Minor in Women’s Studies.  She attended Life University for her Doctor of Chiropractic degree, and has extensive Postgraduate education in Functional Endocrinology. Outside the office, Dr. Rooks enjoys being with her Cream French bulldog, Romeo, traveling and consciousness raising activities, spiritual retreats and humanitarian mission trips.  She also loves Yoga and any kind of fitness.

YOU ARE INVITED to an Informational Dinner Talk Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally Call 484.775.0550 to register today

Dr. Heather Rooks, DC
PATH Integrative Health Center
Suite 3, 98 Wilmington-
West Chester Pike (Rt. 202)
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
484 775 0550
info@PathHealthCenter.com
www.PathHealthCenter.com

By Gilbert A. Leidig Jr., MD, F.A.C.C

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the best single predictor of the risk of heart attack and stroke and is easily measured.  We are now lowering LDL levels to less than 100 and LDL lowering is currently the standard by which to best alter the lipid levels in the blood to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Despite the potent statin drugs that lower LDL’s in patients anywhere from 30-55%, events still occur in many patients indicating that better targets of lipid lowering therapy are needed.  Elevated triglycerides (greater than 200) do add an additional risk usually in association with low HDL levels (less than 40 in men and less than 50 in women) leading to the use of the non HDL cholesterol (total cholesterol – HDL) as targets of therapy in these patients.  A non HDL level of less than 130 is desirable in these patients.

An emerging target of LDL lowering is now the LDL particle number.  LDL occurs as both large (non-atherogenic) and small (atherogenic) particles.  Characterizing the size of these particles has been hampered by time intensive, expensive procedures which are non-descript in outcome.  The individual patient risk varies as the particle size ranges.  Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) testing of the blood can now measure the number of LDL particles in the blood and this number has been shown to be very predictive of future events and using the number as a target for therapy is now emerging.

To illustrate this situation, think of two patients at LDL goal of 100 but patient A has large particles (low risk) containing 0.5 mg LDL/particle giving him a particle number of 100/0.5 = 200 and patient B has small (high risk) particle with 0.05 mg LDL/particle with particle number of 100/0.05 = 2000.  Patient B with a large number of particles equal to 2000 is at much higher risk than patient A, and despite an acceptable LDL level of 100, would benefit from targeted therapy of the LDL particle number to achieve a level less than 1000, which is the level recommended for high risk patients.

Not infrequently low risk patients, with minimal coronary artery disease risk factors, are identified with LDL levels over 160.  In these patients, measurement of the LDL particle number is useful.  In addition, if their particle number is less than 1600 they do not need aggressive therapy.

Patients with triglycerides greater than 200 and low HDL levels have high LDL particle number (smaller particles) and are good candidates for NMR assessment of the LDL particle number to optimize therapy.

The NMR lipid test is now readily available and the cost is equivalent to a conventional lipid panel.  My suggestion for high risk patients at goal, new events or progression of carotid or coronary disease testing would be helpful.  As for mixed hyperlidemia patients and low risk patients with potentially atherogenic lipid profiles the particle number is useful information.  We will continue to monitor LDL particle testing being used more frequently as a goal of therapy.

GILBERT A. LEIDIG JR., M.D., F.A.C.C.

Dr. Leidig joined Cardiology Physicians in June of 1996. Dr. Leidig obtained a Bachelor of Science degree, Summa Cum Laude, from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland.  He then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.  His post-graduate training in Internal Medicine came during a residency at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.  Dr. Leidig was an attending physician at Keller Army Hospital at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.  He then did a cardiovascular fellowship at Beth Israel Hospital, Harvard Medical School, in Boston, Massachusetts.  Dr. Leidig served as Chief of Cardiology at Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  He was a consulting associate and interventional attending at the catheterization laboratories at the Duke University Medical Center. His recognitions include membership in A.O.A., and the Best Doctors in Delaware.  He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology.

Dr. Leidig has a strong commitment to consultative and clinical cardiology. He has areas of interest including echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, and stress echocardiography.  Dr. Leidig has expertise in diagnostic catheterization as well as coronary stent placement and angioplasty. He also has expertise in peripheral vascular disease and stent placement and angioplasty for the treatment of peripheral vascular disease.

Dr. Leidig and his wife Meaghen were married in 1985 and are the proud parents of Andrew, Patrick, Farrell and Molly.  Our family enjoys gardening, running, swimming, birding and hiking as well as reading, trivia, stamp collecting and current events.  Dr. Leidig is on the Pastoral Council at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Hockessin and on the Salesianum School Board of Trustees.  Dr. Leidig is an avid fan of his hometown Baltimore Orioles and Ravens.

By Dr. Richard Derman

No two menopause experiences are exactly the same.

Many women experience the changes of menopause with few or even no symptoms.  For others, the physical onset of menopause can have a significant impact on their day-to-day lives.  Often talking to a health care professional and learning about the changes produced during menopause can go a long way towards helping ease the uncertainty and fear that may accompany such changes.

Christiana Care’s Center for Women’s Health in Greenville offers a clinical focus on menopausal medicine – the treatment and study of women who have completed the reproductive phase of their lives and have begun to exhibit the signs and symptoms of menopause.  These signs and symptoms are caused by changing hormonal patterns and often appear as irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, even vaginal dryness or issues around sexuality.

Why is menopause medicine important?

Such symptoms and concerns can dramatically alter a woman’s quality of life, just at the prime of her professional career and often while having to maintain additional family responsibilities.  These compelling issues — often including sleep disorders , and muscle and joint pains – generally direct women to seek care from a physician.

Preventative health assessments are particularly ideal at this time in a woman’s life.  A woman’s family history can yield clues as to which clinical area our menopause specialist should view as an initial focus.  Women should be checked for their risks of developing heart disease, cancer – especially cancer of the breast and reproductive tract – and osteoporosis and fracture, as well as for symptoms of urinary incontinence and related sexual issues.

What is unique about Christiana Care’s menopausal medicine program?

The Christiana Care Center for Women’s Health is the only program in Delaware where patients can be seen by certified physicians in a collaborative care environment, offering the newest treatments in addressing pre- and post-menopausal symptoms and confounding conditions.

The Center for Women’s Health employs specialists with certification in minimally invasive surgery, menopausal management, fracture risk assessment and for specifically addressing genito-urinary conditions.  The Center features the specialty care of Dr. Gretchen Makai, offering minimally invasive surgery; Dr. William Hohman, an authority in menopausal management; and Drs. Babak Vakili and Howard Goldstein, the experts from Christiana Care’s Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Surgery.

Women in Delaware and the surrounding region can feel comfortable that their concerns and health care needs will be expertly addressed at the Center for Women’s Health. Our physicians can discuss with you key clinical issues such as alternatives to traditional hysterectomy, the appropriate mix of complementary and alternative medicine added to conventional approaches to care, and, one’s individual risk for specific medical conditions.

Richard Derman M.D., MPH, is chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology for Christiana Care.  Dr. Derman is a national authority in preventative health for women.  He specializes in life quality and improving outcomes for peri- and post-menopausal women and additionally sees patients at the Center for Women’s Health.

The Christiana Care Center for Women’s Health provides a select group of women’s health specialist focused on gynecologic issues that may become more complex for women beyond their child bearing years – conditions that can often only be addressed by special consultation, advanced treatment or surgery.  The Center for Women’s Health is located at 3706 Kennett Pike in Greenville.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 302-623-6320

By Dr. Philip Chao

Listening is key to medicine.  Going to a doctor who is not responsive to your complaints can have dire results.  If your doctor isn’t listening to you, keep complaining.  If they keep ignoring you, get a second opinion.  Your health may depend on it.

A patient walked into our office today for a MRI of her lower back.  In addition to back pain, the patient had what she thought was a mass in the area of her abdomen near her spine.  She had complained about this mass to her Primary Care Physician on more than one occasion, but his reaction to her had been that she was imagining it—it was all in her head.  He did not even examine her or probe the area in question.  Months later, a chiropractor she consulted for back pain, sent her to our facility for an MRI of her lower back with contrast.  Both patient and chiropractor asked if we would be sure to include the area where the patient (and back doctor) felt this “imaginary” mass.  We did so.  In addition to finding the herniated disc that was the source of much of her back pain, we found a large tumor, approximately 2” in size!  The MR image below clearly shows an enhancing, soft tissue sarcoma.  The image on the right is before contrast was administered; on the right, the contrast causes the tumor to light up like a lightbulb.  This is a rare tumor, occuring in approximately 1 in 1,000 people which, if left untreated, can  kill.

Thanks to new “open bore” technology, our OPEN MRI scanner is not only the widest and most spacious made today, it is also the most powerful and least claustrophobic OPEN MRI in the world.  The extra strength of this 18-channel 1.5T MRI means two things:  1) it takes images that are clearer than typical 0.3T or 0.4T “Open” MRIs; and 2) it takes images much more quickly.  Not only that, but a new software called BLADE actually compensates for movement.  So, if you simply cannot remain perfectly still, this slight movement will no longer ruin your study.  Just this week, BLADE enabled us to detect a lumbar fracture in a nursing home patient which was missed by x-ray in the emergency room.  Because of the extreme pain, the patient simply could not keep completely still.

Readers of this journal have already heard of the benefits of 3T MRI.  Stronger.  Faster.  Sharper.  Better resolution.  As with digital cameras, where higher numbers of MegaPixels result in better pictures, with MRI, higher “T” (tesla) results in better images—up to 8 times faster than other MRI scanners!  We are proud to announce that MRI Consultants now has an office in Lewes, Delaware, in the Village of Five Points (next to the Food Lion). This office is equipped with our most advanced MRI scanner yet! A 32-channel 3T MRI scanner.  Having 32 “channels” is like having a suped-up hotrod.  It increases the strength of the MRI scanner considerably … in this case to a point where it’s almost like having a 6T MRI scanner!  So far, there are only four such scanners in the world … one of which is at the NEURA Institute in Australia and is used for advanced functional and trauma researach.  The 32-channel head coil can detect the subtle changes in the fiber tracts of the brain—very important for brain trauma due to explosions that is so frequently suffered by our returning veterans.  A 1.5T MRI scanner simply cannot detect these subtle, but very real changes to the brain.  The entire population of the State of Delaware now has access to 3T MRI—another First for the First State!

MRI is improving.  MRI does not expose patients to radiation.  CT scans use a lot of radiation.  As MRI scanners get better, the need to expose people to so much radiation diminishes.  There are simply less harmful ways to get the same information.  But not all MRI scanners are equal.  There are strong ones and weak ones.  Old ones and new ones.  It can be confusing.  We strongly recommend you ASK an MRI facility how strong their MRI scanner is.  How old is their MRI scanner?  Because while it is true that GOOD MRI is as good as (and sometimes better than) CT scans.  Poor MRI is not.  Find out before deciding where to take the prescription your doctor gave you to get an MRI.  (Remember, the doctor writes the prescription, the patient decides where to fill it.).  Contrast MRIs are particularly good for finding tumors.  It does this without radiation and the contrast used in MR (which is neither iodine, nor shellfish-based) is much safer.  And, even within the group of five or six MR contrasts, we use only the safest—Multihance, Prohance and Eovist.  (See www.safecontrast.com).  The tumor mentioned at the beginning of this article would likely have been found using a CT scanner, but a follow-up MRI with contrast would have been required to confirm, and further define, the tumor before a biopsy could be performed.

MRI Consultants remains committed to providing the very best imaging and patient care possible.  Dr. Chao is available to talk to patients and doctors alike.  We want to give you the best study possible.  As with the patient mentioned above, listening to both the referring physician and the patient regarding her suspected mass resulted in our being able to identify something that could have been missed if we had a more generic approach to medicine.  Also, given the complications of medical insurance (thank you Washington), our new office will offer a special price for self-pay patients.  Our Out-of-Pocket price for an MRI without contrast is $500.  We care and we offer the best technology at a reasonable price.

Dr. Philip Chao graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Yale University and was Scholar of the House. He continued his studies at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, receiving his medical degree in 1983. After a transitional internship year at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown NY, Dr. Chao did his residency in Radiology at Brooklyn’s SUNY Health Science Center (1984-1987), where he became Chief Resident. He stayed on to complete a fellowship in Neuroradiology (1987-1988). Dr. Chao has been interested in MRI technology since its very beginning – the first MRI scan took place in 1981 while he was pursuing his medical studies. The University of Pennsylvania, where Dr. Chao was both a Body MRI Fellow (1988-1990) and a Neuroradiology Fellow (1989-1990), was at the heart of the development of this technology and Dr. Chao was able to work with pioneers in MRI on the first GE Signa 1.5T (tesla) scanner. His advanced research and specializations complete, Dr. Chao left the University of Pennsylvania for a position as Director of MRI in Wilmington DE – a position he held for 14 years. Dr. Chao eventually left that position to create the best MRI center in Delaware, using the very latest technology: 3T MRI. While 3T (tesla) scanners have been used for scanning research patients since 2002, these advanced, more powerful MRI scanners only became available for clinical use in 2004. Dr. Chao worked hard to bring 3T technology to Delaware and in February 2007, MRI Consultants, LLC began operating the first 3T scanner in the State. 3T is the newest horizon for MRI.

By Rita Wilkins

Even though I have been in the interior design world for almost 40 years,when I get the urge to make significant changes to my home or office I have made it a practice to get a second opinion from another professional designer prior to proceeding with my project.

Why? Just as I would never consider surgery with- out getting a second opinion, I have been amazed at the value I have received by taking that extra step, by getting a second set of trained experienced eyes to review my plans and concepts. While it may cost a little more time and money up front, I have gained valuable insight that has not only improved the overall design and function but has also resulted in practical advise and cost-saving ideas.

It is the combination of finely honed design skills, solid technical knowledge and a good business sense that can help a client bridge the gap between the creative and the technical, resulting in a great design and a successful project.

A kitchen with the perfect blend of function and aesthetics. Space has been maximized: from the expanded pantry to the cabinets located on either side of the cooking area and the generous granite island with prep sink. The combination of sleekly modern stainless appliances with rustic stone, tile and wood result in a comfortable and efficient work area.

By:  Jeffrey B. Minkovitz, M.D.

In March, 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of a procedure called conductive keratoplasty (CK) to correct presbyopia, the age related process in which the eye loses the ability to focus on near objects. CK has been performed outside of the United States for over five years and had been under investigation here for several years before its FDA approval. Presbyopia affects everyone at some point, usually beyond age 42-45. People over this age require reading glasses for the most common daily tasks; including reading, shopping, and, for some, even seeing one’s food clearly when eating. People who are nearsighted, and need glasses for most distance tasks, must either remove their glasses or use bifocals to read. The strong desire of aging baby boomers (tens of millions in the United States) to rid themselves of “granny glasses” drove innovation, and finally we have a new technology which addresses this dilemma, allowing this group of individuals to reclaim a part of their youth.

The CK procedure takes less than five minutes, is done in the Ophthalmologist’s office (using only an anesthetic drop to numb the eye), and creates immediate results. Patients sit up and are given the opportunity to read print which they could not read just before the procedure (though vision continues to fluctuate for approximately one month). The procedure involves the use of a tiny probe, thinner than a human hair, through which radio frequency energy is applied to the front surface of the eye (the cornea) in a circular pattern, reshaping it to bring near objects into focus with little effect on distant focusing (the procedure is performed on only one eye in most cases).

Shortly after CK’s approval by the FDA, recognizing the outstanding safety and efficacy data, I incorporated CK into my practice at Eye Physicians and Surgeons in Wilmington, Delaware and now have become a physician educator, teaching CK to surgeons from around the country. After 1 ½ years of treatments, I am impressed with the excellent results produced by this technology. In fact, recent advances in the technique (called light touch) have been shown in the literature (and corroborated by my results) to produce more effective and predictable results (beyond what was reported to be the safest ophthalmic device yet to pass FDA scrutiny) Published reports show 97% of patients reading print smaller than typical magazine print, up from 91% with the original technique.

As a provider of LASIK laser vision correction for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, as well as a corneal transplant and cataract surgeon, I welcomed this new technology, and was proud to bring it to Delaware. I remain enthusiastic about the results, and have personally enjoyed seeing several of my patients at meetings or in restaurants standing out among their peers as unique in reading without reading glasses. It was gratifying to see the dramatic impact in lifestyle.

Jeffrey B. Minkovitz, M.D., is with Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A., 1207 North Scott Street, Wilmington, DE 19806. Dr. Minkovitz is affiliated with Christiana Care, Wilmington, DE; St. Francis Hospital, Wilmington, DE; and Wills Surgery Center, Wills Eye Surgical Network, Wilmington, DE. Dr. Minkovitz served as an Assistant Professor with Johns Hopkins University from 1998-2004. He received his M.D. in 1990, University of Massachusetts Medical School; and his B.A., Magna Cum Laude, Harvard University in 1986. Dr. Minkovitz received his certification in 1996 with the American Board of Ophthalmology and in 1991 received certification with the National Board of Medical Examiners. For six consecutive years, Dr. Minkovitz was awarded the distinction of “Top Doc” for excellence in the field of Ophthalmology in a survey of his peers. Dr. Minkovitz is a highly accomplished surgeon with over 13 years experience. Dr. Minkovitz  is fellowship trained in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery. As one of Delaware’s leading cataract surgeons, Dr. Minkovitz offers both ReZoom™ and Crystalens® to his patients. For further information or to schedule an appointment please call 302-656-2020 extension 1.

CK® Testimonial…

It finally occurred to me what has been missing during the last 2 days. Since Richard’s surgery, he isn’t complaining about his inability to read something on the fly without searching for his glasses. He wired 6 recessed lights (NO GLASSES), he read the Sunday paper sections A & B and menus (NO GLASSES), and is using the computer (NO GLASSES). I suppose for Richard, needing to look for glasses when he wanted to see something, has been the hardest adjustment of becoming older. His dependence was so gradual that I never related to why he would get so angry over needing them.  My house has been quieter. I now have 2 less things to do everyday: find the glasses and make sure they were clean!

Since the beginning of time, man has had a fascination and a longing to own gold. There is evidence of humans wearing gold as early as 4000 BC and it is still popular today and more valuable and sought after than ever.

With the current price of gold at this writing being $1,750.00 per one Troy ounce, it only points out how much the world trusts and respects the value of owning it. Gold is a symbol of financial security and success.

Mankind’s love for gold is due to its beauty, portability, versatility and ease with which it can be converted to works of art. One ounce of pure gold can be struck into a coin or produce a piece of wire that would stretch a mile in length. Gold can also be hammered into a sheet thin enough to transmit light through (Gold Leaf), which is used to letter signs and adorn statuary as well as finish fine quality picture frames. Gold is also used as a conductor of electricity in computers.

Gold Jewelry and what you should know about it. Although jewelry can be made of almost any material, such as silver, platinum, stainless, titanium, aluminum, plastic, leather, etc., gold remains the best choice for most jewelry.  Since manufacturing equipment and labor is a major factor in the price of creating any item of jewelry it makes sense to use gold rather than metals with no salvage value if the item is damaged or worn in the future. Gold has trade in value as well as more prestige, sense of well being and pride of possession when wearing it.

Today there is interest in alternative metals for wedding bands such as Titanium, Tungsten Carbide, Ceramic, and a number of others.

The advantage would be they hold their polish and and are very hard. They are very trendy and appeal to the younger generation and they cost only about 25 to 30 % of a similar gold ring.

The disadvantage would be they can only be used as wedding bands, not engagement rings. Additionally they cannot be sized, only replaced with another if the company that made them still exists at the time you need a replacement. If it can be replaced it is not the same band you were married with so there is no sentimental attachment to it. It can’t be engraved, only laser etched at the factory. In the case of an accident or injury, it could result in a lost finger if the emergency personnel cannot remove it in a timely manner. We have had patients sent to us because the medical facility didn’t have the proper equipment to remove them. In addition they have all the beauty and luster of a piece of hardware; not very romantic.

Gold wedding rings on the other hand can be engraved with your wedding dates, resized many times and refinished to look like new for a lifetime. Gold can be passed on to a future generation or cast into a new design if no longer needed as a wedding ring. It also has salvage value that can be used for a trade-in or sold for cash anywhere in the world making the initial cost a real bargain in the end.

Tom Sayers Graduate Diamonds (GIA) Ellen Sayers, Diamonds (GIA)
Ronald L. Sayers, Graduate Gemologist (GIA)

Types of gold used in jewelry. Pure gold as it comes from the earth or a refiner is called 24 Karat, which is much too soft to use for jewelry. For manufacturing into jewelry, alloy metals are added to give the gold strength and workability. Most jewelry in this country is 14K, which is 14 parts pure gold and 10 parts alloy metal such as copper, silver, and zinc as well as nickel, used in the manufacture of white gold. In Europe 18k is preferred and sometimes 22k, both of which are softer than 14k but have a higher purity. Class rings and lower price point jewelry is often made of 10k.

Purity is as follows: Stamped 10K or 417 (41.7%), 14k or 585 (58.3%), 18K or 750 (75%) and 22K or 915 (91.6%) pure gold. Jewelry less than 10k is not allowed to be called gold in the U.S.

Gold Stamping Act: It is illegal to stamp 14k or any other quality in a ring without a registered trademark next to it to identify the manufacture responsible for the purity indicated. It is legal to sell an item of jewelry with no stamp but if it has a stamp, it must also have a registered trademark.

About Quality: The fact that an item is made of karat gold does not guarantee it will hold up to normal wear. Thin ring shanks and hollow chains save gold and sell for less but break and wear out quickly and end up as scrap gold. Well-designed jewelry with sufficient metal content will last a lifetime if cared for properly.

Platinum and silver are other metals used in the manufacture of jewelry but space does not permit a full discussion of them in this article. Please stop by our store and we will be glad to answer any questions about them.

Testimonials:
• Thanks for making me feel comfortable in the store and with your services !! ~ N. Davis
• Dear Ron, My father and I thank-you for the time that you spent with us. The information that you shared with us about our 3.01 carat diamond was very useful. Wishing you good health and prosperity… Yours truly, ~ Holly R.

By: Joanna L. Daneman, AAMS®

As an investor, you can get plenty of advice from financial experts on the evening news or cable financial shows. But you may actually be able to learn some deeper truths about investing by observing other professionals — such as winemakers.

At first glance, you might not see what these “guardians of the grape” can teach you about building an investment portfolio. After all, they’re shaping Sangiovese while you’re seeking stocks, they’re bottling Burgundy while you’re buying bonds, and they’re mastering Malbec while you’re monitoring mutual funds. Where’s the connection?

Start by considering the life cycle of wine and the concept of “vintage.” For example, a particular wine is labeled a 2005 vintage if it is made from grapes that were predominantly grown and harvested in 2005. Yet given the requirements of wine production, this 2005 vintage may not actually hit the markets until 2008 — and some aficionados may think the wine won’t taste its best until 2018.

If you translated this type of scenario to the financial world, you could say that the 2008 investment “vintage” was not promising, given that the value of almost all investments — even the quality ones — fell last year. But if you were to hold these quality investments for the long term — as you should, because investing is a long-term activity — you might find that the 2008 vintage investments may eventually become productive vehicles that can help you achieve your financial goals.

So, what lessons can you learn from winemakers? Here are a few suggestions:

• Be patient. Winemakers put a lot of time, effort and money into planting today’s grapes — for which they will not see one penny of profit for many years. Yet they have the discipline to wait patiently until the products of their labors come to fruition. Are all their wines successful? No — and all your investments may not be, either. But given enough time, quality investments can usually help you work toward your financial goals.
• Have faith in your strategy. Wine drinkers’ tastes can change from year to year. Yet winemakers don’t rip out their vineyards and replant them with today’s “hot” varietal. Instead, they cultivate the grapes they’ve planted, make the best wine they can and maintain their belief that their products will find a market. As an investor, you can’t allow yourself to be swayed by today’s hot tips and trends. Instead, build a portfolio of quality investments that can stand the test of time.
• Adapt your goals to your situation. One of the most famous winemaking regions in the world, Napa Valley, contains a number of microclimates that vary by temperature, rainfall and soil. Napa Valley winemakers know which grapes will do best in which microclimate, and they concentrate their efforts accordingly. And you, as an individual investor, should make your investment decisions based on your own “microclimate” — your risk tolerance, family situation, time horizon and other factors. In other words, you should choose those investments that are best suited for you and that have the best chance to help you meet your goals.

Investing, like  winemaking, is filled with challenges. But by observing how winemakers work, you may learn some things that can eventually help you raise a glass to your own success.