The Engagement RingWritten by Tom Ttsatsos
When a man wanted to get married, it was tradition for him to give his beloved's family something of great value as a sign of his wish to marry her. If woman accepted his gift, it signified their pledge to marry and it was considered a legally binding transaction. In ancient times, betrothal gift was of a more practical nature, usually livestock, fabrics, herbs and spices and even land. The Greeks are credited with beginning tradition of betrothal (or engagement) ring. Here, groom-to-be presented a ring to his intended as a promise of marriage. Early Roman engagement rings were simple bands with a carved key. There are two theories surrounding this particular style. The romantic version states that key was to 'unlock' her husband's heart. The more practical version was that key represented wife's ownership of her husband's estate. When a Roman woman married, she received half of her husband's wealth. In 860 A.D., Pope Nicholas I ordained that an engagement ring was a requirement as a statement of nuptial intent. He insisted that they be made of gold to show financial sacrifice on part of prospective husband. In Renaissance Italy, silver became a popular metal for engagement and wedding rings. These rings were often very ornate and inlaid with Niello, a method of decorating metal objects with engraving techniques. An alloy of silver, copper, lead and sulfur was rubbed into an engraved pattern on silver or gold and then fired. Darkened areas remained in crevices after object was polished. Elaborate engagement rings of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and other precious gems became commonplace among wealthy. Many rings would feature a group of stones to spell out a sentimental word. For example, if one wanted to spell out LOVE on his ring, he would use Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Verde Antique and Emerald. Some husbands-to-be would have a ring fashioned featuring his and his fiancée's birthstones. Since color blue symbolized purity and fidelity, Sapphire engagement rings were quite popular, especially during Victorian era.
| | Property Management: The Good, the Bad, and the UglyWritten by Elaine VonCannon
Property Management: The Good, Bad, and UglyBeing a landlord is not all it’s cracked up to be. Think carefully of all responsibilities that follow purchase of an investment property for rental use. Screen your clients, run credit checks and, if you are both landlord and owner of property, learn to deal with problems objectively, fairly and legally. Many clients will try to talk their way out of serious issues like late rent payments. Some will even present a dramatic sob story – be sure to stand firm and take care of your property best way you know how. Any renter can and should be held accountable for rent they have agreed to pay. Tenants can be like children and will give you gray hairs. You may have to start coloring twice a month! Make Sure You Have Time For DIY Do-it-yourself (DIY) property management can be difficult if you have a career and a family. The responsibility of landlord position can be incredibly time consuming. As owner or manager of property you will receive all tenant phone calls to report items that need to be fixed or complaints that need to be mentioned. Tenants can be very high maintenance. Be prepared for them to call often and for minor reasons. Also, take time to complete quarterly checks every three months. Especially if you are a DIY property manager/owner, keeping an eye on condition of property is essential to maintaining your investment. Ask Questions And Read The Fine Print To find a property manager you must know what questions to ask. Write a list of reasons you want to hire a property manager and be clear about what you will expect from person or business that represents you. When you hire a property manager read property management agreement thoroughly. Many property management agreements renew annually, unless you cancel agreement sixty days in advance. Most property managers continue their management while tenants they have procured are still living on property. The management agreement will hold in place until tenant vacates regardless, of your desire to terminate current relationship. Always, be fully aware of what kind of commitment you are making in these agreements.
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