Moissanite: The Affordable Luxury for UK Brides

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Moissanite is rapidly becoming the gemstone of choice for modern brides in the UK who seek elegance, brilliance, and sustainability in their jewelry. As an affordable alternative to traditional diamonds, moissanite offers unparalleled sparkle and durability without the hefty price tag. For brides exploring engagement rings Manchester retailers, moissanite is a standout option that combines luxury with value, making it a perfect fit for today’s conscientious shoppers.

Discovered in 1893 by Nobel Prize-winning scientist Henri Moissan, moissanite is a rare gemstone originally found in a meteorite crater. Today, it is created in labs, ensuring its ethical and sustainable sourcing. This makes moissanite a guilt-free choice for those concerned about the environmental and social impacts of mining. Its production process eliminates the need for large-scale extraction, preserving natural landscapes and supporting eco-friendly practices.

Moissanite’s appeal lies in its exceptional brilliance and fire. It outshines diamonds in terms of refractive index, producing a rainbow-like sparkle that captivates the eye. Its hardness, rated at 9.25 on the Mohs scale, ensures it can withstand everyday wear, making it ideal for engagement rings. In addition to being durable, moissanite is nearly indistinguishable from diamonds to the untrained eye, offering a luxurious look at a fraction of the cost.

For UK brides, especially those in bustling cities like Manchester, choosing moissanite means embracing both tradition and modernity. Engagement rings featuring moissanite blend seamlessly with a range of styles, from vintage-inspired to minimalist contemporary designs. Local jewelers and designers in Manchester are increasingly incorporating moissanite into their collections, recognizing its growing demand among discerning customers.

One of the key advantages of moissanite is its affordability. Compared to diamonds, which can quickly escalate in price based on size and quality, moissanite offers a budget-friendly option without compromising on beauty. This affordability allows couples to allocate their wedding budget more flexibly, whether it’s for a dream honeymoon, venue upgrades, or other special touches for their big day.

Another factor driving moissanite’s popularity is its versatility. It pairs beautifully with various metals, including platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold, allowing brides to customize their rings to reflect personal taste. Moissanite’s timeless appeal ensures it remains a cherished piece of jewelry for years to come, symbolizing love and commitment.

Moreover, moissanite’s ethical origins resonate with couples prioritizing responsible consumer choices. In an era where transparency and sustainability are increasingly valued, moissanite offers peace of mind alongside its aesthetic appeal. … Read more

Boeing’s largest plant in ‘panic mode’ amid safety crisis, say workers and union officials | Boeing

Boeing’s largest factory is in “panic mode”, according to workers and union officials, with managers accused of hounding staff to keep quiet over quality concerns.

The US plane maker has been grappling with a safety crisis sparked by a cabin panel blowout during a flight in January, and intense scrutiny of its production line as regulators launched a string of investigations.

Its site at Everett, Washington – hailed as the world’s biggest manufacturing building – is at the heart of Boeing’s operation, responsible for building planes like the 747 and 767, and fixing the 787 Dreamliner.

One mechanic at the complex, who has worked for Boeing for more than three decades, has claimed it is “full of” faulty 787 jets that need fixing.

Many of these jets are flown from Boeing’s site in South Carolina, where the company shifted final assembly of the 787 in 2021 in what was characterized as a cost-cutting measure.

“There is no way in God’s green earth I would want to be a pilot in South Carolina flying those from South Carolina to here,” the mechanic, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, told the Guardian. “Because when they get in here, we’re stripping them apart.”

Managers at Everett “will hound mechanics” to keep quiet about quality-assurance concerns and potential repairs, the mechanic alleged, emphasizing speed and efficiency over safety. He added: “Boeing has to look in the mirror and say: ‘We’re wrong.’”

Boeing did not comment on claims that staff have been pressured not to raise concerns about quality. Work at Everett on 787 jets is taking place as part of an established verification program, it said.

The company met this week with US regulators to discuss how it plans to address quality-control issues. Executives have recently described how workers have been emboldened to speak up since January, with submissions to an internal portal for safety and quality concerns up 500%.

Earlier this year, a panel of experts, which was appointed by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after two fatal Boeing 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people, described a “disconnect” between Boeing’s leadership and workforce on safety, and made 53 recommendations to help resolve its concerns.

After January’s blowout,

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How Business Leaders Can Lift Up Underrepresented Entrepreneurs

According to the 2022 Annual Business Survey, only 21% of employer firms are minority-owned, and only 22% are women-owned. Though entrepreneurship has grown to become a major avenue for people to pursue their passions while fulfilling unmet needs and desires, not all entrepreneurs are operating on a level playing field.

Recognizing the obstacles minority and women entrepreneurs face is the first step in countering the barriers that prevent more underrepresented groups from entering the market. With proper access to capital, resources and networking opportunities, the creation of an inclusive business community truly enables growth for all.

Below, 15 Forbes Business Council members each share one thing business leaders can do to lift up underrepresented entrepreneurs, encourage entrepreneurship and support their businesses.

1. Walk The Walk

Business leaders must not just talk about diversity but walk it, too. Start by investing directly in minority- and women-led ventures. It’s not charity but smart business. By backing these underrepresented entrepreneurs, we’re leveling the playing field and enriching our economy with diverse perspectives and groundbreaking ideas. Lead with action and words, and know your numbers to truly know your worth. – Aleesha Webb, Pioneer Bank

2. Develop Mentorship Programs

Business diversity begins with action. Develop mentorship programs to provide opportunities for underrepresented and emerging entrepreneurs to learn from those who have achieved success. Work with partners to provide these entrepreneurs with insights, resources and relevant networking paths. This approach not only supports individual businesses but also builds a more inclusive, innovative business community. – Chris Kille, EO Staff

3. Direct Spending To Diverse Businesses

Deliberately direct your business spending to diverse businesses. Develop a strong supplier diversity program with outreach, favorable payment terms, training, mentorship opportunities and support. If diverse businesses employ more underrepresented staff members, the impact of a strong program can be powerful. – Hannah Kain, ALOM

4. Examine Skills And Perceptions

As a proud female co-founder of a SaaS scale-up business, I’m happy to say that all growth-related departments in our company are led by women, including marketing, partnership, sales and customer success. My advice is that business leaders should look at the unique skills and perceptions these groups bring to the table as a benefit. – Zsuzsa Kecsmar, Antavo Loyalty Management Platform

5. Establish Company Policies With A Gender Perspective

First and foremost, establish company policies that incorporate a gender perspective. Providing guidance, resources

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FBI agents raided the office and business of a Mississippi prosecutor, but no one is saying why

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The FBI on Wednesday raided a local prosecutor’s office and business in Mississippi’s capital city, although officials declined to say whether Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens is suspected of wrongdoing.

FBI agents spent hours searching a cigar bar owned by Owens in downtown Jackson. They also removed items from his office in the Hinds County Courthouse.

Marshay Lawson, the spokesperson for the FBI’s office in Jackson, said the reason for the search remains secret.

“The FBI is executing federal search warrants at multiple locations,” Lawson said. “The affidavit in support of the search warrants has been sealed by the court and so I am prohibited from commenting further.”

Owens also didn’t say what the raid was about.

“This morning, FBI agents came to our offices,” the second-term district attorney said in a statement. “We are fully cooperating with their efforts. The Hinds County District Attorney’s Office is fully functioning and continues its work on behalf of the citizens of Hinds County.”

Owens is listed as the manager and sole member of the company that owns the Downtown Cigar Co., which agents also searched. The business also has a state permit to act as a bar selling alcohol.

WAPT-TV reports that while the searches at Owens’ office and business were ongoing, two FBI agents also visited Jackson City Hall and spoke to the chief of staff for Mayor Chokwe Lumumba. The City Hall is across the street from the Hinds County Courthouse, where Owens has his office.

Before first being elected as district attorney in 2019, Owens had been the lead attorney in Mississippi for the Southern Poverty Law Center, a liberal-leaning group known for bringing lawsuits over issues including civil rights. Owens ran as a criminal justice reformer, saying he would focus on prosecuting violent crime while looking for alternatives to jail and prison for nonviolent offenders.

But Jackson has been challenged by the nation’s highest murder rate, by some accounts, and Owens received more funding from Republican lawmakers to hire more prosecutors. Republicans have expanded the state-run Capitol Police controlled by Republican Gov. Tate Reeves to patrol all of Jackson and created a state-run court with judges that are appointed rather than elected.

Many Democrats have said those moves represent a white takeover of an overwhelming Black city and that more resources should be used for crime prevention. The law was upheld in federal

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Has the Loblaw boycott boosted business for independent grocers?

While some Canadians pledged to boycott Loblaw-owned stores for the month of May, the boycott is being extended by organizers “indefinitely.”

Published May 22, 2024  •  Last updated 4 days ago  •  5 minute read

Alfonso Curcio has owned Farmer’s Pick on Prince of Wales Drive since 1992. He said he’s seen a spike in grocery sales since the boycott started — but “not as much as you’d think.” Photo by Tony Caldwell /Postmedia

While a nationwide boycott of Loblaw-owned grocery stores is extended by its organizers, some independent grocers in Ottawa have noticed a boost in sales.

Organized in an 80,0000-member group on the social media platform Reddit, some Canadians pledged to boycott Loblaw-owned stores for the month of May, due to mounting frustrations with higher food prices and a lack of competition in the grocery sector.

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This week, the group announced the boycott would continue indefinitely.

“Over the coming months, boycott organizers will focus on empowering consumers through education on key topics and engaging in advocacy efforts to garner political attention and raise awareness via social media challenges,” a social media post reads.

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