Must-read of the week: The White House unveils new plan to slash federal deficit

By The Daily Crux:

Earlier this week, a White House commission revealed a plan to reduce the federal budget deficit by hundreds of billions of dollars a year, or $3.8 trillion over the next 10 years.

We're all for cutting the size and cost of the federal government , but it's important to realize the projected annual deficits over the same period total $7.7 trillion... meaning the government will still be adding another $4 trillion to the $13.7 trillion and growing federal debt.

It's also important to note that while 75% of the savings come from cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and defense spending, 25% comes from increased taxes... most of which are expected to target the middle class.

Naturally, the plan has drawn criticism from both liberals and conservatives... and highlights just how unlikely it is any meaningful reductions to the deficit will be passed.

Read full article...

More from Washington:

Gov't budget expert reveals U.S. debt far worse than Greece

Obama shocker: White House now in talks of reducing taxes

Gov't OUTRAGE: Fannie and Freddie to were paid to "manage" the Wall Street bailout

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Why White Gold Rings Are A Great Choice

You will have unlimited option when it comes to deciding on wedding rings, or other important rings. You can choose from thousands of styles and types of rings. The type of metal you can use is also an option that you have to decide on. Sterling silver, gold, and titanium are the usual type of metal that people choose for their rings. However, you should not forget that you can also choose white gold rings for any special occasion or meaning.

Gold is considered as the traditional metal for wedding bands but some people simply don't like the look of it. This metal is not very strong in its purest form which means that it can be bent or chipped rather easily. This is why people with active lifestyles or labor-intensive jobs do not like to wear gold jewelry. Gold rings can often be destroyed or marred by common day-to-day activities.

Silver is also a popular choice but it can tarnish easily. Some people cannot wear it because the skin under their rings turning green, and black in some cases. You should consider white gold rings if gold and silver are to not to your liking.

You can purchase white gold rings on the shops that sell jewelry. You should ask the jeweler to see what they have, and ask them about how to care for white gold before you decide it is something you want. You can also check out online outlets to find white gold jewelry at a cheaper price.

White gold can also be used for necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The price for white gold rings is inexpensive if you compare it to other precious metals such as gold or titanium. You will get durability and the look of silver without having to fear a green ring of skin under your ring when you go for white gold rings.

You have to be careful to choose the ones that are priced right when you look for white gold rings. You may not be getting white gold rings if you find something with a price that is half as much as most jewelers. Dishonest sellers often sell lesser products that never last very long, and often cause skin reactions.

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Shopping For White Gold Bracelets in Comparison With Other White Metals

A lot of people are a bit undecided when it comes to buying white gold bracelets, and this is because the metal looks very close to silver, and compared to silver ones, these bracelets are of course more expensive. So how would you know if the piece you're buying is an authentic bracelet and not just a silver one with an overly inflated price tag? Here are some tips.

Look at the markings. Stores don't put the markings on the jewelry they're selling. The Craftsmen do that. If the bracelet is made from silver and not white gold, the markings on the lock would read "92.5" and "S.S". These stand for the grade of the silver and the words "sterling silver". On the other hand, if you're looking at an authentic piece, the lock should have the karat grade of the gold. This can be either 14k or 18k.
Look at the pricing. Naturally, a store wouldn't put an overly expensive price tag on a sterling silver bracelet unless it's set with valuable precious stone. If you're looking at a sterling silver piece, weigh it with your hand. If it's heavy and it costs $200, don't be too impressed yet. It's definitely a silver bracelet. Pricier silver bracelets are chunkier and heavier than other silver pieces. And if the piece of jewelry weighs that much and you expect it to be made from white gold, think again. It's bound to cost a lot more than that.
Look at the tint of the "whiteness". While both bracelets appear whitish gray, silver pieces have more gray in them, while pieces made from other materials are noticeably more radiant. These bracelets also won't tarnish even when you expose it to water or even as it ages. On the other hand, even the highest grade of silver will tarnish with age after a few months. You will have to purchase a cleaning cloth or powder to maintain its sheen.

While these bracelets are very valuable, other "white" metals are even more expensive. These include titanium and platinum. Most people prefer these two metals despite the bigger price tags.

Platinum bracelets, for example, are the only bracelets which can be acquired in their purest form. When you buy platinum bracelets, you can be sure that you're getting 100% platinum and not just an alloy. White gold is an alloy that's mixed with silver and another precious metal, which is why you can only get it in its impure form: either 14k or 18k. A piece that's 24k is going to be too soft. This is not an ideal grade for jewelry pieces.

Titanium, on the other hand, is the hardest precious metal on earth. It's more scratch and dent resistant compared to most other bracelets. However, because of the hardness of this metal, it's also not versatile when it comes to design. Titanium bracelets are great for men's jewelry, but not as impressive as women's bracelets.

To get more ideas about bracelets made from sterling silver and some other materials try visiting also Italian charm bracelet charms, where you will find this and a lot more tips to create your own Zoppini Italian charms bracelet.