A caftan, or sometimes spelled “kaftan”, is a full-length, loosely-fitted garment with long or short sleeves that have been worn by both men and women.  The caftan has had a long history behind it and is still being used today through many variations.  Designers have made many changes in order to make the comfortable garment more modern and more practical.

Caftans have been said to have originated from the Mesopotamia and Asia Minor regions in 600 B.C.  Variations had also spread through many African countries and by the 13th century it had spread throughout Eastern Europe and Russia.  From Russia, the caftan spread out and made its way to Turkey, who brought it to Hungary and Poland when they conquered those lands.

During the Ottoman Empire of the 16th century, caftans of varying lengths were made from rich satins, velvet, silk and metallic threads.  The different materials of a caftan were used to indicate a person’s social status.  The luxuriously made caftans were often used as gifts or “robes of honor” to visiting dignitaries, bureaucrats, ambassadors, and important government officials and state heads.

Variations were made throughout the years between men’s and women’s caftans.  The men’s often had gores added, which caused the bottom of their caftans to flare out.  The women’s garments were usually more fitted and more likely to have added sashes, belts or other accessories.  Other elegant caftans had multi-layered sleeves and had slits on the other layers to show off the contrasting colors of the fabrics.

The caftan style had only just recently made its way to the West in the 1960’s.  It was Diana Vreeland who had visited Morocco and wrote a series of articles labeling the caftan as fashionable for “The Beautiful People.  Vreeland worked for the magazines Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue as a columnist and editor in the field of fashion.

Today’s caftans have gone through many changes to become more practical, though they still have some of the essence of the African and Moroccan caftans.  Caftans have been customized to each person and used as many different ways: from a cover-up to a nightgown.  They are being worn with jewelry, sashes and belts, buttons, all depending on the owner. The choice of fabric has varied throughout the years, but silks and cottons are still used most.

For more information on caftans, please visit <a href=’http://www. chicboutiquesawgrass.com/. > www.chicboutiquesawgrass.com/. </a>

Salem Hassan is a business marketing director for BreezeGoSEO.com, an Internet Marketing Agency. Salem writes on a wide spectrum of topics related to family, business, consumer best interests, marketing, and other related topics.

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People look for special wedding dresses, shoes and jewellery items for their weddings. They want to wear products made from natural things because they make them look and feel wonderful. Rubies have an incredible history and they symbolize emotion, confidence, love and passion all over the world. This fierce red gem is full of natural glory due to which it is considered master piece of nature. It has exciting eye catching red colors which attracts people. Diamonds are liked at engagements and weddings, but they are expensive so people who don’t afford diamonds buy ruby and/or emerald rings.

Rubies have an interesting historical background as you can find stories about rubies and their mystical powers from exotic cultures. During the middle ages it was considered to have the power to foresee the future. People once believed that the color of the ruby would darken when the wearer was in danger. In the 16th century, its demand increased incredibly because it was thought to counteract poison. Some people believed that if you rub it on your skin then it would restore your vitality and youth. Emeralds look calmer and it go beautifully on people with green eyes.

Rubies are the second hardest substance after diamond on the Moh’s scale due to which they are commonly used in jewellery. Rubies, like emeralds are being widely used in jewellery due to the wide variety in shades, sizes and shapes. You should be careful while buying these stones because most rubies and emeralds are filled with inclusions. Nearly all rubies have natural inclusions which formed due to intense pressure. Rubies without these inclusions are said to be flawless but they are extremely rare. There are some methods which are used to replace natural inclusions with glass. These unnatural methods decrease its value so one should avoid unnatural methods to enhance the beauty of these stones.

Rubies are available in red and different shades of red i.e. from pinkish red to purple red. True red and pigeon red are the most demanded and popular colors of the stone. You can find rubies of different attractive shapes, designs, colors and qualities. Prices of rubies vary according to your selected color, quality and style. It is a birthstone for July during which everyone is full with life, love and passion. It is better to give an emerald or ruby ring to your fiancé if you would like to set yourself apart.

Khurram Zaveri recommends getting a pearl necklace from Minawala, a manufacturer of pearl jewellery.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/why-people-like-rubies-1177679.html