Proper Lighting For a Jewelry Store

Proper store lighting can attract more customers to any establishment, help sell more product, and strengthen a store's image. Many designers argue that the most important element of a store's design may be its lighting. Unfortunately, lighting is often the most neglected component of store design.

When choosing the lighting for any store or display cases, here are a few ideas to keep in mind.

Lamps

Ceiling Height: The height of a store's ceiling is one of the most important factors that goes into a plan for lighting a jewelry store in such a way that the merchandise looks spectacular. As the source of light moves farther away from the merchandise the power and intensity of the light diminishes. Stores with higher ceilings (over 9') face some challenges with lighting. Stores with ceiling that are taller either have to use more lights that are spaced closer together to illuminate a showcase or bring the light source closer by dropping down a track or using a pendant.

Color: The color of light is measure in Kelvin (temperature). The higher the temperature (Kelvin) reading the cooler the color of light and the lower the temperature the warmer the color. For example a light that is 3000K would be a warmer color and a light that is 4000K would be a cooler light. As the temperature of light gets too high (over 4200K) the color of the light begins to take on a blue quality. Lights that are in the 5500K to 6500K will look "blue" to the eye.

Bulb Life/Quality: How long a bulb is expected to last is based upon its "rated life". The better bulbs have a rated life in excess of 10,000 hours. The quality of a bulb can also be measured by its CRI (Color Rendition Index). The higher the CRI of a bulb the better the quality of the light that it projects will be. CRI numbers over 80 signify a very high quality of light. CRI numbers over 90 signify an exemplary quality of light.

Power of Light: The power of a bulb is measured in lumens. The amount of light that is generated is measured in Lux or, more commonly, in foot-candles ("fc"). The higher the lumens the higher the amount of foot-candles that will be generated by the bulb.

Different Light Sources: There are three main sources of light that are used in Jewelry stores. They are (1) Ceramic Metal Halide (2) Halogen (3) Fluorescent. LED technology is being used more and more but is still far behind the main three. The best source of lighting for jewelry is still Ceramic Metal Halide. This is due to its qualities. They are energy efficient, powerful (lumens over 6000), come in warm and cool colors (3000K to 4200K) has excellent CRI (over 80 and in most cases over 90 CRI) and can provide foot-candles that can exceed 400. Halogens are hot, have lower CRI's, do not maintain their color over the life of the bulb and are about a quarter to a third of power of a ceramic metal halide. Fluorescents are energy efficient but do not project enough power to be useful in a jewelry store when it comes to illuminating merchandise.

LED's are the "buzz" but they have limitations and problems. LED technology is constantly changing. An LED fixture you buy today is (as in the case of a personal computer) will be outdated within a year. Keeping a consistent color of the LED over time can be problematic due to the changes in LED technology. LED's can make jewelry look great inside of the showcase but are not powerful enough to be placed over the case where the sale is actually made. Due to this limitation, a different source of light is required above the showcase such as ceramic metal halide or halogen. This is where the problems occur. What happens is that there are two different sources of light each making a piece of jewelry look different. As an example ... a customer see's a piece of jewelry inside of a showcase being lit by an LED strip. They ask to have the salesperson take it out for them to see it. It is taken out and is now over the glass being illuminated by a DIFFERENT light source which makes the piece look different. The customer begins to wonder if the lighting inside the case is there to "trick" them into thinking the jewelry looks good. As sales are finalized on the "glass" having a light source that makes the jewelry look the same inside the case as it does above the case is crucial to closing a sale.

TIPS:

(1) Most designers who understand the proper way to light a jewelry store will tell you that you light "for diamonds" and the rest of your merchandise will survive do just fine AND that if you light for gold your diamonds will die. Diamonds require a bright white light that provides enough power to make them sparkle. Diamonds should be shown under lights that are in the 4000 -4200K range. This provides a beautiful white color that stops short of taking on blue color qualities. Gold and warmer colored stones look the best under warmer colored lights 3000K to 3500K. However, if a store is going to use a single color of light throughout its showcases then the adage of "lighting for diamonds" is the way to proceed.

(2) Make certain that lighting is powerful enough to produce a minimum of 200fc. Having light that is less than 200fc is universally agreed to be lower than the minimum amount of light to properly light jewelry, especially diamonds. Readings of between 200 and 400fc is the optimum amount of light power over a showcase depending on the store owner's personal preference as to the amount of light that they think looks best.

(3) Have ambient or general lighting be warmer and less powerful than the lighting over the showcases. The human eye is attracted to brighter light. If the general lighting in a store is the same color and power as that over the showcases then there will be nothing to attract the customers to the showcases and the store will have a cold non-inviting feel to it. By having the general (ambient) lighting less powerful (about 75fc) and of a warmer color (between 2500 and 300K) the lighting over the merchandise will stand out and attract the customer to the cases.

(4) When lighting a window display that has natural sunlight shining into it use twice the amount of light that would be commonly used over a showcase in order to combat the power of the sun.

When upgrading lighting the trend is commonly a change from Halogen technology. Customers who are using Halogen and who switch to ceramic metal halide will notice an immediate difference in the quality and power of the light, the decrease in heat and the remarkable change that it makes to their merchandise.

Things to consider when choosing the type of lighting:

Track: This provides the most versatility as fixtures can be moved and repositioned with ease. If merchandise is moved from case to case or showcases are moved track lighting provides the store owner with the most options.

Recessed: This provides the sleekest look. The limitations are that the store owner will be limited in their ability to add or decrease light as well as limitations with moving merchandise and showcases around inside of the store. Once a recessed light is installed the cost to add or take away lighting becomes a large expense as electricians are required to remove/move lighting as well as the issues involved with repairing the holes in the ceiling where the recessed fixture was installed.

Pendants: Pendants are a great way to bring a light source closer to the showcases where the ceilings are high and the store owners do not want to spend the money required to add additional lights to compensate for high ceilings.

Inside of Showcase Lighting: Having lighting inside of a showcase can really add sparkle and glitter to your jewelry. The best lighting for inside a case is LED. Be careful though when choosing the LED to make sure that the color of the light is not blue (5500K = color range). Having one color shining on your merchandise inside the case and a different color shining on your merchandise above the case has the real potential to lose a sale. Stores do not want their customers to be attracted to how jewelry and diamonds looks inside only to have it look different on top of the glass where the sale is actually closed. Customers will think that stores are trying to trick them through the use of fancy lighting.

Proper Lighting For a Jewelry Store

For more information on Jewelry Store Lighting, visit http://www.eco-lite.com/industries/jewelry/jewelry-store-lighting.htm
Howard Gurock
President
Eco-Lite Products, LLC
33 Rockland Park Avenue
Tappan, New York 10983
Tel (800) 345-9652
Fax (845) 365-9777
howardg@eco-lite.com

Buy Cookware Sets

The Importance Of Lighting In Interior Design

How you light your house is an important part of redecorating. A change in the lighting can change how the room is viewed. Lighting interior design contributes greatly to the look and feel of a room. There are many types of lighting which can be used in various rooms. We are no longer restricted to a few lamps around the room.

Ambient lighting is a hidden light source that washes the room with a glow. This creates very few shadows and tends to flatten a room. Japanese paper lanterns and wall sconces both produce ambient lighting. For temporary ambient effects, use a dimmer with your ordinary lighting.

Lamps

Accent lighting provides interest to a room. This method of lighting interior design highlights and object or architectural feature. To use accent lighting, you only need a bulb and a shield to direct the light to the desired focus. Halogen spotlights and opaquely shaded table lamps both provide accent lighting.

Another kind of lighting used in interior design is task lighting. This is a more practical lighting strategy, highlighting an area for daily activities such as reading, cooking, and sewing. Effective task lighting prevents eyes strain and helps with the performance of vital activities. The kitchen is a particularly good place to incorporate task lighting in your interior design. Task lighting sources should be unobtrusive and shielded to prevent glare. Task lighting can be effectively combined with accent lighting to produce lovely effects.

Some lighting can be a work of art in and of itself. Aesthetic lighting is purely decorative, such as a neon sculpture or a spotlight illuminating a statue or painting. This type of lighting must not be used alone, but accompanied by other lighting strategies in your interior design.

Of course, no survey of lighting interior design would be complete without a mention of natural light. Rooms can be arranged to take advantage of the position of the sun at different times of day. This type of lighting is also called kinetic lighting because the light from outside moves. It is one of the less reliable types, as it is affected by the seasons and the weather, but natural lighting can produce an effect unequaled by any artificial light source when used properly.

Lighting is an important tool in your design collection. The way you do your lighting interior design affects the perception of any room. Lighting is also versatile. Using several strategies at once in a room allows you to turn any of them off, changing the look and feel with the flick of a switch. This can be effective for creating different moods in different rooms at night.

The Importance Of Lighting In Interior Design

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.decorhowto.com where you can get more tips on decorating and interior design.

http://bastcomparekitchenfaucets.blogspot.com/

The Pros and Cons of Low Energy LED Lighting

For most people, probably the biggest single factor against low energy LED lighting as a substitute for the soon-to-be-phased-out regular incandescent light bulb is the cost differential. There is no doubt that an LED equivalent light bulb (for example a 6w LED spotlight as a direct replacement for a 35w GU10 halogen lamp) is significantly more expensive than either the original or a CFL alternative.

There are however three important points to bear in mind about the higher price for low energy LEDs as compared to incandescent and energy saving CFL light bulbs.

Lamps

First, the price difference reflects the fact that the use of LED for general purpose domestic lighting is still quite novel, though increasing manufacturing levels and consumer take-up will drive the price down dramatically once both come fully on stream over the coming months.

Second, and partially related to the observation above, is that the cost of LEDs drops by a factor of twenty over the course of each decade. This characteristic is reliably predicted by Haitz's Law (very similar to Moore's Law for computer chips and for similar reasons, principally because LEDs are, just like computer chips, pure electronic devices). Haitz also states that LED performance (amount of light per watt of electricity) increases tenfold over the same decade.

Third and perhaps most intriguing is the fact that as far as the cost of domestic lighting is concerned, the price of light bulbs is almost entirely irrelevant. It is an extraordinary yet easily provable fact that even if regular light bulbs were totally free and LED lights cost, let's say something outrageous like each, it would still be vastly more economical to purchase LED low energy lights.

The reason for this is simple: the cost of electrical lighting is the cost of the energy i.e. electricity. It matters not one jot what the actual light bulbs cost; it's what it costs to run them that really counts. Also, since LEDs last for tens of thousands of hours (in practice, decades of use) you only need to pay the purchase price once, unlike regular bulbs which last only upto two thousand hours or just over one year.

The second biggest gripe about low energy LED lighting is light levels and quality, or in technical parlance luminosity and light color.

The concern about luminosity stems largely from historical notions of LED lighting applications such as LED Christmas lights and pocket torches which are clearly not capable of providing anything close to useable domestic lighting. However, you could right now purchase one of the latest Sharp Zenigata LED series of light bulbs which is rated at 80 lumens per watt (measure of luminosity).

To understand what this means, consider that a standard 40w incandescent bulb delivers about 360 lumens and a 60w bulb about 540 lumens, which gives a ratio of 9 lumens per watt. Anything that offers greater than 25 lumens per watt can be classed as an energy saving light bulb. Zenigata LED light bulbs consume 6.7 watts and thus produce 6.7 * 80 lumens per watt which is 536 lumens, on a par with the standard 60w incandescent light bulb.

So you could, right now, replace all your 60w light bulbs with Zenigata LED light bulbs rated at 6.7 watts and consume 1/10th (or 90% less) electricity. And remember Haitz's Law? Because of performance improvements, eighteen months from now you should be able to obtain the same 60w worth of lighting from just 3 watts.

LED light, in common with CFLs, has tended to be a somewhat cool blue colour, whereas we are more accustomed to a warmer yellow white colour. This is something that is now commonly addressed with the use of colored phosphors (these do reduce luminosity but this is in turn compensated for by the ever increasing lumens per watt yields for LEDs).

The third factor that might be considered to weigh against low energy LED lighting is that the light emitted by an LED is intrinsically directional and doesn't scatter in all directions the way that incandescent and fluorescent lights do. This is actually quite acceptable in a spotlight, flood light or bright reading lamp, but it's not especially effective for emulating general ambient lighting such as a table lamp would provide. Though again, there are LED powered general lighting light bulbs becoming more commonly available that do a reasonable job here.

Two obvious plus points for low energy LED lighting are ease of retrofit and ecological credentials (other than simply saving energy).

LED lights are widely available for all common base fittings such as mains powered GU10 and 12v MR16 spotlights and the low energy standard base GU24 as well as regular bayonet mounts and Edison screw fittings. LED lights also don't suffer from the many inherent problems associated with CFLs such as: noticeably poor start-up times; reduced lifespan caused by frequent switching on and off; and bulky unattractive bulbs.

But perhaps one of the most widely known advantages of low energy LED lighting over energy saving CFL light bulbs is that they don't contain toxic mercury vapour or other unpleasant materials, and thus do not pose a serious health risk or require tiresome and expensive disposal procedures to protect the environment.

To sum up, the main perceived disadvantages of domestic energy saving LED lighting are cost and application (luminosity and color). Yet as we have seen, the cost of a light bulb is actually a red herring - the true cost of electrical lighting is the price of electricity and on this score ultra low energy LED lighting puts everything else, including energy saving CFLs, completely in the shade (pun intended).

As regards luminosity and light quality, LED lights on balance deliver a cleaner, sharper light than CFL light bulbs and offer far more flexibility in terms of color choice and brightness.

Finally, the biggest advantage that low energy domestic LED lighting has over its rivals is that the lighting industry itself regards domestic LED lighting as the future and can barely disguise its contempt for CFLs. Lighting giants such as Philips are on record as stating that they will not invest a single dollar further into CFLs and that their entire research and development efforts are now directed at domestic LED lighting technology.

Those who follow eco-technology trends are well aware that there is a world-wide phase-out of incandescent light bulbs already well underway and scheduled to complete within the next couple of years. Given international legislation to ban incandescent lighting and lack of support for the already dated and unloved CFL, it's near certain where the future of lighting lies - with low energy LED light. And as advantages go, I'd say that one's pretty compelling.

The Pros and Cons of Low Energy LED Lighting

Find out more by reading the full article which explains what you need to know about low energy lighting in general and 12v LED lights and particular.

Megan's alter-ego KuleKat is interested in the defining features of our times (climate change, oil depletion, technology and so on) and what it all means and more importantly what you can do about it.

http://bastcomparekitchenfaucets.blogspot.com/ Buy Cookware Sets

Pool Table Lamps, Billiard Lighting

No one except the most accomplished among people can do pool or billiards unless in a properly lit space, thus the desire for exceptional pool illumination has been around for as long as pool has been played. This article focuses on a few of the choices available in selecting pool lights and the best places for billiard lamps.

Pool Table Lamps

Lamps

The origins of billiards-or pool- finds it's routes in the early 20th century when mostly working class men would gather in public halls and be able to 'pool' thier money for horse racing wagers. In those days, the majority of these buildings were badly lit but the game of pool grew as a means of spending the day. And as time moved forward and lighting was increasingly plentiful, the choices accessible for pool lights became bigger until now, in which time it is difficult to think about something that you could not find faily simply.

Pool table lighting is essential as pool tables are mostly located in dimly lit bars or halls in which the lights don't provide enough illumination to be able to play with expertise. This piece delves into the past of billiard lamps and how to remedy a badly lighted environment.

Pool is a passtime that mostly grew in the USA by gamblers that would group dollars to wager on horse racing. However pool is very closely associated with billiards plus there are a lot of varying kinds of billiards or pool that can be played. The ultimately sophisticated is snooker and is considered to be a different cue sport than pool. But whatever table ball game you want to play, one thing is for sure and that is you need plenty of light. And that could be a difficulty as lighting options- and even electricity - was scarce, but now, for any occasion, billiard tables can have have enough light for everyone to enjoy the game.

Pool Table Lamps, Billiard Lighting

Discount Pool Table Lights Here: http://www.pooltablelamps.net/

http://bastvanitiesvanitybenches.blogspot.com/

Tiffany Accent Table Lamps - The Perfect Bedroom Lighting

For the last hundred plus years people have been falling in love with Tiffany Table Lamps and Tiffany Accent Lamps. In fact since the first leaded glass shades started being produced by the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company somewhere around 1898, they have been collected, cherished and displayed in many various room settings along with other Tiffany Glass products and collectibles.

Today people still buy these same style Tiffany Table Lamps. They still collect them, cherish them and display them the same way they did all throughout the early days of the 19th century. People buy these beautiful timeless Tiffany Table Lamps for their absolute beauty, their own enjoyment, and the enjoyment and delight of their friends and guest who visit their home.

Lamps

Tiffany glass products are unique in that they are a reflection of their own artful design. The right Tiffany Table Lamp will lend itself to almost every interior decorating scheme. From antique to modern to traditional or contemporary. From your living room, to the bedroom, a Tiffany Table Lamp's ageless design and elegant style and color stands by itself in a way that no other table lamp lighting product can achieve.

Share Your Love For These Beautiful Table Lamps With Your Child In Their Bedroom

Tiffany Accents Lamps are a wonderful gift for your child and a great way to introduce them to these truly timeless lamps. A small Tiffany Accent Lamp or Tiffany Novelty Accent Lamp like a turtle or cat makes a wonderful gift and addition to your child's room. At the same time you will be sharing with them your appreciation of these beautiful Tiffany Lamps. Some of the smaller Tiffany Accent Lamp shade sizes start at around 9" with a height from 9" to around 11". They are easy to find and are available from several Tiffany lighting manufactures.

The smaller sized Tiffany Accent Lamps or "Mini" Accent Table Lamps make a beautiful night light as well. Many of the smaller Tiffany Accent Lamps use a candle light that puts off less light at night and gives your child's room a more comfortable, soft glow, helps them to feel safe and comfortable and uses less electricity. Unlike many night lights your child will come to love and cherish their Tiffany Accent Lamp the same way you have for many years to come.

Tiffany Table Lamps and Tiffany Accent Lamps work in your bedroom as well. 

In fact, Tiffany Table Lamps work just as well in your bedroom as they do in the living room. If you are considering new night stand lamps for your bedroom, two medium sized Tiffany Accent lamps makes a beautiful addition to your bedrooms interior design. With their full range of colors and styles Tiffany Accent Table Lamps will blend well with your bedding taste, in addition allow you to add more color in your bedroom setting.

One of the main considerations when choosing a Tiffany Table Lamp or Tiffany Accent Lamp for your bedroom is the size. Whether it's in your living room, den or even a bedroom, having a large Tiffany Table Lamp in a smaller room setting makes it look out of place. If your Tiffany Accent Lamp is to small it might look just as out of place and not supply the right amount of lighting.

Using two medium sized Tiffany Accent Table Lamps can work well in a large or small space. Choosing the right Tiffany Table Lamp or Tiffany Accent Lamp size depends a lot on your own personal taste, but your bedroom's size, shape, or dimensions might be a contributing factor. Make sure you do your homework so you get the right lamp and shade dimensions that will suit your needs.

The following is the usual height and shade dimensions for a majority of these beautiful table lamps. Keep in mind that a few lamps in either style will be taller or shorter. If you have something special in mind, you might also consider having your Tiffany Table Lamp or Tiffany Accent Lamp custom made. Of course at a cost, there are several Tiffany Lamp or Tiffany Lighting manufactures that will work with you to custom build exactly what you are looking for.

Basic Tiffany Lamp Sizes and Dimensions

Tiffany Accent Lamps - 9" to 21" in height with a shade size that ranges from 9" to 14". These lamps can take 1 to 2 bulbs with a range from 40 watts to 100 watts. Depending on your setting a 40 watt bulb could work just fine.

Tiffany Table Lamps - 18" to 36" in height with a shade size that ranges from 14" to 24". These lamps can take 1 to 3 bulbs with a range from 40 watts to 100 watts. Depending on your lighting needs 60 watt bulbs should work well.

Lasting Timeless Beauty Versus Cost

Cost will usually be a factor in deciding which style of lamp you choose. Tiffany Table Lamps are more expensive simply because of their style, size and design. Prices can range from as low as 0 and go up to 0 to 00. The median range for these table lamps are between 0 and 0. Tiffany Accent Lamps are less expensive but by no means less elegant or beautiful. Prices can range from as low as and go up to 0 to 0. The median range for Tiffany Accent Table Lamps are between 0 to 0.

In the early 1900's a large Tiffany Lamp cost around 0 with the smaller lamps costing around . The price of a beautiful Tiffany Lamp hasn't changed much in the last hundred plus years if you take into account the rise of inflation. When you consider the cost of either style of lamp as they did a hundred years ago, consider also their lasting timeless beauty. The years of enjoyment you will receive from a Tiffany Table Lamp or Tiffany Accent Lamp may be well worth the investment.

Tiffany Accent Table Lamps - The Perfect Bedroom Lighting

Craig Tucker is the owner of Grannies Gadgets. A Specialty Firm that searches for unique products and opportunities for his business clients. He is also the editor and in store floor designer for http://www.TiffanyLampDiscounters.net. We invite you to learn more about Tiffany Table Accent Lamps at http://www.tiffanylampdiscounters.net/documents/tiffany_table_lamps_new_locations.html.

http://christmasgarlandhome.blogspot.com/ http://buybedroomfutonsfurniture.blogspot.com/