Q: Over a sink, use a sharp knife to cut through the shell and empty the egg into the drain. If you want a more asymmetrical look, simply crack the egg in half with your hands. Then, run the egg shell halves under warm water to remove any residue. Be careful when handling the egg shells. They're very brittle and can crack and break easily if you hold them too tightly or drop them. Put on a pair of latex or rubber gloves and carefully lower one of the shells into the water. Adjust it with your hands so that the open part is facing the top of the water as much as possible. Don't worry if the shell shifts to one side or the other, as long as it's generally positioned with the open side up. If you reach into the water without gloves on, you can stain your hands due to the alum and food coloring.
A: Crack or cut 1 egg in half widthwise and carefully rinse out the shells. Submerge an eggshell in the solution with the open side facing up.

Q: Most canker sores will go away on their own, but if you would like to speed up the healing process you can try gargling with salt water or a baking soda rinse. Add one tablespoon of sea salt or baking soda to four ounces of warm water. Gargle with it twice a day to try to clean out and heal the canker sore. Do not swallow the mouth rinse, as this can lead to illness. Gargle by swishing it around in your mouth for 10 15 seconds and then spit it out. You can also try placing wet tea bags over the canker sores to help them heal. You may use herbal tea bags by steeping them in water and then letting them cool. Then, place them over the canker sore or hold them against the canker sore with your tongue. There are numbing mouth gels for canker sores that you can find at your local drugstore. They may be helpful if you want to numb the pain and be able to eat or chew without irritation. Follow the label instructions on the numbing gel when applying the mouth gel and do not apply too much of the product. The mouth gel should be safe for oral use and safe to swallow. If you notice the canker sore does not heal on its own after two to three weeks, you may want to see your doctor or your dentist. You should also see a doctor if the canker sore spreads to other areas of your mouth and become very large, or if you develop a high fever while having canker sores. You should also see your doctor if the canker sores are very painful despite the use of numbing gel or over-the-counter pain medication.
A: Gargle salt water or a baking soda rinse. Place wet tea bags over the area. Try over-the-counter numbing mouth gel. See your doctor if the canker sore does not go away after two weeks.

Q: If you have darker skin and are prone to acne, you may have more inflammation when you get a bump. In turn, that can lead to dark marks and scarring, so you want to make sure to treat your acne as soon as you see a breakout to help lessen the effect. Start with topical creams, such as ones that contain retinoids, antibiotics, or benzoyl peroxide, although benzoyl peroxidecan be irritating. Ask your doctor which treatment is best of you. You can also ask your doctor about an oral treatment, such as antibiotics or accutane, if your acne is particularly severe. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about whether you should be using other skincare products to help fight your acne. For instance, some foundations have built-in ingredients, such as salicylicacid, to treat and prevent breakouts. To avoid getting painful, irritated razor bumps, always shave your hair in the direction that it's growing. Because African American hair tends to be curly, the tip of the hair can grow back into the skin if it's been shaved too short. Using a safety razor and shaving every other day, rather than daily, can also help reduce razor bumps. If you do get razor bumps, you can treat them with topical ointments such as glycolic acid lotion or a topical antibiotic gel, which your doctor can prescribe. Taking a break from shaving until the hair grows out can help, as well. Hyper-pigmentation just means your skin is blotchy, and it is common among African Americans. Sometimes, pimples and acne can leave darker areas. One way to deal with this issue is to use an exfoliant, such as a chemical exfoliant that has alpha or beta hydroxy. Gently rub the exfoliate on your skin then rinse it off. Another option is a physical exfoliant like exfoliating gloves or even a basic washcloth. Just gently rub your wet skin in a circular motion up and down your body.
A: Treat acne promptly to prevent scarring. Shave in the direction of your hair to prevent razor bumps. Exfoliate to help prevent hyper-pigmentation and acne scars.

Q: Once you've secured a job as a jeweler, a professional certification will assure your customers of the high quality of your work. Jeweler certifications require that you pass an exam either on-site or administered by a self-appointed proctor. Certifications are offered through a variety of organizations. Depending on the organization you choose, you might earn a Jewelers of America Professional Certification from Jewelers of America, or become certified as a Registered Jeweler through the American Gem Society. For jewelers outside the United States, search for jeweler certifications available within your country. If your pieces are high-quality and your customer base is growing, you may wish to start your own business. You'll need to find a supplier or make your supplies by hand, decide on a name, and create marketing materials. Decide whether to run your business online or in a store. You'll reach local clientele in a store and raise your status in the community, and you'll have the ability to physically display your jewelry. Online, you'll have the opportunity to find customers all over the world. Get in touch with your chamber of commerce and Small Business Development Center to ensure that you're properly licensed to start your own business. You may prefer the stability and benefits of working in a large jewelry corporation or a smaller, pre-established store over starting your own business. Continue networking to make contacts in the store or corporation that you want to work for and ask about their application process. Ask for references from jewelers and supervisors at jewelry stores that you've worked at. Prepare well for your interview and be able to give concrete examples of your work and experience. This is a great way to continue networking in the industry meet merchants and sales reps who can expand your client base. To find these shows, read industry publications and check in with your chamber of commerce and national trade organizations. You can also get involved with organizations like the World Jewelry Confederation, which aims to promote and the jewelry industry worldwide and protect consumer interests.
A:
Earn your certification. Start your own jewelry business when your customer base starts expanding. Get a job in a pre-established store once you've established a network and have good references. Participate in gem and jewelry trade shows.