Queen of diamonds

Stunning jewels created from the largest diamond ever found are to be collected together in public for the first time in a unique exhibition at Buckingham Palace. They include a brooch containing gems weighing 94.4 carats and 63.3 carats and another heart-shaped piece featuring an 18.8 carat jewel. The total weight of the gems cut from the Cullinan was 1,055.8 carats.

 Diamond Queen: Her Majesty wears the Imperial State Crown and

holds the Sovereign's Sceptre, both of which contain stones cut

from the Cullinan Diamond in this picture from her Coronation.

The two largest cuts from the Cullinan Diamond were set into

the Sovereign's Sceptre, left, and the Imperial State Crown, right. 

The third and fourth largest of the gems - a pear-shaped drop of 

94.4 carats (III) and the cushion-shaped 63.3 carat IV.

Cullinan V Brooch This heart-shaped stone weighs 18.8 carats and

is mounted in a fine radiating platinum web with a scrolling millegrain 

and pave-set border of brilliant diamonds.

Cullinan IX The smallest of the nine stones, weighing 4.4 carats, was 

set into a platinum ring for Queen Mary in 1911. 

A glass model replica of the Cullinan diamond in its original rough 

state. 

The diamond was also cut to produce this Cullinan III and IV Brooch, commissioned by Queen Mary in 1911, and the Delhi Durbar 

Necklace and Cullinan Pendant.

Coronation in 1953, left, and right, the South Africa necklace and 

bracelet, a gift from the Government of South Africa to the then 

 She has worn the Imperial State Crown throughout her 60-year reign

on occasions such as the state opening of parliament. 

This small diamond crown, as worn by Queen Victoria for her 

official Diamond Jubilee portrait in 1870, will also go on display. 

Made by Garrard, the crown was not made from the Cullinan Diamond. 

The Queen's favourite tiara, given to her from her grandmother, 

Queen Mary, will be in the exhibition. Here, she is pictured 

wearing it in on state visits in 2011, left, and 1989, right.

Infrared Winter Photography

The Netherlands-based photographer travels the globe, capturing breathtaking shots of landscapes filled with promise. She takes a familiar environment and transforms it. You’ve never seen Miami like this!


In this series entitled IR, Netsounski snaps shots of tropical hotspots (no pun intended) and, using infrared technology, distorts the colors in a beautiful way. Vivid shades of green and yellow are muted in the photos, while retaining a strong blue tone. What’s left is a striking combination of icy whites and blues. The result is a fairy tale-like winter wonderland.

How to Propose to an Indian Girl?

Flirting, being friends or very good friends and going out on a special date with a girl; all are very different situations from proposing a girl.

 Men who are going to propose an Indian girl should do this with utmost care. It hurts very much to get denial after proposing a girl. When it comes to proposing an Indian girl, men need to take several factors in to account. Here is a short guide to help you know the best way to propose an Indian girl.

Duration of your relationship

If you are friends with an Indian girl for just 1 or 2 weeks, do not propose her. Give time to your relationship so that it can grow. When a man, who knows a girl for a very short period of time; proposes her; the girl gets to know that the person is just fooling around. However, if you know a girl very well for many months then proposing seems acceptable. 

The quality of your relationship

If you know a girl for a year but have spent only a few lonely moments with her then you should not propose her. Before proposing a girl think yourself that how it will appear to propose a girl whom you just don’t know very well. On the other hand, if you share a very enjoyable relationship with a girl then it will not appear abnormal to propose on your part.  You need to understand that there should be strong reasons for your proposal. Only then the girl would trust you. It is very difficult for an Indian girl to understand that a man who does not know her well really has honest feeling for her. 

Timing

Choose a day when you are on a date with your girl. Observe the mood of the girl whom you are going to propose. If the girl is in a bad mood then don’t propose her. You will suffer without any reason just because of wrong timing. Also, keep on giving hints about your proposal before really proposing a girl. This helps in creating a good platform before you really propose her.

The style for proposing an Indian girl

This is the most important part of proposing an Indian girl. Men should understand that there is no rigid style of proposing a girl. Every girl wishes to get proposed in a unique manner. Keep this in mind and propose her in your own unique style. Be creative and avoid copying someone else. Propose her in such manner that she feels like a princess or the most beautiful woman in the whole universe. Assure her that you will always take care of her and do anything for her happiness. Avoid proposing in a direct manner. It sounds boring and Indian girls would not like it. If they ask for some time to give response then give it to her (Also, you don’t have another option). Remember that patience always pays.

Being Prepared—Doing Your Homework could be the Difference-Maker So, you are sure about getting your timing right and you have decided upon the style of proposing to your Indian girlfriend. However, an important question remains to be asked—have you don’t your homework?

The style for proposing an Indian girl

This is the most important part of proposing an Indian girl. Men should understand that there is no rigid style of proposing a girl. Every girl wishes to get proposed in a unique manner. Keep this in mind and propose her in your own unique style. Be creative and avoid copying someone else. Propose her in such manner that she feels like a princess or the most beautiful woman in the whole universe. Assure her that you will always take care of her and do anything for her happiness. Avoid proposing in a direct manner. It sounds boring and Indian girls would not like it. If they ask for some time to give response then give it to her (Also, you don’t have another option). Remember that patience always pays.

Being Prepared—Doing Your Homework could be the Difference-Maker So, you are sure about getting your timing right and you have decided upon the style of proposing to your Indian girlfriend. However, an important question remains to be asked—have you don’t your homework?

Yes, this might sound a bit strange, but when proposing to a lady, it is vital that you come across as somebody who is seriously interested in her. This means having observed her closely and taking the initiative to find out more about her. If she is your colleague at the office, digging information about her likes and dislikes isn't that difficult. If she is within your extended circle of friends, the task becomes even easier. When you propose to her, it should seem that you know about her preferences and her personality type.

Is she the upfront type who has only dated bold, macho guys in the past? If yes, your style of proposing would be better-off being quick and blunt about it. If she is the sporty types, it would be better if you propose going out on a small adventure trip as a part of the proposal or initiate the conversation with how you have always wanted to try rock climbing. This combination of asking her out and mentioning something that she really likes will make her think that yes, you do understand her and there is something common to build upon.

If she is the shy type, ensure that it doesn’t seem like you are hitting upon her. Before you actually propose, do some homework. Identify her closest friends. Send her some subtle reminders and teasers about the fact that you really like her. In this manner, you would have taken-out the sting of shock or awe at the time of actually proposing to her. Think of this as establishing a reasonable base when proposing to an Indian girl.

Your Choice of Words is Critical When Proposing

Even after the best of preparations, if you end-up saying the wrong things at moment ofproposing to an Indian girl, you are bound to make things difficult for yourself. Rather than leaving it all to spontaneity, it is better to being a bit prepared about how are going to put forth your proposal. The fact is that unless she is a total stranger to you, you don’t need to explain yourself to her. All you need to do is directly ask her out without using the words “date”. There is nothing wrong with using this word but it gives things a rather typical perception.

You are better-off proposing in a manner that is both direct and a bit subtle. Your lines should include phrases like ‘I have been observing you for a long time’ or ‘I have a gut feeling that you wouldn’t mind going out with me’. Don’t bombard her with flowers or gifts before actually saying something. That just seems like a lame attempt to melt her a bit before hitting her with the proposal. Being a bit apprehensive, anxious or even stammering a bit is not an issue as you say it. Don’t try to act too cool or someone you are not. Don’t behave like some overconfident schmuck who couldn’t care less.

How to Kiss Passionately

It really doesn’t matter if you are real player or just getting started in the dating playground,

the bottom-line remains that you need to be a more-than-good kisser to present yourself as lovable and passionate. If you have been struggling to kiss passionately, you can consider the following set of tips.

Getting Prepared to Kiss Passionately

To get started, you need to ensure that there are no distractions. Being dedicated to the kissing part and having your entire attention on her is most critical. Get rid of all the apprehensions in your mind and leave your worries behind for some other day. Be confident of yourself. It isn't possible to get the luxury of asking her to wear something sexy for you every time. So, when you are about to approach the moment, think of her in more revealing, erotic clothes—this helps to spice-up your mind, getting your more excited. This kind of arousal is helpful since it helps to increase the circulation of blood and gets you in the mood to a greater extent. Better circulation of blood means that your face will feel warmer, more welcoming and supple—something that is often ignored when kissing passionately is discussed.

Getting Expressive With Your Lips

It really doesn’t matter whether you bump your nose into hers or your teeth collide, making that skirmish sound. These things really don’t matter as long as you are ready to get creative with your lips. For starters, a passionate kiss can be seldom a light one. You need to press your lips against her. Don’t fret about what is too hard and what is just right. Just remember that your lips should be smudged upon her without worrying about the rhythm. Yes, if you are slightly more experienced in this niche, try to start with a full-on kiss and alternate it with lighter ones. The lighter mode includes moving away from her lips for a second, gathering your breath and then diving deeper into her lips with even more momentum.

Getting Creative With Your Lips & Tongue

Okay, so the French take the honors for inventing a rather passionate way of kissing. However, French Kissing isn't the only type of kiss that expresses passion. Simply forget about every rule in the book of kissing you have ever read or heard about. Keep it simple and try-out as many variations you can try. The best way to be a passionate kisser is to be spontaneous. This means doing everything possible with your tongue too. For instance, you can be sloppy with your tongue. This means smearing her lips with a bit more of wetness and then repeatedly wiping it off with your lips. Suck her lower lip into your mouth by shaping your lips like a big pout. When her lips are inside your mouth, tease and nibble them with your tongue and teeth.

Getting Aggressive Without Being Fast

Perhaps, one the most overlooked aspects of kissing passionately is the pace of kissing. Yes, you are bound to be excited as you feel her flesh in your mouth and her breath tantalizes your senses. Yes, there are no rules when you are trying to be spontaneous and expressive. However, it is recommended not to be too quick about it. Every variation of a kiss that you try should be a bit slow in the execution. Whether it is pleasing her in the bed or kissing passionately, being quick isn't the wisest approach sense it makes your sense rush through the motions, reducing the overall impact, not allowing your mind to process every bit of exhilaration it feels. As hinted above, sloppy kissing is often underplayed, but most folks don’t realize it that can be really passionate as long as you do it slowly using your tongue like a tool to moisten every bit of her lips and tongue.

When Trying to Kiss Passionately Use Your Body Too

This passionate kissing tip is applicable to all those who are under the impression that your mouth needs to do all the work when kissing. The reality is that the manner in which your embrace her with your hands, preferably a tight hug, makes a major difference. The closer your bodies are pressed against each other, the better access you will have to her mouth apart from being able to enforce your lips fully on to hers. More bodily contact also suggests that you are more passionate about her and aren't just testing or trying-out snogging. If you can slowly pull your partner closer when kissing until she is practically seated upon you, it will create a better impact of you totally giving into the moment, i.e. being passionate.

Explore Beyond the Lips

The opinions differ a bit on this aspect, but still most kissing experts would suggest not limiting yourself to her mouth. Use your lips like an explorer on the move. Kiss, lick and taste every bit of her face, including her chin, neck, cheeks and eyes. Nibble on her facial skin, especially the ears. This is more suggestive of a man who is totally overcome by a lady and just cannot control himself—again, suggestive of a passionate rather than a calculative kisser.

Different Types of Girlfriends

There as many types ofgirlfriends as there are types of boyfriends.


Fortunately for you, we are not going to break them down according to their sun signs! We shall however, tell you more about the various kinds of girlfriends you are expected to come across in your dating life. Their nuances, their positives, their obvious negatives and why they could be just the one’s for you. So read on, and you might just discover your type in this list.


1. Individualistic & Indian

The ‘I&I’ girlfriend is the one who has brains which she uses and who is culturally rooted. She wants her space, has a strong independent identity, cultivates opinions and cannot be pushed around. At the same time, she knows her boundaries; she accepts the good as well the bad that comes with living in a male-dominated Indian society and has her head on her shoulders. She will be a sane partner; one who will respect your individuality as she treasures her own.

2. Domestic & Docile

She is the girlfriend who will always put her boyfriend ahead of her. She has opinions and a mind that she can use, but she chooses to stir the way her partner wishes her too. She is certainly not dumb, but she chooses to believe or has been raised in a manner which suggests that the man is alpha, omega and everything in between. This does not mean she will not put you in your place should you go overboard, but you can expect her to support you no matter what in whatever you chose to do or believe.

3. Demanding & Dominating

If this type is your girlfriend, then you can forget almost all other aspects of your life. She will demand that she be the centre of your universe and she will be dominating enough to make sure she gets what she demands. If your personality is not strong headed enough, she might over-ride you and your choices/decisions.

4. Possessive & Paranoid

Remember Lara Dutta from No Entry? Yes, that’s the type we are talking about. She is loving and caring and sweet. But then she also is possessive and compulsively cross-checks. You will find yourself answering the 'where you are' and 'what you are doing' questions 10 times a day, and still might have to face a barrage of questions after you’ve done all answering.

5 Money & More Money

This type is as old as humanity itself. She is with you for the money. She wants you to spend every time you’ll go out and won’t do with anything cheap. In case you run out of money, you can be sure she won’t be by your side anymore. She is not the one if you’re looking for love; a fling is what will work best.

These are just our versions of the various types of girlfriends that can be. Obviously, there is more to each girlfriend that what we’ve stated above. We certainly mean no harm or disrespect to women.

Top Ten Most Expensive Cars in the World

Fasten your seatbelts, hold on tight and try not to hyperventilate, salivate as MensXP titillates you with a list of the most expensive cars in this world.
Say sayonara to the Rolls and Mercs, for this is the league of extraordinary vehicles.
Warning: If you get a heart attack, you can’t sue us. We warned you.


10. Porsche 918 Spyder: $845,000

The limited production hybrid vehicle is the first of its kind to be produced by the company. Powered by a 4.6 liter, V8 engine, this baby can take you from 0 to 100 in less than 2.9 seconds. This is one ‘Spyder’ whose web everyone wants to get entangled in.

9. The SSC Tuatra: $970,000

Shelby Super Cars (SSC) Tuatra was introduced with the sole aim of dethroning the Bugatti Veyrnon Super Sport as the fastest car in the world. It packs an astonishingly impressive engine capacity with a 7 litre engine and 1350 horsepower. We can say it sufficiently satisfies all your speed demons and more.

8. Hennessey Venom GT: $1,000,000

The Hennessey Venom GT spells out allure with its sleek agility. Auto enthusiasts all over the world laud its 1200 horsepower engine, that makes driving the car to a top speed of more than 400 kmph possible. Steven Tyler, is part of this select club of Hennessey Venom GT owners. Only 5 of these vehicles are produced every year and, hence, coveted by many.

7. Aston Martin One 77: $1,400,000

If a 1.4 million dollar price tag wasn’t enough to ensure that most mere mortals will never get a chance to own one, the fact that only 77 of these cars exist surely will. A handcrafted aluminum body with its signature Ashton craftsmanship, a full carbon fiber monocoque chassis, powered by an innately aspirated 7.3-liter V12 engine make this a rare collectible in the world of car connoisseurs.

6. Maybach Landaulet: $1,500,000

The Maybach Landaulet is the last word when it comes to luxury and opulence. A color-coded cabin with divided driver and passenger areas, a convertible roof that opens up for an unobstructed view of the sky, seats that rival those of luxury private jets; the sheer scale of its extravagance makes even the traditional luxury sedans like the Bentley pale in comparison

5. Lamborghini Reventon: $1,600,000

A car like the Lamborghini Reventon could make you sell your soul to the devil and even enjoy every minute of it. Inspired by the fastest airplanes, its V-12 engine enables it to reach a maximum speed of 340 kilometers/hour. All it takes is 3.4 seconds for this baby to go from 0 to 100 kmh. Can we say Va Va Vroom?

4. Zenvo ST: $1,800,000

Carlsberg Beer isn’t the only thing the Danish got right. They also made a supercar with a supercharged 7.0-liter V8 engine, which can go from 0 to 60mph in 2.9 seconds. Expect every demand to be catered when you spend such a colossal amount of money. Each and every detail in this car– from colour, fabric to wheels is customized. The company also has a team of ‘flying doctors’ who will fly over and cater to any maintenance issues. And if that isn’t enough, you also get a $50,000 watch free when you buy this car. Who said the super rich don’t dig bargains?

3. Pagani Zonda Clinque Roadster: $1,850,000

The Pagani Zoda Clinque Roadster is considered somewhat of an ‘exotic’ breed in the world of supercars. It is created using a material called carbo-titanium, wherein carbon fibre is weaved with titanium threads. The handcrafted, turbo charged, super twin engines make this car go from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 217 mph. Only five of these were made by the company.

2. Ferrari 599 XX: $2,000,000

It is not just the ‘rumored’ 2 million dollar price tag that makes the Ferrari 599XX every carholics wet dream. The car is only available to a select group of Ferrari owners handpicked by the company. This is one party which is 'by invitation only’- even in the world of the super rich. Modified for exclusive track events, and armed with a 700-hp V12 engine, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds minus any turbo or superchargers. Based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, this prototype is an extreme track car designed to test limits for maximum performance.

1. Bugatti Veyron Super Sport: $2,400,000

With great power comes… a Bugatti Veyron Super Sport! The fastest car in the world with a top speed of 268 mph is also the most expensive car in the world. Its 16 cylinder 1,200-horsepower engine can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in a mere 2.5 seconds. A perfect amalgamation of power and performance, this breathtaking car is the big daddy of them all.

With so many cars titillating you, it is only justified that you feel your life is incomplete until you can lay hands on one of these babies. However, unless you have inherited quite a fortune from your forefathers, you might need to break the bank or make a deal with the devil.