Saturday, September 25, 2010

Engagement Rings And Diamond Gifts For Any Occasion

Buy diamonds not for engagement rings or wedding rings, but for the other milestones in your life too. You can give them as business gifts for casual meetings or celebrations. Buy them for family members on their birthdays, holidays or family reunions. Get diamond earrings and loose diamonds for loved ones who don't prefer rings. You can find a diamond gift that fits any circumstance.

Seek engagement rings in a diversity of shapes, sizes, cleanliness, fluorescence and light performance. Diamonds also diverge and are rated by the four c's: clarity, carat, color and cut. To the inexperienced you may recognize diamonds come in different shapes and designs. However, you may have difficulty understanding how diamonds themselves are valued without even the most basic knowledge.

If buying engagement rings, diamond earrings or loose diamonds, find out more about diamonds first. That way you obtain a greater comprehension of how much value the gift you are getting actually has. This isn't just referring to the actual buying price, but also the speculative value of the gift. Act shrewd so that you can make sure each gift recipient gets a gift due to them, whether they be a childhood friend, a business investor, or a prospective life partner.

Several aspects contained in valuing diamonds are not so obvious without a proper study. The reality is, although there are separate gemological associations, valuing diamonds depends on the person or organization doing it. There are also disparate grade systems utilized to rank and price diamonds. You may be acquiring diamond earrings with greater worth than loose diamonds, albeit visually, they look about the same.

There are several particulars you need to find out about this instant in terms of grading diamonds. For one, their weight is more relevant to their retail than the quality of their cut. Secondly, diamonds get much of their value from the cutting process. Your diamond earrings are probably less than half their original size. But since cutting brings out their fire and brilliance, it raises their value.

Grading and pricing systems aside, there is no such thing as a greatest diamond. The Hope diamond, Oppenheimer diamond and Darya-I-Nur aren't any greater or lesser compared to your parent's engagement rings, or to any loose diamonds in the market today. This is because each diamond is created unique. The greatest diamond gift does not cost the most, but is best suited to your needs.

Get diamonds not just as engagement rings or wedding rings, but also for other occasions. You can get them as business gifts for informal meet ups or celebrations. Get them for family members on their birthdays, holidays or family reunions. Get diamond earrings and loose diamonds for loved ones who don't prefer rings. There is a diamond gift to match every occasion.

-Lorraine Jacobs

The Value Of Fine Jewelry Pieces For Women

Fine jewelry has played a significant role throughout history. From the ancient times, humans have been wearing jewelry pieces to accentuate their bodies. Starting from the old stone age approximately 25,000 years ago, both men and women collected different kinds of items, drilled holes in them and wore them for varying reasons. But, women are undeniably more inclined to use jewelry than men due to the many purposes that these items serve.

In a recent survey spearheaded by one lifestyle magazine, it was found out that out 0f 100 female respondents 95 spends more time shopping for fine jewelry compared to other accessories. This study, though not extensive, profoundly speaks of how much women admire jewelry. With this you're probably asking: "what is it with jewelry that entices women so much?- Accordingly, there's a whole range of reasons why women love jewelry.

To begin with, jewelry of all sorts is an important additive that enhances the entire context of dressing and artistic display. They are considered as vital components of fashion and style as they have the power to improve the visual appeal of the clothes women wear. Hair dresses adorned with loose diamonds could make the hair glimmer, brooches and pins apparently make a dull looking office suit into a livelier outfit. Jewelry pieces worn on different parts of the body such as bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces create a focal point that hides aesthetic flaws of women.

Aside from accessorizing, jewelry pieces are also used to help define the social status of women in the society. During the ancient times, many cultures used jewelry pieces as determinants of the positions that women hold in their communities--the slaves wore beaded articles of jewelry, while elite women made use of metallic jewelry pieces embellished with precious stones like loose diamonds. Although such purpose may not be as intense today compared from the past, it cannot be discounted that is still apparently a practice that many rich and famous people uphold.

Women also appreciate fine jewelry items because of their associated symbolism and spiritual and health value. Women from India have long been using the "tika- which looks like a chandelier earring that is hooked at the hair end with the pendant at the exact center of the forehead to represent spiritual preservation. Nose rings on the other hand is said to enhance sexual reflexes, while necklaces, which are often worn close to the heart are identified as pieces that work on emotions and attract or strengthen love. Charm bracelets are often used because of the luck they induce, while bangles are said to help unleash creativity and represent the potent energy of the sun. Gemstones of all kind are also revered for their healthy benefits especially in the field of Feng Shui, with diamonds to enhance clarity and jade to achieve relaxation just to name a few.

Of course, jewelry pieces tell volumes of stories that is why women love them so much. They tell stories of love, friendship, celebration, welcoming or personal epiphany. They speak of relationships with spouses and better halves as seen from the use of wedding and engagement rings embellished with round brilliant cut diamonds; friendships through the token of friendship rings and bands as well as families with the use of heirlooms that are bequeathed from one family member to the other. Overall, jewelry whether big or small, cheap or expensive tells something about the characters of women that sometimes words could not define.

Women love fine jewelry for various reasons. They are articles of accessories that enhance the entire context of dressing and artistic display. They define social status which has been in practice since the ancient times with slaves wearing beads and upper class women wearing jewelry pieces that have rare loose diamonds. More importantly, they give substance to many instances in life such as weddings and engagements as seen from the use of rings accented with round brilliant cut gems.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Fine Diamond Jewelry: Tips On Where You Could Purchase Diamonds

In purchasing fine diamond jewelry, it is important that you not only give emphasis on the four C's but also the place where you are about to make your purchase. It is a general knowledge that diamonds, regardless if loose or incorporated on any jewelry, could cost an arm and a leg. Hence, purchasing diamonds can be one of the most important decisions that you could make in your lifetime. By taking these things into consideration, you should be vigilant about the store where you will buy these items so that you could enjoy them for the years to come.

There are different means in order for you to acquire diamonds. The first thing that you could do is to go online and search for online jewelry shops that offer fine diamond jewelry. Buying online is a practical means to perform the task of looking for prospective diamond jewelry items that are inexpensive but high in quality without getting exhausted. Most if not all online jewelry shops have wide selections of diamond jewelry pieces in terms of design and finishes, which in turn gives you more opportunity to choose what you think would complement your set purpose for the jewelry.

One advantage of purchasing from online jewelry stores is that you could time and energy--with just a click of your finger, even while you're at home or in the office, you could instantly make your purchases from a whole range of selections and you also engage in online jewelry auctions that are usually run by professional jewelers. Likewise, online jewelry shops offer more competitively priced diamonds, regardless if they are round brilliant or oval in cut, since they don't incur additional costs on their products, except for taxes and shipping fees, in order to cover their overhead expenses as they do not have physical stores to run that usually require electricity bills and employee salaries. The main issue with online purchasing however could be found on the copiousness of jewelry selections that often undermine the ability of consumers to appropriately appraise the value and quality of their jewelry choices. Nonetheless, as the internet equates to anonymity, there are myriads of jewelry scammers that could victimize naive jewelry buyers.

If you wish to be sure about your diamond jewelry purchase you could always visit the local jewelry stores in your area. The main benefit of engaging in this option is that you have the opportunity to personally appraise the quality and value of the round brilliant diamond you wish buy. You could also ask questions that could be answered by professional jewelers, which in turn would assist you in finalizing your purchasing decisions. Major drawbacks about this option however, lies on the prices of their products; as they have overhead expenses to cover, physical jewelry stores have the tendency to place additional markups on their product prices, which is why jewelry pieces from these stores could be a bit expensive, and they have limited.

Meanwhile if you're after cheap diamonds, rare jewelry like oval diamonds from certain era, or used diamonds, you could try looking at specialty stores, thrift shops and pawnshops. If this option is something that you would consider, it is essential that you have the right knowledge about diamond jewelry and how to appraise it so that you won't make wrong purchases. It would also be necessary to have patience because at most times you might leave these stores empty handed. But, if you're truly lucky, you can purchase rare finds that you could include in your collections, though this instance rarely occurs.

If you're in the market to buy fine diamond jewelry for yourself or somebody special, it is advisable to shop around and make comparisons before you make your purchase. If your primary option is purchase online, be sure to do an intensive background check on your prospective online jewelry stores to make sure if they are legitimate or not and also consider looking at their return and refund policies to ensure that your interests are protected. When it comes to the local jewelry stores in your area, it would be wise to compare prices, services and the quality of products. If you are not familiar with the jewelry stores around your area, you could ask for the recommendations of friends and family members to ensure that your money won't just go down the drain.

There are two basic options when it comes to purchasing fine diamond jewelry, whether they are round brilliant or oval diamonds. First is to go online and search for online jewelry stores that offer such products, and second is to personally drop by at the jewelry shops around your area. The first option gives prospective buyers the opportunity to save time, money and energy, while the latter option is a good means to check on the quality of jewelry.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Diamond rings: A beautiful piece of investment

For people with cash to spare, it is but natural to put these funds into an investment that would give more value to their money.Keeping it in the bank just wouldn't do so putting it in assets like stocks, condominium units or land would be the logical step because this gives more power to their money in terms of interest.

But while enormous and expensive assets may be the way for most people, others choose to invest on more enjoyable and less expensive items.Investing on their hobbies is always a more enjoyable way to spend hard earned money.

There are a number of hobby collectibles that can be considered a reasonable investment just like toys, fine jewelry and luxury cars which gain value over time.Choosing the right toys and even the right jewelry, particularly gold or diamond rings is the key factor in getting the right investment hobby that would naturally appreciate in value as the years pass.

Some toys when kept in mint condition or intact in their boxes can sell at ten to twenty times its original value as time goes by.Fine jewelry is also a good choice for a luxury investment.Jewelry with diamonds like diamond rings and bracelets can definitely get more valuable as the years go by.

Diamond rings can also be a investment not only in the financial sense but also a material asset dedicated for someone you love or care for.Diamonds pretty much last for a lifetime so it can be smart investment compared to other things like cars or houses that can depreciate as time takes its toll and cause mechanical or aesthetic problems.

So for those ready to take the next step, it is a wise thing to invest excess money in assets that can deliver the planned results as the years go by.Looking into the non traditional methods of earning profit or interest for your money can be a good way to start as there are numerous ways available that can reap rewards and feed someone's happiness and interest at the same time.

Spending on investments can help give more value to your money over the years. Houses and Lots are some of the usual investments people can invest on. But there are some who like to spend on items that are not only a wise investment but also an ideal source of happiness or interest like fine jewelry or luxury cars. Diamond rings is one good investment since it can last for a long time and naturally gets more expensive over time.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Ideal Settings For Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds

Diamond jewelry gifts are perhaps among the best tokens that a person could give and receive. Even though the aesthetic appearance of gifts is not the determining factor to know their real intrinsic value, there are some instances wherein we also look at the extrinsic features of tokens. With these considerations, diamonds are articles that you could never go wrong with in terms of emotional and aesthetic value. Nonetheless, they are valuable pieces that would never fade and would last for the years to come.

If you have the intention to buy diamond gifts, it would be advisable to opt for loose diamonds since they are not yet affixed to any articles of jewelry. Meaning to say, you have the liberty to have it customized according to your own design preference in order to befit the purpose you have in mind. Besides, you won't have a hard time appraising the gems as you could actually go over their overall features. One of the most important features that you could look after with these kinds of diamonds is the cut.

It is imperative to exactly identify what cut is in reference to diamonds and how it is different from shape. Shape is associated to the outline of the gem's perimeter, while the cut or also referred to as make is what affects the appearance of the stone as it is associated to the proportioning and overall finish of the diamond, which are the two factors that helps the stone to produce fire or the rainbow we perceive inside diamonds and brilliance which refers to the liveliness or sparkle of the stone. To simply put it, a diamond with an excellent make would be more valuable than a diamond with a poor cut. There are several cutting styles that one could use in order to produce high-quality diamonds; however, the round brilliant cut is probably the most popular and most preferred by many diamond enthusiast.

Round brilliant cut is the most conventional means of cutting diamonds and is regarded as the best at producing prismatic effect, which means its shape produces the most sparkle due to its ability to reflect the most light on the top of the diamond. Diamonds that are cut this way shows greater brilliance than other diamonds because there are no corners where light could hide. Hence, the brilliance and fire of the diamond could be seen at their full extent. Even though emerging shapes and cut are also gaining a lot of attention, round cut diamonds are still regarded as the best among the rest.

Round brilliant cut diamonds are very flexible and could suit all types of jewelry settings. If you will be proposing using a round brilliant diamond ring, it pays to know what options you have when it comes to ring settings. Prong setting is the most common band setting where the diamond is held steadily in center position by four or six prongs of equal height, which in turn allows the gem to project outward. Pave setting is designed with closely set diamonds with trinkets of gems in between, while a bezel setting is acknowledged for its rim or collar that surrounds the entire side or a portion of the diamond, and extends just a bit above the stone.

Other noteworthy settings that suit well with round brilliant loose diamonds are channel setting, where several diamonds of same sizes are placed in a metal channel to form a row, and the bar setting where small diamonds of similar sizes are placed on grooves individually separated by metals. Overall, diamond jewelry pieces are truly worthy to be called the perfect gifts because of their incomparable appeal and intrinsic value. Hence, if you wish to give the best for your loved one and proudly express to him or her how you feel, then diamond jewelry is always a good choice.

Diamond jewelry gifts are probably the best token you could give to the person you love. If you are to give these kinds of gifts, choose loose diamonds that have round brilliant cut instead of sparklers that are already set. This is because round brilliant loose sparklers could be customized according to your desired setting and would allow you to properly appraise the gems.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Fine Jewelry And Its Salient Qualities

Is cut more important than clarity when evaluating diamonds? You could spend hours contemplating on the merits of one over the other. However, to get a specific answer, you need to comprehend the relationship between the two. More importantly, you'll need to think about what you value in fine jewelry.

A diamond's cut pertains to its external proportions, as well as the skill of cutting and polishing. Diamonds can be cut in such a way that it achieves its highest selling price, or maximizes its potential for brilliance. The clarity of diamonds, on the other hand, pertains to the amount of imperfections a diamond has. High quality diamonds have less imperfection, and are subsequently considered more beautiful and expensive.

Clearly, the skill with which a diamond has been cut will alter its clarity. In the process of producing a diamond, this is one of the few factors which can be controlled. Only the most precise craftsmanship can guarantee that a raw piece of diamond will be recut into fine jewelry.

On the other hand, the clarity of diamonds can be poor independent of the quality of the cut. Clarity is also based on the quality of the original diamond. As a buyer, you need to be mindful of this and put any diamonds you intend to buy under a microscope or loupe to check for flaws yourself.

When you look at a round cut diamond, you'll realize how vital it is to cut a diamond with a reasonable amount of skill. It will also become more apparent just how closely cut and clarity are connected to each other. Round cuts are famous for having the most potential for brilliance above all other cuts. Any mistakes in the cut or internal flaws, even minor, will decrease that potential considerably.

Do you want to have fine jewelry? Do you prefer a diamond with the best cut, or the highest clarity? You cannot ignore either factor. However, you can look at the cut first, since it affects clarity, as well as carat weight. Prioritizing one of the four C's over the others is futile, if you don't know enough about diamonds to begin with.

A diamond's cut alludes to its external proportions, as well as the skill of cutting and polishing. The clarity of diamonds, on the other hand, alludes to the quantity of imperfections a diamond has. When you look at a round cut diamond, you'll realize how critical it is to cut a diamond with a reasonable amount of skill. Only the most painstaking craftsmanship can assure that a raw piece of diamond will be turned into fine jewelry.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Why Choose Round Brilliant Cut Diamond For Your Fine Jewelry

Of all the C's of diamonds, cut is perhaps the least understood though it has profound impact on the aesthetics and value of these fine jewelry pieces. It should be taken into consideration that diamonds that exude excellent cutting could cost 40 to 50 percent higher than diamonds that are poorly cut. Hence, it is essential for a prospective buyer to understand the value of cut when it comes to diamonds. In reference to diamonds, cut or make refers to the overall symmetry, proportioning and finish of the stones that directly affect how these gems produce their fire and brilliance.

Basically, there are three general cutting techniques employed for fine jewelry diamonds: brilliant cut, step cut and mixed cut. A brilliant cut uses several facets, usually triangular and kite shaped that are arranged in specific ways to achieve optimum brilliance. A step cut uses lesser facets than the brilliant cut, usually in trapezoid or rectangular shape, arranged in a well-defined linear pattern. A mixed-cut on the other hand integrates the elements used by both the step cut and brilliant cut styles.

Among the three mentioned cutting techniques though, the brilliant cut is the most preferred due to its ability to expose the maximum fire and brilliance of diamonds. But, if integrated with the right shape, a brilliant cut sparkler will not only show the most brilliance and fire, it would also show incomparable appeal and value. Even though there's a whole range of shapes that suit with brilliant cutting, it is probably the round shape that best complements it. In fact, round brilliant cut is already relative with the said cutting style.

Every round brilliant cut sparkler exudes 58 facets""33 are found on the top or crown, 24 are situated at the bottom, and the remaining one is at the point or culet. Smaller round brilliant diamonds are called "full cut" to properly distinguish them from "single cut" stones that have 17 facets, and from "Swiss cut" diamonds that have 33 facets only. Probably by now you're asking, what is so special about these round brilliant diamonds? To simply put it, as the diamonds cut this way have no corners they could reflect the most light that passes through them enabling them to produce the most brilliance, fire and liveliness.

Round brilliant cut is also an established favorite and "ideal" combination of cut and shape not only for its brilliance but also for its flexibility as seen from its ability to complement all sorts of articles of jewelry. Diamonds cut this way are commonly incorporated on engagement and wedding rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings since they could be arranged easily regardless of the shape and form of the jewelry. Nonetheless, they befit all settings whether it is prong or pave. Fundamentally, this cut is truly functional and versatile.

As mentioned above there many ways on how diamonds are cut. What might be preferred by most people may not be a particular choice for others. When choosing diamonds, regardless if they are loose diamonds or clarity enhanced diamonds, you should be the one to decide what type of cut you would like because the appearance of a sparkler with an ideal make would not actually appeal to you, and the diamonds without ideal proportions are sometimes receive the highest cut grade from GIA. The most important thing that you have to do is to look and compare diamonds of various qualities and prices as this will train your eyes to properly detect their differences in terms of fire and brilliance as well as lifelessness and dullness.

When searching for fine jewelry diamonds it is important that you consider the cutting technique used for the sparklers as this greatly affect their ability to produce fire and brilliance. Round brilliant cut is probably the most promising cutting style employed on diamonds since it is capable of exposing the maximum brilliance of such stones. Regardless if you like loose or clarity enhanced diamonds, the round brilliant technique will surely make them more valuable.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Diamond Rings: What To Look Out For

Clarity is one of the four C's that impacts the quality of the diamond. It refers to the quantity of flaws found in a diamond. These flaws are imperfections brought about by mistakes in cutting or that come from the original rock. A diamond with poor clarity will have faults that are conspicuous, even to the naked eye. They will not look charming set in diamond rings, and have low resell value. In contrast, a diamond with great clarity is in demand among collectors, and will be a gift of true value to loved ones.

Flaws can be divided into two; external flaws are called blemishes, whereas flaws within the diamond, that can modify its ability to reflect light, are called inclusions. Since inclusions get in the way of a diamond's sparkle, they can reduce the value of a diamond more, but they can also be useful. Inclusions can be used to identify particular diamonds as a sort of diamond fingerprint. In this way, you would be able to secure your diamond rings.

Diamonds are graded based on the visibility of these flaws. This grading occurs while they are still loose diamonds. There are several gemological organizations worldwide that have established different grading systems, although in many cases they are very similar. You should familiarize yourself with the grading system used in the store where you buy your diamond. When looking for diamond rings, you will want to inspect the clarity of the diamond above anything else. Clarity is one of the main factors used in gauging a diamond's monetary value. It is a standard accepted by gemological organizations across the board.

To ensure you get diamonds of the highest clarity, get loose diamonds first. You can make an visual inspection of the diamonds before buying. The jeweler should lend you their loupe or magnifier so that you can view them under 10 x magnification upon request. If they are hesitant to let you take a closer look, it's a red flag to look elsewhere.

Jewelry stores are not always what they appear to be. One store may have ridiculously low prices, or limited period sales. You may think you're getting a good deal; but they'll lose most of their value in as short as ten years. You'll want to get diamonds of lasting value. You can get a high quality diamond at a sensible price, but only if you study your diamonds.

When shopping for diamond rings, you will want to assess the clarity of the diamond above anything else. Clarity is one of the main factors used in determining a diamond's monetary value. Don't look at jewelry stores at face value. To ensure you get diamonds of the highest clarity, get loose diamonds first. You can buy a good quality diamond at a reasonable price, if you take the time to learn about diamonds.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Round Brilliant Cut: The Most Ideal Cut For Diamonds

Since the ancient times, diamonds have captivated the interest of humans. They are perhaps the most appreciated ornaments that only nature could provide; proudly representing beauty and immortality. Of all the precious stones that the world cradles, diamonds are the most renowned and sought after. Regardless if they are loose diamonds or blood diamonds, one thing is for sure, generations after generations of people will successively enjoy their beauty and value.

Due to our inclination to diamonds, these stones became permanent fixtures during betrothals, weddings and other special occasions. Fine diamond rings and almost all diamond jewelry pieces have become valuable possessions that are in the same valued positions as that of real estate and artworks. For these reasons alone, purchasing diamonds has become a practice that demands deep comprehension about the important features of such stones in order to make informed decisions. Much has been discussed about the clarity, color and carat of diamonds, but little attention is given towards the value of diamond cutting.

Cut with an emphasis on diamonds, refers to the guide of style or design used to shape a diamond for polishing. This does not pertain to the shape of the diamond, rather the symmetry, proportioning and polish, which directly affects the stone's brilliance and fire. Practical history of diamond cutting dates back to the middle ages and is continuously innovated to date. Although there are many cutting styles to choose from, the round brilliant cut is probably the most admired.

Round brilliant cut was first introduced in 1919 by Marcel Tolkowsky, Belgian diamond cutter. Considering that Tolkowsky was an engineer by profession, his development of the pertained cut was strongly based on precise mathematical and empirical analysis, with consideration on the importance of brilliance and fire of diamonds. As a result, a diamond cut this way exudes 58 facets""33 on the crown, and the rest are found in the stone's bottom part including its point or culet. Likewise, it yields two diamonds in one cut, one larger than the other; hence, very little diamond pieces are wasted.

A round brilliant cut diamond that is cut properly creates a shape that permits more light to reflect on the diamond in differing angles, enhancing its brilliance and fire. Due to its relatively safe shape, it is considered as the best choice of cut in terms of its "saleability," optics as well as insurability. Aside from the mentioned qualities, diamonds that are round brilliant in cut are also acknowledged for their flexibility to complement any forms of jewelry settings. Hence, it isn't surprising to know that about 75 percent of diamond jewelry sales are accounted to this type of cut.

If you are shopping for loose diamonds that you would be customizing into jewelry later on, it would be more preferable to go for the ones that are round brilliant in cut. With all the mentioned characteristics of this cut, not only will you emphasize the aesthetics of your diamonds, you are also augmenting their sale value and insurability. Nonetheless, as it is truly versatile, it will not be a trouble anymore to find the right setting to use for your jewelry. To simply put it, you can never go wrong with diamonds that are round brilliant in cut.

If you are looking for diamonds, you may want to consider loose diamonds, which would give you the option to choose your desired setting for your fine diamond rings. However, to further maximize the value of these loose sparklers, pick the ones that have round brilliant cut. This cut is noted for its ability to exemplify the greatest brilliance and fire in diamonds.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Loose Diamonds: Choosing Based On Cut

Why buy loose diamonds? They're not exactly as practical as earrings and necklaces. You would not be able to wear them, or bring them anywhere you go. But diamonds have a beauty on their own that can't be compared to diamonds set in jewelry. They seem even more special when they are bought for their own sake.

Diamonds are produced in a variety of designs, known in the trade as cuts. The most famous of these is the round brilliant cut. Simply put, the round brilliant is the most popular because it provides the most brilliance. The way it has been cut makes it reflects the most light. What most people don't know is that the shape of the round brilliant is the most uneconomical. As much as half of the original diamond is left out when it is made into a round brilliant. For this reason, diamonds are produced in several other shapes as well, commonly known as fancy cuts.

Now some of the fancy cuts are already based on familiar designs, and will appeal to people even if they don't know much about diamonds. The heart and oval cuts describe themselves. The pear cut is often viewed as an upside down teardrop.

On the other hand, how do you explain to people the differences between the Asscher and emerald cut, or the princess and radiant cut, when their shapes are the same? This is where we get a bit technical, but fortunately you don't have to memorize much jargon.

Emerald and Asscher cuts are known as step cuts. Unlike the round brilliant, they are rectangular in shape, with each side bordered with small steps. Step cuts emphasize lustre and clarity over brilliance. The Asscher cut has been around for over 100 years, and its proportions are less even.

The princess and radiant cuts come from a third category, known as mixed cuts. They evoke the brilliance of brilliant cuts, but are more practical to produce. The princess cut is almost as popular as the round brilliant, whereas the radiant cut has over 70 cuts.

When selecting loose diamonds, you need not be intimidated by technical knowledge. You can buy based on what cut you prefer. The jeweler, in turn, will narrow your choices in terms of price and quality, and help find the best choice for you.

Diamonds are produced in a variety of designs, known in the trade as cuts. The way the round brilliant cut has been cut makes it reflects the most light. Step cuts accentuate lustre and clarity over brilliance. Mixed cuts evoke the brilliance of brilliant cuts, but are more practical to produce. When selecting loose diamonds, you need not be intimidated by technical knowledge. You can buy based on what cut you like.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Clarity Enhanced Diamond Basics

Diamonds are probably the most sought after gemstones by women all over the world. In fact, if you are a man who would like to make your woman immediately agree to your marriage proposal, you might want to give her fine jewelry that have diamonds in it. Of course, these precious stones aren't cheap; a piece could already cost you a month of your annual salary, or if you're going after the rare ones better prepare at least two or three months of your earnings. However, if you would really like to cement your love with diamonds, you could actually do so without emptying your pockets and you can do this by settling for pieces that are enhanced in some aspects of their features.

Clarity is just one of the most valued traits of diamonds that helps determine the real value of such precious stones. For example, untouched loose diamonds are expensive because they do not exude imperfections and inclusions making their clarity high in grade. However, the market today also has what are now referred to as clarity enhanced sparklers. These diamond pieces are way inexpensive that untouched diamonds due to the manipulations done to them in order to make them look aesthetically appealing.

Clarity enhanced diamond, as it is called, is a gemstone that had eye visible imperfections. Meaning to say, it originally had low clarity grade, and because no diamond buyer would like to have his or her gemstone with visible imperfections, its clarity issues are treated to make them invisible to the naked eye. Once the enhancement is carried out, there would be no discernible differences between enhanced and untouched diamonds. Such types of diamonds are also called "fracture filled diamonds."

There are different methods of enhancements to produce clarity enhanced diamond. The most common of which is drilling wherein a tiny hole is drilled into the diamond to remove minerals or elements that often causes discoloration. Drilling is performed with the use of laser that emits a beam capable of creating a neat hole directly towards where the inclusion is located. After drilling, it is more likely that the diamond would be left with a small fracture which is then filled with silicon or hard glass that isn't apparent to the eye; this process of filling is known as fracture filling.

If you have the intent to buy a diamond, one thing that you must remember is that in adherence to the FTC rules, diamonds that had augmentations other than basic cutting, cleaning and polishing should be fully disclosed to the buyer. However, just for a safe bet you may want to ask the jeweler if you can have the diamond appraised by an independent appraising firm. Always remember that a clarity enhanced diamond has no visual differences with a flawless diamond. Hence, the best thing that you could do is to have the diamond tested in order to know whether it has been enhanced or not.

If you're a guy who would like to have a decent looking diamond that would complement your limited budget, a clarity enhanced sparkler would definitely be a good choice. Setting aside the clarity, if all the traits of the enhanced diamond are of premium quality and the diamond has a visually clean grade, don't let the idea of treatment hinder you from opting for this option. Like untouched diamonds, treated sparklers also befit well with fine jewelry pieces of all kinds and are guaranteed to last for a lifetime. As such, enhanced diamonds may have some aesthetic limitations, but for sure they would invaluably express your love the same way as flawless diamonds does.

Nowadays, it is difficult to find inexpensive loose diamonds that one could befit into fine jewelry pieces. However, if you really wish to give your loved one something special without necessarily emptying your pocket, clarity enhanced diamond could be the perfect option for you. Although it does not thoroughly exemplify the perfection that an untouched diamond exudes, it is definitely a good find as its enhancements are barely discernible to the naked eye.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Diamond Heart Jewelry: Check For Quality

The round brilliant cut is looked as the gold standard for diamond cuts. Designed to maximize the potential of a diamond's brilliance, this cut is also known as the most improvident, with over half of the raw diamond disposed of to get to this ideal shape. Not to say that it's the only shape diamonds should be in. In fact, the diversity of diamond cuts adds to their overall appeal.

And diamond heart jewelry is as desirable as it gets. Heart cuts have a lot in common with the pear cut, but vary in height and width. The heart cut retains some brilliance found in the round brilliant cut, but also exhibits the diamond's other qualities, like clarity. Bear in mind that this shape was not invented frivolously. The heart cut is fundamentally the pear cut with a cleft added in.

Admittedly, diamond heart jewelry is not for everyone. Some people may feel that it is too trifling to use in their wedding rings. Still, it is hard to dispute the romantic appeal of the heart shape. Since it is a relatively new cut, there are less regulations in making heart cut diamonds compared to round brilliant.

In comparison, with round brilliant cut diamonds, your primary concern really is just the brilliance of the piece. Diamond makers improved on Tolkowsky's Ideal Cut, the original standard for the round cut. Thanks to advances in the science of refraction and manufacturing technology, they're able to utilize a raw diamond's potential to reach maximum brilliance.

It is vital that you do a quality check before you obtain any heart jewelry. Particularly, you need to check that it does not have any blemishes, cracks or other imperfections. Some imperfections are not visible to the naked eye, but still alter the diamond's value. These imperfections do become evident under the microscope, and are considered when the finished diamond is graded and priced.

If you prefer to get more value for your investment, you should keep watch for enhanced diamonds. These are treatments performed on diamonds after they have been cut and polished, to excise these imperfections. Government regulations require that any enhancements be divulged to potential buyers. These treatments lessen their value and are only performed on seriously flawed diamonds.

It is imperative that you do a quality check before any purchase of diamond heart jewelry. Particularly, you need to check that it does not have any blemishes, cracks or other imperfections. With round brilliant cut diamonds, your primary concern really is just the brilliance of the piece. You should watch out for enhanced diamonds. These are treatments performed on diamonds after they have been cut and polished to remove these imperfections and reduce their value.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Loose Diamonds: Choosing Round Brilliant And Other Cuts

For most people, the only time they buy diamonds is when they want wedding or engagement rings. The smart way to go about this is to look for loose diamonds first and have them set later. You can inspect them for imperfections better, and maybe even get a better deal. However, you need to be meticulous when buying. It's easy to make mistakes and pay too much, or get stuck with an inferior diamond.

When looking at loose diamonds, you need to verify the diamond's value. You'll want to scrutinize each one for the four C's; carat weight, cut, clarity and color. But bear in mind that each diamond is unique, and it's rare for a single diamond to get two separate assessments with identical results. Ultimately, the value of a diamond is subjective, so you shouldn't be too obsessed looking for it's exact value.

The greatest diamond cut of all is the round brilliant cut. Thanks to the work of Marcel Tolkowsky, the proportions needed to get the most brilliance and fire out of a diamond were determined and popularized. Further innovations perfected Tolkowsky's measurements to optimize diamond's potential for brilliance.

The round brilliant cut is also the perennial favorite cut. In contrast, the popularity of fancy cuts are dependent on prevailing trends. Nowadays, people look for sparkle, so the heart, oval, and pear cuts are popular. However, the quality and value of a diamond relies on other factors. You can easily get a high value diamond of any cut - or low value, if you are not too careful.

So buy a diamond jewelry gift in the cut you really want. It may be a shape that captures your or your significant other's interest, or one that elicits special memories or feelings within you. If all you want is a large diamond, and you don't mind scratches, it's easy to get one for cheap. But even if you are buying cheap, you have to make your purchases carefully to avoid getting gypped.

When it comes time to set your loose diamond, it's safest to have it done by the same people who sold it to you. If you bring it to another jeweler, they won't want to be held responsible for any damage the diamond may incur during setting. If the seller won't guarantee their own diamonds, just forget them and look for a seller who does.

For most people, the only time they want diamonds is when they want wedding or engagement rings. The smart way to go about this is to get loose diamonds first and have them set later. The round brilliant cut is the established favorite cut. Different fancy cuts become popular in line with the current fads. However, the quality and value of a diamond relies on other factors. So buy a diamond jewelry gift with any cut you desire.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Friday, July 30, 2010

Fine Jewelry As Gifts

Fine jewelry denotes items that are use as adornments such as earrings, bracelets, necklaces and brooches to name a few. Jewelry can be made from various materials including precious metals, gemstones and seashells. Since the prehistoric era, jewelry has never ceased to capture the attention of humans, and this continues to date. In fact, we use different kinds of jewelry pieces for our daily activities.

For the most part, fine jewelry pieces have long been used for the purpose of adornment; however, aside from the said function they also serve as the perfect tokens for a whole range of occasions. This is due to their ability to encompass fashion sensitivity, which simply translates to their capability to maintain their timelessness and their ability to synthesize different aspects of the society. One perfect example of this is in the form of engagement and wedding rings which have long been used as tokens to represent two important life occasions""engagement and wedding. Jewelry can also be symbolic of group membership; for instance in many organizations worldwide the use of rings or pins is common to denote their membership to a certain group or as a welcoming item for new members.

These days there's a whole range of fine jewelry pieces available for both men and women. For women jewelry choices can be in the form of necklaces, earrings, brooches, bracelets as well as rings. For men usual jewelry pieces includes cuff links, tie accessories, watches, customized rings and necklaces as well as money clips. Overtime, the prices and finishes of jewelry pieces have changed profoundly in order to cater to differing situations, cultures and occasions.

If you have just run out of gift ideas, you may want to try giving jewelry pieces that have gemstones for adornment. Loose diamonds are the most preferable gemstones to accentuate jewelry pieces because they are widely available, cost efficient, and goes well with any jewelry design and occasions. If you're thinking of proposing to your loved one the best way to express yourself is to give her a ring set with loose sparklers. This is the perfect way to express your love as the ring is representative of unending commitment, while the diamonds symbolize indestructible love.

Earrings, bracelets and necklaces that have loose diamonds are also ideal choices as presents as you can never go wrong in terms of design and finish. These jewelry pieces are ideal for your sister, mother or girlfriend during their birthdays or for any special event. Aside from the dainty selection available, their use are never limited to certain occasions but can actually be utilized on a daily basis. Surely, loose sparklers are guaranteed to improve the look of jewelry and make it appear timeless and usable.

If you're a woman and would like to give something different to your father on father's day or maybe your husband during your anniversary, a simple cuff link is the most appropriate choice for you. There are no limits as to what you can do when it comes to the motifs or themes of cuff links, as they are truly representative of male character. For example, a round cut matt silver cuff link with loose sparklers can be given to a man who is secretive or authoritative. All in all, jewelry pieces are ideal gifts for all occasions as they are timeless items that totally express your emotions in small but meaningful packages, and more importantly they best represent how you value the person to whom you are going to give them.

Fine jewelry pieces have long been used as tokens due to their timeless appeal and rich symbolic value. In fact they are considered as the perfect gift ideas for all occasions. To further improve the appeal of these items however, gemstones like loose diamonds in differing cut are incorporated. Round cut loose sparklers for instance is widely used are adornments for three stoned engagement or wedding rings.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Standard Articles Of Fine Jewelry

The visual appeal of fine jewelry has never ceased to amaze us. In fact, jewelry pieces have been objects that denote social status especially during ancient times. They have significantly shaped many traditions that we know today. From necklaces and earrings, to rings and bracelets, these adornments have provided humans with worldly satisfaction that no other material could induce.

Fine jewelry pieces have different types and finishes. Some are worn as adornments, while others serve as symbolic tokens presented in different occasions. There are also pieces that are inexpensive and simple in finish, while other articles are very expensive and made from the finest materials. Below are some of the most common articles of jewelry available in the market as well as their qualities and purposes. Rings are probably the most common forms of jewelry known to man. They usually come in differing varieties, the most common of which are in plain cylindrical bands adorned with gemstones like diamond heart or round cuts, spiral or serpentine coils, signet rings, and open on one side. Rings have different functions but they are commonly used as symbolic tokens during engagements and weddings or just to accentuate the fingers. In the case of signet rings, they commonly bear the emblems of fraternal orders or other organizational insignias.

Another type of jewelry is the necklace, which is intended designed to be worn around the neck. Basically, there are four general forms of necklaces: close fitting collar band with stones or beads, chain necklace with a single pendant, row of beads that are usually graduated in size held by a wire or chain, and several chains or strings of differing lengths worn on top of each other. Necklaces can be created from various materials but works well with metals, gemstones or the combination of two, and they are usually partnered with pendants made from gemstones with the diamond heart being one of the most sought after pendant design. In order to highlight necklaces, they are worn with tops or dresses that have low necklines, as this clothing finish diverts the attention of people towards the neck where the said jewelry is hanged.

Meanwhile, earrings are jewelry for the ears that can either be set on against the ear lobes or hanging drops like pendants. One of the favorite forms of earrings set on the ear lobes are large pearls, while most popular hanging earrings are the ones called chandelier earrings. Traditionally, it is a requisite to have the ears pierced when wearing earrings as this practice was once considered a barbaric act. Currently, earrings can be worn either through piercing the ears or just by clipping the said jewelry.

Another type of fine jewelry is the bracelet, which is worn on the arm. This large ring-like piece may come as closed band, spiral coil, open on one side, closed with clasp or flexible rings formed as links. Other than the aforementioned pieces, there are other types of jewelry that one may encounter in the market including pins, cuff links, anklets, chains, brooches, and collar buttons to name a few. All in all, articles of jewelry vary in terms of function, design and quality; it is within the discretion of the wearer where he or she would like to use these pieces.

In creating fine jewelry articles, metals, gemstones, coins as well as other materials are utilized though they are commonly set into precious metals, accentuated with gemstones like diamond heart. Aside from their ornamental purpose, jewelry pieces have long been used throughout history as symbolic tokens given during occasions especially during weddings and betrothals. They were also used to denote power and status in many societies.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Simple Guidelines On Buying Diamond Jewelry Gifts

So, you are a young man in love, with that burning desire in your heart to offer your bride-to-be a diamond ring and ask her to marry you. The idea seems simple enough; you'd go to a jewelry store, select a diamond worthy for your beloved, pay for it and you're ready to go. In reality however, this is not always what it feels like especially if you are able to get a hold of the price tag of your chosen sparkler and you would soon realize how intimidating it is to purchase diamond jewelry gifts. If you have the plans to purchase a diamond, it is vital for you to know the tricks of the trade so that in the future when you're ready you would take control of every transaction you make and be able to close a good deal.

According to gemologist and diamond expert, Fred Cuellar, there are four basic things that one has to remember when purchasing diamond jewelry gifts: budget, expectations, savvy and timetable. In terms of budget, you should try to figure out first how much you intend to spend on buying diamond, and you should stick to that budget outlay; a month's salary could already be a good starting point. Expectations demand for you to know and understand the needs and wants of the person to whom you will give the diamond; this way you will know what type and design to pick. Being savvy requires you to know the given cost of diamond in the market and the best designs available, as they say knowledge is power; and for the element of timetable, you must have a laid plan about when and where you intend to give the diamond, do not haste things and be sure to give yourself enough time to analyze things.

Now that you have a crash course about making diamond purchase, you should also know where to buy your sparklers. You have two options where you could get your diamond jewelry gifts, first is for you to go online and second is to check your local jewelry shops. Buying online is a practical way to secure your diamond without the need to drive around since everything you need is just a click away; however, you should also consider the drawbacks associated with this practice, first you can't appraise the jewelry and second you don't know with whom you are transacting with; if this option is good enough for you, it is crucial for you to do an intensive background check so that you can be assured that you would really get the diamond you are about to purchase. The latter option of buying your diamond gifts on you local jewelry store is a better choice because you would be able to appraise the diamond personally and long time jewelers could help you out with your questions, which would assist you in arriving at the right decision.

Now for the diamond itself, you must always consider the 4Cs of diamond which stands for clarity, color, cut and carat as they are the determining factor of how the diamond will cost. Clarity refers to the absence and presence of blemishes and inclusion in a diamond. As each diamond vary from one another, they are assigned with corresponding clarity grades that may range from flawless to obvious inclusions. In fact, there are so-called clarity enhanced sparklers that are treated to reduce their imperfections via irradiation, filling imperfections, or laser drilling, but they are cheaper than diamond pieces that aren't treated.

With regards to color, diamond pieces are available in different shades; however, colored diamond pieces are very rare and expensive, so it is more likely that when you visit shops you'd observe that only white and yellow sparklers are available but between these two colors, it's always best to settle for whiter diamond pieces. The yellow coloring of sparklers came from nitrogen; hence the yellower the stone, the lesser its value this is because such color makes the diamond less sharp and sparkly. In terms of cut, sparklers may come in a whole range of shapes including round brilliant cut, box, marquise, and pear to name a few. The first thing to know is that more than the indication of shape, the cut of your diamond also determines how sparkly it can be.

Aside from being clear and white, a diamond cannot be considered as a diamond unless it sparkles, which could only be achieved by properly cutting it. Cut is especially hard to analyze, it would be helpful to know its three primary characteristics: brilliance, fire and scintillation; however, to make things much easier, you may want to consider the round brilliant cut as this is the standard diamond cut. Finally, the carat is the standard weight unit of diamond. Majority of diamond pieces utilized for fine jewelry often weight one carat or less; a fraction of a carat could significantly change the amount of the diamond.

Diamond jewelry gifts are not easy to purchase especially if you're not aware of what you're looking for. Round brilliant cut diamond could be truly beautiful but it can cost you an arm and a leg, while clarity enhanced diamond might be inexpensive but you might be sacrificing the quality of your sparkler. As a simple rule, always look at your budget and analyze the 4Cs of diamond, this way you would be able to know the tricks of the trade.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Differences Between Wedding Ring And Engagement Ring

Bands have been well acknowledged in betrothals and marriages since ancient times. In fact, it would be difficult to imagine completing engagement and wedding ceremonies without any band to attest that such events really happened. Because of their long lingering presence, wedding ring and engagement ring are often confused with each other. However, it should be taken into consideration that although they are commonly seen worn by married women, they have contrasting characteristics in many aspects.

In order to identify the differences of wedding ring and engagement ring, let's take a closer look at their individual functions. Basically, an engagement ring is purchased or given by the man to the woman as an indication of their engaged status. On the other hand, wedding bands are jewelry pieces exchanged by the couple during their wedding ceremony to seal their marriage vows, and serves as indication that the wearers are bound by marriage. After the wedding ceremony and into the future, both the bands are worn on the same finger, this applies to women since men do not wear engagement bands though there are engagement bands intended for men.

Between wedding and engagement bands, many couples prefer investing on engagement bands. As a matter of fact, an engagement ring is probably the ring that captures more attention than the wedding ring, which is appropriate as it symbolizes the silent announcement of the engaged status of the couple. Engagement bands traditionally have prominent center stones that are commonly constructed from fine diamond jewelry. Today though, it is no longer a requisite to have diamond engagement ring as other precious stones can also be used as central accents such as ruby, sapphire, and opal to name a few.

Meanwhile, wedding ring is far from the grandiosity that engagement ring usually exemplify as it is often plain in finish and does not have any accents, or sometimes it is designed after the engagement ring but is a simpler version of the first. However, there are also couples that make use of fine diamond jewelry for their wedding bands, though this rarely happens as the plain design of such ring symbolizes the sanctity of marriage. Traditionally, both wedding and engagement bands are worn on the left finger between the index and pinkie fingers because according to belief the said finger on the left hand has the vein that is directly connected to the heart which is called as vena amori. But, this is not always the case as there are cultures that place their wedding and engagement bands on the right hand.

Wedding and engagement bands are usually purchased separately from each other. They could also be purchased as a set; hence, some wedding bands are as intricately designed as the engagement bands they come with. However, if you are to purchase each piece separately, remember that you are going to wear them everyday, so when you select the shape of the stone always consider your lifestyle. A diamond may be hard in nature, but it can chip off or break overtime especially if it has pointed edges; in this case it would be more preferable to choose a round brilliant cut as it could last longer.

Overall, no other jewelry best represents engagement and marriage than the wedding ring and the engagement ring. They vary greatly in terms of function, purpose and design. Setting aside their differences though, what is apparent is that they share the same concept of undying love and commitment, apparently shown from their round shape that has no beginning and no end as well as the materials used to develop them. They also serve as material seals that strengthen the symbolism and sentimentality of devotion of the couples.

Wedding ring and engagement ring are important fixtures in the relationship of couples. An engagement ring is an indication of the engaged status of couple. It is usually more expensive than the wedding ring as it is commonly made from fine diamond jewelry with round brilliant cut and side gemstones. Wedding bands on the other hand are exchanged by couples during the wedding ceremony to seal their marital vows and are simple in design and finish.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Cheap Diamonds: How To Make The Most Out Of Your Tight Budget

The diamond is considered as one of the most sought after gemstones in history. As a matter of fact, the diamond has been used as a symbol of many wonderful concepts like power, love, invincibility, refinement and more. Because of the many beautiful things that such gemstone encompasses and the troubles associated with its mining, owning one could cost a person an arm and leg. If you are on a tight budget and are looking for ways to secure cheap diamond, don't fret, there are certain things that you can do to get this prized possession in just a fraction of its original value.

As a good start, try going online and look for online jewelry shops that sell inexpensive jewelry pieces. Online jewelry shopping is a very practical means to come up with an inexpensive diamond because compared to local jewelry shops that usually place markup prices on their diamonds to cover their overhead expenses, online jewelry stores offer their clients with competitive prices in such a way that they don't incur additional costs often induced by overhead expenses. You can also engage in online diamond auctions usually facilitated by longtime jewelers. Purchasing online saves you money, time and energy.

If you don't have issues with purchasing pre-owned items, then you can personally purchase your diamond at stores that offer discounted or inexpensive jewelry pieces. There are many pawnshops and thrift shops out there that you can try. However, make sure that you are knowledgeable enough about diamonds so that you will know if what they are offering are real or not. Similarly, if you really wanted to utilize this option, prepare yourself for series of disappointments because it is more likely to happen that you'd be leaving shops without diamonds at hand, but if you're lucky enough you might end up with a good diamond deal.

Another reliable approach you can do to secure a cheap diamond is to purchase loose diamond. A loose diamond is economical because aside from being a real sparkler it hasn't been used for any jewelry production process; therefore you can buy it in its purest state. It would be more practical to buy loose diamond than to purchase a diamond set on jewelry because you are not required to pay for the metal used for the jewelry, the services, warranty as well as the gift casing often included in ready-to-wear diamond jewelry pieces. With loose diamonds, you can be as creative as you want and make your own customized jewelry designs.

Downgrading is also preferable to get cheap diamond. Downgrading one or two of the 4Cs of diamonds can profoundly affect their market value. If you're worried that downgrading can alter the quality of your diamond, don't fret because downgrading only induces very little or no discernible reduction on the quality of a sparkler. For example, in terms of clarity downgrading instead of buying flawless diamond, you can just settle for a diamond that has lower clarity rating but can still be considered as eye-clear, or in terms of carat try purchasing diamonds that have carat grades shy away from full numbered or exact half numbered carats.

Lastly, if you're budget won't permit you to buy either flawless or downgraded diamonds, clarity enhanced diamonds are good alternatives. Try to remember that all diamonds, with an exemption for the very rare and flawless ones, have character flaws called inclusion or imperfection. The inclusion is what determines the clarity grade of a diamond. As such, when referring to clarity enhanced sparklers they are the ones that have imperfections corrected by processes like irradiation, filling imperfections and laser drilling; however, these enhancements, thought they affect the value of diamonds, have unrecognizable impact on the aesthetic appearance of such gemstones.

Inexpensive jewelry pieces are hard to find nowadays, unless you wanted to settle for something that is low on quality. However, when it comes to gemstones, you can purchase cheap diamond in the form of clarity enhanced diamonds. Although they don't exemplify the same quality as that of flawless diamonds, these touched-up pieces are also good finds because aside from their low price tags, their enhancements are truly hard to discern by untrained eyes.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Diamond engagement ring and wedding bands for the true, loving couple

For most couples, exchanging marriage vows is the ultimate expression of true love they wish to reach in their relationship. A couple decides to take the next step after one of them proposes, usually asking the "Will you" question with a ring.It could be called a promise ring, a simple engagement band or a diamond engagement ring that the couple wears before their wedding to state their betrothal.It is a public statement that a person has agreed to be married to another soon and build a family with him or her.

Many guys who have gone through the engagement ring shopping before can attest that it is not an easy task.You can do away with the surprise and opt to shop with your fiancee but where's the thrill in that? So if you're going through with the surprise, familiarize yourself with the styles and designs of an engagement ring. Each ring has an embedded gemstone which can have a different cut, color and weight. One of the popular designs is the trinity ring, a three-stone diamond engagement ring said to symbolize the couple's past, present and future.

Unlike women, men usually has a wedding band that was also his engagement band. For the women, the engagement ring and the wedding band is different and separate, but in some cases wielded together after the wedding so the two rings will form as one ring. But the fact remains that when you decide to get married, you would need to purchase at least three rings.You might want to consider asking for jewelry wedding bands that come in a matching set for the mens wedding band, the ladies engagement ring and the ladies wedding ring.

Getting married means that you are giving your love and dedication to you partner forever, which is the reason why diamonds have been associated with marriage through its rings.The strength of a marriage is associated with the strength of the toughest stone, diamond, such is why diamonds are the popular gemstone to use in marriage rings. In the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, diamond is graded perfect 10, the highest grade for mineral strength. In addition, a diamond ring is a good investment because of its resistance to scratches makes it perfect for daily wear.

It is important to do some research and set your budget before shopping for a diamond engagement ring. Diamond rings are more expensive than others because its gemstone is a high-priced, precious commodity. And although an average ring costs $3,500 to $4,000, there are cheaper diamond rings out there with simpler cut, size and design.As long as you stick to your budget, you can then feel free to choose among the many styles and design to buy your girlfriend.A diamond ring adds a special feeling to the engagement, but it's size doesn't reflect the level of love you have for each other.

When planning a wedding and getting ready for marriage, the last thing you want is to get into a huge debt. Set a reasonable budget and stick to it while ring shopping in stores and online. You should also consider buying a set of jewelry wedding bands because it is usually offered a lower price.Most importantly, enjoy shopping!Remembering what the ring is for and who it is for is a great inspiration when shopping for that engagement ring.

A diamond engagement ring is a promise of a lasting and loving life together for a couple. Diamonds are the common gemstone used in marriage rings because it is the hardest mineral, making it a perfect part of a ring that symbolizes strong love and commitment. But diamond rings can be tough on the wallet, that's why many couples decide to purchase a jewelry wedding bands in matching sets, as these often come cheaper. But no matter the cost of your wedding rings, the important thing is to make the marriage work and to keep the love alive forever.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Diamonds And Finding The Best Diamonds

While there are a lot of ways to express and show our deepest and purest form of love to our loved one, giving her a ring can definitely mean something more special.In picking the ring to surprise our loved one, we need to make it more special and memorable as possible. There could never be a greater gift to give to your special someone or your loved one than a diamond ring. Diamonds are timeless pieces of gem making them a perfect symbol of eternal and lasting love.

Diamonds are the perfect choices especially in choosing the ring for your marriage proposal.These astounding pieces of jewelry can definitely make your loved one delighted and even more surprised. Furthermore, these exclusive gemstones can survive the wear and tear of even the most extreme conditions making it an ideal sign of your eternal love.Even after a long period, these rings is guaranteed to remain as exquisite and as glamorous as it was when you first bought it.

However, the idea of popping out a ring and asking for the hand of our special someone might get us too thrilled in buying a ring straight away. Still, we have to remember some important things before we jump into our nearest jewelry store. These precious gemstones are no cheap pieces of stones.That is why in deciding on the ring we have to keep in mind several factors to be certain that we will get the best ring for her.Also, since these rings are no cheap pieces of jewelry, we have to make sure that we will be able to get the most out of the money we would invest for these exclusive pieces of jewelry.

Diamonds are classified and graded according to their cut, carat weight, color, and clarity or what is commonly known as four C's. This grading system was first launched by the Gemological Institute of America otherwise known as GIA in 1931 and is now widely utilized and accepted as the standard grading system for these gemstones.

In selecting the perfect ring, the first thing to consider is the cut. This criterion refers to the shape of the stone and how well it was cut.Normally, the overall cutting craftsmanship and shape are being graded by the GIA whether a diamond stone is off-round or perfectly round and if the cuts are excellent enough.

Next factor to consider is the carat weight.The carat term for weight measurement of these gemstones traces its origins from a dry fruit that contains seeds that are called carob, whose seeds' actual weight is used to measure the weight of common gemstones.The existing standard used internationally has a 5-carat diamond stone equivalent to a gram.

Color is also an important feature of these precious gemstones that you should be aware of. Among the most popular colors of these precious gemstones are those which are displaying apparent tint or yellow, which are also the more affordable varieties. Usually, the rarer the color of the diamond, the more expensive it is. Among the rare and more exclusive colors of these precious stones include pink, blue, or green.

The last characteristic you should take note of is the stone's clarity. Clarity is used by a lot of jewelers for determining the stone's impurities. Clarity is used to measure either the lack or the presence of imperfections of the diamond stone whether it is internal or external. Rare classes of these gemstones do not usually have these impurities and those which are very rare are usually flawless.

In choosing a diamond ring we want to buy, we have to be mindful of several factors to make sure that we will get the best ring for our special someone. Diamonds are classified and graded according to their cut, carat weight, color, and clarity or what is commonly known as four C's. In choosing the rings we want to buy we have to consider these four factors to make sure that we will get our money's worth.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Friday, May 28, 2010

What To Know When Buying Diamonds

As it has been said, diamonds are a girl's best friend. Any woman you might ask would simply say that they like to have a diamond in their possession. This is because it is considered as the ultimate gemstone and the hardest substance that nature is able to produce. Likewise, it is also contemplated as one of the best stones to be incorporated in any jewelry design.

For centuries, diamonds have been used for jewelry making. However, it has been identified that there is a significant increase in the use of these gems within the past decades. Other than being a representation of fame and power, the use of diamond is not limited to jewelry making. They also function as cutting tools, a means to transmit sounds, various optical applications, and as a special coating for airplane cockpit windows, which officially makes it a multi-million dollar industry.

Although such precious stone have various uses, it cannot be denied that it remains as the main ingredient for making any jewelry appear elegant and truly expensive. Many people are now purchasing diamonds and jewelries with these stones because they are good investments. The investment usefulness of these jewelries are associated with their increasing worth in the market. Similarly, they are also important heirloom pieces that can be passed on from one family member to the other.

Aside from their monetary value, these precious stones are also priceless gifts during important celebrations. For instance, during engagements diamond encrusted rings are the most common gifts that a woman can receive from her man. Because engagements are one of the most traditional practices to date, it is common for men to give such bands to their future spouse's to identify with the value of the occasion and their feelings for each other. Nevertheless, because diamond encrusted bands are physically durable, they are the most favored choice to be given during engagement ceremonies.

Prior to purchasing such diamond mounted rings however, it is important to ensure that you are buying a high-quality diamond and not just those that can be bought anywhere. For unknowing buyers, a diamond can be mistaken with other stones such as cubic zirconiums and other similar looking stones. It is always best to buy in reputable stores so that you would be ensuring that the price you are paying is truly that jewelry's worth It is also worth knowing that the value of a diamond can be identified based from the so called 4Cs or color, clarity, cut and carat.

So, before buying that diamond ring, a little research can be truly helpful to know whether you are getting the right one or not. There are wide selections of diamond bands in the market; as such it pays to know everything about the product you are interested in. At the end of the day, having the right band would represent the purity of your vows for each other. Hence, it is important to get a hold of something real that will remind you in the long run of that long and lasting oneness.

Many people now prefer buying diamonds because they are good investments, as their value increases over time. It is also common to see such stones in jewelries, usually in rings, because they basically make any object valuable. A diamond ring, for instance, has become a popular engagement piece as it represents a relationship's longevity and everlasting love. Likewise, diamond jewelries have also been used as heirlooms to maintain the value of close family ties from generation to generation.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Diamonds: Your Guide In Buying These Precious Stones

While there are plenty of ways to express and show our sincere and purest form of love to our special someone, giving her a ring can definitely mean something more special. In deciding on the ring that we want to surprise our loved one with, we need to make it as extraordinary and unforgettable as possible.There could never be a better gift for your special someone or your loved one than a diamond ring.Diamonds are eternal pieces of gem making them a perfect symbol of never-ending and enduring love.

Diamonds are the perfect choices especially in choosing the ring for your marriage proposal.These astonishing pieces of jewelry can definitely make your loved one ecstatic and even more surprised. Furthermore, these exclusive gemstones can survive the wear and tear of even the most extreme conditions making it an ideal sign of your eternal love.Even after a long time, these rings will remain as exquisite and as glamorous as it was when you first bought it.

However, the thought of popping out a ring and asking our special someone to marry us might get us too excited in buying a ring straight away. Still, we have to keep in mind a number of essential things before we go into our nearest jewelry store. These precious gemstones are expensive pieces of jewelry. That is why in deciding on the ring we have to keep in mind several factors to be certain that we will get the best ring for her.Also, since these rings are no cheap pieces of jewelry, we have to make sure that we will be able to get the most out of the money we would invest for these exclusive pieces of jewelry.

Diamonds are evaluated and graded based on their cut, carat weight, color, and clarity or what is commonly known as four C's.This grading system was first used by the Gemological Institute of America otherwise known as GIA in 1931 and is now widely employed and accepted as the standard grading system for these gemstones.

In deciding on the perfect ring, the first thing that we should look at is the cut.This characteristic describes the shape of the stone and how well it was cut. Normally, the overall cutting craftsmanship and shape are being assessed by the GIA whether a diamond stone is off-round or perfectly round and if the cuts are unique enough.

Next factor to consider is the carat weight.The carat term for weight measurement of these gemstones came from a dry fruit that contains seeds that are called carob, whose seeds' actual weight is used to measure the weight of common gemstones. The existing standard used internationally has a 5-carat diamond stone equivalent to a gram.

Color is also an important feature of these precious gemstones that you should be aware of. Among the most sought-after colors of these precious gemstones are those which show apparent tint or yellow, which are also the more affordable varieties.Usually, the rarer the color of the diamond, the more expensive it is. Among the rare and less affordable colors of these precious stones include pink, blue, or green.

The last characteristic you should check is the stone's clarity. Clarity is used by many jewelers as a gauge to which the stone's impurities are measured.Clarity is used to determine either the lack or the presence of imperfections of the diamond stone whether it is internal or external. Rare varieties of these gemstones do not usually have these impurities and those which are very rare are usually flawless.

Diamonds are expensive. That is why in deciding on the diamond ring we want to buy, we have to be mindful of several factors to make sure that we will get the best ring for our special someone. In choosing the rings we want to buy we have to consider these four factors namely cut, carat weight, color, and clarity or what is commonly known as four C's; so as to make sure that we will be getting our money's worth.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Engagement Rings Are Not All A Diamond's Good For

Get diamonds not just as engagement rings or wedding rings, but also for other occasions. You can get them as business gifts for informal meet ups or celebrations. Give them for family members on their birthdays, holidays or family reunions. Buy diamond earrings and loose diamonds if rings aren't viable. Whatever you're celebrating, there's a diamond gift for it.

Seek engagement rings in a diversity of shapes, sizes, cleanliness, fluorescence and light performance. Diamonds also deviate and are rated by the four c's: clarity, carat, color and cut. If you are unknowledgeable regarding diamonds, you can still tell their variances in shape and design. But you might not fully comprehend how to properly assess diamonds for value without learning a few essentials.

When shopping for engagement rings, diamond earrings or loose diamonds, get all the salient information on diamonds. This way, you will have a better understanding of how much value the gift you are getting actually has. Not only in terms of the plain cost, but also the speculative value afforded by the diamonds. Act shrewd so that you can make sure each gift recipient gets a gift due to them, whether they be a childhood friend, a business investor, or a prospective life partner.

Several aspects contained in valuing diamonds are not so obvious without a proper study. The truth is, in spite of the existing gemological associations, valuing diamonds remains a subjective process. There are also separate grade systems used to rank and price diamonds. You may be purchasing diamond earrings higher in value than loose diamonds, whereas they might look like they're equal in size.

There are a few concerns you must apprehend promptly with regards to grading diamonds. For one, their weight has more bearing on their price than the quality of their cut. Secondly, diamonds get much of their value from the cutting process. Your diamond earrings are likely less than half their original size. But since cutting brings out their fire and brilliance, it raises their value.

Grading and pricing systems aside, there is no way you could call one diamond the greatest diamond. The Hope diamond, Oppenheimer diamond and Darya-I-Nur aren't actually that much better in comparison to your parent's engagement rings, loose diamonds or any kind of commercially available diamond. This is because each diamond is created unique. The greatest diamond gift does not cost the most, but is best suited to your needs.

Buy diamonds not for engagement rings or wedding rings, but for the other milestones in your life too. You can give them as business gifts for casual meetings or celebrations. Buy them for family members on their birthdays, holidays or family reunions. Buy diamond earrings and loose diamonds if rings aren't viable. You can find a diamond gift that fits any circumstance.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Engagement Rings: Choosing The Perfect Diamond Ring For Your Bride

Diamonds can last a lifetime.Loose diamonds are well-regarded for their astounding and unparalleled beauty.These precious gems are meant to remain elegant as ever even after a long time.It has become a universal belief in almost all cultures across the world that diamonds are perfect for engagement rings since these gems epitomize eternity. Furthermore, aside from being a symbol of eternal love, diamond rings are status symbols. What made them extraordinary is their expensive cost and the value they currently hold, which makes diamonds a luxury for many people.

Not too many people have the financial capacity to afford diamond rings. This one big reason why diamond engagement rings are great for surprising your soon to be wife and loved ones.As a symbol of your undying and unparalleled love, it would be a good idea if you would surprise your bride to be with a diamond engagement ring. A diamond engagement ring can definitely make your marriage proposal more extraordinary and remarkable one, both for you and your bride to be.

However, before you proceed with your plan of buying a diamond ring for your proposal, it would be helpful if you will educate yourself first with what to look for in diamond jewelry. Since diamonds are highly-priced commodities; it is very helpful if you will acquaint yourself with the ways on how to find quality diamonds. Getting the necessary education and guidance in getting the right type of diamond jewelry can help you maximize the huge amount of money you are about to spend. Moreover, it can help you find out the appropriate variety of diamond jewelry that can effectively suit your bride's style and preference.

Buying a diamond ring to surprise your bride to be is a task tailored for you. In choosing a diamond engagement ring, it is vital to remember several factors such as the ring size, the style and the type of metal.The first thing to remember is the ring size to make sure that your effort and the money you spent will not go into waste.You have to be certain that the diamond ring you are about to buy would fit into the ring finger of your bride to be. In doing this, you have to consider the ways on how to determine the ring size of your future wife or you can just tell the jeweler about her body type and size.

The style of the ring is also crucial in finding the right type of diamond jewelry. Diamond rings are available in varying cuts, styles and colors. Classic solitaire diamonds are the most in-demand while colored diamonds are among the most fashionable and unique. The tiffany style is perfect for a classic look while the invisible style are suited for a more modern and current appeal. In addition, your choice of ring should depend on the personality of your bride to be. It would also be great if the diamond is certified by diamond grading experts.

One of the vital things to consider in buying a diamond ring is the type of metal present. You can select from a wide array of metals available in the market such as yellow, white gold and platinum.In selecting the metal type of the ring, you have to consider your budget and the type of diamond that will be accompanied by the metal. White gold and platinum metals are perfect for colored diamonds.

Diamonds are perfect for engagement rings since they symbolize eternity. Diamond jewelry including loose diamonds are now a luxury for many people and a symbol of an eternal love. Diamond engagement rings are perfect for surprising a loved one and for marriage proposals. In choosing a diamond engagement ring, it is important to bear in mind several factors such as the ring size, the style, the type of metal and the required certifications.

The Many Uses Of Diamonds

As the old adage goes, diamonds are a girl's best friend. Any woman you might ask would simply say that they like to have a diamond in their possession. This is because it is considered as the ultimate gemstone and the hardest substance that nature is able to produce. It is also perceived as the best stone to be mounted in any jewelry piece.

It is noteworthy that the use of diamonds as jewelries has been around for centuries. However, it has been identified that there is a significant increase in the use of these gems within the past decades. Other than being a representation of fame and power, the use of diamond is not limited to jewelry making. It has also benefited many industries, generating large amounts of profits as it can be applied for cutting tools, a means to transmit sounds, various optical applications, and as a special coating for airplane cockpit windows.

While it is true that these precious gems have differing uses, it cannot be denied that they are primarily utilized as decorative pieces to make any jewelry more elegant and expensive. Diamonds and jewelries that contain such stones are considered as good investments that is why many people are now fond of purchasing them. The investment usefulness of these jewelries are associated with their increasing worth in the market. Likewise, they also serve as heirloom pieces that maintain the connection of one family generation to another.

Aside from their investment value, such gemstones are also priceless keepsakes during important events. Diamond encrusted rings, for instance, are extremely popular engagement gifts due to their exquisiteness and added sincerity. Because engagements are one of the most traditional practices to date, it is common for men to give such bands to their future spouse's to identify with the value of the occasion and their feelings for each other. Nevertheless, because diamond encrusted bands are physically durable, they are the most favored choice to be given during engagement ceremonies.

Prior to purchasing such diamond mounted rings however, it is important to ensure that you are buying a high-quality diamond and not just those that can be bought anywhere. There are many cases when unknowing buyers often take a diamond for a cubic zirconium and other similar looking stones. It is always best to buy in reputable stores so that you would be ensuring that the price you are paying is truly that jewelry's worth It is also noteworthy that one should know that the value of a diamond is based from its 4Cs""color, clarity, cut and carat.

So, before cashing in with that diamond ring, doing a little research can significantly affect what you should be purchasing. There are wide selections of diamond bands in the market; as such it pays to know everything about the product you are interested in. It is best to have the authentic one because it will represent your vow of love and permanence. Hence, it is important to get a hold of something real that will remind you in the long run of that long and lasting oneness.

Many people now prefer buying diamonds because they are good investments, as their value increases over time. It is also common to see such stones in jewelries, usually in rings, because they basically make any object valuable. A diamond ring, for instance, has become a popular engagement piece as it represents a relationship's longevity and everlasting love. Likewise, diamond jewelries have also been used as heirlooms to maintain the value of close family ties from generation to generation.