Sunday, September 19, 2010

The Value Of Fine Jewelry Pieces For Women

Fine jewelry has been an important staple throughout history. Since the ancient times humans have been inclined to wear jewelry pieces to adorn their bodies. Beginning in the old stone age about 25,000 years ago, both men and women took different objects they found, drilled holes in them and wore them in different areas around their bodies. However, women are more adept to wear jewelry pieces because of the many purposes they hold.

In a recent survey done by a lifestyle magazine, it has been found out that 95 out of 100 surveyed women spends more time shopping for fine jewelry pieces than any other items. Such result significantly shows how important jewelry is for many women. With this result at hand, you might be wondering what is it with jewelry that makes women swoon for it. Accordingly, there's a whole range of reasons why women love jewelry.

To begin with, all kinds of jewelry pieces are additives that reinforce the real context of dressing as well as artistic display. They are regarded as essential components of fashion and style due to their ability to improve the appearance of wardrobes that women often 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.

Other than accessorizing, articles of jewelry are also utilized to define the social status of women in the society. From the ancient times, various cultures have used jewelry pieces to identify the position of women in their tribes and communities--slaves were often seen wearing beaded articles of jewelry, while upper class women often wore metallic jewelry items that are adorned with precious gems such as crystals and 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.

Many women also love fine jewelry pieces because of their associated symbolism as well as the spiritual and health value they hold. 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 utilized to harness luck, while bangles are signs of creativity and the sun's potent energy. Gemstones of all sorts have been used to cure different health conditions with diamonds being used to induce clarity and jade to enhance relaxation among others.

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. Articles of jewelry are about relationships with spouses and partners as seen from the use of wedding and engagement rings accentuated with round brilliant cut diamonds, friendships that are defined by friendship bands and rings, and families through the consistent use of heirlooms that are passed from one generation to another. All in all, jewelry speaks volumes about the characters of women that not even written or spoken words could express.

Fine jewelry pieces have long been adored by women because of the many purposes they hold. Loose diamonds for instance that have round brilliant cut are often used to accentuate wedding and engagement rings used to encompass undying love and devotion. Necklaces, bracelets and earrings are worn for artistic display as well as to improve the appearance of clothes, improve health and define social status among others.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Thursday, September 16, 2010

A Simple Guide On Where To Buy Your Diamond Jewelry

In buying fine diamond jewelry, not only do you have to consider the four C's but also the place where you intend to make your purchase. Diamonds whether loose or embedded in jewelry are truly expensive. This fact is one of the primary reasons why purchasing diamonds is probably one of the biggest decisions you have to make. With this in mind, you have to be cautious about the shop where you intend to buy them so that you won't regret your purchase later on.

There are different means in order for you to acquire diamonds. One of the first things that you could do is to go online and look for online jewelry stores that specialize in fine diamond jewelry. Doing your purchases online is a practical way to land on articles of diamond jewelry without tiring yourself, as online jewelry stores are the key to finding diamonds that are both competitively priced and high in quality. In addition, online jewelry shops hold all sorts of diamond jewelry products from different parts of the world which gives you more room for choices.

The primary benefit of purchasing jewelry online is the comfort it provides and the time and energy you could save--with just a click, you could instantly choose from a wide array of jewelry selections, and it is also possible to engage in online jewelry auctions without your physical presence. Similarly, online jewelry stores offer competitively priced diamonds and jewelry pieces, whether round brilliant or any form of cut you desire, because they do not have price markups since they don't have physical stores to run that often incur overhead expenses such as electricity bills and employee salaries among others. 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 primary advantage of this option is that you have the power to personally check the quality and value of the round brilliant diamonds that you are interested to buy. Professional jewelers could also answer all your queries which would help you establish the right 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 looking for rare jewelry finds such as oval diamonds from the Victorian era, heirlooms that you will add to your collection, or perhaps used diamonds to save money, you could personally visit specialty stores, thrift shops or pawnshops. If you intend to follow this option, it is essential that you are knowledgeable about diamond jewelry to make appropriate purchases. You must also be patient enough to perform the task of searching as these stores usually do not hold such forms of valuable items. However, if you're lucky enough you could get rare finds that are worthy for your collection, though such instance is considered once in a blue moon.

When you're in the market for a piece of fine diamond jewelry, it pays to shop around and make comparisons to be able to make the right 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. As for physical jewelry stores, always consider comparing prices, services and the quality of their 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.

If you intend to buy fine diamond jewelry, regardless if it has oval diamonds or round brilliant sparklers, it pays to go over your store options to ultimately make the right purchase. Basically, you have two options when it comes to purchasing diamonds. First, you could go online, which is a good option to save time, money and energy, and second, you could visit your local jewelry stores, where you could personally appraise the jewelry you would like to purchase.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Friday, September 3, 2010

Diamond Rings: What To Look Out For

Clarity is one of the four C's that affects the quality of the diamond. It refers to the amount 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 easily noticeable, and may even be seen with 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 highly sought after by collectors, and will be a gift of true value to loved ones.

Flaws can be grouped into two; external flaws are called blemishes, whereas flaws within the diamond, that can alter 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. This can be used to secure your diamond rings.

Diamonds are graded based on the visibility of these flaws. This is done while they are still loose diamonds. There are several gemological organizations worldwide that have created independent 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 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. It is a standard accepted by gemological organizations across the board.

To guarantee you get diamonds of the best clarity, purchase loose diamonds first. You can make an ocular inspection of the diamonds before buying. You can ask the jeweler for a loupe or magnifier so that you can view them under 10 x magnification. If they don't want you to take a closer look, you should look elsewhere.

Be careful when picking jewelry stores as well. One store may be offering rock cheap 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 find a quality diamond at a fair price, but you need to know 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: Increasing The Value Of Your Loose Diamonds

Since the ancient times, diamonds have captivated the interest of humans. They are probably the most revered articles of accents provided by nature; deeply symbolizing beauty and forever. From all the stones that the world has introduced, diamonds are the most distinguished""appealing to people of all classes. Whether they are loose diamonds or blood diamonds, one thing remains a fact, they will continuously captivate the attention of generations of people.

Due to our inclination to diamonds, these stones became permanent fixtures during betrothals, weddings and other special occasions. Fine diamond rings and almost all articles of jewelry made from diamonds have turned into valuable belongings equally at par with 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. While much has been said about the clarity, color, and carat of diamonds, not all of us are very familiar about the facet of diamond cutting.

Cut with an emphasis on diamonds, refers to the guide of style or design used to shape a diamond for polishing. As oppose to shape, this feature is what defines the symmetry, proportioning and polish of a diamond, which all affect the stone's brilliance and fire. History of diamond cutting had its roots back from the middle ages, and has since been consistently innovated to what we know it today. Although many cutting styles have emerged and fall off along the way, the round brilliant cut remains as one of the most revered by jewelers and jewelry aficionados alike.

Round brilliant cut was originally developed by a Belgian diamond cutter named Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919. An engineer by profession, Tolkowsky developed this cut based from precise mathematical and empirical analysis that accounted the essence of brilliance and fire in diamonds. As an end result, a diamond cut this way contains 58 facets""33 on the top or crown, 25 at the bottom including the culet or the bottom point of the stone. 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. Other than these qualities, diamonds that are round brilliant in cut are also revered for their versatility to befit any type of jewelry setting. As such, it is not a surprise to know that approximately 75 percent of diamond jewelry sales are credited to this kind 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, with its versatile nature, you will not have any trouble finding the right setting for your diamond jewelry. In a nutshell, diamonds that are round brilliant in cut are definitely worthy of your expenses.

Loose diamonds are always appropriated for fine diamond rings and other fine jewelry pieces. This is because they give individuals the option to choose the setting that would befit their design preference. In order to further reinforce the beauty of loose sparkler, most jewelers would suggest that it would be more preferable to pick round brilliant cut diamonds since such cut is considered as the highest quality pattern that maximizes the brilliance and fire of diamonds to their full extent.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Loose Diamonds: Looking At Round Brilliant And Fancy Cuts

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

When looking at loose diamonds, you should confirm the diamond's value. You'll want to scrutinize each one for the four C's; carat weight, cut, clarity and color. But keep in mind that each diamond is unique, and it's unlikely 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 pinnacle of all diamond cuts is the round brilliant cut. Thanks to the work of Marcel Tolkowsky, the proportions essential to get the most brilliance and fire out of a diamond were established and popularized. Further innovations streamlined Tolkowsky's measurements to optimize diamond's potential for brilliance.

The round brilliant cut is also the established favorite cut. By comparison, different fancy cuts become popular in line with the current fads. Nowadays, people look for sparkle, so the heart, oval, and pear cuts are popular. However, the quality and value of a diamond is based on other factors. You can easily get a high value diamond of any cut - or low value, if you buy carelessly.

So buy a diamond jewelry gift with any cut you desire. It may be a shape that catches you or your significant other's fancy, or one that evokes special memories or feelings within you. If all you want is a huge diamond, and you don't mind flaws, it's easy to get one for cheap. But even if you are buying cheap, you have to scrutinize your purchases to avoid getting gypped.

When it comes time to set your loose diamond, it's sound 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 take responsibility for their own diamonds, leave them for a seller who will.

For most people, the only time they look for 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. The round brilliant cut is the most enduringly popular cut. Fancy cuts become popular based on prevailing fashions. However, the quality and value of a diamond is based on other factors. So buy a diamond jewelry gift in the cut you really want.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Diamond rings: Nothing says I love you like it

People with extra money would usually channel their funds on investments that can earn their money interest.To help their money grow, they would usually acquire assets like land or stocks and even condominium units because they can generate revenue as their value appreciates.

But while enormous and expensive assets may be the way for most people, others choose to invest on more enjoyable and less expensive items.And there is nothing more appropriate than to invest on their hobbies where they can directly enjoy money they have spent.

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.

Toys are a good example of items that, when kept in mint condition, can actually sell for more than its original value, sometimes ten to twenty times the original.Another good example is fine jewelry because this definitely appreciates in value in time.Diamond encrusted jewelry like diamond rings can definitely get more expensive over time.

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.

In a nutshell, spending extra money on assets and investments is a smart thing to do as it should be dictated by the desired outcome as time progresses.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.

While some people spend on assets like condominium units or land to make their money grow, others choose to invest on their hobbies and interests instead. Some like fine spending on fine jewelry or expensive cars or rare toys. This is a smart investment because like diamond rings or rare toys, they can only get pricier as the years go by.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Fine Jewelry: Common Types, Their Designs And Functions

The visual appeal of fine jewelry has never ceased to amaze us. As a matter of fact, jewelry pieces are sometimes perceived as the determining factor of societal status especially during the ancient times. These pieces have played significant roles in shaping some of the most important traditions we know of. From necklaces and earrings, to rings and bracelets, these articles have long provided humans with personal satisfaction that no other objects could provide.

There are many kinds of fine jewelry pieces available. Some are used as adornments, while others are used as symbolic tokens for certain occasions. There are articles of jewelry that are plain and cheap, while there are also pieces that are so ornate, they are often expensive. Below are some of the most common articles of jewelry available in the market as well as their qualities and purposes. Rings are perhaps the most common articles of jewelry that almost all of us are familiar with. They are widely available in several varieties; they may come as plain cylindrical bands commonly seen in wedding rings adorned with gemstones such as diamond heart setting, 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, these bands are employed to tote the emblems of fraternal orders or the insignias of certain organizations.

Another popular type of jewelry is the necklace which is 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 most usual forms of earrings set on the earlobes are large pearls, while popular hanging earrings are chandeliers and hoops. Traditionally, wearing earrings demands for ear piercings because the practice of wearing this jewelry in the past was a barbarous custom. 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 piece can be in the form of closed band, spiral coils, open on one side, closed with clasps or flexible rings made from several links. Aside from the ring, necklace, earrings and bracelets other form of jewelry pieces include pins, cuff links, anklets, chains, brooches, and collar buttons. 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.

Fine jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings are commonly used as personal adornments. However, they can also be used to signify societal status, as a form of currency, symbolism as well as artistic display. They can be made from precious metals set with gemstones just like a diamond heart setting and may come in varying finishes depending on the wearers preference.

-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 wasteful, with over half of the raw diamond thrown away to get to this ideal shape. Not to say that it's the sole shape diamonds should come in. In fact, the diversity of diamond cuts increases their overall desirability.

And diamond heart jewelry is as appealing as it gets. Heart cuts share a lot of characteristics as 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 carelessly. The heart cut is essentially the pear cut with a cleft added in.

Admittedly, not everybody likes diamond heart jewelry. Some people may feel that it is too puerile to use in their wedding rings. Still, it is hard to question 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 consideration really is just the brilliance of the piece. Diamond makers refined Tolkowsky's Ideal Cut, the original standard for the round cut. Thanks to the progress 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. Specifically, you need to verify that it does not have any blemishes, cracks or other imperfections. Some imperfections are not discernible to the naked eye, but still affect the diamond's value. These imperfections do become apparent 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 eliminate these imperfections. Government regulations require that any enhancements be disclosed to potential buyers. These treatments diminish their value and are only performed on seriously flawed diamonds.

It is crucial that you do a quality check before you acquire any diamond heart jewelry. Specifically, you need to verify that it does not have any blemishes, cracks or other imperfections. With round brilliant cut diamonds, your primary interest is in the brilliance of the piece. IYou should keep watch for enhanced diamonds. These are treatments performed on diamonds after they have been cut and polished to eliminate these imperfections and reduce their value.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Enhancing The Look Of Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Through The Right Settings

Diamond jewelry gifts are perhaps among the best tokens that a person could give and receive. While the value of gifts isn't determined by their aesthetic appeal, it cannot be denied though that in some ways most of us look on the outside appearance of presents. Taking these things into consideration, diamonds are the best tokens that could actually fulfill our emotional and aesthetic needs when it comes to gifts. Likewise, with their durability, they are the gifts that could never be forgotten even after years have passed by.

When purchasing diamond for gifts, it would be more viable to go for loose diamonds since they are not yet set to any piece of jewelry. Meaning to say, you have the opportunity to have them customized based from your preferred setting. 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.

In order to fully understand what a cut means, one should be able to differentiate it from shape. Shape refers to the outline of the stone's perimeter, while the cut or make profoundly affect the gem's appearance as it refers to the proportioning and overall finish of the diamond""two elements that are directly linked to how the diamond produces its fire or rainbows, and brilliance or the liveliness and sparkle. Accordingly, a diamond with a good cut is more valuable than a diamond with a poor cut. There are different cutting methods that can be done in order to produce high quality diamonds; however, the round brilliant cut remains as one of the most popular among many jewelers and jewelry collectors alike.

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 have underwent this method displays greater brilliance compared to any 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. Although there are shapes and cut that are comparable to round cut diamonds, the latter remains as the favorite of most jewelers.

Round brilliant cut diamonds are very versatile and will suit all kinds of jewelry setting. 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 conventional ring setting where a diamond is sturdily held by either four or six prongs of same height, which in turn makes the gem protrude away from the finger. 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

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 noted that well cut diamonds could cost as much as 40 to 50 percent more than poorly cut sparklers. Hence, it is important that a prospective buyer should understand what cut is. With regards to diamonds, cut or make pertains to the overall symmetry, proportioning and finish of the stones that have direct impact on the levels of 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 have fewer facets than that of the brilliant cut, commonly rectangular or trapezoid in shape and are arranged in a linear format. On the other hand, a mixed cut uses combined elements from the step cut and brilliant cut techniques.

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, when combined with the right shape, a brilliant cut sparkler will definitely show an imposing beauty and value that will endure the test of time. 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 the most popular shape that befits well with the said cutting technique.

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 known as "full cut" stones in order to discern them from the so-called "single cut" stones which only exude 17 facets, or from "Swiss cut" stones that contain only 33 facets. Probably by now you're asking, what is so special about these round brilliant diamonds? The answer lies on their capability to emit the most brilliance, fire and liveliness which could all be credited from their ability to reflect the most light.

Round brilliant cut is also acknowledged as the most favorite and "ideal" combination of cut and shape because of its versatile nature that could befit all sorts of jewelry pieces. 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. Nevertheless, they also go well with all known settings such as pave, prong, and bezel among others. Fundamentally, this cut is truly functional and versatile.

As mentioned above there many ways on how diamonds are cut. What might be ideal for some may not be the choice of another. 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 take is to compare diamonds of various qualities and prices as this is the most effective means for you to train your eyes in properly identifying which are the ones that show the greatest, brilliance, fire and liveliness.

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

Fine Jewelry: How Cut Affects Clarity

Is cut more important than clarity when appraising 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 consider what you really value in fine jewelry.

A diamond's cut alludes 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, alludes to the quantity 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 impact its clarity. In the diamond cutting and polishing process, 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 irregardless 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 important 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 renowned for having the most potential for brilliance above all other cuts. Any blunders in the cut or internal flaws, even minor, will lower 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 examine 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 refers to its external proportions, as well as the skill of cutting and polishing. The clarity of diamonds, on the other hand, refers to the number of imperfections a diamond has. When you look at a round cut diamond, you'll realize how important it is to cut a diamond with a reasonable amount of skill. Only the most precise craftsmanship can guarantee that a raw piece of diamond will be recut into fine jewelry.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Wedding Ring And Engagement Ring: Similarities And Differences

Bands have figured prominently in betrothal and marriages since prehistoric times. In fact, it would be hard to carry on an engagement and wedding without the presence of bands. 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.

To further outline the differences between wedding ring and engagement ring, it would be logical to start with their individual functions. To simply put it, an engagement ring is given by the man to the woman prior to their marriage in order to signify that they are bound to be married. 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 ceremony and the years of their marriage, both the bands are worn by the woman on her left finger, while the man only wears the wedding ring since men are not accustomed to wear an engagement band.

Between the wedding and engagement hoops, most couples invest more on their engagement bands. In fact, an engagement ring is more attention-grabbing than a wedding ring because it is somehow a silent announcement of the soon-to-be married status of couples. Traditionally, engagement bands have protruding center stones usually made 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 the exact opposite of engagement ring in terms of design and finish as it is often plain and simple, or sometimes appear as less accentuated with gemstones. However, the design of the wedding bands is always dependent on the couple's choice; there are couples who also use fine diamond jewelry for their wedding bands, though this is not always the case as the plain finish of such band represents the sanctity of marriage. The wedding and engagement bands are both worn on the left finger between the index and pinkie as tradition has it that the said finger holds the vein that is connected directly to the heart which is referred to as the vena mori. However, there are also cultures that traditionally wear their wedding and engagement bands on the right hand, specifically on the right ring finger.

Commonly, wedding and engagement bands are separately purchased. They may also come as a set, which is why a wedding ring can also be as elaborate as the engagement ring. If you would be purchasing these bands separately, always try to consider that you would be using them on a daily basis, so when you are to pick each piece select the shape of the gemstone that would complement 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.

Generally, wedding ring and engagement ring are important pieces that represent two important stages in a couple's relationship, the engagement and marriage. 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 differ greatly in appearance and function. An engagement ring is worn prior to the marriage to denote the engaged status of the couple. Traditionally engagement ring has center piece that's of fine diamond jewelry with round brilliant cut. Meanwhile, wedding bands are the ones exchanged by couples during wedding ceremonies to seal their marriage vows. Such ring is usually a plain band or designed to match the theme of the engagement ring but is simpler.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Loose Diamonds: All The Brilliant Cuts, And Otherwise

Why get loose diamonds? They're not quite 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 popular of these is the round brilliant cut. Simply put, the round brilliant is the most well-known because it provides the most brilliance. It has been cut in such a way that it reflects the most light. What most people don't know is that the shape of the round brilliant is the least practical. As much as half of the original diamond is left out when it is turned into a round brilliant. For this reason, diamonds are available in several other shapes as well, commonly known as fancy cuts.

Now some of the fancy cuts are already based on familiar shapes, and will appeal to people even if they aren't that familiar with diamonds. The heart and oval cuts are named after their shapes. 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 they may all look 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. Compared to 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 is the older of the two, and its proportions are less even.

The princess and radiant cuts are categorized under a third kind of cut, the mixed cuts. They have more brilliance than step cuts, but are more cost-effective than brilliant cuts. The princess cut is only second to the round brilliant in its popularity, whereas the radiant cut has over 70 cuts.

When choosing loose diamonds, you need not be intimidated by technical knowledge. You can buy based on what cut you find attractive. The jeweler, in turn, will narrow down your choices in terms of price and quality, and help you make the most ideal purchase.

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

Diamond Jewelry Gifts Purchasing Tips

Probably by now you're thinking of offering your bride a diamond ring and ask for her hand in a marriage. The idea appears to be very simple; you'll go to your local jewelry store, buy a diamond ring worthy of her love, set a date and propose to her. 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 are planning to buy a diamond, it is imperative that you take charge of your transaction, and in order to do so you must be well informed about the tricks of the trade in order for you to get the most for your money.

Fred Cuellar, a gemologist and world-renowned diamond expert, believed that there are four things that a buyer has to consider when purchasing diamond jewelry gifts: budget, expectations, savvy and timetable. When it comes to budget, you should be able to figure out how much money you are willing to spend and stick to that budget outlay; one month of your salary can already be a good guideline. For expectations, it is important that you know and understand the needs and wants of the person to whom you are going to give the diamond so that you will have an idea what to look for and what to pick out from the bunch. 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.

Since you are now aware of the general basics, you should also consider 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. Purchasing online is a practical means to buy diamond pieces without the need to drive far as the items you need are just a click away; however, there are two major drawbacks with this option: you can't personally appraise the diamond and you never really know whom you are dealing with; if you think this would work for you, make sure to do a background check first so that you can be assured that you know where your money would go. 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 is an indication of how clear the gemstone is and how free it is from blemishes or external imperfections and inclusions or internal imperfections. Different types of diamond are assigned with 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.

Sparklers come in a whole range of colors; however, colored diamond pieces are very rare and expensive that they are not usually available in local jewelry stores rather white and yellow diamond pieces are the most common, between the two however, it is always preferable to pick the whiter ones. 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. When you look at the cut always remember that aside from indicating the stone's shape, it also determines how sparkly your diamond could become.

It is never enough for a diamond to be clear and white, because your diamond will not sparkle unless it is cut properly. As cut is extremely hard to analyze, the three things that you should look at are brilliance, fire and scintillation; however, if you really want to make things easier, the standard round brilliant cut is probably the most preferable choice compared to other 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.

Purchasing diamond jewelry gifts is a daunting task. Hence, it is always best to be an informed buyer in order to get the most out of your money. Not because a diamond is round brilliant cut doesn't mean it's already a good purchase. Remember that there are still three remaining Cs that you have to consider. A clarity enhanced diamond might be inexpensive but also consider the quality. Educating oneself is a good way to make the right purchasing decisions.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Wednesday, August 11, 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 and would wish to sweep your woman off her feet, might as well give her fine jewelry encrusted with diamonds. Of course, these gemstones aren't cheap; a piece could already cost you an arm and a leg depending on its rarity and features. 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 one of the most valuable traits of a diamond that also serves as a determining factor to identify its real value. Untouched loose diamonds for instance, often have higher price tags as their clarity along with their remaining C's have no imperfections and inclusions. However, there are also diamonds that are referred to as clarity enhanced sparklers found in the market today. Unlike expensive flawless diamonds, these sparklers have lower price tags because of the clarity manipulation carried out to make them visually appealing.

Clarity enhanced diamond is a gemstone that had imperfections that were once visible to the naked eye. 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. Enhanced diamonds are also referred to as "fracture filled diamonds."

There are different methods of enhancements to produce clarity enhanced diamond. The most common method is known as drilling wherein a tiny hole is drilled toward the diamond in order to remove minerals and other elements that causes discoloration. This process is done using a laser, which emits a beam capable of creating a neat hole directly towards the gemstone's inclusion. Once the drilling is done, the diamond is usually left with a small fracture, which is then covered with silicon or heavy glass that is hardly discernible to the naked eyes; such process is known as fractured 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's looking for a decent looking sparkler but you are a bit tight on budget, clarity enhanced sparkler is always a good consideration. 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. Thus, enhanced diamonds are good gemstones that could also definitely sweep your woman off her feet.

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

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Fine Jewelry As Gifts

Fine jewelry refers to items that are commonly used for personal accessories, most common of which includes earrings, bracelets, necklaces and brooches. Jewelry pieces are developed from a whole range of materials that includes precious metals, gemstones and even seashells. Ever since the prehistoric period, jewelry has arrested the attention of humans, and this perspective is still applicable 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 because they denote fashion sensitivity and timelessness which means they never go out of style regardless of their finish and material, and they cross the boundaries in many societal aspects. A perfect example of such perspective is in the form of engagement or wedding rings which have been utilized as tokens during engagements or weddings. Jewelry pieces are also used as symbolic items for group membership; in many organizations worldwide, the use of rings or pins are strong notions of acceptance and camaraderie.

These days there's a whole range of fine jewelry pieces available for both men and women. For females, popular jewelry choices includes necklaces, earrings, brooches, bracelets and rings. For their male counterparts, jewelry choices includes cuff links, tie accessories, watches, customized rings, necklaces and money clips. Over the years, the prices and designs of jewelry pieces have profoundly changed in order to complement different cultural and occasional situations.

If you wish to give something meaningful to someone, you may want to purchase jewelry pieces with gemstones. 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 are to offer a gift to your loved one, what better way to express it than to give her ring that have loose sparklers set on it during your proposal. This is an excellent way to tell her how much you love her as the ring itself is already representative of your undying and unending love, while the diamonds would represent your indestructible love towards her.

Earrings, bracelets or necklaces with loose diamonds are also good choices for that special gift as you can rarely go wrong when it comes to design. These pieces works well for female siblings, friends or relatives during their birthdays or for any special event for that matter. Setting aside their availability, the use of these pieces are not only restricted during special occasions, instead they can also be worn on a daily basis. Surely, loose sparklers are guaranteed to improve the look of jewelry and make it appear timeless and usable.

If you are a woman and you already ran out of gift ideas for your father or husband, you may want to look at cuff links. 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, you can give a round cut matt silver cuff link with loose sparklers to your father or husband as this design is strikingly masculine, which could represent his reticent nature. 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

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Getting The Best Inexpensive Diamonds

The diamond remains as one of the most coveted gems 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. Due to the many beautiful things associated with such gem together with the pressing issues surrounding its mining process, owning a flawless sparkler can truly sweep away a person's lifetime savings. If you have limited budget at hand and would like to buy cheap diamond, you can follow some of the simple guidelines below to secure one.

As a start, why not search for online jewelry shops that are known for their inexpensive jewelry pieces but are high in quality? Purchasing diamonds online is a good option because compared to local jewelry stores that incur additional costs on their products as a form of coverage for their overhead expenses, online jewelry stores offer competitive pricing without extra charges often induced by overhead expenses, except of course for the shipping and handling fees as well as taxes. It also preferable to participate in online diamond auctions that are frequently facilitated by jewelers. Of course, if you buy online you are definitely saving your money, time and energy without the need to exhaust yourself from personally visiting one jewelry shop to another.

If you have no issues purchasing and owning pre-owned blings, another option that you can do is to personally visit stores that offer either discounted or inexpensive jewelry pieces. There are many pawnshops and thrift shops out there that you can try. However, if you intend to go for this option you must have the right knowledge about sparklers so that you will know if the gemstones you are about to buy are real or fake. Likewise, be prepared to get a bit disappointed because at most times you might leave a shop without any purchase, but if you're lucky enough you can get a good deal for sparklers that are still in good condition or you can even get rare pieces for that matter.

Another reliable approach you can do to secure a cheap diamond is to purchase loose diamond. Basically, a loose diamond is a real type of diamond that hasn't been used for jewelry production process. 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 have the option to customize your jewelry according to your own preference.

Downgrading is also preferable to get cheap diamond. By downgrading on some of the areas or the 4Cs of your diamond, you can make a huge difference in terms of cost. If you're worried about the quality of your sparkler, you don't have to because downgrading does not incur discernible reduction on the quality of the diamond. For instance, instead of purchasing a flawless diamond, you could try your hands on a piece that has few ratings lower in the clarity department, or rather than going for a full or half carat, purchase a sparkler that has a carat lower than an exact half or a full number.

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. Hence, when you speak of treated sparklers they have imperfections that were corrected by differing processes such as irradiation, filling imperfections and laser drilling to name a few; however, it must also be taken into account that these enhancements does not totally ruin the quality of diamonds, but they make such gemstones relatively inexpensive.

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: Understanding the true meaning of this symbol

For most couples, exchanging marriage vows is the ultimate expression of true love they wish to reach in their relationship. It begins when the man or the woman pops the ultimate question that usually comes with a presentation of a ring. An engagement ring symbolizes one's intention to love you forever which is why even before marriage couples wear a pre-engagement ring, a promise ring or a diamond engagement ring. And wearing an engagement ring is an exciting reminder for the couple that they will soon wed and build a family together.

It is not easy to shop for an engagement ring especially if you don't know what to start or what features should be considered.Of course, it is always easier if the couples shop together, but that is not always the case. Excluding the cost, there are a lot to consider about the ring itself, like the style and gemstone, when you go ring shopping.A gemstone placed in a ring can have various styles of cuts, levels of clarity, carat weight and color.One example of a popular ring design is the trinity or trilogy ring, a three-stone diamond engagement ring that is seen to represent the past, present and future relationship of the couple.

Marrying men can also wear an engagement band which usually is his wedding band, too.Meanwhile, women has a different ring for engagement and wedding, although many had chosen to wield these two together after the wedding for practical purposes.Looking at it, we are talking three rings, at the very least, for the couple. 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.

During weddings, the couple makes a vow to be with each other until death to they part - a love to last forever. Marriage rings symbolize strong relationships like a strength of a diamond, the toughest and hardest mineral known to man.It is the number 1 in the ranking of hardness minerals in the Mohs scale of mineral harness, a method used in comparing hardness of stones.It is resistant to scratches, making it perfectly suitable for marriage rings worn on a daily basis.

A diamond engagement ring can be within your reach as long as you set a budget to strictly follow.Diamonds, in itself, makes a ring more expensive than others because it is precious commodity with increasing value.The average price is somewhere between $3,500 and $4,000, depending on the diamond's color, carat weight, cut and clarity. The trick is to look around until you find the ring you feel your girlfriend will like and, at the same time, falling within your budget limit. It is what the ring symbolizes that matters and not the size, cut and cost of the stone attached to it.

What every couple should remember is that the ring is only a physical representation of their love, and not the focus in the relationship.There are online shops and jewelry stores to guide you in picking the best ring at a price you can afford.Also, consider buying jewelry wedding bands in a set since these usually come in cheaper. Lastly, enjoy shopping! This should be an exciting moment for the buyer as much as it will be for the recipient of the ultimate question and the 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 many ways to express and show our deepest and purest form of love to our special someone, buying her a ring can definitely mean something more special. In choosing the ring that we want to use to surprise our loved one, we need to make it as special and memorable as possible. There could never be a perfect gift to give to your special someone or your loved one than a diamond ring. Diamonds are everlasting pieces of gem making them a perfect symbol of eternal and enduring 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 for so long, these rings will definitely 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 be mindful of several important factors before we jump 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 do not come cheap, we have to make sure that we can 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 choosing the perfect ring, the first thing to look for 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 evaluated by the GIA whether a diamond stone is off-round or perfectly round and if the cuts are good enough.

Next thing to consider is the carat weight. The carat term for weight measurement of these gemstones was actually derived 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 a vital feature of these precious gemstones that you should be familiar with. 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 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 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.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Engagement Rings And Other Gift Options For Diamonds

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. 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. You can find a diamond gift that fits any circumstance.

Look for engagement rings in an assortment 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 untrained eye, you may recognize diamonds come in different shapes and designs. Nonetheless, you may still have to study some salient details regarding diamonds to properly recognize how to value them.

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. 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.

A lot of the factors required are unclear if lacking the required knowledge. The reality is, although there are separate gemological associations, valuing diamonds depends on the person or organization doing it. There are also divergent grade systems exploited 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 commonly less than half their original size. After cutting brings out their fire and brilliance, however, they improve in 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 any greater or lesser compared to your parent's engagement rings, or to any loose diamonds in the market today. This is due to how all diamonds are designed to be different from one another. The best diamond gift is not the most expensive, but the one that best matches your needs.

Give diamonds not just as engagement rings or wedding rings, but to celebrate other events. You can buy them as business gifts for your coworkers outside of work. Give them for family members on their birthdays, holidays or family reunions. Give diamond earrings and loose diamonds for those situations when you can't give rings. Whatever you're celebrating, there's a diamond gift for it.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Friday, May 28, 2010

Diamonds And The Four C's

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 choosing the ring that we want to use to surprise our loved one, we need to make it as special and memorable as possible. There could never be a perfect gift to give to your special someone or your loved one than a diamond ring. Diamonds are everlasting pieces of gem making them a perfect symbol of eternal and enduring love.

Diamonds are the perfect choices especially in choosing the ring for your marriage proposal.These compelling pieces of jewelry can definitely make your loved one thrilled 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 for so long, these rings will definitely 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 remember some important things before we jump into our nearest jewelry store. These precious gemstones are no cheap commodities. 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 quite expensive, we have to be certain that we will be able to get the most out of the money we would invest for these expensive 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 introduced by the Gemological Institute of America otherwise known as GIA in 1931 and is now widely recognized 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 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 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 higher is its price tag. 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 for measuring the stone's impurities. 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 are not characterized by 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.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Diamonds: What To Look For In 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 compelling pieces of jewelry can definitely make your loved one thrilled 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 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 no cheap commodities. 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 do not come cheap, we have to make sure that we can 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 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 deciding on the perfect ring, the first thing that we should look at is the cut.This characteristic 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 thing 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 present 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 more exclusive colors of these precious stones include pink, blue, or green.

The last characteristic you should keep in mind is the stone's clarity.Clarity is used by many jewelers for measuring the stone's impurities. 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 are not characterized by these impurities and those which are very rare are usually flawless.

In choosing the diamond ring 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. Diamonds are expensive. That is why in deciding on the rings we want to buy, we have to be mindful of these factors to make sure that we will get the best ring for our special someone.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Engagement Rings And Other Diamond Gifts

Get diamonds not just as engagement rings or wedding rings, but also for other occasions. You can buy them as business gifts for your coworkers outside of work. Buy them for family members on their birthdays, holidays or family reunions. Give diamond earrings and loose diamonds for those situations when you can't give rings. Whatever you're celebrating, there's a diamond gift for it.

Find engagement rings in a variety of shapes, sizes, cleanliness, fluorescence and light performance. Diamonds also vary 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.

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. 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.

Many of the factors involved in valuing diamonds are not readily apparent if you're uneducated about it. The fact is, in spite of the several gemological associations, valuing diamonds varies between them. 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 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 commonly less than half their original size. After cutting brings out their fire and brilliance, however, they improve in 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 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.

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.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Engagement Rings: Choosing The Perfect Diamond Ring For Your Bride

Diamonds can last forever. Loose diamonds are long revered for their astounding and compelling beauty. These precious gems can stay as 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 an emblem of everlasting love, diamond rings have now become status symbols.What made them so special is their staggering cost and the value they currently hold, which makes diamonds a luxury for many people.

Not too many people have the financial capability to afford diamond rings.This is one of the apparent reasons why diamond engagement rings are perfect for surprising your soon to be wife and loved ones. As a representation of your endless and unequaled love, it would be a great 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 move on with your plan of purchasing a diamond ring for your proposal, it is recommended that you educate yourself first with what to look for in diamond jewelry. Since diamonds are all but expensive commodities; it is imperative that you acquaint yourself with the ways on how to find quality diamonds.Getting the needed education and guidance in purchasing the right type of diamond jewelry can help you take full advantage of the huge amount of money you are about to spend.Moreover, it can help you determine the right kind of diamond jewelry that can effectively fit your bride's style and preference.

Buying a diamond ring to surprise your bride to be is a task you have to do by yourself. In choosing a diamond engagement ring, it is essential to consider several factors such as the ring size, the style and the type of metal. The first thing to consider is the ring size to make sure that your effort and the money you spent will not go into waste. You have to be sure that the diamond ring you are planning to purchase can fit the ring finger of your bride to be. In doing this, you have to think of ways that can help you in finding 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 an important factor in finding the right type of diamond jewelry. Diamond rings can be purchased 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, the personality of your bride to be must be your basis in choosing a ring.It is also important that 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 ideal for colored diamonds.

Diamonds are symbols of an eternal love which makes them fit perfectly in engagement rings. Diamond rings including loose diamonds are status symbols for many people and a symbol of eternity, which makes them special. Diamond engagement rings are perfect for surprising a loved one and for marriage proposals. In choosing a diamond engagement ring, it is important to consider several factors such as the ring size, the style, the type of metal and the required certifications.

Diamond Ring: The Best Gift To Give

As it has been said, diamonds are a girl's best friend. Every woman would love to have a pair or two of this precious stone 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. Aside from being the testament of social status, such gems have also other varying uses. 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.

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. Many people are now fond of buying jewelries that have diamonds in them because they are good investments. The investment usefulness of these jewelries are associated with their increasing worth in the market. They also serve as important pieces of heirloom that can be passed from one generation 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.

Before buying a diamond encrusted ring, it is imperative to know that what you are getting is the real ones and not a fake. A diamond can be mistaken with cubic zirconiums and other similar looking stones, making it hard to buy such gem if you have no background about it. With these in mind, it is always advisable to purchase such precious stones in reputable diamond stores to avoid the fake ones. 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. The selection of diamond bands in the market is endless and it pays to have the patience to know everything about this stone. At the end of it all, it would be the representation of you and your future spouse's permanence and love. Therefore, it is important to have something authentic so that every time you look and your spouse look at it, both of you will be reminded of that undying love you have sworn to.

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.