Friday, September 10, 2010

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. Beginning in the old stone age 25,000 years ago, men and women have collected things, from animal teeth, shells and bones to pebbles and stones, drilled holes in them and wore them on their bodies. But, women are undeniably more inclined to use jewelry than men due to the many purposes that these items serve.

In a recent study facilitated by a lifestyle magazine, it was found out that 95 out of 100 surveyed female responds are more disposed to shop for fine jewelry pieces than any other items of accessory. 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, women love jewelry for a number of reasons.

To start with, jewelry of all kinds is a crucial additive that intensify the underlying concept of dressing and 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 that are accentuated with loose diamonds and other gemstones could make the hair appear more glamorous; brooches and pins could instantly transform a dull looking uniform into a more fashion-forward outfit. Bracelets, rings, earring, necklaces and other articles worn on different parts of the body surely define those parts where they are placed.

Aside from accessorizing, jewelry pieces are also used to help define the social status of women in the society. Back in the ancient times they were determining factors of what positions women hold in the community--with slaves using beads and upper echelons using metallic jewelry pieces accented with gemstones such as loose diamonds. Though this purpose may not be as extensive today as that from the past, it cannot be denied that jewelry pieces are benchmarks for the rich and famous.

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 utilized to harness luck, while bangles are signs of creativity and the sun's potent energy. 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 could tell tales of love, friendship, celebration, welcoming and even 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. Generally, jewelry of all sorts tells a whole lot about women that not even words would be able to 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

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. 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.

You have many options at hand to acquire the sparklers you like. The first step that you could actually do is to go online and look for online jewelry stores that sell fine diamond jewelry pieces. 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. Online jewelry shops usually offer a whole range of diamond jewelry designs from across the globe, which means you have many options to choose from.

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. 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 disadvantage with online shopping however could be associated to the abundance of jewelry choices which often weaken the ability of consumers to rationally assess the quality and price the jewelry pieces. Nevertheless, since the internet permits the operation of anonymous individuals and businesses, there are many jewelry scammers who are waiting to pounce on naive jewelry buyers who make the wrong move.

If you would like to secure your purchase, why not try visiting the local jewelry shops within your area? The good thing about this option is that you could personally assess the quality and value of the round brilliant diamonds or any jewelry you are to purchase. Professional jewelers could also assist you if you have questions, which would help you in making your purchasing decisions. The major problems affiliated with this option could be found on product pricing; frequently, physical jewelry stores incur additional costs or markups on their products in order to cover their overhead expenses that are often acquired from electricity bills and employee salaries, and there are limited jewelry selections which could be an issue if you're looking for a specific kind of jewelry.

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 you would consider this option, make sure that you really are knowledgeable about diamonds 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 decide to purchase fine diamond jewelry for yourself or for your loved one, it is highly suggested that you shop around and make comparisons first prior to making your actual purchase. If you intend to buy online, always do your homework before you purchase to make sure that the store where you would buy is indeed legitimate; check the complaints directory to know the reputation of your prospective online jewelry store and also take the time to study their refund and return policies. 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

Monday, September 6, 2010

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 definite answer, you need to understand the relationship between the two. More importantly, you'll need to consider what you really 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, refers to the number 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 affect 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 no matter what quality the cut has. Clarity is also dependent on the quality of the unpolished diamond. As a consumer, you need to be conscious of this and check any diamonds you want to buy under a microscope or loupe to find 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 obvious just how closely cut and clarity are connected to each other. Round cuts are known 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 buy fine jewelry? Do you think it's the diamond with the best cut, or the highest clarity? You have to look at both factors. 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 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

Round Brilliant Cut: The Perfect Cut For Diamonds

Among the 4 C's of diamonds, cutting or cut is probably the least understood even though it greatly affects the cost and appearance of these articles of fine jewelry. 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 important that a prospective buyer should understand what cut is. When referring to the cut or make of diamonds this is identified as the general symmetry, proportioning and finish of such gems that profoundly affect their ability to produce 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 utilizes several facets that are usually triangular and kite in shape and are arranged in a particular manner to optimized the diamonds' brilliance. A step cut utilizes fewer facets, mostly rectangular or trapezoidal in shape and are arranged in linear pattern. Meanwhile, a mixed cut makes use of combined elements from both the step and brilliant cutting 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 combined with the right shape, a brilliant cut sparkler will surely overshadow other diamonds in terms of beauty and value. Although, the brilliant cut fits well with differing shape, it is the round shape that complements it the most. In fact, round brilliant cut is already relative with the said cutting style.

Each round brilliant cut sparkler contains 58 facets""33 are situated on the crown, 24 at the bottom, and another facet at the culet or point. 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. By now you're probably wondering, what is so special about this round brilliant diamonds? The answer is that since this shape has no corners it displays the most liveliness as it is capable of reflecting the most light that passes through the stones due to its perfect proportions.

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 most preferred for engagement and wedding rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings among others because they could be easily lined together regardless of the form of the jewelry. Nonetheless, they befit all settings whether it is prong or pave. Succinctly, such cut is the only cut that shows functionality and versatility all its own.

Of course, as stated earlier there are different cutting techniques that could be employed for diamonds. 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.

The cutting techniques used for diamonds, whether they are loose or clarity enhanced diamonds; significantly affect their appeal and value. Among the cutting styles in use, the round brilliant cut is perhaps the most ideal due to its perfect proportions that allow diamonds cut this way to emit the most brilliance and fire. Round brilliant diamonds are also revered for their versatility which is apparent from their ability to suit all forms of fine jewelry setting.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Diamond Jewelry Gifts: The Best Ring 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, you could actually have them customized in accordance to your desired setting and piece of jewelry. Similarly, it would be easier for you to have the gems appraised knowing that you could perceive their overall features. One of the most essential features that you would have to closely consider with loose sparklers is the cut.

In order to fully understand what a cut means, one should be able to differentiate it from shape. Shape pertains to the outline perimeter of the gem, while the cut, which is also referred to as the stone's "make," significantly affect the gem's beauty and personality as it pertains to the stone's proportioning and overall finish, which are directly related to how the diamond produces fire""the lovely rainbows from within the diamond and brilliance, which is the liveliness and sparkle of the gem. To simply put it, a diamond with an excellent make would be more valuable than a diamond with a poor cut. There are various ways in which diamonds can be cut; however, the so-called round brilliant cut is considered as the most popular among jewelers and jewelry buyers.

Round brilliant cut is the standard cut for diamonds and is considered as the best at producing prismatic effect, which means its shape displays the most sparkle since it enables the most light to reflect back 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. Though new emerging shapes and cut compare favorably to round cut diamonds, this cut remains on the top of many jewelers.

Round brilliant cut diamonds are very flexible and could suit all types of jewelry settings. If you wish to offer a round brilliant diamond ring during your proposal, there's a wide array of ring settings that you could choose from. 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 made up of several pieces of diamonds set closely together, and in between them are little gems that hold them tightly to the metal setting, while a bezel setting has a metal rim or collar that encircle either the entire side or just a portion of the diamond that extends a bit above the stone.

Other notable settings that you could use for your round brilliant loose diamonds include the channel setting, wherein several diamonds of similar sizes are placed into a metal channel so that they appear as a continuous row of diamonds, and the bar setting wherein the diamonds are placed in grooves separated by metal. Generally, there's no denying that diamond jewelry pieces are truly the perfect gifts that a person could give and receive as they encompass beauty, exquisiteness, and value. As such, if you wish to give something that is truly special to the person you love, diamond jewelry is the one that you should go after since it could best encompass your real emotions.

The beauty and rarity of loose diamonds are what make them the perfect diamond jewelry gifts. If you are thinking of giving a diamond ring to your loved one, it would be more preferable to choose loose sparklers that have round brilliant cut as they exude more brilliance and fire than any other diamond shapes. Likewise they are very versatile and could complement a whole range of settings.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Diamond Rings: What To Look Out For

Clarity is one of the four C's that influences the quality of the diamond. It refers to the number of flaws found in a diamond. These flaws are imperfections caused by mistakes in cutting or that arise from the original rock. A diamond with poor clarity will have faults that are conspicuous, even to the naked eye. They will not look pleasing 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 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 are more likely to devalue a diamond, but they can also be advantageous. 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 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 orient 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 establishing a diamond's monetary value. It is a standard employed by gemological organizations across the board.

To ensure you get diamonds of the highest clarity, get loose diamonds first. This way, you can check on these diamonds with your own eyes. The jeweler should lend you their loupe or magnifier so that you can view them under 10 x magnification upon request. If they are unwilling to let you take a closer look, you may as well look elsewhere.

Jewelry stores are not always what they appear to be. One store may be offering dirt cheap sales, 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. Your priority should be getting diamonds of lasting value. You can find a quality diamond at a fair price, but you need to know your diamonds.

When buying diamond rings, you will want to check the clarity of the diamond above anything else. Clarity is one of the main factors used in gauging a diamond's monetary value. Jewelry stores are not always what they appear to be. To guarantee you get diamonds of the best clarity, purchase loose diamonds first. You can get a high quality diamond at a sensible price, but only if you study your diamonds.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Loose Diamonds: What Cut Makes The Best Gift

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 defects better, and improve your chances of a good deal. However, you need to be careful 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 should confirm the diamond's value. You'll want to examine 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 engrossed looking for it's exact value.

The most prominent diamond cut 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 refined Tolkowsky's measurements to optimize diamond's potential for brilliance.

The round brilliant cut is also the most enduringly popular cut. On the other hand, fancy cuts become popular based on prevailing fashions. Nowadays, people look for sparkle, so the heart, oval, and pear cuts are popular. However, the quality and value of a diamond is dependent 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 with any cut you desire. It may be in a shape that you or your significant other like, or one that strikes a chord with you. If all you want is a big diamond, and you don't mind imperfections, 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 best 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

Maximizing Fire And Brilliance""Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds

From the earliest times, diamonds have amazed mankind. They are probably the most revered articles of accents provided by nature; deeply symbolizing beauty and forever. Among all the stones that our world holds, diamonds are the most preeminent 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.

Because of our deep appreciation for diamonds, they emerged as permanent trinkets of jewelry during special occasions such as betrothals and weddings. 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. Due to these, purchasing diamond pieces has turned into an endeavor that requires thorough understanding of the stones characteristics in order to make wise choices. 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. The history of diamond cutting can be traced from as far back as the middle ages, and has since been innovated until 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.

It was in 1919 that round brilliant cut was introduced by Belgian diamond cutter Marcel Tolkowsky to the public. Since Tolkowsky was an engineer by profession, he's discovery of the said cut was based from definite mathematical and empirical analysis, taking into account the importance of brilliance and fire in 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. Similarly, since a single cut produces two diamonds, one is larger than the other, very few 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. Relative to its safe shape, diamonds cut in a round brilliant pattern are considered as best preferences in the aspects of "saleability," visual optics and insurability. Other than these features, diamonds that are round brilliant in cut are also appreciated for their versatility to suit almost all types 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.

When scouting for loose diamonds to be used for customized jewelry pieces, it is advised to opt for pieces 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. Simply, diamonds that are round brilliant in cut will surely give you a run for your money.

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

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Fine Jewelry Forms And Functions

The visual appeal of fine jewelry has never ceased to arrest our interest. As a matter of fact, jewelry pieces were once considered as the basis of social status especially during the ancient times. They have significantly shaped many traditions that we know today. 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 utilized as personal ornamentation, while others stand as symbolic tokens given during special occasions. There are also articles of jewelry that are simple in design and inexpensive, while there are also pieces that are expensive due to the materials used to construct them. 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. These jewelry pieces may come in the form of plain cylindrical bands as seen from wedding rings ornamented with precious stones like diamond heart setting, spiral or serpentine coils, signet rings, and open on one side. Rings vary in functions depending on their wearers, but they are usually used as symbolic gifts to seal engagements and weddings, or just hoops to adorn the fingers. In the case of signet rings, they commonly bear the emblems of fraternal orders or other organizational insignias.

The necklace is another popular form of jewelry worn around the neck. Generally, necklaces come in four different forms: close fitting collar band decorated with precious stones or beads, chain necklace with a pendant, raw of beads in graduating sizes set in a wire or chain, and strings of different lengths of necklaces 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. To further highlight the beauty of necklaces, they appropriately worn with dresses that have low necklines as this design helps the jewelry to become the focal point of the person's upper body.

Meanwhile, earrings are jewelry pieces used for the ears that are either set on against the earlobes or are left dangling like pendants. The most favorite form of earrings set against the earlobe is the pair of pearls, while popular hanging drops are the ones referred to as chandelier earrings. 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 form of fine jewelry usually designated on the arm is the bracelet. Such large piece of ring-like jewelry can be in the form of closed band, spiral coil, open on one side, closed with clasp as well as 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.

Fine jewelry pieces are created to adorn nearly every part of the body. Necklaces with diamond heart pendants are used to accentuate the neck, bracelets are worn to highlight the arms, while rings and earrings are used as personal ornaments for the fingers and ears respectively. Although artistic display has been the main function of jewelry pieces, they have also been utilized for reasons like currency, protection, status, and symbolic tokens to name a few.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Friday, August 6, 2010

Diamond Heart Jewelry: Check For Quality

The round brilliant cut is seen 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 uneconomical, with over half of the raw diamond discarded to get to this ideal shape. Not to say that diamonds should exclusively come in this shape only. In fact, the diversity of diamond cuts boosts their overall allure.

And diamond heart jewelry is as alluring as it gets. Heart cuts are in many ways similar to the pear cut, but vary in height and width. The heart cut retains some brilliance found in the round brilliant cut, but also flaunts the diamond's other qualities, like clarity. Bear in mind that this shape was not invented casually. The heart cut is basically 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 argue with the romantic appeal of the heart shape. Since it is a relatively newer cut, there are less guidelines 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 imperative that you do a quality check before any purchase of diamond heart jewelry. In particular, you need to confirm that it does not have any blemishes, cracks or other imperfections. Some imperfections are not distinguishable 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 excise 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 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

Diamond Jewelry Gifts Purchasing Tips

If you're a man, you're probably thinking of giving your bride-to-be a diamond ring and would like to ask her to marry you. The idea seems simple, all you have to do is go to a jewelry store, purchase a diamond ring, and propose to her. Realistically speaking though, this isn't always the case because when you first look at the price tag of your chosen sparkler you'll soon realize how nerve-racking it really 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.

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. When it comes to budget, you should be able to allocate the amount that you could afford and as much as possible should not exceed your laid budget plan; a month's salary could already suffice for you to buy a diamond. 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 is a manner with which you must be aware of the cost of sparklers in the market as well as the designs available; and for timetable, you must know when you will purchase and when you will give the diamond, but be sure to give yourself more time to analyze things so that you could be prepared in any case.

Now that you have an idea about the basics of purchasing diamond gifts, you must also be aware where to purchase your sparklers. There are two options available for you to be able to secure your diamond jewelry gifts: go online or visit your local jewelry stores. 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 second and probably the safest option is to buy on your local jewelry shop; aside from the fact that you could appraise the diamond, long time jewelers could also answer your questions which would assist you in making your purchasing decisions.

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. 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.

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. When it comes to cut, diamond pieces could be cut in different ways, the most common of which is the round brilliant cut. 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. 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. Lastly, the carat refers to the unit weight of a 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.

If you intend to buy diamond jewelry gifts, chances are, you're having trouble with what to pick. Regardless if you want to buy a round brilliant cut diamond or clarity enhanced diamond, it is always advised to adhere to the BEST guideline which refers to budget, expectations, savvy and timetable. You should also consider the 4Cs of diamond which stands for carat, color, clarity and cut.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Loose Diamonds: The Round Brilliant And Other Cuts

Why purchase loose diamonds? They're not quite as practical as earrings and necklaces. You would not be able to carry them around with you anywhere you go. But diamonds have a beauty on their own that can't be revealed by diamonds set in jewelry. They seem even more special when they are bought for their own sake.

Diamonds are available 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 famous because it provides the most brilliance. It has been designed 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 changed into a round brilliant. For this reason, diamonds are sold 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 interpreted 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 get that esoteric.

Emerald and Asscher cuts are known as step cuts. In contrast to the round brilliant, they are rectangular in shape, with each side bordered with small steps. Step cuts accentuate 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 come from a third category, known as mixed cuts. They have more brilliance than step cuts, but are more cost-effective than brilliant cuts. The princess cut is the most popular next to 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 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

Clarity Enhanced Diamond: Inexpensive Alternatives

Diamonds are one of the most desired commodities by many women worldwide. As a matter of fact, if you are a man and would like please your woman, what better way to do it than give her fine jewelry with diamonds. 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 one of the most vital features of a diamond as it serves as a determining factor to know the real market value of such gemstone. More often than not, untouched loose diamonds are expensive because their clarity have no imperfections, and their other C's are high in quality. However, the market today also has what are now referred to as clarity enhanced sparklers. 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, as it is called, is a gemstone that had eye visible imperfections. This simply means that the said diamond had low clarity grade, and because no jewelry buyer would like to have a visibly imperfect diamond, its imperfections, that often affect the stone's clarity, are treated in order to make it more visually clear. After the treatment process, there are no apparent differences between enhanced and flawless diamonds. Enhanced diamonds are also referred to as "fracture filled diamonds."

There are several ways on how the enhancement process can be done to achieve 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 are to buy a diamond, always remember that diamonds that have underwent augmentations aside from basic cutting, cleaning and polishing should be disclosed by the jeweler to the buyer as this is clearly indicated in the FTC rules. However, if you really want to be sure before you make your purchase, you could ask the jeweler if you could have the diamond appraised by a different appraising firm. Always put in mind that a clarity enhanced diamond has exemplify no aesthetic difference with untouched diamond. Hence, the best course of action is for you to have it tested in order to know if your diamond choice has undergone treatments 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. If all the other traits of the enhanced diamond are in excellent condition, and the diamond itself is visually clean in grade, don't let the thought of enhancement discourage you from taking it as recourse. Similar to flawless diamonds, enhanced sparklers could also complement any form of fine jewelry pieces and are guaranteed to last for long. Thus, enhanced diamonds are good gemstones that could also definitely sweep your woman off her feet.

When it comes to gemstones, loose diamonds are the most preferred to be incorporated in fine jewelry pieces. It cannot be denied though, that diamonds are expensive, especially if you the ones that are flawless and exudes high quality grades. If you want inexpensive yet descent looking diamonds that are aesthetically at par with expensive diamonds, you may want to look at clarity enhanced diamond pieces. They are cost efficient but exemplify high quality aesthetics.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Diamond rings: Nothing says I love you like it

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.Instead of keeping it in the bank, they would use their funds to buy land, stocks or condominium units which can reap them additional interest in the long run.

Some would find assets like these irrelevant though so they would choose to spend their hard earned money in other more interesting and enjoyable possessions.And what else can cater to their interest but their hobbies which can be a more delightful way to spend their extra cash.

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.However, choosing the right type of toy or jewelry, like diamond rings, is the key to finding the ones that really appreciate in value as time goes by.

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 rings can only get more expensive so as other jewelry decorated with diamonds.

Diamond rings does not only serve us a sound investment but it also can be a symbolic gift for a person that you truly care forDiamond jewelry pretty much last for a very long time so it can even be a better way to invest extra cash compared to other assets that can deteriorate due to wear and tear over the years.

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.

Investments do not necessarily need to be traditional ones like land or mutual funds. Some investments can actually be a source of happiness and entertainment for an investor like fine jewelry or luxury vehicles. Just like land or stocks, diamond rings or luxury cars can appreciate in value over time and give the owners the option to sell it at for a much higher price after a few years.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Wednesday, July 28, 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 can be made from various materials including precious metals, gemstones and seashells. Since prehistoric times, jewelry has captured the attention of humans, and this perspective remains the same to date. In fact, we use various kinds of jewelry pieces depending on our moods and occasions.

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 sensitivity to fashion which simply implies that they are timeless and they have the capability to bridge the gap between differing 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 women, usual jewelry choices are in the forms of necklaces, earrings, brooches, bracelets and rings. For men, the most common jewelry pieces available are cuff links, tie accessories, watches, customized rings, necklaces and money clips. Overtime, the designs, finishes and prices of these pieces have evolved in order to befit differing situational, cultural and occasional needs.

If you wish to give something meaningful to someone, you may want to purchase jewelry pieces with gemstones. Loose diamonds remain as the most common adornment use to create jewelry because of their availability, price and their flexibility to complement any 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 most exemplary means to tell her how much you value her love, as the ring itself is already representative of your unending commitment, and the diamonds would justify your indestructible love for her.

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 crafted perfectly for female members of the family such as your sister or mother that could be given to them during their birthdays or during special events in their lives. 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. Definitely, loose sparklers could go a long way to improve the aesthetic of your gift and they will never go out of style as they are timeless pieces that could be worn over and over again.

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. Basically, there are no restrictions when it comes to the motifs of cuff links as they best represent the characteristics of men. For example, a round cut matt silver cuff link with loose sparklers can be given to a man who is secretive or authoritative. Overall, jewelry regardless of size, prize and design is the perfect gift idea because it is fashion forward, timeless, encompass your emotions in small but meaningful package, and more importantly they symbolize the personality of the person who's going to wear it.

When it comes to gift ideas, there are many different forms of fine jewelry to choose from. There are necklaces, bracelets and rings to name a few. However, in order to improve their aesthetics, placing loose diamonds can do the trick. For instance, simple round cut loose sparklers set on ring can make such jewelry appear expensive even if it's made from silver. The same thing can happen to other jewelry pieces if incorporated with loose sparklers.

-Lorraine Jacobs

A Brief Comparison Of Wedding Ring And Engagement Ring

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. Due to their enduring presence, the use and purpose of wedding ring and engagement ring are often confounded 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 understand the difference between the wedding ring and engagement ring, let's start to look at their individual purposes. 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 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 the wedding and engagement hoops, most couples invest more on their 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. Traditionally, betrothal bands have prominent center stones, most of which are made from fine diamond jewelry. At the moment however, couples need not to buy engagement bands that are accentuated with diamond stones, rather as a less expensive option they could use other precious stones such as ruby, sapphire, opal, etc., as the center stone of the engagement ring.

Meanwhile, wedding ring is often plain in design and finish, or at times is designed as the simpler version of the engagement ring. 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. Both the wedding and engagement bands are traditionally worn on the left finger between the index and pinkie fingers as it is believed that the said finger contain the vena amori or the vein directly connected to the heart. However, there are also cultures that traditionally wear their wedding and engagement bands on the right hand, specifically on the right ring finger.

Wedding and engagement bands are usually purchased separately from each other. 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. Diamond may be hard, but it is most likely to chip off or break especially if its edges are pointed; it would be more appropriate to pick bands that have round brilliant cut stones embedded in them as they are more likely to last longer.

In general, wedding ring and engagement ring are two important jewelry pieces that symbolizes two of the most important stages in the relationship of couples""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 reinforces the symbolic meaning and sentimentality of devotion.

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

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. 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.

The first thing that you can do is to go online and search for online jewelry shops that offer inexpensive jewelry pieces. Buying diamonds online is probably one of the most practical means to do because compared to local jewelry shops within your area that often have price markups to cover some of their overhead expenses, online shops offer low priced sparklers because they don't incur additional costs except for the shipping fee and tax. You can also engage in online diamond auctions usually facilitated by longtime jewelers. Of course, purchasing online will help you save not only your money but your time and energy.

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. You can find these shops in the form of pawnshops and thrift stores. 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 practical approach that you can do to get cheap diamond is to buy 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 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 your primary concern about downgrading is its impact on the quality of your diamond, don't worry because downgrading does not induce discernible reduction on the quality of diamond. 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.

Finally, you can simply go for clarity enhanced diamonds which are also referred to as treated diamonds. With an exemption for very rare and flawless diamonds, almost all diamonds have flaws known as inclusion or imperfection. Inclusion 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.

If you know how to buy cheap diamond you can totally save a good sum of money that you can use for other purposes. Inexpensive jewelry pieces such as clarity enhanced diamonds are becoming popular nowadays. This is because they are more economical and at the same time there are absolutely no visual differences between non-enhanced and enhanced diamonds. If you are on a tight budget going for treated diamonds is a good means to properly use your money.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Diamond engagement ring and a love that lasts forever

True love between two people traditionally ends up in a vow - a promise to love and cherish each other for as long as they both live. 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.

Shopping for an engagement ring for your special someone can be confusing and time-consuming. Although a lot of men bring their fiancee when shopping for rings, majority still prefer to surprise their partners.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 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.

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.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.

Before buying a diamond engagement ring, set a budget range and do ample research. Diamond rings are more expensive than others because its gemstone is a high-priced, precious commodity. The average price is somewhere between $3,500 and $4,000, depending on the diamond's color, carat weight, cut and clarity. It would help if you stick to your budget while considering what diamond ring, within your budget, that your girlfriend will adore. 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. 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.

Popping that question and presenting a diamond engagement ring is a big moment for any couple. After all, a diamond ring represents a long lasting love and eternity which is what marriage is all about. But contrary to this traditional belief, marriage rings need not have diamonds in them. For those with budgetary concerns, there are wedding rings made of other beautiful stones and affordable set of jewelry wedding bands as an option. The important thing is the celebration of true love between the couple, and not the material symbol of it.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Engagement Rings And Other Gift Options For Diamonds

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. Get diamond earrings and loose diamonds for loved ones who don't prefer 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 deviate 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.

When shopping for engagement rings, diamond earrings or loose diamonds, get all the salient information on diamonds. This is so that you know the proper rationale behind the rating provided to your gift. 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 purchasing diamond earrings higher in value than loose diamonds, whereas they might look like they're equal in size.

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 retain their value after it gets cut. Your diamond earrings are commonly less than half their original size. But because cutting brings out their fire and brilliance, their value increased.

Grading and pricing systems aside, you can't find anything like 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 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

Engagement Rings And The Factors To Consider In Choosing A Diamond Ring

Diamonds can last a lifetime.Loose diamonds are long revered for their astounding and compelling beauty. These precious gems can remain as elegant as ever even after a long time. It has become a common 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 undying love, diamond rings have also become 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 are financially capable to afford diamond rings. This is part of the reason why diamond engagement rings are perfect for surprising your soon to be wife and loved one. 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 a more special and unforgettable one, both for you and your bride to be.

However, before you go on with your plan of getting a diamond ring for your proposal, it would be better if you will 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 essential education and guidance in finding the right type of diamond jewelry can help you make best use 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 tailored for you. 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 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 sure that the diamond ring you are about to purchase can fit perfectly into 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 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 recommended for a classic look while the invisible style can imbibe a more modern and current appeal.In addition, your choice of ring should depend on the personality of your bride to be. It is also important that the diamond is certified by diamond grading experts.

One of the important things to remember 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.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Friday, May 28, 2010

Diamond Ring: The Perfect Keepsake

As the old adage goes, diamonds are a girl's best friend. Every woman would like to get a hold of this precious gem. This is because it is considered as the ultimate gemstone and the hardest substance that nature is able to produce. It is also considered as the best decoration that can be mounted in any jewelry.

It is noteworthy that the use of diamonds as jewelries has been around for centuries. However, more than any other point in history, the current use of these gems has significantly increased tenfold. Other than being a representation of fame and power, the use of diamond is not limited to jewelry making. It has also been used as cutting tools, a means to transmit sounds, varying optical applications and 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. Most, if not all, of these diamond encrusted jewelries increase in value overtime due to the presence of such stones. 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. Considering that an engagement is one of the most important traditions, many men prefer giving bands that would represent their true emotions. Adding value to these engagement bands are their physical durability that gives them their timelessness.

Before cashing out such diamond covered ring though, it is advisable to seek the aid of professionals to ensure that it is indeed the real kind. 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. 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 Nonetheless, it is also imperative to know that the value of a diamond can be determined based from its 4Cs which stands for 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. The selection of diamond bands in the market is endless and it pays to have the patience to know everything about this stone. 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.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Diamonds And Finding The Best Diamonds

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 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 best choices when it comes to 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 stand the wear and tear of even the most extreme conditions making it a perfect symbol for 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 choosing the ring, we have to be mindful of several factors to make sure 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 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 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 look for 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 present standard used internationally has a 5-carat diamond stone equivalent to a gram.

Color is also a significant feature of these precious gemstones that you should take note of.Among the most in-demand colors of these precious gemstones are those which display apparent tint or yellow, which are also the more affordable varieties. Usually, the rarer the color of the diamond, the higher is its cost.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 classes of these gemstones do not usually have 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

What To Know When Buying Diamonds

As the old adage goes, diamonds are a girl's best friend. Every woman would like to get a hold of this precious gem. Perhaps the high value given to such stone can be credited to its timeless beauty and appeal. Likewise, it is also contemplated as one of the best stones to be incorporated in any jewelry design.

For many years diamonds have been consistently used to create the most precious jewelries. Yet, more than any point in history, the use of such gems today have profoundly increased. Other than being a representation of fame and power, the use of diamond is not limited to jewelry making. It has also been used as cutting tools, a means to transmit sounds, varying optical applications and special coating for airplane cockpit windows.

Given that these precious stones have varying uses, it still remains a fact that they are widely used in jewelry making. 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.

Investment worth aside, these gemstones are also timeless keepsakes during important occasions. For instance, diamond encrusted rings are popular engagement gifts as they are not only exquisite but also represents the sincerity of the person who gave such gift. Considering that an engagement is one of the most important traditions, many men prefer giving bands that would represent their true emotions. What adds to the worth of these diamond encrusted bands are their physical durability that could simply last for a lifetime.

Before cashing out such diamond covered ring though, it is advisable to seek the aid of professionals to ensure that it is indeed the real kind. 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 noteworthy that one should know that the value of a diamond is based from its 4Cs""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. As such, it is imperative to embark on something that will remind you of that long and lasting union.

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.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Engagement Rings And Diamond Gifts For Any Occasion

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. Give 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 deviate 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. 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 is so that you know the proper rationale behind the rating provided to your gift. Not only in terms of the plain cost, but also the speculative value afforded by the diamonds. Shop smart so that you can give the appropriate value to each gift recipient, 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 fact is, in spite of the several gemological associations, valuing diamonds varies between them. There are also separate grade systems used 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 some things you should know immediately when it comes to grading diamonds. For one, their weight affects their cost greater 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. After cutting brings out their fire and brilliance, however, they improve in 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. The reason for this is that every diamond is built to be special. The greatest diamond gift does not cost the most, but is best suited to 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.

Diamond Ring: The Best Gift To Give

As the old adage goes, diamonds are a girl's best friend. Every woman would love to have a pair or two of this precious stone in their possession. Perhaps the high value given to such stone can be credited to its timeless beauty and appeal. It is also considered as the best decoration that can be mounted in any jewelry.

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 a proof of status for the elites, the use of such gem has also been more widespread than simply as jewelries. It has also been used as cutting tools, a means to transmit sounds, varying optical applications and 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. 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 investment value, such gemstones are also priceless keepsakes during important events. For instance, diamond encrusted rings are popular engagement gifts as they are not only exquisite but also represents the sincerity of the person who gave such gift. Considering that an engagement is one of the most important traditions, many men prefer giving bands that would represent their true emotions. Nevertheless, because diamond encrusted bands are physically durable, they are the most favored choice to be given during engagement ceremonies.

Before cashing out such diamond covered ring though, it is advisable to seek the aid of professionals to ensure that it is indeed the real kind. For unknowing buyers, a diamond can be mistaken with other stones such as cubic zirconiums and other similar looking stones. By taking this into consideration, it is always best to buy in reputable stores to ensure your that what you are paying is the real ones. It is also noteworthy that one should know that the value of a diamond is based from its 4Cs""color, clarity, cut and carat.

With all the fake ones streaming in the market, it is helpful to know what you are about to get when you purchase a diamond ring. Diamond bands comes in different ranges in the market, therefore it would be useful to have the knowledge about the product you are interested in. 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.