Sunday, September 12, 2010

The Value Of Fine Jewelry Pieces For Women

Fine jewelry has played important roles that has been well document in the pages of history. Since the ancient periods, humans have been documented to have worn articles of jewelry to enhance their appearance. 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, compared to men, women are perhaps more inclined to use jewelry pieces in order to befit differing purposes.

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. Probably by now you are asking: "what is it with jewelry that women really love?- Accordingly, there's a whole range of reasons why women love jewelry.

To begin with, jewelry of all sorts is an important additive that enhances the entire context of dressing and artistic display. They are 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 the purpose of accessorizing, articles of jewelry also serve the purpose of defining a female's social status within the society. During the ancient times, many cultures used jewelry pieces as determinants of the positions that women hold in their communities--the slaves wore beaded articles of jewelry, while elite women made use of metallic jewelry pieces embellished with precious stones like loose diamonds. 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.

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 uses the so-called "tika- which appears like a chandelier earring though it is hooked at the end of the hair with the pendant dangling at the exact center of the forehead to symbolize spiritual preservation. Nose rings are commonly used to enhance sexual reflexes, while necklaces are said to help emotions, attract or strengthen love as they often sit close to the heart. 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 tell stories of love, friendship, celebration, welcoming or personal epiphany. They speak of relationships with spouses as seen from the popularity of wedding and engagement rings adorned with round brilliant cut gemstones, friendship in the form of friendship bands, and family which could be seen from the bequeathal of heirloom from one family member to another. 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

Where To Buy Fine Diamond Jewelry That Would Give You A Run For Your Money

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. By taking these things into consideration, you should be vigilant about the store where you will buy these items so that you could enjoy them for the years to come.

There are various ways in order for you to acquire diamonds. The first step that you could actually do is to go online and look for online jewelry stores that sell fine diamond jewelry pieces. 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. Most if not all online jewelry shops have wide selections of diamond jewelry pieces in terms of design and finishes, which in turn gives you more opportunity to choose what you think would complement your set purpose for the jewelry.

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. Parallel to this, online jewelry stores offer more inexpensive diamond jewelry pieces, regardless if they are round brilliant or oval in cut, as they do not apply markups on their products, which usually cover overhead expenses, since they do not have physical stores that demand extra fees like electricity 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 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 your are searching for inexpensive pieces, rare jewelry like oval diamonds from specific periods, or used diamonds, you may try your hands on specialty stores, thrift shops as well as pawnshops. If you intend to follow this option, it is essential that you are knowledgeable about diamond jewelry to make appropriate purchases. It would also be necessary to have patience because at most times you might leave these stores empty handed. But, if you're truly lucky, you can purchase rare finds that you could include in your collections, though this instance rarely occurs.

If you're in the market to buy fine diamond jewelry for yourself or somebody special, it is advisable to shop around and make comparisons before you make your purchase. If your primary option is purchase online, be sure to do an intensive background check on your prospective online jewelry stores to make sure if they are legitimate or not and also consider looking at their return and refund policies to ensure that your interests are protected. As for physical jewelry stores, always consider comparing prices, services and the quality of their products. If you have idea about the jewelry stores within your area, you could take some recommendations from your friends or family so that you can be assured that the jewelry you will purchase will definitely give you a run for your money.

Fine diamond jewelry is perhaps one of the most important purchases you could make in. To make sure that you won't go wrong with your decision, it is advisable to check the store options you have at hand. You could buy your round brilliant diamonds online to save money and time. However, if you want to make sure about the quality of your oval diamonds personal visit with your local jewelry store would permit you to appraise them.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Sunday, September 5, 2010

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 essential for a prospective buyer to understand the value of cut when it comes to diamonds. In reference to diamonds, cut or make refers to the overall symmetry, proportioning and finish of the stones that directly affect how these gems produce their fire and brilliance.

Basically, there are three general cutting techniques employed for fine jewelry diamonds: brilliant cut, step cut and mixed cut. A brilliant cut makes use of many facets and are usually triangular and kite in shape arranged in defined ways to achieve maximum brilliance. A step cut uses lesser facets than the brilliant cut, usually in trapezoid or rectangular shape, arranged in a well-defined linear pattern. On the other hand, a mixed cut uses combined elements from the step cut and brilliant cut techniques.

From the above alluded techniques though, the brilliant cut is probably the most famous due to its ability to reveal the maximum fire and brilliance of diamonds. But, if integrated with the right shape, a brilliant cut sparkler will not only show the most brilliance and fire, it would also show incomparable appeal and value. Even though there's a whole range of shapes that suit with brilliant cutting, it is probably the round shape that best complements it. In fact, round brilliant cut is the most popular shape that befits well with the said cutting technique.

A round brilliant cut sparkler has 58 facets, 33 of which are located on the crown, 24 on the bottom, and one on the culet or point. Smaller round brilliant sparklers are referred to as "full cut" in order to differentiate them from "single cut" gems that only contain 17 facets, and from "Swiss cut" gems that only have 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. Basically, this cut warrants functionality and versatility that other cutting styles could not produce.

Of course, as stated earlier there are different cutting techniques that could be employed for diamonds. What might look strange to some, might be ideal for others. If you have the intent to purchase diamonds, regardless if they are loose or clarity enhanced diamonds, always consider the cut that you like and not the cut that your friend likes; remember proportionally cut diamonds does not always warrant the highest cut grades from GIA, there are actually diamonds that aren't cut ideally but they are far more valuable than the ones that have an ideal cut. The most important action that you could take is to compare diamonds of differing qualities and prices, as this is an efficient means to train your eyes to properly identify their differences when it comes to fire and brilliance as well as lifelessness and dullness.

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

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

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

If you are about to purchase diamond gifts, it would be more preferable to settle for loose diamonds since they are not yet incorporated in any piece of jewelry. Meaning, you could actually have them customized in accordance to your desired setting and piece of jewelry. Likewise, it would be easier for you to appraise the gems since you could actually see their overall features. One of the most important features that you could look after with these kinds of diamonds is the cut.

It is important to determine exactly what a cut means in reference to diamonds and how it differs 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. Simply, a diamond with an excellent make is more expensive and valuable than a diamond with a poor cut. There are several cutting styles that one could use in order to produce high-quality diamonds; however, the round brilliant cut is probably the most popular and most preferred by many diamond enthusiast.

Round brilliant cut is the standard cutting method for diamonds and is identified as the best at creating prismatic effect, which means the shape formed through this cut presents the most sparkle as it enables light to pass through the diamond and reflect back on the top of the gem. Diamonds that are cut this way shows greater brilliance than other diamonds because there are no corners where light could hide. As such, the brilliance and fire of the diamond is visibly maximized to its full extent. Even though emerging shapes and cut are also gaining a lot of attention, round cut diamonds are still regarded as the best among the rest.

Round brilliant cut diamonds are very flexible and could suit all types of jewelry settings. If you will be proposing using a round brilliant diamond ring, it pays to know what options you have when it comes to ring settings. Prong setting is the most 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. 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.

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 Round Brilliant Cut Is the Most Preferred Cut For Diamonds

Since the ancient times, diamonds have captivated the interest of humans. They are perhaps the most appreciated ornaments that only nature could provide; proudly representing beauty and immortality. Of all the precious stones that the world cradles, diamonds are the most renowned and sought after. 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 the visual pleasure we find on diamonds, they become the perennial articles used to seal symbolic occasions like engagements 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. 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, when it comes to diamonds, pertains to the style or design guide used for shaping a diamond that is subject for polishing. This does not pertain to the shape of the diamond, rather the symmetry, proportioning and polish, which directly affects the stone's brilliance and fire. 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.

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 a result, a diamond that had undergone this cutting style exemplifies 58 facets; 33 of which are on the top of the stone and 25 are in the bottom part of the gem including its culet or point. Similarly, since a single cut produces two diamonds, one is larger than the other, very few diamond pieces are wasted.

When a round brilliant cut diamond is cut well, the shape produced allows light to pass through from any angle, thereby making the diamond to have greater 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 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. Based from the characteristics mentioned above, this cut would surely help you maximize the value of your diamonds in many aspects including its saleability 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

Diamond Rings: Making A Worthwhile Purchase

Clarity is one of the four C's that impacts the quality of the diamond. It refers to the number 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 can be easily observed, 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 in demand among collectors, and will be a gift of true value to loved ones.

Flaws can be divided into two; external flaws are called blemishes, whereas flaws within the diamond, that can modify its ability to reflect light, are called inclusions. Since inclusions get in the way of a diamond's sparkle, they can lower the value of a diamond more, but they also have their uses. Inclusions can be used to identify individual diamonds as a sort of diamond fingerprint. Think of it as a way to secure your diamond rings.

Diamonds are graded based on how easy it is to perceive these flaws. This is done while they are still loose diamonds. There are several gemological organizations worldwide that have developed separate grading systems, although in many cases they are very similar. You should acquaint yourself with the grading system used in the store where you buy your diamond. 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 establishing a diamond's monetary value. It is a standard shared by gemological organizations across the board.

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

Be careful when picking jewelry stores as well. 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. You should make sure you 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

Fine Jewelry: Is It Cut Over Clarity?

Is cut more important than clarity when evaluating diamonds? You could spend hours speculating 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 alludes to its external proportions, as well as the skill of cutting and polishing. Diamonds can be cut in such a way that it attains its highest selling price, or maximizes its capacity for brilliance. The clarity of diamonds, on the other hand, refers to the number of imperfections a diamond has. Fewer imperfections make a higher quality diamond, which will make it both 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 independent of the quality of the cut. Clarity is also dependent on the quality of the unpolished diamond. As a buyer, you need to be attentive to this and inspect any diamonds you'd like to buy under a microscope or loupe to check for flaws yourself.

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. It will also become more evident 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 like 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 pointless, if you don't know enough about diamonds to start 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

Sunday, August 15, 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 look for loose diamonds first and have them set later. You can inspect them for imperfections better, and maybe even get a better deal. However, you need to be meticulous when buying. It's easy to make mistakes and 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 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 preoccupied 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 required to get the most brilliance and fire out of a diamond were verified and popularized. Further innovations streamlined Tolkowsky's measurements to optimize diamond's potential for brilliance.

The round brilliant cut is also the most enduringly popular cut. By comparison, different fancy cuts become popular in line with the current fads. Since sparkle is trending, the heart, oval, and pear cuts are currently 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 the cut you prefer. 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 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 make your purchases carefully 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 liable for any damage the diamond may receive 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

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Fine Jewelry Forms And Functions

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

Fine jewelry pieces have different types and finishes. Some are 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 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 have different functions but they are commonly used as symbolic tokens during engagements and weddings or just to accentuate the fingers. In the case of signet rings, they commonly bear the emblems of fraternal orders or other organizational insignias.

Another type of jewelry is the necklace, which is intended designed to be worn around the neck. Necklaces come in four general structures: close fitting collar band accentuated with precious gems or beads, chain necklace with pendant, raw of beads or stones in graduated sizes held by wire or chains, and strings of different lengths worn on top of each other. Necklaces can be made of different precious metals, gemstones, raw materials or a combination of these items, and are commonly used together with pendants that are made of precious stones; the most of popular of which is the diamond heart pendant. Necklaces are worn best with open neck style dresses as the low neckline of the dress would direct the visual of attention of people towards the neck.

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

The bracelet is another type of fine jewelry, 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. 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. Generally, there are many jewelry pieces that vary in function, quality and design; it is already up to the individual what jewelry to use in accordance to his or her desired function.

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

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Diamond Heart Jewelry: A Special Kind Of Appeal

The round brilliant cut is considered the gold standard for diamond cuts. Designed to maximize the potential of a diamond's brilliance, this cut is also known as the most improvident, with over half of the raw diamond disposed of to get to this ideal shape. Not to say that it's the 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 flaunts the diamond's other qualities, like clarity. Bear in mind that this shape was not invented carelessly. The heart cut is fundamentally the pear cut with a cleft added in.

Admittedly, diamond heart jewelry may not appeal to everyone. Some people may feel that it is too juvenile 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 interest is in the brilliance of the piece. Diamond makers refined Tolkowsky's Ideal Cut, the original standard for the round cut. Thanks to advances in the science of refraction and manufacturing technology, they're able to utilize a raw diamond's potential to reach maximum brilliance.

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

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

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

Now that you have an idea about the basics of purchasing diamond gifts, you must also be aware where to purchase 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 second option which is to check on your local jewelry shops is still the best because aside from the fact that you could personally appraise the diamond, the jewelers could also assist you on your purchasing decisions.

For the diamond, always consider the 4Cs""clarity, color, cut and carat, as these elements help determine the true value of such gemstone. 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. As each diamond vary from one another, they are assigned with corresponding clarity grades that may range from flawless to obvious inclusions. In fact, there are so-called clarity enhanced sparklers that are treated to reduce their imperfections via irradiation, filling imperfections, or laser drilling, but they are cheaper than diamond pieces that aren't treated.

With regards to color, diamond pieces are available in different shades; however, colored diamond pieces are very rare and expensive, so it is more likely that when you visit shops you'd observe that only white and yellow sparklers are available but between these two colors, it's always best to settle for whiter diamond pieces. This is because the yellow coloring of sparklers came from nitrogen which affect their sharp and sparkly features; hence, as a rule of thumb, the yellower the diamond, the cheaper it becomes. As for the cut, diamond pieces could be cut in wide variety of shapes such as round brilliant cut, marquise, box and more. More than indicating the shape of the diamond, a cut also determines how sparkly such gemstone will be.

It is never enough for a diamond to be just white and clear, unless cut in the right manner your diamond will not sparkle. Though cut is extremely difficult to evaluate, you could be able to do this by identifying three of its characteristics: brilliance, fire and scintillation; but if you want to take a short cut, the standard round brilliant cut is probably the best choice as all the other cut are considered as fancy shapes. 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.

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

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Diamond rings: A beautiful piece of investment

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.

On the other hand, other people would skip investing on assets like these and would rather spend on things that would cater more to their interests.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.But of course not all of them appreciate in value, only a selected type of toys or jewelry like diamond rings can really gain vale over time.

Rare toys that are kept intact and in the box over time usually gets more expensive and can be sold for almost twenty times more of its original price.On top of the list of hobby investments that gains value over the years is fine jewelry.Diamond rings can only get more expensive so as other jewelry decorated with diamonds.

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.As they say, diamonds last forever, which makes it and even more sound luxury investment given that other assets can actually degrade in quality or go out of style as the years takes its too on it.

But overall, the way people spend their extra cash will solely depend on what their goal in the long run is.While there are readily available investments means, it might be also ideal to explore other avenues that not only gives more value to an investor's money but also entertain and feeds their hobby or interests.

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

Clarity Enhanced Diamond: Inexpensive Alternatives

Diamonds are perhaps the commodities that most women around the world yearn to own. In fact, if you are a man who would like to make your woman immediately agree to your marriage proposal, you might want to give her fine jewelry that have diamonds in it. Of course, these gemstones aren't cheap; a piece could already cost you an arm and a leg depending on its rarity and features. However, if you really wish to cement your love with diamonds, you have the option to settle for pieces that are treated in some ways, which would only cost you a fraction of a flawless sparkler's price tag.

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. Compared to untouched diamonds, these treated gemstones are inexpensive due to the manipulations in their clarity feature to make them appear more aesthetically appealing.

Clarity enhanced diamond, as it is called, is a gemstone that had eye visible imperfections. Meaning to say, it originally had low clarity grade, and because no diamond buyer would like to have his or her gemstone with visible imperfections, its clarity issues are treated to make them invisible to the naked eye. After the enhancement process there would be absolutely no visual differences between an enhanced diamond and untouched diamond. 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 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, just for a safe bet you may want to ask the jeweler if you can have the diamond appraised by an independent appraising firm. Remember a clarity enhanced diamond is hardly discernible. Hence, the best thing that you could do is to have the diamond tested in order to know whether it has been enhanced or not.

If you're a guy who would like to have a decent looking diamond that would complement your limited budget, a clarity enhanced sparkler would definitely be a good choice. Clarity aside, if all the other features of the enhanced diamond are in premium condition and the stone itself has no discernible imperfections, then don't let the thought of enhancement discourage you from giving such diamond to your loved one. Parallel to untouched diamonds, treated diamonds also suit well with all sorts of fine jewelry pieces and are surely going to last for long. Thus, enhanced diamonds are good gemstones that could also definitely sweep your woman off her feet.

Fine jewelry pieces have always been the most preferred gifts for women. What better way to improve their aesthetics by incorporating them with loose diamonds that could add up to their sparkle and appeal. However, as diamonds could be truly expensive, especially if they are untouched, clarity enhanced diamond pieces are cost-efficient substitutes for flawless sparklers. If you really are on a tight budget, settling for treated diamonds is a good means to maximize your resources.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Loose Diamonds: All The Brilliant Cuts, And Otherwise

Why get loose diamonds? They're not exactly 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 matched by diamonds set in jewelry. They seem even more exceptional 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 popular 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 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 designs, and will appeal to people even if they aren't that familiar with diamonds. The heart and oval cuts are self-explanatory. The pear cut is often viewed as an upside down teardrop.

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

Emerald and Asscher cuts are known as step cuts. In contrast 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 almost as popular as the round brilliant, whereas the radiant cut has over 70 cuts.

When picking loose diamonds, you need not be intimidated by technical knowledge. You can buy based on what cut you like. 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 available in a variety of designs, known in the trade as cuts. The round brilliant cut has been designed in such a way that it reflects the most light. Step cuts stress lustre and clarity over brilliance. Mixed cuts have more brilliance than step cuts, but are more cost-efficient than brilliant cuts. When choosing loose diamonds, you need not be intimidated by technical knowledge. You can buy based on what cut you prefer.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Contrasting Aspects Of Wedding Ring And Engagement Ring

Bands have been well acknowledged in betrothals and marriages since ancient times. As a matter of fact, it would be hard to imagine having an engagement and wedding without referring to bands. Because of their long lingering presence, wedding ring and engagement ring are often confused with each other. But, it should be taken into account that though these jewelry pieces are commonly seen among married women, they profoundly differ from each other 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. Basically, an engagement ring is purchased or given by the man to the woman as an indication of their engaged status. On the other hand, wedding bands are jewelry pieces exchanged by the couple during their wedding ceremony to seal their marriage vows, and serves as indication that the wearers are bound by marriage. After the wedding ceremony and into the future, both the bands are worn on the same finger, this applies to women since men do not wear engagement bands though there are engagement bands intended for men.

Between wedding and engagement bands, many couples prefer investing on engagement bands. In fact, an engagement ring can be treated as the most attention-seeking between the two, as it is somehow symbolic of announcing the couple's status. Traditionally, engagement bands have protruding center stones usually 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 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, there are also couples that make use of fine diamond jewelry for their wedding bands, though this rarely happens as the plain design of such ring symbolizes the sanctity of marriage. 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. Though there are some cultures that place their wedding and engagement bands on the ring finger on the right hand.

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. However, if you are to purchase each piece separately, remember that you are going to wear them everyday, so when you select the shape of the stone always consider your lifestyle. A diamond may be hard in nature, but it can chip off or break overtime especially if it has pointed edges; in this case it would be more preferable to choose a round brilliant cut as it could last longer.

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 indeed have distinct qualities that sets them apart from each other. Setting aside their differences though, what is apparent is that they share the same concept of undying love and commitment, apparently shown from their round shape that has no beginning and no end as well as the materials used to develop them. They also serve as material seals that strengthen the symbolism and sentimentality of devotion of the couples.

Wedding ring and engagement ring are important jewelry pieces that represent love and devotion. Both these pieces vary greatly from each other in terms of purpose and design. Traditionally, the engagement ring is made from fine diamond jewelry with round brilliant cut that is given to signify the engaged status of couples, while the wedding ring is a simpler version that represents the sanctity of marriage.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Fine Jewelry: The Perfect Gift For Any Occasion

Fine jewelry signifies items that are utilized as personal adornments like 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.

Fine jewelry pieces serves the purpose of the perfect gifts for different 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. One good example of which is in the form of engagement and wedding rings, which are common tokens to seal two important life occasions, engagement and wedding. Jewelry pieces are also strong manifestations of group membership and acceptance; worldwide, many organizations utilize rings or pins as symbolic representation of entry and acceptance to the organization, brotherhood or 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 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 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 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 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. Aside from the dainty selection available, their use are never limited to certain occasions but can actually be utilized 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're a woman and would like to give something different to your father on father's day or maybe your husband during your anniversary, a simple cuff link is the most appropriate choice for you. When it comes to cuff links, there are no restrictions when it comes to themes and motifs because they can encapsulate the best trait of your loved one. For example, a round cut matt silver cuff link with loose sparklers can be given to a man who is secretive or authoritative. All in all, jewelry pieces are ideal gifts for all occasions as they are timeless items that totally express your emotions in small but meaningful packages, and more importantly they best represent how you value the person to whom you are going to give them.

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

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Diamond engagement ring and a love that lasts forever

Marriage is the ultimate symbol of love and commitment between two people who promise to cherish and care for each other for the rest of their lives. A couple decides to take the next step after one of them proposes, usually asking the "Will you" question with 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. More than that, it is a symbol of a pre-marriage vow that they are ready to share their life with the other under death to them part.

Shopping for an engagement ring for your special someone can be confusing and time-consuming. 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.Each ring has an embedded gemstone which can have a different cut, color and weight. A favorite among couples is the Trinity ring, a diamond engagement with three diamond stones said to represent the couple's past, present and future.

The current tradition is that men wear one wedding ring, which could also be his engagement band. For the women, the engagement ring and the wedding band is different and separate, but in some cases wielded together after the wedding so the two rings will form as one ring. Looking at it, we are talking three rings, at the very least, for the couple. While these are usually bought separately, many jewelry sellers offer jewelry wedding bands sets which include a mens wedding band, a ladies engagement ring and a ladies wedding ring as matched set.

Marriage signifies a love that lasts forever - that's why there is no other gemstone that would be a perfect representation of this marriage than a diamond. The strength of a marriage is associated with the strength of the toughest stone, diamond, such is why diamonds are the popular gemstone to use in marriage rings. In the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, diamond is graded perfect 10, the highest grade for mineral strength. In addition, a diamond ring is a good investment because of its resistance to scratches makes it perfect for daily wear.

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. Because in the end, no matter how big or small the diamond is, its what the ring represents that matters for a real loving couple.

In the end, remember that the focus of marriage if you as a couple, and not the material symbol of it. Set a reasonable budget and stick to it while ring shopping in stores and online. Also, consider buying jewelry wedding bands in a set since these usually come in cheaper. Just enjoy shopping! It can be a tedious task but thinking about what it is for should make it an exciting moment for you, especially since you know it'll last a lifetime.

It is a fact that a diamond engagement ring is associated with marriage because of a common feature. Both represents strength in the midst of challenges and trials. Couples wear a matching jewelry wedding bands to signify their forever love and commitment to one another. And that what marriage rings should be about, the promise and the vow that the ring symbolizes and not the material facts of the ring.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Sunday, July 11, 2010

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 buy them as business gifts for your coworkers outside of work. Give them for family members on their birthdays, holidays or family reunions. Buy diamond earrings and loose diamonds if rings aren't viable. Whatever you're celebrating, there's a diamond gift for it.

Find engagement rings in a variety of shapes, sizes, cleanliness, fluorescence and light performance. Diamonds also diverge and are rated by the four c's: clarity, carat, color and cut. If you are unknowledgeable regarding diamonds, you can still tell their variances in shape and design. However, you may have difficulty understanding how diamonds themselves are valued without even the most basic knowledge.

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

A lot of the factors required are unclear if lacking the required knowledge. 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 buying diamond earrings worth more than loose diamonds, although they may appear to be the same 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 probably 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 are no more or less great than your parent's engagement rings, or any loose diamonds available in market now. The reason for this is that every diamond is built to be special. The foremost diamond gift is not the priciest, but what best fits in with 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

Diamonds: What To Look For In 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 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 eternal pieces of gem making them a perfect symbol of never-ending and enduring 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 precious gemstones can endure the wear and tear of even the most extreme conditions making it a wonderful symbol for your unparalleled and everlasting love. Even after a long period, these rings is guaranteed to remain as exquisite and as glamorous as it was when you first bought it.

However, the idea of popping out a ring and asking for the hand of our special someone might get us too thrilled in buying a ring straight away. Still, we have to remember some important things before we jump into our nearest jewelry store. These precious gemstones are expensive pieces of jewelry. 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 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 selecting the perfect ring, the first thing to consider is the cut. This characteristic describes the shape of the stone and how well it was cut. Normally, the overall cutting craftsmanship and shape are being assessed by the GIA whether a diamond stone is off-round or perfectly round and if the cuts are unique enough.

Next 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 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 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 price tag. Among the rare and more expensive colors of these precious stones include pink, blue, or green.

The last characteristic you should check is the stone's clarity. Clarity is used by many jewelers as a gauge to which the stone's impurities are measured.Clarity is used as a measurement for 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.

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

-Lorraine Jacobs

Engagement Rings: How To Find Quality Diamond Rings

Diamonds are forever. Loose diamonds are admired for their astonishing 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 so special is their staggering 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 help you make your marriage proposal a more special and treasured 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 recommended 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 specially made for you.In choosing a diamond engagement ring, it is important to bear in mind 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 consider the ways on how to determine the ring size of your future wife or you can just tell the jeweler about her body type and size.

The style of the ring should also be considered in finding the right type of diamond jewelry.Diamond rings are sold in varying cuts, styles and colors.Classic solitaire diamonds are the most popular while colored diamonds are among the trendiest 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, the personality of your bride to be must be your basis in choosing a ring.It would also be great if the diamond is certified by diamond grading experts.

One of the crucial things to bear in mind in buying a diamond ring is the type of metal present.You can choose from a wide selection 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 the best choices for colored diamonds.

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

-Lorraine Jacobs

Monday, July 5, 2010

Is There Such Thing As Cheap Diamond?

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 acknowledgment given to such gemstone, along with the controversies surrounding its mining process, purchasing and owning a flawless diamond would definitely cost a person his fortune. 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 try participating in online diamond auctions where jewelers usually bring to the table some of their inexpensive diamonds. 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 problem buying pre-owned items, another option that you can go for is to drop by at stores that offer discounted or inexpensive jewelry pieces. Pawnshops and thrift shops are stores that often sell pre-owned jewelry pieces. However, make sure that you are knowledgeable enough about diamonds so that you will know if what they are offering are real or not. Nonetheless, if you really are open for this option you must be prepared to get disappointed because more likely that you'll leave the shops empty handed, but if it's your lucky day chances are you'd be able to close a good deal and get a sparkler that is still in good condition.

Another practical option when buying cheap diamond is to go for the so called loose diamond. A loose diamond is economical because aside from being a real sparkler it hasn't been used for any jewelry production process; therefore you can buy it in its purest state. Compared to read- to-wear diamond jewelry pieces, loose diamond is more economical because you don't have to pay for metals used for ready made diamond jewelry pieces, the services, warranty coverage and the gift casing. 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 that downgrading can alter the quality of your diamond, don't fret because downgrading only induces very little or no discernible reduction on the quality of a sparkler. For example, in terms of clarity downgrading instead of buying flawless diamond, you can just settle for a diamond that has lower clarity rating but can still be considered as eye-clear, or in terms of carat try purchasing diamonds that have carat grades shy away from full numbered or exact half numbered carats.

Lastly, if you are really tight on budget, you can settle for clarity enhanced diamonds or treated diamonds. Try to remember that all diamonds, with an exemption for the very rare and flawless ones, have character flaws called inclusion or imperfection. If you are wondering what an inclusion is, it is the determining factor of 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

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Diamond Ring: The Best Gift To Give

It has been well accepted that 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 such gems are considered as the ultimate gemstone and hardest substance that nature has produced. It is also considered as the best decoration that can be mounted in any jewelry.

For many years diamonds have been consistently used to create the most precious jewelries. However, more than any other point in history, the current use of these gems has significantly increased tenfold. Aside from being the testament of social status, such gems have also other varying uses. It has also benefited many industries, generating large amounts of profits as it can be applied for cutting tools, a means to transmit sounds, various optical applications, and as a special coating for airplane cockpit windows.

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 purchasing diamonds and jewelries with these stones because they are good investments. The investment worth of these objects can be accounted to their increasing value. 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. 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. Adding value to these engagement bands are their physical durability that gives them their timelessness.

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. 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 worth knowing that the value of a diamond can be identified based from the so called 4Cs or color, clarity, cut and carat.

So, before buying that diamond ring, a little research can be truly helpful to know whether you are getting the right one or not. There are wide selections of diamond bands in the market; as such it pays to know everything about the product you are interested in. It is best to have the authentic one because it will represent your vow of love and permanence. 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.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Friday, May 28, 2010

The Many Uses Of Diamonds

It has been well accepted that diamonds are a girl's best friend. Any woman you might ask would simply say that they like to have a diamond in their possession. This is because such gems are considered as the ultimate gemstone and hardest substance that nature has produced. 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. 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 purchasing diamonds and jewelries with these stones because they are good investments. The investment worth of these objects can be accounted to their increasing value. 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. 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 buying a diamond encrusted ring, it is imperative to know that what you are getting is the real ones and not a fake. For unknowing buyers, a diamond can be mistaken with other stones such as cubic zirconiums and other similar looking stones. It is always best to buy in reputable stores so that you would be ensuring that the price you are paying is truly that jewelry's worth 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.

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. There are wide selections of diamond bands in the market; as such it pays to know everything about the product you are interested in. At the end of 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.

Diamonds are considered as the most precious stones in the world. They are usually mounted in jewelries such as rings and necklaces to make these pieces more elegant and expensive. Today, it is can be observed that a diamond ring is the most common keepsake during engagements. Such preference lays on the fact that such band, aside from being expensive, is physically durable that makes it last for a lifetime.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Diamonds And Finding The Best Diamonds

While there are a lot of ways to express and show our deepest and purest form of love to our loved one, giving her a ring can definitely mean something more special.In deciding on the ring that we want to surprise our loved one with, we need to make it as extraordinary and unforgettable as possible.There could never be a 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 best choices when it comes to choosing the ring for your marriage proposal. These astonishing pieces of jewelry can definitely make your loved one ecstatic and even more surprised. Furthermore, these exclusive gemstones can survive the wear and tear of even the most extreme conditions making it an ideal sign of your eternal love.Even after 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 keep in mind a number of essential things before we go into our nearest jewelry store. These precious gemstones are expensive pieces of jewelry. That is why in picking the ring, we have to remember a number of factors to make sure that we will get the best ring for her. Also, since these rings are no cheap pieces of jewelry, we have to make sure that we will be able to get the most out of the money we would invest for these exclusive pieces of jewelry.

Diamonds are assessed and graded according to their cut, carat weight, color, and clarity or what jewelers refer to as the 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 describes the shape of the stone and how well it was cut. Normally, the overall cutting craftsmanship and shape are being graded by the GIA whether a diamond stone is off-round or perfectly round and if the cuts are excellent enough.

Next factor to consider is the carat weight.The carat term for weight measurement of these gemstones 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 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 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 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 measure 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.

Engagement Rings Are Not All A Diamond's Good For

Get diamonds not just as engagement rings or wedding rings, but also for other occasions. You can give them as business gifts for casual meetings or celebrations. Get 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. There is a diamond gift to match every occasion.

Seek engagement rings in a diversity 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. 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. This is so that you know the proper rationale behind the rating provided to your gift. This value isn't just in terms of what you're paying upfront, but in the gift's speculative value as well. But intelligently and get a gift in proportionate value to your gift recipient, 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 reality is, although there are separate gemological associations, valuing diamonds depends on the person or organization doing it. There are also separate grade systems used to rank and price diamonds. You may be buying diamond earrings worth more than loose diamonds, although they may appear to be the same size.

There are a few concerns you must apprehend promptly with regards to grading diamonds. For one, their weight affects their cost greater than the quality of their cut. Secondly, diamonds retain their value after it gets cut. 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 actually that much better in comparison to your parent's engagement rings, loose diamonds or any kind of commercially available diamond. The reason for this is that every diamond is built to be special. The foremost diamond gift is not the priciest, but what best fits in with your needs.

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