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