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