Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Diamond Ring: The Best Gift To Give

As the old adage goes, diamonds are a girl's best friend. Every woman would love to have a pair or two of this precious stone in their possession. This is because it is considered as the ultimate gemstone and the hardest substance that nature is able to produce. It is also considered as the best decoration that can be mounted in any jewelry.

For centuries, diamonds have been used for jewelry making. However, it has been identified that there is a significant increase in the use of these gems within the past decades. Aside from being a proof of status for the elites, the use of such gem has also been more widespread than simply as jewelries. They also function as cutting tools, a means to transmit sounds, various optical applications, and as a special coating for airplane cockpit windows, which officially makes it a multi-million dollar industry.

While it is true that these precious gems have differing uses, it cannot be denied that they are primarily utilized as decorative pieces to make any jewelry more elegant and expensive. Many people are now purchasing diamonds and jewelries with these stones because they are good investments. Most, if not all, of these diamond encrusted jewelries increase in value overtime due to the presence of such stones. Likewise, they also serve as heirloom pieces that maintain the connection of one family generation to another.

Aside from their investment value, such gemstones are also priceless keepsakes during important events. For instance, during engagements diamond encrusted rings are the most common gifts that a woman can receive from her man. Because engagements are one of the most traditional practices to date, it is common for men to give such bands to their future spouse's to identify with the value of the occasion and their feelings for each other. Adding value to these engagement bands are their physical durability that gives them their timelessness.

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

So, before buying that diamond ring, a little research can be truly helpful to know whether you are getting the right one or not. The selection of diamond bands in the market is endless and it pays to have the patience to know everything about this stone. At the end of it all, it would be the representation of you and your future spouse's permanence and love. Hence, it is important to get a hold of something real that will remind you in the long run of that long and lasting oneness.

The physical durability of diamonds is one of its primary characteristics that make it more appealing. This is especially true for a man who wanted to express his love for a woman during engagements. A diamond ring has become an engagement keepsake trend due to its value and promise of longevity, which in some way is also representative of an undying love. Such rings are so popular that it has generally become a trademark during elite engagements.

-Lorraine Jacobs

The Value Of Fine Jewelry Pieces For Women

Fine jewelry has played a significant role throughout history. Since the ancient times humans have been inclined to wear jewelry pieces to adorn their bodies. Starting from the old stone age approximately 25,000 years ago, both men and women collected different kinds of items, drilled holes in them and wore them for varying reasons. But, women are undeniably more inclined to use jewelry than men due to the many purposes that these items serve.

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. This profoundly shows how adept women are when it comes to jewelry. With this result at hand, you might be wondering what is it with jewelry that makes women swoon for it. Accordingly, there's a whole range of reasons why women love jewelry.

To start with, jewelry of all kinds is a crucial additive that intensify the underlying concept of dressing and artistic display. They are considered as vital components of fashion and style as they have the power to improve the visual appeal of the clothes women wear. Hair dresses adorned with loose diamonds could make the hair glimmer, brooches and pins apparently make a dull looking office suit into a livelier outfit. Jewelry pieces worn on different parts of the body such as bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces create a focal point that hides aesthetic flaws of women.

Aside from the purpose of accessorizing, articles of jewelry also serve the purpose of defining a female's social status within the society. From the ancient times, various cultures have used jewelry pieces to identify the position of women in their tribes and communities--slaves were often seen wearing beaded articles of jewelry, while upper class women often wore metallic jewelry items that are adorned with precious gems such as crystals and loose diamonds. Although such purpose may not be as intense today compared from the past, it cannot be discounted that is still apparently a practice that many rich and famous people uphold.

Items of fine jewelry are also revered by women for their rich symbolism as well as spiritual and health value. Women from India have long been using the "tika- which looks like a chandelier earring that is hooked at the hair end with the pendant at the exact center of the forehead to represent spiritual preservation. Nose rings on the other hand is said to enhance sexual reflexes, while necklaces, which are often worn close to the heart are identified as pieces that work on emotions and attract or strengthen love. Charm bracelets are often used because of the luck they induce, while bangles are said to help unleash creativity and represent the potent energy of the sun. Gemstones of all sorts have been used to cure different health conditions with diamonds being used to induce clarity and jade to enhance relaxation among others.

Of course, jewelry pieces tell volumes of stories that is why women love them so much. They could tell tales of love, friendship, celebration, welcoming and even personal epiphany. Articles of jewelry are about relationships with spouses and partners as seen from the use of wedding and engagement rings accentuated with round brilliant cut diamonds, friendships that are defined by friendship bands and rings, and families through the consistent use of heirlooms that are passed from one generation to another. Overall, jewelry whether big or small, cheap or expensive tells something about the characters of women that sometimes words could not define.

Fine jewelry serves several purposes for women, which is why they are actually loved and appreciated. Bracelets, necklaces and earrings adorned with gemstones like loose diamonds are now regarded as important components of style and fashion. Jewelry indicates social status and is also considered item of healing in many cultures. For the most part, jewelry help people celebrate all kinds of special occasions like wedding and engagements as seen from the use of rings adorned with round brilliant cut diamonds.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Monday, September 20, 2010

Fine Diamond Jewelry: Tips On Where You Could Purchase Diamonds

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. It is a general knowledge that diamonds, regardless if loose or incorporated on any jewelry, could cost an arm and a leg. Hence, purchasing diamonds can be one of the most important decisions that you could make in your lifetime. With this in mind, you have to be cautious about the shop where you intend to buy them so that you won't regret your purchase later on.

You have many options at hand to acquire the sparklers you like. The first thing that you could do is to go online and search for online jewelry shops that offer fine diamond jewelry. Purchasing online is one of the most practical means in order to carry out the task of buying diamonds because online jewelry stores are your key to finding high quality and competitively priced diamonds without breaking any sweat. 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. Likewise, online jewelry shops offer more competitively priced diamonds, regardless if they are round brilliant or oval in cut, since they don't incur additional costs on their products, except for taxes and shipping fees, in order to cover their overhead expenses as they do not have physical stores to run that usually require electricity bills and employee salaries. The main drawback with purchasing your jewelry online could be accounted to the profusion of selections that could dilute your ability to objectively appraise the price and quality of your choice. 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 good thing about this option is that you could personally assess the quality and value of the round brilliant diamonds or any jewelry you are to purchase. Professional jewelers could also answer all your queries which would help you establish the right purchasing decisions. Major drawbacks about this option however, lies on the prices of their products; as they have overhead expenses to cover, physical jewelry stores have the tendency to place additional markups on their product prices, which is why jewelry pieces from these stores could be a bit expensive, and they have limited.

Meanwhile if you're after cheap diamonds, rare jewelry like oval diamonds from certain era, or used diamonds, you could try looking at specialty stores, thrift shops and pawnshops. If this option is something that you would consider, it is essential that you have the right knowledge about diamond jewelry and how to appraise it so that you won't make wrong 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 you're looking at buying online, be sure to do some research about the stores where you wish to buy to make sure if they are legitimate or not; go over the reputation of these online jewelry shops and study their return and refund policies. 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

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 stay as elegant as ever even after a long time. It is a universal belief in almost all cultures across the world that diamonds are ideal for engagement rings since these gems are symbols for eternity.Furthermore, aside from being a symbol of undying love, diamond rings have also become status symbols. What made them extraordinary is their expensive cost and the value they currently hold, which makes diamonds a luxury for many people.

Not too many people have the financial capability 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 representation of your endless and unequaled love, it would be a great idea if you would surprise your bride to be with a diamond engagement ring. A diamond engagement ring can definitely make your marriage proposal a more special and unforgettable one, both for you and your bride to be.

However, before you go on with your plan of getting a diamond ring for your proposal, it would be better if you will educate yourself first with what to look for in diamond jewelry.Since diamonds are all but expensive commodities; it is recommended that you acquaint yourself with the ways on how to find quality diamonds. Getting the essential education and guidance in finding the right type of diamond jewelry can help you make best use of the huge amount of money you are about to spend. Moreover, it can help you find out the appropriate variety of diamond jewelry that can effectively suit your bride's style and preference.

Buying a diamond ring to surprise your bride to be is a task you have to do by yourself. In choosing a diamond engagement ring, it is 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 think of ways on how to find the ring size of your future wife or you can just tell the jeweler about her body type and size.

The style of the ring is also crucial in finding the right type of diamond jewelry. Diamond rings can be purchased in varying cuts, styles and colors. Classic solitaire diamonds are the most in-demand while colored diamonds are among the most fashionable and unique. The tiffany style is perfect for a classic look while the invisible style are suited for a more modern and current appeal. In addition, your choice of ring should depend on the personality of your bride to be. 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 choosing the metal type of the ring, you have to be cautious of 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 symbolize eternity which makes them fit perfectly in engagement rings. Diamond rings including loose diamonds have become a luxury for many people and a symbol of an undying and unparalleled 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

Diamond Rings: Making A Worthwhile Purchase

Clarity is one of the four C's that influences the quality of the diamond. It refers to the quantity of flaws found in a diamond. These flaws are imperfections caused by mistakes in cutting or that spring up 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 pleasing set in diamond rings, and have low resell value. In contrast, a diamond with great clarity is highly coveted by collectors, and will be a gift of true value to loved ones.

Flaws can be grouped into two; external flaws are called blemishes, whereas flaws within the diamond, that can alter its ability to reflect light, are called inclusions. Since inclusions get in the way of a diamond's sparkle, they are more likely to devalue a diamond, but they can also be advantageous. Inclusions can be used to identify individual diamonds as a sort of diamond fingerprint. In this way, you would be able to secure your diamond rings.

Diamonds are graded based on how conspicuous these flaws are. This is done while they are still loose diamonds. There are several gemological organizations worldwide that have established different grading systems, although in many cases they are very similar. You should orient yourself with the grading system used in the store where you buy your diamond. When looking for diamond rings, you will want to inspect 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 accepted 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 hesitant to let you take a closer look, it's a red flag to look elsewhere.

Don't look at jewelry stores at face value. One store may have ridiculously low prices, or limited period sales. You may think you're getting a good deal; but they'll lose most of their value in as short as ten years. You should make sure you get diamonds of lasting value. You can get a high quality diamond at a sensible price, but only if you study 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

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Loose Diamonds And Their Different Cuts

For most people, the only time they buy diamonds is when they want wedding or engagement rings. The smart way to go about this is to get loose diamonds first and have them set later. You can inspect them for defects better, and improve your chances of a good deal. However, you need to be meticulous when buying. It's easy to make mistakes and spend too much, or find yourself accepting an inferior diamond.

When looking at loose diamonds, you should confirm the diamond's value. You'll want to scrutinize each one for the four C's; carat weight, cut, clarity and color. But keep in mind that each diamond is unique, and it's unlikely for a single diamond to get two separate assessments with identical results. Ultimately, the value of a diamond is subjective, so you shouldn't be too engrossed looking for it's exact value.

The greatest diamond cut of all is the round brilliant cut. Thanks to the work of Marcel Tolkowsky, the proportions needed to get the most brilliance and fire out of a diamond were determined and popularized. Further innovations perfected 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. Nowadays, people look for sparkle, so the heart, oval, and pear cuts are popular. However, the quality and value of a diamond relies on other factors. You can easily get a high value diamond of any cut - or low value, if you are not too careful.

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

When it comes time to set your loose diamond, it's best to have it done by the same people who sold it to you. If you bring it to another jeweler, they won't want to be held responsible for any damage the diamond may incur during setting. If the seller won't guarantee their own diamonds, just forget them and look for a seller who does.

For most people, the only time they buy diamonds is to get engagement and wedding rings. The smart way to go about this is to find loose diamonds first and have them set later. The round brilliant cut is the perennial favorite diamond cut. The popularity of fancy cuts are dependent on prevailing trends. However, the quality and value of a diamond is dependent on other factors. So buy a diamond jewelry gift with the cut you prefer.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Diamond rings are more than just a luxury

For people with cash to spare, it is but natural to put these funds into an investment that would give more value to their money.To help their money grow, they would usually acquire assets like land or stocks and even condominium units because they can generate revenue as their value appreciates.

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

Some hobbies are also considered an investment because as time goes by they also increase in value just like luxury cars, fine jewelry and toys.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.

Some toys when kept in mint condition or intact in their boxes can sell at ten to twenty times its original value as time goes by.On top of the list of hobby investments that gains value over the years is fine jewelry.Jewelry with diamonds like diamond rings and bracelets can definitely get more valuable as the years go by.

Another good thing with buying diamond rings or necklaces is the fact that you can readily share this as a very meaningful gift for a loved one.Diamonds pretty much last for a lifetime so it can be smart investment compared to other things like cars or houses that can depreciate as time takes its toll and cause mechanical or aesthetic problems.

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

Diamond Heart Jewelry: Check For Quality

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 boosts their overall allure.

And diamond heart jewelry is as alluring as it gets. Heart cuts share a lot of characteristics as the pear cut, but vary in height and width. The heart cut retains some brilliance found in the round brilliant cut, but also exhibits the diamond's other qualities, like clarity. Bear in mind that this shape was not invented frivolously. The heart cut is basically the pear cut with a cleft added in.

Admittedly, not everybody likes diamond heart jewelry. 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 newer cut, there are less guidelines in making heart cut diamonds compared to round brilliant.

In comparison, with round brilliant cut diamonds, your primary concern really is just 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 crucial that you do a quality check before you acquire any diamond heart jewelry. Particularly, you need to check 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 detectable 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 be on guard for enhanced diamonds. These are treatments performed on diamonds after they have been cut and polished, to eliminate these imperfections. Government regulations require that any enhancements be revealed to potential buyers. These treatments diminish their value and are only performed on seriously flawed diamonds.

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

-Lorraine Jacobs

Round Brilliant Cut: Increasing The Value Of Your Loose Diamonds

From the earliest times, diamonds have amazed mankind. They are the most admired ornaments that nature has given; they are things that symbolize beauty and forever. From all the stones that the world has introduced, diamonds are the most distinguished""appealing to people of all classes. Whether they are loose diamonds or blood diamonds, one thing remains a fact, they will continuously captivate the attention of generations of people.

Due to 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 articles of jewelry made from diamonds have turned into valuable belongings equally at par with real estate and artworks. Due to these, purchasing diamond pieces has turned into an endeavor that requires thorough understanding of the stones characteristics in order to make wise choices. Much has been discussed about the clarity, color and carat of diamonds, but little attention is given towards the value of diamond cutting.

Cut with an emphasis on diamonds, refers to the guide of style or design used to shape a diamond 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. Despite the emergence of new cutting styles, the round brilliant cut remains as the most popular of its kind.

It was in 1919 that round brilliant cut was introduced by Belgian diamond cutter Marcel Tolkowsky to the public. 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. In addition, a single cut produces two diamonds, one is larger than the other; hence, minimal diamond pieces go to waste.

A round brilliant cut diamond that is cut properly creates a shape that permits more light to reflect on the diamond in differing angles, enhancing its brilliance and fire. Due to its relatively safe shape, it is considered as the best choice of cut in terms of its "saleability," optics as well as insurability. Aside from the mentioned qualities, diamonds that are round brilliant in cut are also acknowledged for their flexibility to complement any forms of jewelry settings. Hence, it isn't surprising to know that about 75 percent of diamond jewelry sales are accounted to this type of cut.

If you intend to purchase loose diamonds that will be utilized to customize your chosen jewelry piece, it would be more appropriate to settle 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, as it is truly versatile, it will not be a trouble anymore to find the right setting to use for your jewelry. Simply, diamonds that are round brilliant in cut will surely give you a run for your money.

If you are looking for diamonds, you may want to consider loose diamonds, which would give you the option to choose your desired setting for your fine diamond rings. However, to further maximize the value of these loose sparklers, pick the ones that have round brilliant cut. This cut is noted for its ability to exemplify the greatest brilliance and fire in diamonds.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Fine Jewelry: How Cut Affects Clarity

Is cut more important than clarity when assessing diamonds? You could spend hours speculating on the merits of one over the other. However, to get a clear answer, you need to grasp the relationship between the two. More importantly, you'll need to mull over what you value in fine jewelry.

A diamond's cut refers to its external proportions, as well as the skill of cutting and polishing. Diamonds can be cut in such a way that it reaches its highest selling price, or maximizes its capability for brilliance. The clarity of diamonds, on the other hand, refers to the number of imperfections a diamond has. Fewer imperfections lead to 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 consumer, you need to be conscious of this and check any diamonds you want to buy under a microscope or loupe to find flaws yourself.

When you look at a round cut diamond, you'll realize how vital it is to cut a diamond with a reasonable amount of skill. It will also become more apparent just how closely cut and clarity are connected to each other. Round cuts are famous for having the most potential for brilliance above all other cuts. Any mistakes in the cut or internal flaws, even minor, will decrease 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 inspect 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

Diamond Jewelry Gifts: The Best Ring Settings

Diamond jewelry gifts are probably the best tokens that one could give and receive. Although the value of gifts is not actually determined by their outside appearance rather from the sincerity of the one who gave such gifts, it cannot be overlooked that there are instances that we often take gratitude not only for the sincerity of the person but also the aesthetics of the gifts given to us. Taking these things into consideration, diamonds are the best tokens that could actually fulfill our emotional and aesthetic needs when it comes to gifts. Nonetheless, they are valuable pieces that would never fade and would last for the years to come.

When purchasing diamond for gifts, it would be more viable to go for loose diamonds since they are not yet set to any piece of jewelry. Meaning to say, you have the liberty to have it customized according to your own design preference in order to befit the purpose you have in mind. Similarly, it would be easier for you to have the gems appraised knowing that you could perceive their overall features. One of the most essential features that you would have to closely consider with loose sparklers is the cut.

It is imperative to exactly identify what cut is in reference to diamonds and how it is different from shape. Shape is associated to the outline of the gem's perimeter, while the cut or also referred to as make is what affects the appearance of the stone as it is associated to the proportioning and overall finish of the diamond, which are the two factors that helps the stone to produce fire or the rainbow we perceive inside diamonds and brilliance which refers to the liveliness or sparkle of the stone. Accordingly, a diamond with a good cut is more 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 most conventional means of cutting diamonds and is regarded as the best at producing prismatic effect, which means its shape produces the most sparkle due to its ability to reflect the most light on the top of the diamond. Diamonds that have underwent this method displays greater brilliance compared to any other diamonds because there are no corners where light could hide. This is the primary reason why the brilliance and fire of the diamond are exemplified at their maximum levels. Although there are shapes and cut that are comparable to round cut diamonds, the latter remains as the favorite of most jewelers.

Round brilliant cut diamonds are very versatile and will suit all kinds of jewelry setting. If you are looking for round brilliant diamond ring that you would be using for your proposal, there are actually many settings to choose from. The prong setting is probably the most traditional band setting wherein the diamond is held sturdily by four or six prongs of equal height in order to make the gem stick up away from the finger. A pave setting is composed of lots of diamonds set closely together and are held in place by little gems to the metal setting, while a bezel setting contains a metal rim or collar that completely encircle the sides or just a portion of a single diamond, extending slightly above the edges of the gem.

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

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

-Lorraine Jacobs

Round Brilliant Cut: The Perfect Cut For Diamonds

Among the 4 C's of diamonds, cutting or cut is probably the least understood even though it greatly affects the cost and appearance of these articles of fine jewelry. It should be noted that well cut diamonds could cost as much as 40 to 50 percent more than poorly cut sparklers. Hence, it is important that a prospective buyer should understand what cut is. When referring to the cut or make of diamonds this is identified as the general symmetry, proportioning and finish of such gems that profoundly affect their ability to produce fire and brilliance.

Basically, there are three general cutting techniques employed for fine jewelry diamonds: brilliant cut, step cut and mixed cut. A brilliant cut utilizes several facets that are usually triangular and kite in shape and are arranged in a particular manner to optimized the diamonds' brilliance. A step cut have fewer facets than that of the brilliant cut, commonly rectangular or trapezoid in shape and are arranged in a linear format. A mixed-cut on the other hand integrates the elements used by both the step cut and brilliant cut styles.

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 combined with the right shape, a brilliant cut sparkler will surely overshadow other diamonds in terms of beauty 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 already relative with the said cutting style.

Every round brilliant cut sparkler exudes 58 facets""33 are found on the top or crown, 24 are situated at the bottom, and the remaining one is at the point or culet. Smaller round brilliant diamonds are known as "full cut" stones in order to discern them from the so-called "single cut" stones which only exude 17 facets, or from "Swiss cut" stones that contain only 33 facets. Probably by now you're asking, what is so special about these round brilliant diamonds? To simply put it, as the diamonds cut this way have no corners they could reflect the most light that passes through them enabling them to produce the most brilliance, fire and liveliness.

Round brilliant cut is also an established favorite and "ideal" combination of cut and shape not only for its brilliance but also for its flexibility as seen from its ability to complement all sorts of articles of jewelry. Diamonds that are cut this way are often used as accents for engagement and wedding rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings since they could be easily arranged no matter what form or shape the jewelry has. Nonetheless, they befit all settings whether it is prong or pave. 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 be preferred by most people may not be a particular choice 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 thing that you have to take is to compare diamonds of various qualities and prices as this is the most effective means for you to train your eyes in properly identifying which are the ones that show the greatest, brilliance, fire and liveliness.

When searching for fine jewelry diamonds it is important that you consider the cutting technique used for the sparklers as this greatly affect their ability to produce fire and brilliance. Round brilliant cut is probably the most promising cutting style employed on diamonds since it is capable of exposing the maximum brilliance of such stones. Regardless if you like loose or clarity enhanced diamonds, the round brilliant technique will surely make them more valuable.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Friday, August 6, 2010

Clarity Enhanced Diamond: Inexpensive Alternatives

Diamonds are one of the most desired commodities by many women worldwide. In fact, if you are a man and would wish to sweep your woman off her feet, might as well give her fine jewelry encrusted with diamonds. Of course, diamonds aren't cheap; just a piece could already cost you a fortune especially if you are rooting for the ones that are rare and have high quality features. However, if you really like to seal your vows of love with diamonds without spending too much, you could simply opt for diamonds that were enhanced to improve some of their features.

Clarity is one of the most vital features of a diamond as it serves as a determining factor to know the real market value of such gemstone. Untouched loose diamonds for instance, often have higher price tags as their clarity along with their remaining C's have no imperfections and inclusions. However, the market today also has what are now referred to as clarity enhanced sparklers. Unlike expensive flawless diamonds, these sparklers have lower price tags because of the clarity manipulation carried out to make them visually appealing.

Clarity enhanced diamond is a diamond that had exemplify eye visible imperfections. This simply means that the said diamond had low clarity grade, and because no jewelry buyer would like to have a visibly imperfect diamond, its imperfections, that often affect the stone's clarity, are treated in order to make it more visually clear. Once the enhancement is carried out, there would be no discernible differences between enhanced and untouched diamonds. Enhanced diamonds are also referred to as "fracture filled diamonds."

There are several types of enhancement process carried out in order to achieve clarity enhanced diamond. The most common method is known as drilling wherein a tiny hole is drilled toward the diamond in order to remove minerals and other elements that causes discoloration. This process is done using a laser, which emits a beam capable of creating a neat hole directly towards the gemstone's inclusion. After this, the diamond may be left with a small fracture which would be filled with a heavy glass that is definitely unnoticeable by the naked eyes; this latter process is also referred to as fracture filling.

If you have the intent to buy a diamond, one thing that you must remember is that in adherence to the FTC rules, diamonds that had augmentations other than basic cutting, cleaning and polishing should be fully disclosed to the buyer. However, just for a safe bet you may want to ask the jeweler if you can have the diamond appraised by an independent appraising firm. 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: Choosing Based On Cut

Why get loose diamonds? They're not quite as practical as earrings and necklaces. You would not be able to have them on you or display them anywhere you go. But diamonds have a beauty on their own that can't be revealed by diamonds set in jewelry. They seem even more 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 famous because it provides the most brilliance. The way it has been cut makes it reflects the most light. What most people don't know is that the shape of the round brilliant is the most wasteful. As much as half of the original diamond is left out when it is turned into a round brilliant. For this reason, diamonds are produced in several other shapes as well, commonly known as fancy cuts.

Now some of the fancy cuts are already based on familiar shapes, and will appeal to people even if they aren't that familiar with diamonds. The heart and oval cuts describe themselves. The pear cut is often viewed as an upside down teardrop.

On the other hand, how do you explain to people the differences between the Asscher and emerald cut, or the princess and radiant cut, when they all share the same rectangular shape? This is where we get a bit technical, but fortunately you don't have to get that esoteric.

Emerald and Asscher cuts are both step cuts. In contrast to the round brilliant, they are rectangular in shape, with each side bordered with small steps. Step cuts accentuate lustre and clarity over brilliance. The Asscher cut has been popular for over 100 years, and its proportions are less even.

The princess and radiant cuts comprise a third category, known as mixed cuts. They have more brilliance than step cuts, but are more cost-efficient than brilliant cuts. The princess cut is the most popular next to the round brilliant, whereas the radiant cut has over 70 cuts.

When choosing loose diamonds, you need not be intimidated by technical knowledge. You can buy based on what cut you like. The jeweler, in turn, will narrow your choices in terms of price and quality, and help find the best choice for you.

Diamonds are produced in a variety of designs, known in the trade as cuts. The way the round brilliant cut has been cut makes it reflects the most light. Step cuts accentuate lustre and clarity over brilliance. Mixed cuts evoke the brilliance of brilliant cuts, but are more practical to produce. When selecting loose diamonds, you need not be intimidated by technical knowledge. You can buy based on what cut you like.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Sunday, August 1, 2010

What To Know When Buying Diamond Jewelry Gifts

If you're a man, you're probably thinking of giving your bride-to-be a diamond ring and would like to ask her to marry you. The idea seems simple enough; you'd go to a jewelry store, select a diamond worthy for your beloved, pay for it and you're ready to go. Unfortunately though, this isn't always the case because when you see the price tag of your prospective sparkler, you might think twice before you actually get your hands on those sparkly diamond jewelry gifts. If you have the plans to purchase a diamond, it is vital for you to know the tricks of the trade so that in the future when you're ready you would take control of every transaction you make and be able to close a good deal.

According to gemologist and diamond expert, Fred Cuellar, there are four basic things that one has to remember when purchasing diamond jewelry gifts: budget, expectations, savvy and timetable. When it comes to budget, you should be able to allocate the amount that you could afford and as much as possible should not exceed your laid budget plan; a month's salary could already suffice for you to buy a diamond. As for expectations, it is advised for you to know and understand the needs and wants of the person to whom you're about to present the diamond; by doing this you would have a feel of what diamond type would be appropriate for that person. Being savvy is a manner with which you must be aware of the cost of sparklers in the market as well as the designs available; and for timetable, you must know when you will purchase and when you will give the diamond, but be sure to give yourself more time to analyze things so that you could be prepared in any case.

Now that you have a crash course about making diamond purchase, you should also know where to buy your sparklers. You have two options where you could purchase your diamond jewelry gifts: go online or visit local jewelry shops. Buying online is a practical way to secure your diamond without the need to drive around since everything you need is just a click away; however, you should also consider the drawbacks associated with this practice, first you can't appraise the jewelry and second you don't know with whom you are transacting with; if this option is good enough for you, it is crucial for you to do an intensive background check so that you can be assured that you would really get the diamond you are about to purchase. The second 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 refers to the absence and presence of blemishes and inclusion in a diamond. Every diamond is assigned with clarity grades that could go 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.

When it comes to color, diamond pieces are available in virtually all colors; however, colored sparklers are rare and truly expensive so chances are, the sparklers you would see during your shopping are either white or yellow in color but between the two, it would be better to go 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. When it comes to cut, diamond pieces could be cut in different ways, the most common of which is the round brilliant cut. The first thing to know is that more than the indication of shape, the cut of your diamond also determines how sparkly it can be.

Aside from being clear and white, a diamond cannot be considered as a diamond unless it sparkles, which could only be achieved by properly cutting it. As cut is extremely hard to analyze, the three things that you should look at are brilliance, fire and scintillation; however, if you really want to make things easier, the standard round brilliant cut is probably the most preferable choice compared to other cut. Lastly, the carat refers to the unit weight of a diamond. Majority of diamond pieces utilized for fine jewelry often weight one carat or less; a fraction of a carat could significantly change the amount of the diamond.

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

-Lorraine Jacobs

Fine Jewelry Forms And Functions

The visual appeal of fine jewelry has never failed to capture our attention. As a matter of fact, jewelry pieces were once considered as the basis of social status especially during the ancient times. These precious objects have profoundly molded some of the most important traditions in history. From necklaces and earrings, to rings and bracelets, these articles have long provided humans with personal satisfaction that no other objects could provide.

There are many kinds of fine jewelry pieces available. Some are used as adornments, while others are used as symbolic tokens for certain occasions. There are also articles of jewelry that are simple in design and inexpensive, while there are also pieces that are expensive due to the materials used to construct them. Some of the most popular and commonly used pieces would be discussed here to provide further understanding about their qualities and uses. 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 are used for differing purposes but usually they serve as symbolic tokens given during special events like betrothals and weddings, or just to highlight one's fingers. In the case of signet rings, they commonly bear the emblems of fraternal orders or other organizational insignias.

Another popular type of jewelry is the necklace which is worn around the neck. Basically, there are four general forms of necklaces: close fitting collar band with stones or beads, chain necklace with a single pendant, row of beads that are usually graduated in size held by a wire or chain, and several chains or strings of differing lengths worn on top of each other. Necklaces can be 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. In order to highlight necklaces, they are worn with tops or dresses that have low necklines, as this clothing finish diverts the attention of people towards the neck where the said jewelry is hanged.

Meanwhile, earrings are articles of jewelry used for the ears that could be set against the earlobes or are left as dangling drops. The most favorite form of earrings set against the earlobe is the pair of pearls, while popular hanging drops are the ones referred to as chandelier earrings. Traditionally, 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.

Another type of fine jewelry is the bracelet, which is worn on the arm. This piece can be in the form of closed band, spiral coils, open on one side, closed with clasps or flexible rings made from several links. 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. Overall, jewelry pieces comes in differing quality, sizes, design, price as well as functions; it is up to the owner where and when he or she intend to use these precious materials to gain satisfaction.

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

Wedding Ring And Engagement Ring: Similarities And Differences

Since prehistoric times, bands have played significant roles during betrothals and marriages. As a matter of fact, it would be hard to imagine having an engagement and wedding without referring to bands. Due to their long history, the use and functions of wedding ring and engagement ring are often intermingled 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.

To further outline the differences between wedding ring and engagement ring, it would be logical to start with their individual functions. 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. Right after the wedding and for the years that would follow their marriage, the wedding and engagement bands are worn by the wife, while the man only wears the wedding ring since men does not necessarily need to wear an engagement ring.

Between the two mentioned bands, many couples invest more on their engagement bands than on their wedding bands. In fact, an engagement ring is more attention-grabbing than a wedding ring because it is somehow a silent announcement of the soon-to-be married status of couples. Traditionally, engagement bands have protruding center stones usually made from fine diamond jewelry. Today however, aside from diamond engagement bands, couples can also incorporate other precious stones like ruby, sapphire and opal in place of diamond as the central stone as they are inexpensive but also good in quality and design.

Meanwhile, wedding ring is often plain in design and finish, or at times is designed as the simpler version of the engagement ring. However, the design of the wedding bands is always dependent on the couple's choice; there are couples who also use fine diamond jewelry for their wedding bands, though this is not always the case as the plain finish of such band represents the sanctity of marriage. Both the wedding and engagement bands are traditionally worn on the left finger between the index and pinkie fingers as it is believed that the said finger contain the vena amori or the vein directly connected to the heart. But, this is not always the case as there are cultures that place their wedding and engagement bands on the right hand.

Commonly, wedding and engagement bands are separately purchased. It is also possible that they can be bought as a set, which is why some wedding bands are equally grandiose to their engagement counterparts. If you would be purchasing these bands separately, always try to consider that you would be using them on a daily basis, so when you are to pick each piece select the shape of the gemstone that would complement your lifestyle. A diamond may be hard in nature, but it can chip off or break overtime especially if it has pointed edges; in this case it would be more preferable to choose a round brilliant cut as it could last longer.

Overall, no other jewelry best represents engagement and marriage than the wedding ring and the engagement ring. They indeed have distinct qualities that sets them apart from each other. Regardless of these differences however, it remains a fact that these precious pieces are primarily based on the concept of undying love as seen from the round shape of the bands and their material makeup. 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

Monday, July 26, 2010

Fine Jewelry: The Perfect Gift For Any Occasion

Fine jewelry denotes items that are use as adornments such as earrings, bracelets, necklaces and brooches to name a few. Oftentimes, jewelry pieces are made from differing materials ranging from metals and gemstones, to seashells and synthetic materials. Ever since the prehistoric period, jewelry has arrested the attention of humans, and this perspective is still applicable to date. In fact, we use different kinds of jewelry pieces for our daily activities.

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 perfect example of this is in the form of engagement and wedding rings which have long been used as tokens to represent 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.

Nowadays there's a wide selection of fine jewelry pieces for both males and females. For women, usual jewelry choices are in the forms of necklaces, earrings, brooches, bracelets and rings. For men, the most common jewelry pieces available are cuff links, tie accessories, watches, customized rings, necklaces and money clips. Overtime, the prices and finishes of jewelry pieces have changed profoundly in order to cater to differing situations, cultures and occasions.

If you are searching for the ideal gift items, jewelry pieces with gemstones is a good choice. Loose diamonds are the most preferable gemstones to accentuate jewelry pieces because they are widely available, cost efficient, and goes well with any jewelry design and occasions. If you are to offer a gift to your loved one, what better way to express it than to give her ring that have loose sparklers set on it during your proposal. This is an excellent way to tell her how much you love her as the ring itself is already representative of your undying and unending love, while the diamonds would represent your indestructible love towards her.

Earrings, bracelets and necklaces that have loose diamonds are also ideal choices as presents as you can never go wrong in terms of design and finish. These jewelry pieces are ideal for your sister, mother or girlfriend during their birthdays or for any special event. Aside from the dainty selection available, their use are never limited to certain occasions but can actually be utilized on a daily basis. Surely, loose sparklers are guaranteed to improve the look of jewelry and make it appear timeless and usable.

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

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

-Lorraine Jacobs

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

A Simple Guide To Purchasing Cheap Diamonds

The diamond remains as one of the most coveted gems in history. As a matter of fact, the diamond has been used as a symbol of many wonderful concepts like power, love, invincibility, refinement and more. Because of the many beautiful things that such gemstone encompasses and the troubles associated with its mining, owning one could cost a person an arm and leg. If you are on a tight budget and are looking for ways to secure cheap diamond, don't fret, there are certain things that you can do to get this prized possession in just a fraction of its original value.

As a good start, try going online and look for online jewelry shops that sell inexpensive jewelry pieces. Online jewelry shopping is a very practical means to come up with an inexpensive diamond because compared to local jewelry shops that usually place markup prices on their diamonds to cover their overhead expenses, online jewelry stores offer their clients with competitive prices in such a way that they don't incur additional costs often induced by overhead expenses. 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 don't have issues with purchasing pre-owned items, then you can personally purchase your diamond 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. Similarly, if you really wanted to utilize this option, prepare yourself for series of disappointments because it is more likely to happen that you'd be leaving shops without diamonds at hand, but if you're lucky enough you might end up with a good diamond deal.

Another practical approach that you can do to get cheap diamond is to buy 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. It would be more practical to buy loose diamond than to purchase a diamond set on jewelry because you are not required to pay for the metal used for the jewelry, the services, warranty as well as the gift casing often included in ready-to-wear diamond jewelry pieces. With loose diamonds, you can be as creative as you want and make your own customized jewelry designs.

Downgrading is also a good way to get cheap diamond. Downgrading one or two of the 4Cs of diamonds can profoundly affect their market value. 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. Downgrading can be as simple as purchasing an eye-clear clarity grade diamond or buying a sparkler that has a carat grade lower than exact half numbers or full numbers.

Finally, you can simply go for clarity enhanced diamonds which are also referred to as treated diamonds. All diamonds, except for rare and flawless ones, contain flaws known as inclusion or imperfection. If you are wondering what an inclusion is, it is the determining factor of the clarity grade of a diamond. As such, when referring to clarity enhanced sparklers they are the ones that have imperfections corrected by processes like irradiation, filling imperfections and laser drilling; however, these enhancements, thought they affect the value of diamonds, have unrecognizable impact on the aesthetic appearance of such gemstones.

Cheap diamond is not really hard to find if you just know how and where to find it. Visiting online shops, pawnshops and thrift stores that usually sell inexpensive jewelry pieces is a good start for your search. But then again, if you don't want to waste time searching, you can always go for clarity enhanced diamonds. They are generally inexpensive but have apparent high quality aesthetic appearances.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Diamond engagement ring and wedding bands for the true, loving couple

For most couples, exchanging marriage vows is the ultimate expression of true love they wish to reach in their relationship. It is what marriage symbolizes that makes the moment so exciting - that moment when your partner presents you with a ring and asks your hand for marriage. The symbolic token before marriage can be a promise ring, a simple engagement ring or the traditional diamond engagement ring. It is a public statement that a person has agreed to be married to another soon and build a family with him or her.

Many guys who have gone through the engagement ring shopping before can attest that it is not an easy task.Although a lot of men bring their fiancee when shopping for rings, majority still prefer to surprise their partners.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. One example of a popular ring design is the trinity or trilogy ring, a three-stone diamond engagement ring that is seen to represent the past, present and future relationship of the couple.

Unlike women, men usually has a wedding band that was also his engagement band. The former, on the other hand, wears an engagement ring after accepting a proposal and a separate marriage band after the wedding. Therefore, getting married will require purchasing, at least, three rings. For many couples, they have opted to purchase a jewelry wedding bands in a matching set that includes a man's wedding band, a woman's engagement ring and a woman's wedding ring.

During weddings, the couple makes a vow to be with each other until death to they part - a love to last forever. Diamonds are the most popular and preferred gemstone for engagement rings and marriage rings because of its breathtaking beauty and natural characteristic of being the hardest mineral. 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.Diamond, because it is a high-priced, precious commodity, can increase the cost of an engagement ring. Simple rings could be bought at a few hundred dollars, but the average price of a diamond ring is between $3,500 and $4,000. 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. A diamond ring adds a special feeling to the engagement, but it's size doesn't reflect the level of love you have for each other.

What every couple should remember is that the ring is only a physical representation of their love, and not the focus in the relationship.You need not purchase an very expensive ring that will only burden you financially.You can also inquire about jewelry wedding bands in matching set as this is often cheaper in sets.Lastly, enjoy shopping! Remembering what the ring is for and who it is for is a great inspiration when shopping for that engagement ring.

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

-Lorraine Jacobs

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 eternal pieces of gem making them a perfect symbol of never-ending and enduring love.

Diamonds are the perfect choices when it comes to choosing the ring for your marriage proposal. These compelling pieces of jewelry can definitely make your loved one thrilled and even more surprised.Furthermore, these 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 time, these rings will 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 be mindful of several important factors before we jump into our nearest jewelry store.These precious gemstones are expensive pieces of jewelry. That is why in deciding on the ring we have to keep in mind several factors to be certain that we will get the best ring for her.Also, since these rings do not come cheap, we have to make sure that we can get the most out of the money we would invest for these exclusive pieces of jewelry.

Diamonds are 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 selecting the perfect ring, the first thing to consider is the cut. This characteristic refers to the shape of the stone and how well it was cut. Normally, the overall cutting craftsmanship and shape are being evaluated by the GIA whether a diamond stone is off-round or perfectly round and if the cuts are good 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 current standard used internationally has a 5-carat diamond stone equivalent to a gram.

Color is also an important feature of these precious gemstones that you should be aware of. Among the most popular colors of these precious gemstones are those which are displaying apparent tint or yellow, which are also the more affordable varieties. Usually, the rarer the color of the diamond, the higher is its cost.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 to determine either the lack or the presence of imperfections of the diamond stone whether it is internal or external. Rare varieties of these gemstones do not usually have these impurities and those which are very rare are usually flawless.

In choosing the diamond ring we want to buy we have to consider these four factors namely cut, carat weight, color, and clarity or what is commonly known as four C's; so as to make sure that we will be getting our money's worth. Diamonds are expensive. That is why in deciding on the rings we want to buy, we have to be mindful of these factors to make sure that we will get the best ring for our special someone.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Engagement Rings And Other Diamond Gifts

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. 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. 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 deviate and are rated by the four c's: clarity, carat, color and cut. To the untrained eye, you may recognize diamonds come in different shapes and designs. However, you may have difficulty understanding how diamonds themselves are valued without even the most basic knowledge.

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

Many of the factors involved in valuing diamonds are not readily apparent if you're uneducated about it. The fact is, in spite of the several gemological associations, valuing diamonds varies between them. There are also divergent grade systems exploited to rank and price diamonds. You may be acquiring diamond earrings with greater worth than loose diamonds, albeit visually, they look about the same.

There are a few concerns you must apprehend promptly with regards to grading diamonds. For one, their weight is more relevant to their retail than the quality of their cut. Secondly, diamonds get a lot of value when it goes through cutting. Your diamond earrings are probably less than half their original size. But since cutting brings out their fire and brilliance, it raises their value.

Grading and pricing systems aside, there is no way you could call one diamond the greatest diamond. The Hope diamond, Oppenheimer diamond and Darya-I-Nur are no more or less great than your parent's engagement rings, or any loose diamonds available in market now. This is because each diamond is created unique. The best diamond gift is not the most expensive, but the one that best matches your needs.

Buy diamonds not for engagement rings or wedding rings, but for the other milestones in your life too. You can give them as business gifts for casual meetings or celebrations. Buy them for family members on their birthdays, holidays or family reunions. Buy diamond earrings and loose diamonds if rings aren't viable. You can find a diamond gift that fits any circumstance.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Friday, May 28, 2010

Engagement Rings And Diamond Gifts For Any Occasion

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. 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. Whatever you're celebrating, there's a diamond gift for it.

Look for engagement rings in an assortment of shapes, sizes, cleanliness, fluorescence and light performance. Diamonds also diverge and are rated by the four c's: clarity, carat, color and cut. To the untrained eye, you may recognize diamonds come in different shapes and designs. 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 is so that you know the proper rationale behind the rating provided to your gift. This isn't just referring to the actual buying price, but also the speculative value of the gift. Shop smart so that you can give the appropriate value to each gift recipient, whether they be a childhood friend, a business investor, or a prospective life partner.

Many of the factors involved in valuing diamonds are not readily apparent if you're uneducated about it. The fact is, in spite of the several gemological associations, valuing diamonds varies between them. There are also disparate grade systems utilized to rank and price diamonds. You may be purchasing diamond earrings higher in value than loose diamonds, whereas they might look like they're equal in size.

There are 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 commonly less than half their original size. But since cutting brings out their fire and brilliance, it raises their value.

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

Friday, May 21, 2010

Diamonds And The Four C's

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 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 perfect choices especially in choosing the ring for your marriage proposal.These astounding pieces of jewelry can definitely make your loved one delighted and even more surprised. Furthermore, these 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 our special someone to marry us might get us too agitated in purchasing a ring straight away.Still, we have to remember some important things before we jump into our nearest jewelry store. These precious gemstones are no cheap commodities. That is why in deciding on the ring we have to keep in mind several factors to be certain that we will get the best ring for her.Also, since these rings are 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 evaluated and graded based on their cut, carat weight, color, and clarity or what is commonly known as four C's. This grading system was first introduced by the Gemological Institute of America otherwise known as GIA in 1931 and is now widely recognized and accepted as the standard grading system for these gemstones.

In selecting the perfect ring, the first thing to consider is the cut. This criterion refers to the shape of the stone and how well it was cut.Normally, the overall cutting craftsmanship and shape are being 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 came from a dry fruit that contains seeds that are called carob, whose seeds' actual weight is used to measure the weight of common gemstones. The existing standard used internationally has a 5-carat diamond stone equivalent to a gram.

Color is also a significant feature of these precious gemstones that you should take note of.Among the most popular colors of these precious gemstones are those which are displaying apparent tint or yellow, which are also the more affordable varieties. Usually, the rarer the color of the diamond, the more expensive it is. Among the rare and less affordable colors of these precious stones include pink, blue, or green.

The last characteristic you should take note of is the stone's clarity. Clarity is used by many jewelers 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.

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.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

The Many Uses Of Diamonds

As the old adage goes, diamonds are a girl's best friend. Every woman would love to have a pair or two of this precious stone in their possession. 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. However, more than any other point in history, the current use of these gems has significantly increased tenfold. Aside from being a proof of status for the elites, the use of such gem has also been more widespread than simply as jewelries. It has also been used as cutting tools, a means to transmit sounds, varying optical applications and special coating for airplane cockpit windows.

Although such precious stone have various uses, it cannot be denied that it remains as the main ingredient for making any jewelry appear elegant and truly expensive. Diamonds and jewelries that contain such stones are considered as good investments that is why many people are now fond of purchasing them. Most, if not all, of these diamond encrusted jewelries increase in value overtime due to the presence of such stones. Likewise, they also serve as heirloom pieces that maintain the connection of one family generation to another.

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. As an engagement is one of the most important traditions for many cultures, it is just logical for a man to give the woman he is about to marry a band that will reveal his true emotions. Adding value to these engagement bands are their physical durability that gives them their timelessness.

Before cashing out such diamond covered ring though, it is advisable to seek the aid of professionals to ensure that it is indeed the real kind. A diamond can be mistaken with cubic zirconiums and other similar looking stones, making it hard to buy such gem if you have no background about it. It is always best to buy in reputable stores so that you would be ensuring that the price you are paying is truly that jewelry's worth Nonetheless, it is also imperative to know that the value of a diamond can be determined based from its 4Cs which stands for color, clarity, cut and carat.

So, before cashing in with that diamond ring, doing a little research can significantly affect what you should be purchasing. Diamond bands comes in different ranges in the market, therefore it would be useful to have the knowledge about the product you are interested in. At the end of it all, it would be the representation of you and your future spouse's permanence and love. Hence, it is important to get a hold of something real that will remind you in the long run of that long and lasting oneness.

The physical durability of diamonds is one of its primary characteristics that make it more appealing. This is especially true for a man who wanted to express his love for a woman during engagements. A diamond ring has become an engagement keepsake trend due to its value and promise of longevity, which in some way is also representative of an undying love. Such rings are so popular that it has generally become a trademark during elite engagements.