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