Archive for July, 2009

Jul 22 2009

Diamonds – Learn How To Select The Best Diamonds

Published by Carol Bell under Diamonds

by Carol Bell

Everyone has heard the expression that diamonds are a girls best friends and also that diamonds are forever. Such simple catch phrases only highlight the sheer beauty and elegance of these shining rocks, and it would not surprise anyone to learn that these precious gemstones are sure to have been owned at least singly by a great number of individuals. That obviously means that given their high popularity, one must know what type of gemstone one should buy because the options are many as they are found in a great number of sizes and shapes.

You will be sure to find a few methods that will show you how to select your diamonds, and a good starting point in this direction is to know the type of jewelry that will be best suited to hold such a gemstone. By firstly deciding on the type of jewelry you can determine other factors such as size, quality and also shape. Thus, for your engagement ring you would be more particular about the stones quality as compared to when buying a bracelet that has many stones on it.

Another significant factor to think about is your chosen style per the jewellery you're going to buy, meaning having a selected style that would range between modest styled jewellery to flashy ones. And, when you have selected the particular style of jewellery that you need to wear, you can select from different items like rings, bracelets and earrings and also consider their cost.

You may also have to decide whether you want to buy colorless or colored diamonds. To determine which the better choice is for you, you need to consider a few things such as the fact that colored diamonds usually are more expensive and they are also very unique as compared with clear diamonds. So, if you really want a diamond that stands out from the rest and is also original, your choice would definitely a colored diamond.

And, before buying your diamonds it is also necessary that you know the company from which you are buying them. Choose a company that is very knowledgeable about the gemstones. You must also ensure that the company that is selling you the diamonds has a trustworthy gem buying policy and that it follows the right buying policies so that you know you will be getting only top quality diamonds from them. This should ensure that you can buy your diamonds in complete confidence that they are of high quality and also will be affordable as well.

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Jul 19 2009

Things To Watch Out For While Shopping For Diamond Earrings

Published by Rich Keys under Diamonds

by Rich Keys

Do you have a dear lady companion with a birthday approaching? Are you searching for a very special gift, but afraid that a diamond ring carries a certain message?

Why not purchase her a gorgeous, matching pair of diamond earrings? Diamonds can mean more than simply romance. They are the Birthstone representing the month of April due to their ability to endure. Elegant and refined, they are perfect for everyday use. A diamond is one gift that will last a lifetime.

The final consideration is what type of jewellery to buy: diamond necklace, diamond ring, or diamond earrings? There are many different ways a diamond can be cut, which is the best? When one thinks about diamonds, perhaps the first thing to come to mind is the diamond ring. Giving a ring to a girl that is not your fiance, will likely be confusing for her.

Give her a necklace only if she is inclined to wear them--otherwise it may sit unused. Diamond earrings are the single item of jewellery that girls can put on any time without appearing either too formal or casual. They also usually cost less.

Generally, the most difficult part of shopping for diamond earrings is deciding what cut to choose: i.e. Princess-cut, spherical, emerald-cut, or oblong? If you intend to purchase a pair of diamond earrings, the cut styles will also matter. Knowing her well will help you choose.

Known for their brilliancy, round-cut diamonds are generally cut cone-shaped. This is generally a very popular choice. Chances are that the engagement rings you looked at recently will have the main diamond with a round-cut.

Princess-cut diamonds are wrought like an upturned pyramid - a quadrangle top with four beveled limits. This cut is the second most in demand.

One cut of diamond, the emerald-cut, has a stepped, rectangular shape that was originally designed to keep emeralds from breaking as they were cut. It is not a common cut, but the shape is familiar and suits rounder faces best.

Oval-cut diamonds are very alike in shape to round-cut diamonds, changed only in the shape of the base.

Other cuts do exist, such as ***the pear and the heart***, but stay with classic shapes if you are buying solo. Don't get too large a diamond since you don't want too much weight on the ear. Don't get too large a diamond since you don't want too much weight on the ear.

One more thing, ask the jeweller from which you are buying to suggest a set of diamond earrings. It is important to trust your own opinion as well as theirs, they are knowledgeable in what they are doing.

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Jul 17 2009

Wedding Rings And Metal Options

Published by shiran cohen under Diamonds

by George Baycan

There are many different metals to consider for the bands on wedding rings, both for men and for women. Historically metals such as yellow gold, white gold, silver and platinum were all that were used; now wedding rings offer many more options in single or dual types of metals.

Selecting a metal for wedding rings is similar to selecting metals for any other type of jewelry. Typically wedding rings for men or women should compliment the metals that they normally prefer to wear. Some people just prefer the color of yellow gold over silver colors; it is very much a personal preference option.

A newer metal used in wedding rings that is worth considering if you like the silver or muted colors is titanium. This metal can be easily used to create the traditional types of bands as well as the sculptured styles such as the Celtic style wedding rings.

For a really different appearance to wedding rings, titanium provides a highly reactive metal that can be selectively oxidized to produce a variety of colors. These colors range from reds to blues and are permanent within the metal of the ring. Wedding rings with oxidized titanium are very unique and very eye catching.

Other options for metals for wedding rings include the palladium, a relatively new durable metal that is lighter in weight than titanium. Palladium rings are not common but are quickly becoming very popular due to their spectacular finish and sheen.

The classics are hard to beat and white and yellow gold wedding rings will always be in style. These metals are often used in the two tone rings since the metals compliment each other. Diamonds many or may not be added to gold wedding bands.

Selecting the right type of gold in classic or new yellow gold bands is important depending on your lifestyle. The higher the purity of gold the softer the metal, resulting in the greater chance of scratches to the surface of the ring. For those that have very active lifestyles a lower gold purity such as a 14K ring will stay beautiful much longer.

For another traditional option the silver and white gold wedding rings are also classic and timeless. Since silver is a very soft, rich and brilliant metal it is often used in the intricate and sculpted types of wedding rings. However, like all other metals, silver is also easy to maintain, making it a good choice for wedding rings.

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Jul 17 2009

Engagement Rings and Settings

Published by George Baycan under Diamonds

by George Baycan

Thinking about the practical aspects of buying engagement rings may not be romantic but it is essential in protecting your investment. Since engagement rings are worn all the time they need to be well made and the diamonds securely anchored in the setting to avoid losing a diamond or damaging the ring.

Engagement ring settings come with several different types that are sometimes referred to as mountings. These settings or mountings form the way in which the diamond is held securely to the ring and can be very visible and part of the overall design or they can be hidden and out of sight on the ring. Each option has its benefits and it is really a matter of both personal taste and overall ring design.

One of the most common types of rings settings found on most types and styles of engagement rings are the prong settings. A prong setting is most commonly seen with larger stones, especially on solitaire rings or rings that feature groupings of larger stones in some pattern or shape across the ring band. Prong settings are literally metal hook-like spindles or prongs that clamp over the surface of the diamond and attach to the band. They hold the stone in place and prevent the stone from dislodging.

Engagement rings will have different number of prongs depending on several factors. Generally there will be a prong at each corner on shaped diamonds but there may also be others down the length of the diamond.

Shaped diamonds such as hearts, pear shapes or marquis diamonds will have evenly distributed prongs on the ends and sides. Typically most engagement rings will have four to six prongs for each diamond.

While the prongs have to be sturdy enough to secure the diamond they aren't heavy, thick or bulky. Prongs need to be able to allow light to enter into the diamonds on engagement rings to allow the stone to really shine. One way that prongs are kept small is to have them form a basket that the diamond sits in, providing maximum support all the way around.

The jeweler creating these types of raised engagement rings has to balance securing the diamond with providing light sources for the stone. While individual prongs are usually rounded on top, square corners and points on a diamond can be secured by a v-shaped prong that provides maximum support for the diamond.

Prongs can wear or become loose over time so routine, yearly inspection of engagement rings is highly recommended. A jeweler can easily repair the prongs that are damaged, preventing the risk of loosing the diamonds from damaged engagement rings.

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Jul 16 2009

Know If A Diamond Is Not Real

Published by Crystal Jennings under Diamonds

by Crystal Jennings

You can see a lot of people wearing diamond jewelries and you cannot tell from afar if it is real or not. If you are planning to buy diamond jewelries, do not just buy it from someone who is offering it to you in a very low price. Cheap priced diamond jewelries are more likely to have fake diamonds. If you want to be sure that you are getting a real one then here are some tips for you.

So in order to avoid getting scammed by other people, here are simple tips on how to spot fake diamonds. First, you should ask about the stone. A knowledgeable jeweler will be able to tell you credible information and you know when they are telling the truth.

b. The next thing to do is to ask if the material used to mount the diamond is gold- or silver-plated. Real diamonds are mounted in pure silver, platinum and gold. You can easily tell if the material is real or just by holding it. Silver plated materials are too shiny same with gold-plated materials.

3. See if there are scratches on the diamond. You can do this by using a magnifying glass. Mossanite stones are easily scratched and diamonds are very durable and will not get scratched easily. Imperfections like scratches is a sign for fake diamonds.

4. So, if you bought a diamond jewelry, you should have it checked by a credible jeweler for appraisal. They can easily tell you if the diamond is fake.

e. After purchasing a diamond jewelry or stone, ask for its grade report. Usually, Gemological Institute of America provides grade reports to credible retailers and sellers. This will prove that the stone is real and how close it is to being flawless.

With these tips to remember, you do not have to worry anymore about buying fake diamonds. These are simple things you can do that will surely help you get your money's worth.

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Jul 15 2009

Looking For Wedding Rings

Published by George Baycan under Diamonds

by George Baycan

The wedding rings have always been a symbol of a couple's love and commitment to each other. Each couple selects wedding rings that suit their taste and style, which may include matching wedding bands or they may be slightly different in design. Finding just the ring combination of wedding rings is an important decision that shouldn't be made in a rush.

Couples sometimes make the mistake of looking at a limited number of rings and selecting the very first wedding rings that they see and like. While this may end up being the set you select, knowing what is available is highly recommended to avoid regrets later on.

A comfortable, relaxing and very easy way to browse through different types of wedding rings is to use the internet. Looking through jeweler's websites from around the world from the comfort of your own home is a terrific way to find out what is available without any stress or hassle.

Typically jewelers and jewelry retail stores can offer slightly lower prices on many of the wedding rings offered online. Both wedding rings for men and wedding rings for women are often lower in price due to lower overhead costs for the store when selling online. There may also be some stores that offer selected styles of rings only online and not in their retail outlets, providing even more options.

While there are many suggested price ranges for engagement rings, there is really no such expectation for wedding bands. Many jewelers and wedding consultants recommend that engagement rings should be approximately two to three month's salary, however wedding rings are often less than that amount.

Getting an idea on both price and styles if wedding rings can also be done by visiting jewelers and jewelry stores in your area. If you have a very active lifestyle or aren't sure of what different rings styles will work for you, trained staff can help in narrowing down your considerations.

Some couples prefer a completely unique option for wedding rings. This can include a full custom design or selecting a specific loose diamond to go into an existing setting. Both options will provide an original ring for both the man and the woman, and can be styled to match your budget.

Not all couples may elect to have matching wedding rings. It is common when the woman's engagement and wedding set is very ornate or interlocking to go with a simple, elegant and classic band for the man. These bands may have inset diamonds or details that compliment the bridal set.

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Jul 15 2009

Diamond Cut Jewelry: Make The Best of Style Statement

Published by Anand Maheshwari under Diamonds

by Anand Maheshwari

The cut height serves to be the most crucial factor to determine the brilliance of diamond cut jewelry. Since this is all about the light optics as well as perfect angles to have maximum effect, the diamond cut is really critical to overall beauty and elegance of any diamond. The highly deep cut stone can affect the manner light passes and is reflected in that diamond's mass. But a shallow cut diamond will prove to be dark as light exists at the back of stone, the angle that does not reflect the light through very top of that stone. In case of the round stone, one should try 50 to 80 degrees of total depth with table at approximately the same for bright diamond.

Even though often missed, the cut serves to be the most imperative factor to consider while selecting the diamond cut jewelry. A large number of people confuse the cut with diamond shape. In fact, cut means not just the diamond shape, but the finish and proportion of the diamond as well, the factors that help to know the diamond's sparkle and shine.

The radiant diamond cut jewelry comes in great rectangular and square shapes. While not so famous like the other stylish cut diamonds, the radiant cut is adorned by a large number of diamond connoisseurs. This radiant diamond cut blend together the great shape of emerald cut with brilliance of the round cut diamond. Most of the diamond cut jewelry pieces are cut round with 58 facets. A great cut has scintillation and sparkle manifold times as compared to a diamond with no beautiful make or cut.

Even though the diamond cut may affect the overall value of a diamond, its shape is a matter of one's own preference and hence do not affect the cost significantly. In fact, it is a work of master cutter that permits a diamond to be greatly cut in a manner to allow maximum possible light being reflected through that diamond. Also, it is the cut of diamond jewelry that enables the diamond to make best usage of the light available.

The radiant diamond jewelry is taken to be the father of the branded fancy diamonds with its birth more than about 20 years ago. This cut is also the very first rectangular diamond jewelry cut to complete great facet style applied to the pavilion as well as the crown. The radiant diamond cut jewelry is used primarily as the center stones for pendants and rings, offering a beautiful look with trailliant or baguette cut shoulder diamonds. Last but not least, the cut jewelry pieces like engagement rings and wedding bands are great options to consider. So, if you are really interested in rectangular or square diamond cuts, it is better to also have a look at the emerald cut, Asscher cut and the cushion cut pieces of diamonds to make a style statement of your own.

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Jul 11 2009

Wedding Rings With The Perfect Style

Published by George Baycan under Diamonds

by George Baycan

Every couple is different with regards to what style of wedding rings best symbolizes their love and commitment to each other. Since the wedding rings are often the very first major decision that couples make after the wedding date is set, choosing the right rings is important. Finding styles that you both like does take time but it is well worth the effort.

Choosing a specific type of metal for your wedding rings, specifically the bands and settings, will be the first part of the process. Metal for wedding rings can range from different colors of gold through to platinum, titanium, palladium and even traditional silver. Different metals may also be used on the band to create detail work and designs.

Wedding rings for men and wedding rings for women can come in matching styles or they can be different from each other. Women that have matching engagement rings and wedding bands may be able to find a complimentary or matching men's band to match the set, or they may opt for a gold or other metal band that is understated and simplistic. Many wedding rings come in matching sets for men and women, taking all the guesswork out of what will look good together.

Celtic rings are very popular as wedding rings for couples. These rings often are made of silver, white gold, palladium or platinum and tend to use intricate designs. Two toned rings of yellow gold and another metal are often used to highlight the very beauty of these designs. Celtic crosses, eternity knots and interwoven designs that symbolize eternal love. Gemstones in Celtic style wedding bands often range from diamonds to emeralds or combinations of both.

Very traditional antique wedding rings are a great option either as estate jewelry purchases or by buying replica antique wedding rings. Not only are these rings timeless in their styles but they also have very beautiful settings and bands.

Although diamonds are often considered an essential part of wedding rings, they are not always found on the wedding bands. Many couples opt for a simple, classic and elegant band with or without pattern or design. Engraving and inset diamonds is a great way to add detail but still keep the ring simple and classic in style.

Modern styles of wedding rings tend to be sleek and sophisticated but not minimalistic or plain. Inset engraving of shapes, messages or patterns is very popular and provides a beautiful, low maintenance option for rings. Wider bands allow for larger patterns and more detail work.

Selecting the wedding rings that matches your couples' style as well as your personal taste is important. Knowing what options for wedding rings are available does take some time, but it will allow you to select the ring that is perfect for your lifestyle as a symbol of your love for each other.

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Jul 11 2009

Wedding Rings For Your Lifestyle

Published by George Baycan under Diamonds

by George Baycan

Wedding rings are an extremely important symbol of a couple's love for each other. As such, finding the right wedding rings for both the husband and the wife to be is the first major decision most couples will make together. Knowing what styles of wedding rings you both prefer and managing to combine these styles into one set of rings is sometimes a bit of a challenge, but one that will be important for the rest of your life.

Choosing a specific type of metal for your wedding rings, specifically the bands and settings, will be the first part of the process. Metal for wedding rings can range from different colors of gold through to platinum, titanium, palladium and even traditional silver. Different metals may also be used on the band to create detail work and designs.

Many couples opt for matching wedding rings. Wedding rings for men and wedding rings for women that match are often purchased as wedding sets; however there are other options for matching rings. Often men prefer a simple, wide band that compliments the bridal wedding rings rather than completely matches.

Celtic rings are very popular as wedding rings for couples. These rings often are made of silver, white gold, palladium or platinum and tend to use intricate designs. Two toned rings of yellow gold and another metal are often used to highlight the very beauty of these designs. Celtic crosses, eternity knots and interwoven designs that symbolize eternal love. Gemstones in Celtic style wedding bands often range from diamonds to emeralds or combinations of both.

Antique style wedding rings bring back memories of the past. They can range from actual estate and antique bands and rings through to modern replicas of the classic designs. Many antique styles of men's and women's wedding rings will have pave style diamonds or very detailed settings, adding detail to the overall design.

Wedding rings with or without gems are also important when considering a style. Many of the wider, simpler bands are striking and elegant looking without the need for diamonds or gems. Often with wedding rings for women the diamond is inset or very subdued compared to the diamond on the engagement ring.

Newer rings styles vary considerably from the more traditional antique stylings to very modern, simplistic styles. Wedding rings with more modern designs may feature engraving or even symbols inset into the band for unique wedding sets. Bands on newer styles of rings tend to be wider and heavier than more traditional bands.

Getting the right wedding rings to suit your style and life is an important first step in your life together. Taking a look at various types of wedding rings and knowing what aspects of rings are the best for you is important in selecting the right design and style.

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Jul 08 2009

Unusual Diamond Styles For Engagement Rings

Published by George Baycan under Diamonds

by George Baycan

There are almost as many different styles and types of engagement rings as there are couples planning to get married. Finding the right types of engagement rings is an important step along the path to marriage. Looking beyond the common, traditional types of diamond engagement rings may be just the opportunity you have been searching for to find a really unique style.

One option for making engagement rings look unique and original is to change the traditional yellow gold or white gold type of band to something new and different. New metals popular for wedding bands include silver, platinum, palladium and titanium. Even very unique metals such as rose or pink gold are more common either as the full band metal or as accent metals on the band.

Shapes of the band can also make a ring look very unique. Traditional flatter or rounded narrow bands can be replaced with curving or interlocking bands that draw the eye and add to the overall visual effect of engagement rings.

The shape of the diamond as well as the cut will make a big difference in the overall appearance. Some of the most traditional types of diamonds in engagement rings include the round solitaire, the hear shape or even the oval shaped diamonds. Selecting a more unusual shape or cut can really add a distinctive flair to the ring with very little additional cost.

One shape of diamond that is becoming very much in demand is found with princess cut diamonds. This cut provides a square shaped cut that is very tapered on the underside. The diamond has many facets on all sides that reflect light back into the center. The detail gives this particular cut a vibrant sparkle that makes even a smaller stone look impressive.

For women that have longer fingers engagement rings that flow with the length of the hand is very flattering. A marquis cut diamond does just that as it is a very elongated oval with two pointed ends. This is an outstanding shape to make a smaller diamond look larger or to add an original look to a more traditional ring band.

Ascher, princess cut diamonds and Marquis cut diamonds can be stand-alone stones in solitaire engagement rings but they can also be used in three stone engagement rings. The natural shape of both these cuts lends to being bordered on either side with smaller baguette style gems or diamonds. Other shapes that do well in three stone bands and rings include round cut, oval and princess cut diamonds.

Making the choice of between traditional and more unique styles of engagement rings is really a personal preference. Since this is such an important decision looking at a variety of engagement rings before deciding is important now as well as in the future.

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