Archive for August, 2009

Aug 30 2009

Jewelry Pendants - Why They Are So Important

Published by Lynn Watson under Diamonds

by Lynn Watson

Why do so many love jewelry pendants?

Women simply cant get enough jewelry pendants. They wear them to look more attractive and have done for as long as we can remember. Jewelry in general has long been connected with the fine art of making women more beautiful. This probably originates as far back as ancient times, back in the day when beads and shells, bones and ornamental stones were used as much valued ornaments. They were carved and etched with great skill to produce attractive artifacts.

There are two types of jewelry - contemporary or traditional. Each has its own form of style and design. Both groups include jewelry made up of precious gems, fine metals like gold, silver and other metals as well as natural materials.

The uses of jewelry are wide and varied. They range from the functional usefulness of tying back aspects of clothing all the way to being used as status symbols, bedecking the person from head to foot with jewelry. These days the incessant push for more and better jewelry pendant designs has encouraged craftsmen to get more skills and become even more original. These days you can find stunning items in gold, silver and many other metals. Gem stones like diamonds are flooding into the market again in a variety of cutting edge styles and designs. Necklaces, amulets, bangles, bracelets, earrings, nose rings, anklets, you name it, jewelry is becoming more not less popular.

Today's jewelry pieces are made from a lot more than just traditional metals. Jewelry pendants uae a huge range of materials including everything from wire and tumbled stone to many other lesser known components. They create low-priced but extra-fashionable items that are loved by everyone and used widely to pick out the best aspects of their owner`s appearance.

The many functions of jewelry are widely recognized. It is still employed as a form of currency and demonstrates the affluence of the owner. The lesser known usage includes clasps, buckles, broaches or pins, as well as amulets which are mostly worn to ward off malevolent influences, according to ancient superstitious notion.

Since ancient times, people have been accumulating jewelry as an expression of their wealth. This still goes on today. This probably originated with the false belief that amassing wealth of fine jewelry will somehow bring security against any economic downturn or other such unforeseeable circumstance.

This is no less the case in wedding ceremonies all over the world. In Asia, people continue to focus on jewelry giving. Exchanging jewelry between two people seems to reinforce the belief that jewelry will bring security. In many countries, it continues to be a celebrated practice. Jewelry, especially gold jewelry, symbolizes a group bonding. In many cultures including those of the west, wearing a ring indicates their wearer is married.

Traditionally, the purity of American or European gold is quoted in terms of karats. American gold jewelry has an average of 10K purity. European gold tends to be around 9K. The Middle East, Asia and Africa offer gold jewelry of the highest purity. African gold is often as pure as 22K or 24K. Other precious metals such as platinum can be around 90% and 95% purity.

Items made from enamel, stainless steel, glass and other such similar natural materials are known as costume jewelry. Such items as necklaces, earrings, bangles, bracelets and belts are also very popular, especially with younger people. Necklaces and bracelets have only been popular in the U.S. and Europe since the Victorian Era. however, they have always been a la mode in African countries. This trend has spread now and it has become really popular in many other parts of the world now.

The very best top quality jewelry pendants are made with the first-class craftsmanship of silversmiths and goldsmiths. Such jewelry, together with tantalizing tiaras and beautiful rings featuring dazzling diamonds have captivated people's hearts for centuries, especially among the rich. Classic jewels and gems like emeralds, jade, sapphires, rubies and quartz have all helped to create wonderful jewelry pendants as well as many other jewelry items.

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Aug 30 2009

Some Interesting Info About Collecting Gemstones

Published by Wendy Racklave under Diamonds

by Wendy Racklave

Many people enjoy collecting items and most people you find will collect stamps or coins, but a great thing you can start collecting and working on is lapidary and gemstones. This is the art of cutting gemstones so that they are made to be perfect for display and collection purposes. When you love pretty shiny things, gemstones are great to collect.

However, when you are in love with anything that s pretty and shiny it is hard to stay away from t. It is like someone who loves to shop. This type of person will spend hours in a store trying on things just to see how items will look on him or her. This type of person will also use shopping as a sort of therapy.

January is the Garnet, February's stone is the Amathyst, March uses the Bloostone but also the Aquamarine, April is the Diamond, May is an Emerald, June's stone is the Pearl or can also be a Moonstone, July is the Ruby, August is the Peridot or Sardonyx, September is the Sapphire or Lapis Lazuli, October's stones are either the Opal or Pink Tourmaline, with November being the Citrine or Topaz and December being Tourquoise, Zircon, or the new one is the Tanzanite.

When you start collecting gemstones you will have to find out as much about them as you can to make sure that your collections only include the best ones. You have to analyze the quality and also look at the cut to see how good it is.

When you collect gemstones you have to know a lot about them. You cannot just like certain gemstone and collect for the look alone. You should take the time to learn the cuts and the significance of each for your collection. You should know when you are looking at a high quality stone or a poorer one.

This means that you will guard it with you life and take care of it like it was your own baby. Painting could get a bit expensive to collect and expensive to maintain. As you know you cannot just wipe a painting down when it get dusty, that will spoil it.

As with painting you have to take care of the way you clean you lapidary/gemstones. There is a certain way to clean it, and you have to use a certain type of cleaner. You will have to do a bit of research into the matter, but if you are looking to become a collector of lapidary/gemstones, then you will have your work cut out for you anyway.

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Aug 28 2009

Comparing Moissanite And Diamond Rings

Published by Jonathan Scheid under Diamonds

by Nicole Swanson

There's not a single person out there who would turn down truly amazing and beautiful jewelry were it free. Unfortunately, everything has its price, and this causes many people to look into unconventional areas to find good value.

Diamond rings have long been considered the ultimate standard in fashionable rings. This is especially true for certain occasions like engagements or anniversaries. Is there any merit in looking into a diamond alternative?

In terms of gemstones, diamonds tend to have two main competitors - cubic zirconia and moissanite. CZ rings are somewhat gaudy, though, and rarely can compete with the fire and brilliance of a true natural diamond ring.

Moissanite rings have only been around since the end of the 20th century. They're amazing beautiful and becoming more popular every day. The only reason they're not more often talked about is that many don't know about them.

Unfortunately, moissanite can't be found in nature. This means that all moissanite rings use synthetically created gemstones. If this would bother you, then you should definitely not consider getting one. Many have no problem with this, though.

Moissanite rings have many fans amongst gemologists who have studied them. They apparently exhibit higher luster, fire, and brilliance compared to diamonds. This means that they'll look as good if not better at first glance.

Where moissanite rings really shine is price. Diamond rings of similar quality can cost two or three times as much as a moissanite one easily. This may mean having to settle for a smaller stone or one of lower clarity.

Moissanite rings offer a whole lot of value, with the downside that they are synthetic pieces. Diamond rings can claim ultimate fame, reputation, and glory. Both are amazingly beautiful elegant, and you can't go wrong no matter which one you choose.

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Aug 26 2009

The Difference Between Diamond And Moissanite Rings

Published by Nicole Swanson under Diamonds

by Nicole Swanson

Everybody wants something that's breathtakingly beautiful, but these days its sometimes hard to justify paying the astronomical prices that are demanded. This is why increasing numbers of people are looking into alternative solutions.

Concerning rings, there is no gemstone which has the reputation for beauty and luxury like the diamond. Is it worth considering diamond alternatives then? Can other gems attain the resplendence of this time honored standard?

Cubic zirconia and moissanite are the two leading candidates when it comes to non-diamond colorless gemstones. Unfortunately, CZ rings are somewhat cheap and gaudy. These rings also have a terrible reputation that go along with them.

Moissanite rings have only been around since the end of the 20th century. They're amazing beautiful and becoming more popular every day. The only reason they're not more often talked about is that many don't know about them.

Unfortunately, moissanite can't be found in nature. This means that all moissanite rings use synthetically created gemstones. If this would bother you, then you should definitely not consider getting one. Many have no problem with this, though.

In terms of beauty, moissanite rings are very comparable to diamond ones. Moissanite weighs less, and gemologists claim that they display greater fire, brilliance and luster than diamonds. They don't have the glamor and reputation that diamonds do, though.

The other positive to moissanite rings is that they're far less expensive than diamond ones. This means that you'd be able to afford a larger stone, a better cut, or more accenting gemstones. Diamond are great, but they are considerably expensive.

Moissanite rings offer a whole lot of value, with the downside that they are synthetic pieces. Diamond rings can claim ultimate fame, reputation, and glory. Both are amazingly beautiful elegant, and you can't go wrong no matter which one you choose.

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Aug 24 2009

A Look Back At Fashion Rings

Published by George C.Baycan under Diamonds

by George C.Baycan

There are many different kinds of jewelry items that have a particular history, however the story behind two very unique and different fashion rings, cocktail rings and ring hand rings, is not commonly known. Both of these fashion rings continue to be very popular both with real gems and with faux gems, just as they were when they first came into vogue.

Cocktail rings are actually older than the other major type of fashion ring known as a right hand ring. Cocktail fashion rings as well as right hand rings are terms used to describe the larger, ornate rings that have really become fashion forward in the last 100 years or so.

The first use of the cocktail ring, or at least by that name, goes back to the yearly years of prohibition in the United States. In these times, which dated between 1920 and 1933, any type of liquor was prohibited by law; however that didn't stop the speakeasy clubs from finding ways to supply alcohol, bringing in the era of the nightclub. Women attending these secret nightclubs wore large fashion rings, which soon came be known as cocktail rings.

The larger and the more spectacular the ring, the more it was in vogue at the time. After prohibition ended and styles changed, cocktail rings continued on to be very much in demand as fashion rings, plus they set the stage for the latest in gemstone jewelry.

Right hand ring fashion rings came into style when women took significant steps into the workplace and wanted to be able to display their independence and their own unique personalities. They are called right hand rings both because of the hand they are worn on and because they are often purchased by a woman herself, rather than like an engagement or wedding ring that is purchased for her.

This trend certainly continues to today, however right hand rings are also purchased by husbands and boyfriends for gifts and special occasions. Fashion rings that include right hand rings are the second biggest selling style of diamond rings, next, of course, to wedding rings.

Right hand rings can be more like the larger, flashy cocktail rings or they can be more simplistic and elegant styles of fashion rings. Most will be gemmed, either with diamonds or diamonds combined with other gemstones of various colors. Clusters and groupings of stones are very popular on both these styles of fashion rings.

Fashion rings are ideal for almost any type of occasion; however cocktail rings are typically worn for evening and formal events while right hand rings are worn more often as a daily wear ring. Regardless of the fashion rings name, they are sure to stay in style and be a popular addition to any jewelry collection for years to come.

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Aug 22 2009

What Is Your Pendants Diamond Weight

Published by Karen Fernando under Diamonds

by Karen Fernando

There are few things more scary than buying expensive diamond jewelry pendants without fully knowing what the whole process is all about.

You measure diamonds in Carat Weight. In short, one carat weighs 200 milligrams.

If someone says that a diamond is four grains, they are saying that their diamond is a one carat diamond.

The word "Carat" is derived from the word "carob". Yes, you guessed it - it is named after a bean that grows on trees in the Mediterranean area of Europe. A long time ago, if a diamond weighed the same as a carob bean, it would be called a one carob diamond, or a one carat diamond. Take atrip over to the Far East now and you will find no Carob trees growing. As a result, the locals will use rice to measure their diamonds' weight.

If a diamond weighed four grains of rice, it was known as four grains or, as we know it to be in today's world, one carat.

The majority of diamond purchases are for diamonds that are 1/3 of a carat.

Be careful if you are buying jewelry pendants with set or mounted diamonds. If you have more than one diamond set into the piece, the tag on the jewelry is likely to give the CTW or Carat Total Weight.

In other words, it does not indicate the carat weight of each stone in your jewelry pendants.

You will have to ask your jeweler for the total carat weight of the largest diamond in each of the jewelry pendants to truly know exactly what you are buying.

If don't know how much your diamond is worth, then you could always pay an expert to appraise it. Be aware though that the appraisal may not be completely accurate.

Before reaching the retailer, all diamonds must travel from the mine to the cutter and polisher, then on to the independent grading company, and then on to the primary market. In the process, things might get a bit blurry.

It is probably best to obtain a certificate through GIA (the Gemological Institute of America). Pass the GIA certificate on to your diamond experts and ask them to use their cutters guide to accurately determine your diamond true value.

I hope this clarifies a few things for you and that you can now feel more confident when shopping for those glorious diamond jewelry pendants that are out there.

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Aug 21 2009

Fashion Rings For All Events

Published by George C.Baycan under Diamonds

by George C.Baycan

There is no doubt that fashion rings have always been a part of high fashion, but they are also a great option for everyday wear. Unlike small rings, most fashion rings are meant to stand out and draw attention, a great way to add fashion style to your everyday wardrobe.

Not all fashion rings are the huge right hand rings or cocktail rings that are typically associated with fashion jewelry. There are actually several very elegant and sophisticated types of fashion rings seen on the runway at most major fashion shows and events.

Matching fashion rings to your hands and fingers is important. While they are beautiful if they are uncomfortable or pinch, or worse leave blisters where they rub, fashion rings will not be your favorite jewelry piece. Choosing rings that fit correctly will solve this problem and allow you to enjoy your collection.

Also keep in mind that fashion rings, with their unique styles and designs, may not work well on the hand together. Alternating between wider and larger rings and smaller rings will provide both comfort as well as a balanced overall appearance.

Color coordination with fashion rings is essential; as you want to set a mood or style, not wear all your rings regardless of how they match. Picking a large ring as the focus, such as a ruby ring, will then allow you to coordinate other rings. If you are wearing a diamond fashion ring you have options to combine several different colors.

Fashion rings aren't just for an evening out on the town and they can be worn with professional business suits, leisure outfits and even for a day shopping and running errands. Matching your fashion ring with the outfit will be the key to keep it looking matched and coordinated.

Freeform shapes as well as shaped fashion rings are always in style. Having a variety of shaped fashion rings is always a good start in a jewelry collection as you can mix and match as you choose. Fashion rings can be worn on either hand but they are great as right hand rings.

Keep in mind that you don't have to have authentic gemstones in all you fashion rings. It is nice to have a few real gemstone fashion rings, but there are many synthesized and manmade faux gems that are beautiful and almost impossible to detect.

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Aug 20 2009

Express Your Individuality With Pearl Diamond Rings

Published by Deborah Wilner under Diamonds

by Deborah Wilner

The reason why people wear jewelry is that it enhances their natural beauty and helps them get noticed. Rings are a great way to accomplish this since they're personal and elegant. A truly beautiful ring will never go out of style.

A great ring should be something that's personal in addition to being beautiful. This is why it's such a shame to see thousands of people walking around with similar gemstone based rings. The mass produced is never the individualistic.

Pearl diamond rings are a great alternative to pure gemstone jewelry because they exhibit incredible resplendence and a sense of class that few other kinds of rings can lay claim to. This why they've been cherished for thousands of years.

Long before gemstones became popular, people treasured pearls for their shimmering beauty and natural elegance. One of the best things about pearls is that each one is unique. This helps pearl rings be even more personal.

While pearl rings look great without any accents, the right gemstone additions make all the difference. Adding diamonds around the pearl creates a beautiful sparkle around a serene and smooth grace. The allure of a pearl diamond ring is equal to no other.

Getting a pearl diamond ring is a significant investment, but it's a good one for a few reasons. This kind of ring has amazing beauty that will never lose value. Additionally, it's incredible beauty is sure to get noticed. It's also a completely unique item.

If you're looking to buy a gift for someone close to you that will be cherished for a lifetime, look no further than pearl diamond rings. This item is something that will never go out of style and will always glimmer with beauty.

Every pearl diamond ring is a completely unique item that has no exact equal in the entire world. This makes them incredibly valuable as a way to express your unique and personal individuality. Don't jump on the gemstone bandwagon - be different and get a pearl diamond ring.

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Aug 20 2009

Tips For Buying Men’s Diamond Wedding Bands

Published by Anand Maheshwari under Diamonds

by Anand Maheshwari

Some men think that diamond wedding bands are only for women, but believe it or not, men's diamond wedding bands are quite hot items nowadays. Who says that women get to have all the sparkle and shine with their rings? There are plenty of men's diamond wedding bands that can add some shine to a man's hand. There are varying degrees of diamonds, from a very small solitaire diamond to a channel or cluster of diamonds, and it is a man's decision on just how much sparkle he wants on his finger. Here are some tips when looking to buy a diamond wedding band for a man.

The first thing that you need to do when you start looking at men's diamond wedding bands is to establish a budget for your ring. These types of wedding bands can range in price from $150 to over $50,000. Be sure that you look for rings that are within your budget and know what you can expect for your set budget.

Men's diamond engagement rings come in a variety of different metals. You can stick with traditional 14 karat yellow gold or go with a platinum wedding band. Some bands will have a mixture of two metals or be plated with another metal to highlight the diamond. Remember to take into consideration what kind of job the man does before buying a wedding band, as some metals are more durable than others.

Men's diamond wedding bands are not set the same way women's are. Most of men's settings are channels, invisible or pave settings. These are more secure than other settings and tend to hold diamonds better. Again you want to consider how much you will be working with your hands when picking the best setting for your wedding band.

Lastly, always be sure that the wedding band that is chosen is comfortable and fits well. The ring should sit on the finger comfortably and should not be loose enough that is slides off with out some resistance. It should also not be too tight that it cuts into the finger or requires assistance to get the ring off.

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Aug 18 2009

Engagement Rings From The Past

Published by George C.Baycan under Diamonds

by George C.Baycan

Vintage is often a term that is used when describing fashions from the past that aren't quiet at the level of being considered antiques but are still classics. Vintage engagement rings can be from any time period considered to be more modern than ancient, typically from the early 1900's to the retro period of even into the 1970's.

Most of the engagement rings from these time periods had very distinctive qualities that uniquely categorize the rings as being vintage. Typically the rings included both yellow and white gold combinations on the bands, however platinum was and is also used in creating some very unique settings and bands.

In a great number of these engagement rings the band tends to be very narrow at the back of the ring, then widens and expands to present a moderately large front surface area. It is common for the band to be yellow gold and the mountings for the diamonds to be in white gold, providing additional light reflection around the diamonds.

Many vintage engagement rings feature groups of small, medium or average sized diamonds rather than one large solitaire. The different sizes and shapes of diamonds in the setting help with light reflection and really sparkle with the ring is turned with normal movement. In addition other gems may be included in the setting, dropping bits of bright color onto the central diamonds.

For those vintage rings with a single, larger diamond a cushion cut diamond is very popular. Engagement rings with this type of diamond cut tend to be simple yet elegant and true classics. Cushion cut diamonds can be oval to rectangular in shape and provide a softer overall appearance to the ring than round or princess cuts.

Originally known as candlelight diamonds, cushion cut diamonds were in highest demand at the turn of the century. The softer facets really reflected light from candles, hence the common name for the cut. Almost all cushion cut diamonds are an oval to soft rectangular shape but there is lots of variation.

Open, long facets on many of the diamonds on older engagement rings give a unique light reflection to the interior. The colors are still vibrant and there is fire, it is just less sharp. Many people see these types of cuts as very romantic looking and may be enhanced on the band with smaller diamonds.

Looking at all the detail and filigree work on some of the older vintage engagement rings will help you gain an appreciation of their beauty. If you are designing your own engagement rings or wedding set you may want to incorporate design ideas from some of the vintage sets you view.

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