Archive

Posts Tagged ‘Product Reviews’

Assessing Diamond Rings : The Carat System Explained

May 17th, 2011 Mark Walters Comments off

Most people that are considering getting engaged have thought about getting a diamond ring. Some people who have an anniversary coming up will also have a diamond ring in mind. No matter the case, you may find yourself looking for more information about diamonds. There are a lot of things that need to be considered- including the cut, color, clarity and carat. Make sure that you are able to make her say WOW when you pull out her new diamond ring.

You will first want to consider the cut of the ring. This is the actual shape that the diamond has. One of the most popular cuts is a princess cut. It has the appearance of being square. Other common cuts are brilliant and emerald cuts. There are other cuts out there, but they are not as common. If you really want to make sure that the diamond has a great sparkle to it, then you will want to get an excellent cut.

The next things to consider are color and clarity. These are important because they make up the quality of the diamond. You will want to find one that is nearly colorless, as they are the most valuable. Diamonds that have visible yellow or brownish tints are not worth nearly as much. Inclusions should also be invisible to the naked eye. This is important when it comes to the clarity of the diamond. This is measured anywhere from I3 to F.

The carat of the diamond is the actual weight, or size of the diamond. For some, this is the most important part of the diamond. Most people want something lavish and big, even if they have to sacrifice quality to get it. You will find that the larger the carat, the more expensive the diamond ring is. This is because larger diamonds are much harder to find than smaller diamonds. This is especially true when it comes to high quality diamonds.

As you are shopping, be sure that you remember the importance of the 4 "C"s of choosing a diamond. The color, cut, clarity and carat of the diamond are very important and they are also going to make a big difference in the price of the diamond. You will want to discuss these properties of diamonds with your jeweler before you purchase a stone. It is very important that you do this so that you make sure that you are spending your money wisely.

Continue : 1 Carat Diamond Rings

Chocolate Diamond Rings And Jewelry For A Special Couple Engagement

May 1st, 2011 Sharon Lugo Comments off

In case you are seeking to find out more about chocolate diamond rings and jewelry, you will likely find a few good tips in this article. With their intense dark brown chocolate tones, they're attractive and impressive, stirring up a feeling of awe and pleasure at the same time. Chocolate diamonds are a part of the class of brown diamonds. Brown diamonds are available in many hues, for example honey, cinnamon and champagne, besides chocolate. Most people do not fully grasp it, but brown diamonds are extremely rare and highly prized. They represent less than 0.1% of the total diamonds mined worldwide.

Perhaps you may be wondering why there is an interest in chocolate or brown diamonds currently? The interest has been initiated by a huge branding and style campaign by a leading jeweler Eddie Le Vian. Instead of calling them by the drab name of brown diamonds, they branded them as chocolate diamonds, and set them in stunning cuts and designs created by the top jewelry craftsmen in the world today.

Le Vian jewelry has been worn by famous people and royalty within the last century, and these trendsetters took to chocolate diamonds with avid interest. This has sparked off a wave of public interest in these types of diamond jewelry. Chocolate diamond rings are acquired and worn not just for routine events or special parties. They are purchased for once in a lifetime events like engagements and weddings too.

High quality chocolate diamonds can be understandably really costly. The official GIA gem certifications institute grades them on the intensity of the color on nine point scale. Although clear diamonds are desired for the transparency of the stone, a colored diamond like a chocolate or brown diamond is valued for its color intensity, the more intense it is, the more useful it becomes. The grading system is based on the hue and tone of the gem, as well as the color saturation. A few of the names for the color grading consist of appealing terms like Fancy Light or Fancy Vivid.

Treated, simulated or synthetic diamonds have their merits too. They cost just a fraction of the price of the real thing, and are presented in the latest styles, cutting and settings. They cost just a fraction of the price of the real thing, and are presented in the latest styles, cutting and settings. Some are real white diamonds with lower clarity and treated to emulate a fancy brown colored tone, while others are produced from crystals and cubic zirconia to look really a lot like diamonds.

Chocolate diamond rings and jewelry items can be bought from several locations, both at online webstores or offline retail jewelry shops. They are also occasionally sold over television shopping channels like QVC or the Shopping Channel. Online, retailers like Blue Nile, Amazon and eBay are a number of the choices to think about. Locally, stores like Tiffany or Jared fine jewelry stores are spread across the nation.

If you're having to decide on a major purchase, you'll find benefits to purchasing from a retail store, such as being able to touch and really feel a jewelry item prior to you acquire it. Some stores like Jared will also offer a long term maintenance benefit, which allows customers to bring their jewelry pieces back for periodic cleaning. That will certainly help to keep the sparkle on the precious gemstones purchased.

Finally, remember not to rush into any decisions when shopping for chocolate diamonds and jewelry items. If there is one main thing that you should pay attention to, it is to purchase with caution. It would be sensible to do some investigation. Let your fingers do the walking, on numerous internet sites you can learn what is obtainable and realize the intricacies to be aware of. Armed with the right facts, you can confidently proceed to the best decision for your needs.

Read articles and reviews on Blue Diamond Rings.

Diamond Rings – Do You Know Quality When You See It?

March 26th, 2011 Mark Walters Comments off

Diamond rings are some of the loveliest pieces of jewelry you can find. From the brilliant stone to the stylish band, they are the epitome of class. Whether an engagement ring, a part of a wedding ring, or an eternity ring, diamond rings symbolize love and unity and indicate a taste for the finer things in life. No one wants this important piece of jewelry to appear shoddy, so how do you assess the quality of a diamond ring?

One of the first things to consider is the diamond itself. An Ideal cut marks the finest craftsmanship money can buy. Good and Excellent cuts are also fine cuts that provide a fair amount of quality at a reasonable price. Completely colorless diamonds are given a grade of D, and as yellow begins to add a tint to the stone, E and F grades are assigned. These diamonds are still colorless to most eyes and are not as expensive. Clarity is another important attribute of diamonds. Grades of Flawless and Internally Flawless are given to stones that truly have no imperfections in them.

Do not forget the band when assessing the quality of a diamond ring. The metal used in its creation is essential. We often think of 14 carat as the gold standard, and it is a fine choice, but platinum is one of the sturdiest metals and light in color. It is also one of the priciest. 18 carat white gold has a similar coloration and is another sign of quality in a diamond ring. It is not as expensive as platinum, but that does not detract from its excellence.

Assessing the quality of a diamond ring also involves evaluating its band. The shared prong design is a favorite and holds diamonds in place via two, three, or four prongs. Rings that contain multiple gems sometimes use a channel setting. It is a favorite because diamonds are set nestled against each other with no overlap and channels of unbroken metal secure them. One of the most excellent settings is Pav. This process is completed by hand, arranging beads of metal so that they keep the stones in place. It is an expensive process, but one of great distinction.

When assessing the quality of a diamond ring, each individual aspect of it must be considered. The diamond itself is just one piece of the puzzle. Combined with the band and the settings, the overall quality may be analyzed.

Further Reading : Diamond Engagement Rings Or White Gold Rings

Online Diamond Jewellery Sites – A Man’s Best Friend!

March 9th, 2011 John Gray Comments off

Diamond jewellery is not something I normally throw heaps of money at, particularly as I don't have heaps of money anyway. Over the past couple of years money has been a bit tight, but as we march confidently into the new year things are seeming a little more positive. It's time perhaps to think about splashing out a little, and treating those closest to us to something that they couldn't have been expecting over recent months. Diamond rings and diamond jewellery ticks just such a box.

Perhaps you remember the calm confidence we all had only a couple of years back when the world's economy seemed endlessly buoyant. Going to the jeweller almost inevitably meant coming back with a new piece of diamond jewellery for the wife, daughter or girlfriend. Most of us have had to pull the belt in a little lately, but perhaps with the new year we can look for new opportunities to splash out a little on our loved ones?

Although it can sometimes seem a little extravagant buying good quality jewellery, it's really not so much a purchase as an investment. After all, those diamonds have been around for a few million years, and good quality diamond jewellery holds its price very well. In fact, over the past couple of years many people have been cashing in on their investments. If the diamonds are good quality, and the price is right, then buying diamond jewellery now could well be a smart move.

Perhaps it's the fiery sparkle, perhaps the clarity, maybe the strength, the age or merely the value, but there are few gifts on the earth that say 'I love you' much more, or much more succinctly as giving your girlfriend or wife a diamond. Diamond jewellery is synonymous with declarations of love and affection. It shows a commitment, and says more than words often could, and definitely more easily.

I decided that I would help kick this year into place by choosing some beautiful diamond jewellery for my wife, just to make sure that she doesn't feel that the last two years have meant a romance crunch as well as a credit crunch. But just as I was making plans to head to the high street, I suddenly got the idea to have a look online first.

The benefits which online shopping have introduced are many, from a greater range to added convenience and privacy, as well as much lower prices. Because online jewellers don't have the overheads that the high street shops do, they can offer some credit crunching deals. But what I like about shopping for jewellery online is that you can look at the complete range if you want. Unlike in the high street shops you're not holding anybody up by looking at almost every item available, meaning that you can really choose the best and most appropriate diamond jewellery.

After spending quite a while browsing for online jewellers I found myself spending a considerable time looking through the huge range of diamond jewellery on offer by Lloyds Family Jewellers. Based in the UK they don't have a high street presence, instead trading entirely online, with direct supply links from the manufacturer. I found stunning designer diamond jewellery at up to 80% off the equivalent ranges in the high street, meaning that I could afford to buy more, and better, without breaking the bank.

I decided to place an order on their website, having first checked to make sure that their order page is fully secure, which it is. As it happens I used PayPal to make my payment for a beautiful diamond necklace for my wife, and a set of diamond earrings for my daughter. Three days later they arrived, and now I'm practising my sincere look so that I don't give the game away about how much they really cost me!

Want to find out more about diamond jewellery, then visit our site for the largest range and the best prices.

Keeping Your Precious Treasures In A Contemporary Box

March 13th, 2010 Grettle Taylor Comments off

When you can't find one of your earrings or you realize that your pendant is missing " you know that it is time to get yourself a contemporary jewelry armoire to safely store and protect your valuables. A jewelry armoire will not keep your ornaments protected from damage but will also allow you to find the right accessory in a jiffy.

Traditionally armoires which is French for chest were meant to be large storage units. These were used to store all kinds of items from clothes to accessories, vessels, etc. Over time, artisans started crafting finer versions which were then used to store jewelry items.

Size is not a constraint as you can find a jewelry armoire in any size you wish or you can even have one custom made to suit the exact measurements of your room. If you have the budget, it may be a better idea to have it tailor made so that you can incorporate your most important features and it will also add your own personal touch to the furniture.

The mirror has been a smart addition in the modern era. A strategically placed mirror can really enhance not only the look of the room but can also give you an illusion of a larger space. Combining the features of a mirror with the storage and organizing capabilities of a jewelry armoire has made this piece of furniture very versatile.

If you already have a mirror and don't need another one, you can get an armoire with a photo frame. So the armoire can hold both your cherished memories (in the photograph) and your precious treasures " your jewelry as well.

A jewelry armoire is a great time saver and is great for organizing your jewelry. In this fast paced world, no woman would want to waste time in hunting for that earring that matches her necklace or rummage through a messed up drawer. A jewelry armoire has separate compartments which are very well organized and structured to store every different item of jewelry. It not only helps you find the right ornament that you are looking for quickly but also helps in keeping your valuables safe. There are hooks for your necklaces, dividers for separating your earrings and rings and many other such organizing features that make it a breeze to organize your jewelry.

Jewelry armoires are available in all the popular wood finishes. A jewelry armoire with a cherry wood finish can look extremely elegant. Although most of the jewelry armoires are found in shades of black and brown, you can also find a white armoire that can look equally stunning.

Pricing is not a big issue with contemporary jewelry armoires. You can find a steal for below a hundred bucks. However if you are looking for something quite classy and elegant, you must ready to shell out a lot more. You will however definitely find one that suits both your taste and your wallet.

Keep your highly-priced jewelry protected by investing in a locking armoire or perhaps a modern armoire.

The Way To Choose An Ideal Wedding Ring

March 12th, 2010 Thomas Cowell Comments off

Most young people today are open to experimentation and do not believe in blindly following the past. Even when it comes to their wedding ring, which will, for most people be a once in a lifetime purchase, they would not just go for the conventional gold bands but also consider some of the more recent alternatives.

There are several things that come to mind when you need to select your wedding ring. You will need to look at the various design options, metals, gemstones, etc. Most couples prefer to have the bride and the groom rings in similar styles so that they compliment each other very well.

The alternatives to yellow gold are the more contemporary looking white gold and the sophisticated elegance of platinum. If cost is not an issue, then you may definitely want to go for platinum. White gold is a good option if you are not really fond of the yellow shining metal.

In recent times however, platinum wedding rings are getting more popular as they are a very durable metal and do not easily lose their shine. This makes it a very good fit for a wedding ring as it is important for the metal to last for a long time without being discolored or losing its shine.

Whether you decide to use platinum or gold that is only one of the several choices that you need to make with regard to your wedding ring. You now need to also look at what style options are available. Wedding rings come in various styles and you need to look at all of them before you select one that you like.

It is traditionally said that your wedding ring must cost at least twice your monthly income. Although that's a good rule of thumb, it really comes down to individual preferences and budgets. More importantly wedding rings are mainly a display of affection rather than monetary value.

The size of your ring is also one of the most important factors and it is absolutely vital to get this right. You don't want your ring to be too tight or even too loose. Who would run the risk of their wedding ring falling off their fingers. Make sure you know your ring size. You can get your ring finger measured at most jewelers.

Whatever source you decide to buy your wedding ring from, make sure that you are buying from a genuine source and you get a warranty certificate. You must be able to return the ring if it does not fit you or is not perfect, especially if you are shopping online.

Prior to acquiring diamond engagement jewelry, have a look at the right hand ring resource site.

An Overview To Diamond Ring Alloys

March 6th, 2010 Reese Tomale Comments off

There are many jewelers using different metals for making bridal rings. Tungsten and titanium are two of the metals that are commonly used. However, platinum is probably the most popular of all the uncommon metals being used. Platinum rings and bands are becoming increasingly popular among couples.

Platinum is often used as the base metal in platinum rings. And gems such as diamonds are added to it. Platinum is a bright metal that looks very beautiful. And it is even more long lasting than gold.

Wearing a platinum ring on your finger makes you feel very special. There is no doubt that platinum is an exceptionally beautiful and rare metal. This is why for wedding rings and wedding bands, platinum is considered to be the perfect metal.

It surely does not come cheap. But that does not mean it is out of your reach. Even the middle class can easily go for it.

The most popular of all metals, however, still seems to be gold. It is a glowing and shiny metal that has been really popular with couples over many years. It looks beautiful. Getting the right design and look with it is easy. And there is definitely no doubt that it is also quite durable.

You can find gold wedding rings in different shades and designs. And it also works well with other metals. Different and interesting shades such as green, white gold, and rose can be tried, if you want to buy a gold wedding ring.

It is not always a good idea to choose 24 carat gold because the design that you want may not work with it. A high carat gold ring is more susceptible to losing shape. This is why for a wedding band it is advisable to choose 14 or 18 carat gold.

If you want something a little inexpensive, you can go for a wedding ring that is made of gold mixed with an alloyed metal.

It is important that you understand that the more gold that is present in your ring, the more will be its cost. It is, therefore, very important that you select the right carat keeping in mind your budget. Gold is also cheaper than a tungsten or platinum ring. So, if money is a concern, you should go for a gold wedding ring.

To learn a lot more relating to ring jewelry, this author has released numerous recent stories pertaining to diamond eternity bands and additionally pave diamond bridal bands.

Several Reasons Why Cubic Zirconia Wedding Rings Can Conserve Money

February 24th, 2010 Connie Stevens Comments off

When proposing to a woman, the customary gift is an engagement ring. Engagement rings can be made from a variety of materials and can come with all sorts of stone insets. While they're popular all year round, June brings in the highest number of wedding and engagement ring sales compared to the rest of the year.

The first sign of the custom of exchanging rings began way back where men would hand the woman of his choice a nuptial ring as a sign of his affection. Back then, they did not have the exquisite materials used in the rings we have today, rather they used iron.

Instead of adding precious stones to the rings of that time, it was popular to instead scratch in the initials of the wearer on the inner part of the ring.

Today we have exquisite diamonds that dwarf the iron bands of the past in terms of beauty. And of late, cubic zirconia's have been gaining in popularity as a cheaper alternative to diamonds.

While having a diamond ring would be ideal, it cost so much that many young couples just cannot afford to buy such as luxury. Instead they purchase plan silver or gold wedding bands, which don't quite have the same impact that the diamond bands do.

Cubic zirconias are the best choice for those of you who doesn't want to spend too much money on buying a diamond engagement ring but still want something that looks almost identical. Let's face it, wouldn't it make more sense to save the money for a new car instead?

To an untrained person, the cubic zirconia cannot be easily told apart from a diamond. It would take a professional along with special equipment to see the real difference between the two types of stones.

The other advantage to zirconia's is that you can choose from a range of colors, and pick the most suitable color of stone for the engagement ring. Doing the same thing for diamonds is going to cost you an arm and a leg as the colored diamonds are hard to come by.

Researching cubic zirconia wedding Bands or maybe tungsten carbide bridal bands? See this publisher's site for particulars.

Jewelry Cabinets Make A Best Valentine’s Day Present

February 22nd, 2010 Milly Silvers Comments off

Most bedrooms will have a jewelry armoire to protect and store the valuable ornaments owned by the family. Although jewelry armoires have been a perfect companion to women over the years, with the passing of time the designs have also evolved. Gone are the days of bulky pieces of furniture. You will now find very sleek armoires with fine edges.

What makes a jewelry armoire so indispensable is the ability to sort every ornament into identified sections. You have separate areas for rings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. Once you get used to using an armoire, you will never go back to your regular drawer.

If your woman is fond of accessories, it may not be surprising if she owns them by the dozen. There will be a matching earring and a neck piece and even a ring to complement each of her outfits. If you can identify with this then you really need to get her a modern jewelry armoire that will help her neatly organize her stuff and save a lot of time in searching for the right accessory.

Jewelry is an expensive asset and each diamond, ruby or other precious stones that are studded in your ornaments has immense value. One cannot discount the requirement of very careful and cautious storing of jewelry. Immense care must be taken to ensure that the ornaments are in perfect shape and do not lose their shine. Jewelry must be cleaned and polished regularly to keep them looking beautiful.

While finalizing a jewelry armoire it is also vital that you consider the design of your existing furniture. You would want to buy an armoire in a shade that matches the color and design theme, so that it fits within the overall scheme of things.

There are several manufacturers of jewelry armoires and it is not unusual to find jewelry armoires in a diverse range of sizes. Once you have decided your space and budget limitations, you can easily locate a perfect fit.

Jewelry armoires are very versatile and you can find armoires which can serve multiple purposes. Some of them can be used as a mirror while others can also be used as photo frames. Usually these options are found in wall mounted armoires. These are very convenient in contemporary homes as they are good space savers and also look very stylish.

Before you finalize your jewelry armoire, take some time to plan your size requirements and also fix a budget for your purchase. You would want to make sure that you make the right investment. After all it is going to be your perfect companion for several years.

A painted jewelry armoire tends to make a tasteful addition to a stylish sleeping quarters. Drop by this free standing jewelry boxes reference web site for more tips.

Anniversary Diamond Rings – Learning About The Stones

February 19th, 2010 Jason Mesina Comments off

Wedding days can be one of the most delightful celebrations in a person's life. Planning a wedding can be an exhausting event, and there is a lot of work required to make a wedding an event to remember.

You need to have certain skills in order to pick out certain things, like where to have the reception after the ceremony, which gown to wear and what jewelry to wear with the gown. The newlyweds often get plenty of gifts before and after the wedding.

Once your wedding day is complete, it is a day that will be a memory you will cherish, and want to celebrate each year. Many couples will commemorate the occasion of their wedding anniversary with gifts to their better half.

Many women regard jewelry highly as a gift and will cherish it even more as an anniversary present, so many men shop for gems and diamonds when it comes time to think about their approaching big day. There are so many options that can be used as an anniversary gift, other than a diamond ring. You can also give a bracelet, pendant or necklace, instead of a ring

There are several features of a diamond, such as the weight, clarity, cut, and the color that should be carefully considered before making a purchase. The key features to look for when buying diamonds are mentioned here.

The cost of a diamond is directly proportional to its clarity, that is, the less flawed it is, the more expensive it will be. Some flaws are present in many diamonds, and these imperfections can often only be seen under magnification. VVS 1, which indicates a very, very slight flaw, is at the top of the clarity scale.

A diamond's color is compared against other colored diamonds, with the colorless diamonds being regarded as the best quality stones.

The shape of the diamond is otherwise known as cut. There will be many options when it comes to the type of cut you choose when you are in the market for a present to celebrate you and your beloved's anniversary.

Finally, the weight of the stone is measured in carats, and this factors into the diamond's price, as well. When the value of a stone is estimated, all of these important features are taken into consideration.

Besides this insightful story, the author has also shared a few new reports relating to bridal band sets along with 2 tone bridal rings.