The Trend For Diamond and Ruby Wedding Rings

One of the latest trends in formal jewelry is engagement rings that feature a splash of brilliant red flash. Gone is the virginal row of white diamonds that used to identify the old fashioned wedding ring. Today you are just as likely to see diamond and ruby wedding rings embracing the fourth fingers of new brides.

These diamond and ruby wedding rings come in all kinds of interesting and creative designs. One of the most popular styles of engagement ring is the single large solitary ruby that is set in a band of diamonds. This color scheme then can be complimented by a ring of white diamonds, red rubies or a ruby and diamond circlet that serves as the wedding band. The visual effect of the blood red ruby wedding band is particularly startling against the whiteness of a diamond. It is also flattering on any color of skin.

So why choose a ruby and diamond wedding ring over just diamonds? It might just have to do with the symbolism of the color red. Red symbolizes love, warmth and vitality. In Feng Shui it is considered to be the color of prosperity. It also looks particularly good cut in a heart shape and surrounded by diamonds in the ring. The diamond and ruby wedding ring is also very romantic. The glittering red ruby provides stark contrast to the glittering white diamonds, kind of like Snow White and Rose Red.

The word ruby comes form the Latin word "rubens" which means "red." Ruby red is a color in itself and is used to refer to brilliant reds that are warm and fiery in color. The stone also symbolizes fire and blood, which of course equates to erotic and sexual passion. The flashing of its natural fire also symbolizes the beating of the human heart. A diamond and ruby wedding ring set is the perfect mix of Fire and Ice.

Rubies are also rare gemstones and much rarer than diamonds. In a way their specialness says something about that once in a lifetime love. It is also a very durable stone with excellent hardness so like a diamond it is worth your investment.

Diamond and ruby wedding rings also have a bit of a cachet when it comes to being popular with the funky or new age set. A ruby band is the perfect gift of jewellry for a woman who is a Buddhist or Hindu. This is because for the longest time, rubies came from India. In fact in Sanskrit, the Ruby is called the "ratnarj" which means the "King of the Gemstones."

Officially the ruby is the red variety of the corundum mineral. The sapphire also belongs to this family of minerals, which are among the hardest on earth. On the Moh scale of hardness they register a 9, which is second only to the hardness of diamonds.

The red color of a ruby can be attributed to the presence of a combination of or any number of the following elements in the stone: iron, titanium, vanadium and chrome. Chrome is the element responsible for the tinting of most fine quality ruby gem stones. Rubies that contain chrome have the deepest red color. However they are also the smallest rubies as too much of this element causes the stones to crack while they are growing. That is why it is so rare to find a large bright red ruby. In fact the smaller the ruby you buy, the more chrome it is likely to contain and the redder it is likely to be.

The fact that chrome causes so many fissures in the brightest and reddest of rubies is also why it can be hard to find a stone that does not have any inclusions. The ruby simply cracks before it can be harvested as a large rock. Unless it is made in a laboratory (the Russians have perfected this art) you are not likely to find a ruby gemstone for a ring that is larger than 3 carats. Rubies that are larger than this and especially ones that have no flaws or inclusions are more expensive than even the largest of diamonds.

The absolutely most expensive rubies are the Star Rubies. When cut in a half shape it displays a star with six rays that moves across the surface of the stones. If such a stone does appeal to you keep in mind that the ones with the best value have a star that shines in the center of the stone and not slightly off to the side of the gem.

When shopping for a diamond and ruby wedding rings you might want to consider what professional jewelers refer to as "the silk of the ruby." This is a deep glow that some rubies have that also gives them a soft yet brilliant appearance. This effect, which is caused by a hundreds of microscopic scars in the stone, is also sometimes referred to as "asterism." The rubies that boast complete asterism are the Star Rubies.

Compared to most stones, rubies also express a great deal of "personality". This is because they come in different qualities of silkiness, asterism and also in different hues of red. The color of a ruby is greatly determined by where it comes from. For instance the orange and bluish hue of the Burmese Ruby is particular to gem stones from Burma and the ancient mines from the Mogok Stone Track (also known as the Valley of Rubies) in the North of Myanmar India.

Another interesting and quite trendy ruby are the blue black varieties that are mined near the city of Mong Hsu in the North-East of Myanmar. These rubies often appear to be purple or black in the center. Sometimes these rubies are treated with heat to get rid of the dark core and give the stone a lustrous deep blood red color. These heat-treated rubies are among the less expensive choices if you are looking for a ruby band.

Other color variations include purple rubies from Vietnam and the orange and brown hued "Siam" ruby color from Thailand. The raspberry red ruby, originally from Ceylon, is incredibly rare today as the mines in that region have been depleted of their precious stores.

What is nice about a ruby is that you can match the color of the stone to suit the preferences of the bride. Like people, rubies display quite a bit of personality and like a soul mate, the ruby with the perfect hue can take a lot of time and effort to find.

By Enid Edginton

Diamond Rings - Quality Diamonds

Diamonds are commonly judged and appraised by the "four Cs": Carat, Clarity, Color, and Cut. If budget is not much of a constraint, always buy quality diamond ring. Diamond ring is a lifetime investment. Whether buy solitaire diamond ring or set with multiple diamonds, diamond ring is always in fashion and always in demand and perhaps that's why it is popular as 'diamonds are forever'

Diamond ring is becoming affordable now with the improved mining and cutting techniques plus rise in income levels. More and more women working now and becoming self-sufficient and financially independent. Diamond ring is the preferred choice of most women.

Diamond ring is made of various metals such as gold (yellow or white), platinum or palladium. The most traditional of diamond ring metal is gold.

Yellow gold - the most traditional of ring metals; for many gold is a symbol of the warmth, love of a marriage and prospects.

White gold - very much trendy because it coordinates with both silver and platinum jewelry, yet is cheaper than platinum.

Platinum - because it's not mixed with the lesser metals that gold rings are, platinum is safe for those with alloys. However, you'll pay more for platinum than for gold.

To choose the best carat weight of diamond, consider her style, the size of her finger, the size of your setting, and your budget. If you have a set budget to buy diamond ring, explore all your options and you'll find that there is a wide range of diamond carat weights and qualities available in your price range. Also the smaller the finger, the larger the diamond will appear. A 1½-carat diamond solitaire looks much larger on a size 4 finger than a size 8.

Choose diamond ring that you feel is expressive of your style and personality. Diamond ring now come in all kinds of styles, design and price range.

Diamond name is derived from the ancient Greek adamas (invincible). Diamonds have been treasured as gemstones since their use as religious icons in ancient India. Diamond ring is always classic and timeless fashion statement.

Unlike many other gems in the market, diamonds are well-suited to daily wear because of its resistance to scratching and are preferred for designing and setting in diamond ring, and are worn every day by women and men.

The most important factor when buying diamond ring is to look at the way the diamond is cut, its proportion and symmetry. How the light reflects on diamond surface is very important? Diamond ring made with badly cut will neither have brilliance nor high market value. It really is the human factor, the craftsmanship that goes into the shaping the diamond, which makes all the difference. An independent international laboratory and institutions such as GIA, EGL, DCLA, HRD, IGI, and AGS certify the diamonds.

By Kheri Chawla

How To Clean Diamond Jewelry in 4 Easy Steps

Many people often ask how to clean their diamond jewelry so that it is brilliant and full of fire. Diamonds attract grease and dirt like a magnet. Lotions, creams, hairspray, makeup and perfume form a film over your diamonds over time and make them look dull and lifeless.

After years of experience, we have found that the following method is one of the surest ways to keep your diamonds clean and brilliant if cleaning at home. It is a simple yet effective method that takes no more than fifteen to twenty minutes of your time. This method is not advisable for Pearl or Emerald jewelry or for any gemstone jewelry that has been enhanced.

1. Mix one part Mr. Clean (available at most major supermarkets) to eight parts of hot water. (Water does not need to be boiling hot).

2. Carefully soak your diamond jewelry for a short period of time in this solution - approximately 10 - 15 minutes is usually enough. (Reminder: Please do not put pearl jewelry or emerald jewelry into this solution - pearls are too soft and some emeralds may discolor).

3. Remove all your diamond jewelry slowly and gently brush off residue and dirt with a SOFT bristle toothbrush.

4. Rinse well with water, set jewelry aside to let air dry. You now have diamond jewelry that sparkles and is full of fire and brilliance.

By Nikki K

Buying Diamond Rings Online

One of the most neglected channels through which diamond rings can be purchased is the Internet. Very seldom do ring buyers realize that it is more than possible to acquire desirable, quality rings online at knock-down prices, delivered to your door. Whilst the more traditional route may be to buy your ring with the help of a local jeweler, the online route is far more cost effective and can result in a significant cost saving on the item you choose. Whilst this does allow for enhanced quality in your final choice of ring, the Internet is by no means a foolproof way of shopping, and it does give rise to a number of inherent problems for the potential ring buyer.

Buying a ring online is a great way to save money. You could literally save hundreds on an identical ring online as compared to its shop price, and you can be pretty sure that you'll find something that's suitable on that great big shop we call the Internet. However it isn't as straightforward as order a CD or groceries from an online retailer - this is a big item of expenditure, and it's important to think about the safety aspects of the transaction as well as the benefits of the online buying process.

The best bit of advice anyone can take when buying a diamond ring online is to do so through a credit card. Credit cards offer automatic buyer protection, allowing the disgruntled customer to effect a 'chargeback' where they have not received the product in question. Whilst this is far from ideal for the retailers who are not immediately secure in their payments, it is perfect to protect customers from retailers (particularly online) who are intent on scamming and ripping off engagement ring buyers.

Secondly it is important to be wary with your personal and bank information, particularly the details shown on the face of your card. Don't let anyone see your details and be sure to type them in to secure sites only to prevent your information being used for other purposes. Particularly when you're dealing in large amounts of money as will be the case with engagement ring purchases, the Internet leaves you vulnerable to hackers and identity thieves who will stop at nothing to rip you off.

Of course, the Internet is also a good way to realize a bargain - but only if you are careful. Make sure you buy from a reputable retailer that has established a name for themselves in the offline market where possible. Look to friends for recommendations or forums online where a number of people report good customer experiences from a particular site. Always look for safety icons on any particular website from which you intend to buy, and look and verify memberships to external regulatory authorities and organisations. A bit of research goes a long way in finding an online jeweler that can provide security and value for money, and you might just end up regretting your decision if you don't exercise due diligence prior to purchase.


By Guna Seelan

Diamond Rings - Anniversary Diamond Rings

Dazzle your princess with sparkling diamond rings!

Diamond rings are now a fashion statement. In modern world, quality and style of diamond jewelry defines a woman's persona and her desire to look more elegant and beautiful. The uniqueness of the form of them has fascinated many women and powerful men through the centuries. The most classical of diamond rings has one "solitaire" diamond, or a "trilogy" of diamonds made of three diamonds representing love - past, present and future. Diamond rings as a gift from loved ones are truly a symbol of love and commitment.

Diamond rings are really becoming trendy now days. Nearly up to 80% of potential brides receive a diamond as an engagement ring! When it comes to making a fashion statement with jewelry, women prefer to sport a glittery diamond or two on her fingers.

They are not limited to celebrities or high fashion models or rich and affluent only but have become very much affordable now. The 21st century woman is outgoing, career oriented and self-sufficient.

The size of the diamonds in current styles of diamond rings has also grown from the average one carat to over three carats. But one doesn't have to spend fortune. Diamonds are now more affordable than ever and one can easily find ones similar in style to one's favorite star celebrities without having to spend thousands of dollars.

Diamond rings are available in various designs and price range and are perfect fit for any work place, party or at a ceremonial gathering. Weddings are a big occasion for diamond rings, especially as engagement rings, wedding bands, and even as small token gifts for the immediate family.

Latest statistics of trend in diamond jewelry suggests that the purchase of square-cut diamond engagement rings has gone up from a modest 9 % a decade ago to its current 32% in the American diamond engagement ring market. Yet hardly marks the end of the round-cut diamond engagement ring. Round-cut diamond engagement rings are still the traditional and the most popular choice for most men and women.

Traditionally, the engagement ring is a diamond ring presented by the groom to the bride. Since the engagement ring is such an important part of the wedding, there is a lot to know about rings and about the prospective bride's preference and choice.

It is important to know her ring size. Either you can take one of her ring to any jeweler to find out the actual ring size or you might also ask her sister or mother, or anyone close to her who may perhaps know her ring size. Diamond rings are set in white or yellow gold, or platinum and titanium.

Diamond professionals use four factors to value any diamond, and you should use the same standards to buy the diamond engagement ring. And they are Four C's: Color, cut, clarity and carats.

By Kheri Chawla

Diamond Wedding Rings - Finding the Perfect Ring

There are countless styles of diamond wedding rings available to purchase from a variety of sources and it is often hard to decide just what style to buy or where to purchase from. Of course there are advantages and disadvantages to buying from each, but with a little guidance, it should be possible to make things easier. The all important factor when looking for diamond wedding rings is budget. This essentially decides what you can or cannot afford. There are alternatives however, for those on a tighter budget than others.

First of all we will start with diamond wedding rings set with a single stone. The least expensive option is to opt for 9ct gold, set with a single small diamond. This can be flush set within the band, which itself can be one of a number of profiles. By profile, we mean the shape of the ring when viewed as a cross section. Court profiles are curved slightly on the outside and inside, whilst flat profiles are just that. Other variations include the flat topped court which is flat on the outside and curved on the inside and the D-shape which is curved on the outside and flat on the inside. It is often best to match the profile to that of the engagement ring. Just remember diamonds can be set into any profile. One important consideration though is the depth of the wedding ring. Enough depth has to exist for the diamond to be set. Otherwise, the diamond will push into the finger as it is worn. Your jeweler will check the depth of both diamond and wedding ring before any diamonds are set.

Your choice of diamond shape is entirely personal, but it is a good idea to match this to the shape of the diamonds in your engagement ring.

For something a little more lavish, multiple diamonds, flush or channel set will provide a wonderful show. Very small diamonds can be set across the ring or along the ring. Wider ring widths will accommodate more diamonds and will provide a larger canvas into which diamonds can be arranged.

One of the most expensive metals currently has to be Platinum. Prices have risen greatly and this metal has become even more of a luxury in recent months. It remains the most pure, rare and eternal of metals for jewellery and is ideal for diamond setting. Due to the hardness and permanence of the metal, never wearing, it will provide a high quality and permanent wedding ring in which to have diamonds set. With modern techniques, diamonds can be precision set in the most intricate designs imaginable. If you have a particular design in mind, it is possible to create a wedding ring to your exact specifications. This can be done by creating a wax model of your wedding ring maybe based around the shape of your engagement ring. When this is done, a wedding ring can be cast in any metal and then set with stones to create any diamond wedding ring desired.

Finally let us mention where to purchase from. Diamond wedding ring websites provide a cost effective method of purchase. Many provide excellent prices in comparison to the high street. The latter will provide you with a chance to try on your ring before purchase which is an advantage to buying online. Each has its advantages which must be weighed up before purchase. Make sure you find out what quality the diamonds are before you purchase and ask as many questions as possible. Most retailers will be happy to answer any questions, whether they are online or within a shop. The most important thing is for you to find your perfect diamond wedding rings.

By M Johnson

Cheap Diamond Wedding Ring - Or Inexpensive?

Pros and Cons to a Cheap Diamond Wedding Ring

First and foremost, a cheap diamond wedding ring is not the same thing as an inexpensive diamond wedding ring. When it comes right down to it, there are many reasons why and why not you might want to purchase a cheap diamond wedding ring for the person you are getting married to, and hopefully spend the rest of your life. First of all, we all know that it is very important to buy a wedding ring, and diamonds have always been the most popular. But how much do we should we spend on a diamond wedding ring that is intended to last a lifetime?

Pros

First of all if you are looking for a cheap diamond wedding ring you might want to remember that you are going to get a diamond, even if you aren’t paying much for it. It might be worth it to have the smaller diamond if you can still have one, so a cheap diamond wedding ring is good for people who are on a budget.

Cons

On the other hand, with a cheap diamond wedding ring you have to be very careful to make sure it is authentic, and you also have to be careful to make sure you are getting a real diamond and you aren’t getting ripped off. However, if you can make sure of these things, buying a cheap diamond wedding ring should only be dependent on how much you have to spend.

The most important thing to remember is that you are buying a wedding ring that will last you and your partner a lifetime.

By Harry Bernstein