Diamond Wedding Ring

A Guide to Choosing Black Diamond Rings

2010-01-20T17:36:00.000-08:00

Critics say that black diamond rings are just a fad, and it's most likely that these gemstones will depreciate once the hype wears off. However, this doesn't lessen the enjoyment that males are now discovering in the precious stone. Diamonds used to be a gemstone that only women appreciated. The white perfect diamond appeared to be too flashy for the male species. This is the reason why, in most engagements, only the women wore the ring. Today is a different matter, though.

Black diamond rings have won the hearts of many men because of the character it exudes. Compared to the white gemstone that flashes light, quite literally, the black gemstone absorbs light. The darker they are, the higher it is graded, which is the complete opposite in white diamonds which is graded higher when it reflects lesser hues of color.

Transparent to translucent black diamonds are very rare. This is why if you're planning to impress your husband with this gemstone, look for rings that exude this quality. You have to be prepared to spend a lot of money, though, because these stones can definitely break your budget.

The most impressive diamond rings are set in white metal, so cross out yellow gold and other reddish metals off your list when you're planning the design. The stone looks best when set against silver, platinum, titanium and white gold rings. To bring in more contrast, you can also try setting the stone with white gemstones. White and black diamonds complement each other, and it is highly likely that when they're next to each other, their imperfections would be overlooked because the design would play on contrast.

Just because the stone exudes a more mysterious and masculine character, though, doesn't mean that it's designed specifically for males. You can give your wife or your fiance a black diamond jewel as well, as the stone's beauty is also appreciated by women. As a matter of fact, black diamonds further gained popularity in the 90s when Carmen Electra was presented with her first giant black rock.

In choosing the carat value of your diamond, make sure that you purchase stones that are not exactly 1.00 carat. These flat 1.00 carat stones are poorly cut, because it's mathematically impossible to cut a stone that weighs exactly 200 milligrams. If your black diamond rings are flat 1.00 carat ones, it's most likely that the dealer had the cut compromised to give way for the stones' carat values.

By Billy Bob Bronson

Cubic Zirconia Jewelry - Poor Man's Diamond Jewelry

2010-01-04T16:54:00.000-08:00

Cubic Zirconia Jewelry is affordable, chic and easy to maintain. The jewelry can be worn both by men and women, and many people find their accessories collection incomplete without zirconia jewelry. The concept of fashion is dynamic and hence new trends set in quickly. Sometimes it becomes difficult for a person to keep up with it along with maintaining a budget. The jewelry never burns a hole in your pocket since they are inexpensive and are durable. You will get a great deal of variety in the jewelry. Whether you wish to buy rings, necklaces, pendants or earrings, you will get a lot variety. These are available in a wide range of designs, colors, shapes, sizes and of course prices.

Latest Trends In Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

Cubic zirconia jewelry is in vogue these days. If you wish to wear costume jewelry or project the rock star image you can definitely use this huge and chunky jewelry items. In the present times large stones are worn on the fingers engraved in a ring. People even prefer citrus colors like lemon yellow, lime green, Tropicana orange and hot pink in jewelry these days.

The jewelry can transform your look and make you look hot. These complement almost any kind of dresses worn for different occasions. When the stones are set in gold or silver pieces these bring a fierce as well as a fabulous look.

The rings happen to be the most popular item. These rings can give you the over the top look or the refined look according to your preference. A cubic zirconia jewelry piece with uneven stone and bold color can give you the trendy look while a ring with an even sized stone with soft shade will lend a refined look to your personality.

Maintaining the Luster in Your Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

More and more women are opting for the jewelry since these are less expensive and of course easy to maintain. Especially when the zirconia stone is set in sterling silver or gold pieces they can be worn every day, with no fear of being damaged. However, you need to take a little care of these items so that the shine does not fade. You must keep the jewelry on cotton and keep them away from lotions or powders.

By Kilian Allen

Loose Diamonds - The Perfect Way to Customize Your Jewelry

2009-12-13T16:53:00.000-08:00

A loose diamond is the starting point of any beautiful piece of heart felt jewelry. Every piece of jewelry has to start somewhere, and what better place than with a gem? You can rest assured that once upon a time, the diamond in your most treasured piece of jewelry was loose and just waiting for the perfect setting to come sweep it off it's feet.

Whether you are on the market for an engagement ring or a tennis bracelet, a diamond that is loose is a good way to start your shopping experience. Jewelry experts often suggest viewing the loose diamonds at a jewelry shop to make sure that they are high quality before exploring the pieces they have on display. After all, if the unused gems are sub par it's a very safe assumption that the ones that have been set are going to be below your standards as well.

If you're looking for custom jewelry it's even more important to pay close attention to the loose collection at your jewelers and to be sure that the diamond clarity and cut is what you are looking for. Ask your jeweler to show you a variety of sizes so you can decide what is best suited for you needs and style. While some people may enjoy a 2 carat diamond, others may prefer something larger or smaller. The style of jewelry you intend to use the diamond for may also play into your decision on carat size.

A loose princess cut diamond can be a very popular gem for any setting. Princess cut diamonds are actually the second most popular cut of diamond and because of that, the price on them is often higher than other cuts. They are designed to have an extraordinary amount of sparkle and shine which is what makes them such a sought offer gem. A loose princess cut diamond can be transformed into any number of gorgeous types of jewelry though and will result in a keepsake that your loved one will adore for a lifetime.

If you are on the market to buy a loose diamond wholesale lot, you will be surprised at the number of things you have to consider before making a purchase. If you are just breaking into the jewelry industry you have a good bit of research ahead of you. When browsing the sale options you will be given a variety of factors that will help narrow your search. The easy part is having to choose from variety of cuts such as princess, oval or round. Then you will have to select color, diamond clarity and carat ranges. The options available are innumerable, but that's what gives each diamond it's uniqueness.

Regardless of your reason for shopping on the loose diamond market, make sure you do your research before setting out. It doesn't matter if you intend to buy a piece of crafted jewelry, if you want to design a custom engagement ring or if you are just browsing for fun, having a bit of background information will go a long way. No matter which cut, size or color you choose you are guaranteed to end up with a beautiful treasure that your significant other will love.

By Chuck Chass

A Diamond Tennis Bracelet - The Gift That Will Sparkle Like Her Eyes

2009-12-13T16:51:00.000-08:00

The gift of a diamond tennis bracelet, or any piece of diamond jewelry is a big commitment. Opening a jewelry box and seeing diamonds revealed is sure to light up your special lady's face though, so if you are ready, it is a gift that will be well worth the reward. Show her that you mean what you say with a hand chosen bracelet.

Picking out the perfect tennis bracelet for a gift can be a daunting task. It is important to take your time and review your options before leaping into a decision, after all, you are buying this for someone special and they are well worth the time. The first thing to do is address your budget and decide just how much you can spend on your gift. Is this going to be a 1 carat diamond tennis bracelet, a 5 carat diamond tennis bracelet or something even larger? Keep in mind that you are also paying for the material the diamonds are set in as well so if you are opting for a white gold diamond tennis bracelet you may have to get fewer carats of diamonds to offset the price.

Once you have an idea of what style of diamond tennis bracelet you are looking for it's time to get out there and start looking. Visit multiple dealers to see what they have to offer. If you get lucky and find a full set of diamond jewelry in your price range including a bracelet, diamond necklace and diamond earrings. Don't turn away from a set that is in your price range just because you are only on the market for a diamond tennis bracelet. If you do stumble upon a set with the design that you are looking for, you can always break it up into three gifts for different occasions.

If you aren't sure which jewelry to choose don't be afraid to ask questions and come back to the same dealer several times. As a matter of fact, it's usually well advised to view diamond jewelry on several separate occasions at different times of day so you can see how it looks in different amounts of natural and artificial light. With such a serious investment you want to make sure that you're getting the perfect gift and not something that you may feel is sub par later on.

After you make your decision and get the diamond tennis bracelet gift wrapped it's time to decide how to present it to your lovely lady. Depending on whether you do it publicly or in private will probably effect your overall presentation. Pick a time and place to give her the gift and make sure that you keep it well hidden until then so you'll get to see her full excitement when she sees the package and even more so when she opens it.

No matter what your budget, you can find the perfect diamond tennis bracelet for the special woman in your life. More carats isn't necessarily better. What really makes the gift special is that thought that goes into it and the person that it comes from. Whether you get her a 1 carat diamond bracelet or a 10 carat bracelet, she is sure to love it and you'll love the light it will bring to her eyes when you put it on her.

By Karl Greskee

The Different Diamond Settings Available to You

2009-11-22T21:59:00.000-08:00

I understand that you might not have a lot of information about purchasing an engagement ring or a diamond ring. I also know that you have probably gone into a jeweler and found that the salesperson was not very helpful in giving you the information that you needed. I'm sure that you would also like to know what the different diamond settings available to you are, and how and what you should choose.

Before I start even discussing the different settings available I do recommend that you allocate a budget towards this diamond ring or engagement ring that you're trying to purchase. This will help you narrow down your search to what you are able to purchase seen as though there are so many different looks of diamond rings out there.

The most famous of all settings is the Bezel; it is also the earliest technique of attaching stones to a piece of jewelry. A bezel is a strip of metal bent into the shape and size of the stone and then soldered to the piece of jewelry.

The prong setting is the simplest and most largely used setting, because it uses the least amount of metal to hold the diamond in place. It also shows off the diamond beautifully in this setting. It is basically there to hold up a certain size of stone fixed to the base.

The channel setting is a method where the diamond stands suspended between two strips of metal called channels. Now the channel setting can come in different shapes. If you're using small diamonds, a linear line shape would be best. But, you could also use it in a U-shape as well. Again, the choice is up to you and how you want it to look.

A bead setting is a term used to set a diamond directly into the metal. The way they get the diamonds onto the metal is by drilling into the metal surface and then attaching the diamond onto it. They will then use a certain beading tool to push the diamond into the metal. The look of the diamond that will occur is called a "pave" diamond.

Now that you understand there are different types of settings available for you I am sure you are still nowhere closer to purchasing a diamond ring. This is why I recommend that you make use of the Internet to start searching in your price range for an engagement ring or diamond ring. You will be able to compare the different online jewelers instantly and not have the hassle of dealing with certain sales people.

Before you decide to purchase from an online jeweler you need to make sure that they are reputable, providing you peace of mind when making a purchase online with them. The things they need to offer you are things like a no questions asked money back guarantee if you're not happy with your purchase. They must offer you a certificate of authentication from the gemologist to prove that the diamond is a real diamond. I also recommend making use of a credit card to purchase the diamond ring because you can always phone your credit card company to reverse the transaction if you are not entirely satisfied.

Before purchasing any diamond ring, make sure that you have peace of mind because you do not want to have any regrets. After making a purchase, and if you do, you need to make sure that you have an option to opt out or return the diamond ring. I have managed to find an online jeweler that provides this type of guarantee and service when purchasing from them.

By Luis JJ Teixeira

Diamond Ring Cuts That Suit You Perfectly

2009-10-31T13:29:00.000-07:00

If you want to purchase a diamond ring, but don't have an idea what cut fits your finger. This article will help you get out of your predicament enumerated points you have to consider before you start wearing your dream ring.

Know your hand shape. There are four major types of diamond cuts for various hand and finger shape.

1. Rectangular palms with long fingers

Princess cut diamond ring is perfect for ladies that has long fingers. To know that your finger is long or short, measure the length of your middle finger, if it's the same length with your palm, then you have a long fingers. Princess cut diamond rings looks good on a point setting.

This shape also gets away with adventurous jewelry design. You won't get wrong in exploring with this type of cut, your hand and fingers will get away with it.

2. Square palms with short fingers

A step-cut diamond in a bezel setting is perfect for ladies with short fingers and square palms. This will accentuate the diamond and make it look bigger than it actually is, perfect for 1 carat or less.

Marquise cut is also good. The elongated shape of the stone will give your fingers the illusion of length. Oval cut diamonds are also good for ladies that has short fingers

3. Rectangular palms with equally long fingers

Emerald cut is perfect for ladies that have equally long fingers. The angular shape of the stone will accentuate your fingers, especially if the diamond's setting shows of the diamond well

4. Square palms with long, slender fingers

A heart or pear-cut diamond ring is perfect for ladies that have trim and slender fingers. You will know if your fingers are slender if your middle finger is almost as long as your palm. The unique shape of the diamond will complement to your finger well, making it appear elegant.

Consider your personality

At the end of the day, you would know if your diamond ring cut fits you if it really fits your personality well. If you're comfortable with it, wear it.

By Robert A Hull

Purity Rings - The Real Deal With Having One

2009-10-31T13:25:00.000-07:00

Purity is said to have made a comeback, and what better way to express your vow for purity than with precious purity rings. With popular young celebrities proclaiming their vows to stay pure until they get married, namely the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus and Jordin Sparks, purity rings have gained the spotlight and becoming a popular choice for a good majority of teenagers.

These rings are also known as chastity rings or promise rings. Most of the time, they are embellished with words like "True Love Waits," or "One Life One Love," constantly serving as a reminder to the wearer about his or her commitment to chastity and waiting for the right one.

This practice was originally started during the 1990's and was a way to discourage premarital sex among young people especially. Today, decades after the movement was first started, purity rings are still popular.

Chastity rings are usually worn on the ring finger of the left hand by a person who has decided to commit to purity until marriage.

Other times, they are worn as necklaces around the neck. Despite the influence of movies and television, the concept of chastity is slowly gaining popularity again. Teens and kids who want to showcase their individuality and commit to their faith or simply just decided to remain celibate until marriage will find having purity rings as a good way to get their message across.

This will separate them from their peers who freely give into sex without much thought of the possible consequences.

By Chris Bradley

Blue Diamond Rings

2009-10-22T14:59:00.000-07:00

Diamond Ring is one of the most desirable, exorable, fabulous and precious jewelry one can ever have. It is such an important symbol that the focus point of most memorable movie "The Titanic" is blue diamond necklace, which is called the heart of the Ocean. Today, they are among the most luxurious and popular gemstone jewelry.

A mine slave found the rarest blue diamond in 1698. Later on, it was bought by Thomas Pitt who was the grandson of William Pitt by whom Pennsylvania was found. That diamond was colorless with lean blue ting and was sent to England for it's cutting thus result in excellent cut stone, 140-carat rich diamond which was bought by the Duke of Orleans in 1717 later on and renamed the diamond after his name. French royal family members and Bonaparte of Napoleon used it. Today in Louver Museum, it is the French Royal Treasury.

It is a universal fact that diamond rings are so rare and expensive that usually people cannot afford it for a single second. They are far higher in cost as compared to other colorless diamonds but blue diamond really means a precious jewelry. They are only used by royals, kings, queens and other members of princes.

The symbol of diamond ring is The Hope Diamond. Usually, it is set in platinum or in white gold but blue diamond also becomes invaluable and striking in appearance in yellow gold as well. In styles, there are many famous like solitaire, a triangle cut, a step cut and with 58 facets. In 58 facets style, it will give a diamond most glimmering and sparkling looks when anyone will wear it in the ring. They are mostly liked and worn by princess and duchess. Today blue diamond rings, which are available, are often treated or enhanced.

By Sarah Nabila

Celtic Wedding Rings of Love

2009-10-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more beautiful than two people celebrating their love through marriage. And a lot of couples choose Celtic wedding rings to solidify that love. They believe not only in its beauty but the symbolic meanings behind each design.

Celtic wedding rings are available in platinum, white gold, yellow gold and silver. Although the most expensive, many marrying couples prefer the platinum ring because it is the most durable. For those who can't afford platinum rings, white gold and yellow gold are the next best choice. They're not as expensive, and they're the next most durable ring. If budget is a bit tight, silver rings are the ones to choose. Don't worry, though, designs are not sacrificed and it will still be beautiful.

Marrying couples can also opt to have gemstones with their Celtic wedding rings. Diamonds, rubies and emeralds add more beauty to an already beautiful ring. These gemstones can be used in several ways, including as studs on the band of the ring or as one ring in the center.

When it comes to the design, there are many to choose from for Celtic wedding rings. And it usually differs with the knots used. Circular knots usually mean eternity and a life forever with each other. These are the most popular designs marrying couples choose for their rings. There are also angular knots available, and these rings symbolize stability and foundation.

Most knots represent life, mankind and even spirituality. Square knots, or shield knots, are meant to ward off evil spirits or bad intentions. Spirals signify rebirth or life cycles. The presence of man or animals on a Celtic wedding ring represents the relationship between man and nature or man and man.

Some favorite designs and knots for Celtic wedding rings include the Eternity Knot, the Trinity Knot, the Lover's Knot and Triskele. The Eternity Knot is any knot that has a closed path with no definite beginning and end. It symbolizes eternal life.

The Trinity Knot is a knot with three points connected into a triangle. Catholic and Celtic beliefs merged with the Trinity Knot. The knot represents the Holy Trinity, according to Catholic beliefs, and the Triple Gods and Goddesses of the Celtic belief. It symbolizes spiritual growth, eternal life and a love that never ends.

The Lover's Knot is any knot that connects what would otherwise be separate paths. The Josephine Knot, or Granny's Knot, can be considered a Lover's Knot. The Triskele has three interlocking spirals. These spirals could represent many things, including fertility, the phases of the moon, reincarnation and creation, preservation and destruction. The Triskele design is located at the center and surrounded with the couple's initials. It can also be seen as a symbol of commitment and eternity.

There are so many designs to choose for a Celtic wedding ring. The infinity band is a popular choice as it represents eternal and never-ending love for each other's partner. It has no beginning and no end and is available in silver, white gold, yellow gold and platinum. Its simple design also makes it an inexpensive choice, especially for the ones with a tight budget.

The Trinity Knot symbolizes perfection because it represents the Holy Trinity or the Triple Gods and Goddesses of the Celts. These rings can be dressed up with gold trims or be made as an inset ring to allow for resizing. The Trinity Knots can be placed all around the band or one by one around the band. The Celtic Knot has no beginning and no end and can be dressed up in a lot of ways. You can add yellow gold or white gold trim, add squares in between the knots or have the knots wrap around the entire band.

Who would have thought picking out Celtic wedding rings would require you to make so many choices? Still, it is worth the effort because it symbolizes a partnership and a lifelong commitment. So choosing the knot is important, and if it surrounds the entire band and has gold trims it will serve as a constant reminder of a couple's love for one another.

By Andy West

Chocolate Diamond Rings

2009-09-30T17:53:00.000-07:00

When I first heard about chocolate diamond rings, I was puzzled. Is it a fancy term for the newest product from Hershey's? It was later that I found out that this unique jewelry item is created with chocolate diamonds, which are members of the brown diamond family. Other diamonds under this category would be champagne, cinnamon, cognac, clove and honey diamonds.

A chocolate diamond is given its name because of its color. The diamond is brownish in hue, giving it that "chocolatey" color. They can be sorted into three main categories: synthetic, natural, and heat-treated. Brown synthetic diamonds are created by incorporating nickel and nitrogen in to the diamond, giving it that brown color; these types of chocolate diamonds are easily identified due to the nickel content. Natural chocolate diamonds are by its term "naturally" made. These diamonds get their colors due to extended lattice defects, with discoloration being the most likely candidate. Treating lattice defects by applying heat creates heat-treated diamonds. This process would make the diamonds lighter in color than the dark chocolate varieties.

Chocolate diamonds have their own unique characteristics and are made more beautiful by having a gold setting. Most of the chocolate diamond rings available are set in 18K gold and are normally paired with white diamonds. There are websites available that offer different settings for your ring.

Some people may still not be open to the idea of having a chocolate diamond for an engagement ring, as the ideal would be to have a classic diamond for engagement. Personally, I think they have a really unique and playful appeal. Imagine saying, "I got engaged and I got this yummy chocolate diamond ring!" For those who may not be familiar with these unique accessories, it would sound intriguing - a good start to a conversation!

By Scarlett Miller

Diamond Ring - Insurance and Care

2009-09-29T19:15:00.001-07:00

A good diamond ring is one of the very expensive things, a person can have. Its care and safety is very important. Most of the people forget insuring it and in case of its damage or loss, they suffer because of the fact that they can't afford a new one. Its insurance is not that much simple. In fact, most of the companies don't insure it just on the normal policy of the customer and the others insure it just for the case of theft, not for damage or loss.

All the things should be made clear before ensuring it. Knowledge of insurance cost is very important and customer should discuss its impact on the policy with the insurance company representative. Second very important thing to be discussed is the mode of recovery when insurance is claimed. Some companies pay the money to the customer so that he could buy the new one while others simply send a new ring to the customers.

Some of the companies which also insure the damage have their own workers which can repair the damaged one. Others make an estimate of the damage and then have a good jeweler to make the repair.

It is very important to care for diamond ring as a good one is very difficult to find and normal methods of cleaning can't be applied on it. If a person doe's household works while wearing it, its shine fades. Most of the jewelers cover diamonds with protective and shining coats to enhance their attractiveness for the customers. This also makes its shining long lasting. To remove dirt, the best method is to soak it in soap water for some time and then a brush can be used to clean it. Soft cloth should be used to dry it. Scratches can be avoided by keeping it in a separate box, away from the other jewelry.

By Sarah Nabila

Yellow Diamonds - A Brief Guide

2009-09-29T19:14:00.001-07:00

Yellow Diamonds have always been valued for their beautiful colour, classy look, exotic appeal and mystic qualities. They look especially nice in the form of a ring. So, if you still haven't seen these beauties, you are in for a magnificent surprise. Yellow diamonds rings are doing the rounds in the fashion world and attracting a ton of attention.

These diamonds come in a wide range, and can be worn in the form of rings, earrings, pendants etc. If you are looking to make an impression at a party, these are the perfect choice. They are not as loud as other coloured diamonds, but yet they have a sophisticated and classy feel to them. They might not make people go green with envy but they will delight you by their sheer presence. So, get yourself these beautiful jewels and get ready to party all night!

Just like other diamonds, one needs to consider the four C's while buying diamonds-Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat weight. In the case of yellow diamonds, the most important feature is the colour because that's the characteristic feature. After all, that's why you are choosing a yellow diamond over others. Obviously, you have to consider the other factors as well. Ensure that you buy diamonds from a certified diamond dealer. When you are spending a fortune on these beauties, you must take every measure to certify their quality and standards.

So, let your hair down with a gorgeous set of yellow diamond earrings or a ring and make your presence felt!

By John Newcomb

Diamond Clarity - Flawless, VVS2, Or SI1? A Rating Guide

2009-07-29T22:53:00.000-07:00

What does Clarity mean?

When you are shopping for a diamond engagement ring, a diamond pendant, diamond earrings, or any piece of diamond jewelry; one important factor is the "Clarity" of the diamonds that you choose. Clarity is one of the 4Cs that are used in setting the price of diamonds. The definition of clarity is "the quality or state of being clear". Having a diamond without anything inside of it is extremely rare, especially in larger diamonds. Because of this rarity factor, as a diamond becomes "cleaner" it also becomes more expensive.

Of all the diamonds that are mined every year, only about 20% are "clean enough" to be used in diamond jewelry with the other 80% of the diamonds being used for industrial purposes. So if you have a diamond with the highest possible clarity grade then it really is one in a million, making it even that much more special!

What makes up the Clarity of a diamond?

The two factors that will determine a diamond's clarity are the things that are on the outside, these are called blemishes, and the stuff on the inside of the diamond, these are called inclusions. A diamond will almost always have some other things that were caught up inside of it as it was growing below the surface of the earth. Because diamonds are on average 3.3 billions years old, they have grown very slowly. As they grew, the diamond encountered other materials in their neighborhood where they were formed. The process of having something "included" inside of a diamond crystal took hundreds, thousands, or millions of years to happen. So when you see inclusions inside of a diamond it is like looking back in time over millions or even billions of years. Diamonds most commonly have other diamonds captured inside of them... that's pretty cool, you get more than one diamond with your purchase!

Common inclusions are as follows-

* Clouds

* Feathers

* Included crystals or minerals

* Cavities

* Cleavage

* Bearding

* Internal graining

* Needles

* Twinning wisps

Blemishes are the things on the outside of the diamond. Most of these are a result of the diamond cutting process and could be removed by a diamond cutter. These are not such serious items and usually don't play a major part in determining the clarity grade of a diamond.

Common blemishes are as follows-

* Polish lines

* External Graining

* Naturals

* Knots

* Scratches

* Nicks

* Pits

* Chips

* Fracture

* Extra facets

* Cavity

The clarity grades are as follows-

FL (Flawless)- No inclusions or blemishes of any sort under 10x magnification when observed by an experienced grader.

IF (Internally Flawless)- Has no inclusions when examined by an experienced grader using 10x magnification, but will still have some minor blemishes.

VVS1 and VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included)- Contains minute inclusions that are difficult even for experienced graders to see under 10x magnification.

VS1 and VS2 (Very Slightly Included)- Contains minute inclusions such as small crystals, clouds or feathers, when observed with effort under 10x magnification.

SI1 and SI2 (Slightly Included)- Contains inclusions (clouds, included crystals, knots, cavities, and feathers) that are noticeable to an experienced grader under 10x magnification.

I1, I2, I3 (Included)- Contains inclusions (possibly large feathers or large included crystals) that are obvious under 10x magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance.

It is the combination of the inclusions and the blemishes along with their size, their number, their position, their nature, and their color that will determine a diamond's clarity. There are a lot of variables involved in making a diamond a certain clarity... it is because diamonds are kind of like snowflakes, where each one is different.

A bit of history about the Clarity system.

Currently we have a diamond clarity grading system that everyone understands and has worked well for many years... it wasn't always this way. Years ago, if someone was describing the clarity of a diamond and they said that it was a "clean", a "piqué", or a "loupe clean" diamond, would you know what they meant?

Richard T. Liddicoat of the Gemological Institute of America introduced the current system in 1953 and it was immediately adopted as the universal system to classify the clarity of a diamond. The eleven different clarity grades communicate the clarity quality of a diamond regardless of the geographic location or the language of the consumer.

Along with the definition of these eleven clarity grades, GIA also states that the clarity grading be done by a trained person using a controlled "darkfield" lighting environment, and a 10X magnification corrected for spherical and chromatic aberration. Wow! that sounds pretty technical! however it's relatively easy to understand this system.

How will you be able to know the Clarity of a diamond?

You, a person who is not fully trained in this system, probably might not be able to accurately determine the clarity grade of a diamond. A Gemologist who has been trained as to all the variables involved will be able to determine the clarity grade and they will also be able to show you why a diamond is a certain clarity.

The best way to be assured of the clarity of a diamond will be to have a diamond grading report issued by a credible gemological laboratory. The best reports will be from GIA, AGSL, or GCAL. These nationally known and well respected labs do use a number of graders who must agree on all of the qualities of the diamond before a report is issued.

What is the best Diamond Clarity for me?

The price of diamonds will change, go up or go down, as the clarity moves higher or lower. For diamonds in the most common color, cut, and weight range, as a general rule, look for about a 15 to 20% change in pricing for each change in clarity. A diamond with a clarity grade of FL (Flawless) is no more beautiful than a diamond with a clarity grade of SI1 (Slightly Included 1) but a FL clarity can be more than twice the price of a SI1 diamond.

From the FL to the SI1 clarity grades, any inclusions and/or blemishes are only visible when you look at them using 10X magnification. I don't know of anyone who walks around with a 10X magnifier in their pocket in order to look at people's diamonds... sorry, let me correct that, I don't know of anyone except for jewelers and Gemologists (including myself) that walk around with a 10X magnifier in their pocket.

You will need to see for yourself what these different clarity grades actually look like. I know many people who have looked at the clarity grading chart and see that the VVS2 or VS1 are "in the middle" of the chart so they think it is what they would like to consider when buying a diamond.

There are only a few diamonds that can fit into the nearly impossible FL and IF grades and just a few more diamonds that are able to fit into the extremely tight VVS1 and VVS2 grades... a single tiny, microscopic, pinpoint inclusion will easily move a diamond out of these grades. As you move down into the VS, SI, and I grades it widens out and many move diamonds will fit into these grades. SI1 is more "in the middle" than either VVS2 or VS1.

Find a good Gemologist to teach you or do some research online about diamond clarity grades, it's really not too complicated. When you buy larger diamonds, make sure they come along with a diamond grading report that you trust.

Buy Bud Boland

Diamond Choice

2009-07-29T22:51:00.000-07:00

The precision of the cut determines the maximum amount of light that will be reflected through the diamond. When a diamond is cut to good proportions light is reflected from one facet to another and then dispersed through the crown or the top of the stone. Put another way, when light shines on a diamond, the light bounces through the diamond and reflects back out the top. The diamond will sparkle, is lively and dancing with spectral color or some use the term "fire". The best cut or Ideal Cut Diamond is not cheap but is worth every extra dollar.

The Cut of the diamond can be also graded into groups: Ideal, Premium, Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor.

An Ideal Cut or Excellent cut diamond will give you the maximum brilliance or sparkle. Diamond jewelry with Ideal round cut Diamonds are some of the finest money can buy and wonderful to own.

A Premium cut, also known as Fine, is a diamond that is graded just below the ideal cut. A premium cut diamond is still one of the finest and will give you maximum brilliance or sparkle. A Diamond Pendant with a premium cut round diamond will be beautiful, will sparkle and be a joy to own.

A Very Good cut is a grade just outside the tolerance of an ideal/premium cut and will reflect most of the light that goes into the diamond. In some cases a decision was made to create a larger diamond rather than to cut into the diamond to create the proper proportions that would give an ideal cut. The price of this diamond will be slightly lower than a premium or ideal cut diamond.

When a diamond is graded as Good much of the light will be reflected to give a sparkle. Diamonds cut with a good proportion have been cut to maximize the size of the diamond and not the brilliance. Diamond Jewelry with good diamonds will be offered with great cost savings. If you are looking for a larger diamond and want to stay within a budget this would be a good consideration that will give you size and also quality.

Fair to Poor cut diamonds are below average and will reflect only a small amount of light. These diamonds have been cut to maximize the size with little consideration to quality.

Diamonds are cut in different shapes. Some of the most popular shapes are brilliant, marquise, pear, emerald, oval, heart, square. The shape of the diamond you choice is just that your choice. The only other thing to consider is a round cut diamond will give you the more sparkle as compared to a pear shape.

COLOR grading scale varies from totally colorless which are rare beautiful diamonds to a light fancy. Our online jewelry store, Golddiamondspro offers you some Diamond Rings with colorless graded diamond with the majority of our Diamond Jewelry offered with diamonds graded G-H Color.

Grading

D, E, F - Colorless, exceptional white, highest color grade and a rare diamond

G, H, I, J - Near colorless and exceptional value

K, L, M, N - Slightly tinted giving you good value

M, N - Tinted

O, P,Q - Very light yellow

R, S,T - Light yellow

U, V, W - Yellow

X, Y, Z - Light fancy

CLARITY is graded with the use of a magnification corrected loupe 10x magnification by a trained professional. With this magnification they are able to see characteristics or inclusions that make every diamond quite unique. These inclusions are nature's fingerprints and neither detracts from its beauty nor jeopardizes its durability. It is the number, nature, position, size and color of these inclusions and how easily they are to see that will determine the grade of a diamond. Clarity is graded from flawless to heavily included inclusions.

Pure flawless diamond has no internal faults or inclusions when examined by a professional using 10x magnification loupe.

VvS1 - Very, very Small Inclusions with internal faults that is difficult for a professional to observe but with a minor fault cannot be designated as flawless.

VvS2 - Very, very Small Inclusions with internal faults but minor and cannot be designated as flawless.

VS1, VS2 - Very Small Inclusions in a diamond that is difficult for a professional to find using a magnification loupe. They may fine a few somewhat larger internal characteristics or several very small ones.

SI1, SI2 - Professional Grade using 10 x magnification loupe may, without difficulty, find internal characteristics or inclusions which may only have insignificant single fault.

I1, I2, I3 - Professional Grade I is used for diamonds which a professional observer with a naked eye can see internal flaws and/or have such major faults which reduces the value of the diamond.

CARAT-WEIGHT or size of the diamond is divided into 100 "points" which is One Carat. A diamond of 25 points is described as quarter of a carat or 0.25 carat, 50 points would be .50 carat or ½ carat, and ¾ carat in weight is 0.75 carat. There are five carats in a gram.

Which Diamond Should you buy? Size is one of the most obvious factors in determining the value of a diamond but now you know that two diamonds of equal size can have very different values depending on their quality. The cut, color, and clarity are important factors to consider when looking at the value of diamond jewelry. To purchase the best diamond ring, bracelet, earrings or necklace look for the least amount of color and an ideal cut. This will be the most expensive but beautiful and definitely the finest you can buy. If your funds are limited then buy the finest cut you can. Buy now at GoldDiamondsPro choicing the factors that are the most important to you.

By Elsie Coates

What You Should Know When Buying a Diamond Ring

2009-07-29T22:49:00.000-07:00

Diamond information for couples interested in buying a diamond engagement ring. At a point in nearly every man's life, there comes a time when his heart knows it's time to buy a diamond engagement ring for the woman he loves. Only then will you feel comfortable buying a diamond engagement ring. There are many things to consider when learning how to buy a diamond, you should never rush into buying a diamond without first doing a little research as to how the diamonds are priced. Buying a diamond is no different, except most of know us very little about diamonds. Buying a diamond ring is often an emotional - not to mention expensive - experience.

Diamond Ring:

Buying a diamond ring can be a huge investment and you want to get one with the perfect diamond in it, so you may be intimidated if you are a first time buyer. Buying a diamond means investing in a piece for forever. Every individual buying a diamond seeks out the best they can afford. When buying a diamond, consider your budget and where the stone will be worn to help determine the ideal carat size. The Four C's of Buying a Diamond, to determine the best price for your ring, you need to be familiar with the four C's. The four C's of cut, color, clarity, and carat are explained.

Diamond Color

Most diamonds have a slight hint of yellow and the diamond color scale is based on the amount of yellow present in a diamond. It's the absence of color that adds value to the diamond. Diamond color is graded according to the GIA Grading Scale. Grades are based on the amount of yellow that is visible when viewed face down through the pavilion using the GIA Diamond Lite. The color scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (yellow tinge).

Diamond Cut

To achieve the maximum reflection of light that causes a diamond to sparkle requires a diamond to have an Ideal/Excellent cut grade. Ideal cut diamonds are graded as such because they fall within the ideal cut grade parameters specified by the diamond grading labs. The better cut grades are likely to display more fire and brilliance and since their appearance is more desirable, they are priced accordingly. The GIA and EGL have only extended ideal/excellent cut grade parameters to round brilliant stones at this time. Determining a diamond's cut grade, however, goes beyond simple measurements of width and depth. Diamond Cut is perhaps the most important of the four C's.

Diamond Clarity

A diamond's clarity is determined by the number, nature, position, size and color of internal characteristics called "inclusions" and surface features called "blemishes". These show themselves as the various characteristics which make up the clarity of a diamond, included crystals, feathers, clouds etc. These characteristics are sometimes not visible to the naked eye and they are what make each diamond unique. This clarity grade becomes more important as the diamond size increases. The clarity scale was developed by the Gemological Institute of America GIA to quantify these imperfections.

Diamond Carat

It is a common misconception that carats refer to the size of a diamond. In reality, a carat is the standard unit of weight by which diamonds are measured. Since a carat is a measure of weight, not size, one diamond of the same carat weight may look bigger than another depending on the cut. A premium cut diamond may actually appear bigger than many diamonds of a higher carat weight.

Diamond Shape

Stones come in different shapes - round, oval, marquise, pear, emerald, heart, princess, and radiant.

Round

A round brilliant is a great choice if you want the most sparkle and the most enduring classic shape round-brilliant diamonds are the only shape to have this ideal proportion defined. Brilliant cut diamonds have facets that are shaped like triangles and kites. Today's round brilliant diamond has a total of fifty-eight facets, but you'll see varying facet numbers in vintage brilliant cut diamonds. Even though Round Brilliant cut diamonds are the most expensive in the market, they make up the overwhelming majority of diamonds found in engagement rings, and are popular as stud earrings and pendants.

Oval

The elongated shape of Oval diamonds gives a very flattering effect to your finger when worn in a ring, and is found in some of the most beautiful diamond engagement rings. Unlike round cut diamonds, oval cut diamonds have an elongated shape, which makes the diamond appear larger in carat weight. Oval cut diamonds are essentially elongated round cut diamonds. Many women with smaller hands or shorter fingers prefer the look of oval cut diamonds and pear shaped diamonds because they truly slenderize and elongate the fingers on the hand.

Marquise

While marquise diamonds are not as popular as round cut diamonds or princess cut diamonds, they are still quite sophisticated and elegant. A marquise cut diamond has a uniquely beautiful shape that is favoured by many women, but a small percentage of brilliance will be sacrificed for the beauty of this uniquely diamond shape. Compared to the round cuts, the marquise diamonds are not as popular these days. In addition, the shape of the marquise diamond almost makes the stone appear larger than it is. The Marquise shape was created for Louis the XIV and is has become a timeless classic.

Pear

The pear shape is a stunningly feminine diamond shape with a rounded end on one side and a tapering point at the other. Due to their elongated shape, pear cut diamonds are known for their slenderizing effect. .The Pear cut allows a range of cutting styles, so that the teardrop shape can be wider, slimmer, or cut to Ideal proportions, based on your choice and preferences. Pear shaped diamonds have a rounded end and a single point. While pear shaped diamonds are not as traditional as round cut diamonds, or as trendy as princess cut diamonds, they are still coveted by many people.

Emerald

The emerald-cut diamond is among the most classic of diamond shapes that is distinguished by beveled corners and step facets, emerald cut diamonds are more transparent than other shapes, resulting in the need for higher standards of clarity. The emerald cut can be one of the least expensive to cut because its shape is most like the natural shape of the rough diamond crystal. Because of the angle, size and shape of the facets, the emerald cut shows less brilliance and fire dispersion than the other brilliant cut diamonds. However, the emerald cut stone reveals a classic beauty and elegance not seen in other cuts. The trim lines of Emerald cut diamonds lend an elegant, sophisticated air to both the simplest of ring designs.

Heart

The heart-shaped diamond is the most romantic of diamond shapes and a symbol of love and affection, the heart cut diamond is an excellent choice for an anniversary or engagement ring. It is a tender gesture to make to someone special. A quality heart-shaped diamond is lovely and distinctive, with an even shape and well-defined outline. They are the ultimate symbol of romance, and more and more people are choosing heart cut diamonds for engagement and anniversary rings. Heart Shaped Diamonds are rarer and more expensive as it takes a large piece of diamond rough to shape cut and polish to something that is the ultimate symbol of love "the heart"

Princess

A modern innovation, the princess shape dazzles and sparkles with its star burst facet pattern, while still leaving the crown of the diamond flat and open. The princess cut is stunning set as a solitaire it is a modern classic of clean, square lines and beautiful sparkle. Its sharp corners are usually contained in a four-pronged or bezel set in wedding rings. You will also find Princess cut diamonds are often channeled into the wedding band itself. Princess Cut Diamonds are for those people who love the sparkle and brilliance associated with round cut diamonds, but prefer the shape of a square. While the round brilliant solitaire seems to be the most popular shape right now for engagement rings, many people are deviating from this trend and going with princess cut diamonds.

Radiant

The radiant cut was first patented in the late 1970's by Henry Grossbard, with its angular shape and brilliant cut facets it makes a scintillating alternative to other cuts such as the Emerald cut. The radiant shaped diamond can be considered a modified brilliant diamond that is closely related to the princess cut diamond because of its square shape. High quality Radiant cut diamonds combine the fire and sparkle of Emerald and Round cuts.

Now you know the different shapes of diamonds that you can purchase and which shape will accentuate individual fingers or provide brilliant sparkle we can now move on to the ring.

There are many different metals used for rings today which can be grouped into two, precious and non -precious, those in the precious group including silver, gold, and platinum, while those in the non-precious group can include brass, copper ad nickel. Most rings today are made of gold or platinum so we will focus our discussion on these two precious metals.

Gold

Gold comes in various colors that can reflect the carat value of the carat of yellow gold with 10k, 14k and 18k being the most popular. Did you know that you can get Rose Gold, white gold and yellow gold and that white gold is more a silver color than white? Until recently white gold was yellow gold with as much of the yellow gold removed as possible, however it was still not a true white color. To give you that white (silver) brilliance the rings are plated with Rhodium or palladium.

Platinum

Platinum became very popular for its natural white (silver) color and durability. Customers that buy white gold rings that have rhodium plating will have to have the ring re-plated every few years if it's worn regularly, as the rhodium wears off. With platinum the color stays the same no mater how often you wear it. Platinum is about twice the price of 14K Gold and can push the price of the setting and diamond out of the range of some customers.

Ring Mounts

There are thousands of different settings available for you to choose from; they come in all shapes and sizes, from solitaires to multi stone rings. Your choice is a personal one; however you should consider when you are going to be wearing your ring. If you plan to wear it daily then pick something with a low profile that protects the diamond and setting from getting damaged if you accidentally catch it against something. This could lead to the diamond coming loose and having to be reset, to forcing the diamond out of the mounting and breaking it.

On the other hand, if you are only going to wear the ring for special occasions then purchase a mount that holds the diamond high so that it's well displayed and allow the light to enter unobstructed from the top and show the scintillating fire and brilliance.

Remember that if you are purchasing a high quality diamond for your ring that having other diamonds around it will detract from your central diamond. If on the other hand you are purchasing a smaller center diamond adding smaller ones around the outside will make the center one look larger.

Engagement sets are also very popular, with couples purchasing the engagement ring and then going back and purchasing the wedding band from the set, for that special day.

By Derek Parnell

Interested in Buying Diamond Jewelry? Start With the Basics!

2009-07-29T22:47:00.000-07:00

Diamond buying has gotten easier! Or has it?

Many years ago buying some diamond jewelry was kind of simple. You know... if you wanted to buy some diamond earrings, a diamond bracelet, or a diamond engagement ring, you would go down to your favorite local diamond jewelry store, you would sit down, and then you would choose your favorite piece of diamond jewelry from your trusted family jewelry. Well some of that scenario has changed a bit in the past 30 years and now it is up to you, the diamond jewelry shopper, to play a more active part in this process and so you will need to do your homework before you make your purchase.

The 4 basic elements that make up the pricing of diamonds are pretty straightforward. But like most things, once you get past the basics, the information overload starts to become more than many consumers need to know. The first 3 components of a diamond's pricing; Clarity, Color, and Carat Weight are pretty easy to understand. The heavier the diamond (a greater Carat weight), the more it will cost. The less "stuff" inside of the diamond (a higher Clarity), the more it will cost. The more it looks like "ice" (a higher Color, more colorless), the more it will cost. There are charts you can use for reference so it is kind of easy to comprehend.

The one "C" that gives you the most trouble.

The "Cut" of a diamond is the biggest factor in how beautiful a diamond will be... meaning that if a diamond is cut to exacting angles and proportions, the diamond's potential beauty will be realized. It is this one factor that can account for nearly 50% of a diamond's value! When it comes to the Cut of a diamond, there are many people who can become confused as to what all those numbers and terms mean. Over the years, diamond cutters have been improving their methods and the quality of their finished product. There are a couple of things that have been driving these improvements. The first would be the greater number of Gemologists that are working in the jewelry business and they can quickly and accurately tell the difference between well cut and poorly cut diamonds.

The other big change has been the wide spread use of diamond grading reports, which have become a "must have" part of the diamond transaction. Even with these changes in the diamond buying process, a diamond's Cut can still be a minefield of misinformation and confusion. Just because a diamond has a grading report it does not guarantee that the diamond will be beautiful. When considering a diamond that comes with a grading report, it is best if you only accept diamond grading reports that come from GIA, AGSL, or GCAL. These diamond grading reports do have a Cut grade that can be trusted and that can be used to compare with other diamonds. The topic of diamond grading reports can be pretty involved and there are times that you can depart from this general rule.

What's a consumer to do?

Information will be an important part of any diamond buying process but there is also another element that must not be overlooked. That element? Trust. Just imagine the process everyone should go through when considering buying some diamond jewelry from a local jewelry store. You would want to consider a local jeweler who others have recommended, who has experience, who is a Gemologist, who is located in proper jewelry store, who will spend time with you, and who will freely give you the information that you will need to make an informed decision.

This same type of criteria should also apply to anything you encounter in the online world of diamonds. I am amazed by the amount of incorrect information about diamonds that exists on the Internet. The people dispensing this misinformation are saying that they can save you 70% or $2,987.43 on your next diamond purchase and at the same time they are trying to sell you their new e-book "The Diamond Secrets that jewelers don't want you to know!" for $97.

Would you buy a diamond from somebody who has set up a tent at the corner next to the gas station? This is the same tent that just last week had big banners stating "Information On How To Save $$ on Cell Phones" but now those banners say "Information On How To Save $$ on Diamonds!". If you enter the tent, they don't bother telling you any reason why you should believe anything that they have to say. There are probably some pretty pictures and some bright lights in there. If you can find their "About Us" button and you click on it... up pops "We are committed to bringing you the best diamond buying information". OK, that's nice... but what does it mean? Who is "we"?, what experience does "we" have in the jewelry business?, does "we" have any experience in actually buying and selling diamonds, why should you believe a single word that "we" has to say?, and do you have any reason to trust "we"?

Don't stray too far off the path!

In the search for the right diamond or piece of diamond jewelry it is always best not to be distracted by the siren's song of low prices. You generally get what you pay for. Your local retail diamond jewelry store might have higher diamond prices (maybe they might be able to match online diamond prices!) but they also have diamonds that you can see before you buy, they might have a good trade up program, they might offer a free appraisal, they might offer free checkups / cleanings, they might offer free ring sizings, they might offer lifetime damage or loss guarantees, and a diamond purchased from them could have the added cachet of being a piece of diamond jewelry from Tiffany verses a piece of diamond jewelry from super-ultra-dirt-cheap-diamonds.com.

The online diamond retailers do offer an attractive alternative to traditional diamond retail jewelry stores. Online diamond retailers do offer quality diamonds at good prices along with being able to set the diamond into a basic mounting but it will require more work on your part along with making a purchase of a product sight unseen. Because this type of purchase will be a blind transaction... trust in your basic diamond knowledge along with trust in the company you are dealing with will be essential.

Start and stick with the basics! The 4Cs and trust.

By Bud Boland

Diamonds - Interesting Facts

2009-07-21T16:38:00.000-07:00

Diamonds are the symbol that we use to show are undying love for someone. They are the traditional icon of romance and love. Most people may be surprised to learn that the majority of diamonds that are mined today are used for industrial purposes and not for jewelry.

Historians believe that diamonds may have first been used for industrial purposes not for their brilliant sparkle and allure. Peter Lu a Harvard physicist and his colleagues discovered that in the late Stone Age the Chinese used diamonds to polish ceremonial burial axes. Today about 80% of mined diamonds are used for cutting, drilling, grinding and polishing.

Most people might be surprised to know that diamonds are not the hardest substance on Earth. Diamonds are the hardest natural mineral substance, but they are not the hardest substance known to man. A substance called Aggregated Diamond Nonorods is about 11 % harder than a diamond.

The first diamonds were discovered by Indians over 3,000 years ago. Diamonds didn't get associated with love and romance until the 1940's when the De Beers Company began to advertise diamonds as the perfect item for a wedding or engagement rings. They did an all out media campaign and soon people were buying diamond engagement rings all over the world.

It is believed that most diamonds are over three billion years old and most are formed more than 100 miles below the surface of the earth. Before the sixth century, India was the only known source of diamonds and was the predominant source for over 2,000 years.

The Romans believed that diamonds had the power to ward off evil and wore them as talismans. It is believed that they inherited this belief from Indian mythology. In France in the thirteenth century it was decreed that only the king could wear diamonds.

The Gemological Institute of America was founded in the 1950's. It was the first internationally accepted diamond grading system. This system applied uniform criteria to grading the quality of polished diamonds. The GIA Gem Trade Laboratory Diamond Grading Report is the benchmark for the international gem and jewelry industry.

The Cullinan diamond was the largest rough diamond ever found and was 3,106 carats. It was discover in the Premier mine of South Africa in 1905.It was cut into nine major stones. The largest of the stones is the Star of Africa and is 550.20 carats. It is housed in the Tower of London and mounted in the British Royal Scepter. The most recent diamond discoveries have been in the Northwest Territories of Canada and in Colorado. Explorers found diamond pipes in both locations in 1990.

It wasn't until the late 13th century that diamonds were used in European jewelry. Diamonds were initially used for engraving other gems including sapphire cameos. They were also used for drilling holes in hard stone beads.

Diamonds have been around forever and are cherished by all. Diamonds have an exciting and lively history. These are just a few of the fascinating facts associated with diamonds.

By Lawrence Reaves

Tips For Buying Diamond Eternity Rings

2009-07-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

Most women love receiving jewelry for a gift on just about any occasion. There are times, however, when only diamond eternity rings will do. These diamond rings are typically given as anniversary gifts or other occasions.

What makes diamond eternity rings different is the fact that the diamonds go all the way around the band. These bands of gold and diamonds are perfect for "stacking" which means a lady can sport two or more of these on one hand.

When purchasing diamond eternity rings be sure to do everything that you would normally do while diamond shopping. The Cs, which are cut, color, clarity and carat weight will tell you if you are purchasing diamonds that are worth the money that you are spending. The fact that you are buying a ring with smaller stones all the way around the band should not deter you from looking into the quality of the stones.

The cut of a diamond is all about the shape. Round diamonds will offer more sparkle and shine to the diamonds. The choice of cuts whether it be round, princess cut or any of the other shapes is normally contingent upon personal preference.

The color refers to how much yellow tint your diamond eternity rings will have. The levels are categorized by letters with D being colorless. The tint will be more the higher up the alphabet you go.

Clarity is how many imperfections one can see with the naked eye. There various levels to this as well and if you are choosing diamond eternity rings based on clarity you will want to look at a scale at your jeweler to see what your options are.

Carat weight is exactly what it says. This is how much the diamond weighs. Most diamond eternity rings will have smaller diamonds that are either channel set or prong set around the entire ring. The combined total weight of all the diamonds will determine how much carat weight you have.

Diamond eternity rings are normally given to women on their wedding anniversaries but in today's world, there are more and more bride who love the look and feel of these bands and are opting to use them for
wedding bands.

By Rich Keys

What Exactly is a Diamond?

2009-06-11T14:46:00.000-07:00

Timeless. Forever. These are just a few of the many words used to describe one of the world's most infamous stones - the diamond.

Derived from the Greek word "adamas" which means "invincible", diamond is the only known mineral that is composed of a single element. Diamonds are completely made of Carbon which is one of the most abundant elements on Earth. High pressure and temperatures, ranging from 900 to 1300 degrees Celsius deep underground near the Earth's core, liquefy then crystallize carbon atoms into pieces of rough diamond. Eventually, over extremely long periods of time, these rough diamonds are pushed towards the earth's surface, usually through volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and other geologic events. This is why rough diamonds, called octahedrons, are usually found in riverbeds and mines.

For the untrained eyes, a rough diamond would be easily mistaken for a piece of broken glass. However, a diamond is far from a piece of glass as it is one of the hardest substances on the planet. Although it can break, it can only be scratched by another diamond.

A diamond needs to be carefully cut and shaped to bring out its beauty and brilliance. The diamond's brilliance refers to its ability to radiate magnificent colors when tilted back and forth. The surfaces of the diamond, called facets, act as a prism to achieve this wondrous display of fire.

Over the past century many have debated the "correct" formula required to achieve the maximum brilliance in a polished diamond. In the next few articles we'll discuss the fascinating history of this remarkable stone.

Timeless and forever. No other stone shines as bright as a sparkling diamond.

By Eli Zabib

A Diamond Lineage

2009-06-11T14:43:00.000-07:00

Diamond history is said to begin in India at least 3,000 years ago. The polishing and processing of diamonds is still predominantly done in India. The ancient Greeks provide the source of the name "diamonds" from the Greek word "adamas". The artistry and craftsmanship involved with setting precious stones goes back thousands of years, and has been passed on to the artisans of today.

There is one amazing diamond lineage that can be traced back to the time of Moses in the Bible. Some time around 1500 B.C., the ancient Israelis made their exodus from Egypt. As depicted in the Charlton Heston movie, The Ten Commandments, the Law was given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. In addition to the list of commandments, there were many instructions given to Moses regarding how the new nation would be organized.

The nation was divided into twelve tribes, according to the twelve sons of Israel. One tribe, made up of the descendants of Levi, was appointed to be a tribe of priests. The Levite who would be the High Priest was the only one who could approach the Ark of the Covenant to make sacrifices on behalf of the nation on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).

The High Priest was given a special set of garments to wear, which contained many precious stones. In the book of Exodus, Chapter 28, jewelers and gem cutters from the tribe of Levi were commanded to fashion the priestly outfit to exact specifications. Included in the "uniform" was a breastplate on which were set twelve precious stones. The jewels were arranged in four rows of three. The third stone on the second row is a diamond. The gold and gemstone craftsmen were given the responsibility to fashion all of the precious metal and stones involved in ancient Israeli worship ceremonies.

One of the leaders today in the design and sale of champagne or chocolate diamonds is the LeVian family of jewelers. According to their posted history, Mr. A. LeVian founded the company in the United States in 1950 after immigrating from Persia. It was in that ancient land where he inherited a storied and famous trade from a long line of family jewelers who trace their lineage directly to the tribe of Levi.

Chocolate diamonds are birthed in the geologic history of the earth, but their human history is also a tribute to their staying power. Though their wild popularity may be relatively new, they are one of the least transient things on earth. Chocolate diamonds, relatively speaking, are indeed forever.

By Kenner Beckley

Brown Diamonds Look Great on You

2009-06-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

Who wears chocolate diamonds? How about: Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Bhumibol Adulyadej Mahitalathibet Ramathibodi Chakkrinaruebodin Sayamminthrathirat Borommanatbophit. That is the full title to the King of Thailand (easy for you to say). King Bhumibol (for short) was presented the world's largest faceted diamond in 1997. The Golden Jubilee, as the stone is called, weighs 545.67 carats. It is officially graded as "fancy yellow-brown". Chocolate, or champagne diamonds have been worn by royalty and people in authority for centuries. Cardinal Jules Mazarin, the chief minister of France, was a collector of these stones.

Nowadays, check any "red carpet" event and you are likely to see some gorgeous brown jewelry on display from some of the best jewelry designers in the world. Jennifer Lopez wore a combination of shades of champagne and peach diamond earrings to the Academy Awards. Both the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress winners in 2007 wore champagne diamonds. Helen Mirren featured a 62-carat brown and white diamond brooch while Jennefer Hudson wore a champagne diamond on her right hand. Previous Academy Award winner, Hillary Swank, wore a 20-carat champagne diamond in her hair.

It is no exaggeration to say that Hollywood is infatuated with chocolate diamonds. Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Cate Blanchett, Jessica Simpson and Halle Berry have all been seen with dazzling chocolate diamond arrangements. E! reporter, Maria Menounos, captured everyone's attention wearing a gown embroidered with 2,000 champagne diamonds. A set of gold and champagne diamond earrings were recently worn by Eva Longoria and E! News host, Giuliana Rancic. Singers Kathleen "Bird" York and British pop star Natasha Bedingfield have been seen with champagne earrings and necklaces respectively. The feelings extend across the globe to Japan where the movie star, Mari Natsuki, is a collector of chocolate diamonds.

Everyone, from carriers of the most luxurious high-end jewelry to the local mall retailer, is embracing the hottest jewelry fashion on the planet, champagne or chocolate diamonds. Because of the unique color design options and blending with earth tones, there is room for unlimited design creativity and variation. The affordability of chocolate diamonds allows for price points to be dependent upon the artistry of the design and not just the value of the stones themselves. This creates greater selection and accessibility on the part of purchasers from one end of the economic scale to the other.

By Kenner Beckley

How Diamond Prices Are Determined

2009-06-06T16:32:00.001-07:00

Whether you are a diamond jewelry store owner or you are a consumer looking for the right diamond jewelry for your loved ones, knowing how diamond prices are determined will always be an advantage.

When it comes to pricing most products, it is quite simple. By determining how much is the cost price and how much it costs to market the product, and mark the total up by at least 15% to 30% or more to earn profits. Pricing diamonds is not quite as simple as pricing other products. There are many factors that need to be considered before launching them to the market.

The first thing that diamond prices are determined is by adding the cost of the rough diamond, the cost of cutting the diamond and all the other cost to turn a rough and unrefined diamond into a marketable diamond. After turning it into a marketable diamond, the company may need to call an independent company in to certify the grade of the diamond based on its weight, clarity, cut and colour.

As diamond changes hands, it becomes more expensive. When it reaches the retailers the price is again increased a little bit more. As you can see from here, before a diamond reaches the retailer, it must travel from the mine, to the cutter and polisher, then to the individual grading company, and lastly to the primary market. From the primary market, jewelry store owners and retailers will then purchase the diamond and sell it to the consumers. Therefore, the earlier you can purchase a diamond in the process, the lower the cost of it will be.

If you have recently just bought a diamond and do not know how much does it worth, you can send your diamonds for appraisal, but take note that the appraisal may not be accurate. A more accurate way to determine the price of your diamond is to obtain its certificate and use the cutter's guide to determine a more accurate worth for your diamond.

You can also surf the Internet and locate many diamond worth calculators. Before you can calculate the worth of your diamond using those calculators, you need to know the cuts, clarity, colour and weight of it. With this information, the calculator will be able to determine an accurate worth of your diamond.

Again, the best way to determine the price of a diamond is to get a Diamond Grading Report and use the information in it to look up the price in one of the guides that your diamond cutting industry uses. With the right worth in mind, you will be better informed about the value that you have paid for the diamond in your possession, as well as of the diamond jewelry that you are considering purchasing.

By Cheow Yu Yuan

Diamond Buying Tips

2009-06-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

Many people do not know what they are looking for when they set out to buy a piece of diamond jewelry, especially if it is their first time buying an engagement ring or a present for a loved one. It can be an overwhelming and intimidating process, going into retailers, looking at all of the different, delicate, expensive pieces. You've probably braced yourself to pay more than you want to, but you would like to avoid paying too much. The first thing is to remember not to buy a diamond simply because it looks like it costs much less than the other pieces in the store.

Just because it's a diamond doesn't mean it's valuable. In fact, much of the diamond's value simply comes from the demand and mystique associated with it. There are several extremely low-quality pieces of diamond jewelry that are advertised for twenty bucks and worth less than five. Similarly, just because something is advertised as "on sale," doesn't mean that it's the best price or the best diamond piece out there. Best value diamonds have an essential jewelry combination of quality and price, both of which should have equal influence in your decision.

If the person you are buying the jewelry for has absolutely fallen in love with a piece that you and your family most certainly cannot afford, be firm. As the salesperson if there are any other pieces like it or research online, but don't spend money you don't have and can't get over a piece of jewelry. Be an intelligent shopper. There are hundreds of millions of beautiful pieces of diamond jewelry in the world, the one expensive one that appeals most at the time is neither the best nor the only on out there. You can keep it in mind as something to save up for, but practice discretion.

Just because the store has a certificate for a certain loose diamond or piece of jewelry doesn't necessarily mean that it is high quality. Many official reports on a gemstone are written in such a way that only professional gemologists and dedicated gem collectors can understand what they mean. The certificate being presented to you can say that the diamond is the poorest quality that a diamond can be, or it can say that it is a beautiful example to diamonds everywhere. You wouldn't know though.

If you are trying to buy a piece of jewelry made with a non conflict diamond, keep in mind that while the diamond certificate is an extremely good indication as to the cleanliness, it is possible to bypass and forge such documents. The certificate is as much of a guarantee as you can get, but shipments of blood diamonds sometime slip into the shipments of non conflict diamonds. In addition, while the 4 C's (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight) are widely known and highly marketed, they are only a fraction of the variables that go into consideration when a diamond is being rated.

Do not have the 4 C's be the deciding factor in your diamond purchase. When you are looking at the cut of the diamond, keep in mind that it should not be too shallow or too deep. The perfect diamond will be able to reflect all of the light that it is exposed to. Diamonds with a heavier carat weight are more expensive than those with a lighter weight, but you do not want to buy a diamond that is too low quality. GIA diamond rings and other diamond jewelry are generally a safe bet, but you should be sure that you understand the certification.

Clearer diamonds are also more expensive, since they are the most attractive and light travels through them better than a slightly cloudier diamond. Color is determined on a letter scale. Diamonds rated between D and F are considered to be colorless, between G and J is close to colorless, but not quite. Diamonds that are between K and N have slightly yellowish hues. T and Z are light yellow. This is because yellow is the most common color found in diamonds. Many diamonds that appear to be colorless actually have a slight yellow tint. "Fancy" colors, which are not slightly yellow, can include vivid yellows, blues, and pinks.

By Allison Ryan

Diamond in the Sullen Rough

2009-05-26T16:08:00.000-07:00

A diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance known to man and when combined with the brilliant fire of the cut and polished finished product, has made diamonds one of the most valuable gemstones in the world.

Diamonds in all of their glory are pure carbon, just the same way lead pencils used to made from graphite which is also pure carbon, it is the way the carbon atoms are arranged which makes the difference between cheap, dull graphite or brilliant, fiery diamond. Diamonds are formed at great pressure and temperature inside the earth; at least 50 miles below the surface where the pressure is so intense that the carbon atoms are compressed together into an extremely packed formation and which gives diamond its strength. Diamonds are brought to the surface as a result of the natural, geological processes of the earth or more usually, are sought in some of the deepest mines in the world.

Brazil and India used to be the principal sources of diamonds with their gemstones being sourced from rivers and gravel deposits which had come to or close to the surface naturally. In 1870, Kimberlite rock was discovered to be richly laden with diamonds in South Africa and now, huge masses of rock are mined and processed to extract the diamonds it contains. To put it into some perspective, for one carat of polished diamond over 250 tons of Kimberlite ore must be mined and processed - now you understand why diamonds are so expensive!

Once extracted from the ore, the rough diamonds must be sorted and processed further. Processing includes cutting and polishing as at this stage, the diamonds resemble pebbles you would encounter on a beach and are nondescript in appearance. Cutting and polishing the rough diamond brings out the internal fire and beauty of the diamond, however, it is how a diamond is cut which determines the level of light which enters the stone and is internally reflected before exiting the diamond - this level of internal reflection is what adds to the sparkle and brilliance of the stone so cutting a diamond properly is essential or it will appear dull.

After being cut and polished, diamonds are then graded according to a system know as the "Four C's". The Four C's are - Carat (or weight), Cut, Clarity and Color. A carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams but you must take care not to confuse diamond size with weight - a carat is a measure of weight and not size; a smaller looking diamond may very well be a larger weight of a much larger diamond simply because of composition and the way it has been cut. The cut, as we have seen, determines how much light enters and internally reflected within a diamond thus bringing out the fire or brilliance - too shallow a cut, where the diamond is not deep enough to allow the internal light reflection, will mean the diamond looks dull instead of fiery - this is a poor cut and underlines why diamond cutting is a highly skilled art.

Clarity refers to how clear and flaw-free the diamond is; diamonds will contain flaws which may be foreign matter enclosed within the diamond when it was forming in the earth or bubbles of gas and even internal faults where the carbon atoms have not uniformly bonded together. The presence of flaws affects the visual appearance of the diamond but also influences how light will travel and internally reflect within it; for these reasons, a flawless diamond is considerably more valuable than one with flaws.

Finally, color - diamonds can come with a yellowish tinge or at the other end of the scale have no color whatsoever - no color means a brighter and fiery brilliance whereas the yellowish tinge will dampen the brilliance of the diamond. The less color a diamond has the more valuable it is and the more you are going to pay for it.

By Lawrence Reaves

Grading Your Diamond - The Four C's

2009-05-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

Diamonds are extremely valuable, in fact are the most valuable gemstone today though there is very great variation in the prices which are commanded by different stones. In order to understand what determines the value of a diamond you must first learn how diamond quality is assessed and so equip yourself with the knowledge to know what makes a good buy and what you should be looking to avoid when you are buying a diamond ring or jewelry yourself.

The "Four C's" are the criteria by which a diamond is graded - they are:

· Cut

· Clarity

· Color

· Carat (or weight)

You should know that a diamond fresh from the mine looks like any pebble you may find on the beach; they are completely nondescript and look just like any other piece of rock except, once cut and polished the fire and brilliance within is brought forth.

The cut and polish process is the first stage of creating your diamond after it has been extracted (it takes about 250 tons of ore to produce one carat of diamond), the cut itself is performed so as much of the diamond is preserved as possible (i.e. keeps the weight as high as possible and minimizes any waste) but more importantly, how the cuts are made will determine how much light will enter and be internally reflected within the diamond itself. It is this ability to internally reflect light before it re-emerges from the stone which adds to the brilliance and fire of the diamond's appearance. The wrong cuts and the light will not reflect internally and so it will diminish in appearance; the right cuts and the fire and brilliance will be amplified. Cutting and polishing is understandably, a much sought after skill and requires a great deal of artistry and superb craftsmanship.

A carat is a measure of the weight of a diamond; one carat is equal to 0.2 grams but the term actually derives from the use of carob seeds to balance the scales when weighing a diamond; one carob seed was one carat. In practice, jewelers use carats and a point scale so 50 points is equal to half a carat. You must be aware that a carat is a measure of weight and not size - a diamond may appear larger due to how it is cut, but it may weigh less than another diamond which has a different cut. Keep this in mind; a carat is a measure of weight and not size or shape.

Diamonds are formed about 50 miles or more below the surface of the earth where the pressures are so intense that the carbon atoms which make up diamonds are compressed into a particular atomic formation. This is the structure which makes a diamond possess such qualities as very high strength and transparency. While the diamonds are forming in the earth, they may also include flaws created by bubbles of gas, inclusion of foreign matter, scratches and internal faults along the bonds between the lattice-work of carbon atoms. Sometimes these flaws are visible to the naked eye, sometimes not while a flaw may be located closer to the diamond's visible surface or buried deep within the body of the stone. The more visible flaws a diamond possesses the less valuable it is because of the less clarity it has.

Color is actually a misnomer - diamonds with no coloring at all are sought after as the absence of color increases the ability for a diamond to appear on fire; a diamond may have a yellow hue which dulls the brilliance of the stone. In this instance, the less color a diamond possess the more valuable it is though there are some pink and blue diamond stones which are highly prized because they are so very rare.

By Lawrence Reaves

What Are Diamond Inclusions?

2009-05-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

A diamond inclusion is a tiny characteristic(e.g. microscropic crystal) enclosed in a diamond or going into it from its surface. All diamonds have inclusions or clarity characteristics that were formed during natural growth in the earth. A diamond's inclusions are its identifying characteristic, it's what makes each individual diamond unique, no two diamonds are the same. Moreover, inclusions also help in identifying a specific diamond. Inclusions have a big impact on the clarity grade. Getting familiar with the different diamond inclusion terms will allow you to differentiate between a diamond that has a significant inclusion or one that has an inclusion that won't be so significant in affecting its clarity and value. Please take a look at the different diamond inclusions and their definitions below.

* Crystal- a mineral trapped in a diamond.

* Cloud - many microscopic crystals grouped tightly together and this provides a hazy cloud-like appearance when viewing under a 10x loupe.

* Needle- is a tiny, long crystal within a diamond.

* Pinpoint-when viewed under a 10x loupe, this looks like just like a dot, but this is a crystal.

* Feather-a small break inside of diamond that looks like a feather, when viewed under 10x magnification.

* Knot-a crystal within a diamond that actually extends to the surface of the stone.

* Indented Naturals- a small part of the original rough that dips below a polished diamonds surface. Naturals are usually left on the diamond because this saves overall carat weight. These naturals are usually found on the diamond girdle and don't take away from its beauty or clarity grade for that matter.

* Bearded Girdle-tiny feathers that extend from the surface of the girdle to the interior of the diamond.

* Chip-an opening in the diamond that is caused by impact, a chip on a diamond will usually be found on a girdle, culet or facet edges.

* Cavity- an tiny opening in a diamond after a crystal that reaches the surface gets polished out.

* Internal Graining-is caused by irregular crystal growth in a diamond. If seen under 10x magnification, internal graining is characterized by lines, curving lines or angular lines.

* Twinning Wisp- when viewed under 10x magnification, a twining wisp looks like a flat, reflective, flowing ribbon, they can be white or colorful and usually are located around the diamonds center.

* Cleavage- a break in the stone located along a weak atomic plane.

By Edward Calderazzo

How to Choose Your Diamond Wedding Ring

2009-05-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

A favorite activity of everyone getting married is the incredible fun of going through a wedding ring selection process. But there are so many things to consider - and sometimes it can turn into a nightmare.

I've got to be honest here, everybody secretly wants a monster stone in the most beautiful setting possible. Do most women get it? No, not really. A perfect, flawless 3K diamond (or bigger) isn't realistic for most. Getting married involves a lot more than a flash ring which is going to have to be paid for and, of course, the bigger it is, the longer it's going to take to pay for it.

Like most young girls, you may have spent a lot of time dreaming of the perfect diamond wedding ring. Hopefully, you and your fiance decided to shop for rings together, or you have informed him of what you like. You will wear the wedding ring for a significant amount of time and it only makes sense that it's something that you like. If your knowledge of diamond wedding rings is limited to size, it's a good idea that you obtain more information before you make your wedding ring selection.

Consider some alternatives like "Loose or Set".

When most people think of a diamond wedding ring, they often think of a stone that is already set or mounted. You can actually buy a diamond only and choose a setting later. Why would you do this? The cost. When you shop for loose diamonds you will notice that diamonds are available in various sizes and shapes, including oval, round, and marquise.

Now let's say you are pretty much indifferent to the shape, but you might want to consider your hands. Certain styles complement certain types of hands. A good guide is to match the shape of the diamond to the hand. Do you have long, narrow fingers? Then an oval-shaped diamond or similar elongated style diamond for your wedding ring would probably work for you. Round diamonds usually are considered a good choice for most hands.

Now, what about the setting.

You really need to carefully consider the setting when shopping for a wedding ring. Should you choose platinum or yellow or white gold? Yellow gold is the setting that most people choose for their wedding ring. It is typically less expensive than platinum or white gold. But if you do choose a yellow gold wedding ring, be careful that you don't choose a higher quality just because you think it is better. As the quality of yellow gold goes up, the softer the metal becomes. A wedding ring set in 24k gold will be less resilient to scratches and more malleable than a ring that is set in 14k gold.

Platinum is by far the most expensive and most durable of the trio. White gold is a good choice for a wedding ring setting if versatility is important to you. White gold tends to go with everything.

White diamonds are by far the most popular. Did you know that you could buy a pink diamond? Diamonds are available in other colors, but these are typically more expensive. Second to the classic white diamond is the yellow diamond. When shopping for your wedding ring you will actually find more of these than any other color of diamond.

OK, now the big one - consider the cost.

Your budget probably carries the most weight in your wedding ring selection. A wedding ring featuring a diamond can cost as little as $100 and as much as $1,000,000. In general, the amount of money you can expect to pay for a diamond wedding ring will vary according to the type of stone and the setting. The more carats (that is the bigger the single diamond or the more smaller diamonds there are in total) a wedding ring has the more it will cost. Diamonds set in platinum will cost you the most. You can, however, spend much less on a wedding ring set in 14-carat gold. You can balance the cost by buying a wedding ring with a high number of carats and set in a less expensive setting.

Ultimately, you have to carefully consider your budget and your future. There is no single answer that will suit everyone. Some have the enviable pleasure of being able to buy whatever combination they most desire. For most of us, however, we need to begin our married life by using smart and careful selection to make sure our diamond ring not only suits and satisfies us, but also doesn't stress our finances.

By Richard Keirt

How Do I Clean My Diamond Ring?

2009-05-26T15:57:00.000-07:00

This is a question asked of diamond ring owners all of the time and you may be surprised to find you do not need to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars to bring your diamond to life.

Even the most perfectly flawless diamond will lose its brilliance and fire as the detritus of everyday life accumulates on the ring. Aside from the obvious culprits such as soap and make-up, products such as hairspray and perfume will contribute to the deterioration of the diamond's appearance over time and diminishing your enjoyment. Fortunately, you can easily clean your jewelry with a little effort and even les money.

A recommended cleaning method is to buy an ammonia solution or take neat ammonia and dilute one-third of a cup ammonia to two-thirds of hot water from the tap. Soak the ring in this solution for 10 minutes which will loosen accumulated dirt and grime as well as matter such as bread dough. After you have soaked the ring for 10 minutes, take a soft toothbrush and gently scrub the ring but do NOT use toothpaste as it contains scouring agents (a principal ingredient in toothpaste is sand!) and for this reason do not use an old toothbrush as this will still have toothpaste residue and it only takes one scratch to ruin the appearance of your ring.

Here are Ultrasonic cleaning services available if you wish to use these but they are really not necessary and can be very expensive even when you buy them yourself for use at home. Not only can the alcohol cleaning fluid they use be expensive to buy and replenish, the violent spinning and shaking process which is applied may actually loosen your diamond setting and result in the loss of your diamond when you least expect it!

Another method you can try is to buy some rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) which is very cheap (less than a couple of dollars) and use a shaving brush with medium to hard bristles. Soak the ring for a couple of minutes and then apply the brush and pay special attention to the underside of the basket and around and between the prongs. Soak the ring for a further two minutes and dry it off with a tissue. Your ring will look as fresh and sparkling as it did when the craftsman finished it.

We have already mentioned how your ring should not be subjected to shock or shaking however, everyday life being what it is, it is inevitable your jewelry will be knocked and suffer the odd knock no matter how careful you are with it. You should routinely check your ring to make sure it is tight and the diamond is in no danger of falling loose; diamonds being what they are, it is more than likely you will not notice your diamond has fallen from the setting until it is far too late and you will have lost I for good!

Check your diamond ring by taking your thumb and forefinger and putting them on opposite ends of the girdle while you VERY gently try to move the diamond. If you experience even the slightest "give" in the diamond you should take this as a sign the prongs need some attention and tightening. Another good test is to hold your ring to your ear and shake it gently; if you hear any rattling this will be the diamond hitting the prongs and therefore it must be loose so get them tightened as soon as possible and refrain from wearing your ring until you do.

By Lawrence Reaves

Wedding Ring - History

2009-01-28T15:47:00.000-08:00

The wedding ring is said to be one of the most famous and instantly recognizable symbol of the joining of a man and a woman as husband and wife in holy matrimony has a long and wide spread history. The oldest recorded exchange of wedding rings comes from ancient Egypt over 4800 years ago. Then, the ring was linked with the supernatural, a never-ending band linked with eternal love. For the Romans later, the ring's acceptance by a young lady was a binding, legal agreement and the girl was no longer free. Today we accept the ring as part of a religious ceremony when we marry in church.

As time passes the traditions have changed. Today, not only the brides wear rings as a symbol of their lasting affection, but the majority of men also choose to wear this badge of fidelity and commitment. The ring's band does not have to be gold. In early Roman times they used iron, for its symbolic strength. But that has been replaced in the third century with silver and gold because of its beauty while iron rusts. There are attractive alternatives for yellow gold, such as Silver or Electrum. You can also think about the hardness of the metal and the color of your wedding band.

Most husband and wives today wear their wedding bands on the left hand, the third finger in. However, some European women wear the ring on their right hand. Some Scandinavian women wear three rings, one each for their engagement, their marriage and then their motherhood. Jewish brides have the ring placed on their index finger, since that is the finger with which they point to the Torah as they read.

Do you know any additional facts and secrets about the history of wedding rings? What does your culture say about how wedding rings should be worn? Would love to hear more history laid out.

By Philippa Channer

The Secret to Buying a Diamond is What Your Jeweler Won't Tell You!

2009-01-19T17:26:00.000-08:00

If diamonds are a woman's best friend then why does the man have to buy them? Most men are not familiar with the fine details of diamond characteristics and value. Making such a large purchase without any experience or knowing who to trust can make diamond shopping a daunting task. A visit to your local jeweler almost always consists of a tutorial on the "4 C's" leaving you more confused than ever.

What your jeweler will not tell you is the single most important diamond trait which determines value and brilliance. The rarely mentioned yet most important detail is a diamond's depth percentage. A diamond cut to the ideal depth percentage will reflect substantially more light known as brilliance or fire. A diamond with the same color and clarity may appear dull and boring compared to a diamond with an ideal depth percentage.

Diamonds are often cut either too shallow or too deep in order to save diamond mass which results in a dull appearance and cheaper cost. You may think you are getting a good deal but you are really paying for poor quality. The ideal depth percentage is different for each diamond shape. An ideal round diamond should be cut between 58-63%.

To find the best quality diamond look first for an ideal depth percentage, then consider color, clarity, and carat weight. Buy only certified diamonds which come with a third party verification of its characteristics. Make diamond education a large part of your search and you will be better equipped to make an educated purchase. You work hard for your money so make sure you are buying the best!

Most jewelry stores will charge a hefty premium for a properly cut diamond. Desert Brilliance offers ideal cut diamonds without any additional fees giving you the most for your money. Buy with confidence at Desert Brilliance for the best priced, best quality diamonds available.

By Jared D Gonzalez

Cleaning Diamond Jewelry in 5 Minutes - How to Put Some Bling Back Into Your Life!

2008-10-15T19:22:00.001-07:00

How can such an important project bring out so many different methods? Over the years, I've heard quite a few ways of putting the bling back into your diamond jewelry. Some of the methods were good, some were ineffective, and some could be damaging to your diamond jewelry. Now with the Internet, all of this "information" about cleaning diamond jewelry gets spread around faster and farther. I will give you the fastest, easiest, and safest way to clean diamond jewelry.... and this is based on many years of experience.

Three important elements are needed when cleaning diamond jewelry- heat, a cleaning agent, and some pressure. We will get into the "how to" in a minute, but first a very important basic has to be covered.... this is a method for cleaning diamond jewelry only.... diamond rings, diamond earrings, etc. Rubies and Sapphires generally would also be OK.... but NO emeralds, opals, pearls, rhinestones, coral, shell, amber, ivory, costume jewelry, etc.

OK... let's get started!

You will need to have a coffee cup or a bowl filled with some water. Place the cup or bowl into the microwave and zap it for a couple of minutes. Remove it from the microwave; it will be very (boiling) hot, so be please careful! Place a bit of dish detergent in with the water; the general ratio is about 10 parts water to 1 part cleaner. You could experiment on the proper ratio or use a different type of household cleaner, however whatever cleaner you do use please read the ingredients to be sure that it does not contain bleach. Now, you have a container of very hot water, with a bit of cleaner/detergent in it, and you can carefully place your jewelry into the hot solution.... again, please be careful!

Now you will have to let this sit for a bit.... I did actually find an additional cleaning diamond jewelry tip on the Internet that could come in nicely right now! You will need a shot glass of Vodka, an 8 oz. glass, some ice, and some cranberry juice... mix all of them together, have a few sips, and just relax for 5 minutes while you are busy cleaning diamond jewelry at home!

Once the temperature of the cleaning solution has dropped low enough to be able to touch it (without saying a bunch of bad words!) you can now start to use a soft toothbrush to dislodge some of the more stubborn build up of dirt. Do not scrub! Be gentle.... you should use the bristles of the toothbrush in more of a pushing motion to get the bristles along the sides and under the diamonds. Being too excited about cleaning your diamond jewelry could cause a prong or two to loosen and a diamond could fall out of it's setting!

Next you will want to rinse off the soapy cleaning solution to see how it looks. Do not, repeat, DO NOT rinse your jewelry over an open drain, NEVER! If a diamond has become loose it could end up taking a one-way trip through your plumbing system. Instead have a much bigger bowl or container with clean water in it to be able to rinse away the soapy cleaning solution. Pat your diamond jewelry with a clean cloth and let dry.

Congratulations...

You now have earned your "cleaning diamond jewelry" merit badge! This cleaning diamond jewelry system will work especially well if you do it on a regular basis. You should go to your local jewelry store every 6 to 12 months in order to have your diamond jewelry cleaned and inspected. This is especially a good thing to do in early November.... so you can be at your "blingiest" for the holidays and while you are at the store it will give you a chance to update your wish list! This is a fast, easy, and free process that most jewelry stores are happy to do for you. Once this thorough cleaning has been performed at the jewelry store, a monthly cleaning of your diamond jewelry at home will be a snap.

By Bud Boland

Why Choose Brilliant Cut Diamonds For Your Diamond Jewelry?

2008-10-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

Round brilliant cut diamonds present a lot of possibilities when it comes to jewelry design and jewelry making. Since these are usually the most common diamond cut around, they can easily be set in many different kinds of jewelry settings. You can see why they are the easiest to set as well as why they are one of the most popular diamond.

Most Number of Jewelry Have Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds

There are a lot of jewelry types that have diamonds as the gem of choice in them, and the usual cut that you can find being used in these jewelry are often brilliant cut diamonds. The reason behind this choice might be because of the way that these diamonds are easily cut from raw stone or because of the wide range of possibilities that round cut diamonds present when being used in jewelry making.

The round cut diamonds being used in jewelry may be the central stone of the piece or may be the surrounding smaller stones that help make the piece stand out. These diamonds may also be used in combination with other popular diamond cuts, like the oval cut or the pear shaped cut, in jewelry designs that combine the brilliance of the round diamond and the unique shapes of the other cuts.

Another reason why these diamonds are often the kinds of diamonds that are being cut out of raw diamonds is because of the brilliance and sparkle that the symmetrical shape of the round cut diamond has. It also produces less waste when cut in this manner and is the classiest and most elegant of all diamond cuts. You can have these diamonds alone on any piece of jewelry and still have it look elegant and precious due to its simplicity.

The Right Cut for Your Precious Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds

These round brilliant cut diamonds are often chosen for jewelry like engagement rings, earrings, and bracelets due to the fire that these stones emit. The fire that these diamonds emit is often the product of superior craftsmanship by the gem cutter who crafted the stone from its raw form into the round gemstone you now see.

A diamond's cut determines the way it will look in jewelry and how it will sparkle and shine. If the cut is too shallow, the diamond tends to lose the light through its sides, making it look dull and lackluster. If a diamond's cut is too deep, the light simply travels through it, making the stone look dark and dead.

The right cut for diamonds-or for any diamond, for that matter-should be one that lets natural light or any light bounce back at the person looking at the gemstone. The best cut that does this for round brilliant-cut diamonds is usually the very rare ideal cut. This kind of a cut helps the stone exude the most brilliance and fire by reflecting all of the light it captures back out.

This is a pretty difficult kind of cut to find and can cost a lot due to the difficulty in crafting it. The next best cut for round brilliant cut diamonds is the premium cut that reflects majority of the light that the diamond absorbs back out at you. This costs slightly lesser than the ideal cut but is the most recommended by jewelers as the next best choice for a diamond cut.

By Clara Ghomes

Top 10 Mistakes of Buying Diamonds

2008-10-14T21:24:00.001-07:00

Diamond is the allotrope of carbon where the carbon atoms are arranged in an isometric-hex octahedral crystal lattice. Its hardness and high dispersion of light make it useful for industrial applications and jewelry. It is the hardest known naturally-occurring mineral. It is possible to treat regular diamonds under a combination of high pressure and high temperature to produce diamonds (known as Type-II diamonds) that are harder than the diamonds used in hardness gauges.

Below are some mistakes we usually commit when buying diamonds.

1. ASSUMING ALL DIAMONDS OF THE SAME COLOR, CLARITY, AND CUT GRADE ARE THE SAME

2. ASSUMING LABORATORY GRADING IS ALWAYS ACCURATE AND UNIFORM TO INDUSTRY STANDARDS.

3. ASSUMING COLOR AND CLARITY ARE THE MAJOR DETERMINANTS IN PRICING A DIAMOND

4. ASSUMING THAT CHOOSING A SPECIFIC COLOR AND CLARITY GRADE AND THEN SHOPPING FOR THE LOWEST PRICE WILL YIELD THE BEST DIAMOND

5. ASSUMING ALL DIAMONDS ARE WELL CUT

6. ASSUMING THAT A DIAMOND CAN BE PURCHASED "BY THE NUMBERS" ALONE

7. ASSUMING THAT EXTENSIVE SHOPPING WILL LEAD TO A BARGAIN PRICE ON A DIAMOND

8. ASSUMING COLOR IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTIC ASSUMING CLARITY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTIC

9. ASSUMING A DIAMOND CAN BE BOUGHT CHEAPER...

10. ASSUMING A DIAMOND CAN BE BOUGHT WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE

Diamond clarity is a quality of diamonds relating to the existence and visual appearance of internal characteristics of a diamond called inclusions, and surface defects called blemishes. Clarity is one of the four Cs of diamond grading, the others being carat, color, and cut. Inclusions may be crystals of a foreign material or another diamond crystal, or structural imperfections such as tiny cracks that can appear whitish or cloudy. The number, size, color, relative location, orientation, and visibility of inclusions can all affect the relative clarity of a diamond. A clarity grade is assigned based on the overall appearance of the stone under 10x magnification.

By Mayline C. Homecillo

Buying Diamonds As a Hedge Against Inflation

2008-10-14T21:18:00.001-07:00

You're shopping for a diamond pendant or perhaps considering purchasing a pair of anniversary rings so that you and your spouse can mark an important milestone in your marriage, Diamonds are not only beautiful, but they can also hold their value, something today's savvy consumer is well aware of.

One question you may have, especially as you survey the topsy-turvy global financial markets, is whether diamonds can be a good investment for the long term. Well, that answer isn't as simple as you might hope, because there are a number of factors which determine whether a diamond or diamond jewelry will be worth substantially more money several years down the road.

Though some of what I will share with you is theory, there are a few things to consider before making a diamond purchase especially when doing so as an investment. Please read on and we'll explore how you can protect your diamond investment:

The Bigger, The Better - Jewelry broker, Martin Rapaport whose personal price list is used as a standard for wholesale trade in polished diamonds, mentioned earlier this year that the decline in the value of the dollar, in which diamonds are priced, has increased investment in diamonds as a hedge against inflation. But, the recent run up in value of the dollar is easing diamond prices, suggesting that current market volatility may make such investing a risky proposition for most people.

Heirlooms and Collectibles - Some investors stay away from the big diamonds market, unable to keep up with the big guys who have a lot of cash on hand. Instead, these people frequent estate sales for family heirlooms and collectibles in search of that special diamond wedding band or pair of pearl drop earrings from another era. Dealers scour the market for the best deals, make needed repairs, and turn around and sell their finds for a profit.

Designer Jewelry - The jury is out on the long term value of designer jewelry, particularly on trendy pieces which tend to lose their appeal within a few short years. Keeping that in mind, most of the top designers embody both trendy and classical themes to develop lines of jewelry that will look great ten, twenty, even fifty years or longer provided they are kept in very good shape. Designers such as Danhov and M. Geller are prized today and have what it takes to bring much long term value for buyers.

What You Love - Of course, most buyers purchase their diamond jewelry with one thing in mind: what they love. This is the most important consideration when making any jewelry purchase that you really like what you want to wear. Buying jewelry with an eye on its long term value is fine, but that shouldn't ever supplant your desire for a particular pair of diamond earrings, a silver ring, pearl drop earrings, or some other personally valued accoutrement.

So, can buying diamonds be a good hedge against inflation? Perhaps if you have a lot of money, the expertise to select the right kind of diamond, and have the intestinal fortitude to weather the vagaries of the marketplace, then that answer might be yes.

For everyone else, finding the right diamond jewelry at affordable prices can provide for you just the right blend of value and desirability, something no one can put a price on except for you.

By Bryan Peter

Biggest Diamond

2008-10-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

In mineralogy, diamond is the allotrope of carbon where the carbon atoms are arranged in an isometric-hexoctahedral crystal lattice. Its hardness and high dispersion of light make it useful for industrial applications and jewelry. It is the hardest known natural material and the fifth-hardest[citation needed] known material after aggregated diamond nanorods, ultrahard fullerite, and rhenium diboride.

Diamonds are specifically renowned as a material with superlative physical qualities; they make excellent abrasives because they can be scratched only by other diamonds, borazon, ultrahard fullerite, rhenium diboride, or aggregated diamond nanorods, which also means they hold a polish extremely well and retain their lustre. Approximately 130 million carats (26,000 kg) are mined annually, with a total value of nearly USD $9 billion, and about 100,000 kg (220,000 lb) are synthesized annually.

The name diamond derives from the ancient Greek adamas (±´¬¼±Â; "invincible"). They have been treasured as gemstones since their use as religious icons in ancient India and usage in engraving tools also dates to early human history.

Popularity of diamonds has risen since the 19th century because of increased supply, improved cutting and polishing techniques, growth in the world economy, and innovative and successful advertising campaigns.

Diamond windows

are made from thin diamond membranes and used to cover openings in lasers, x-ray machines and vacuum chambers. They are transparent, very durable and resistant to heat and abrasion.

Diamond speaker domes

enhance the performance of high quality speakers. Diamond is a very stiff material and when made into a thin dome it can vibrate rapidly without the deformation that would degrade sound quality.

By Mayline Saya-Ang

Certified Diamond (Round, Very Good cut, 6.21 carats, G color, VS2 clarity)

2008-09-01T19:43:00.000-07:00

Diamond InformationCertification: GIA
This diamond comes accompanied by a diamond certificate grading report from the GIA.

Cut: Very Good
This diamond is cut to exacting proportions that reflect almost as much light entering it as an Ideal cut. Diamonds with a Very Good cut grade represent a brilliant diamond at a lower price than a diamond with an Ideal cut grade.

Color: G
This diamond is in the upper range of near-colorless. The only way to see a very slight tint of color is when it is compared directly to a higher color grade by an expert grader. G color diamonds will appear dazzling bright white in the setting and represent an excellent balance of higher color and great value, as the price, depending on other quality factors, will be less than that of a D, E, or F color diamond.

Clarity: VS2
This diamond has a clarity grade of very slightly included to the second degree. Diamonds with this clarity grade have small inclusions such as pinpoints, included crystals, and feathers that are visible with some difficulty under 10 power magnification. With a clarity grade of VS2, there is no possibility of seeing any inclusion with the unaided eye. Diamonds with this grade offer a beautiful clarity at a great value compared with VVS or IF diamonds and will be a slightly lower price than a diamond with VS1 clarity.

Diamond Jewelry - The Ultimate Classic Adornment

2008-07-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

Diamond jewelry is the ultimate adornment for a woman or even a man. It is something which takes us beyond the realm of time. Diamond jewelry is a timeless classic adornment, which can never go out of style and will always be looked up amongst all kinds of jewelry.
In buying diamond jewelry it is important to keep some factors in mind. The diamond history, diamond shape (Diamonds come in more shapes than any other gem. Diamond jewelry with spectacular center pieces are available in round, emerald cut, heart, marquise, oval, pear, princess, radiant, and trillion. Diamonds as accents are usually found in small round shapes and baguettes. Popular earrings are usually round or princess cut, though some may come in fancier shapes),

Diamond settings (such as bar, bezel, channel, chevron, invisible, pave, and prongs), diamond carats (The unit used to measure the size and weight of loose diamonds), diamond clarity (Clarity is the clearness of a diamond. The most valued diamonds are the clearest. When shopping for a diamond, look for diamonds with grades from FL to SI2. Stones from VS1 to S2 are the best value because they are lower in price without too many inclusions.)

Diamond color (Diamonds that are colorless or near colorless are the most prized.) And diamond cut (The diamond cut determines the brilliance of the diamonds. If a diamond is poorly cut, the light is lost through the sides and bottom of the diamond and there will be no radiance)

Diamonds are more commonly found in certain shapes

By Angela S Davis

Diamonds Are Forever

2008-07-24T04:15:00.000-07:00

Diamond jewelry: diamond rings, diamond earrings, diamond pendants and diamond bracelets are some of the most sought after gemstone creations. Your eyes tell you how beautiful a piece of diamond jewelry is, but how do you know you are getting your money’s worth?

A little knowledge can go a long way to help you purchase a beautiful piece of diamond jewelry at a fair price.

Diamond Jewelry 101

A diamond's value is based on four criteria: color, cut, clarity, and carat. The clarity and color of a diamond usually are graded. However, scales are not uniform: a clarity grade of "slightly included" may represent a different grade on one grading system versus another, depending on the terms used in the scale. Make sure you know how a particular scale and grade represent the color or clarity of the diamond you're considering. A diamond can be described as "flawless" only if it has no visible surface or internal imperfections when viewed under 10-power magnification by a skilled diamond grader.

As with other gems, diamond weight usually is stated in carats. Diamond weight may be described in decimal or fractional parts of a carat. If the weight is given in decimal parts of a carat, the figure should be accurate to the last decimal place. For example, ".30 carat" could represent a diamond that weighs between .295 - .304 carat. Some retailers describe diamond weight in fractions and use the fraction to represent a range of weights. For example, a diamond described as 1/2 carat could weigh between .47 - .54 carat. If diamond weight is stated as fractional parts of a carat, the retailer should disclose two things: that the weight is not exact, and the reasonable range of weight for each fraction or the weight tolerance being used.

Some diamonds may be treated to improve their appearance in similar ways as other gemstones. Since these treatments improve the clarity of the diamond, some jewelers refer to them as clarity enhancement. One type of treatment - fracture filling - conceals cracks in diamonds by filling them with a foreign substance. This filling may not be permanent and jewelers should tell you if the diamond you're considering has been fracture-filled.

Another treatment - lasering - involves the use of a laser beam to improve the appearance of diamonds that have black inclusions or spots. A laser beam is aimed at the inclusion. Acid is then forced through a tiny tunnel made by the laser beam to remove the inclusion. Lasering is permanent and a laser-drilled stone does not require special care.

While a laser-drilled diamond may appear as beautiful as a comparable untreated stone, it may not be as valuable. That's because an untreated stone of the same quality is rarer and therefore more valuable. Jewelers should tell you whether the diamond you're considering has been laser-drilled.

Imitation diamonds, such as cubic zirconia, resemble diamonds in appearance but are much less costly. Certain laboratory-created gemstones, such as lab-created moissanite, also resemble diamonds and may not be adequately detected by the instruments originally used to identify cubic zirconia. Ask your jeweler if he has the current testing equipment to distinguish between diamonds and other lab-created stones.

When shopping for diamond jewelry online, apply these tips.

1. Shop with companies you know or do some homework before buying to make sure a company is legitimate before doing business with it.

2. Take advantage of information and referrals from an Internet company you have come to trust.

3. Get the details about the product, as well as the merchant's refund and return policies, before you buy.

4. Look for an address to write to or a phone number to call if you have a question, a problem or need help.

By Sam Serio

Buying Diamonds Without Being Ripped-Off

2008-07-24T04:11:00.000-07:00

Buying diamond jewelry can be fun, exciting and confusing. Whether you’re considering a gift of diamond jewelry for someone special or as a treat for yourself, take some time to learn the terms used in the industry. Here’s some information to help you get the best quality diamond jewelry for your money, whether you’re shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store or online.

Diamonds

A diamond’s value is based on four criteria: color, cut, clarity, and carat. The clarity and color of a diamond usually are graded. However, scales are not uniform: a clarity grade of “slightly included” may represent a different grade on one grading system versus another, depending on the terms used in the scale. Make sure you know how a particular scale and grade represent the color or clarity of the diamond you’re considering. A diamond can be described as “flawless” only if it has no visible surface or internal imperfections when viewed under 10-power magnification by a skilled diamond grader.

As with other gems, diamond weight usually is stated in carats. Diamond weight may be described in decimal or fractional parts of a carat. If the weight is given in decimal parts of a carat, the figure should be accurate to the last decimal place. For example, “.30 carat” could represent a diamond that weighs between .295 - .304 carat. Some retailers describe diamond weight in fractions and use the fraction to represent a range of weights. For example, a diamond described as 1/2 carat could weigh between .47 - .54 carat. If diamond weight is stated as fractional parts of a carat, the retailer should disclose two things: that the weight is not exact, and the reasonable range of weight for each fraction or the weight tolerance being used.

Some diamonds may be treated to improve their appearance in similar ways as other gemstones. Since these treatments improve the clarity of the diamond, some jewelers refer to them as clarity enhancement. One type of treatment - fracture filling - conceals cracks in diamonds by filling them with a foreign substance. This filling may not be permanent and jewelers should tell you if the diamond you’re considering has been fracture-filled.

Another treatment - lasering - involves the use of a laser beam to improve the appearance of diamonds that have black inclusions or pots. A laser beam is aimed at the inclusion. Acid is then forced through a tiny tunnel made by the laser beam to remove the inclusion. Lasering is permanent and a laser-drilled stone does not require special care.

While a laser-drilled diamond may appear as beautiful as a comparable untreated stone, it may not be as valuable. That’s because an untreated stone of the same quality is rarer and therefore more valuable. Jewelers should tell you whether the diamond you’re considering has been laser-drilled.

Imitation diamonds, such as cubic zirconia, resemble diamonds in appearance but are much less costly. Certain laboratory created gemstones, such as lab-created moissanite, also resemble diamonds and may not be adequately detected by the instruments originally used to identify cubic zirconia. Ask your jeweler if he has the current testing equipment to distinguish between diamonds and other lab-created stones.

By Sam Serio

Choosing A Diamond With 4 Cs

2008-07-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

Diamonds – girls’ best friend! Why do girls love diamonds? Why are they so precious? Is it because of their beauty and exquisiteness? Talk about buying. Purchasing a diamond can test the nerves of even the most astute buyer - what do you look for? What do the terms mean? What makes one diamond worth more than another?

When you get in the diamond shop and attempt to buy one, but do not know what the different between this one and that one. Even though those two have the same size and carat, the price can be completely different. Why? Here is a simple guide to the essentials of diamond grading.

Understanding these terms will help you discuss with the dealer the features most important to you, ensuring you get the very best diamond for your money. Diamond appraisers look for four qualities in a diamond when discerning its value. Commonly called the '4 Cs' they are: Cut, Clarity, Carat and Color.

CUT

There are 2 big aspects of CUT.

1. Quality of cut - affecting the brilliance of the diamond - the other refers to the actual shape of the diamond.

2. Shape - Diamonds are available in many shapes. Some of the more common are; round, oval, pear (teardrop shaped), heart, princess (square shaped), Emerald (rectangular shaped), marquise (football shaped) and round. Of all the shapes available, round diamonds are the shape most capable of being cut to exude the greatest brilliance. The brilliance is determined by the ability of the diamond to reflect light. A quality cut diamond will have facets angled to reflect the greatest amount of light. Beware of diamonds cut to maintain a higher carat weight while sacrificing the cutting of a good angle as this will dramatically reduce the brilliance.

CLARITY

Diamonds from natural sources are subject to individual flaws including trace minerals and scratches. A diamond without such characteristics is called flawless and is the rarest kind. While these flaws are often not visible to the naked eye, they affect the light reflecting qualities of the diamond which affects the overall brilliance.

Diamond clarity is classified as follows: Flawless, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, SI3, I1, I2 and I3.

CARAT

Carat is the measurement of the weight of a diamond. One carat may also be referred to as '100 points'. This means that a half carat would be listed as '50 points' and so on.

The larger a diamond is the more costly it becomes. Since the larger diamonds are much rarer the cost will go up significantly with each increase in size. A one carat diamond will be more than just double the cost of a half carat, however, a ring with multiple diamonds that have a combined weight of one carat will be cheaper than a single stone of that weight.

COLOR

There are many diamond colors which called fancy diamonds. But the mostly found diamonds will be rated on an alphabetical scale from D to Z. A typical 'white' diamond should be as colorless as possible - a rating of 'D' being the rarest and most desirable. When choosing a colorless diamond it is best to stay within the D-J range or the diamond will have a yellow cast which lessens the value. The less natural color the diamond has the more colors will appear in the flashes reflected in the prism.

'Fancy' diamonds (diamonds with a rating over Z) come in a variety of shades and include some famous diamonds such as the Blue Hope diamond.

When decide to buy a diamond, please keep in mind of these 4 Cs as a factor of buying consideration. It takes years to gain a specialty in this area. Therefore, at least you should point out whether which features are of greatest importance to you and with a little knowledge select the diamond that will hold the greatest value and sentiment for your budget.

By George Williams

Buying Diamond Jewelry: Know What To Look For

2008-07-10T04:37:00.000-07:00

In judging diamond jewelry it is a common occurrence to get a diamonds shape and the cut mixed up. The cut of a diamond describes the performance of light, dimensions, and finish. Shape is just the outline of the diamond from a top view. In judging diamond jewelry you must make sure there is a good cut.

The cut of the diamond has the biggest effect on the sparkle of the diamond. A diamond that has immaculate color and is very clear can look dull with a poor cut on the stone.

In judging the value of a diamond the color of the diamond is a major factor. The diamonds with the least amount of coloring are worth the most. Even a very small amount of color in the gem can make it so the diamond’s brilliance is diminished. The higher grade the diamond is the more expensive it will be.
The weight of the carats in the diamond is important when judging diamond jewelry. The diamond in the jewelry in terms of its weight is measured in carats. Considering diamonds that are larger are also rarer than smaller diamonds the value rises very much when the weight increases. If you are buying a diamond from a wholesaler they must by law tell you the carat weight in the piece of jewelry.

In judging diamond jewelry look to see how many flaws are on the diamond. Flaws, also called inclusions, are rare and are highly valued. How the clarity is graded is based on the number, size, location, and type of the flaws found within the diamond. Make sure the flaws are picked out as if they are not the diamond will be much more expensive.

Make sure to check the cut, carat weight, color, and flaws on the diamond in the jewelry to make sure you are getting the best deal. Considering a diamond can be very expensive it is wise to understand all of these factors or get a professional to judge it for you. Also make sure the diamond is certified as the certification will guarantee its authenticity.

By David Flinthoff

Selecting The Cut of A Diamond and The Way They Are Cut

2008-07-10T04:33:00.000-07:00

There are quite a few cuts of diamonds to select from. The cut basically relates to the shape that the diamond is cut into, except if you are in the diamond or jewelry field, simply this shape has a great affect on much the diamond glitters.

The most favorite cuts are pear, heart, marquise, oval, princess, round, trillion, and emerald cuts. The shape has an affect on the extent the diamond sparkles, but the true cutting itself, when the diamond cutter really cuts the diamond into a specific shape, also counts a great deal. If the diamond is badly cut, it will suffer its sparkle.

In the diamond business the cut of a diamond does not relate to its shape at all. On the contrary, this is a reference point to the stone’s brilliance, depth, width, durability, clarity, and other facets of the diamond. General cutting difficulties are a missing or off center culet, not properly aligned, a diamond that is too thick or too thin, crackings, or broken culets.

If looking for a diamond, you should choose the shape that you care for the best, but then consider several assorted diamonds of that shape to locate the one with the best cut, the diamond that sparkles best, in all kinds of lighting.

Diamonds Are Cut How

In their most natural configuration, diamonds are, well, quite unattractive. They have no splendor or radiance,and in fact, they look like nothing but broken glass. A diamond has to be cut, and then made shiny and smooth before it really becomes a thing of beauty.

Diamonds are cut with saws, into round forms. From the rounded shape, other shapes perhaps will be cut, such as heart shapes, but the shape is less significant than the caliber of the cutting that is being performed. When the diamond is badly cut, it will lose light, and it will not glitter and shine very well. Every surface of the diamond must be cautiously cut into the geometrical shapes that permit the diamond to sparkle and glow, then the whole diamond is cut into a particular shape, like an emerald cut or a princess cut diamond.

As soon as the cut is finished, the diamond is put into a dop, which looks like a cup with another diamond, only a diamond is strong enough to polish the edges of another diamond. As soon as the diamond has been cut and shaped, and had the edges polished in the dop, it is smoothed on a scaif or a diamond polishing wheel.

By James Ellison

Watch For The Four C's When Buying Diamonds

2008-07-10T04:30:00.000-07:00

Of all the precious stones in the world, the diamond is certainly the most popular. You've seen it worn by royalties and celebrities, but it's also available to every me and you.

Its toughness and beauty have been known and praised since ancient times. The actual word "diamond" comes from the old Greek "adamas", which means "unconquerable".

The decision to purchase a diamond is a rather important one. To the Romans, diamonds were falling stars that tipped the arrow of Eros, the God of love. This meant that those who wore them would be filled with love and spread feelings of happiness around them.

Whether or not the belief was based on real facts, diamonds seem to have some form of energy around them, and you should pay special attention when choosing one.

The Four C's

Assessing the Four C's is a method that helps us see the true value of a stone we're about to purchase. Used mainly by professional jewelers, it's still very simple to be applied even by an untrained eye.

So What Are The Four C's?

They are Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat.

The Cut...

.. is considered by many jewelers as the most important of a diamond's properties.

Depending on how well it is made, it determines how well it reflects light. Professionals strive to make the cut as precise as geometrically possible so that it will reflect more light. If the cut is too shallow, light escapes out the sides and the diamond loses brilliance. If the cut is too deep, light is lost out the bottom and the diamond appears dark or dull.

Therefore, a bright shining diamond, with a symmetrical appearance is a definite sign that the cut is of high quality.

Color

Despite the common belief, not all diamonds are white or colorless. In fact, most diamonds you will find have slight tones of yellow, brown or blue.

There is an actual scale you can use to get a beautiful diamond at a reasonable price. It covers all leathers from D to Z.

D to F are colorless diamonds. These are the rarest and of course, the most expensive. Unless you have a huge pocket, look for stones in the range of...

G to I. These ones offer excellent value and they have a light blue color.

Stones graded above K can still be lovely if they have a great Cut and ...

Clarity...

.. refers to the number of imperfections in the stone. Absolutely perfect diamonds are extremely rare.

So the value of the crystal is deeply influenced by the number of "Inclusions" or "Blemishes".

There is also a more complicated scale to rate the perfection of a Diamond, but I won't bore you with it.

Just watch for diamonds rated "I", which have imperfections that may be visible with the naked eye. The other grades aren't important because when mounted in jewelry, the slight imperfections become invisible.

Carat

This is generally the only property people follow when purchasing diamonds.

The carat is the measurement unit for a diamond's weight. One carat weighs 200 miligrams, or 1/5 of a gram. Each carat is divided into 100 points.

The bigger the crystal, the more carats is has and the bigger the price.

Don't be tempted to say the bigger the better. Ultimately, you want a diamond that has a balance between the Four C's.

With this kind of knowledge, you are now ready to start searching for the greatest gift you could ever think of. So wait no longer. I guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the jewel you'll choose.

By Eugen Lisov

What You Should Know About Clarity and Weights of Diamonds

2008-07-10T04:26:00.000-07:00

Clarity is an important feature of a diamond, and it is noteworthy to know how to grade the clarity of a diamond prior to purchasing one. It is really quite simple to learn how to grade the clarity of a diamond. There are fundamentally two things that you must understand. Diamonds with visual inclusions and flaws, and those that are eye clean implying that there are no inclusions or flaws that can be seen with the naked eye. And then the clarity of a diamond is further analyzed into subclasses.

Some people erroneously believe that diamond clarity pertains to how clear it is. This is not so.

Clarity really pertains to the internal and external defects of the diamond. The best diamonds, as might be expected, get a grade of FL or IF, Flawless or Internally Flawless, this means that it is perfect. A grade of I-1, I-2 or I-3 signifies that the diamond is imperfect, with a grade of I-3 being the most defective.
Other grades are VVS1 and VVS2, which means that the diamond is very, very slightly defective. VS1 and VS2, meaning the diamond is very slightly imperfect; SI-1 and SI-2, which means that the diamond is slightly imperfect.

About Diamond Weights

Diamonds are graded in Carat Weight. One carat weighs 200 milligrams. If a diamond is mentioned to as four grains, this in addition means that it is a one carat diamond. The word carob is the basis for the word Carat. A carob that grows on a tree in the Mediterranean is a bean . Years ago, if a diamond weighed as much as a carob bean, it was one carob, or one carat.

Yet, in the far east, where Carob trees don't grow, rice was utilized to measure the weight of a diamond. If a diamond weighed the same as four grains of rice, it was four grains or one carat as we recognize it to be today. The bulk of diamond buys are for diamonds that are one third of a carat.

Be alert when browsing for diamonds that have been set or mounted. If many diamonds are used in the piece, the label on the jewelry will give the CTW or Carat Total Weight. It doesn't tell you the carat weight of each stone in the piece. You need to ask the jeweler for the whole carat weight of the biggest diamond in the piece to really understand what you are purchasing.

By James Ellison

Diamond Clarity

2008-07-10T04:21:00.000-07:00

What is Diamond Clarity?

Diamond clarity is the measure of flaws found in and on the outside of a diamond. The less flawed a diamond is, the more value it has and the higher the price tag. There are very few diamonds which can be categorized as having no flaws at all, however, most diamond flaws cannot be seen without magnification of at least 10 times. Because issues with diamond clarity are often undetected when looking at a diamond, some people consider this to be one of the least of their concerns when selecting a diamond to purchase.

How is Diamond Clarity Determined?

The most well known measurement of diamond clarity is done by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). It ranks diamonds based on a grading system it created that ranges from flawless diamonds, to imperfect diamonds, with many different grade ranges in between. The better the clarity ranking, the more expensive a diamond will sell for as it has more value.

Types of Inclusions that Effect Diamond Clarity

Inclusions are flaws that effect diamond clarity. They make it so that the diamond is not “perfect”, and there are visual imperfections within the gemstone. Most flaws however, are un-noticeable to the naked eye and can only be seen under high levels of magnification.

There are names for many of the most common inclusions. Carbons effect diamond clarity because they are very small black dots found on the surface of a diamond, which may or may not be visible in regular lighting. Some may be so small that you need magnification to view them. Pinpoints effect diamond clarity because they are white dots along the surface of a diamond. Pinpoints are the most common of all diamond flaws. Clouds effect diamond clarity because they cause what look to be cloudy areas within the gemstone. The clouds are actually made up of many growths of crystals that are positioned very close together within the diamond, and their proximity to one another is what causes the cloudiness to appear. Feathers effect diamond clarity by causing cracks to form within the diamond, that look similar to that of broken glass.

Clarity Enhancements

Diamond clarity flaws can often be fixed or reduced by using a variety of clarity enhancement treatments. Some diamonds are painted, some get lasered in order to remove pinpoints and carbons, and some diamonds undergo a process by which tiny holes are drilled into the diamond in order to reach areas of inclusions within the gemstone, and then the cracks are later filled with molten glass. Having enhancements done to improve diamond clarity decreases the overall value of the diamond, but can improve it's appearance. Diamond certificates should indicate that enhancements were done on the diamond, so ask to see documentation before making a purchase. While most enhancements just cause the diamond to look nicer, some may actually cause the diamond to be weaker, and more prone to breakage than a diamond that has not had any treatments.

By Burt Cotton

Purchasing Diamonds Online

2008-07-10T04:18:00.000-07:00

Considering the abundant potential for fraud concerning diamonds, purchasing a diamond online seems so risky as to be nearly unthinkable. However, given enough knowledge and caution it is entirely possible to purchase diamonds online without significant risk.

The first thing to think about is the reason for wanting to purchase the diamond online rather than making the purchase from a local jewelry store. Price is the most common reason. Online jewelers and wholesalers are able to offer lower prices because the lack of a storefront lowers overhead costs. It is, however, important to be careful--a price that is too good to be true is likely to be.

The big advantage of shopping for diamonds online is the nearly unlimited selection. When shopping offline, the selection within the local stores represents a significant limitation. But to reiterate, a great deal of care and consideration must be taken before handing money over to someone that cannot be seen, met, or verified.

It is critical to learn as much as possible about diamonds before shopping, especially cut, color, clarity and carat weights. Con artists find it far more difficult to rip off someone knowledgeable about diamonds. Once knowledgeable about diamonds, it will be safe to start shopping.

Equally important is to maintain patience while shopping. Don't purchase the first diamond that seems right or interesting. Instead, look for comparable diamonds for sale. This permits each deal to be examined, weighed, and analyzed in comparison to the others to find the lowest price, or best deal. Once the best deal is found the investigation can begin. Simply having learned about diamonds and finding a diamond that fits the bill at the best deal isn't enough.

Check out the seller's credentials, looking for details such as which (if any) professional jewelry associations they belong to. Read and print out a hardcopy the seller's refund, return, and upgrade policies. Also inquire about additional services, such as settings and mountings, sizing, and free shipping. Conduct a thorough Internet search for customer reviews on this particular company. Especially make sure to check with the Better Business Bureau Online to determine if there have been any complaints filed against the company.

Always request a diamond grading report from an independent laboratory such as GIA, EGL, HRD, or AGS. It's important to get this verification before making a purchase. Finally, if there is any doubt or the purchase will involve a high dollar amount, use a reputable escrow service, ideally one that will have the diamond appraised while it is in their possession. This way the diamond and the payment are sent to the escrow service, who then verifies the diamond matches the claims the online seller made before sending the diamond to the buyer and the money to the seller. This is the surest way to guarantee the financial safety of both parties. It should go without saying to be certain that a reputable escrow service is used.

By Patricia Brown

Diamond Buying: Emotional Experience Or Math Problem?

2008-07-10T04:13:00.000-07:00

Professionals in the diamond industry hear warnings about "commoditization" at our trade conventions. We hear the warnings from traditionalists, from sellers and suppliers, from revered industry leaders. We hear the warnings from some of the most esteemed icons of our industry. But what does it mean?

It is about the reduction of an emotional experience to a mere set of numbers. That is the concern.

For many years diamond cutters were considered craftsmen and artists, like blacksmiths and carpenters (the best still are). As technology has moved forward, blacksmiths and carpenters have been replaced with automated manufacture. In diamond-cutting, auto-dialits and assembly line production have replaced the gray-haired cutter of old who took the rough through every step from blocking to brillianteering. However, the unalterable difference between 'smithing and diamond fashioning is that producing a diamond will never be like stamping out automobiles or pre-fabricated woodwork where pieces and parts are interchangeable. Our craft is unique.

Every piece of diamond rough took millions of years to form. Every diamond is a different story. Once mined from the earth each piece of rough is individually studied and analyzed. A different plan is developed for each piece to arrive at the shape, size and beauty that will be yielded. No two diamonds are perfectly alike; not in rough form nor polished. They may be comparable, but color, clarity and even cut differ from piece to finished piece. There are subdivisions within each color grade. There are microscopic elements of crystallization within each diamond that do not appear on a plot. There are aspects to the way the diamond was run on the wheel and took a polish that blend together to create its distinctiveness when finally viewed.

As we know, the cut of a diamond has the largest influence on its overall performance and can be expressed in differing terms. Proportions, cut estimators, 3D scans, natural reflectors and machines like Imagem and BrillianceScope can assign numbers. But numbers will never tell the story of the diamond's birth, its crystallization over millions of years and the blending together of distinctive elements WITHIN the numbers that make it one-of-a-kind.

Traditionalists emphasize that a finished diamond is both a snowflake and an artist's masterpiece. Its uniqueness is absolute; both in nature and in the treatment man has given it. It can never be replicated - and its singular, irreplaceable distinctiveness is the perfect expression for a giver, and the most its wearer could ever hope for.

The traditionalists are right of course.

Now there is concern among traditionalists that by reducing a diamond to a data stream we take away its romance. We remove its symbolic appeal, distinctiveness that can be measured only by the human eye and a history larger than life - and replace them with charts and graphs.

The information age has provided us with the ability to analyze the art of man and nature. We have powerful tools for measurement and analysis. We can place a number beside every facet. We can take analytic photographs at unreal magnifications. We have black boxes that assign values. For trade and factory analysts these things can empower more understanding and the ability to maximize beauty at the source. Certainly there are hundredths of degrees which can help our scientific understanding. However, any professional will tell you that once a diamond is within an acknowledged premium range the nuances of its specific appeal depend entirely on individual human taste and preference. To make such fine judgments, beauty can only be in the eyes of the beholder.

Let us consider the most important people, our clients: For those who will give and receive nature's creation, crafted into shape by man's hand, we should provide technical validation to put them at ease. But for the sake of our trade we have a responsibility to put less emphasis on a decimal point and be more sensitive to our clients' appreciation for the emotional aspect of the diamond - which was his or her motivation for purchase in the first place!

Let us not convert someone shopping for a work of art & love into someone shopping for a tenth of a degree on crown facet number 8. To do so reduces the emotional experience to a math problem and reduces the meaningfulness of the service our trade can provide to our clients.

A healthy marriage of lab grading, parametric data and direct performance assessment should be enough for even the internet shopper's desire for pedigree. By all means, provide validation our clients need to be comfortable in a purchase, but ultimate beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It is important for us to remember that when all is said and done it will be sparkle, not statistics, which cause the wearer to love the piece.

By John Pollard

How To Buy Diamonds Online For Ridiculously Low Prices

2008-07-09T06:10:00.000-07:00

Almost all of us will buy a diamond, a diamond ring or another kind of diamond jewel. Getting married involves buying a diamond ring for your fiancée, anniversary rings are also common, and let's not forget men's diamond rings - they are very popular, too.

In the age of information, it makes sense to consider the option of buying a diamond on the Internet. And indeed, mega sites like bluenile.com, diamond.com and more offer a huge selection of diamonds in all shapes and sizes to choose from. Many of the diamonds are certified so you don't risk getting a diamond that is less than promised.

The big diamond sites are a good option for getting a diamond, but in most cases the savings on the price will not be too great - in fact, you may get a similar price if you haggle a bit with a local diamond dealer. The best place to locate real bargains in the diamond field is ebay.com

There has been a lot of talk on buying and selling on ebay, and one ca find good advice about these subjects. Buy in this article we'll discuss specific advice about buying diamonds on ebay.

There are some very simple rules that need to be observed when buying diamonds on ebay. If you follow these rules you are very likely to find great deals on ebay.

Advice no. 1 - Search the right way. Go for the "advanced search" option. There will be an "Exclude these words" box. You want to exclude words like : "lab", "zircon", "enhanced". This will weed out the "wannabe" diamonds and leave you with the best ones.

Advice no.2 - Does the seller have a solid positive feedback? - check the seller's feedback and see that they have at least 50 positive feedbacks form selling diamonds in the past. Also note how many negative feedback they had. Strive for at least %98 positive feedback. In many cases it is tempting to buy a cheap diamond from a new seller, but this is in many cases a bad move, as you have no knowledge on this seller

Advice no.3 - Watch similar diamonds to the one you want and see how much the sell for. Don’t buy right away. Just watch a few auctions as they evolve. This will help you establish a range of prices you aim at.

Advice no. 4 - Go for certified. Again, it's tempting to buy an un-certified diamond but in many cases this will be a big mistake. Go for certified diamonds only and this way you'll make sure you get what you paid for, no less.

Advice no. 5 - Use ebay as a means of pressure. If you have a local diamond dealer who is trying to sell you a diamond, you may want to use the price levels you see on ebay as leverage in your negotiation with that dealer. You may get a better deal.

Going online to buy a diamond can save you thousands of dollars. Give this approach a try the nest time you go shopping for a diamond.

By Gill Reese

Are You Looking For an Elegant Diamond Ring?

2008-06-10T20:42:00.000-07:00

Days are gone when you could please a girl with a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolate. Today if you want to express your love, you must empty your wallet. But don`t empty your wallet anywhere else. Communicate with loved ones with the help of diamonds. Diamonds are not just mere stones. These are precious stones famous for its brilliance, beauty, price, occurrence or availability, etc.

There are many qualities and features to count, but the feeling of owning or wearing a diamond has a pleasure that can`t be defined by words. One has to experience that feeling of joy himself. If you were fascinated by gold and silver jwellery, then a combination of diamond with gold or silver would bring a smile on your face for sure.

Diamonds can be studded in other metals like platinum, white gold, stainless steel or titanium which is considered as the future metal. If you have the habit of showing off your jwellery in social gatherings then show it to the full extent. If people noticed your golden and silver ornaments then they will never miss the brilliant diamonds over the neck or in your fingers.

Select any shape for diamond to be embedded in your platinum ring. The taste nowadays is the heart shaped diamond rings. It has proved successful in conveying love messages all over the world. Don`t wait for your heart to peep out of your body to express your feelings. Instead choose a heart shaped diamond ring to do so.

By Jitesh Arora

What Makes Up A Diamonds Carat?

2008-05-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

A diamond is a gem that is formed far under the surface of the earth by intense pressure. When evaluating a diamond there are generally four things to consider: Clarity, color, cut, and carat. These are called the 4 C's of diamonds. Carat, in terms of gems, is way of describing the weight of the diamond.

The General Conference on Weights and Measures is a meeting that takes place every 4 to 6 years in order to maintain and establish an international standard of measurements. It was at the fourth General Conference on Weights and Measures, in 1907, that the carat was defined. A carat is 200 mg or about .007 ounces. There are a hundred points in a carat that are each 2 mg. In the same way that there are a hundred pennies in a dollar, there are 100 points in a carat.

Special, extremely sensitive, digital scales are now used to measure a diamonds weight, but it was not always this precise. The name carat actually originated from the Greek word for the carob seed. Carob seeds were frequently used to weigh things like gold or diamonds. This is because they had a uniform size and weight, and irregular seeds could be easily picked out by the naked eye.

Generally the higher the diamonds carat, the more it costs. A flawless diamond is called a paragon and weighs at least 100 carats. This is of course very rare and expensive. Most diamonds found in jewelry are considerably less than 100 carats.

A 2 carat diamond will likely be much more expensive than a 1 carat diamond. Sometimes rings and other types of jewelry with multiple diamonds are described in total carat weight (TCW). This includes the combined weight of all of the diamonds in the piece of jewelry. The price of a diamond is actually frequently described in weight per carat.

While a diamonds weight or carat is important, it is only part of the equation when grading a diamond. The cut, clarity, and color of the diamond will all also play an important role in determining its value. When buying a diamond for yourself or a loved one it is important to take all of these factors into consideration, but finding the right size is very important. Remember that the larger the finger, the smaller the diamond looks, and of course the inverse is true. Take this into consideration when modeling the ring on yourself or the sales person. A diamond with a higher carat does not always look bigger to the naked eye. This is because the cut of the diamond can make it look larger than it actually is. Also if size is a factor, but you are on a budget, consider a diamond with a lower color grade, but a good cut and carat.

Diamonds make a great gift for your family, friends, and for yourself. They can be a large investment though, so it is important to understand how they are valued. If you familiarize yourself with the 4 C's and the different types of diamonds available, you will be able to purchase a diamond that will bring you or a loved one much happiness.

By Brad Brubaker

Conflict Diamonds

2008-05-12T04:17:00.000-07:00

Diamonds are beautiful stones that are formed deep below the Earths surface. Their shine and brilliance are some factors that make them so popular and valuable. They are also the hardest material known to man, so they have many practical uses in business and manufacturing. Most people purchase their diamonds from a jeweler or online retailer. Diamonds have actually led a very full life by the time they ever end up in a store, and many are well over 3 billion years.

Diamonds are of immense value and like many things of value; they have been frequently used to fund violence and to organize government resistance. Diamonds that are used for this purpose are called conflict diamonds. A large percent of the world's diamonds come from Africa. Rough diamonds, diamonds that have not been cut or polished, have been used extensively to fund wars and buy arms by rebels and revolutionists in Africa and throughout the world.

The world first took note of conflict diamonds during a very violent conflict in Sierra Leone. This was in the late 90's, but diamonds have been used to fund violence in Africa and abroad since their discovery in Africa. The fighting in Sierra Leone propelled this practice to the front pages of papers around the world, and the UN passed a resolution banning the importation of rough diamonds from Sierra Leone.

This resolution spearheaded what was to become the Kimberly Process in 2003. The Kimberly Process is aimed at ensuring that only non-conflict diamonds are purchased. As more and more governments and leaders in the diamond industry embrace the Kimberly Process, the amount of blood diamonds has shrunk, and it is estimated that 99% of diamond available to the public are conflict free.

The Kimberly Process requires that shipments of rough diamonds are thoroughly checked at each border. They must be transported in tamper resistant shipping containers and have a valid Kimberly Process Certificate. The shipment may only be sent to other countries that participate in the Kimberly Process, and a shipment can not be imported or exported unless it has been certified.

Members of the diamond industry have also taken many actions to self govern their actions. Many in the diamond industry have continued to boycott the purchase of diamonds that are used to fund wars, and have created a zero-tolerance policy towards conflict diamonds. They have decided that all members of the diamond industry must ensure that they do not buy uncertified diamonds, or ones from an unknown or suspect supplier.

When purchasing a diamond it is important to ensure that the dealer actively complies with the Kimberly Process. The Kimberly Process requires that a warranty is provided with each purchase to guarantee that their diamonds are free from conflict. A company that does not follow the Kimberly Process is immediately expelled from all diamond industry institutions, and may risk governmental sanctions or punishment.

A diamond can be a beautiful thing, but if it is used to spill the blood of others then it is no longer a thing of beauty. When purchasing diamonds, ensure that the dealer participates actively in the Kimberly process, to make certain that you do not unintentionally fund violence or war.

By Sarah Langley

The Trend For Diamond and Ruby Wedding Rings

2008-04-27T19:57:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-27T19:05:00.001-07:00

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

2008-04-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-24T01:51:00.002-07:00

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

2008-04-24T01:51:00.001-07:00

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

2008-04-24T01:51:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-04-08T18:53:00.000-07:00

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

The Unique Princess Cut Diamond Ring

2008-03-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

The modern princess cut diamond ring is result of over five hundred years of refinement of the art and science of diamond cutting. Princess cut diamonds take advantage of the natural molecular structure of diamonds in order to create the maximum amount of sparkle and shine, which is technically known as "fire." Princess cut diamond rings have a great deal more of this fire than most traditional round cuts.

Two Pyramids

If you can visualize two pyramids joined at the base - an eight-sided polyhedron, or octagon - you know what diamonds look life when they first come out of the ground. The reason for this has to do with the shape of the carbon molecules that make up diamond crystals. When jewelers finally learned how to cut this substance, they simply followed the gem's natural shape. Princess cut diamonds represent the pinnacle of the diamond cutter's art.

Three Years of Study

Princess cut diamonds first appeared almost thirty years ago, and was the innovation of a Los Angeles diamond cutter named Israel Itzkowitz. Prior to this time, the stones used in diamond rings were either "round cut" - with equal cuts around the face of the stone - or "square cut" - meaning that four sides were long and the other four were short, so the face of the diamond approximated a rectangular shape.

The modern princess cut diamond ring results from three years of intense study on the part of Itzkowitz in his attempts to come up with a cut that combined the best features of both the round and the square cuts.

Current Style

These Princess cut diamonds, which are also called "modified square brilliant," are the second most popular choice today for diamond engagement rings and other jewelry. Both traditional white and the wide range of colored diamonds account for most of the mounted and loose diamonds sold today.

One of the reasons that Princess cut diamond rings are rapidly gaining in popularity is not only because of its brilliance compared to other cuts; it is in fact the most economical way to cut a diamond. Of all diamond cuts, the princess cut wastes the least of the original stone, so it retains substantially more of its original weight. Because of this, these pieces are less costly than similar rings with round cut gems. All around, the beautiful a princess cut diamond ring is the best jewelry value on a per-carat basis.

By Jonathon Blocker

Choosing Your Diamond

2008-03-31T21:49:00.000-07:00

When choosing the diamond you want for your wedding ring, there are a few factors that you should keep in mind. These are what jewelers call the 4 C, which are Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight.

Although diamonds engagement rings come in many different colors, the color that is referred to in the 4 C is referring to the white diamond. The color is graded from D to Z. D is called colorless, which is the rarest and most expensive grade. The color differences are subtle, and are graded in labs under specific lighting conditions.

The cut of the diamond refers not only to the shape of the diamond in your wedding ring, such as round, princess or oval cuts, but to the depth of the cut as well. Diamonds of the same cut and carat weight can appear larger or smaller depending how deep the cut is. The gemologist will generally keep to a well-proportioned cut, rather than a cut that is too shallow or deep, so that the diamond in your wedding ring reflects the most light, enhancing its brilliance.

Clarity refers to the number and placement of small natural defects within your wedding ring diamond. These natural defects are called inclusions. Inclusions keep the light from reflecting against the facets and can diminish the diamond's brilliance. Where inclusions are located within your wedding ring diamond will determine to what degree the brilliance is affected.

Carat weight is the actual weight of the diamond, not the size. Your wedding ring diamond can appear larger or smaller than others of the same carat weight depending on the cut.

When you choose the diamond for your wedding ring, you may also want to consider getting a diamond certification, which is often required if you plan to insure your diamond. A diamond certification, also called a diamond grading report, is prepared by a certified gemologist at an independent lab. It describes all of the physical characteristics of your diamond, including the 4 C, as well as the size and placement of any imperfections. It is not an appraisal.

Choosing your diamond with these points of information in mind is an important step in creating the wedding ring of your dreams.

By Jewish Talyor

Your Investment in Diamond Jewlery

2008-03-31T21:48:00.000-07:00

The skilled craftspeople who design and create diamond jewelry usually obtain these precious gems from a special wholesaler specializing in diamonds for sale. The fine gemstones that are ultimately used in diamond earrings, diamond wedding bands, diamond engagement rings and other quality pieces have ideally been through a thorough lab analysis as well as a certified appraisal. You'll want to confirm this prior to your purchase of any diamond jewelry.

Gradation and Valuation

This is the first step. Diamonds for sale must be analyzed in a qualified gemology lab (gemology is that sub-specialty within the field of geology that concerns the study of precious and semi-precious stones). These are known as the "Four Cs:"

- Carat

- Color

- Clarity

- Cut

The first of these, carat, refers to the weight and mass of the stone. A carat is approximately equal to one-fifth of a gram. Color is just that. Diamonds for sale come in a wide variety of colors that range from ice-clear to black depending on what other elements are present; pink and blue diamonds can be especially valuable. Clarity is determined by any "flaws" - interior cottony patches that are visible from the outside.

Cut is a less objective characteristic; this depends on the skill of the diamond cutter. Some cuts are are better for some types of diamond jewelry and may better show off the gem's shine and brilliance, or "fire."

Appraisal

Diamonds for sale are assigned a fair market value by the process of appraisal. It is very important when considering the purchase of diamond jewelry for investment purposes. Additionally, if you plan to insure pieces such as diamond earrings or even diamond wedding bands, you will be required to provide such an appraisal report for your carrier.

Gem-Quality Stones

It's important to understand that stones used in pieces such as diamond engagement rings are not the same as those used in cutting and grinding machinery. In addition, artificial diamonds are less valuable than their naturally formed counterparts.

The quality of the setting also has some effect. A cheaply-made setting does little for a gem's value, while a carefully crafted custom setting can enhance its value substantially.

Whether you are purchasing diamond earrings as a gift, are looking at diamond engagement rings and diamond wedding ring sets in anticipation of a joyous union - or are considering diamond jewelry as an investment - it's a good idea to educate yourself thoroughly in order to make sure that you are getting a fair value for your money.

By Jonathon Blocker

Buying Diamond Rings from MBLife

2008-03-31T21:44:00.000-07:00

A diamond ring for your wedding will definitely give you the talk-of-the-town award. Not only are diamonds expensive, they have always been revered with great attributes such as beauty, elegance, and of course, eternal. It should therefore not be surprising when more and more couples are opting to save up for a diamond wedding ring to create an incomparable highlight for the ceremony and for the relationship as well.

Like most other preparations for the wedding such as the cake, the entourage, the reception, and everything else, buying a diamond ring should also be given enough consideration and a lot of factors have likewise be carefully studied and evaluated. At MBLife, you will never go wrong in purchasing diamond jewelry as they have established an unsurpassable reputation of creating magical works of diamond jewelry including personalized diamond gifts, and other diamond jewelry sets like diamond pendants, bracelets, earrings, etc.

MBLife has closely studied and taken into consideration the 4 Cs when it comes to diamond jewelry buying to ensure that clients and customers get the best of their moneyâ€™s worth in every purchase. These four Cs are as follows:

The Carat

A carat is divided into 100 points. So a diamond which is at 1 carat has 100 points while a diamond jewelry set at a half carat has 50 points. A gemologist is knowledgeable when it comes to determining the carat weight of diamonds. Gemologists recommend that determining the carat weight of loose diamonds are best done before mounting them on rings.

The Cut

Directly affecting the refractive index of your diamond is the manner by which it has been cut. The cut of your diamond jewelry is therefore said to give it its unique personality. You will be able to determine whether your diamond jewelry has been cut properly by how it looks. Those that are cut well and appropriately will give a glowing and sparkling look, while those that were poorly cut will look boring and dull.

The Color For those who may not be aware yet, diamonds come not only in a one single color, the traditional white one. Yes, there are pink diamonds, blue diamonds, green diamonds, yellow diamonds. At MBLife, you are offered a wide range of selection of white and colored diamonds all to suit your preference, personality, and lifestyle.

The Clarity Like other features of your diamond jewelry, imperfections inside the stone will have a big effect on the overall worth of your set and on its refractive index. Such imperfections are called inclusions. MBLife is aware that a good clarity is a product of the diamond having appropriate color, size, and position of inclusions.

MBLife has taken all these factors into considerations in developing their wonderful creations of diamond jewelry sets. So if youâ€™re planning to get yourself a memorable wedding, highlight it with a grand diamond jewelry set straight from MBLife. At MBLife, every purchase is sure to give you something that you have always dreamed of.

By vikram kumar

An Easy Guide To Selecting The Perfect Diamond Wedding Ring

2008-03-31T21:42:00.000-07:00

The word 'diamond' comes from the Greek word 'adamas' which means something that cannot be conquered. This word also suggests the eternity and beauty of love. According to the Greeks, the fire in the diamond is a reflection of the flame of love that should burn constantly.

A beautiful and classy diamond wedding ring is the perfect choice for any couple. But it is not very easy to select a diamond ring as compared to wedding bands. You need to take into consideration various factors if you want the best because there is a lot more that is involved in finding a good wedding ring than just weight.

Today the market is full of diamond rings in various shapes and styles. Before buying a ring always keep in mind that this is something your partner will be wearing for years, so it should be stylish yet simple. Make sure that you have ample time to make the right decision.

Since diamonds are very expensive, it is advisable to have some basic knowledge so that you get a ring worth the money spent. The knowledge of diamond rings is very limited. People feel that only size of the stone matters. But, the size is not the only factor that determines the value of this precious gemstone.

Every diamond is beautiful and unique so buy the one that you fall in love with and not the one that the seller forces on you. Diamond wedding rings in today's time, are considered symbols of the reaffirmation of love.

This belief is becoming stronger and more popular than it ever was. It has become a favorite activity for couples to select good wedding diamond rings for one another. If you have also spent a lot of time thinking about that perfect wedding diamond ring, then do not waste time and start shopping.

You can take alternatives such as 'set or loose' into consideration as well. There are many customers who feel that a diamond wedding ring comes with a stone or gem already mounted on some metal. They do not know that they can just buy a loose diamond and later decide a setting for it. This will help you save a lot of money.

Since diamonds are available in various shapes and sizes, you will have a wide variety of loose diamonds to choose from. You will also have to consider the fingers of your partner. If her fingers are narrow and long, then the elongated style or oval shaped diamond will suit her. Generally, round diamonds are a good choice for all kinds of fingers.

Setting is another factor that you have to be careful about. The metal can either be yellow or white gold or platinum. Many people choose yellow gold as the setting for their diamond wedding rings. The price of yellow gold is less than white gold or platinum.

Choosing a wedding ring made with 24 carat gold would be less exposed to damage and scratches as compared to 14 carat gold. If you want versatility then choose white gold, as it can go with any gem. Make sure that you ask for more colors in diamonds such as pink or blue. Do not forget the cost factor.

By Victor Epand

Certified Diamonds for Your Loved Ones

2008-03-21T18:20:00.001-07:00

When you purchase something as significant and eternal as a diamond, for any occasion, it makes common sense that you would like to know the times past of that valuable memento. In the late 1990’s, the humankind became aware of the subsistence of “conflict diamonds,” jewels that have been used to fund rebellious or invading army’s war efforts.

At present, over 99% of the world’s diamond supply has been verified to be completely inconsistency free, and honest retailers and suppliers of diamonds the world over have clinched a policy never to support the countries involved in the diamond trade that still engage in these practices. Still, retailers such as James Allen see the value in educating their customers and staff on the issue of conflict diamonds, to better understand the significance and the process of diamonds that are acquired through fair trade.

In 2000, a joint proposal supported by the United Nations General Assembly created the Kimberly Process, an international certification procedure that aims to put an end to unlawfully traded diamonds. At present, 69 countries are legally vaulted by the rules of this stringent and comprehensive process.

Any traffic of diamonds between these 69 countries must stick on to these guidelines:

•Each participating country must have laws in place that consent the Kimberly Process
•Any consignment of diamonds must be inspected to ensure that each consignment hold fast to the guidelines
•They must then be shipped in tinker-proof containers
•They must be accompanied by an inimitably numbered, Government validated Kimberly Process official document
•Consignments must only be made to participating countries in the Kimberly Process

Each diamond, when sold by a trader must be accompanied by the following warranty statement:

“The diamonds herein billed have been purchased from genuine sources not involved in funding divergence and in compliance with United Nations declarations. The undersigned hereby guarantees that these diamonds are divergence free, based on personal knowledge and printed guarantees provided by the purveyor of these diamonds.” In a very short time, the Kimberly Process has had an insightful effect. In the 6 years since its commencement, the Kimberly Process has reduced the trade of conflict diamonds, from 4% to less than 1% of the entire diamond diligence.

Retailers like James Allen have always maintained a strict policy about the origin of their diamonds. The diamonds in James Allen stores come from large, trustworthy diamond suppliers who ensure that the diamonds originated from Kimberly Process compliant countries such as Belgium and Canada. As a chief centre for the trade of diamonds, Belgium has always had a system for diamond authentication, even previous to the formation of the Kimberly Process. Today, Belgian diamond wholesalers utilize one of the strictest levels of precautions when it comes to the trade of diamonds, according to the U.N.

By Sarah Baltic

A Guide to Buying Diamonds

2008-03-21T18:19:00.001-07:00

Those who are thinking about buying diamonds either as an investment, for mounting in custom diamond jewelry, or simply as an addition to a collection, it is a good idea to educate yourself on the subject. Not all diamonds for sale are necessarily a good value; the old Roman advice caveat emptor is especially applicable when it comes to buying diamonds.

Getting Started

There are two things you need before you start buying diamonds:

1. A thorough knowledge of the diamond market

2. Where to obtain reliable appraisal services

The latter is especially important. Any appraisal of certified diamonds should be undertaken by an independent agency that has no connections to or interest in the wholesaler or retailer who is offering the diamonds for sale in which you are interested.

This may require a bit of detective work. The problem is that the world diamond market is controlled by a relative handful of corporate and international banking interests. However, it is well worth your while to find such appraisal services so as to insure that your interests are protected when buying diamonds.

The "Four Cs"

The laboratories that analyze diamonds for sale examine these gems for four different objective characteristics:

* Carat: this is the weight and mass of the gem, equal to .2 grams.

* Cut: the way the stonecutters have shaped the gem, i.e. "round" or "square" and how well this has been done

* Clarity: this looks at any internal flaws, such as a "cottony" appearance within the gem

* Color: certified diamonds can range in color from crystal clear to dark amber and even black.

This analysis is done prior to the actual appraisal, but is an important part of the process.

The Appraisal

While a lab report is based on objective, observable criteria, an appraisal is more subjective. The purpose is to determine the market value of these gems, primarily for the purpose of insuring them.

So - how much will you pay when buying diamonds? This is what the appraisal will determine.

Some cuts are more valuable than others. Princess cut diamonds, which have grown tremendously in popularity over the past thirty years, are the product of a unique cutting method developed in 1979 by a Los Angeles jeweler. These gems combine elements of "round" and "square" cuts; the princess cut diamonds results in the lowest amount of waste, so the diamond retains more of its original mass and weight.

These are only a few of the issues that should be kept in mind when buying diamonds, but they are the most important.

By Jonathon Blocker

Protect Your Diamond

2008-03-21T18:17:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of tips to protect and clean your diamond jewellery.

You need to make sure that you never store your diamonds with other diamond jewellery. This rule can seem to be strange but it is actually very important to do so as the diamonds may scratch each other or the chains or settings become tangled. Remember that diamonds are very tough but they can damage each other!

Don’t forget to remove your jewellery before doing different things if you don’t want to damage them.

You should never wear your diamond rings in bed as you could easily break them. You should also remove your jewellery when doing any manual work like DIY or gardening or even while doing sport as a hard blow could dislodge or chip them!

The same applies when you are bathing and showering as soap could cause a film that could dull the diamond. On top of that, you should never leave your ring or any other jewellery next to the sink when washing your hands as they can easily slip down the drain!

As well as being stored properly, diamond jewellery like diamond rings, diamond necklaces or any other needs to be cleaned from time to time to stay as beautiful and sparkling as when you bought it.

There are different methods to clean your diamond jewellery.

To clean your diamond jewellery, you can make a weak solution of warm water and mild detergent, like for example gentle washing up liquid. Gently brush the setting and stone with a soft toothbrush, then run under clean running water to remove the detergent. Repeat this process as often as you think necessary. Finally, tap to remove excess water and dry with a soft clean cloth that is not prone to shedding lint in order not to damage your jewellery.

Another more professional method to use is with ultra sounds.

Dip your diamond jewellery in an ultra sound machine. This is a very high frequency vibrating reciprocal filled with a special cleansing fluid that will clean your item of jewellery. You will just need to follow the instructions.

These small machines can usually be bought at many high street jewellery outlets at a price of roughly £30. This method is not without risk as an already loose stone may be made looser still and drop off, so it is highly advised to let a professional do it as it will give better results.

By Gerald

The Unique Princess Cut Diamond Ring

2008-03-21T18:16:00.000-07:00

Two Pyramids

If you can visualize two pyramids joined at the base - an eight-sided polyhedron, or octagon - you know what diamonds look life when they first come out of the ground. The reason for this has to do with the shape of the carbon molecules that make up diamond crystals. When jewelers finally learned how to cut this substance, they simply followed the gem's natural shape. Princess cut diamonds represent the pinnacle of the diamond cutter's art.

Three Years of Study

Princess cut diamonds first appeared almost thirty years ago, and was the innovation of a Los Angeles diamond cutter named Israel Itzkowitz. Prior to this time, the stones used in diamond rings were either "round cut" - with equal cuts around the face of the stone - or "square cut" - meaning that four sides were long and the other four were short, so the face of the diamond approximated a rectangular shape.

A Princess cut diamond ring is the result of three years of intense study on the part of Itzkowitz in his attempts to come up with a cut that combined the best features of both the round and the square cuts.

Current Style

Princess cut diamonds, also called "modified square brilliant," are the second most popular choice today for diamond engagement rings and other jewelry. Both traditional white and the wide range of colored diamonds account for most of the mounted and loose diamonds sold today.

One of the reasons that Princess cut diamond rings are rapidly gaining in popularity is not only because of its brilliance compared to other cuts; it is in fact the most economical way to cut a diamond. Of all diamond cuts, the princess cut wastes the least of the original stone, so it retains substantially more of its original weight. Because of this, these pieces are less costly than similar rings with round cut gems. All around, a princess cut diamond ring represent the best jewelry value on a per-carat basis.

By Jonathon Blocker

What Makes up a Diamonds Color

2008-03-14T18:44:00.001-07:00

There are 4 general ways to classify a diamond: Clarity, Color, Cut, and Carat. These are referred to as the 4 C's of diamonds and provide a standardized way of evaluating diamonds. Color, or the lack of, is an extremely important and often times incredibly diverse characteristic of diamonds. Diamonds come in a variety of colors. Among some of the natural colors found in diamonds are orange, grey, blue, red, and black.

Most of the time interstitial impurities or structural defects in the diamond are responsible for changes in color. The exception to this are diamonds that, when exposed to radiation, turn green in color. Pure diamonds are diamonds that are structurally and chemically untainted and are completely transparent. These types of diamonds are very rare and incredibly expensive.

Nitrogen impurity is the most common cause of color in a diamond. Often this leads to a yellow or brown diamond. In much rarer cases warping of a diamonds crystal's during the growth stage can cause the diamonds to exhibit pink, red, or brown colors.

In the early years of diamond grading there were many different and confusing methods of describing a diamonds color. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) changed all of this when they developed the D-Z Grading Scale. The GIA, founded by Robert Shipley in 1931, is considered to be the world's chief authority in gemology. The D-Z scale put an end to many of the numerous terms that were developed to describe a diamonds color as well as many conflicting scales.
This scale assigns each diamond a character D-Z from the alphabet; hence it is called the D-Z Scale. Diamonds that are rated D-F are considered to be Colorless. These diamonds are extremely unusual and costly. Diamonds that are assigned a G-J are considered to be Near Colorless. Near Colorless diamonds are still considered to be above average, but are usually less expensive than Colorless diamonds. These types of diamonds are a great buy and an alternative to the pricier Colorless Diamonds.

Diamonds that are assigned a K-M, N-R, and S-Z are considered to be faint yellow, very light yellow, and light yellow. These types of diamonds are considered to be of lower quality and the imperfections are obvious to an untrained eye.

There is one final class of Diamonds. This is the Fancy Colored Diamonds. This is reserved for diamonds that are very brightly colored. Fancy diamonds, like the red diamond, are extremely rare and can be very pricey. This is not always the case though because it is possible to get some great deals on green, blue, or bright yellow diamonds.

The Aurora Diamond Collection is a well known collection of diamonds that is considered to be the most comprehensive collection of diamonds in the world. It contains the extremely rare red diamond. The Aurora Diamond Collection, currently on display in London, is probably the best way to get a feel for the different colors that diamonds can be. While most of us will not be able to make it London, there are many pictures available on the internet that can give you an idea of the different colors found in diamonds.

By Brad Brubaker

Choosing the Perfect Diamond Anniversary Band

2008-03-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

There are many pieces of jewelry which are specifically suited for certain occasions. One type of diamond jewelry which suits a specific occasion is the diamond anniversary band. This diamond ring is the perfect gift for the loved one in your life in honor of a special anniversary or any anniversary for that matter. For those who may need a little help in the jewelry shopping department, there are a few key features to consider in order to choose the perfect type of diamond ring to celebrate your anniversary.

Choosing the Gemstone for the Anniversary Band

Anniversary diamond rings come in a variety of styles and sizes. There are usually two parts to any ring which are the gemstone part and the ring setting portion. When selecting the diamonds which will be set within the anniversary band, the 4 Cs should be considered. The 4 Cs include cut, color, carat and clarity. These are the necessary stepping stones for any shopper who is looking for a diamond ring. In general, the more favorable the 4 Cs the nicer the ring will be. With that said, you can choose a moderately sized ring with average color and clarity and still have it be a beautiful type of anniversary band which your loved one will enjoy.

Picking Out the Diamond Anniversary Band Setting

The second part to a gemstone ring is the band setting. These settings are available in a variety of styles and metals. Some of the more popular metals include platinum, yellow gold and white gold. The various styles come in types such as antique, modern and ornate varieties. When choosing an anniversary band for your spouse it is best to choose a style which suits their individual taste as they will be more inclined to wear a ring which they are most comfortable with. The setting which you choose will also depend on how many diamonds you wish to have placed within it due to the number of prongs present on the setting.

Consider the Cost of the Desired Ring

You may also find that cost is an issue when purchasing an anniversary band with diamonds inlaid within it. The more precious the metal and the higher quality of diamonds will often make the price higher. When buying an anniversary band, consider what your desired budget may be. Doing so prior to deciding where to purchase the ring will help to steer you in the right direction and allow you to purchase a ring which is within your budget.

There are ways to obtain good deals on an anniversary ring of this type. You will often find sales and online specials on jewelry items such as diamond anniversary bands which makes the overall purchase even better. The price will often be more reasonable for less expensive metals and diamonds which may not be top notch diamonds but beautiful nonetheless. The main point to keep in mind is that there is sure to be a diamond anniversary band which fits within your budget and will dazzle your spouse on the special day.

By James Greene

What You Need To Know About Loose Diamonds

2008-03-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

Diamonds that have not been placed in a setting are referred to as loose diamonds, and are generally sought after by investors and professional retail jewelers. Any purchase of loose diamonds should be accompanied by a certificate of appraisal and value.

The certification, which should always be based on an appraisal and analysis done by an outside, independent third-party agency, is more properly known as a diamond grading report. This report describes your loose diamonds in terms of weight in carats, clarity of the gems, color and cut. The individuals who perform this service are known as gemologists, and have received specialized training in this particular sub-field of geology. Gemology focuses on the study and analysis of precious stones and gems.

When loose diamonds are accompanied by such a report, they are known as certified. Anyone considering an investment in such diamonds, whether they are for use in diamond jewelry or as a hedge against inflation should make sure that their purchase consists of certified loose diamonds.

The job of a gemologist's certification is not to assign a monetary value on loose diamonds; that happens in the marketplace. However, such a report is used to determine such a value. The weight in carats (a carat is roughly equivalent to .015 of an ounce, or two-tenths of a gram) is the most obvious basis of valuation; however, if the gem has a "cottony" appearance inside, this can affect the value negatively.

Certified diamonds are evaluated on what are known as the SI3 Clarity Scale and the Color Scale. The Clarity Scale was developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA); it ranges from "FL" for "flawless" to I3 for "Imperfect," i.e., cracks and occlusions easily seen by the unaided eye.

Colored diamonds are rated on a scale that describes the gems in terms of hue and saturation. They are labeled with a letter of the alphabet from D to Z, ranging from virtually colorless to gems with a deep hue. Diamonds can be almost any color; the color variations include pink, green, blue, purple and amber, and are caused by chemical reactions during the diamonds' formation. Such gems can be worth substantially more than "white," or clear diamonds.

Control of the diamond market is concentrated in relatively few hands, centered around Antwerp, Belgium, where the diamond cutting industry was born over 500 years ago. These wholesalers recommend that diamonds be certified either by the GIA or the American Gem Society Laboratories.

Because of the way the analysis is done, it is impossible to perform a certification on mounted stones; loose diamonds should be certified prior to placement in a setting, ring, or watch, and the seller should provide documentation that such services have been performed.

By Jonathon Blocker

How To Select The Right Diamond Jewelry

2008-03-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

Diamond jewelry get smudged and soiled easily when you wear them daily. When you are not wearing and put them on your dressing table, they will collect dust. Soaps, lotion and natural skin oil can inhibit their brilliance and cause them to lose the attractiveness that they used to have in the past when you just bought them.

Therefore, it is very important for you to know how to keep the brilliance and shine of your fine diamond jewelry. To preserve its brilliance, diamonds require cleaning time to time, so that maximum amount of light can refract their brilliance. With few minutes every day, you will be able keep the brilliance of your diamond jewelry as fiery as the first day when you first bought it.

To clean your diamond jewelry, you can use a small and soft brush to do it. Prepare a bowl of warm water with mild detergent and place your diamond jewelry inside it. Then brush the diamonds while they are in the solution. After brushing it, remember to them clear of the detergent and use a small kitchen strainer such as a tea strainer to contain them while rinsing under warm water. After rinsing it clean from detergent, use a clean cloth to pat them dry.

If your diamond jewelry needs a strong cleansing, you can soak your pieces in a solution containing water and ammonia for at least 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, you can now use your brush to brush the mountings away. Then place your pieces back to the solution of mild detergent and warm water, and swish them around in it. Lastly, remove them to rinse and pat dry.

If you find it troublesome or simply do not have the time to mix the cleansing solution, you can visit many department stores which sell liquid jewelry cleaners. Before you buy any of the cleaners, be sure to read the labels to determine the one that is right for your diamonds and other jewelry. Read all the instructions carefully and follow all the precautions stated.

If you are a techy person, there are multiple ultrasonic cleansers on the markets for you to use and clean your diamond jewelry. These machines use high-frequency to create a cleaning motion and you will be sure that your diamond jewelry will emerge brilliant once again.

There are different ways to clean your diamond jewelry, and only you can choose the right method for yourself. It is essential to keep your jewelry clean so as to preserve its brilliance and clarity. One last thing to note is that after you have clean your diamonds, be sure not to touch your clean diamonds with your fingers. This will help maintain its clarity and brilliance for longer periods of time.

By Cheow Yu Yuan

Why Choose Loose Diamond For Perfect Diamond Engagement Rings

2008-03-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

You can consider getting a diamond engagement ring especially commissioned, but this is a rather expensive proposition for the majority of us, or you could consider buying loose diamonds and choosing a ring you can set them in yourself.

Don't let this option phase you. Many jewelers offer ring fittings for diamond engagement rings which are molded ready to set loose diamonds in. This way you can create something truly unique for your girl, and how can she refuse when you have put so much effort into the decision?

If you are concerned about getting authentic loose diamonds, you can make a visit to a reputable diamond seller who will provide you with a certificate of quality and authenticity.

Maybe you are worried about the price of loose diamonds. Let me lay your mind at rest. Making diamond engagement rings, with loose diamonds, can be relatively inexpensive and affordable, as a loose diamond and a unique ring setting can cost a whole lot less than a whole engagement ring.

If your beloved knows of your marriage intentions, you could design the ring together, creating a one of a kind ring that no-one else in the world will own. It will represent your unique love and commitment to the woman you love, and her having a say in the matter, might make it even more special.

Think about your life decision, again, on not staying single and being married, it may even be worth getting married for that fabulous ring on your finger.

By Mark R Green

Learn About Diamond Before Using Wedding Ring

2008-02-20T16:37:00.000-08:00

Before you decide with diamond you want to buy better you understand about the quality and clarification.

DIAMOND is the hardest, rarest, densest natural substance known to man. A precious gemstone composed of pure Carbon. A diamond's quality is rated in accordance with the Four C's: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight. While Africa is known as the Diamond continent, it is actually in Australia that the largest reserves are to be found - including the very rare and highly valued pink and red fancy colored diamonds. Diamond is the birthstone for April.

Usually you must understand about 4 C. What is that?

CUT

How well a diamond is cut has a lot to do with the stone's fire and brilliance. Brilliance describes the reflections of white light coming from the diamond. A diamond that is cut either too shallow or too deep will not be as brilliant as a properly cut diamond. Cut should not be confused with shape. To learn about diamond shapes, see above.

COLOUR

Diamonds are graded according to the GIA color chart. The letters D through Z are used to designate a diamond's color with D being colorless and Z-graded stones having a lot of color. Most often thought of as a colorless stone, diamonds also come in a rainbow of fancy colors. Fancy diamonds are very rare, valuable and sought after by collectors.

CLARITY

Clarity refers to the internal clearness or purity of the diamond. Gemstones with the highest clarity contain few or no inclusions (imperfections) in the stone's crystalline structure. Clarity is graded with a 10x magnifier. The clarity rating of a diamond ranges from FL (flawless) to I (inclusions visible to the naked eye).

CARAT WEIGHT

A very accurate unit of weight used for gemstones. The word Carat is derived from the Carob seed, which was used in the days of antiquity as counterweights on scales for small measurements because Carob seeds were extremely similar in weight. The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. Total carat weight (T.W.) is the total weight of all the stones in a piece of jewelry. One carat is equal to 100 points. The term carats is often confused with "Karats". "Karat" is a measurement of gold purity and has no relationship to the term Carats. The price per carat rises dramatically as the diamond increases in size, simply because larger diamonds are rarer, and found less frequently. Diamonds of the same carat weight vary widely in price, because of other factors that include clarity, cutting or proportion, and color.

Every Women Loves A Diamond Ring

2008-02-08T02:44:00.000-08:00

As you are deciding on which wedding rings you and your beloved desire to wear as a symbol of your undying love for one another you may be interested in how this practice came about and the true meaning of wedding rings. The symbolism and rituals are in everything we do today; in particular is the fact when a man or women commits their love to their significant other and gives them the promise of marriage. Certainly, the circle of a ring represents undying love and the continually renewed vows of the married couple. Rings have been used as a symbol of love for many years.

During the 15th century and only few people were able to have diamonds in the rings above all other types of gems, diamonds was known to be the ultimate gem and symbol with properties that no other gemstone posses, it also has the ability to resist incredible forces of destruction. Titanium is one of the most precious metals when producing wedding rings, it is more beautiful than gold or platinum and the quality and the value it posses is a incredible symbol of the love of two people.

When looking back in history the fourth finger has been seen as the symbol of love, the symbol of trustworthiness, faithfulness, and fidelity. It was thought that the fourth finger contained a special vein that was connected directly to the heart, and therefore this became the official finger for the wedding band.

A popular engagement ring for women is the round diamond brilliant cut. The diamond can be crafted into many different sizes and shapes, so when choosing tempt your fiancé with the clarity and sparkle of the different types of diamonds. Wedding rings hold a deep meaning, even though most of the people look at the aesthetic value.

You're no longer limited to gold and platinum as the only choices for wedding rings. When choosing a metal that is similar to white gold but much more durable than it a good choice is platinum. White gold goes with platinum or silver and it coordinates with or most fabrics; platinum is a hard metal which makes it very durable for the couples long lasting love.

As more men celebrate their marriage by the wearing of a wedding ring, mens diamond rings are fast becoming the new mens fashion. Titanium is creating a new look and setting new standards as the classiest materials used in rings, many men are turning to this type of metal. Titanium is setting a standard in the looks of contemporary mens wedding bands.

When planning for a wedding something to consider is the purchase of the wedding rings since wedding usually go over budget it would be a good idea to set a budget and follow a plan when planning the wedding. As the wedding approaches and time seems to move quicker trying to find the ring that is right for you and for the price that you can afford will be one the stressful factors you will need to deal with. The style, color will effect the price of the ring while the size and width of the ring band will normally not have an effect on the price of the ring.

By David Marc Fishman

How To Buy A Diamond Engagement Ring

2008-02-07T19:28:00.000-08:00

I say this in jest, of course, because as we all know, women are to blame for bank account liquidation in the name of the ideal finger bauble. Okay, so maybe I do not believe that either, but I can say with confidence that many men do (some of them even write for AskMen.com). In particular, men who have been through costly divorces and would love to have the 10 grand back that they spent on that pear-shaped rock set on a white gold band. But when you think about it, society fuels unrealistic expectations for not just the perfect engagement ring, but also the perfect everything : Sex life, marriage, children, body, career, and life in general.

So try to separate yourself from every other couple, diamond engagement ring and lofty expectation set before you as you strive to kick-start your personal path to nuptial bliss with not the perfect ring, but the perfect ring for your woman and your circumstance.

That said, here are some factors to consider:

The cost of the ring
Jewelry is expensive. Good jewelry is even more expensive. Good jewelry with diamonds is... you get the point here, men. When you start to devise a budget for your ring and solicit advice on the matter, the two-month rule will come up. That is, your salary over a two, or even three-month period, is a common benchmark to judge how much to spend, according to Mr. Pius Kaufmann, a diamond expert and founder of the exclusive Kaufmann de Suisse jewelry stores, with locations in Montreal, New York and Palm Beach. Take that to mean whatever you want it to. Some men spend more because they may have other disposable income from another source and some men spend less and find a more than acceptable ring to bestow on their significant other. The choice is yours. I suggest you shop around, talk to jewelers, surf the Web for resources on the subject and of course, talk to other men who have done the deed.

The four C's
To determine the best price for your ring, you need to familiarize yourself with the four C's, unless of course, you don't plan to buy her a diamond engagement ring. But if, like the vast majority of the population, you opt to, do recognize that more than any other factors, carat, clarity, color, and cut determine the cost of a diamond.

Carat
The concept here is simple: Carat refers to the weight of a diamond. The more carats, the more your bank balance falls. But remember that bigger is not always better. It all depends on the blend of the other diamond characteristics and also, the size of her finger. If your honey has a slender frame and small hands, a 1-carat stone is enough to make a statement.

Clarity
Evaluators of diamonds base part of the price on luster and sheen. These relate to the clarity of the stone. You can spend less on a very large but cloudy diamond for example, than on a small but transparent and shiny one. Diamonds are the most durable compounds on earth and the amount of pressure it takes to cut one is immense. Inclusions (an industry term) form and as a result, there are grades to rate specific diamonds for clarity. The important thing to bear in mind, however, is that the less flaws visible to the naked eye, the more expensive the stone. Keep that in mind as you shop around.

Color
People, rather women, prize the sparkle or refraction of light from a white diamond above all else. The more color one has, the less sparkle there is. Hence, the price rises. There are color grades for diamonds, from D-E-F (clear) to V-W-X (yellow tint), that you must balance with the clarity grade to determine what stone is best for your lady and budget.

A final note about color: The standards above refer to white diamonds. "Fancy" color diamonds, such as the pink one Ben gave to J-Lo, are very rare and out of reach for most.

Cut
Cut may be the most elusive C to understand. A good cut predisposes the amount of light that can enter into the stone, refract and emit that brilliant quality that people love in a diamond. Rather than go into the specifics of this C (trust me, this is heady stuff), I suggest you read up on it yourself (you'll find a link at the end of the article in the Resources).

Certification of diamond
There are some shady characters out there that claim they can sell you a 2-carat diamond for a crazy price. Do not believe the hype. That diamond is bound to be cubic zirconium or more to the point, glass. Hey, maybe you want glass. Be my guest. But if it's a diamond you seek, buy from a reputable jeweler who can certify the stone. That is, when you purchase the ring, you will receive a certificate of authenticity that is, in essence, a blueprint of the diamond. The document will outline the characteristics of the stone, but not the price. Make sure the issuer is either the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS).

Pius Kaufmann, with almost 50 years of experience in the business and global recognition as one of the foremost diamond experts, has this advice for men about to purchase their first diamond:

"Look for a jeweler you know you can trust. One that has a good reputation in the community and one that has been in business for many years."

"Does the quality of the merchandise adhere to the highest standards? Look at the workmanship -- the inside of the diamond should be as beautifully finished as the outside. Make sure the setting work is done with the utmost perfection, as you would not want to risk losing a stone you cherish."

By Lawrence Mitchell

Buy A Diamond Engagement Ring Without Making A Mistake

2008-02-04T19:36:00.000-08:00

An engagement ring may be the single most important purchase that you make in your lifetime. No pressure, right? Ring shopping, particularly if the ring is a surprise, can be overwhelming because there is much you need to know to avoid making a poor choice. Before you begin consider a budget, quality, cut and style. Two months salary is the traditional guideline for how much you should spend; however, your circumstances and preferences should also be taken into consideration.

Some important diamond basics: Carats are the unit of measure in which diamonds are weighed. While the size of the diamond you purchase is important, the biggest stones are not always best. You must also consider the shape, cut, and clarity of a diamond to determine it's value. Diamonds come in many shapes--pear, round, square, rectangular, marquise, oval and even heart-shaped. Cut does not refer to the shape, it refers to the number and angle of the facets cut into the stone. Facets reflect light and determine the diamonds sparkle and brilliance. A diamond that is too broad and shallow will not reflect as much light. A narrow deep diamond will have similar problems. The brilliant round cut in a yellow gold setting is the most common and one of the most attractive choices. Your significant other may prefer bolder and more daring shapes and settings so pay attention to her other jewelry and hints she may drop about her likes and dislikes.

Diamonds also vary in color. Generally, the less color the better when it comes to the quality of the diamond. Some diamonds may appear unflatteringly yellowish or cloudy; however, a few colors of diamonds are extremely rare and can have a higher value. Clarity goes hand in had with color. Imperfections and flaws in the stones, although they may be imperceptible to the average person's eye, lower the value of diamonds.

Now that you have picked a diamond it's time to look at settings. The variety of styles is staggering. The solitaire set in yellow gold is possibly the most common setting. White gold, titanium, and platinum are also excellent choices. Be sure your setting has a sturdy set of prongs to hold the diamond in place. The beauty of the center stone is often accentuated with smaller stones. This is an easy way to make the diamond look bigger. A Bezel setting completely surrounds the center stone. When choosing the setting take your fianc's personality into account. If she prefers simple elegant clothing she will likely admire the same quality in a ring.

By: Lulu Dallas

Famous Diamonds and Their Appraisals

2008-02-04T19:32:00.000-08:00

A Diamond appraisal is basically a clinical process that is 75% objective and scientific, and 25% subjective, being based on personal judgment. That is because three of the four criteria used by diamond dealers to evaluate stones prior to purchasing from diamond wholesalers are based on measurements; carat, or mass and weight, color and clarity, whereas the fourth criterion is cut. This is important; certified loose diamonds that are cut properly are worth far more than those that are not.

In short, diamond appraisal is a somewhat dry and academic exercise in which a dollar value is placed on a stone that throughout history has been surrounded by fabulous legends and to which has been attributed mystical and even supernatural qualities. When dealing with diamond wholesalers, it is good to know the business end of matters and know that what you are purchasing are certified loose diamonds that have been subject to a thorough diamond appraisal; however, one should not lose sight of the romance and mystery that surrounds these rare and valuable gems.

The Most Famous of Them All

When it comes to mystery and legend, the Hope Diamond tops them all. It is not the largest diamond ever cut, but has had one of the most convoluted and lengthy histories of any diamond in existence.

Like most certified loose diamonds, the Hope Diamond was cut from a larger crystal, which in this case was the Tavenier Blue, a crudely-cut stone that was allegedly mined in the legendary Golconda region of India and stolen from a statue of the Hindu goddess Seeta.

The Tavenier Blue came into possession of a French traveler by the same name in 1660, and eventually became part of the French Crown Jewels. This diamond was stolen during the French Revolution in 1792. The Hope Diamond, which was cut from the Tavenier Blue, surfaced in England in 1812. It eventually wound up in the collection of one Henry Philip Hope in 1824. The diamond came to the U.S. when a Hope descendant, Francis Hope, married an American actress named May Yohe in 1894. It changed hands several times over the next sixty years before New York diamond dealer Henry Winston donated it to the Smithsonian Institution, where it remains on display.

A diamond appraisal and analysis in 2005 confirmed that the Hope Diamond was indeed a piece of the Tavernier Blue; although it has been said to have a “death curse,” the fact is that most people who have had possession of the Hope Diamond died of natural causes at advanced ages.

Other Gems of Fame

Other famous diamonds include the Taylor-Burton, tribute to a tragic couple who could live neither together nor apart; at over 68 carats, it fetched $5 million at auction in 1979. Most recently in 2002, the “Incomparable Diamond” – a huge stone of 407.48 carats – made an appearance on the Internet auction site Ebay. At a reserve price of £15 million UK pounds – over $30 million US dollars and most likely determined by a diamond appraisal – it is small wonder that the gem has remained unsold. It will remain a diamond coveted by professional diamond dealers for years to come.

By Jonathon Blocker

Buying Diamonds: Go Online for all your needs

2008-02-04T19:28:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in buying diamonds there are a couple of ways you can go about doing it. You can go to a store in your area that sells diamonds and make a purchase in person. Or on the other hand you can visit one of the online sites that sell diamonds. In the past the majority of people thought that buying diamonds online was too much of a risk. But over the past few years this process has become much more widely accepted.

The great thing about buying diamonds online is that you can do much more than that. In addition to actually making a purchase, you can research the entire diamond industry. And for newcomers this is an absolute necessity.

When buying diamonds online make sure that you know who you are dealing with. There are some online sellers that are reputable, as well as a very small group that are in the business to try and make money off of your mistakes or misinformation. Before you start buying diamonds online ask potential sellers for some background information. You may also want to ask around on different online forums that are dedicated to buying diamonds. The people that frequent these forums are experienced in the diamond industry, and can give you great direction.

Many sites that sell diamonds also offer up a wealth of information on the industry as a whole. They have articles on many different aspects of diamonds, as well as background information on how they import their diamonds. On these sites you can find information on many areas such as pricing, weight, how to buy, and clarity among many other areas. It never hurts to learn as much as you can about diamonds before you actually make a purchase.

When buying diamonds online make sure that your purchase comes with a money back guarantee. This is very important when you buy anything online do to the pure fact that you will not get to physically touch the item before money is exchanged. If you are protected with a money back guarantee you can always send the diamonds back if they do not meet your expectations.

The internet is a great place for buying diamonds, as well as learning a lot about the industry. If you are interested in buying diamonds online, check out as many websites as you can before making a purchase. This will give you the ability to find exactly what you are looking for, and also get background information so that you can make the best possible decision.

Buying diamonds online has become quite popular over the past few years. As more and more companies go this direction, the online diamond industry is only going to continue to increase in popularity.

By: Shayla Susanne

Design Trends: Diamond Engagement Rings

2008-01-21T19:21:00.001-08:00

From the grace of halo to the sophistication of micro pave, design trends in diamond engagement rings and wedding band settings are changing, reflecting today's busy lifestyles. Ergonomic designs reign supreme in today's market, no longer does pure panache determine the design that leads to 'I Do.'

"Some brides prefer an ergonomic design that can comfortably be worn day in and day out," says Brian Gavin, Executive Vice President of Whiteflash.com. "Others look for added style in an intricate or trendy setting; which, unfortunately, can be limiting when it comes everyday wear," adds Gavin. Whiteflash.com is an e-jewelry boutique specializing in Hearts & Arrows diamonds and custom-designed engagement rings.

Here's a peek at the up-and-coming trends in engagement rings according to the boutique's jewelry designers:

Myth: solitaires stand tall

Not true of today's diamond solitaire settings, says Gavin. "Solitaire settings are traditionally upswept, raising the diamond to make a very bold statement," he adds. "However, people are also choosing settings where the center diamond sits down low, creating a look that is extremely elegant and also ergonomic." With the diamond down in the setting, brides-to-be are able to wear the engagement ring in everyday work and play situations long after they say their "I Do's.

Halos make a comeback

The likely reason for that comeback, according to Gavin, is that the halo-style diamond engagement ring makes the center diamond appear larger than it really is. "And the appearance of a high carat weight in the center stone is extremely important for many who are headed to the altar," says Gavin. Whiteflash.com has introduced several halo designs to its line of diamond engagement rings in the past year, including one with beaded diamonds along the shank as well as around the center stone, Increased sales prove the design's resurgence and staying power.

A toast to the 'Champagne' setting

One design stunning even to the most fashion-savvy is the diamond 'Champagne' setting. "Those who desire this setting know exactly what they're looking for...and that's something unique," says Gavin. "The Champagne style of setting has an unmistakable following." The designers at Whiteflash.com deserve a toast of the bubbly for their interpretation of the Champagne-style bubble design in their U-prong Champagne engagement ring...among others.

Gavin says the company's Champagne fashions have produced a great deal of spin-off custom-design work, much of which incorporates Whiteflash.com's exclusive 'A Cut Above' (ACA) melee diamonds. "The design of the Champagne diamond setting intermixes several components...it's these combined features that really draw[s] people to it," he says.

"Often people ask us to replicate one aspect or another of the Champagne design into a custom project, and of course we don't hesitate to do so." According to Gavin, the U-Prong, domed shank and accent diamonds are examples of features that can be applied to any custom piece. "Our 'A Cut Above' (ACA) melee diamonds have been adopted into thousands of projects, and are a stunning complement to any setting style," comments Gavin.

Delicate pave and micro-pave designs

The old debate: Delicate versus complex, which is better? According to the designers at Whiteflash.com, this season the style leans more heavily towards delicacy rather than complexity.

The diamond pave setting is widely admired for its refinement. To give the setting its simplistic, yet exquisite appearance, beads of metal are raised to create secure channels where the diamonds sit securely in the ring. According to the craftsmen at Whiteflash.com, the raised metal of the band (or ring) is used to create the tiny prongs that hold the petite diamonds in place.

Center stage: Eternity bands

The pave and micro pave diamond engagement rings come into play when customers are looking at smaller diamond settings like the eternity band. According to Gavin - who is also a fifth-generation cutter from the world's largest diamond center (South Africa) - there has been a recent push for smaller diamonds in settings. "In some cases even solitaire engagement rings are being replaced with semi, and even full diamond eternity bands," he says. The trend is likely a response to the aforementioned movement towards dainty-looking styles and those that offer daily wear. Eternity bands traditionally are set with diamonds anywhere from one to three points (carats).

Brides trade up

The 'trading-up' trend will never fade into obscurity. "We've found that it makes a difference in the design process if the bride-to-be is involved up front," says Gavin. "If the groom chooses to go it alone, he typically gravitates toward a simple design with a smaller-than-desired diamond. And what happens next? The bride-to-be upgrades the size of her diamonds, even adding side stones, and looks for a setting more suited to their tastes."

'Trading up' need not always be done up front. Many couples consider upgrades for important milestones like anniversaries, birthdays and holidays. "While her diamond engagement ring was [current] as a newlywed, many years later she might change or modify her setting to reflect transition in her own life or to keep up with current jewelry trends," says Gavin. "Even if she keeps the setting forever, there is a chance that down the road she may require a larger diamond. We have many repeat customers who upgrade their diamonds with us," he finishes.

Whiteflash.com anticipates change as a constant and has made it simple for customers to upgrade with a unique guarantee: Every certified diamond sold at Whiteflash.com comes with a lifetime trade-up option. The company will accept the return of any original purchase and extend full credit in the amount of the original purchase price. The credit can be used to purchase a different diamond.

"Marriage is a lifetime commitment," Gavin says. "When you choose Whiteflash.com, we'll be there for a lifetime with you."

About Whiteflash

Whiteflash.com is the first company in the U.S. to offer an exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows diamond and bring the sheer beauty of "super ideal cut" to the Internet. Brian Gavin, a 5th generation diamond cutter, and Debi Wexler, a computer entrepreneur, together founded Whiteflash.com in 1999 bringing an expansive selection of loose diamonds to the Internet, including an exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows diamonds. 'A Cut Above' (ACA(TM)) is unmatched in its brilliance, fire and sparkle and remains the only Hearts & Arrows diamond sold online with advertised standards and a "true patterning" guarantee. Whiteflash.com also offers original, handcrafted platinum and gold settings, diamond engagement rings and wedding bands, custom diamond ring designs and specialty jewelry.

By John Pollard

The Women You Love Deserve the Perfect Diamond Engagement Rings

2008-01-21T19:19:00.000-08:00

You've finally decided to take that giant step and propose to the woman you love. You're trying to decide where, when and how to propose. Proposing for marriage is a precious moment, and you want to make sure everything goes just right. But there's just one problem - you haven't a clue as to the type of diamond engagement ring you should buy for your future bride! There are so many colors, styles and shapes to choose from with diamond rings, so we've put together this helpful guide for choosing diamond engagement rings - just for you.

What's Her Style in Diamond Jewelry?

Observe her diamond jewelry tastes for a while. Does she like contemporary ring styles or more traditional rings? Engagement rings have taken on many designs in recent years, but some women prefer the traditional solitaire diamond engagement ring that has never gone out of style. The cut of the diamond engagement ring is also important. There are princess cuts and round cuts.

For the diamond shape, does she like elongated shapes such as oval or marquise? Or, does she prefer round, pear-shaped or square? The number one choice of brides is round diamonds, but times are changing! There are even heart-shaped diamonds and other unique shapes. Clusters of diamonds are also available as opposed to the solitaire diamond ring.

Consider the size of her hand and fingers as well. If she has small, short hands a bold style or wide band could make her hands look even smaller.

Color Choices for Diamond Engagement Rings

There are several colors to choose from when shopping for a diamond engagement ring. Yellow gold, white gold and silver are the most popular diamond ring metals. Again, observe the jewelry she wears on a daily basis to get an idea of the type of jewelry she likes. Also, find out if she has any skin allergies to certain metals. If you're still not sure, buy a diamond engagement ring that would blend well with her other favorite jewelry such as bracelets, earrings, pendants, necklaces, etc.

The Matching Set: Diamond Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands

Many diamond engagement rings come in a set with a matching wedding band. Buying the set is a good idea because you might save money. Also, buying her a wedding band along with her diamond ring shows your dedication and commitment to go through with the marriage. It might not seem important to you at the time, but to her it will mean everything!

Get the Right Size

Be sure to find out her left ring finger size before buying the ring. Maybe you can ask her the ring size at a "non-serious" moment, but be careful. She might get suspicious. Or, you could ask a friend or relative to find out for you. Don't forget to swear them to secrecy!

Get a Practical Diamond Engagement Ring

Be sure to choose a diamond engagement ring that's practical for everyday living. Consider her lifestyle and the type of work she does with her hands. Does she wear gloves in winter? A tall stone with prongs could snag her clothing (or your clothing). A fussy ring could annoy her after a while. So, keep it simple. Remember, she will wear this ring every day for many, many years to come!

Buying any jewelry such as diamond engagement rings, anniversary rings, etc. can be stressful if you're not sure what to buy. Use the tips above to choose a diamond engagement ring she'll adore for a lifetime.

By Chris Robertson

Right hand Engagement Diamond Rings

2008-01-21T19:16:00.000-08:00

A Diamond ring happens to be the best present as an Engagement Ring. The Right hand Engagement Diamond Ring seems to be the darling of the Diamond Jewelry market and its sales are touching all time highs. This Right hand diamond Ring is associated with the modern independent Career Woman who stands for the Success, Strength and self assertiveness and Freedom.

This old- but renewed product that is projected as the symbol of the eternal Love is opposed to the old style Diamond engagement Rings and the Diamond anniversary Bands. It is designed to be worn on a different hand but its design is also entirely different. The Design of the Right hand engagement Diamond Rings is entirely different from the matrimonial Rings. It is designed with more open spaces, smaller Gemstones that are arranged in such a way that it reflects the personality and individuality of the Wearer.

The Right hand Diamond engagement Rings followed the Diamond engagement Rings that were made wearable by both the men and women who are about to be get married. These Rings were made a symbol of the new era of independent Women who were successful along side the men. The diamond ring at the right Hand makes the new liberated Woman think that the left hand ring stands for the labors that marriage brings along while the right hand Ring reads as the careless, joyful side of life.

These Right hand Diamond Engagement Rings are also made attractive to the Men by telling them that they are encouraged to buy a Gift for their wives that will flatter not only their need for love proofs but also the thought of being valued and respected as an independent person, and not a nice accessory to men or a house decor item.

The trend has been set even if the man is not married but has a love relationship it is a must for him to buy and present a Right hand ring to his lover as a proof of his love and a symbol of his commitment to her. These Right hand Diamond Rings being a symbol of love it also attracted the unusual man and man Gay Lovers and girl and girl lovers also.

Any marketing with the human vanity as the basis has done extremely well and this technique has been effectively used to create a trend among the humans for the marketing of a product just by declaring and reinforcing the thought that these right Hand Engagement Diamond Rings are a must buy and Gift to maintain the relationship.

By John Gibb

Diamond Jewelry Online Buying Tips

2008-01-21T19:12:00.000-08:00

When it comes to diamonds, there are numerous scams to avoid. Most scams are minor, but there are some major ones that come up from time to time concerning the buying and selling of diamonds. With all of the potential for scams concerning diamonds, buying diamonds online almost seems unthinkable! However, you actually can purchase diamonds online, without any problems – as long as you are careful.

First, think about your reasons for wanting to purchase the diamond online, as opposed to making a purchase from a local jewelry store. The most common reason is price. Due to low overhead costs, online jewelers and wholesalers are able to offer lower prices. However, you must be careful – sometimes a price that is too low is a sure indication of a scam.

One of the best things about purchasing online is the unlimited selection. When shopping offline, you are limited to the selection in the stores in your general area. Online, there are no limits. But again, you must use a great deal of care and consideration before handing your money over to someone that you cannot see and have never met!

Before shopping, learn as much as you can about diamonds – especially cut, color, clarity and carat weights. When you are knowledgeable about diamonds, it will be harder for a con artist to rip you off. Once you know more about diamonds, you will be ready to start shopping.

Take your time. Don’t purchase the first diamond that you see that interests you. Instead, look for similar diamonds for sale. Do some comparison shopping to find the lowest and best offer prices. Once you have found the lowest price, start doing your detail investigation. You know about diamonds, you’ve found a diamond that you love, and you’ve found the lowest price – but you are still quite a ways away from actually purchasing that diamond!

In this respect, ask about the seller’s credentials and qualifications, such as professional jewelry associations that they belong to. View and print the seller’s return, refund, and upgrade policies. Also inquire about additional services, such as settings and mountings, sizing, and free shipping. Do a search for customer reviews on this particular company around the Internet. Also check with the BBB Online to see if there have been any complaints.

Ask for a diamond grading report from an independent laboratory such as GIA, HRD, EGL or AGS. You should see this before making a purchase. Finally, use a reputable escrow service for high dollar diamonds – preferably one that will have the diamond appraised while it is in their possession. The seller sends the diamond to the escrow service, and you send the money to pay for the diamond to the escrow service. The escrow service has the diamond appraised, sends the diamond to you, and sends the money to the seller. This is the surest way to protect yourself…again, make sure that you use a reputable escrow service!

By Clarence B.

How To Choose A Quality Diamond Ring and Diamond Jewelry

2008-01-21T19:08:00.000-08:00

You are about to make a very important decision. You are going to buy a diamond. Whether it is an engagement ring to start a new life with someone special or a pair of earrings to signify twenty five years together, a diamond is something special. You want make sure you are getting the best quality diamond for the money you are spending. So, how do you know you are not wasting your money? Here are a few things to keep in mind while shopping for that diamond ring.

The very first thing you are going to want to look at is your budget. In years past, the rule of thumb was that you spend two months salary on a diamond ring. However, that rule generally no longer applies. Today, with people living together before the question is asked, it is much more a question of how much your budget will handle.

After you know the price range you are looking for and can afford, you can then move on to the four “Cs” of diamonds. Color, cut, clarity and carat weight. Let’s take a look at the first one.

Color is the overall color of the stone. Traditionally, diamonds will rage from colorless to yellow. The less color in the stone, the more desirable it is. This typically has a relationship to the purity of the gem, although some people prefer the yellowish tint to a diamond stone. I personally think the yellowish tint makes it look old and not as clean as it should be.

Cut is very important to how the diamond will shine. If it is well cut, it will capture all available light and reflect it back to the height of its potential. If the diamond is cut too shallow, it will not gather light. If it is cut too deep, it will take light and not reflect it back. There are various different kinds of cuts, and a knowledgeable jeweler should be able to explain this to you as well as show you the same piece in different cuts so you can see the difference for yourself.

Clarity refers to how flawless the stone is. Diamonds that are flawless are going to be very rare and, therefore, very expensive. Usually, you can get more bang for your buck if you go down a couple of points on this category and get either a near flawless stone or one that has no visible incursions to the naked eye. Of course, the more visible the flaws, the less expensive the diamond. When you exmaine the gem with the naked eye, you should not be able to see "scars" or blemishes within the stone. If you can see scars but only when wearing a jeweler's "loop" (the magnifying monacle microscope that any quality jeweler has on hand, which you can ask to borrow to examine a stone), then it is probably worthy of your consideration.

The last of the four Cs is carat. This is how big the diamond is. It is worth mentioning that the larger stones are more rare and are more expensive. Because of this, you can get the same amount of total carat weight for less money. As an example, two half-carat stones are less expensive than a single full carat ring.

When shopping for the perfect diamond ring, the setting will also come into play, as well as what type of metal the ring is made of. Gold is traditionally the metal of engagement and wedding rings, but silver; white gold and platinum have started to become more popular in recent years as well. This is more a matter of personal taste than anything else, although you want a quality setting.

One more thing to look for when shopping for a quality diamond ring - a quality jeweler. They will help you decide what your budget should be and show you a wide range of what you can afford. They will be able to tell you more on the four Cs, show you a variety of settings and help you through the buying process so you are comfortable with your purchase. Don't be afraid to ask the jeweler to borrow his "loop" for a minute so you can get a close view of the diamond you are considering.

By Jon Arnold

The Four C's Of Diamonds And Why Are They Important

2008-01-21T19:06:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has even tried to buy a diamond has probably heard of the four c's of a diamond. So, what exactly are the four c's and why do the matter so much for the person who buy the diamond? Well, the 4c's determine the quality of the diamond and therefore - it's worth. Let's take a closer look at these four quality parameters and understand them a little better:

Clarity - describes the clearness or purity of a diamond. It is determined by the number, size an shape of the flows, or imperfections, inside and outside the diamond. The clarity is expressed by a scale of clarity level. The highest level is F - which means "flawless" diamond (very rare). On the other side of the scale there's the I3 clarity degree, which indicates a diamond with very notable imperfections. The scale goes from I3, to I2, I1, SI2, SI1, VS2, VS1, VVS2, VVS1, IF and finally - F. Be aware that the clarity level of a diamond may change over time for many reasons.

Color - The color of a diamond is another factor that should be looked at when determining it's worth. Not all diamonds are clear in color, and some have a yellowish color to them. The color scale starts at D,E,F,G,H and I levels, which represent colorless (transparent) diamond, D being the most colorless. After that, J,K and L represent a diamond which is near colorless. M, N,O,P,Q and R represent a faint light yellow diamond, and the S,T,U,V, W,X,Y and Z letters stand for a light yellow diamond.

Cut - the beauty of the diamond is to a large extent, derived from the quality of it's cut. An ideal cut will reflect most of the light that hits the diamond, thus causing it to shine and look very beautiful. A poor cut will make the diamond look lifeless and in many cases a small diamond that has an ideal cut will look much better that a bigger diamond with a shallow or a heavy cut. In many cases, the cut has a great effect on the diamond's price. One might ask - if the cut is so important, why aren't all the diamonds cut in a prefect way? The answer to that is that the rough diamond doesn't always allow the diamond cutter to cut it in an idea way because rough diamonds are found in different shapes and sizes.

Carat - The weight of the diamond. 1 carat equal to 0.20 grams. A carat is also sub divided into points, where 100 equals 1 carat. The size of a single diamond adds to it's worth, so 2 half-carat diamonds taken together will not cost as much as 1 one-carat diamond. This is due to the fact that the one-carat stone is more rare.

After the 4 c's are evaluated, the diamond's price can be calculated. Of course, diamond's value is also effected by the market - if there is a great demand to certain diamonds, their price may go up beyond their "on paper" value.

By Gill Reese

Diamond Wedding Ring

2007-11-26T20:21:00.000-08:00

The diamond ring is presented as a symbol of love in marriage. Rings date back thousands of years and wedding rings have been identified because of words inscribed on the ring, documenting the marriage agreement endorsed before the emperor’s image. The importance of the wedding ring was clearly identified by the 7th century bishop Isidore of Seville as a sign of fidelity and something that enjoined two hearts as they pledged themselves in marriage. It was supposed to be worn on the fourth finger because it was believed that one particular vein flowed from there to the heart.

Many brides in these modern times, however, like to wear their engagement ring along with their wedding ring, on the same finger. Ring designers keep this in mind while creating rings; another thing they consider is that many women prefer symmetrically matching diamond rings with diamonds of the same size and shape.

Diamond wedding rings are pieces of jewelry that will probably be worn all the time, for a very long time to come. Besides, wedding rings reveal a person’s choice and style, even personality. There is one rule of thumb while choosing wedding rings: smaller rings match smaller hands, while the opposite naturally is true for big-boned hands.

Another trend that is catching on is matching wedding rings, featuring hand-made designs with diamonds for the lady and any precious stone to go with it for the gentleman. Some jewelers give customers the opportunity to design their own diamond wedding rings. They offer solitaire settings, three stone settings or multiple-stone setting with platinum, 18K white gold or 18K yellow gold, for example.

Wedding rings must be chosen with care because they will sit on people’s fingers as signs of love to be treasured, while being a constant reminder of wedding vows and mutual commitment to marriage.

By Kent Pinkerton

Wedding Ring: The Symbol of Love

2007-11-26T20:19:00.000-08:00

"With this ring, I thee wed." Those words have long been spoken to signify a couple’s ever-lasting commitment to one another. The exchanging of wedding rings marks the beginning of a new life together for the bride and groom. A big day in the life of two people, yes the wedding day for which the preparations start from very long. A couples wedding day won’t be labeled as the big day for nothing. It definitely is something to look forward and to get prepared for well in advance.

According to some customs, the wedding ring forms the last in a series of gifts, which may also include the engagement ring, traditionally given as a betrothal present. Choosing the perfect wedding ring depends on what kind of ring you desire and what choices are available. Whether you prefer yellow gold, platinum, or white gold there is a vast assortment from which to choose. Even more important than how your wedding ring looks, is how it feels.

What can symbolize love and, of course, the wedding ceremony more than a diamond? Forget single diamond solitaires and boring gold bands. One of the hottest trends in wedding jewelry is to have rings custom. Most of the wedding rings are made up of diamond with a base of gold.

Most people tend to choose a diamond wedding ring because it is believed that diamonds are women’s best friends and they are the best in impressing them. So because of such beliefs most wedding rings are diamond rings. Diamonds too give a number of options to choose on. Diamonds are available in different shapes, sizes and colors. The favorites are colorless or the pink diamonds. Their ability to shine more than the others give them a special place.

A perfect wedding is a collaboration of many things out of which one of the most important is a beautiful diamond wedding ring. Wedding rings are outward symbols of love and commitment, but they are also very personal possessions. With so many options available, look for something that reflects your personality and use this as an opportunity to express something about yourself.

By Jasmin Pannu

Choosing a Diamond Wedding Ring Set

2007-11-26T20:16:00.000-08:00

Weddings are definitely joyous but exhausting event. Aside from the basics like searching for a venue, the wedding dress, the reception and the like—one of the major considerations of countless couples who are planning to tie the knot is the their wedding ring.

Usually, most couples prefer a diamond wedding ring set because it is large enough to be worn by itself. For those who are much into rings, a diamond wedding set is perfect for you because it can serve as an engagement ring and the wedding ring all at the same.

Searching for that perfect diamond wedding ring can be stressful and strenuous because there are so many things to consider such as the beauty, shape, size, and cost. The best thing you can do is to trim down these options based on your personal preference and taste.

Here are some tips that can help you get by in searching for that dream diamond wedding ring set. First, you have to choose a diamond wedding ring set that suits your taste and of your fiancé as well. There are actually many settings of diamond wedding ring sets available in most jewelry stores today.

If you prefer simple ones, you can opt for a diamond wedding ring set that has contemporary or modern look like those rings with one main diamond surrounded by smaller stones. But if you want a grander one, you might want to look for diamond wedding ring sets that have intricate designs or have traditional and antique look.

Next, know what kind of metal you prefer and also determine its weight based on your budget. The most common setting of any diamond wedding ring set is gold—it can be white gold or yellow gold. Based on standards, fine gold jewelry should be mounted in either a 18-karat (K) which, consists of 18 parts pure gold with 6 parts other metals or a 14-karat (K) that has 14 parts pure gold combined with 10 parts of other metals.

If you’ve finally decided to use gold for your diamond wedding ring set, decide whether you want a 14-K or a 18-K. Most jewelers agree that a 14-K yellow gold will last longer over time compared to the 18-K yellow gold because it is harder. If you like white gold for your diamond wedding ring set, 18-K is the best because it is whiter, harder, and more resistant to scratches.

Other common option is platinum because it has remarkable appeal and could last longer. Since it’s more durable compared to gold, a diamond wedding ring set made of platinum can resist breakage, chipping, and cracking over time and most of all, it doesn’t cause any discoloration of the skin.

Lastly, consider the shape. The popular diamond shape for wedding rings is round or brilliant because they tend to sparkle more than other shapes. Other popular cuts for diamond wedding rings include baguette, emerald shape, heart shape, oval shape, pear shape, princess cut, marquise, and trillion wedding rings.

By Low Jeremy

What You Should Know in Buying an Antique Diamond Ring

2007-11-26T20:15:00.000-08:00

Buying an antique diamond ring—whether as an engagement ring, a wedding ring, or for personal satisfaction—is always an investment. Considered as “nature’s perfect gemstones,” antique diamond rings can be priceless and rare especially if they contain high-quality and high-grade diamonds.

If you are looking forward to buying an antique diamond ring, the first thing to consider is the 4Cs of a diamond. Knowing the elements that reveal the true value and rarity of a diamond is the first step to know if you’re likely to possess an antique diamond ring for keeps.
The 4Cs comprise of Carat, which refers to a diamond’s weight; Clarity, which measures the purity of a diamond; Cut, which determines the diamond’s brilliance and Color, which gauges a diamond’s whiteness.

An antique diamond ring for wedding
Since it signifies romance, innocence, and reverence, antique diamond rings are becoming one of the most popular choices in wedding rings today.

For a ring to be antique, it should be over than 100 years and originates from the Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, and Art Deco. Typically ornate and detailed, antique diamond rings are usually authentic pieces or a reproductions inlaid in gold, platinum, titanium and silver.

Remember that antique diamond ring personifies character and history, which sets it apart from other modern designs. Before you purchase an antique diamond ring as a wedding or engagement ring, here are some of things you might want to consider:
1. Make sure that the antique diamond ring is professionally appraised before your pay for it. By doing this, you can be sure that all of its gems are authentic. You can also determine if the ring has been repaired or if it need repairs in case there are stone chips or cracks.
2. Look for a photograph with a hallmark or written and signed interpretation to know when was the ring authenticated. 3. In case the antique diamond ring needs a repair, get an estimated cost of before proceeding.
4. Be open-minded. There are gemstones and designs other people consider as unlucky. If you’re not into these myths, you might want to consider these antique diamond rings because they might be less expensive than others.
5. Make sure that you inspect and examine closely the condition of the antique engagement ring. Take note of the prongs holding the center diamond and the shank of the ring.
6. Do some research on 10X jeweler’s loupe.
7. Buy the antique diamond ring from a reputable jeweler or jewelry store.
8. Make sure that everything about the antique wedding ring is written on receipts, appraisals, and certifications.
9. Know if the stone is a genuine diamond or if it is a cubic zirconia, moissanite or other synthetic substance.
10. If possible, get a certificate from Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to ensure the authenticity of your antique diamond ring.

By Low Jeremy

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Ring

2007-11-26T20:13:00.000-08:00

It's a 'once in a lifetime decision' when buying a wedding ring. Choosing the perfect wedding ring depends on what kind of ring you favors and what designs are available. Remember, the most important part of a wedding ring is believe to be the diamond on it, the more unique the better.

Also, Whether you prefer yellow gold, platinum, or white gold there is a vast assortment from which to choose. Even more important than how your wedding ring looks, is how it feels. Once you found the perfect wedding ring, it is time to make sure you get a nice and perfect fit.

Sizing your wedding ring can be a little tricky. However, here are some valuable tips to help you obtain the perfect size for your wedding ring:

When getting your wedding ring sized it is best if you are in a comfortable atmosphere since climate and temperature can enlarge or reduce your ring size. After you purchase your wedding ring don’t get it sized immediately because it may not be the actual size at the point of purchase. Wear your wedding ring and give it time to adjust to your finger. Remember seeing buyers always put it on and try to look from different angle? It's not just for fun. They are trying to get the ring to synchronies with their body temperature.

By Jeffrey T