Monday, September 13, 2010

Diamond Ring: The Best Gift To Give

As it has been said, diamonds are a girl's best friend. Any woman you might ask would simply say that they like to have a diamond in their possession. Perhaps the high value given to such stone can be credited to its timeless beauty and appeal. Likewise, it is also contemplated as one of the best stones to be incorporated in any jewelry design.

It is noteworthy that the use of diamonds as jewelries has been around for centuries. However, it has been identified that there is a significant increase in the use of these gems within the past decades. Aside from being a proof of status for the elites, the use of such gem has also been more widespread than simply as jewelries. They also function as cutting tools, a means to transmit sounds, various optical applications, and as a special coating for airplane cockpit windows, which officially makes it a multi-million dollar industry.

While it is true that these precious gems have differing uses, it cannot be denied that they are primarily utilized as decorative pieces to make any jewelry more elegant and expensive. Many people are now fond of buying jewelries that have diamonds in them because they are good investments. Most, if not all, of these diamond encrusted jewelries increase in value overtime due to the presence of such stones. Similarly, they are also important heirloom pieces that can be passed on from one family member to the other.

Aside from their investment value, such gemstones are also priceless keepsakes during important events. For instance, during engagements diamond encrusted rings are the most common gifts that a woman can receive from her man. As an engagement is one of the most important traditions for many cultures, it is just logical for a man to give the woman he is about to marry a band that will reveal his true emotions. What adds to the worth of these diamond encrusted bands are their physical durability that could simply last for a lifetime.

Before buying a diamond encrusted ring, it is imperative to know that what you are getting is the real ones and not a fake. For unknowing buyers, a diamond can be mistaken with other stones such as cubic zirconiums and other similar looking stones. By taking this into consideration, it is always best to buy in reputable stores to ensure your that what you are paying is the real ones. It is also worth knowing that the value of a diamond can be identified based from the so called 4Cs or color, clarity, cut and carat.

So, before buying that diamond ring, a little research can be truly helpful to know whether you are getting the right one or not. The selection of diamond bands in the market is endless and it pays to have the patience to know everything about this stone. It is best to have the authentic one because it will represent your vow of love and permanence. Therefore, it is important to have something authentic so that every time you look and your spouse look at it, both of you will be reminded of that undying love you have sworn to.

Many people now prefer buying diamonds because they are good investments, as their value increases over time. It is also common to see such stones in jewelries, usually in rings, because they basically make any object valuable. A diamond ring, for instance, has become a popular engagement piece as it represents a relationship's longevity and everlasting love. Likewise, diamond jewelries have also been used as heirlooms to maintain the value of close family ties from generation to generation.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Engagement Rings And Diamond Gifts For Any Occasion

Get diamonds not just as engagement rings or wedding rings, but also for other occasions. You can get them as business gifts for informal meet ups or celebrations. Give them for family members on their birthdays, holidays or family reunions. Get diamond earrings and loose diamonds for loved ones who don't prefer rings. Whatever you're celebrating, there's a diamond gift for it.

Look for engagement rings in an assortment of shapes, sizes, cleanliness, fluorescence and light performance. Diamonds also vary and are rated by the four c's: clarity, carat, color and cut. If you are unknowledgeable regarding diamonds, you can still tell their variances in shape and design. But you might not fully comprehend how to properly assess diamonds for value without learning a few essentials.

When shopping for engagement rings, diamond earrings or loose diamonds, get all the salient information on diamonds. This is so that you know the proper rationale behind the rating provided to your gift. This isn't just referring to the actual buying price, but also the speculative value of the gift. Act shrewd so that you can make sure each gift recipient gets a gift due to them, whether they be a childhood friend, a business investor, or a prospective life partner.

Several aspects contained in valuing diamonds are not so obvious without a proper study. The reality is, although there are separate gemological associations, valuing diamonds depends on the person or organization doing it. There are also divergent grade systems exploited to rank and price diamonds. You may be acquiring diamond earrings with greater worth than loose diamonds, albeit visually, they look about the same.

There are several particulars you need to find out about this instant in terms of grading diamonds. For one, their weight has more bearing on their price than the quality of their cut. Secondly, diamonds get much of their value from the cutting process. Your diamond earrings are likely less than half their original size. After cutting brings out their fire and brilliance, however, they improve in value.

Grading and pricing systems aside, you can't find anything like the greatest diamond. The Hope diamond, Oppenheimer diamond and Darya-I-Nur are no more or less great than your parent's engagement rings, or any loose diamonds available in market now. This is because each diamond is created unique. The foremost diamond gift is not the priciest, but what best fits in with your needs.

Buy diamonds not for engagement rings or wedding rings, but for the other milestones in your life too. You can give them as business gifts for casual meetings or celebrations. Buy them for family members on their birthdays, holidays or family reunions. Buy diamond earrings and loose diamonds if rings aren't viable. You can find a diamond gift that fits any circumstance.

-Lorraine Jacobs

A Simple Guide On Where To Buy Your Diamond Jewelry

When buying fine diamond jewelry, other than the four C's, you also have to assess the place where you intend to buy such item. Diamonds whether loose or embedded in jewelry are truly expensive. Hence, purchasing diamonds can be one of the most important decisions that you could make in your lifetime. With this in mind, you have to be cautious about the shop where you intend to buy them so that you won't regret your purchase later on.

There are various ways in order for you to acquire diamonds. The first thing that you could do is to go online and search for online jewelry shops that offer fine diamond jewelry. Doing your purchases online is a practical way to land on articles of diamond jewelry without tiring yourself, as online jewelry stores are the key to finding diamonds that are both competitively priced and high in quality. In addition, online jewelry shops hold all sorts of diamond jewelry products from different parts of the world which gives you more room for choices.

One of the major benefits that could be derived from buying jewelry online is that you could save more time and energy--with just a click, these online stores would return thousands of jewelry selections that you could easily look at, and you could also engage in online jewelry auctions even without your physical presence. Parallel to this, online jewelry stores offer more inexpensive diamond jewelry pieces, regardless if they are round brilliant or oval in cut, as they do not apply markups on their products, which usually cover overhead expenses, since they do not have physical stores that demand extra fees like electricity and employee salaries among others. The main issue with online purchasing however could be found on the copiousness of jewelry selections that often undermine the ability of consumers to appropriately appraise the value and quality of their jewelry choices. Likewise, as the internet equates to anonymity, jewelry scammers are just around the corner to take advantage of naive online jewelry buyers.

If you wish to safeguard the integrity of your purchase, the best option you have is to personally visit the local jewelry stores in your area. The primary advantage of this option is that you have the power to personally check the quality and value of the round brilliant diamonds that you are interested to buy. Professional jewelers could also assist you if you have questions, which would help you in making your purchasing decisions. The major issues surrounding such option however could be found on product pricing; most of the time physical jewelry stores place markups on their products to cover the overhead expenses they use to run their business, and you have limited selections unlike those with online jewelry stores.

Meanwhile, if your are searching for inexpensive pieces, rare jewelry like oval diamonds from specific periods, or used diamonds, you may try your hands on specialty stores, thrift shops as well as pawnshops. If this option is something that you would consider, it is essential that you have the right knowledge about diamond jewelry and how to appraise it so that you won't make wrong purchases. You must also be patient enough to perform the task of searching as these stores usually do not hold such forms of valuable items. But, if you're truly lucky, you can purchase rare finds that you could include in your collections, though this instance rarely occurs.

When you're in the market for a piece of fine diamond jewelry, it pays to shop around and make comparisons to be able to make the right purchase. If your primary option is purchase online, be sure to do an intensive background check on your prospective online jewelry stores to make sure if they are legitimate or not and also consider looking at their return and refund policies to ensure that your interests are protected. When it comes to the local jewelry stores in your area, it would be wise to compare prices, services and the quality of products. If you have idea about the jewelry stores within your area, you could take some recommendations from your friends or family so that you can be assured that the jewelry you will purchase will definitely give you a run for your money.

If you intend to buy fine diamond jewelry, regardless if it has oval diamonds or round brilliant sparklers, it pays to go over your store options to ultimately make the right purchase. Basically, you have two options when it comes to purchasing diamonds. First, you could go online, which is a good option to save time, money and energy, and second, you could visit your local jewelry stores, where you could personally appraise the jewelry you would like to purchase.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Women And Jewelry: The Relation Between Women And Fine Jewelry Pieces

Fine jewelry has played important roles that has been well document in the pages of history. From the ancient times, humans have been wearing jewelry pieces to accentuate their bodies. Beginning in the old stone age 25,000 years ago, men and women have collected things, from animal teeth, shells and bones to pebbles and stones, drilled holes in them and wore them on their bodies. However, compared to men, women are perhaps more inclined to use jewelry pieces in order to befit differing purposes.

In a recent survey spearheaded by one lifestyle magazine, it was found out that out 0f 100 female respondents 95 spends more time shopping for fine jewelry compared to other accessories. Such result significantly shows how important jewelry is for many women. With this result at hand, you might be wondering what is it with jewelry that makes women swoon for it. Accordingly, many women appreciate jewelry for a variety of reasons.

To begin with, all kinds of jewelry pieces are additives that reinforce the real context of dressing as well as artistic display. They are regarded as essential components of fashion and style due to their ability to improve the appearance of wardrobes that women often wear. Hair dresses such as hairpins and clips that are embellished with loose diamonds and other precious stones could enhance the appeal of a female's hair; brooches and pins on the other hand have the power to make boring looking uniforms into trendier pieces of outfits. Jewelry pieces worn on different parts of the body such as bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces create a focal point that hides aesthetic flaws of women.

Aside from the purpose of accessorizing, articles of jewelry also serve the purpose of defining a female's social status within the society. During the ancient times, many cultures used jewelry pieces as determinants of the positions that women hold in their communities--the slaves wore beaded articles of jewelry, while elite women made use of metallic jewelry pieces embellished with precious stones like loose diamonds. Although such purpose may not be as intense today compared from the past, it cannot be discounted that is still apparently a practice that many rich and famous people uphold.

Many women also love fine jewelry pieces because of their associated symbolism as well as the spiritual and health value they hold. Women from India have since been using the "tika- which looks like a chandelier earring that they wear at the end of their hair with the pendant suspended at the exact center of their foreheads to represent preservation of their spirits. Nose rings on the other hand is said to enhance sexual reflexes, while necklaces, which are often worn close to the heart are identified as pieces that work on emotions and attract or strengthen love. Charm bracelets are utilized to harness luck, while bangles are signs of creativity and the sun's potent energy. Gemstones of all sorts have been used to cure different health conditions with diamonds being used to induce clarity and jade to enhance relaxation among others.

Of course, jewelry pieces profess and communicate different stories, which is why many women appreciate them. They communicate tales of love, friendship, celebration, welcoming and personal epiphany. Articles of jewelry are about relationships with spouses and partners as seen from the use of wedding and engagement rings accentuated with round brilliant cut diamonds, friendships that are defined by friendship bands and rings, and families through the consistent use of heirlooms that are passed from one generation to another. Generally, jewelry of all sorts tells a whole lot about women that not even words would be able to express.

Fine jewelry serves several purposes for women, which is why they are actually loved and appreciated. Bracelets, necklaces and earrings adorned with gemstones like loose diamonds are now regarded as important components of style and fashion. Jewelry indicates social status and is also considered item of healing in many cultures. For the most part, jewelry help people celebrate all kinds of special occasions like wedding and engagements as seen from the use of rings adorned with round brilliant cut diamonds.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Why Choose Round Brilliant Cut Diamond For Your Fine Jewelry

Among the four C's of diamonds cutting is probably the least understood and yet it has a significant impact on the cost of the said articles of fine jewelry. It should be taken into consideration that diamonds that exude excellent cutting could cost 40 to 50 percent higher than diamonds that are poorly cut. As such, a prospective buyer should fully understand the value of cutting when it comes to diamonds. In reference to diamonds, cut or make refers to the overall symmetry, proportioning and finish of the stones that directly affect how these gems produce their fire and brilliance.

Basically, there are three general cutting techniques employed for fine jewelry diamonds: brilliant cut, step cut and mixed cut. A brilliant cut makes use of many facets and are usually triangular and kite in shape arranged in defined ways to achieve maximum brilliance. A step cut utilizes fewer facets, mostly rectangular or trapezoidal in shape and are arranged in linear pattern. A mixed-cut on the other hand integrates the elements used by both the step cut and brilliant cut styles.

Among the three mentioned cutting techniques though, the brilliant cut is the most preferred due to its ability to expose the maximum fire and brilliance of diamonds. But, if combined with the right shape, a brilliant cut sparkler will surely overshadow other diamonds in terms of beauty and value. Even though there's a whole range of shapes that suit with brilliant cutting, it is probably the round shape that best complements it. In fact, round brilliant cut is the most popular shape that befits well with the said cutting technique.

Each round brilliant cut sparkler contains 58 facets""33 are situated on the crown, 24 at the bottom, and another facet at the culet or point. Smaller round brilliant diamonds are called "full cut" to properly distinguish them from "single cut" stones that have 17 facets, and from "Swiss cut" diamonds that have 33 facets only. With all these information perhaps you're now wondering, what is with these round brilliant diamonds that make them valuable? To simply put it, as the diamonds cut this way have no corners they could reflect the most light that passes through them enabling them to produce the most brilliance, fire and liveliness.

The round brilliant cut is an established favorite and considered "ideal" combination of cut and shape not only because of its premium brilliance but also its ability to suit all types of jewelry pieces. Diamonds cut this way are most preferred for engagement and wedding rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings among others because they could be easily lined together regardless of the form of the jewelry. Nonetheless, they befit all settings whether it is prong or pave. Fundamentally, this cut is truly functional and versatile.

Of course, as stated earlier there are different cutting techniques that could be employed for diamonds. What might be ideal for some may not be the choice of another. When choosing diamonds, regardless if they are loose diamonds or clarity enhanced diamonds, you should be the one to decide what type of cut you would like because the appearance of a sparkler with an ideal make would not actually appeal to you, and the diamonds without ideal proportions are sometimes receive the highest cut grade from GIA. The most important action that you could take is to compare diamonds of differing qualities and prices, as this is an efficient means to train your eyes to properly identify their differences when it comes to fire and brilliance as well as lifelessness and dullness.

Round brilliant cut diamonds, whether loose or clarity enhanced diamonds, are known for their maximum brilliance and fire. Because of this, the round brilliant cutting style has become an established favorite among jewelers and jewelry buyers alike. Such combination of shape and cut is also known for its ability to complement all sorts of fine jewelry pieces ranging from engagement rings to earrings.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Fine Jewelry And Its Salient Qualities

Is cut more important than clarity when assessing diamonds? You could spend hours contemplating on the merits of one over the other. However, to get a definite answer, you need to understand the relationship between the two. More importantly, you'll need to consider what you really value in fine jewelry.

A diamond's cut pertains to its external proportions, as well as the skill of cutting and polishing. Diamonds can be cut in such a way that it attains its highest selling price, or maximizes its capacity for brilliance. The clarity of diamonds, on the other hand, refers to the number of imperfections a diamond has. Fewer imperfections make a higher quality diamond, which will make it both more beautiful and expensive.

Clearly, the skill with which a diamond has been cut will impact its clarity. In the process of producing a diamond, this is one of the few factors which can be controlled. Only the most precise craftsmanship can guarantee that a raw piece of diamond will be recut into fine jewelry.

On the other hand, the clarity of diamonds can be poor no matter what quality the cut has. Clarity is also reliant on the quality of the raw diamond. As a consumer, you need to be conscious of this and check any diamonds you want to buy under a microscope or loupe to find flaws yourself.

When you look at a round cut diamond, you'll realize how critical it is to cut a diamond with a reasonable amount of skill. It will also become more apparent just how closely cut and clarity are connected to each other. Round cuts are known for having the most potential for brilliance above all other cuts. Any errors in the cut or internal flaws, even minor, will reduce that potential considerably.

Do you like fine jewelry? Are you looking for a diamond with the best cut, or the highest clarity? You cannot ignore either factor. However, you can examine the cut first, since it affects clarity, as well as carat weight. Prioritizing one of the four C's over the others is counterproductive, if you lack a basic education on diamonds.

A diamond's cut pertains to its external proportions, as well as the skill of cutting and polishing. The clarity of diamonds, on the other hand, pertains to the amount of imperfections a diamond has. When you look at a round cut diamond, you'll realize how vital it is to cut a diamond with a reasonable amount of skill. Only the most exacting craftsmanship can ensure that a raw piece of diamond will be made into fine jewelry.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Loose Diamonds: Looking At Round Brilliant And Fancy Cuts

For most people, the only time they look for diamonds is when they want wedding or engagement rings. The smart way to go about this is to find loose diamonds first and have them set later. You can inspect them for defects better, and improve your chances of a good deal. However, you need to be meticulous when buying. It's easy to make mistakes and pay too much, or get stuck with an inferior diamond.

When looking at loose diamonds, you must check on the diamond's value. You'll want to scrutinize each one for the four C's; carat weight, cut, clarity and color. But bear in mind that each diamond is unique, and it's rare for a single diamond to get two separate assessments with identical results. Ultimately, the value of a diamond is subjective, so you shouldn't be too obsessed looking for it's exact value.

The most prominent diamond cut is the round brilliant cut. Thanks to the work of Marcel Tolkowsky, the proportions essential to get the most brilliance and fire out of a diamond were established and popularized. Further innovations perfected Tolkowsky's measurements to optimize diamond's potential for brilliance.

The round brilliant cut is also the established favorite cut. On the other hand, fancy cuts become popular based on prevailing fashions. Nowadays, people look for sparkle, so the heart, oval, and pear cuts are popular. However, the quality and value of a diamond relies on other factors. You can easily get a high value diamond of any cut - or low value, if you buy recklessly.

So buy a diamond jewelry gift with any cut you desire. It may be a shape that captures your or your significant other's interest, or one that elicits special memories or feelings within you. If all you want is a huge diamond, and you don't mind flaws, it's easy to get one for cheap. But even if you are buying cheap, you have to scrutinize your purchases to avoid getting gypped.

When it comes time to set your loose diamond, it's best to have it done by the same people who sold it to you. If you bring it to another jeweler, they won't want to be held responsible for any damage the diamond may incur during setting. If the seller won't take responsibility for their own diamonds, leave them for a seller who will.

For most people, the only time they look for diamonds is when they want wedding or engagement rings. The smart way to go about this is to look for loose diamonds first and have them set later. The round brilliant cut is the most enduringly popular cut. Fancy cuts become popular based on prevailing fashions. However, the quality and value of a diamond is based on other factors. So buy a diamond jewelry gift in the cut you really want.

-Lorraine Jacobs