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

Maximizing Fire And Brilliance""Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds

Since the ancient times, diamonds have captivated the interest of humans. They are the most admired ornaments that nature has given; they are things that symbolize beauty and forever. From all the stones that the world has introduced, diamonds are the most distinguished""appealing to people of all classes. Whether they are loose diamonds or blood diamonds, one definite thing remains about these gems, they will be valued by people of all generations.

Because of our deep appreciation for diamonds, they emerged as permanent trinkets of jewelry during special occasions such as betrothals and weddings. Fine diamond rings and almost all articles of jewelry made from diamonds have turned into valuable belongings equally at par with real estate and artworks. For these reasons alone, purchasing diamonds has become a practice that demands deep comprehension about the important features of such stones in order to make informed decisions. While much has been said about the clarity, color, and carat of diamonds, not all of us are very familiar about the facet of diamond cutting.

Cut, when it comes to diamonds, pertains to the style or design guide used for shaping a diamond that is subject for polishing. This is totally different from shape as it relates to the symmetry, proportioning and polish of the diamond, which in turn affect how it produces brilliance and fire. The history of diamond cutting can be traced from as far back as the middle ages, and has since been innovated until today. Although there are many cutting styles to choose from, the round brilliant cut is probably the most admired.

Round brilliant cut was first introduced in 1919 by Marcel Tolkowsky, Belgian diamond cutter. Since Tolkowsky was an engineer by profession, he's discovery of the said cut was based from definite mathematical and empirical analysis, taking into account the importance of brilliance and fire in diamonds. As an end result, a diamond cut this way contains 58 facets""33 on the top or crown, 25 at the bottom including the culet or the bottom point of the stone. Similarly, since a single cut produces two diamonds, one is larger than the other, very few diamond pieces are wasted.

When a round brilliant cut diamond is cut well, the shape produced allows light to pass through from any angle, thereby making the diamond to have greater brilliance and fire. Because of its safe shape, diamonds that are round brilliant in cut have higher levels of "saleability," insurability and visual optics. Aside from the mentioned qualities, diamonds that are round brilliant in cut are also acknowledged for their flexibility to complement any forms of jewelry settings. As such, it is not a surprise to know that approximately 75 percent of diamond jewelry sales are credited to this kind of cut.

When scouting for loose diamonds to be used for customized jewelry pieces, it is advised to opt for pieces that are round brilliant in cut. Based from the characteristics mentioned above, this cut would surely help you maximize the value of your diamonds in many aspects including its saleability and insurability. Nonetheless, as it is truly versatile, it will not be a trouble anymore to find the right setting to use for your jewelry. In a nutshell, diamonds that are round brilliant in cut are definitely worthy of your expenses.

If you are looking for diamonds, you may want to consider loose diamonds, which would give you the option to choose your desired setting for your fine diamond rings. However, to further maximize the value of these loose sparklers, pick the ones that have round brilliant cut. This cut is noted for its ability to exemplify the greatest brilliance and fire in diamonds.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Enhancing The Look Of Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Through The Right Settings

Diamond jewelry gifts are probably the best tokens that one could give and receive. While the value of gifts isn't determined by their aesthetic appeal, it cannot be denied though that in some ways most of us look on the outside appearance of presents. With these considerations at hand, diamond gifts are the ones that could suffice to the emotional and aesthetic needs that we are yearning for. Likewise, with their durability, they are the gifts that could never be forgotten even after years have passed by.

If you have the intention to buy diamond gifts, it would be advisable to opt for loose diamonds since they are not yet affixed to any articles of jewelry. Meaning, you could actually have them customized in accordance to your desired setting and piece of jewelry. Besides, you won't have a hard time appraising the gems as you could actually go over their overall features. One of the most crucial features that you should take into account upon appraising loose sparklers is the cut.

It is imperative to exactly identify what cut is in reference to diamonds and how it is different from shape. Shape pertains to the outline perimeter of the gem, while the cut, which is also referred to as the stone's "make," significantly affect the gem's beauty and personality as it pertains to the stone's proportioning and overall finish, which are directly related to how the diamond produces fire""the lovely rainbows from within the diamond and brilliance, which is the liveliness and sparkle of the gem. Simply, a diamond with an excellent make is more expensive and valuable than a diamond with a poor cut. There are different cutting methods that can be done in order to produce high quality diamonds; however, the round brilliant cut remains as one of the most popular among many jewelers and jewelry collectors alike.

Round brilliant cut is the standard cut for diamonds and is considered as the best at producing prismatic effect, which means its shape displays the most sparkle since it enables the most light to reflect back on the top of the diamond. Diamonds that have underwent this method displays greater brilliance compared to any other diamonds because there are no corners where light could hide. Hence, the brilliance and fire of the diamond could be seen at their full extent. Although there are shapes and cut that are comparable to round cut diamonds, the latter remains as the favorite of most jewelers.

Round brilliant cut diamonds are very flexible and could suit all types of jewelry settings. If you wish to offer a round brilliant diamond ring during your proposal, there's a wide array of ring settings that you could choose from. Prong setting is the most common band setting where the diamond is held steadily in center position by four or six prongs of equal height, which in turn allows the gem to project outward. Pave setting is made up of several pieces of diamonds set closely together, and in between them are little gems that hold them tightly to the metal setting, while a bezel setting has a metal rim or collar that encircle either the entire side or just a portion of the diamond that extends a bit above the stone.

Other notable settings that you could use for your round brilliant loose diamonds include the channel setting, wherein several diamonds of similar sizes are placed into a metal channel so that they appear as a continuous row of diamonds, and the bar setting wherein the diamonds are placed in grooves separated by metal. All in all, it cannot be denied that diamond jewelry pieces are indeed the perfect gifts because of their beauty and intrinsic value. Hence, if you want to give the best to the person you love, diamond jewelry could proudly express what and how you feel toward that person.

If you are searching for gifts that are truly worthy of your money, diamond jewelry gifts would be a good preference. Loose diamonds are becoming popular today because many jewelry makers are willing to design for individuals who wish to have unique jewelry pieces. For loose sparklers that could befit any jewelry setting, choose the ones that have round brilliant cut so as to maximize the fire and brilliance they produce.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Diamond Rings: Spy With Your Little Eye

Clarity is one of the four C's that affects the quality of the diamond. It refers to the amount of flaws found in a diamond. These flaws are imperfections brought about by mistakes in cutting or that come from the original rock. A diamond with poor clarity will have faults that can be easily observed, and may even be seen with the naked eye. They will not look charming set in diamond rings, and have low resell value. In contrast, a diamond with great clarity is in demand among collectors, and will be a gift of true value to loved ones.

Flaws can be classified into two; external flaws are called blemishes, whereas flaws within the diamond, that can affect its ability to reflect light, are called inclusions. Since inclusions get in the way of a diamond's sparkle, they can reduce the value of a diamond more, but they can also be useful. Inclusions can be used to identify individual diamonds as a sort of diamond fingerprint. This can be used to secure your diamond rings.

Diamonds are graded based on how easy it is to perceive these flaws. They go through this process while they are still loose diamonds. There are several gemological organizations worldwide that have developed separate grading systems, although in many cases they are very similar. You should orient yourself with the grading system used in the store where you buy your diamond. When buying diamond rings, you will want to check the clarity of the diamond above anything else. Clarity is one of the main factors used in gauging a diamond's monetary value. It is a standard employed by gemological organizations across the board.

To ensure you get diamonds of the highest clarity, get loose diamonds first. You can make an ocular inspection of the diamonds before buying. You can ask the jeweler for a loupe or magnifier so that you can view them under 10 x magnification. If they are hesitant to let you take a closer look, it's a red flag to look elsewhere.

Be careful when picking jewelry stores as well. One store may have ridiculously low prices, or limited period sales. Don't think about getting a bargain; you'll end up with paltry trinkets ten years later. Your priority should be getting diamonds of lasting value. You can buy a good quality diamond at a reasonable price, if you take the time to learn about diamonds.

When buying diamond rings, you will want to check the clarity of the diamond above anything else. Clarity is one of the main factors used in gauging a diamond's monetary value. Jewelry stores are not always what they appear to be. To guarantee you get diamonds of the best clarity, purchase loose diamonds first. You can get a high quality diamond at a sensible price, but only if you study your diamonds.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Diamond Heart Jewelry And Its Romantic Appeal

The round brilliant cut is considered the gold standard for diamond cuts. Designed to maximize the potential of a diamond's brilliance, this cut is also known as the most uneconomical, with over half of the raw diamond discarded to get to this ideal shape. Not to say that it's the only shape diamonds should be in. In fact, the diversity of diamond cuts boosts their overall allure.

And diamond heart jewelry is as desirable as it gets. Heart cuts are in many ways similar to the pear cut, but vary in height and width. The heart cut retains some brilliance found in the round brilliant cut, but also flaunts the diamond's other qualities, like clarity. Bear in mind that this shape was not invented frivolously. The heart cut is essentially the pear cut with a cleft added in.

Admittedly, not everybody likes diamond heart jewelry. Some people may feel that it is too puerile to use in their wedding rings. Still, it is hard to dispute the romantic appeal of the heart shape. Since it is a relatively new cut, there are less regulations in making heart cut diamonds compared to round brilliant.

In comparison, with round brilliant cut diamonds, your primary consideration really is just the brilliance of the piece. Diamond makers built on Tolkowsky's Ideal Cut, the original standard for the round cut. Thanks to the progress in the science of refraction and manufacturing technology, they're able to utilize a raw diamond's potential to reach maximum brilliance.

It is vital that you do a quality check before you obtain any heart jewelry. In particular, you need to confirm that it does not have any blemishes, cracks or other imperfections. Some imperfections are not discernible to the naked eye, but still affect the diamond's value. These imperfections do become evident under the microscope, and are considered when the finished diamond is graded and priced.

If you prefer to get more value for your investment, you should be on guard for enhanced diamonds. These are treatments performed on diamonds after they have been cut and polished, to excise these imperfections. Government regulations require that any enhancements be divulged to potential buyers. These treatments lessen their value and are only performed on seriously flawed diamonds.

It is vital that you do a quality check before you obtain any heart jewelry. In particular, you need to confirm that it does not have any blemishes, cracks or other imperfections. With round brilliant cut diamonds, your primary consideration really is just the brilliance of the piece. You should be on guard for enhanced diamonds. These are treatments performed on diamonds after they have been cut and polished to excise these imperfections and reduce their value.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Diamond rings are more than just a luxury

It is normal for people with extra money to invest their funds in assets that would allow their money to grow.To help their money grow, they would usually acquire assets like land or stocks and even condominium units because they can generate revenue as their value appreciates.

Some would find assets like these irrelevant though so they would choose to spend their hard earned money in other more interesting and enjoyable possessions.And there is nothing more appropriate than to invest on their hobbies where they can directly enjoy money they have spent.

Some hobbies are also considered an investment because as time goes by they also increase in value just like luxury cars, fine jewelry and toys.However, choosing the right type of toy or jewelry, like diamond rings, is the key to finding the ones that really appreciate in value as time goes by.

Rare toys that are kept intact and in the box over time usually gets more expensive and can be sold for almost twenty times more of its original price.Fine jewelry is also a good choice for a luxury investment.Jewelry with diamonds like diamond rings and bracelets can definitely get more valuable as the years go by.

Another good thing with buying diamond rings or necklaces is the fact that you can readily share this as a very meaningful gift for a loved one.Diamonds pretty much last for a lifetime so it can be smart investment compared to other things like cars or houses that can depreciate as time takes its toll and cause mechanical or aesthetic problems.

But overall, the way people spend their extra cash will solely depend on what their goal in the long run is.Looking into the non traditional methods of earning profit or interest for your money can be a good way to start as there are numerous ways available that can reap rewards and feed someone's happiness and interest at the same time.

Investments do not necessarily need to be traditional ones like land or mutual funds. Some investments can actually be a source of happiness and entertainment for an investor like fine jewelry or luxury vehicles. Just like land or stocks, diamond rings or luxury cars can appreciate in value over time and give the owners the option to sell it at for a much higher price after a few years.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Diamond Jewelry Gifts Purchasing Tips

If you're a man, you're probably thinking of giving your bride-to-be a diamond ring and would like to ask her to marry you. The idea appears to be very simple; you'll go to your local jewelry store, buy a diamond ring worthy of her love, set a date and propose to her. In reality however, this is not always what it feels like especially if you are able to get a hold of the price tag of your chosen sparkler and you would soon realize how intimidating it is to purchase diamond jewelry gifts. If you have the plans to purchase a diamond, it is vital for you to know the tricks of the trade so that in the future when you're ready you would take control of every transaction you make and be able to close a good deal.

According to Fred Cuellar, gemologist and one of the world's top diamond experts, there are basically four things that a consumer has to remember when he or she intends to purchase diamond jewelry gifts, and these could be summarized as BEST: B-budget, E-expectations, S-savvy, and T-timetable. In terms of budget, you should try to figure out first how much you intend to spend on buying diamond, and you should stick to that budget outlay; a month's salary could already be a good starting point. Expectations demand for you to know and understand the needs and wants of the person to whom you will give the diamond; this way you will know what type and design to pick. Being savvy requires you to know the given cost of diamond in the market and the best designs available, as they say knowledge is power; and for the element of timetable, you must have a laid plan about when and where you intend to give the diamond, do not haste things and be sure to give yourself enough time to analyze things.

Since you are now aware of the general basics, you should also consider where to buy your sparklers. You have two options where you could get your diamond jewelry gifts, first is for you to go online and second is to check your local jewelry shops. Buying online is a practical way to secure your diamond without the need to drive around since everything you need is just a click away; however, you should also consider the drawbacks associated with this practice, first you can't appraise the jewelry and second you don't know with whom you are transacting with; if this option is good enough for you, it is crucial for you to do an intensive background check so that you can be assured that you would really get the diamond you are about to purchase. The second option which is to check on your local jewelry shops is still the best because aside from the fact that you could personally appraise the diamond, the jewelers could also assist you on your purchasing decisions.

Now for the diamond itself, you must always consider the 4Cs of diamond which stands for clarity, color, cut and carat as they are the determining factor of how the diamond will cost. Clarity refers to the absence and presence of blemishes and inclusion in a diamond. Different types of diamond are assigned with clarity grades that may range from flawless to obvious inclusions. In fact, there are so-called clarity enhanced sparklers that are treated to reduce their imperfections via irradiation, filling imperfections, or laser drilling, but they are cheaper than diamond pieces that aren't treated.

Sparklers come in a whole range of colors; however, colored diamond pieces are very rare and expensive that they are not usually available in local jewelry stores rather white and yellow diamond pieces are the most common, between the two however, it is always preferable to pick the whiter ones. The yellow coloring of sparklers came from nitrogen; hence the yellower the stone, the lesser its value this is because such color makes the diamond less sharp and sparkly. In terms of cut, sparklers may come in a whole range of shapes including round brilliant cut, box, marquise, and pear to name a few. When you look at the cut always remember that aside from indicating the stone's shape, it also determines how sparkly your diamond could become.

It is never enough for a diamond to be just white and clear, unless cut in the right manner your diamond will not sparkle. Cut is especially hard to analyze, it would be helpful to know its three primary characteristics: brilliance, fire and scintillation; however, to make things much easier, you may want to consider the round brilliant cut as this is the standard diamond cut. Lastly, carat determines the standard unit weight of sparklers. Majority of diamond pieces used for fine jewelry often weight one carat or less; this is because a fraction of a carat can make a big difference on the value of diamond.

Purchasing diamond jewelry gifts is a daunting task. Hence, it is always best to be an informed buyer in order to get the most out of your money. Not because a diamond is round brilliant cut doesn't mean it's already a good purchase. Remember that there are still three remaining Cs that you have to consider. A clarity enhanced diamond might be inexpensive but also consider the quality. Educating oneself is a good way to make the right purchasing decisions.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Clarity Enhanced Diamond: Identification, Description And Source

Diamonds are probably the most sought after gemstones by women all over the world. As a matter of fact, if you are a man and would like please your woman, what better way to do it than give her fine jewelry with diamonds. Of course, these gemstones aren't cheap; a piece could already cost you an arm and a leg depending on its rarity and features. However, if you really wish to cement your love with diamonds, you have the option to settle for pieces that are treated in some ways, which would only cost you a fraction of a flawless sparkler's price tag.

Clarity is one of the most vital features of a diamond as it serves as a determining factor to know the real market value of such gemstone. More often than not, untouched loose diamonds are expensive because their clarity have no imperfections, and their other C's are high in quality. However, the market today also has what are now referred to as clarity enhanced sparklers. These diamond pieces are way inexpensive that untouched diamonds due to the manipulations done to them in order to make them look aesthetically appealing.

Clarity enhanced diamond is a gemstone that had imperfections that were once visible to the naked eye. Meaning to say, it originally had low clarity grade, and because no diamond buyer would like to have his or her gemstone with visible imperfections, its clarity issues are treated to make them invisible to the naked eye. Once the enhancement is carried out, there would be no discernible differences between enhanced and untouched diamonds. Enhanced diamonds are also referred to as "fracture filled diamonds."

There are several ways on how the enhancement process can be done to achieve clarity enhanced diamond. The most common of which is drilling wherein a tiny hole is drilled into the diamond to remove minerals or elements that often causes discoloration. Drilling is usually done with the aid of laser, which is capable of neatly creating a tiny hole towards the stone's inclusion. After this, the diamond may be left with a small fracture which would be filled with a heavy glass that is definitely unnoticeable by the naked eyes; this latter process is also referred to as fracture filling.

If you have the intent to buy a diamond, one thing that you must remember is that in adherence to the FTC rules, diamonds that had augmentations other than basic cutting, cleaning and polishing should be fully disclosed to the buyer. However, just for a safe bet you may want to ask the jeweler if you can have the diamond appraised by an independent appraising firm. Remember a clarity enhanced diamond is hardly discernible. Hence, the best thing that you could do is to have the diamond tested in order to know whether it has been enhanced or not.

If you're a guy who would like to have a decent looking diamond that would complement your limited budget, a clarity enhanced sparkler would definitely be a good choice. Clarity aside, if all the other features of the enhanced diamond are in premium condition and the stone itself has no discernible imperfections, then don't let the thought of enhancement discourage you from giving such diamond to your loved one. Parallel to untouched diamonds, treated diamonds also suit well with all sorts of fine jewelry pieces and are surely going to last for long. As such, enhanced diamonds may have some aesthetic limitations, but for sure they would invaluably express your love the same way as flawless diamonds does.

Fine jewelry pieces have always been the most preferred gifts for women. What better way to improve their aesthetics by incorporating them with loose diamonds that could add up to their sparkle and appeal. However, as diamonds could be truly expensive, especially if they are untouched, clarity enhanced diamond pieces are cost-efficient substitutes for flawless sparklers. If you really are on a tight budget, settling for treated diamonds is a good means to maximize your resources.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Loose Diamonds: All The Brilliant Cuts, And Otherwise

Why purchase loose diamonds? They're not necessarily as practical as earrings and necklaces. You would not be able to have them on you or display them anywhere you go. But diamonds have a beauty on their own that can't be revealed by diamonds set in jewelry. They seem even more exceptional when they are bought for their own sake.

Diamonds are available in a variety of designs, known in the trade as cuts. The most famous of these is the round brilliant cut. Simply put, the round brilliant is the most popular because it provides the most brilliance. It has been cut in such a way that it reflects the most light. What most people don't know is that the shape of the round brilliant is the least practical. As much as half of the original diamond is left out when it is made into a round brilliant. For this reason, diamonds are sold in several other shapes as well, commonly known as fancy cuts.

Now some of the fancy cuts are already based on familiar designs, and will appeal to people even if they aren't that familiar with diamonds. The heart and oval cuts describe themselves. The pear cut is often seen as an upside down teardrop.

On the other hand, how do you explain to people the differences between the Asscher and emerald cut, or the princess and radiant cut, when they all share the same rectangular shape? This is where we get a bit technical, but fortunately you don't have to get that esoteric.

Emerald and Asscher cuts are known as step cuts. Compared to the round brilliant, they are rectangular in shape, with each side bordered with small steps. Step cuts accentuate lustre and clarity over brilliance. The Asscher cut has been popular for over 100 years, and its proportions are less even.

The princess and radiant cuts come from a third category, known as mixed cuts. They have more brilliance than step cuts, but are more cost-efficient than brilliant cuts. The princess cut is the most popular next to the round brilliant, whereas the radiant cut has over 70 cuts.

When selecting loose diamonds, you need not be intimidated by technical knowledge. You can buy based on what cut you find attractive. The jeweler, in turn, will narrow down your choices in terms of price and quality, and help find the best deal for you.

Diamonds come in a variety of designs, known in the trade as cuts. The round brilliant cut has been cut in such a way that it reflects the most light. Step cuts emphasize lustre and clarity over brilliance. Mixed cuts have more brilliance than step cuts, but are more cost-effective than brilliant cuts. When picking loose diamonds, you need not be intimidated by technical knowledge. You can buy based on what cut you find attractive.

-Lorraine Jacobs