diamond and jewelry

Antique Styles Created with Cubic Zirconia

2008-01-31T02:33:00.000-08:00

Cubic zirconia can be made into any style of jewelry imaginable. One of the styles you might not have considered is the Victorian antique style of jewelry. Victorian style antique jewelry can be purchased with a cubic zirconia instead of a diamond.

In Great Britain during the reign of Queen Victoria came the Victorian jewelry period. It started in 1836 and ran through 1901. The designs of the Victorian era were spurred by the Queen's love for her husband and children. The designs mirrored a romantic, sentimental outlook. The inspired theme of the designs came from flowers, bows, hearts, birds, and human hair. All of these were incorporated into the designs of the jewelry. Some of the most popular gemstones used during this time era were the garnet, opal, amethysts, and seed pearls. Opals were the favorite of Queen Victoria, making opals a very popular gemstone. After diamonds were discovered in 1837 in South Africa, they were used in jewelry and became increasingly popular. The jewelry was to be given to show love and was worn during times of mourning as a symbol of love.

Jewelry from the Art Deco jewelry period has been made using cubic zirconia instead of diamonds with great success. The Art Deco jewelry period began in 1920 and lasted until 1935. During this time period dazzling jewelry was produced which was so markedly different to the jewelry produced during earlier time periods. In difference from the soft colors and the flowing lines of the jewelry came very bold, deep, and brilliant colors. The lines no longer were flowing, instead were very even, straight lines. This was the time era of the flappers and jazz.

Egyptian had a very strong influence making the sphinx and falcon very popular. With the concentration of balance and harmony in the jewelry, gemstones were cut using geometrical cuts to blend. Women had started wearing their hair short and very straight. Popular jewelry consisted of long earring, long strings of pearls or beads, cocktail rings and diamond watches. The most popular gems of the time were emeralds, sapphires and rubies. Diamonds were still the gems for wedding and engagement rings.

Cubic zirconia has also been successful in recreating jewelry from the Retro Jewelry Period, also. The Retro jewelry period started in 1935 and ran through 1950, which was during the years of the Great Depression. The characteristics of the Retro jewelry period are large vivid colored gemstones in large rectangular cuts. The synthetic gemstones of ruby and sapphires were some of the popular stones of the time era. With platinum not being available, yellow gold was the metal used in most of the jewelry of the day. Jewelry designers created jewelry pieces with multiple colors and with combinations of rose, yellow and green gold. The fashion piece of the time period was the charm bracelet. They were worn with multiple charms attached to a link bracelet.

The elaborate settings of the engagement ring gave the illusion of a larger diamond. The price was affordable enough to be chosen by the thrifty women of the 1930s. Some of these same types of settings are still popular today.

Cubic Zirconia Jewelry is Making a Splash in Fashion

2008-01-31T02:32:00.002-08:00

We love color. We don't like the drab of only black and white. We want the brilliant blues, the deep reds, the bright yellows and the vibrant amber. Cubic zirconia jewelry is giving us color. Cubic zirconia is a very close look alike to diamonds, but did you know they can be made in colors also. Instead of paying the price of a real sapphire, you can have a cubic zirconia colored like a sapphire, a garnet, amethyst, or a citrine. As always the price is still affordable.

Fashion jewelry offers the trendy new styles in whatever bold colors are "in" that season. This is perfect to help you spice up your wardrobe with color. Every one wears black and white, but we always add some color to the outfit. Color is a very important part of a wardrobe.

Of course not all jewelry has to have color to be fashion jewelry. The white cubic zirconia in a setting of sterling silver is very fashionable. Most people prefer to get a lot and to pay less. With cubic zirconia jewelry made with sterling silver, you get the best of both worlds. With the cubic zirconia looking like diamonds or any other gemstone and the sterling silver has the look of platinum, and both of them at a cheaper price than the real things, you are really getting your dollar's worth. You get the classic elegant look of the silver and cubic zirconia combined which will rival any diamond with silver piece of jewelry.

So what colors are "big" this summer? Every color that comes out of your garden, the color of the summer sky which will include all the pinks, and yellows, and blues, and greens, and reds blooming in your garden now. In celebration of summer you can add an ankle bracelet to your jewelry wardrobe. Summer is the best time of year to wear an ankle bracelet. During the winter our ankles tend to stay covered. So while they are out for the summer, adorn them. Give your summer attire the finished look it needs.

So let's get started. Add some color to your jewelry wardrobe. Bring home a vibrant blue earring and necklace set made with blue colored cubic zirconia and sterling silver. Maybe you would rather have a beautiful deep red ruby ring. How about a charm bracelet? Maybe you need a brooch to attach your favorite wrap. What ever your wardrobe has in the way of color can be mirrored in your jewelry. Choose some spectacular pieces, and because they are so affordable you can buy more than just one. You can get the necklace and add the matching earrings and bracelet.

You can get the matching ring and necklace and throw in an ankle bracelet too. Even the white cubic zirconia, especially if you get it with a precious metal will look very elegant for your evenings out. What ever you choose to add to your jewelry collection will be great if you make it cubic zirconia. It is one way you can't go wrong.

Cubic Zirconia Engagement Rings

2008-01-31T02:32:00.001-08:00

We are all familiar with the engagement ring. The man makes a commitment of marriage and shows it by the giving an engagement ring to the woman he intends to marry. We know June is one of the most popular months for weddings, and it has been noted engagement rings are a popular Christmas gift. Do we know when the tradition of the giving of an engagement ring started?

Engagement rings have been discovered as far back as the days of the Roman Empire. The rings were known as betrothal rings. They were given by a man to a woman to testify to their up coming nuptials. During this time era iron was the metal used to make the betrothal rings, not gold, and the betrothal rings were not adorned with a jewel.

Engravings on the inside of the engagement ring began in the 1600s and quickly became popular. The traditions has survived up to current times where the engraving of initials or the engagement date is often placed on the inside of the engagement ring.

The rings of recent times have been set with diamonds, but cubic zirconia settings have become more and more popular. The beauty of the stone rivals the beauty of a diamond, but the cost is about 75% less than the cost of a diamond.

Another tradition in engagement rings is having the engagement ring set with the bride's birthstone as an accent to the diamond or cubic zirconia.

Engagement rings have become an integrated part of the marriage process. Some of those people who opt for just a simple wedding band do so because of cost. Some just like the simple band for simplicity sake. Those opting because of the cost in many cases will buy a more elaborate ring in their later years. Those newly engaged couples could opt to choose cubic zirconia over a diamond and enjoy the ring they want now for the price they can afford. Practical couple will consider saving money on the ring for a better use of the money saved in their new life or honeymoon. There could be thousands of uses for the money saved in the cost of the ring. There is no point in settling for a small stone and get a diamond when you can have the elaborate ring of your choice for less money. If you wish to include the birthstone of the bride, it can be done with the synthetic gemstones available. You will not sacrifice the brilliance and beauty of the ring for the cost. To the untrained eye the cubic zirconia can not be told apart from a diamond. No one will know the difference unless you tell them. You may be so proud of the ring and the money you saved, you may feel like shouting it off of a rooftop.

Right now you may be single, but you might want to take a good look at cubic zirconia engagement ring for when the time comes. See if you can tell the difference between the cubic zirconia and the diamond. Be sure to check out the quality of a cubic zirconia ring when compared to a diamond ring. They are plenty of web sites selling diamond and cubic zirconia rings. Sometimes you will see them side by side, and the only way to tell them apart is by the price. Cubic zirconia can be colored so you don't have to settle for a white stone. To find the same color in the diamond will be difficult because they are rare and costly. When you are ready to take the plunge, look at the cubic zirconia rings before you make your final choice.

Cubic Zirconia Earrings

2008-01-31T02:31:00.000-08:00

Earrings is like adding icing to a cake, it is the finishing touch to a women's fashion ensemble. Cubic zirconia in its diamond like appearance and its colored version are used in the designs of earrings. You will find them in hoop earrings, droplet earrings, stud earrings, and the chandelier earrings. Mostly precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum and titanium are used in cubic zirconia earrings, but you can find some with stainless steel.

Earrings have been around since about 2500 BC. but only the wealthy and royalty could afford to own them. These earrings were discovered in Iraq during an archeological dig. Only two types of earrings have been found dating back to that time era. They are the hoop earrings and the pendent earrings. Not long after the Egyptians began using what is known as earplugs. These are not the same type of earplugs we are familiar with today. They used earplugs in conjunction with piercing of the ear lobe. It is said King Tutankhamen had such a piercing in his ear.

Poverty dominated the Dark Ages to the point jewelry making was not made. The designs were secured and were used after the Dark Ages were over. Early Roman women used earrings to display their wealthy position. Precious stones such as emeralds, sapphires and aquamarines were used the most.

The changing of hairstyles influenced the designer of jewelry. There are times in history where earrings were not worn at all. The elaborate headdresses worn in the Middle Ages were not worn with earrings. The ears could not be seen. The bonnets of the 1800th century made it difficult to wear earrings. Also at that same time women wore their hair in a knot at the back of their head. Their ears not visible again.

When hairstyles started getting shorter or was worn swept up and away from the face. Designers were again making earrings. Today earring are sometime worn and sometimes not worn. It makes very little difference how today's women wear their hair. We keep the earring designer very busy.

With cubic zirconia earrings we can look like we are wearing diamonds without paying the price for diamonds. You can also buy earrings with a necklace to match. These matching sets help you start your jewelry ensemble. Some people want to mix the jewelry they wear together while others want everything to match. Whichever way you choose to wear your jewelry ensemble. I know you will be able to get what you want in a line of cubic zirconia jewelry pieces. Because the prices are so economical, you will be able to get everything all at once. You will also love the quality of cubic zirconia jewelry. They also make great gifts. Most of the jewelers in the business of selling and possibly even manufacturing cubic zirconia jewelry, are reputable dealers. They stand behind their products. They will work with you should there be a problem with a piece they sell you. You will be able to find a number of retail outlets where you can shop for your cubic zirconia earrings.

Cubic Zirconia Cufflinks and Tie Pins

2008-01-31T02:27:00.001-08:00

In many cases, I think cufflinks and tie pins have been forgotten. With the relaxing of business attire for men in the office, cufflinks and tie pins are no longer a necessity. However, evening attire has remained the coat and tie version where cufflinks and tie pins still rule the men's fashion accessories.

When shopping for cufflinks and tie pins, you will find a number of whimsical and trendy pieces, which may attest to the man's hobby or interest. For example, playing cards, dice or even liquor bottles. Other examples include carpenter tool, hand-tied fishing flies under glass, horses, roulette wheels, cap pistols. For the sports fanatics football, baseball and basketball team logos, or footballs, basketball, golf balls and golf club. The traditional cufflinks and tie pins with the classic and elegant are still available. You can find some of the traditional cufflinks and tie pins made of gold plated or silver plated stainless steel with a burnished finish or with a brilliant shine in various shapes such as round, oval, square, triangles and bars. Also available are the jewel-encrusted cufflinks or tie pins. They can be made with colored gemstones such as emeralds or sapphires, or they will have a diamond or cubic zirconia stone.

Cufflinks are traditionally worn with a French-cuff shirt. This style of shirt has no buttons at the cuff to hold them closed. However cufflinks have been around longer than the French-cuffed shirts. They have found evidence of a type of cuff fastener in the hieroglyphics in King Tut's tomb. Cufflinks or cuff fasteners in the mid 1600s were worn only by royalty and were used as decoration. It was in the late 1700s cufflinks were fashioned in a different style to what had previously been worn and was adopted by the middle class and tradesmen of the day. Cufflinks created in the 1840s were held together by metal and sometimes brass chains. They were created from gold, silver or pearl buttons.

The cufflink and the tie pin have come along way since then. They are still a fashion accessory for men and women who sport the French-cuff shirt with a tie today. They also have a much larger selection to choose from than history depicts men had to choose from then. Men and women can choose from the plain, but elegant look of metal or the jewel encrusted cufflinks and tie pins.

Although cubic zirconia may be the least expensive of the stones used in the making of some of today's cufflinks, they are by far the best use of your money. They have the look of elegance and the brilliance of a diamond. A cubic zirconia cufflink coupled with a cubic zirconia tie pin is a stunning finishing touch to a man's suit. Some men say cufflinks are the same to men as earrings are to women. One more pair is never too many and there are many interesting styles to choose from. Cubic zirconia may only make up a small part of the cufflink and tie pin industry, but are a welcomed beautiful and affordable addition.

Cubic Zirconia Bracelets

2008-01-31T02:27:00.000-08:00

Bracelets have been around almost as long as some other pieces of jewelry. They were worn in Ancient Egypt as a major piece of jewelry. In fact the early Egyptians probably wore the first charm bracelets. The men would carry around certain items known at that time to ward off their enemies or evil spirits. Because they carried them around, at some time the charms were combined with jewelry pieces, which were worn around the neck or the wrist. This jewelry service a dual purpose, not only did they ward off their enemies and evil spirits, but they also were worn to signify to the Gods of this persons position in the after life.

The bands of leather worn on the forearm's of men and soldiers were known as "Bracels". Although the bracels were adorn with gold and silver, and some times gemstones, they function was of a protective gear. When women decided the smaller bracels were attractive for them to wear, the bracels were renamed to bracelets.

Bracelets have been seen through out the years worn by men and women, and made out of various types of materials such as iron, leather, copper, beads, teeth, bones and then of precious metals such as gold and silver. Bracelets also have been known to worn on the upper portion of a women's arm to enhance a sleeveless outfit.

Today bracelets are still made from the precious metals, gold, silver and platinum. Titanium is beginning to become more popular because of its lightweight, durability and the hypoallergenic benefits. You can find bracelets adorned with a variety of gemstones, real or synthetic. The diamond tennis bracelets have been very popular since introduced into the market. You can now get these same tennis bracelets with cubic zirconia to replace the diamonds at much lower cost than the original.

Cubic zirconia, synthetic gemstones, diamonds and real gemstones can be found in the various creations of bracelets on the market today. Along with the common precious metals, gold, silver and platinum are used in the designing of bracelets, however there are still some old stand-byes. Modern acrylics and plastics are used to make the trendy bracelets. Copper is still used in the making of bracelets because of the noted effect it seems to have in alleviating the discomforts of arthritis.

Anklets have been around for almost as long as bracelets have been around. You will find them created from the same precious metals as the bracelets. The gemstones used are sometimes a smaller version than typically found adorning bracelets. However the effect is still the same.

Cubic zirconia being the best buy for your money, are very popular in the making of fashion bracelets. The fact they come in a variety of colors also helps make them more popular in jewelry fashion design. Cubic zirconia can be found incorporated with all of the known precious metal from gold to titanium. They are used mostly in the bracelets with a chain as the base You can be sure that no matter the situation, you will be able to find a bracelet befitting your taste within the price range of your budget.

Cubic Zirconia and Sterling Silver - A Match Made in Heaven?

2008-01-31T02:26:00.001-08:00

For centuries with each new change in the times there was a change in ladies fashion. In the beginning there was no fashion and no choices to make unless it was, "shall I wear the brown one today or the other brown one?" Clothes had to be tied with small rope or heavy threads just to keep them on. Major changes in the fashion industry have happen over the years. Many of us have seen the pre-mini skirt phase, the mini-skirt and hot pants phase, the maxi-skirt phase and the list goes on. We have seen a lot of changes in our own lifetimes. With each new season comes a new idea in fashion, or sometimes an old idea spruced up. The fashion industry keeps making room for those new ideas.

The same thing has happened with jewelry over the years. New ideas and new materials to be used in jewelry have help make the jewelry of today what it is. Jewelry is not a simple ornament, it is a fashion statement. Accessories are important to a women's wardrobe and if men would admit it to their wardrobe too.

The designers of today have come up with some stunning creations. We get a glimpse of them as they are walking on the red carpet. The price tag is so astronomical it would take us two lifetimes to pay for them.

However, there is an alternative. Because of the high fashion pieces we have seen on the red carpet and in other situations, there is a huge demand on cubic zirconia to mimic these lovely works of art. Cubic zirconia could be on the fast track to becoming a girl's next best friend because of the availability and the price. They look so much like diamonds is it impossible for the average person to tell the difference, and they give us a very appealing option to the real diamonds on the market.

Silver jewelry is becoming more popular because of its price when compared to the price of platinum. Silver jewelry has a quality gold can not match. Silver can be very subtle in bring out features of a stone or a design. It seems to have a very delicate look about it and when coupled with a cubic zirconia together they are transformed into something awe inspiring. Before the creation of cubic zirconia, silver has been used for years in the making of fine jewelry. You can find silver in many more places than in the past because of its increased popularity. Today you can find silver jewelry in almost every jewelry store.

When you put a cubic zirconia in a sterling silver setting, the results are stunning and well worth the price. This is the type of ornamental jewelry that appeals to women the most. The two compliment each other beautifully, and if a woman chooses to have a stone with some color, the cubic zirconia comes in a wide variety of colors. The coupling of sterling silver and a cubic zirconia colored stone or the most common white stone is a beautiful combination.

Creating Your Own Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

2008-01-31T02:25:00.000-08:00

If you are the creative type person, you may enjoy making your own jewelry. You are able to make the design as unique as you are and you can choose the stones that will enhance your design. It will all be your choosing. Creating your own cubic zirconia jewelry allows you to have the freedom to create exactly what you want. Since cubic zirconia comes in a variety of beautiful colors, you will be able to combine stones not found in tradition settings at your local jewelry store.

You will have the freedom to create your own design or you can choose a designer who will make the jewelry for you. The stones can be purchased in bulk at wholesale prices, which will enable you to have enough stones to make a jewelry ensemble.

Creating your own jewelry can sound like a much more difficult process than it actually is. It will take some work, patience and resolve on your part to get the project through to completion. Now let's look at some of the steps to creating your own cubic zirconia jewelry.

You have to think about what you want to make. Have the idea in your mind and visualize it. This will help give you direction when you are in the process of making your jewelry. It is frustrating to be in the middle of making your jewelry and don't know the direction you need to go in. Your project is likely to be put on hold for a time.

Now you have to decide the type of materials you want to use. The stone color(s) you want and the type of metal. Gold or silver metal may be a little more expensive than you want to spend for you first effort at making jewelry. You may want to start off making your first attempts in something cheaper. Get the mistakes out of the way before you progress to the gold, silver or platinum stages. Stainless steel would be a good choice of a material to use on your first attempt to making your own cubic zirconia jewelry.

Now that you have decided on the metal you will use. We can look more closely at the piece you have chosen to make. For example, you have decided to make a pair of earrings first. How are the earrings going to look? Are they going to be stud earrings or would you like to make wires to dangle from your ears?

Now everything has been decided on, it is time to find instructions on how to make the piece exactly as you want them to look. You can find the type of instructions you need at your local craft store or you can even find them by searching the web.

Gather all the materials you will need to make your piece of jewelry. If you need to make a list. Don't start making your piece of jewelry until you have all the materials you need all together. You will hate getting to the "good part", so to speak, and have to stop because you forgot one item. Double or even triple checking all the materials is a good way to insure you have everything you need.

Start assembling your piece of jewelry.

After you have completed your piece of jewelry, take a look at it. You can wear it around with pride in yourself. After this project, you will probably want to do more. Necklace to match, gifts for family and friends, etc. the possibilities are endless.

Get Info About Choosing the Shape of Your Cubic Zirconia

2008-01-31T02:22:00.001-08:00

When choosing cubic zirconia jewelry, you will be looking at the cut of the stone in combination with the design of the ring. The cut of the stone is as important as the design. The two combined together will compliment each other in a beautiful arrangement for you to wear on your hand, arm, neck or ears.

If you choose to have a piece of cubic zirconia jewelry custom-made, with a design of your own creation or a design chosen from a designer, you will want to choose the right cut of stone to enhance the design. A cubic zirconia stone will come in the same type of cuts you will see in a diamond. Diamond cutters are always trying to come up with new and unique cuts for the stones. These listed below are the most popular cuts of diamonds, gemstones and cubic zirconia.

Round Brilliant - The round brilliant is the most elegant, classic cut. The stone has been well rounded and highly polished to reflect an abundant percentage of light. Because of the brilliance of the cut of stone, could be reason for the name.

Marquise - The marquise is a long, almost slender cut of stone. It is pointed at both of ends and is slightly rounded in the middle. This cut can be made to be longer or shorter depending on the design of the ring or the preference of the client.

Princess - The princess cut is the square cut of stone. The brilliance of the stone comes from the complex cuts in the corner of the stone.

Radiant/Emerald - The radiant and the emerald are two different cuts, but a similar in various ways. They are both cut into a rectangle shape. They both have a very classic look about them. However, the radiant cut was not invented until sometime in the 1970s. The emerald cut had started loosing it's popularity in the early 1970s. The radiant cut has more complex cuts in the stone for the maximum reflection of light and brilliance.

Pear - The pear shape is also known as the teardrop shape. The cut combines the lengthened shape of the marquise cut with brilliant elegance the round cut stone.

Oval - The oval cut is a rounded, elongated cut stone. It is cut to bring out the brilliance of the stone giving it an elegant look. This cut of stone has become very popular as the center in a design of elegant pieces of jewelry.

Heart - The heart is a frivolous fun creation. The heart shape stones have been used in many different settings of earrings, necklaces and rings. Recently it has become more popular in rings especially engagement rings.

These cuts of stone are well known and are very popular when choosing cubic zirconia jewelry. When choosing cubic zirconia jewelry, you will have these stones to pick from as well as some unique cuts not mentioned here. Choose jewelry to enhance your style whether it is one of the well known cuts or a unique cut only owned and worn by you.

Get Info About Choosing the Shape of Your Cubic Zirconia

2008-01-31T02:22:00.000-08:00

Choosing Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

2008-01-31T02:20:00.000-08:00

When you shop for cubic zirconia jewelry, consider the price you want to spend on the jewelry, and consider the look you are going for when choosing the jewelry. Because cubic zirconia is less costly than diamonds, some manufacturers will make them cheaply by using cheaper metals. Some manufacturers see the cubic zirconia as the beautiful stone they are, so they will make them with precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and the up and coming titanium. The cubic zirconia jewelry made with precious metals will cost more than cubic zirconia jewelry made with a cheaper metal.

Another difference you might be able to see with the naked eye is the way the cubic zirconia is cut. Cubic zirconia stones are mass-produced; some manufacturers will use a machine to cut the facets in the stones. However the manufacturers who see the stone for its own beauty will have the cubic zirconia stones hand-cut like a diamond.

If the cubic zirconia jewelry you have seen looks cheap, it is because it was cheaply handled and put together. However, there are several manufacturers who do beautiful work with cubic zirconia jewelry and the cubic zirconia jewelry will rival diamond jewelry.

Even though cubic zirconia is not as hard as a diamond. It will cut glass just like a diamond when it has a quality cut and a professional hand polish. The same method and ingredients are used to make cubic zirconia stones. I believe the difference between a quality stone and a cheap looking stone is in the cutting and polishing of the stone. Even a diamond would not look as good if cheaply cut and cheaply polished, and neither does the cubic zirconia.

When they are creating the cubic zirconia stones certain minerals can be added to create a different color. Cubic zirconia can be made to look a number of quality gemstones, such as emerald, sapphires, and rubies just to name a few. A cubic zirconia can be created to match your birthstone. When the cubic zirconia is treated with the Azotic coating, the colors that emerge are stunning. They are even more stunning when added to a Topaz, which is the stone most treated with the Azotic coating process.

Probably the cubic zirconia jewelry seen by most people in stores is the less costly version, which is not made to rival a diamond, and does not show the cubic zirconia at its best. I have seen cubic zirconia jewelry online, which is not cheap. It costs less than the same setting with a diamond. However, it is difficult to tell quality by a picture on a web site.

The next time you go shopping for jewelry, ask about the cubic zirconia jewelry. You may be able to look at some of the quality cubic zirconia jewelry I have seen evidence of online. I would hate to think the only cubic zirconia jewelry in stores is cheaply made cubic zirconia jewelry. I think the cubic zirconia is a beautiful stone. The cubic zirconia even looks good in when it is placed in a gold plated setting, but personally I don't believe those settings do the cubic zirconia justice.

A Guide to Buying Wholesale Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

2008-01-31T02:17:00.000-08:00

Cubic zirconia jewelry is increasing in popularity because of the improvement in the quality and the variety of jewelry styles it can be found in. If you want to make your own jewelry, you may want to look into buying your stones in bulk and at wholesale prices rather than retail. You are still able to find the shape and cut of the stones you want and in the colors you want.

Cubic zirconia is a made in a laboratory to have the same features of a diamond, so it could be used as a replacement for the diamond. Even though the hardness of the cubic zirconia is not equally to the hardness of a diamond, the cubic zirconia is still increasing in popularity because of its harness and brilliant shine. It has become of the more popular choices for a diamond replacement in jewelry. Because cubic zirconia is available in the different shapes and the variety of colors, they can be found in the most fashionable styles in all types of jewelry such as rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

All of the gemstones made in the laboratory carry the same traits and feature of their natural counterpart. They have become more popular for their beauty and less as a replacement of the original stone. The synthetic gemstones creating in the laboratory have the same mineral in their make up as the natural stones. The cubic zirconia however is different because its composition is to simulate a diamond. It is made with the same crystal system found in a diamond. Unlike it synthetic relatives the cubic zirconia was only found once in its natural setting and has never been found again.

The synthetic gemstones are made to emulate all types of stones, such as coral, diamond, alexandrite, emerald, sapphire, ruby, garnet, quartz, and turquoise. They can also be found in the same fashionable shapes their natural counterparts. They are available in, such as round, oval, pear, heart, and baguettes.

Even though the cubic zirconia is a diamond replacement stone in jewelry. They can also come in a large variety of colors. They are available as oval-shaped champagne stones, heart-shaped pink stones, or pear-shaped blue stones. Each colored stone is available in every shape the diamond can be found no matter the color of the cubic zirconia.

When buying wholesale stones, you want to find the high quality stone. Make sure to look at their samples for the quality of the cut, the smoothness, the hardness, and the weight. If you are unable to detect a high quality stone, enlist the assistance of a good gemologist you can trust. Even though you are trying to find the best prices in stones when looking at wholesale, do not buy second hand stones. You want the jewelry you make to wear to look like it a high quality piece of jewelry. Cubic zirconias are available in different grades such as Grade A, Grade AAA and Grade AAAAA. The Grade AAAAA offers long-lasting brilliance and sparkle, so it has become a high valued stone with consumers. If you choose to make your own jewelry, remember to make quality your top priority.

Peridot Jewelry Remains Popular Choice For August Babies

2007-09-26T02:48:00.000-07:00

By: Melanie Spark

The peridot, which symbolizes marital happiness, is a gemstone that also serves as the birthstone for the month of August. By definition, a peridot is a semi-precious gem that is available in shades of green, particularly a light green hue which is reminiscent of a spring lawn as the sun gazes down upon it. To many, the color of green has a specific meaning but for those who were born in the late summer, it?s the gemstone that honors their birth month.

When it comes to gemstone jewelry, clarity is important. Because most peridot is not known to have inclusions in the same way as some of the other gemstones, it takes on a perfect blend of color and clarity for a look that?s sure to please. Synthetic peridot is one alternative that allows women to enjoy the look of a flawless gemstone without the price tag, but the genuine gem itself is surprisingly affordable. This means that you can still obtain a genuine peridot for a terrific price, but a synthetic gem will cost you even less.

So, you weren?t born in August and you still appreciate the brilliance of a peridot? Jewelry lovers around the world thrive on adding color to their wardrobe, which is exactly what you will be doing by incorporating this cheery gemstone into your collection. Peridot jewelry, either genuine or synthetic, will make a wonderful gift for yourself or someone that you love. Speaking of those that you love, wearing the birthstone of your son or daughter is a terrific way of showing them how much you care. Perhaps you are a new mother whose child was born in August, or you are a Grandmother who is proud to wear the birthstone of her grandchild. Whatever the case, there?s always a reason to wear peridot jewelry, including nothing more than your love of it?s color.

When it comes to versatility, the jewelry of today has it all. Whether you are looking for a bold pendant to accessorize your favorite formal wear or you just want to add some sparkle to your everyday casual style, the choice is yours. At Almost Diamonds, a popular online retailer specializing in sterling silver jewelry, you can find simulated peridot in a choice of stunning designs. Among them, a dragonfly pendant with simulated peridot body, a breathtakingly beautiful pear-cut simulated peridot pendant surrounded by white cubic zirconia, a simulated peridot cross, etc. If you want to complete the look with matching earrings, Almost Diamonds offers both dangle and stud style choices.

Almost Diamonds has a complete line of items featuring cubic zirconia and genuine gemstones in a variety of styles to choose from. If you are looking to maximize your jewelry collection without minimizing your wallet, consider the affordable option of sterling silver. Not only is this a precious metal that?s designed to last forever, but it also is an economical way to get the look of platinum or white gold without spending a fortune. When matched with peridot, either genuine or simulated, sterling silver is something to behold.

About The Author

Melanie Spark

For more information on silver birthstone jewelry, silver peridot jewelry, and silver jewelry, visit Almost Diamonds at http://www.almostdiamonds.com.

Jewelry Basics Getting The Best Fit Possible

2007-09-26T02:45:00.000-07:00

By: Melanie Spark

When you shop for jewelry, it?s important to look for more than just the latest trend or the piece with the smallest price tag. While both style and price are important, it?s also essential that you choose the best fit for your body. This article is designed to show you how.

Determining Your Ring Size

If you don?t already know your ring size, don?t fret. The process is simple and, best of all, it will only take a few moments of your time. Your first step is to cut a strip of paper that?s approximately 5" in length and 1" in width. Next, take the strip of paper and wrap it around the finger that you want to size. Using a pen, mark the point on the paper where the ends meet. Next, take a ruler and measure the distance from the edge of the paper to your pen mark and compare it to the list below:

* If your finger measures 1-7/8" in circumference, you should wear a size 4
* If your finger measures 2" in circumference, you should wear a size 5
* If your finger measures 2-1/8" in circumference, you should wear a size 6
* If your finger measures 2-1/4" in circumference, you should wear a size 7
* If your finger measures 2-3/8" in circumference, you should wear a size 8
* If your finger measures 2-1/2" in circumference, you should wear a size 9

As a general rule, each 1/8" in circumference translates into one full ring size. Using this simple method, you can easily discover the size for any finger on your hand.

Choosing The Perfect Clasp

There are many different types of clasps, including lobster claw, spring ring, toggle, slide insert safety, magnetic, etc. Whether you are choosing a necklace, bracelet or even an anklet, it?s important to know which clasp will work best for you.

A spring ring clasp is the smallest of all clasps and is typically reserved for fine link chains. This type of clasp is not recommended for heavier weight jewelry, unless it is an oversized spring ring that?s capable of supporting the chain?s weight.

A lobster claw clasp is one of the more popular clasps for use on jewelry of substance. It?s fairly easy to open and is a stronger variation of the spring ring clasp. A lobster claw clasp may cost a little more than a spring ring clasp, but you will have the benefit of added peace of mind for your heavier jewelry.

A magnetic clasp is just as it sounds - a clasp that attaches with the help of a magnet. This is one of the easiest and most popular designs in jewelry today. It?s simple, effortless design is ideal for anyone whose in a hurry and doesn?t have time to fuss with a clasp, or for anyone who has trouble with traditional clasps. Even if your jewelry doesn?t already have a magnetic clasp, many manufacturers offer extenders that attach to either a spring ring or lobster claw in order to convert your otherwise traditional clasp into a magnetic clasp.

Necklace Knowhow

When shopping for a necklace, it?s important to choose the right length for your intended wear. For instance, a shorter 16" of 17" necklace is ideal for a blouse or dress with a lower neckline. This allows for your jewelry to be showcased without getting tangled up in your outfit. If you are wearing a turtleneck, an 18" to 24" necklace will be perfect for showcasing your favorite pendants without getting lost in the fold of your sweater.

If you find yourself in a situation where you simply don?t have the right length for your outfit, consider purchasing an extender to add some length to your necklace. If what you need, on the other hand, is a shorter length, it may be possible depending on your style of necklace. A rolo chain, for instance, can easily be shortened by simply fastening the clasp into one of the links to make the necklace shorter.

Almost Diamonds, a popular online retailer specializing in sterling silver jewelry, has a complete line of items featuring cubic zirconia and genuine gemstones in a variety of styles to choose from. If you are looking to maximize your jewelry collection without minimizing your wallet, consider the affordable option of sterling silver. Not only is this a precious metal that?s designed to last forever, but it also is an economical way to get the look of platinum or white gold without spending a fortune.

About The Author

Melanie Spark

For more information on silver rings, cubic zirconia engagement rings, visit Almost Diamonds at http://www.almostdiamonds.com.

How Diamonds Are Cut

2007-09-25T23:39:00.001-07:00

In their most natural form, diamonds are – well – quite ugly. They have no luster or shine, and in fact, look like nothing more than broken glass. A diamond must be cut, and then polished before it actually becomes a thing of beauty.

Diamonds are cut with saws, into round shapes. From the rounded shape, other shapes may be cut, such as heart shapes – but the shape is less important than the quality of the cutting that is being done. If the diamond is poorly cut, it will lose light, and it will not sparkle and shine very well. Each facet of the diamond must be carefully cut into the geometrical shapes that allow the diamond to sparkle and shine, then the entire diamond is cut into a specific shape, such as an emerald cut or a princess cut diamond.

Once the cut is done, the diamond is put into a dop, which resembles a cup with another diamond – only a diamond is strong enough to smooth the edges of another diamond. Once the diamond has been cut and shaped, and had the edges smoothed in the dop, it is
polished on a scaif or a diamond polishing wheel.

Wonderful White Gold Wedding Rings

2007-09-25T22:38:00.000-07:00

by: Donna Monday

The elegant and sophisticated look of glittering, gleaming gold. There’s nothing quite like it.

Some people never grow tired of the look of pure gold jewelry. Gold, being our most precious metal, is often a first choice among couples looking for that perfect gold wedding ring.

While yellow gold remains very popular with the wedding crowd. Many people prefer the brilliant hue of a white gold wedding ring.

White gold will look beautiful on you whether you’re a man or a woman. You can find online a great selection of white gold diamond wedding rings and white gold wedding ring sets. Also, if you’re looking for something a little fancier that can also become a piece of wonderful keepsake jewelry, white gold makes a very elegant engraved wedding ring that can be passed on to future generations.

The one thing you need to be aware of when buying a white gold wedding ring is that it will need periodic maintenance in order to keep it’s luster.

To obtain it’s much desired glittering white color, white gold is coated with another alloy called Rhodium (the natural color of white gold is really light gray). Rhodium will wear down after a while, so to maintain your ring’s luster, you’ll need to visit your local jeweler about every 12-18 months and have it re-plated with a new coating of Rhodium. The cost for this should be very reasonable.

Whether you’re looking for a plain gold wedding band, or a wedding ring with sparkling diamonds, white gold is an excellent choice for those looking for something a little extra special.

About the author:
Copyright 2004
Donna Monday
One special moment. One special ring.
http://www.1-love-rings.com

What's With All the Sexy Belly Button Rings?

2007-09-25T22:28:00.000-07:00

by: Mike Yeager

Every time you turn around, you can see a girl wearing a top that exposes her stomach and there, it is, a belly button ring! What is all the hype about with these new trends? Its not only belly rings either. Nipple rings and tongue rings are also widely visible these days.

While parents everywhere are contemplating allowing their daughter to get the newest belly button rings, many see this as just a sign of the times. It is the trend to body piercing and to show them off. Some types, like the navel rings seem harmless, while others like the tongue and nipple rings seem terrifying. But, if you do not confront your teen daughter or son about this type of trend or fad, they will find the answers to their questions on their own and in turn may make mistakes along the way. For instance, your child may decide to let their friend or acquaintance do the piercing for them. This is somewhat common for piercing ears and does happen for other areas as well. The friend, while thinking they know what they are doing (as all teens do) may cause an infection. It’s best to only have any piercing done at a reputable establishment that follows infection control guidelines.

Once you’ve decided to have a navel piercing you’ll next need to consider what type of jewelry to wear. There are many, many choices available.

Dangle belly button rings

Silver belly button rings

Gold belly rings

Reverse belly rings

All different and all attractive. If you feel confident. If you feel that you’re daring and want to show off your tummy, then why not do it with a unique belly button ring.

About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.my-jewelry-4me.com/

Jewelry! Jewelry!

2007-09-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

by: Mike Yeager

Do you love jewelry? Who doesn't? Who can resist the urge stop into the local jewelry stores and see what's new? Maybe filling up your jewelry box while there! Jewelry to some is a way of showing _expression and style. The latest trends also are reflective in jewelry. Things like nipple jewelry are probably part of the local trend or fad. Or, jewelry can be a way of showing financial status as well. But, whether buying jewelry pleasure or financial gain, jewelry can be a great hobby for just about anyone.

Many people enjoy collecting jewelry in all its forms. And there are many. You may enjoy costume jewelry. Costume jewelry is jewelry that is made of less expensive materials. Its styles usually fit with current fashions. Or, some collect the expensive, large jewels and gold items. These items are very valuable and often times need to be insured against theft or loss. Getting an appraisal for your precious stones and gold is key. There are many reputable places to get them appraised.
If you are in the market for precious stones and pure gold, you may wish to check your local jewelry store. But, they may not carry what you are looking for. In this case, look for specialists who will help you locate the item of your choice.

Many times you can choose gems from those available and design your own piece. Then, the jeweler will put it together for you. This may cost extra, but if you are looking for a specific look, this may be the way to go. Also, old, damaged, and worn pieces can be cleaned and repaired by these stores as well. They can also remove gems or stones from their original piece and put them into something new. Perhaps you are inheriting your grandmother’s ring and would like to put the diamond into a new band that will fit you. All these services are widely available and easy to find.

Other options for jewelry collecting include wholesale jewelry. Yes, it is possible to find precious stones at wholesale. While this is a great way to start a collection, and fill empty jewelry boxes quickly, you need to have a basic knowledge about the quality and cost of different types. Having this knowledge will prevent you from being taken advantage of and possibly being overcharged. You can do some basic research about this online or at a local library. Also, getting to know and trust a local jeweler is probably the best way to know what to look for and what to stay away from.

About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.my-jewelry-4me.com/

Wedding rings!

2007-09-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

by: Mike Yeager

Wedding rings have many different combinations available today. Various types of metals and stones are for the choosing. Couples are choosing from “traditional” to “contemporary” styles, whatever wedding ring fits their personalities.

Bands

Wedding rings have many metals available for the bands. Traditional styles often use yellow gold. Yellow gold seems to be the most popular of the metals selected. Yellow gold often complements the couple’s other jewelry, and fits their budgets as well. White gold is also a popular alternative, particularly for those who prefer “less shine” to their jewelry.

Wedding rings made from two-tone metal bands are increasingly popular. The two-tone metal bands are a combination of yellow and white gold, often in a distinctive pattern mix. Two-tone wedding bands and diamond rings make it easy for a couple to “have it all” when they can’t decide between yellow and white gold.

Wedding rings may also come in a Celtic pattern. The Celtic pattern looks like an inter-twined ropes or chains. The Celtic pattern is available in many colors, such as white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or varying combinations of other metals.

Wedding rings may be made from another popular metal of titanium. While titanium is significantly more expensive (often 10 times more than traditional yellow or white gold), titanium will last a lifetime. Titanium’s features include long life of the metal, minimal (if non existent) chance of damage/breakage/bending, and good resistance against tarnishing.

Wedding bands may also be made personalized. Some wedding bands may have a “sculpted” look. The couple’s names are engraved in raised block letters on the outside of the band. Personalized rings are a lot more than engraved names, initials, or wedding dates on the inside of the band. Personalized wedding rings provide many options and many varying combinations.

About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.my-jewelry-4me.com/

Choosing Jewlery

2007-09-25T22:22:00.000-07:00

by: Jeff Lakie
People have enjoyed jewelry throughout history. It has been given as gifts and as a symbol of relationships. It is not only a beautiful accessory, it helps identify a person. Jewelry can be a very expensive investment so making a wise decision on your jewelry purchase is important to make sure the jewelry is of a good quality and (most importantly) that the recipient is happy.

How to select diamonds

When you're selecting diamonds there are four things that diamonds are measured on. These are called the 4 C's of diamonds:

Cut. This refers to the shape of the diamond, which will determine how much it sparkles when the light hits it.
Carat. This is how big the diamond is.
Clarity. This measures how clear the diamond is. That is, if it has flaws (called inclusions) or not.
Color. This is the measurement of how white or yellow a diamond is.

Caring for your jewelry

Taking care of your jewelry is just as important as the decisions you made when you went to purchase it. For example, be sure to keep it clean as dirt will gouge the jewelry. Clean it very carefully with a soft cloth, or get it professionally cleaned at a jewelry store. Having clean jewelry is very important for its longevity but also, since jewelry is often worn on some of the most sensitive parts of the body, dirty jewelry can cause irritation.

Keeping your jewelry safe

Store your jewelry in a safe place. For example, you may want to buy a safe, or utilize a hidden safe which looks like a household product (like a soda can or a jar of cleaner) but has a secret compartment which thieves might not be likely to look in. Or, if you are jewelry is highly valued, you may want to even keep it in a security box at a bank.

Jewelry is an important investment in style and in your relationship! Buying jewelry wisely and keeping it clean and well maintained will help it hold its beauty and value for your lifetime and allow it to be a legacy to your children.

About the author:
Jeff Lakie is the founder of Jewlery Resources
a website providing information on Jewlery

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

©2005 - All Rights Reserved

Famous Diamonds

2007-09-11T23:21:00.000-07:00

Among the most well known diamonds is the Hope. This 45.52 carat steel blue diamond is currently on display at the Smithsonian. The legends of the ill-fortune and curse bestowed on the possessor of the Hope Diamond are many. This diamond was donated to the Smithsonian in 1958. The Hope was originally a rather flat, blocky 110-carat rough.

The Dresden Green stands out among the natural colored diamonds. It is the largest green diamond in the world weighing 40.70 carats. This diamond is historic, large and has a natural green color with a slight blue overtone. These facts make it virtually priceless.

The Conde Pink is a pear shaped and weighs 9.01-carats. This pink diamond was once owned by Louis XIII.

The Tiffany Yellow diamond a beautiful canary-yellow octahedron weighing 287.42 in the rough (metric) carats discovered in either 1877 or 1878 in South Africa. The gem after cutting boasts the extraordinary weight of 128.54 carats. And until recently, was the largest golden-yellow in the world.

The Koh-I-Noor ( Mountain of Light ) is now among the British Crown Jewels. This diamond weighs 105.60 carats. First mentioned in 1304, it is believed to have been once set in Shah Jehan‘s famous peacock throne as one of the peacocks eyes.

The Agra is graded as a naturally colored Fancy Light Pink and weighs 32.34 carats. It was sold for about 6.9 million in 1990. Since this sale, it has been modified to a cushion shape weighing about 28.15 carats.

The Transvaal Blue is pear cut. This blue diamond weighs 25 carats. It was found in the Premier Diamond Mine in Transvaal, South Africa.

The Great Chrysanthemum was discovered in the summer of 1963, in a South African diamond field. This 198.28-carat fancy brown diamond appeared to be a light honey color in its rough state. However, after cutting, it proved to be a rich golden brown, with overtones of sienna and burnt orange.

The Taylor-Burton Diamond is a pear-shaped 69.42 carat diamond. Cartier of New York purchased this diamond at an auction in 1969 and christened it "Cartier." The next day Richard Burton bought the diamond for Elizabeth Taylor. He renamed it the "Taylor-Burton”. In 1978, Elizabeth Taylor put the diamond up for sale. Prospective buyers had to pay $2,500 each to view the diamond to cover the costs of showing it. Finally, in June of 1979, the diamond was sold for nearly $3 million dollars.

How Diamonds Are Mined

2007-09-11T23:20:00.000-07:00

We seldom think about how the diamonds we wear came to us. Natural diamonds, as opposed to synthetic diamonds or fake diamonds, are mined from the earth. There
are currently two methods of mining diamonds: Pipe Mining and Alluvial Mining.

When pipe mining is used, the diamonds are extracted from the earth through volcanic pipes. These are not man-made pipes. These are natural pipes in the ground. Shanks are put into the ground next to the pipes, and tunnels are driven into the deepest parts of the pipe. The diamonds are not sorted out at the mine. Instead, huge rocks that are full of diamonds are brought out of the mine and moved to a screening plant for separation.

The Alluvial mining method is done in riverbeds and on beaches. Walls are built to hold back the water and the sand on the bank or beach is moved with a bulldozer until the level of earth that diamonds can be found in is reached. Again, the diamonds are not sorted here. Instead, the sand that contains the diamonds is bulldozed into trucks, and taken to screening plants.

How Diamond Prices Are Determined

2007-09-11T23:19:00.001-07:00

Pricing most products is quite easy. Determine how much it costs to make the item, how much it costs to market that item, and then mark it up by 15 – 30% or more. Simple, right? Well, pricing diamonds isn’t quite that simple. There are many factors that are considered when diamonds are priced.

Diamond prices are determined first by adding the cost of the rough diamond, the cost of cutting the diamond, and all other costs necessary to turn the rough diamond into a marketable diamond. Depending on the importance of the diamond, an independent company may be called in to certify the grade of the diamond based on color, cut, clarity, and weight.

At this point, the diamond becomes more expensive each time it changes hands, until it finally reaches a retailer, where the price is raised a bit more. Before reaching the retailer, however, the diamond must travel from the mine, to the cutter and polisher, to the independent grading company, and then to the Primary market. Once it has reached the primary market, it will be purchased by diamond dealers and wholesalers, and from there it will be sold to retailers.

As you can see, the earlier you can purchase a diamond in the process, the lower the cost
of the diamond will be – but not the value. The value is based on what the diamond will sell for in the market place – through a retailer.

If you own a diamond, and you have no idea how much it is worth, you can have it appraised, but the appraisal may not be accurate. You will be better off obtaining a certificate through GIA – Gemological Institute of America. With the information on this certificate, you can use a cutter’s guide to accurately determine what your diamond is worth.

There are also many diamond price calculators available. These can be found on the Internet, and many diamond dealers use these as well. You must realize, however, that before you can accurately price a diamond, without a Diamond Grade Report, you need to know quite a bit about diamonds, such as different cuts, clarity, color, and weight – and how each of those aspects adds to the value of a diamond, or decreases the value of
the diamond as the case may be.

Again, you will be better off if you get a Diamond Grading Report on the diamond, and use that information to look up the price in one of the guides that the diamond cutting industry uses. This will give you the most accurate value of the diamond in your possession, or of the diamond you are considering purchasing.

How to Care for Your Diamond

2007-09-11T19:22:00.001-07:00

Caring for a diamond takes more than occasional cleanings. Diamonds are forever, but they can be damaged if you are not careful. By learning how to properly care for your diamond, you will ensure that your diamond is indeed forever.

First, you should take your diamond jewelry to a jeweler once a year. Have him check the
mountings and prongs that hold your diamond in place. Have him make any needed repairs. This will prevent your diamond from falling out of its setting and becoming lost.

Diamond jewelry that is not being worn, or diamonds that are loose should be stored in a fabric lined jewel case, or in a jewelry box where it can be kept separate from other jewelry. Each piece should have its own compartment. This will keep diamonds from becoming scratched, and it will also keep your diamond from scratching other jewelry as well.

Remove your diamond jewelry when doing physical work. Diamonds can be chipped and scratched easily. Also avoid allowing your diamond to come into contact with bleach or other household cleansers – this can damage or change the color of the settings and mountings, and it may even irreversibly change the color of the diamond!

Diamond Scams

2007-09-11T17:11:00.000-07:00

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. Scams occur simply because most people who buy
diamonds – for whatever reasons – don’t know that much about diamonds. Therefore,
they are easily fooled.

A common scam that most jewelry stores participate in is the Carat Total Weight scam.
The tag on the piece of jewelry, usually a ring, only states the total carat weight of all diamonds in the piece, instead of listing the total weights separately for each diamond. This leads consumers to believe that the main diamond in the piece is actually bigger than it is. Ask what the total carat weight of the center stone is. Also beware of fractions. Jewelry stores are allowed to round off diamond weights. This means that if the jeweler tells you that it is a ¾ carat diamond, it is probably between ½ and ¾ carat – but closer to ¾.

Jewelry stores often run ‘fluorescence’ scams to varying degrees. Referring to a
diamond as a blue-white diamond is such a scam. A blue-white diamond sounds very
unique and special, but in fact, this type of diamond is of lesser quality – even though the jeweler will try to make you think you are getting something special. Jewelry stores also like to show their diamonds in bright lights. Lights make diamonds shine. Ask to see the diamond in a different, darker type of lighting as well.

Some truly unscrupulous jewelers target those who want appraisals on diamonds that were given to them as gifts or that were purchased elsewhere. They will try to tell you that the diamond is worthless, or worth less than it actually is worth – and offer to take it off your hands or trade it for a much better diamond, along with the cash to make up the difference. This is called low balling. Get a second, third, and even a forth opinion before taking any action.

Another common dirty trick is to switch the diamond you have chosen and paid for with
one of lesser quality and value when you leave it to be set in a piece of jewelry, or
leave a diamond ring to be sized. The only way to avoid this is to do business with one trustworthy jeweler. Avoid jewelers that you have not done business with in the past.

There are many more scams that jewelry stores commonly pull on unsuspecting consumers. Just use your best judgment, and purchase your diamonds with the
utmost care and consideration.

How to Clean your Diamonds

2007-09-11T04:03:00.002-07:00

Through our day to day movements our diamonds get smudged and soiled. Even
when we are not wearing them, they collect dust. Lotions, soaps, our natural skin oils, can cause film and grime on diamonds and inhibit their brilliance.

Want to keep that Brilliance and Shine? Diamonds require cleaning so that maximum
amounts of light can refract fiery brilliance. Remember that all it takes is a few minutes and a little care to keep that diamond as fiery as the day you first saw it.

You can use an small soft brush such as an eyebrow or lip stick brush and soap and
water to clean your jewelry. Simply make a bowl of warm sudsy water with a mild
detergent and place your pieces in the mixture. Then brush the diamonds with the
soft bristles of the brush while they are in the suds. You will need to make certain that you rinse them clear of the suds after cleaning them. You can use a small kitchen strainer such as a tea strainer to contain them while rinsing under warm water. Use a lint free cloth, or a jewelry polish cloth to pat them dry.

If your diamonds are in need of a stronger cleansing, you may want to soak them for 30 minutes in a solution of half and half water and ammonia. Once they have soaked for 30 minutes, remove them and gently brush the mountings with a small brush. Then replace the pieces to the solution and swish them around in the mixture before removing them to rinse and pat dry.

If you find your self too busy to be mixing soaps and ammonias, many department
stores sell liquid jewelry cleaners. Most are kits, with everything you need included. You need to read the labels to determine the one that is right for your diamonds and other jewelry. Read the complete directions and follow all the precautions.

And if you find yourself more the “high-tech type”, even in your diamond
cleaning routine, there are multiple ultrasonic cleansers on the market. These machines use high-frequency to create a cleaning motion.
All machines are not the same, so please read the instructions before using.

Only you can choose the cleaning method right for you. But, it is essential to keep
your jewelry clean to keep it brilliant and sparkling. Between cleaning, try not to touchyour clean diamonds with your fingers or handle your jewelry by its edges. This will help maintain its shine and brilliance for longer periods.

How to Sell A Diamond

2007-09-11T04:03:00.001-07:00

There are many reasons why you may want to sell a diamond that you own. Perhaps
you’ve gotten divorced, or you are strapped for cash. The reasons why don’t really matter – getting the best possible price is what counts! The way to obtain the best price for the diamond is to not be in a rush. Slow down, and carefully consider all of your options – there are many.

First, have the diamond appraised. In fact, have it appraised by two or three jewelers to get an accurate idea of the diamonds value. Tell the appraiser that you want the Rapaport Value. This is the wholesale value of the diamond, and it basically tells you the highest price that you can sell your diamond for. If your diamond has no sertificate, you should consider getting a certificate from GIA. This may help you get a better price for the diamond as well.

First, try to sell the diamond yourself, to people you know. Friends and family
members may be interested. If you don’t have any luck with friends or family members, you should turn to outside sources. Absolutely avoid pawn shops! A pawn shop will only offer you about 10% of what the diamond is worth! Also avoid offers of selling the ring on consignment. There are many things that can go wrong, and there is no shortage of diamond scams – even in well known jewelry stores.

If the diamond is important, you should strongly consider auctioning it off through
one of the famous auction houses, such as Christie’s or Sotheby’s. If it isn’t what is considered an ‘important’ diamond or a high-end diamond, you should try to sell it
to an individual using classified ads, or even eBay. However, selling to an individual that you do not know could put you in danger – especially if the diamond is worth a lot of money.

Your final option should be a jewelry store. It is vital that you not let your diamond out of your sight while in the jewelry store – you might find that the diamond you walked in with is not the same diamond that you walk out with! The jeweler will try to tell you that your diamond is of poor quality or low weight. Inevitably, there will be some problem with the diamond. This is where your appraisal and/or certificate will come in handy.

If the jeweler is fair, they will offer you between 60% and 80% of the value of the
Rapaport Value. Do not accept anything less than this. Again, do not let the diamond out of your sight until you have been paid for it.

How to Spot A Fake Diamond

2007-09-11T04:02:00.001-07:00

In this world of advanced technology it is almost impossible to simply look at a
diamond and determine whether it is real or not – especially if you don’t know much
about diamonds. There are some steps that you can take to avoid buying a fake diamond, however.

First, only deal with reputable jewelers, and when you find a reputable jeweler, stick with them. Avoid buying diamonds or other jewelry from jewelers that you have never dealt with before in the past. Ask to see the certificate for the stone. If no certificate exists, walk away.

Look at the setting that the stone is in. Fake diamonds, such as zirconias, are usually set in low quality metals. Take a close look at the stone. Fake diamonds are not durable – natural diamonds, on the other hand, are the most durable stone on the planet. Look for scratches or nicks.

After purchasing a diamond, take it to another jeweler for appraisal. In fact, take it to two or three other jewelers for an appraisal to make sure that the appraisals are all fairly close. If you find that you have purchased a fake diamond, you may be accused of making a switch when you return to the store of your purchase; therefore, it is important to have a certificate for the diamond. No two stones are alike.

Insuring Your Diamonds

2007-09-11T04:00:00.002-07:00

Insuring a diamond takes a bit of thought, planning, and shopping around. Diamond
insurance isn’t like purchasing car insurance. It is quite different. Depending on the state that you live in, there are basically three different types of policies that will cover diamonds, and all insurance policies that cover diamonds are considered Marine type policies.

The first type of insurance policies for diamonds is an Actual Cash Value policy.
If the diamond is lost or damaged beyond repair, the insurance company will replace
the diamond at today’s market value, no matter how much you paid for the diamond
to begin with. This type of insurance policy for diamonds actually is not that common.

The most common type of insurance for diamonds is Replacement Value insurance.
The insurance company will only pay up to a fixed amount to replace the diamond that was lost or damaged beyond repair. This does not mean that they will pay that amount – it means that they will pay up to that amount. In most cases, the diamond can be replaced at a lower cost.

The third type of coverage offered for diamonds is Agreed Value. This is
sometimes called ‘Valued At.’ This type of coverage is very rare. In the event that the diamond is lost or damaged beyond repair, the insurance company simply pays you the amount that you and the company agreed upon. This is the best type of insurance to have, but it is rarely offered. If you can’t get Agreed Value coverage, Actual Cash Value coverage should be your next choice.

Your rates will be determined by the value of the diamond, the type of coverage that you select, and the area that you live in. If you live in an area with a high crime rate, you can expect to pay more for your diamond insurance coverage. It is important to remember that insurance agents are not qualified jewelers, and jewelers are not
qualified insurance agents. It is best to get a certificate for your diamond, and to
provide the insurance company with a copy of that certificate. This leaves the insurance company less room for arguments over the actual value of the diamond.

Don’t rely on separate coverage to cover your diamond. For instance, if you diamond
is stolen from your home, it is probably covered on your home owner’s insurance
policy – but the diamond probably won’t always be in your home, and once it leaves
your home, there is no coverage.

Insuring Your Diamonds

2007-09-11T04:00:00.001-07:00

Insuring a diamond takes a bit of thought, planning, and shopping around. Diamond
insurance isn’t like purchasing car insurance. It is quite different. Depending on the state that you live in, there are basically three different types of policies that will cover diamonds, and all insurance policies that cover diamonds are considered Marine type policies.

The first type of insurance policies for diamonds is an Actual Cash Value policy.
If the diamond is lost or damaged beyond repair, the insurance company will replace
the diamond at today’s market value, no matter how much you paid for the diamond
to begin with. This type of insurance policy for diamonds actually is not that common.

The most common type of insurance for diamonds is Replacement Value insurance.
The insurance company will only pay up to a fixed amount to replace the diamond that was lost or damaged beyond repair. This does not mean that they will pay that amount – it means that they will pay up to that amount. In most cases, the diamond can be replaced at a lower cost.

The third type of coverage offered for diamonds is Agreed Value. This is sometimes called ‘Valued At.’ This type of coverage is very rare. In the event that the
diamond is lost or damaged beyond repair, the insurance company simply pays you the
amount that you and the company agreed upon. This is the best type of insurance to
have, but it is rarely offered. If you can’t get Agreed Value coverage, Actual Cash Valuecoverage should be your next choice.

Your rates will be determined by the value of the diamond, the type of coverage that you select, and the area that you live in. If you live in an area with a high crime rate, you can expect to pay more for your diamond insurance coverage. It is important to remember that insurance agents are not qualified jewelers, and jewelers are not
qualified insurance agents. It is best to get a certificate for your diamond, and to
provide the insurance company with a copy of that certificate. This leaves the insurance company less room for arguments over the actual value of the diamond.

Don’t rely on separate coverage to cover your diamond. For instance, if you diamond
is stolen from your home, it is probably covered on your home owner’s insurance
policy – but the diamond probably won’t always be in your home, and once it leaves
your home, there is no coverage.

Selecting Diamonds

2007-09-11T04:00:00.000-07:00

Diamonds are graded for certification by laboratories using grading criteria. Four of
these criteria are critical to understand when making a diamond purchase or investment. Known as the “Four C’s” these criteria are: color, cut, clarity and carat.

Color is the result of the composition of a diamond and it does not change. When a
jeweler is describing the color of a diamond they are referring to the presence or absence of color in white diamonds. Because a diamond with no color allows maximum light to pass through, colorless diamonds are preferred for their sparkle.

Cut refers to a diamonds reflective quality. Most diamonds are cut with 58 facets. The brilliance of diamonds is heavily dependent on the cut. The different angles and the finish of a diamond determine its ability to reflect light and cause its brilliance and fire.

Remember that the cut of a diamond can have an impact on its durability as well as its beauty. Some cutting faults can make a diamond prone to breakage. A diamond
that is cut too thin can also cause light to leak out of the back and the diamond will lose some of the sparkle and appear not to shine. So, as you can see the Cut is
probably the most important of the Four C’s.

During the formation process, inner flaws, or inclusions occur in most diamonds. The
number and size of these inclusions determine what is referred to as the clarity
of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance and therefore are rarer
and highly priced. To be considered “flawless”, a diamond must have no surface or internal imperfections visible upon being viewed by a skilled diamond grader using
10 power magnifications.

Carat is the unit of weight by which diamonds are measured. One carat is equal to 200
milligrams. A carat is divided into 100 segments called points. 150 points would
equal one and a half carats.

When you go to the store to make that all important diamond purchase, do not be shy!
Ask questions, get the answers needed to make an informed purchase. Shopping for
certified diamonds enables you to make an informed selection. Knowing the “four C’s”
allows you to comparison shop and purchase the best diamond at a fair price. But, before making a purchase, shop around and decide what shapes and styles really appeal to you. Enjoy your diamond for years to come!

Synthetic Diamonds

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The first synthetic diamonds were produced by General Electric in 1954. A synthetic
diamond is basically a rock that has the durability, refractive index and hardness of
a natural diamond – but it is made by man. A synthetic diamond should not be
confused with stimulant diamonds, such as glass, cubic zirconia, or moissanite.

Although the technology for synthetic diamonds came into play in 1954, no synthetic diamonds were ever seen on the market until the 1990’s. This was due to the fact that it took many years for General Electric to produce a synthetic diamond that could compare with the quality of a natural diamond – and when they figured out how to do it, they found that it cost more to produce a synthetic diamond than it did to mine and cut natural diamonds.

Finally, a small company by the name of Gemesis Corporation figured out a way to produce synthetic diamonds that were of the same quality as natural diamonds, at a
cheaper price. Today, Gemesis produces synthetic white diamonds, and colored diamonds as well. These diamonds sell for about 1/3 of the cost of a natural diamond, but there is a shortage of them, and they are hard to find. In fact, it seems that synthetic diamonds are rarer than natural diamonds!

What Are Dirty Diamonds?

2007-09-11T03:59:00.000-07:00

A dirty diamond is one of two things: a rough
diamond, or a diamond that hasn’t been
cleaned in a while. Rough diamonds are
uncut and unpolished – hence, they are dirty.
But that type of dirty diamond will soon be
cut and polished and sitting in a beautiful
jewel box in a display case. Then someone
will purchase it, and before long, it will
become a dirty diamond once again.

Diamonds become dirty. When you wash
your hands with a diamond ring on, soap
scum clings to it. When you put on hand
lotion, it gets grease on it. Shower with your
diamond earrings or necklace, and again,
you get soap scum. In one short day, your
brand new diamond could be dirty!

Purchase an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner the
same day that you purchase your diamond
jewelry, and use it every single day, without
fail. The clarity of the diamond changes
when the diamond is dirty – it loses its
sparkle. By taking one minute each day to
clean your diamond jewelry, you can avoid
this, and your diamonds will never be dirty!

Where Diamonds are Mined

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Argye mine located in the Kimberley region in the far north east of Western Australia. Owned by Rio Tinto, this mine is the world’s largest single producer of volume of diamonds. However, due to low proportion of gem quality diamonds it is not the value leader. It does produce 90-95% of the world’s supply of pink diamonds.

Diavik is also owned by Rio Tinto, located in Canada it is a very large mine. It is located north of Yellowknife and south of the Artic Circle on an island. The island is connected by an ice road. It is also an important part of the regions economy employing more than 700 people and producing more than 8 million carats annually.

Ekati diamond mine is owned by BHP Billiton and located south of the artic circle in the Northwest Territories of Canada. The Ekati is Canada’s first operational diamond mine. Diamonds mined here are sold under the Aurias trade name Authenticity is verified through CanadaMark service. CanadaMark service is also owned by BHP Billiton Diamonds, Inc.

Baken diamond mine is located along the lower Orange River in South Africa. It is
owned and operated by Trans Hex. The average size stone for 2004 was 1.29
carats. In 2004, this mine produced a 78.9 carat D color flawless diamond that
sold for more than 1.8 million dollars (US), as well as a 27.67 pink diamond that was
sold for over 1 million US dollars.

Merlin is the second of only two diamond mines in Australia. No longer operating it
was owned by Rio Tinto and sold to Striker Resources, who has explored the
possibilities of reopening the mine. Orapa is the world’s largest diamond mine.
It us located 240 Km west of Francistown. The mine is owned by “Debswana” which is a partnership between DeBeers and the government of Botswana. This mine operates 7 days a week. It maintains pre primary and primary schools for its employee’s children.
There is also a 100 bed hospital and game park. This mine began production in 1971
and is the oldest mine owned by the Debswana Company.

The Premier mine located in Cullinan, South Africa produced the largest gem diamond
ever in 1905. The Cullinan Diamond weighed 3,106.75 carats. This mine also produced the Golden Jubilee diamond which weighed 545.67 carats. This mine is owned by the De Beers Company and was renamed The Cullinan Diamond Mine in 2003 in celebration of its centennial.

Diamond Grading Reports

2007-09-11T03:57:00.000-07:00

You’ve been told that having a certificate or a diamond grading report is important, and as a responsible consumer, you get one – unfortunately, you probably won’t understand a word of what is on that diamond grading report, unless you are a jeweler.

On the color grading scale, D, E, and F mean that the diamond has no color. G, H,
and I means that it has very little color. J, K, and L means that the diamond has a slight yellow color. P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, and X means that the diamond is a darker shade of yellow. Z means that the diamond has a fancy color – other than white or yellow. On the color grading scale, D is the most valuable, and X is the least valuable – however diamonds that get a Z rating are the rarest and most expensive diamonds in the world.

There are many aspects to a grading report. Figuring it all out can be very confusing. You should talk to a jeweler you trust, and have them explain everything on the diamond grading report to you.

Diamond Certificates

2007-09-11T03:22:00.000-07:00

A diamond certificate is also known as a Diamond Grading Report. This report comes
from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and you should require this report
when you are purchasing a diamond.

With a diamond certificate, you can verify the color, cut, carat, weight, and clarity of the diamond. You don’t have to worry about a diamond dealer telling you anything less than the truth, because the certificate comes from the GIA – not the dealer. You may be required to pay for the certificate, but the cost is usually low, and in many cases, it will help you negotiate a better price on the diamond – or keep you from purchasing a lower quality diamond altogether.

If you buy a high quality diamond, and then later decide to sell the diamond, you will need to have the certificate, or you will have a hard time selling it to someone else. Furthermore, you can use the Diamond Grading Report to look up the wholesale
value of the diamond in question. Use the guide that is used by the diamond cutting
industry.

With the Certificate, or Diamond Grading Report, there won’t be any doubts when you
are trying to purchase a diamond. You can easily find out what the diamond is worth.
This will prevent you from overpaying, and it can prevent a seller from under-charging as well.

A copy of the Diamond Grading Report should be given to your insurance company
as well, when you insure the diamond. This provides absolute, unquestionable proof of
the value of the diamond should it be stolen in the future. Insurance companies cannot argue with the report.

Avoid diamond dealers who seem reluctant to provide a certificate! Also avoid sellers
who tell you that a certificate diamond will cost you more – the only additional cost
should be the cost of the certificate, which is low. If the dealer doesn’t want to provide a certificate, then you don’t want to do business with that dealer.

Don’t accept certificates from Gemological Laboratories other than GIA. There are many fly-by-night Gemological labs these days, but in the end, GIA has been established as the most respectable and trustworthy – not to mention oldest – of the lot. So avoid dealers who don’t want to use GIA for certification purposes as well.

Don’t buy an expensive diamond without paying the extra cost of the certificate. If a
dealer tries to convince you to make the purchase without the certificate, or if they
want to use a company other than GIA, you can be sure that the dealer has probably
greatly inflated the price of the diamond – they have something that they are hiding
from you.

Diamond Brands and What They Mean

2007-09-11T03:21:00.002-07:00

Diamonds are one of the few products that simply cannot be ‘branded.’ Even though
there are different cuts, different grades, and different values placed on each and every diamond in existence, no diamond is any specific brand – just as gold is not a specific brand.

Branding is actually based on who owns the diamond. For instance, if DeBeers owns the
diamond, it is a DeBeers Diamond – but it is still just a diamond. If the diamond was cut by a specific well known cutter, then it might be branded in that way as well – but it usually isn’t. It is still branded based on who owns it at the time. So basically, when it comes down to it – diamond brands mean absolutely nothing at all.

Do not allow a jeweler to try to talk you into paying an exorbitant price on a diamond because it is a specific brand. This is a bit of trickery used by unscrupulous jewelers when they know that they are dealing with
people who don’t know much about diamonds. Remember that diamonds are
not actually branded – unless mother nature has her own brand!

Colored Diamonds

2007-09-11T03:21:00.001-07:00

Fancy colored diamonds are all the rage
these days. Gemologists have developed
new ways to create versions that are
affordable for the average person - by
treating less desirable diamonds. These
less desirable diamonds are treated with
irradiation followed by intense heat. This
turns brown and yellowish diamonds into
beautifully colored diamonds that you can
afford. This produces stunning greens,
blues, yellows, reds, purples and other
colors. These colors are considered
permanent, but there is a possibility
they could change during repairs if a high
heat is used.

Treatments like irradiation make it possible
for more people to own these vividly colored
diamonds. Most natural colored diamonds
are rare and also extremely expensive. When
shopping for colored diamonds you need to
assume that any affordable fancy color
diamond has been treated. Ask about the
stones origin and request to view a lab
certificate to verify authenticity.

Synthetic colored diamonds are another
option if owning a colored diamond is
something you desire but cannot quite afford.
They are real diamonds, but they are created
in a lab.

Natural fancy color diamonds get their
coloring from different trace elements present
in the stones, such as nitrogen, which
produces a yellow diamond. Diamonds can
be colored by exposure to radiation during its
creation. An example of a diamond affected
by radiation is a Green diamond.

Another way that a natural colored diamond
gets color is by its inclusions. Regarded as
flaws and undesirable in a colorless diamond,
inclusions give unique tones and brilliant
flashes of color in a fancy color diamond.
Remember that Natural fancy colored
diamonds are very expensive, any colored
diamond labeled to be sold as natural should
be accompanied by a certificate from a
respected grading lab.

A "fancy" diamond is a natural diamond that
has color. These colors vary from red, green,
purple, violet, orange, blue and pink – and
most shades between. Fancy color shades
vary from faint to intense.

The most famous diamonds in the world are
Color diamonds. The Tiffany Diamond,
which is yellow and the Hope Diamond which
is blue are colored diamonds. Color
diamonds have an amazing financial track
record. The value has never decreased on
wholesale level in more than 30 years. Blue
and pink diamonds have doubled every 5
years of a strong economy. In the 1970’s
you could have bought a very high quality
blue diamond for about 50K and today the
very same stone would be worth between
2 and 3 million.

Choosing The Cut of A Diamond

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There are many different cuts of diamonds to choose from. The cut essentially refers to the shape that the diamond is cut into – unless you are in the diamond or jewelry
business, but this shape has a great impact on the much the diamond sparkles.

The most popular cuts are heart, marquise, oval, pear, princess, round, trillion, and
emerald cuts. The shape has an impact on how much the diamond sparkles, but the
actual cutting itself – when the diamond cutter actually cuts the diamond into a
particular shape – also matters a great deal. If the diamond is poorly cut, it will lose its sparkle.

However, in the diamond industry, the cut of a diamond doesn’t refer to its shape at all. Instead, this is a reference to the stone’s depth, width, brilliance, durability, clarity, and other aspects of the diamond. Common cutting problems include a missing or off center culet, misalignment, a diamond that is too thick or too thin, cracks, or broken culets.

When shopping for a diamond, you should of course choose the shape that you like the
best, but then look at several different diamonds of that shape to find the one with
the best cut – the one that sparkles the most, in all types of lighting.

Buying Diamonds Online

2007-09-11T03:20:00.001-07:00

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 prices. Once you have found the lowest price, start doing your 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!

Ask about the seller’s credentials, 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!

How to Buy Diamond Engagement Rings

2007-09-11T03:18:00.000-07:00

There is much to consider when purchasing a diamond – especially diamond engagement rings! The tradition of presenting a woman with a diamond engagement ring when proposing began in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian presented a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy – and in most cases, the woman you plan to propose to will expect a ring to accompany that proposal!

First, determine how much ring you can afford. Most people use the ‘two months salary’ rule. This means that the ring should cost the equivalent of two months of your current salary. Because you have other bills to pay, saving up this amount of money may take quite a bit of time. You should consider financing. Simply go to the jeweler of your choice and tell them that you plan to buy an engagement ring, and that financing will be necessary. Go ahead and get the credit check out of the way, find out what your payments will be, and how much of a down payment is required.

Now, have your mother, sister, or your girlfriends best friend take your girlfriend shopping, and make sure that they gaze at the engagement rings to get an idea of what she might like. Make sure that the jewelry store you buy the ring from will allow you to return the ring, if that is required, or allow your girlfriend to exchange it for another if she isn’t happy with it!

Bonded Diamonds

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Before you start shopping for diamonds, consider dealing with a bonded jeweler.
Bonded jewelers sell bonded diamonds, and there are very few bonded jewelers in
the world. In fact, out of all of the jeweler’s in the world, only about 5% of them are bonded. Buying a bonded diamond will cost more than buying a non-bonded
diamond, but when you look at what you get with the bonded option, you will see
that it is well worth the extra expense.

First, bonded diamonds have a buy back policy for the life of the diamond. No matter
how long you have had the diamond, you can take it back to the bonded jeweler and sell it back to him or her, for a 100% refund. If a jeweler does not offer a 100% buy back guarantee, for the life of the diamond, then you should take a closer look at the diamond to see what is wrong with it.

Bonded diamonds also have a breakage policy. If the stone breaks or chips, the
bonded jeweler will replace it with a new one – one time. No jeweler would ever offer such a policy on any stone that was not 100% natural, so just the offer of such a policy should give you piece of mind concerning the quality of the diamond. Bonded
diamonds are natural and untreated.

Bonded diamonds increase in value, with a fixed appreciation rate that is designed to
keep up with inflation. This means that a diamond that is worth a certain amount of
money today will be worth more in the future, as the price of diamonds continues to rise. This generally does not apply to buy backs, however. It typically applies to trade-ins.

Alternately, by purchasing a bonded diamond, you are protected against the possibility of a market crash. If a market crash occurs, the value of diamonds will
drop. However, the bonded jeweler guarantees to refund you the difference
between what the diamond is now worth and what you paid for it before the market
crash.

It may be difficult to find a bonded jeweler in your area, but if you can, this is who you want to deal with, as opposed to dealing with an un-bonded jeweler. Specifically tell the jeweler that you are only interested in bonded diamonds. You can find a bonded jeweler in your area by using various online resources, or by calling the local jewelry stores.

Are Diamonds Really Rare?

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When you walk into a jewelry store and see all the diamonds in all of the various settings that are for sale, it is difficult to realize that diamonds are indeed rare. Most people don’t even stop to consider how that diamond came to be sitting in that jeweler’s case! There is quite a bit of work that is donebefore a diamond is ready to sell to the general public!

For every one million diamonds that are mined, only one will be found that is a quality one caret diamond. In order to find a two caret diamond, about five million diamonds must be mined. More than two hundred tons of ore must be mined to find one small diamond, and even then, more than 80% of the diamonds that are mined are only
good for industrial use, such as diamond drill bits.

So, the next time you visit your local jewelry store, ask to see the one carat diamonds. You should look at this diamond with new appreciation – knowing that it truly is one in a million!

All About the Clarity of Diamonds

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Clarity is an important aspect of a diamond, and it is important to know how to grade the clarity of a diamond before you buy one. It is actually quite easy to learn how to grade the clarity of a diamond. There are basically two things that you must understand: Diamonds with visual inclusions and blemishes, and those that are ‘eye clean’ meaning that there are no inclusions or blemishes that can be seen with the naked eye. From there, the clarity of a diamond is further broken down into subcategories.

Many people mistakenly think that diamond clarity refers to how clear it is. This isn’t so. Clarity actually refers to the internal and external imperfections of the diamond. The best diamonds, of course get a grade of FL or IF – Flawless or Internally Flawless – meaning that it is perfect. A grade of I-1, I-2 or I-3 means that the diamond is imperfect, with a grade of I-3 being the worst.

Other grades are VVS1 and VVS2, which means that the diamond is very, very slightly
imperfect; VS1 and VS2, meaning the diamond is very slightly imperfect; SI-1 and
SI-2, which means that the diamond is slightly imperfect.

Diamond Weights

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Diamonds are measured in Carat Weight. One carat weighs 200 milligrams. If a
diamond is referred to as four grains, this also means that it is a one carat diamond. The word Carat comes from the word carob. A carob is a bean that grows on a tree in the Mediterranean. In times past, if a diamond weighed the same as a carob bean, it was one carob, or one carat.

However, in the far east, where Carob trees do not grow, rice was used to measure the
weight of a diamond. If a diamond weighed as much as four grains of rice, it was four
grains – or one carat as we know it to be now. The majority of diamond purchases
are for diamonds that are 1/3 of a carat.

Beware when shopping for diamonds that are already set or mounted. If more than one
diamond is used in the piece, the tag on the jewelry will give the CTW or Carat Total
Weight – it does not tell you the carat weight of each stone in the piece. You need to ask the jeweler for the total carat weight of the largest diamond in the piece to truly understand what you are buying.