Tiffany & Co

Tiffany & Co. was founded upon a dream of providing the fancy goods to a discerning crowd who wanted luxury and quality from the products that they purchased. The stock at Tiffany including stunning diamonds, jewelry, fine silver gifts and tableware and other fine goods continues to attract customers, just as they always have for Tiffany & Co since its earlier days.

King Of Diamonds

Charles Lewis Tiffany, who was nicknamed the “King of Diamonds”, and John B. Young opened the Tiffany & Young store in 1837. Located in New York City on Broadway, the store opened as a stationary and fancy good emporium and Charles Tiffany later changed to Tiffany & Co. when he took over the company.

Silver Jewelry And Early Goods

The beautiful silver jewelry pieces from this early era are timeless in their artisanship and vintage jewelry is still popular with many consumers from around the world. Many antique pieces can be found with the original light blue boxes that the item originally came in. The light blue color continues to be used for the packaging from Tiffany & Co.

Early sorts of goods that could be purchased at Tiffany & Co. include silver jewelry, monogrammed dresser sets, presentation bowls, silver cups and saucers for children, silver trays for calling cards, men’s dressing sets and games. Very popular items during the late 1800s were the souvenir spoons, which were made by Tiffany & Co. and many other manufacturers.

Jewelry Designer

Art deco jewelry designers used great innovation in the designs and materials that they used to create a look that was reflective of the new ideas and changing times of its era. The 1920s and 30s were the times of the flapper, jazz and the machine age.

Greater Mix Of Materials Used

In this great mix of excitement, it was possible to wear jewelry that was created from an assortment of materials that was not widely used for jewelry until it became popular during that time. A jewelry designer could use chrome, plastic, steel as well as the regular assortment of precious gems and metals including the new platinum. Stones and semi-precious stones and gems could be mixed with the new metals and any of the other materials in the art deco styled jewelry.

A great appreciation for costume jewelry, which uses materials that are not precious metals and gems, grew out of this era and important jewelry designers of this era including Coco Chanel, Raymond Templier, Elsa Shiaparella, Paul Emile Brandt and Rene Lalique became famous. Despite the lower cost of the materials that were being used in art deco jewelry, the cost could still be expensive, the same as it is today.

Exotic And Futuristic Influences

The influences for the jewelry designers included cultural themes including exotic themes such as from the ancient Egyptian era, Eastern designs and African tribal. Other common themes for the jewelry were romantic floral designs, futurism and machines. Many art deco jewelry pieces can be identified by their strong geometric design. The art deco style also ranged from the seriously beautiful to seriously silly pieces such as the popular plastic brooches that featured moving eyes on the faces.

Art deco jewelry was an important art of the art deco movement and it was in Paris where art deco found its center. The era took its name from the Exposition des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Moderns that was held in 1925 in Paris and where the look was established as a new trend for designers. The look of art deco and its influences on jewelry designers pushed the artisans on to greater innovation.

During the art deco movement, the jewelry designer was free to experiment with a variety of materials and processes to create their jewelry and many of these pieces continue to influence modern jewelers because the design and construction of the pieces make them such classics.

Large ,Designer ,Jewelry

Designer jewelry is one of the most hottest fashions around, and there are many companies around the world that offer you a large designer jewelry selection to choose from, you just have to know where to look.

Which Companies Have The Largest Designer Jewelry Selections

One company in particular that features a large designer jewelry selection is Jewelry Central. They are a jewelry company that offers an extensive collection of high quality fine jewelry and diamond engagement rings, as well as gold, silver, and platinum jewelry, rings, earrings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, pendants and more.

Their large designer jewelry collection is not only exquisite and vast, but very affordably priced as well. As the jewelry portal of the Web, they offer the most comprehensive jewelry related information online, and this becomes incredibly handy when you are trying to choose that perfect piece of jewelry.

Since 1999 they have been building relationships with thousands of customers and have worked hard to serve their jewelry shopping needs, and they are actually among the highest rated online jewelers in the world, particularly in terms of customer satisfaction and quality of merchandise.

Another company that offers a large designer jewelry collection is DiGem, a national buying organization that serves various independent jewelers and sells jewelry as well, and over the past 35 years they have developed a network of jewelry trade contacts throughout North America, in order to provide its customers with the high quality jewelry merchandise that they want.

Then there is also Helzberg, a very well recognized name in the fine jewelry business, and a company that takes great pride in their heritage of offering the most exceptional value and personal customer service to each and every one of their customers. They have been around for over 3 generations now, and their business only continues to grow and expand.

Choosing A Piece Of Designer Jewelry From A Large Selection

Of course deciding where to buy jewelry is important, but you need to know what jewelry to buy as well. This means doing your research beforehand, learning about the different pieces, what metals and materials are used in the jewelry, about the different gemstones, which pieces are of higher quality, and so on.

This will not only help you to save money overall, but as well will help you to better pick out the perfect piece of jewelry for that special someone.

Replica Tiffany Jewelry

Tiffany’s jewelry is so renowned for it superb quality and artisanship that it is desired by many people including those who cannot afford its exorbitant price. To meet the needs of people who want the look of Tiffany without the high price, jewelry makers will create replicas of Tiffany jewelry.

Replica Jewelry Is Common

Sometimes, the jewelry designed by a designer is so popular and its look is so distinctive that it becomes an important trend or classic itself. When this happens, it is not unusual for jewelry makers to copy the original designs and sell the resulting works as replicas. The replica jewelry may be produced using a mass production technique or created by an individual jewelry maker in an effort to create recognition for their product and themselves as talented and skilled artisans.

Tiffany jewelry has inspired jewelry makers to follow their lead in design and form and it has become a brisk business for the many people who want their goods. Tiffany inspired jewelry tries to copy the luxurious style of the original pieces without the cost of diamonds and other precious gemstones and metals.

Affordable Tiffany Style

A person can buy a piece of Tiffany replica jewelry that can use a variety of materials that are meant to mimic the original piece of jewelry. It is not unusual to see paste gems with plastic bezels or pendant pieces. You can also find jewelry that may use a quartz crystal instead of a diamond or use silver instead of platinum.

Watch Out For Fake Tiffany Jewelry

Sometimes, unscrupulous traders will try to pass off imitations of Tiffany jewelry as the real thing. Real Tiffany jewelry has a Tiffany & Co. engraving or signature mark on it and if it is not stamped or engraved with the Tiffany symbol then you do not have a Tiffany piece of jewelry.

All Tiffany Jewelry Has An Identifying Mark

Some ways to spot a shady dealer or replica Tiffany jewelry is if the dealer has several sizes in one piece or if the fake platinum is too bright. If you are being enticed into buying a Tiffany jewelry item, take the time to compare the piece with other known pieces to help you to evaluate it authenticity.

Best Handmade Designer Jewelry

There are so many different jewelry stores out there to choose from, that the process of finding and buying the best handmade designer jewelry, especially for a novice, can really be quite daunting. However, as long as you take a few things into consideration beforehand and make sure to take the task seriously, then you should have no problems.

The Best Jewelry Designers

If it is the best handmade designer jewelry stores in particular that you are looking for, then one name you will want to become familiar with is BlueLuxe. This is one of the best handmade designer jewelry stores by far, not only in regards to the high quality pieces that they offer, but also in terms of the inexpensive prices.

Just a few of the designer names that they offer are: Anne Koplik, Ben-Amun, Catherine Weitzman, David Aubrey, Flying Lizard, Indulgems, Japanese Lanterns, Kevia, La Contessa, Lisa Freede, Mashka, Michal Golan, Pade Vavra, Roberta Chiarella, Satya, Sheila Fajl, Sierra, Ugly Dolls, Wasabi and Wendy Mink.

Another of the best handmade designer jewelry stores that you should take note of is Bernardine. All of the jewelry here is inspired by Asian and African art, geometric shapes, bright colors and natural gemstones. The use of color, texture and stones is bold and dramatic, and it is definitely some of the best handmade designer jewelry in the world.

The Purchasing Process

Before you actually buy any jewelry however, there are a few factors that you are going to want to take into consideration. Once you are ready to buy any jewelry you want to shop around, making sure to compare quality, price and service. You should always buy from a jeweler that you are familiar with, and if this is not possible then ask friends and family members for references.

Designer Gemstone Jewelry

Everywhere you look today, jewelry stores are offering color. Barely twenty years ago, the mainstream jewelry store chains only offered ruby, emerald, sapphire and the occasional pearl and opal. Today, though, there is a color explosion and with it a series of settings that look like cookie-cutter images of one another. Where do you go, then, to break the chain of the commonplace and find piece of designer gemstone jewelry?

Styling Events

One of the most common ways to own a piece of designer gemstone jewelry is to attend a styling event at your local mainstream jewelry chain store. During these events, jewelers will come in and bring a selection of unset gemstones and settings to choose from. While the settings are pre-made they are not the same styles that you will see lining the cases around you. An additional bonus, is that these jewelers are only on the premises for a short period of time, so you will get your new stone set into your new piece of designer gemstone jewelry in a couple of days if not a couple of hours.

Custom Design Jewelers

Another option to finding that perfect piece of designer gemstone jewelry is to visit your local custom design jewelry store. Quite often, these stores will have a case filled with loose gemstones, but if you do not find exactly what you are looking for there, they can find it for you. This differs from the styling event, but may take a bit longer than a few days to slip that new piece of designer gemstone jewelry on for the first time.

Designer Inspired Jewelry

It is through designer inspired jewelry that many people who cannot afford the original designer’s work are able to enjoy pieces in the designer’s style anyway. Throughout the ages of jewelry design, there have always been trends and movements that have inspired the changing look of jewelry.

Leading Jewelry Designers Are Influential To Other Designers

During these times or eras of jewelry designs, there have always been leading designers who created the finest pieces that caught the eye of royalty or other people with influence and money. When an influential person would wear an item of jewelry, it could be enough to set off a trend.

Knockoffs Are More Affordable Than Originals

When such a jewelry design trend was set off, not everyone could afford the same prices that the trendsetter was paying for their jewelry from their special jewelry designer, so the lesser-known jewelers would create copies of the designer jewelry so that they could stay on top of the current jewelry trend.

The Quality Of Designer Inspired Jewelry

Whenever there is a jewelry design trend, any designer who follows the trend without creating his or her own innovative or personal design, is creating designer inspired jewelry even if the jewelry item that is produced is created with different materials that resemble the original piece.

Imitations Are Not Always High Quality

Many times, the knock off pieces are not made of as high a quality materials as the original pieces. Instead of fine metals, a lesser metal such as a coated metal or even plastic may be used and the same goes for gemstones, paste and fake gemstones, semi-precious stones and even plastic may replace the precious gemstones that may have been used in the original jewelry piece.

Baskets Nightmare Turned Into A Dream

One of my husband’s co-workers married recently. For months leading up to the wedding day, I was completely clueless about what an appropriate gift would be. I wanted something unique that they would truly enjoy; a traditional toaster just wouldn’t cut it. I wanted our gift to really demonstrate how thrilled we were for them.

In my quest, I visited a dozen stores and picked through a ton of toasters, bed sheets, and towels. Nothing seemed to say “unique” or “surprise.” They all said “ordinary.” I gave up and decided to try and find something online. I found some interesting suggestions, a gift basket of chocolates, or a bottle of wine. This grew into an idea of making my own gift, a wine gift basket!

It was the perfect idea. Everybody loves a good bottle of wine and it sets the perfect mood for a night of romance. I used a picnic basket and purchased two wine glasses and two bottles of wine. I also included a corkscrew and charms for the glasses. While doing this I realized what is wine without cheese, so I picked up a few special cheeses and crackers.

I could not believe how simple this was to put together. You should have seen my husbands face when he saw my creation. He thought I had spent a pretty penny and bought this extravagant gift. You can imagine how surprised he was when I confessed my creative talents to him. He was ready to finance my own little shop. All the same, I was proud of my work and how little energy it actually took.

After attending the wedding my husband and I have became fast friends with the couple. They absolutely loved the gift and said it was a very nice item to take on their honeymoon with them. They hope to one day use the picnic basket to take their children on picnics in the park. I knew I loved their gift, but I never imagined how much use they would get out of it. That was just a nice surprise.

I can’t wait to be able to make more of these for my family and friends. I do not want to tell anybody about my new found love because I hope to surprise them with their own. They are so versatile that they are perfect for any adult at any stage of their live. My husband said he wants one for our next anniversary. I will have to think of something extra to add so that he is surprised. Maybe tickets to a show we can see before our picnic would be a nice addition.

Bridal Accessories: What Are They Exactly?

bridal accessories can be a real ordeal for brides, since most want everything perfect. Another factor adding to the challenge is that there are so many kinds of bridal accessories. You need them for every portion of the wedding and reception. It can be a frustrating part of the planning and purchasing process, but information can alleviate that frustration. Below is some information describing the different topics of concern when dealing with bridal wedding accessories.

The purchase of the wedding gown is usually a woman’s first milestone in the wedding process. Along with that comes the purchase of the bridal gown accessories. Brides need everything from veils to shoes. Usually, brides look for styles matching their gowns. Maybe you want gloves and a tiara. Which bridal accessories you choose determine how you will present yourself on your big day.

When you decide on a dress and bridal gown accessories, thought must go into bridal hair accessories. If you plan on using a veil, you need to determine if you want a tiara or clips with the veil. You could wear a hat with or without a veil. Some brides choose glitter as a hair accessory. Bridal hair accessories can be elegant and stylish.

Your bridesmaids and maid of honor will also need accessories. Once you have chosen colors and bridesmaids gowns, you need shoes. You have to decide how you want their hair, whether different or the same for each girl. Then you must figure out which hair accessories they need. Bridal party accessories also include any matching jewelry you want or flowers for the bridal party. If you want your girls in gloves, that to goes on the bridal party accessories list.

Buying designer accessories can be costly, but some brides will settle for no less. High-end designer bridal accessories will cost much more, however they offer quality material. Sales are a good opportunity for brides on a budget to get the designer bridal accessories they want. Watch out for imitation designer bridal accessories.

Wedding Ring Types And Styles

You are looking forward to your wedding. You have 101 things to do before the big day. Some of these things are important and some are vital. Choosing and buying wedding rings most definitely comes into the vital category.

The day of your wedding will be a very special day. You and your guests will have an exciting and memorable day but over time the memories may fade. One thing that will always be a reminder of the great day will be your wedding ring.

Exchanging wedding rings is about the coming together of two individuals into one circle of life. It is a demonstration for all to see that you have committed to your partner and you two are now one. It will remain a symbol and a sign for all to see years after the ceremony is forgotten.

When you think how many years you might be wearing your wedding ring it shows how important it is that you have a ring you will always appreciate and be proud of. One that you can happily show the world to demonstrate you are a married person.

A quick look through a selection of wedding rings will soon show how many different types and styles of rings are available. The choices with so many designs in various different metal setting can become confusing if you don’t give yourself plenty of time to choose.

Some people prefer to opt for a very simple and plain gold ring. It is the traditional wedding ring that has stood the test of time but today you are faced with several other options and you may be attracted to a more extravagent and ostentatious design.

You should take the time to consider with your future partner how you might feel about that ring a few years down the line. Also think about how practical it would be to wear the ring day in and day out becaue many wedding rings are rarely, if ever, removed.

A simple and smooth, easy to wear wedding ring makes a lot of sense and is a lot more practical a design than many more exciting wedding rings. You might like to consider the idea of having two wedding rings. One for everyday use and another for special occasions.

Famous Diamonds

Some types of diamonds became very famous in the course of history because of their uniqueness, their size, their qualities and their history. According to experts, the value of these famous diamonds are greatly enhanced by it history thus the more colorful the story behind the diamond, the more precious it becomes.

The Koh-i-noor Diamond

The Koh-i-noor diamond also known as the mountain of light was unearthed more than 5000 years ago. This diamond is so old that it was even mentioned in the ancient Sanskrit writings as Syamantaka. Many Hindus believe that this famous diamond was owned by Krishna, a deity that is worshipped by most Hindu. According to legends, this famous diamond was to be an offering to the wife of Krishna but since it was stolen from Krishna while he sleeps, the diamond became cursed.

Since the time that the diamond had been stolen from the deity, the Koh-i-noor has earned a reputation of bringing back luck and death to any male person who possesses. However, since the diamond is supposed to be a gift of love to the wife of Krishan, legends tell us that the curse does not work upon its female owners. In fact, this famous diamond is supposed to bring good luck to the women who own it.

Although the story of the diamond’s relations to Krishna may sound really romantic, such story is disputed by some historical evidences. Historical findings suggest that this famous diamond was actually from the Golconda kingdom in Hyberdad, India, which is known as one of the earliest diamond mines in the world. Since its discovery from this mine, the Koh-i-noor have been passed through generations of royal families in India and Persia.

Famous Diamonds

Some types of diamonds became very famous in the course of history because of their uniqueness, their size, their qualities and their history. According to experts, the value of these famous diamonds are greatly enhanced by it history thus the more colorful the story behind the diamond, the more precious it becomes.

The Koh-i-noor Diamond

The Koh-i-noor diamond also known as the mountain of light was unearthed more than 5000 years ago. This diamond is so old that it was even mentioned in the ancient Sanskrit writings as Syamantaka. Many Hindus believe that this famous diamond was owned by Krishna, a deity that is worshipped by most Hindu. According to legends, this famous diamond was to be an offering to the wife of Krishna but since it was stolen from Krishna while he sleeps, the diamond became cursed.

Since the time that the diamond had been stolen from the deity, the Koh-i-noor has earned a reputation of bringing back luck and death to any male person who possesses. However, since the diamond is supposed to be a gift of love to the wife of Krishan, legends tell us that the curse does not work upon its female owners. In fact, this famous diamond is supposed to bring good luck to the women who own it.

Although the story of the diamond’s relations to Krishna may sound really romantic, such story is disputed by some historical evidences. Historical findings suggest that this famous diamond was actually from the Golconda kingdom in Hyberdad, India, which is known as one of the earliest diamond mines in the world. Since its discovery from this mine, the Koh-i-noor have been passed through generations of royal families in India and Persia.

Blue Diamonds

Diamonds are sparkling, beautiful gems that are valued by people from many different cultures and nations. These stones are used as decorations for fancy balls and as the symbol of a promise of marriage. Blue diamonds are especially valuable because these gems are harder to find than diamonds of other colors. There are some very famous blue diamonds that fascinate those who understand the true value of these magnificent stones. Some of these blue diamonds have become very famous because of their unique color and their weight. Famous people have owned some of the most treasured of the blue diamonds.

The famous blue diamonds are known by their names to many who understand the true value of these gems. One of the famous blue diamonds is called “Queen of Holland” and another is known as “Blue Empress”. The most famous blue diamonds weigh as much as one hundred and forty carats. The famous blue diamonds come in different shapes including pear shaped and octagon shaped. The blue stones that are famous come in a wide range of hues. There are at least six different shades of blue in the diamonds that have become famous. The shade of the diamond is usually a matter of preference for those looking for special colors in the diamonds that they buy.

Famous Blue Diamonds Are Valuable Investments

There are very few blue diamonds and the owners rarely sell these because of their value. When they do sell them, the owners usually get more than they originally paid for these gems. The stones are usually cut by experts because of the value of the stone and the cut must enhance the natural beauty of these wonderful gems. The cut of these valuable gems is especially important for large, colored stones. Sometimes the largest stones that are found with a blue color are studied extensively before any cutting is begun.

Helzberg Diamonds

When looking for diamond jewelry there is a number of different options available such as the many high-end boutiques and small family jewelry stores. In addition, the number of markets and outlets where one can buy precious gemstones are also many. This may lead a person interested in buying jewelry items to wonder which is the best source for purchasing them. One of the recommended options for your jewelry purchase would no doubt include buying from the many large retail jewelry stores of which Helzberg Diamonds is a leading example.

Extensive Selection

You can find outlets such as Helzberg Diamonds in many a shopping malls and shopping centers all throughout America. In addition, you can also see them advertised in the print media as well as on television. For those that care to visit outlets such as Helzberg Diamonds they will find some pretty extensive selection of diamonds along with some fantastic deals as well. However, be prepared for a lack of personal attention such as what you would expect to encounter in the smaller family run jewelry stores.

Many Locations Built On A Century Of Quality

In any case, Helzberg Diamonds is a name that is recognized for its fine jewelry and it has been in operation since the year 1915, and they are proud of their heritage. At Helzberg Diamonds, you should expect good value for money and also benefit from their years of experience given that they have been in existence for many years that has seen three generations of Helzburg and which has taken up the better part of the twentieth century.

In fact, you will be surprised to know that there are more than two hundred and seventy Helzberg Diamond’s stores spanning all of the United States, and so you should be able to locate one of their stores close to where you live. And, once you enter a Helzberg Diamonds store, you will be amazed by the quality of jewelry that is almost timeless in its appeal and you will also appreciate their packaging that includes some very fetching burgundy boxes.

Raw Diamonds

What is clear, often found on or near coal and is the source of lifetimes of blood, sweat and tears for miners? It is raw diamonds. To the layperson, a raw diamond may look like little more than tiny piece of crystal. To the overjoyed miner, though, that little rock is his livelihood. From the miner’s hands, it goes to a broker, then to a cutter, and finally a jeweler where the polished stone is set into a piece of jewelry. Eventually, this little piece of forever is sold to a customer who will give it as a gift or wear a piece of nature’s finest craftsmanship.

What Happens To Raw Diamonds That Cannot Be Cut For Jewelry?

Amazingly few stones are actually flawless enough to be faceted for jewelry purposes. This is one of the reasons that diamonds remain rare and expensive to own. In the past, the raw diamonds that were unfit for cutting into suitable gemstones were usually sold to industry for use in making everything from drill bits to the faceting wheels used to cut and polish those prized stones.

Because diamonds are one of the hardest substances in existence, about the only thing that can be used to cut and polish one is a wheel manufactured out of the same material. It is this hardness and the sheer brilliance of the cut and polished stone that make them the perfect engagement ring adornment, because they can take daily wear like no other stone. Additionally, it is this hardness that also makes raw diamonds the perfect material for industry to use in cutting or hole-boring equipment.

Diamonds

Everyone has heard the expression that diamonds are a girl’s best friends and also that diamonds are forever. Such simple catch phrases only highlight the sheer beauty and elegance of these shining rocks, and it would not surprise anyone to learn that these precious gemstones are sure to have been owned at least singly by a great number of individuals. That obviously means that given their high popularity, one must know what type of gemstone one should buy because the options are many as they are found in a great number of sizes and shapes.

Type Of Jewelry

You will be sure to find a few methods that will show you how to select your diamonds, and a good starting point in this direction is to know the type of jewelry that will be best suited to hold such a gemstone. By firstly deciding on the type of jewelry you can determine other factors such as size, quality and also shape. Thus, for your engagement ring you would be more particular about the stone’s quality as compared to when buying a bracelet that has many stones on it.

Another important factor to consider is your preferred style regarding the jewelry you are going to buy, which means having a particular style that could range from modest styled jewelry to flashy ones. And, once you have decided on the particular style of jewelry that you wish to wear, you can choose from different items such as rings, bracelets and earrings and also consider their cost.

Type Of Stone

You may also have to decide whether you want to buy colorless or colored diamonds. To determine which the better choice is for you, you need to consider a few things such as the fact that colored diamonds usually are more expensive and they are also very unique as compared with clear diamonds. So, if you really want a diamond that stands out from the rest and is also original, your choice would definitely a colored diamond.

Manufactured Diamonds

Manufactured diamonds are man made, just as the name implies. They are created in a lab using many different materials. There are different degrees of manufactured diamonds. Unlike mined diamonds that have several categorizing factors to determine grade, these diamonds have only three grades. These grades are low, medium, and high. It is quite easy to tell the difference in the grades of these lab created diamonds.

There are several reasons to choose manufactured diamonds over mined diamonds. The most obvious reason is price. Lab created diamonds are much less expensive than mined diamonds. This is perfect for those people who cannot afford mined diamonds but want the same look. Manufactured diamonds are also perfect for costume jewelry. These jewelry pieces are often much larger and ornate. It would cost a lot of money to get the same look from mined diamonds.

The Different Grades of Manufactured Diamonds

Manufactured diamonds that are low quality are often cloudy. These are generally sold in bulk to costume jewelers. Costume jewelry can be found off the rack. They will not be under display cases. There will be no passing off low quality lab created diamonds as a mined diamond.

The next quality level of manufactured diamonds is medium. These are also often sold in bulk. They look lovely, but also cannot pass as a mined diamond. These are often set in sterling silver. These are also the quality that is generally found from home shopping channels. These diamonds can make beautiful jewelry, but will still not come close to real diamond quality.

Manufactured diamonds that are classified as high quality are usually sold directly through jewelers. These diamonds are set in quality metals such as gold and platinum. There is a lot of time put into manufacturing these diamonds and they are meant to look exactly like mined diamonds. While they are still only manufactured diamonds, they rival mined diamonds in beauty. These should only be purchased through a fine jewelry dealer to ensure that quality is assured.

Choosing to purchase manufactured diamonds is a very personal choice. Knowing these details prior to purchase can help make the decision easier. The three grades of manufactured diamond are so distinct from one another that the choice is easily made. It is also good to know where each grade of manufactured diamond can be purchased as well as how they are set. This will ensure that shoppers are getting what they pay for.

Diamonds International

Eric and Pat Bentley opened their first diamond shop in 1969. It was a showroom for beautiful diamond pieces, up until now the shop is still operating at the original location.

They wanted to provide Australia with a Diamond Salon where buyers and potential clients can browse around comfortably and leisurely while choosing from a selection of quality diamond jewelry.

A Family Business

The husband and wife pair was aiming to sell fine diamonds and other jewelry specifically rings at affordable prices that did not compromise the price and their standards. They wanted to provide the public with affordable diamonds of high quality. This belief that they can provide quality stones at competitive prices is still being upheld to this very day.

Their son, Charles Bentley soon joined the family business in 1980 and he brought new ideas and innovative designs. He is now the head of Diamonds International and he believes in the principles that his parents believed in when they established their store in 1969 and he wants to continue to bring quality jewelry to the people of Australia and the world.

Diamonds International has established itself as a strong leader in the diamonds industry in Australia and internationally. It upholds its reputation of being honest, reliable and consistent in their products. Diamonds International has never compromised the quality of their products in favor for more sales and lower jewelry costs. Tom Bentley is now the third generation of the family to join the business and he is proving to have the knack for the diamonds business.

Guarantee and Insurance

All jewelry purchased at Diamonds International comes with its very own valuation and a guarantee from the store. The company strongly recommends clients and their buyers to fully insure their purchases to be secure. The company also gives buyers and clients’ quotes for a full comprehensive insurance of jewelry items purchased from them. The guarantee which comes with the jewelry bought is not the same as an insurance policy.

Services offered by Diamonds International

Diamonds International also offers services for clients who are interested in purchasing a diamond from them or have already purchased a diamond or jewelry from them. The services are helping clients choose the right stone for them, guiding and assisting in choosing a design setting for the chosen stone, laboratory grading of the diamond and diamond laser inscription, providing valuations for the jewelry and stones and free inspection of the jewelry and cleaning.

Princess Cut Diamonds

The statement “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” is as true today is it was when Marilyn Monroe sang it. Princess cut diamonds have become almost as popular as round cuts, and with good reason. These particular cuts are designed to be more brilliant than ordinary square-cut diamonds while costing less money and revealing fewer natural flaws. This article will convince you of the superiority of princess cut diamonds for your next diamond ring purchase.

Brilliant Style Shape

Princess cut diamonds are considered brilliant-style shaped because of their vertically angled crown and tent-like facets. This particular cut takes advantage of the light by bouncing it around within the diamond. Once you’ve seen one, it’s easy to understand why they call it brilliant. Princess-cut stones are usually sparklier than ordinary square-cut diamonds, which is one reason for the princess-cut popularity. While the beauty of princess cut diamonds is more than enough reason to choose one, there are usually less expensive then other diamonds of the same carat weight too.

Higher Weight Yield Equals Lower Price

Princess cut diamonds allow more of the natural crystals weight to be utilized. This results in higher yields of weight which allows for lower prices. When examining a rough diamond crystal, gem cutters try to determine the cut that will allow for not only the best look but also the best profit margin, after all they are businesspeople as well as artists. The weight yield of a princess-cut diamond can be as high as 62%, much higher than that of a round cut. It is common for two of these diamonds to be cut from one single crystal. The rough diamond crystal is simply sliced in half through the middle. Naturally, this allows jewelers to charge less for a stone of the same final carat weight. Princess cut diamonds are also less likely to show the natural flaws left by their uncut corners.

Princess Cut Corner Inclusions

The corners of princess cut diamonds are usually rough crystal edges untouched by the gem cutter. When inspecting the unset diamond, the corners of princess cuts are where you’re most likely going to find flaws or inclusions. Inclusions are small bubbles of gas or liquid caught inside the diamond crystal. Fortunately, princess cut diamonds are almost always set in a four-prong setting which conveniently hides the imperfections in the stone. Although you may not be able to see these flaws, proper care must still be taken to protect the diamond from becoming chipped or even cracked. Most consumers still find this tiny disadvantage not the least bit discouraging to their decision to buy princess cut diamonds.

Synthetic Diamonds

Diamonds are treasured jewels because they are very rare. These sparkling jewels are used for special gifts because they are the hardest natural materials so they will last forever. These beautiful gems also sparkle more than any other jewel. Many people regard diamonds as a sign of affection because they are so valuable. As a gift, these jewels are more than a beautiful gem; these are investments that will probably increase in value through the years. Recently, manufacturers have devised a way to make synthetic diamonds that are often made into pieces of jewelry. To the naked eye, synthetic diamonds might appear to be the real thing. Most ordinary individuals could be fooled into thinking that synthetic diamonds are natural diamonds.

Even skilled jewelers will have to examine synthetic diamonds to determine their authenticity. Real diamonds appear naturally in certain parts of the world, and these jewels are extracted from nature before they are cut by experts. Synthetic diamonds are made through a process by manufacturers in factories. A synthetic diamond is made of carbon crystal like the natural diamonds. Synthetic diamonds are often used for special products including electronic devices. Synthetic diamonds are also used in medical technology. The use of these manufactured diamonds has helped to reduce costs in some other manufacturing tasks.

Synthetic Diamonds Are Hard And Pure

Synthetic diamonds have many of the same properties that make natural diamonds valuable. These synthetic diamonds are very hard substances which make them valuable for use in electronics and medicine. These diamonds are manufactured so they are pure unlike the many of the diamonds that are extracted from diamond mines. There are several successful companies that manufacture these artificial diamonds using two different methods. These companies produce billions of dollars of these diamonds that are so valuable to other manufacturers.

Some of these diamonds are used in jewelry, but they do not have the same value as the natural diamonds. The manufactured diamonds can be produced in some of the same colors that appear in natural diamonds. Many people have purchased the synthetic gems made into rings, bracelets and other jewelry because these are less expensive than the same pieces made with natural diamonds. Recently, one company made these synthetic jewels from the ashes of recently deceased people for relatives who want to keep the remains of their beloved people close at hand. These companies process the remains of an individual into a beautiful ring or necklace that the buyer can wear constantly.

Lab Created Diamonds

The term lab created diamonds has only one definition but it can have many different meanings to different people. Simply put, a lab-created diamond is exactly what it sounds like, a diamond made by man in a laboratory instead of miles under the earth by nature. These imitations can range from cut glass to the highly popular cubic zirconium and moissanite. All types of lab created diamonds offer consumers a less expensive alternative to natural diamonds, most without losing anything but the status associated with owning an actual diamond. This article will outline the different types of lab created diamonds in order to help our readers choose the right synthetic stones for whatever situation.

Cut Glass

Most people have heard of and seen cut glass costume jewelry. This obviously phony diamond alternative is amazing cheap and worth every penny. Cut glass isn’t seen as often today as it once was but is occasionally offered in costume jewelry settings. The rings, bracelets and earrings made with cut glass are normally very large and extremely tacky. However certain popular costume jewelry designers from the 20s and 30s produced some interesting pieces that are of value to collectors of costume jewelry. The use of cut glass has widely been replaced by the most popular diamond alternative, cubic zirconium.

Cubic Zirconium

Cubic zirconium is most likely the first name people think when the topic of lab-created diamonds is mentioned. By far the most popular imitation diamond substance, some CZs are indistinguishable to most ordinary people. Jewelers and experts in the gem industry can usually tell the difference between a real diamond and a cubic zirconium. If you hear the term Russian Diamond mentioned, don’t be fooled. Russian diamonds are just high quality CZs that even professionals have a hard time detecting without the use of special equipment. Cubic zirconium and moissanites are often paired together as the same type of lab created diamond, but in fact they are different.

Moissanite

How Are Diamonds Made

Diamonds are made of the same substance as the lead in a pencil and coal. The difference is in the arrangement of the atoms; diamonds have tighter atoms than any other substance in the world. How are diamonds made, you might ask. They are formed when carbon is constantly exposed to very high temperatures and under very high pressure. Diamonds are made down under the Earth, below the surface where high temperatures and pressure exist naturally.

How Are Diamonds Made In Nature

At the depth of 180 kilometers, the temperature is very high around 1100 degrees Celsius and 1400 degrees Celsius. Extremely high pressures are produced by rocks pressing down on it. This is how are diamonds made. Other than carbon, nitrogen and sulphur can also be found inside the diamond. If these substances are in a diamond, they can add color to the diamond. Under normal circumstances a diamond is colorless.

If you are wondering where the carbon that makes these diamonds come from, they come from the mantle of the earth. Some are from the bodies and shells of micro-organisms from the oceans a long, long time ago. Organic carbon is buried in rocks that managed to fall down in to the mantle when the earth moved. Movement is due to tectonic plates and the continental drift.

How Are Diamonds Made By Man

To answer the question, how are diamonds made by man, we need to understand that man really likes to look for easier ways to make or do things. When man saw that diamonds are precious gems and people pay great amounts for them, they found a way to make these hard to get stones. A team of scientists has been trying for a long time to make diamonds. In the year 2004, scientists from Carnegie Institution’s Geophysical Laboratory managed to produce gems that are harder than any other crystals.

Herkimer Diamonds

Precious stones aren’t the only source of highly attractive jewelry used today. Semi-precious stones and even crystals are available in a variety of settings from plated metal to wire and hemp string. Herkimer diamonds are actually crystals mined in several small areas of New York and used for a variety of different applications. It is interesting to learn about the various qualities of the misnamed diamonds including the crystal shape, and composition as well as how they got their name and how they are used. Armed with this information you’ll have a better idea of where and how to purchase Herkimer diamonds to add to your collection.

Quartz Crystals Not Diamonds

Herkimer diamonds are really quartz crystals found in New York. Sometime during the late 1700s, Miners who found the crystals began calling them diamonds due to the sparkly nature of the minerals and their resemblance to the more valuable genuine stones. Perhaps they were also hoping to cash in on unsuspecting tourists to the area. Officially Herkimer diamonds are called “Little Falls Diamonds” referring to the name of the dolostone in which they are found. It is estimated that the Little Falls dolostone is over 500 millions years old. One of the reasons these “pretend diamonds” are so sought after is the rarity of their double-terminated shape.

Double-Terminated Crystals

Herkimer diamonds are famous for their double-terminated formation. Double-terminated simply means that the crystals form while hanging freely, resulting in two pointed ends. Mineral enthusiasts find the double pointed ends more beautiful and more desirable than crystals with only one naturally faceted end. Believers of mystical powers residing in crystals feel that the double points allow energy to flow more freely through the stones while scientific studies have actually shown this mineral to be effective in transferring energy when put under pressure. It is easy to see why many different groups of people would find Herkimer diamonds valuable.

The Truth About Diamonds

Diamonds have a mystique about them; they are stunning to look at, they are cut beautifully to enhance any piece of jewelry, and when the sun catches them, they flash like miniature suns. However, if you are planning a diamond purchase, you need to know the truth about diamonds. All the television ads that portray diamonds as the ultimate gift of love, the romantic magazine ads that tell us that a diamond is the only gem that is the perfect gift can mislead us. The truth about diamonds is a little more complicated than this image of the perfect expression of perfect love.

Learning the Truth about Diamonds

There is nothing sinister here; just some basic truths and information about diamonds before you take out your credit card. First, make sure that the stone you are purchasing really is a diamond. This is especially true of diamonds sold on eBay and estate auctions. Before you buy, insist that a certified gemologist examine the gemstone. This is certification will tell you the stone’s carat weight, its color and clarity, and its flaws, if any. A seller who will not do this for you may not be telling the truth about the diamond you are hoping to purchase.

What looks like a diamond is not always a diamond. In the Depression era, many people were too poor to buy a diamond. Instead, rings made of fine crystal served as engagement rings. If you happen across one of these rings, the seller should inform you of its true composition. Crystal jewelry from the Depression years is quite beautiful; simply make sure you know the truth about this diamond “substitute.”

Similar to the crystal jewelry of the past, cubic zirconium is quite lovely; only a gemologist can tell the difference between a diamond created by nature and a diamond created in a laboratory. The truth is that they are both diamonds; one is natural and one is artificial. Again, just make sure you know what you are buying.

Another myth to keep in mind is that many diamonds are not clear stones. The gem’s physical and chemical make up is what determines a diamond, not the color. Created by untold years by nature from carbon molecules, diamonds can be any color in the rainbow. The truth about these diamonds is not that they are “trash” diamonds as some believe, but are stunning in color and clarity. One of the most beautiful diamonds in the world is a large violet diamond bought by the late Richard Burton for the love of his life, Elizabeth Taylor, to match her eyes.

Discount Diamonds

We all know the rule. A diamond for that special engagement ring should cost two months salary, right? Well, if that salary is not as high as you would like, how do you find a good stone for less money? The answer may well be discount diamonds.

Buyer Beware

If you type, “discount diamonds” into to any search engine you will likely get hundreds of hits. How do you know the best deals from the scams? The answer is in understanding enough about purchasing a diamond that you cannot be taken in by a less than scrupulous seller.

There are several methods by which a person, who has not taken the time to research diamonds, can be manipulated. The most dramatic method is to be sold cubic zirconium instead of a diamond. However, the actuality of this happening is rare. What is more common is for the dealer to sell a stone that does not quite weigh what is claimed or one that is of lesser quality.

How Do I Buy A Diamond?

The Gemological Institute of America has created an almost universal system used for grading diamonds—to include those found at a discount diamond dealer. The acronym for this system is the 4 C’s. Color is the first. Traditional clear diamonds should be nearly colorless. The scale for this starts at D (colorless) and goes all the way to Z (grey/black). Next is cut. The cut of a round diamond should have 58 facets that allow the light to bounce inside creating the popular brilliance.

After that, be sure to look at the size of the stone. Carat weight is the determination of that size. Obviously, the bigger the stone, the more expensive it will be. Finally, look for flaws within the stone. The best way to do this is to look at your stone under a microscope prior to having it set, because a prong on a diamond can easily hide a rather large flaw.

Once you feel more confident in your role as buyer, go out and see what is available. Then, begin to look for the best price for the largest diamond you can afford. One of the best places to look for these kinds of deals is at a discount diamond dealer. Generally, companies like this purchase large quantities of diamonds, which allows them buy the stones at a discounted rate. The end result, then, is often the best possible deal for the diamond buyer—you!

Ultra Diamonds

Diamonds are one of the hardest materials on earth. Nothing shines like a diamond. Diamonds are hearts, rounds, squares, pears, princesses, and a variety of other shapes. Diamonds are even sometimes found in a variety of colors: browns, blacks, pinks, reds, blues and greens. So, you know all of this—right? Then, what the heck is Ultra Diamonds?

Ultra Diamonds

No, Ultra Diamonds are not some brand new diamond just unearthed in some uncharted area of Africa. Ultra Diamonds is, in fact, a reputable place where these and other gemstones may be purchased online. By accessing their website, at www.ultradiamonds.com, you immediately encounter a friendly and easy to navigate page that gives you simple yet specific means with which to immediately narrow your search.

At the top of the page are a variety of drop down menus including bridal, diamond fashion, gemstone, gold and silver, collections, watches and closeout. From any one of the dropdown menus at the Ultra Diamonds site, you can easily begin to navigate through anything from wedding rings for her to Seiko watches for him. Jewelry shopping has never been easier.

Also, off to one side is another means by which this website can be navigated. Let’s say that you are looking for a gift in a certain price range, but don’t really know yet what you want. On the bottom left of the Ultra Diamonds’ homepage are a series of prices. Simply click on your range and enjoying perusing the selection until you come upon that perfect gift.

Does Ultra Diamonds Have Sales Or Closeouts?

Absolutely, clicking on the tab marked “closeout” at the top of the home page may easily access Ultra Diamonds’ closeout merchandise information. On this page, you may sort by price or simply take your time and browse the more than twenty pages available to you. In addition, Ultra Diamonds has about 150 locations across the United States where you can look for sales or buy your diamond and gemstone jewelry in a comfortable atmosphere.

Once you have made your purchase, you have thirty days to return it online and Ultra Diamonds offers free shipping for any purchase over the cost of $499. So make that special occasion even more special and know that you are getting great prices on a wide variety of gemstone choices. This company has clearly made shopping for jewelry really easy. They also pledge excellent customer service.

Red Diamonds

Red diamonds are considered as one of the rarest stones in the world. Because of its extreme rarity, this type of diamond is one of the most sought after by precious stone collectors all over the world. A lot of wealthy gemstone collectors will fight tooth and nail just to add the rare red diamonds in their collection that the prices of these stones have gone very high in the past few years. For the past 20 years or so, there were very few red diamonds that went on sale all over the world and all of these stone fetched very high prices. In fact, most of these big red stones were sold at around $1 million dollars per piece.

The Moussaieff Red Diamond

The Moussaieff red diamond is considered as one of the largest fancy red diamonds in world. This piece of precious stone was first discovered by a Brazilian farmer sometime in the middle of the 1990s and was first purchased by the William Goldberg Diamond Corporation. When it was first cut, this diamond was named as the Red Shield but when this piece of precocious stone was later own bought by Moussaieff Jewelers Ltd, the company gave named it the Moussaieff Red.

This 5.11 carat diamond was said to be internally flawless, making it one of the most expensive red diamonds of all times. How much did Moussaieff Jewelers Ltd paid for this diamond? The famous Moussaieff Red diamond was rumored to have been sold at about $8 million in the 1990s. Experts believe that the value of this diamond has tremendously increased since then that this piece of precious stone could easily fetch in a price more than $10 million dollars.

The De Young Red

The De Young Red is a 5.03 carat red diamond and is considered as the third largest in the world. This diamond is not really pure red. This stone has a slightly brown hue which makes it look like a fine garnet that ruby-like. Since this diamond has very unique color, this was once sold at an estate sale as a red garnet. Luckily, this fine piece of precious stone was later on recovered and identified to be a very rare red diamond. At present, the De Young Red is under the custody of the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC and often figured in exhibits in that museum. If you are interested to see The De Young Red, just visit the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC.

Fancy Colored Diamonds

For years, you have watched as your friends paraded their engagement rings in front of you. Pretty, but so very limited in color. The only choices that seemed available were princess, marquise, round, emerald, and a few others. Sadly, nothing really struck you as matching your personality. You have heard that the aristocracy and a few select others would give fancy colored diamonds to each other as gifts, but assumed it was only a dream to be that lucky.

Not Just For The Rich

Unlike in years gone by, it is now possible to own a fancy colored diamond of your very own! In fact, these often brilliantly colored gems are so popular that they are being seen with greater frequency on the ears, necks, wrists, and fingers of stars. Recently, beautiful canary yellow diamonds were even discussed and worn in the romantic comedy, “How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days.”

Fancy colored diamonds, while rare and often more expensive than their clearer cousins, are not just for stars like Kate Hudson. You too, can have a little piece of aristocracy of your own. Perhaps a canary yellow, pink, or Hope-diamond- like blue would best reflect your personality in that engagement ring you have been dreaming about. Or, if you prefer a blend of the traditional with the fancy, try a clear diamond accented by the color of your choice.

The benefit to using fancy colored diamonds is that, like clear ones, they maintain their glimmer and can withstand daily wear, while still be symbolic of forever. They are diamonds with the unique quality of having remarkably brilliant colors to include emerald-like greens and deep ruby-red’s.

Buyer Beware

Sadly, because of the increasing popularity of fancy colored diamonds, some less-than-reputable businesses will try to sell you an irradiated stone for a natural. Irradiation is the process of radiating a stone, like a diamond, to alter or bring out an underlying color. There is nothing at all illegal or wrong with this process as it allows more people to own fancy colored diamonds without the high cost.

The problem arises when the dealer or jeweler plays fast and loose with the truth regarding the origin of the stone. Irradiated stones are considerably less expensive than the natural variety, so be very careful when you go to pick out that stone. Make sure that you are purchasing your dream fancy colored diamond from a reputable business.

Also, the Gemological Institute of America has given fancy colored diamonds their own color scale, so you will not be buying your diamond under the traditional D-Z scale. The scale for these colored stones begins at faint and ends at fancy vivid, so before you walk into that jewelry store, it is a great idea to do a little research. The more you know the less likely you will be to get scammed by a disreputable clerk. After all, when your purchase an engagement ring, you want to make absolutely sure your fancy colored diamond is exactly what you have always dreamed it would be.

Diamonds And Fine Jewelry

Whenever someone plans to purchase diamonds and fine jewelry, it is best to find a reputable jeweler first. These jewelers will be able to guide the consumer to the right piece of jewelry for any occasion, whether it is for a wedding, prom, or gift for a special occasion. There are many factors to consider when choosing diamonds and fine jewelry. It can be overwhelming. Everyone wants high quality at a decent price. It is too easy to be swindled by jewelry that looks brilliant to the naked eye, but is really poor quality overall. This causes the consumer to lose value on their purchase.

Many women cannot stop once they have acquired a collection of diamonds and fine jewelry. It is fun to shop for new pieces. It is a wonderful feeling to find a great deal. It is satisfying when someone else notices how incredible her jewelry is! A collection of diamonds and fine jewelry is one that exemplifies exquisite taste and is considered a status symbol among the wealthy. The less than wealthy strive to attain single pieces of jewelry that are beautiful and meaningful. Regardless of the size of her collection of jewelry, every woman should be proud to own her own diamonds and fine jewelry!

Insuring Diamonds and Fine Jewelry

Anyone who owns diamonds and fine jewelry should be aware of the importance of insurance. Many people are misled to believe that their homeowner’s insurance will cover all of the fine jewelry as well. This may be true up to a certain dollar amount. It is best to check with the insurance company, but if there is a large collection of diamonds and fine jewelry, there will likely be additional insurance necessary.

Rough Diamonds

Rough diamonds are those diamonds which are uncut and still in their natural form. Uncut, rough diamonds come in different shapes and sizes. These are Octahedral, Cubic, Macle Twins, Balas crystals and more. When you get used to seeing uncut rough diamonds, you are most likely able to recognize one when you see one in a diamond mine or diamond pit.

Ancient Use of Diamonds

During the older times, uncut diamonds were picked from riverbeds. Kings and nobles already recognize the value of this hard crystal and utilized the diamonds for armor studding in their breast plates. Further on, kings and queens used the rough diamonds as accessories for their crowns and other jewelry. They might not look as beautiful as they do now but they still have their appeal because diamonds were prized even a long time ago.

In this day and age, most diamonds are mined in Africa. In the early 1500’s, diamonds were traded from India. When the supply from India petered out people found diamonds in Brazil and this country became the next diamond center for the following years. Eventually, volcanic pipes were discovered in Africa and these contained the most of the best rough diamonds in the world.

The largest of all rough diamonds ever found to this day is the Cullinan Diamond which was found in 1905 in South Africa. It is 3, 106.75 carats and the second largest is the Excelsior Diamond at 995.20 carats, also found in South Africa. Most rough diamonds found in Kimberlite volcanic rock is approximately 1 billion to 3 billion year old.

Up to this day, more than half of the diamonds available in the world come from Africa.

Pink Diamonds

Diamonds are expensive because they are rare, and pink diamonds are more expensive because they are very rare. Most people seldom see a pink diamond because there are not many people who own pink diamonds. A shopper on a trip to the local jewelry store will probably see many diamonds on bracelets, rings and necklaces, but the shopper at an ordinary jewelry store will rarely see a pink diamond. Many successful jewelers never see one of these rare diamonds. Diamonds are expensive because these jewels are the hardest naturally occurring material in the world. Diamonds are also treasured and expensive because of the way they disperse the light. Diamonds sparkle.

All diamonds sparkle and these precious jewels come in many different colors. The rarest colors are the most expensive. Pink diamonds are very rare, and there are many different shades of pink diamonds. Most diamonds are priced according to four criteria including the color and the weight which is measured in carats. A pink diamond is one of the most expensive diamonds when compared to other diamonds of equal weight. Pink diamonds differ in the intensity of the color in the diamond. The pink diamonds are graded on a scale of one to eight depending on the intensity of the color in the diamond.

Pink Diamonds Make Unique Jewelry

There are some beautiful pieces of jewelry made with pink diamonds. When shopping for a diamond, each customer should keep in mind that a diamond is an investment. Although one of these diamonds will be hard to find, a customer who purchases one of these rare diamonds will be making an investment for the future. These diamonds can be used to make beautiful rings for a special engagement to a rich bachelor.

The Steinmetz Pink Diamond is a very valuable piece of jewelry. This diamond is classified as a vivid pink. The color of this gem is very unusual, and the entire diamond weighs almost sixty carats. This fantastic diamond was first shown to the public in 2003 in Monaco. The jewelers who cut this magnificent diamond took almost two years to cut it and approve it for sale. These jewelers had to be extra cautious when cutting this rare diamond. This diamond went on display in the Smithsonian Museum along with some of the other very famous diamonds. This diamond was classified by experts from the Gemological Institute. If shoppers are looking for a special gift and they have plenty of cash or credit, they could get one of the most valuable diamonds.

Yellow Diamonds

Once thought inferior, yellow diamonds are no longer the “black sheep” of the diamond family. The increase in their popularity can be linked to many factors including the recent instances of high society celebrities excitingly and brazenly showing off their own yellow colored stones, the public gaining the knowledge that yellow diamonds are very rare, even in diamond terms, and lastly the rising supply of affordable imitation yellow diamonds through the CVD process. This article will introduce the qualities of yellow diamonds as well as attempt to explain their growing popularity.

Hollywood Celebrities Love Yellow Diamonds

It wasn’t that long ago that pink sapphires were all the rage in Hollywood engagements but for the past year or so, the yellow diamond has begun to take over the spotlight. When Red Sox baseball star, Johnny Damon married Michelle Mangan last year, everyone was dazzled by the brilliant yellow diamond engagement ring she was “sporting”.

And the engagement between supermodel Heidi Klum and famous singer Seal was made even bigger headlines by the enormous canary yellow diamond ring Seal presented to his beloved. Many other celebrities jumped on the bandwagon, most notably Dennis Quaid’s main squeeze, Kimberly Buffington and cover girl Varonica Varekova. It’s probably true that celebs have adopted yellow diamonds as the newest hot diamond trend due to their extreme rarity.

Natural Yellow Diamonds Extremely Rare

Yellow diamonds are rarely found in diamond mines. Only estimated fractions of a percent of diamonds mined have an intense yellow color. Paler yellows, such as canary yellow, are more common but are not as desirable as their darker counterparts. Intense fancy yellow diamonds are the most rare and valuable of the yellow diamonds. A tiny .25-carat yellow diamond can be priced as high as 10,000 dollars depending on its clarity and cut. It is fortunate for the general public that lab created yellow diamonds are more common, more affordable, and just as beautiful.

History Of Blood Diamonds

In the early 1990’s the world market for diamonds was such that rebel forces found they could sell rough stones on the world stage and use the proceeds to fund revolutionary wars. Fighting in Sierra Leone, Angola, Liberia and the Ivory Coast, all filled with vast mine fields, the history of blood diamonds got its modern name. In the early days of mining in the late 19th century, it was not uncommon for the mineworkers to be killed if they were even suspected of stealing diamonds.

Even today, after 69 countries agreed to the Kimberley process in 2003, conflict diamonds as they are called in some circles, are still financing revolutionary wars on the Ivory Coast and it is claimed they are helping to fund terrorism through al Qaeda. Despite the Kimberley agreement it remains difficult to guarantee the history of blood diamonds are not being sold as conflict-free diamonds.

The agreement reached during a meeting in Kimberley, South Africa among the world’s major diamond producing countries, with the history of blood diamonds agreed that every diamond sold would be accompanied by a certificate that it was mined in a country that does not use the sale of diamonds to fund revolutionary groups or others seeking to overthrow a government recognized by the United Nations. It is also certified that no diamonds were imported or exported to countries not a member of the agreement.

UN And US Banned Import And Sales Of Blood Diamonds

The world history of blood diamonds possibly began in 1998 when the United Nations placed sanctions on the sale of diamonds from Angola, forbidding countries from buying from them. It was estimated at the time that about 20 percent of the diamond production was going to fund the war in that country. By 1999, the World Diamond Council claimed that number had been dropped to just under four percent.

In 2001 the United States saw Presidential Executive Orders banning the import of diamonds from Sierra Leone and Liberia, based on their use of the diamond trade to fund war. The United Nations had declared the Liberia was working as pipeline for diamonds out of Sierra Leone, adding to the history of blood diamonds in western Africa.

A key aspect of the Kimberley agreement is the transparence of the governments and their diamond trade. All imports and exports are to be reported, along with their monetary value to allow others to see that they income from diamond sales does go into the history of blood diamonds, rather it is used to help their citizens.

Blue Nile Diamonds

If you are looking for the right ring for the one you love, visit blue nile diamonds online store. Blue nile diamonds is one of the most trusted online stores when it comes to jewelries and diamonds. The good thing about blue nile diamonds engagement rings is that there are not just beautifully crafted, they can also be made according to your prescription. In case you want to give your bride to be a very unique engagement ring, you can count on blue nile diamonds to assist.

Choosing Your Diamond

Before you go out shopping for diamonds at blue nile diamonds, it would be a good idea to find out first what type of diamonds she likes. You can take some hints on the type of jewelries that she wears everyday and during special occasions. For instance, if your bride to be is one of those people who are minimalist, a nice diamond solitaire will definitely be nice for her. On the other hand, if your bride to be happens to be one of those people who love large jewelries, you may as well get her some of those bigger bubbles.

When choosing diamonds, you should also pay close attention to the shape of the stones. Some of the most popular shapes of the diamond are the oval, round, heart shaped, pearl shaped, princess-cut, emerald-cut, the marquise-cut and the Asscher-cut. For engagement rings, the round cut is considered as the most popular since it goes well with the solitaire setting.

How Much Will The Engagement Ring Cost You?

The prices of diamond engagement rings will depend on the size and quality of the stone. Furthermore, the type of the setting of the ring will also contribute to the overall cost of the engagement ring. At blue nile diamonds, prices for 0.5 carat of diamond alone could range from $1,200 to $2,500. On the other hand, a one carat diamond will cost you about $3,500 and above.

Fake Diamonds

Knowing how to tell the difference between real and fake diamonds can you save you a lot of money in the long run. There are many ways, available to ordinary people, which will detect a fake diamond from a real one. Some of these tests require everyday items, or special equipment while others can be done with nothing but your own senses. Certain tests shouldn’t be done at all since they are unreliable at best and possibly damaging at worst. This article will go over several ways to accurately determine real diamonds from fake diamonds as well as some assessments that aren’t worth your time.

Self-Sufficient Testing

There are a couple of tests you can perform that don’t require anything but eyes and a mouth. First thing you can try is looking closely at the setting the stone is placed in. High quality settings are rarely, if ever, used for fake diamonds whereas no one would set a genuine diamond in a plated metal setting. Another test for diamond authenticity is called the “fog” test. Don’t worry, you don’t need a real fog machine, just your own breath. Gently blow upon the surface of the stone and if the breath shows for a few seconds after, you have a fake. Genuine diamonds clear up breath almost immediately. Be careful though as any oil or dirt on the surface of a real diamond can affect the outcome negatively. Now if you don’t feel you can trust your own eyes it is possible to conduct further tests with some easily attainable equipment.

Some Equipment Required

If you are interested in tests that give a little more concrete proof, consider performing the black line test, also known as the transparency test. Draw a black line across a piece of paper and place the diamond on top of the line. If the line is visible through the stone, you know you have a fake diamond. Occasionally fake diamonds with exceptionally fine cuts won’t show lines so it’s always best to use this method paired with another more accurate method. One such test can be done with a small gram scale. Cubic zirconium is the most common material used for fake diamonds and it happens to weigh about 55% more than natural diamonds. By weighing a stone, you should be able to tell the difference between the real and fake diamonds with a good measure of accuracy. Any of the above methods will lead you in the right direction without damaging your diamonds like some tests can.

Diamonds From Sierra Leone

One of the traits of diamonds from Sierra Leone so special is that they are not supposed to be available, since the United Nations put an embargo on their export in 2001. Since the mid-1990’s, many of the diamonds were used to fund the Revolutionary United Front in their battles against the legitimate government of Sierra Leone.

In 1935 the first diamonds from Sierra Leone were mined and within two years it is estimated that over one million carats were being mined. Between 1930 and 1998 over 55 million carats of diamonds from Sierra Leone were mined by the only company with an agreement with the government, DeBeers, which was granted country-wide mining rights in 1935. However, by 1955 it is estimated that 75,000 illegal miners were pulling diamonds from Sierra Leone.

Also in 1955, new government rulers cut back DeBeers mining access to just 450 square miles and other companies began moving in to extract diamonds from Sierra Leone. In the 1990’s, the government was considered so corrupt that revolutionary forces began fighting against it. Stealing diamonds and mining operations to help pay for their continuing battles, with world human rights organizations using the term blood diamonds for the gems used to fund the killing.

U.N. Forces Cannot Halt The Filling Fields

Fighters in the Revolutionary United Front, well-funded by the country’s diamond market, continued their rage against the government and even a peace agreement between the government’s new leadership and the head of the RUF could not stop the killing. In order to stem the violence, the United Nations declared that no country could legally buy diamonds from Sierra Leone.

However, a few countries found it profitable to work with the RUF and diamonds from Sierra Leone were smuggled into countries, such as Liberia, where they were sold on the open market. At the turn of the century, Liberia was exporting almost four times the amount of diamonds it was capable of producing, leading them to be added to the list of blood diamond suppliers, banned from open trade in the diamond market.

Today, there is a certification process in place that is supposed to guarantee that diamonds from Sierra Leone or other blood diamonds are not mixed into the world market. Certificates guaranteeing the diamonds did not come from countries using them to fund killings and overthrow plans for countries recognized by the United Nations. However, it is not fool-proof and there remains a small percentage of diamonds from Sierra Leone entering the market annually.

White Diamonds

These days, the options in diamonds have changed. Several years ago, everyone wanted a yellow diamond. Right now, everyone wants a pink diamond. One thing that will remain a constant is that white diamonds are classic. The simple beauty of white diamonds is glamorous. They will always be girl’s best friend.

There are so many jewelry possibilities that include white diamonds. There are necklaces, bracelets, anklets, earrings, rings, and even toe rings and belly button rings. Nothing is off limits when displaying the sheer beauty of white diamonds.

Choosing White Diamonds

Choosing a piece of jewelry is not always as simple as visiting the jeweler and choosing something that looks pretty under the glass. When spending the money on white diamonds, it is important to be armed with the proper knowledge. This means understanding how diamonds are classified.

There are the “4 C’s” of diamond classification. These include cut, color, clarity, and carat. Each has its own specifics when grading white diamonds. The first is the cut of the diamond. There are mathematically proven algorithms involved in creating the perfect cut. These diamonds shine brighter than any other.

The next consideration in white diamonds is color. The color has its own scale ranging from D to Z. Diamonds appear white but often have tones of yellow or brown. The more these colors are apparent, the lower the quality and the lower the price of the diamond. It is most desirable to find a diamond that is close to the D rating.

White diamonds are also classified based on clarity. Every diamond is going to have imperfections. There are some cloudy spots in some diamonds and bits of black spots can sometimes be seen. These can often be hidden by a high quality cut.

Finally, diamonds are classified by carat. This is the weight of the diamond. The larger the diamond, the more it costs. This is only true in some instances. Jewelers must take into account the other 3 C’s of classification. Two diamonds of equal carat can have drastically different prices based on the cut, clarity, and color.

Uncut Diamonds

The word diamond comes from the Ancient Greek term “adamas,” meaning and indestructible and unconquerable. Diamonds have been used by humans for almost 4,000 years. Initially, uncut diamonds were found along riverbeds. The water slowly polished the stones and made them similar to what they are today. They may not have the brilliance and luster of the diamonds of today but they are still diamonds, nonetheless.

Ancient Greeks believed diamonds were “splinters of stars fallen to Earth” or “teardrops of the Gods.” Diamonds are made of pure carbon compressed under tons of rock ad earth after many millions of years into the uncut diamonds that we see today. Kings in the earlier times used diamonds for studding their leather breastplates which made these harder to penetrate with swords and arrows. Uncut Diamonds were worn as is for the longest time because of their hardness and the superstition that surrounds them. There was also nothing to cut diamonds with all those years ago, so people wore them as is.

Diamonds Representing Love

The use of diamonds in engagement rings occurred when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. Since then, offering the women they love diamond rings became a tradition that lasts up to now. Diamond rings’ (not anymore uncut diamonds) popularity took a step higher in the 16th Century in England. Lovers at that time etched pledges on their window panes with their diamond rings. These rings were known as “scribbling rings” during that time.

The Source Of Diamonds

India was initially the major source of diamonds but when the Indian source of uncut diamonds diminished, Brazil became the diamond supplier of the world. In 1867, Kimberlite peridotite pipes were discovered in Africa and the rest was history. These volcanic formations became the origin of the majority of the diamonds available today. The De Beers Company which trades uncut diamonds and cut diamonds in South Africa has the biggest share of the export of diamonds.

Up until today, miners still mine old volcanic fissures for uncut diamonds to be transformed into the beautiful stones we know today. Diamonds are not a rare commodity nor are they the most expensive gems in the world when compared per carat to others but they are the most sought after. This is due to the diamond producers’ manipulations of the diamond market. Diamonds of high quality which have no fissure, cracks or clouds are rare, though. High quality diamonds are colorless or “white” and very brilliant.

Diane Diamonds

Diane Diamonds are gifts that will last forever and increase in value over the years. Diane Diamonds are more than a Christmas present or graduation gift because these precious gems are investments as well. Diane Diamonds have special settings that can be a perfect engagement ring and a sign of a lifelong commitment and love. These valuable stones with their carefully crafted settings will be a reminder of a great relationship through many years. These are often handed down with great sentimental value from one generation to the next. Many mothers thoughtfully include Diane Diamonds in their wills for a treasured daughter or son.

Diane Diamonds are most valuable because they are usually the centerpiece of a ring that signifies love as well as affection, and these are made from nature’s most enduring substance. There is nothing that appears in nature that is stronger and more resilient than a diamond. The only substance that can cut a diamond is another diamond. Jewelers who work with diamonds must use special knives that are made from diamonds in order to make the necessary cuts to shape the diamonds for maximum effect.

Diane Diamonds Are Made From Nature’s Treasure

Consumers in the market for a Diane Diamond will want to find out about certain characteristics that are important when buying a diamond. An important consideration is the weight of the diamond. Diamonds are measured by carats, and the price will increase substantially as the carats in the diamond increase. The clarity of the diamond is also an important consideration. If a diamond has defects that are visible to the naked eye, it will not be sold as jewelry, but it will probably be used for industrial projects. In order to rate the clarity of any diamond including a Diane Diamond, a special tool is necessary to view the insides of the diamond.

Diamonds also come in different colors. Most shoppers look for the most common colors because the rare colored diamonds are very expensive. A Diane Diamond will sparkle and shine on the finger of the fiancée who is presented with a lovely ring, a symbol of intentions to marry and feelings of affection. The future bride and groom can choose the setting from different types of gold or silver depending on their preferences. A beautiful Diane Diamond will be a treasure for many years after the engagement is announced and the wedding is completed. One of these beautiful rings will provide a daily reminder of those important events long after the last guest leaves.

Black Diamonds

Diamonds are considered great treasures by many people around the world. Consumers buy valuable diamonds when requesting the hand of a potential bride, and older people buy them to celebrate fifty years of marriage. The word diamond is used to celebrate many years of success. Black diamonds are some of the rarest diamonds in the world, and lately, these beautiful gems have become one of the most popular diamonds. Black diamonds are made into many different types of jewelry because of their exceptional beauty. Black diamonds have become especially valued compared to other diamonds recently.

Diamonds are found in nature, and they are particularly valuable because they are the hardest substance found naturally. Some diamonds are found naturally in a range of colors, and some of the colors increase the value of the stone because of the rarity of the color. The colors range from pink to black. The black diamonds and other colored diamonds are put into a category of their own because they are so rare. Expert jewelers will know the difference between a colored diamond and other colored stones. A green diamond might resemble an emerald to some people, but there is a significant difference.

Black Diamonds Make Stunning Jewelry

Black diamonds are not sparkling like those of other colors, but these jewels can make stunning jewelry. The value of these beautiful stones and their stunning appearance make them popular gifts. Jewelry made with these distinctive jewels have become increasingly popular in the last few years. These diamonds usually increase in value over the years because they are so rare. The black diamonds are usually found in Brazil or Central Africa. Some of these diamonds are designated black although some of them appear to be gray in color.

The black diamonds have many myths about them especially in India. Some people believe that these diamonds resemble the eyes of a snake so they were dedicated to an Indian god. One huge diamond made a perfect part for a statue of Buddha because of the black color. This was stolen and many believed that those responsible for the theft later suffered from violent deaths. At least two of the owners of this jewel jumped to their deaths from high buildings. There are many jewelers who now buy and sell many of these diamonds because of the new popularity of these gems. These diamonds are often combined into distinctive jewelry with diamonds of other colors or with white diamonds.

The New Way to Sport a Diamond

Diamond accessories are in vogue today. The glitter of the hardest natural rock has thousands of people drawn to it. Over the years the ways in which diamonds are worn have also evolved. Where people once looked at diamonds only as the mark of royalty, today diamonds have become much more accessible and even the ordinary man has a few pieces in his closet.

Apart from conventional diamond jewelry, people wear diamonds in stud buttons, tie pins, brooches, and of course watches. Today, diamond watches are becoming very popular and there are a large number of watchmakers coming up with new diamond watch designs every season. Diamond watches are of course far more expensive than ordinary watches but they are soon becoming far more affordable than they were a few years ago.

Diamond watch designs are numerous, all classified keeping in mind the wearer’s taste and the budget. Where some watches will have only a couple of small stones set in the dial, others have the dial ring completely studded. A more exclusive and far more expensive diamond watch style is the diamond dial alone with a metal bracelet set in diamonds. But no matter how many diamonds the watch has, most classic styled diamond watches are fashioned into pieces of jewelry and can be quite a substitute for a bangle or a bracelet.

To break with tradition, diamond watchmakers have now come up with a sporty diamond watch. This watch is a sports watch set with diamonds on the dial. Usually the dial has only a few diamonds but what can stop a rock from glittering. These watches are the latest trend in diamond watches blending together the classic lissome beauty of a diamond with the rugged utility of a sports watch.

Now you can buy diamond watches either through conventional watch stores or shop for them online through diamond jewelry vendors. When buying a diamond watch, you must ensure that the watch is of a good quality and will function properly. Along with this you also need to make sure that the diamonds are set carefully so that you don’t end up losing one and ruining the look of the entire piece. This is why choosing a good manufacturer and a good vendor is crucial.

Spence Diamonds

Spence Diamonds was established in the year 1978 with the aim of making diamond buying a simple and hassle free experience. The company specializes only in diamonds and they offer their clients and potential buyers better quality, value and service than other jewelry companies that sell all kinds of stones and jewelry.

Spence Diamonds has become one of the more well known jewelers concerned with buying diamonds, importing and the production of jewelry. The company tries to make their stores welcoming and have an easy environment where clients can choose to their heart’s content without the pressure of a purchase hanging in their heads.

The store offers several thousands of designer prototypes on display in the cases. Their staff is well trained and very professional. They can give you facts about diamond grading and the use of instruments to give clients a view of any diamond. They are very accommodating and willing to please their valued clients and prospective buyers.

The Spence Diamonds Guarantee

The Spence Diamonds Company also offer a most comprehensive purchase protection program or guarantee that includes a 45-day Return Policy, protection from loss and a Lifetime Trade-Up Policy. This guarantee is one of the firsts in the industry and ensures the buyer of a very good quality diamond.

The Engagement Rings

They offer two kinds of engagement rings; these are the diamond solitaire engagement ring and multi-stone engagement ring. The diamond solitaire engagement ring comes in either classic designs or modern designs. Whichever design you choose, you can be assured that the diamonds and the material used for the settings are of the finest quality. Spence Diamonds also offer different materials for the settings; these could be yellow gold, white gold or platinum.

Diamond Sets

Diamonds are always a pleasure to wear but when they come in plenty in diamond sets the joy is heightened manifold. Wearing diamond jewelry is almost convention now but the new and often innovative designs in jewelry always lend a sense of freshness to this convention. It is quite common to find people sporting a diamond pedant, ring or earring but the real eye catchers are the diamond sets.

Diamond sets come in many shapes, sizes, styles and of course prices. The simplest diamond sets include a matching style pendant, earrings and a ring, whereas the more exclusive diamond sets would comprise of a necklace along with matching earrings, a ring, and maybe even a bracelet. Apart from the items that make up the set, diamond sets also have tremendous variety in styles. On one hand, classic patterns combined with pearls or other gemstones are very popular while on the other many people opt for diamond only sets with stones in many sizes and cuts. A couple of other popular styles include the solitaire sets and the uncut diamond ethnic sets.

Diamond sets are very exclusive and most people are likely to buy or gift them only at very special occasions like a wedding. Many brides today sport elegant diamond sets on their special day. The sparkle of the stones adds to the beauty of the day, but it comes at an obviously dear price.

It is because of the high prices of diamond sets that many people are in a doubt whether to buy one or not. Well a diamond set is an item of unparalleled beauty and value and every buyer should be careful about what they are selecting. For one, buyers must ensure they are sure of the design and cut before opting for a set. Secondly, it is important to get as good a deal on the price as possible.

At DiamondOcean, there is a large variety of diamond sets. Buyers can review them thoroughly online and can rest assured that they are being offered the best possible price. Since online selling does away with a lot of overhead costs, DiamondOcean is able to offer its customers the best bargains. What’s more is that customers are bound to walk away satisfied, not just by the design but also by the quality of the diamond set they purchase at DiamondOcean

Sparkling Diamonds

Nothing says love like jewelry made with sparkling diamonds, at least that is what the diamond industry has been trying to get everyone to believe since the DeBeers advertising campaign in 1938. Whether it was simply stating the obvious in its adjacent campaign that a diamond is forever, or implying it should always belong to the same person, the thought of combining sparkling diamonds with love has been 70 years in the making.

There are all types of jewelry enhanced with sparkling diamonds, from rings, earrings, brooches and necklaces to many types of men’s jewelry as well. Not wanting to leave out any segment of society, the push to include men among diamond consumers has added millions of dollars to the diamond trade. Since the 1938 DeBeers campaign, men have been convinced that sparkling diamonds are the only way to a woman’s heart.

The journey a stone takes from the mine to the consumer is a long one, sometimes fraught with danger and in some cases bloodshed. However, in recent years it has been declared illegal to import or export diamonds mined by countries that use diamonds to finance war.

Rough Stones Slowly Turned Into Expensive Gems

When a diamond comes out of the mine, it is sorted as to size and color and then sold, usually in batches to dealers. Again they are sorted by size and color coded and sold to processors. This group will slowly turn them into sparkling diamonds, when they will again be sold. Their next stop will be either to a jeweler who will attach them to a setting to be sold as finished jewelry or to a wholesaler, which will in turn sell them either in bulk to jewelry makers or individually to private collectors.

The four C’s of a diamond, cut, clarity, color and carat determine the value of the sparkling diamonds once they have gone through the entire process. Many large diamonds are maintained by the original mining company for later use as a potential investment. With rough stones out of the mine valued at about $250 a carat, .2 grams, by the time they have made their way to the customer their value has drastically increased.

The Latest Trend

When it comes to making a fashion statement with jewelry, women prefer to sport a glittery diamond or two. Diamond rings, pendants, bracelets et al are available in various designs and price ranges to adorn the woman at work, at a party or at a ceremonial gathering. Weddings are a big occasion for diamond rings, especially as engagement rings, wedding bands, and even as small token gifts for the immediate family. In every day and age, since times forgone, diamond rings have added sparkle to an occasion. In the recent past, diamond rings became a symbol of love and commitment. Engagement rings and anniversary rings all seem to speak the language of togetherness. But, the latest trend in diamond rings is more as a celebration of womanhood. Today, the trend of wearing a diamond ring on the right hand, instead of the traditional left hand is fast catching up. The stone is the same but the style statement is completely different. The right hand ring is the mark of the independent woman. It is a symbol of assertion of character and independence. The 21st century woman is outgoing, career oriented and self-sufficient. The right hand ring stands for all these qualities. Where the conventional left-hand engagement ring or wedding band would be a gift from a male companion or husband, the right hand diamond ring doesn’t spell any such relations. This is not to say that married or engaged women are not wearing the right hand ring. In fact, many women make a multiple style statement with rings on both hands to compliment the independent as well as the committed woman. The right hand diamond ring not only makes a statement by how it is worn but also by how it is designed. These diamond rings are specially made with smaller stones, multiple stones, open space designs and different cuts. When you see a right hand diamond ring, you can’t mistake it for a conventional engagement ring.

Man Made Diamonds

Look around you and whenever you switch on your TV set or open a newspaper you will find man made diamonds being advertised. This should not come as a big surprise because man has been in pursuit of being able to produce the perfect simulated diamonds for many centuries. The twenty-first century might just be the crowning glory as far this quest for perfection in synthetically created diamonds is concerned.

Down To Earth Prices

The reasons are many why one should opt for a synthetically produced diamond, not the least of which would be the price difference, which are down to earth and not the astronomical prices charged for mined diamonds. Some people go even so far as condemning diamonds as being nothing more than “a con, pure and simple”. In any case, the control of diamonds is vested to a large extent in the hands of the DeBeers diamond cartel, which does not properly reflect of any scarcity in diamonds.

If you really need proof that man made diamonds are much in demand, then you should be informed that it is believed that almost a third of all diamonds sold in the United States happen to have been tampered with to increase their value through artificial means. And, it is believed that you will normally end up paying on an average as much as forty percent more for a diamond engagement ring than is necessary.

Man made diamonds also mean not being party to promoting directly or indirectly blood diamonds and thus you would be doing the world a big favor if you chose instead purchasing simulated diamonds, which are almost indistinguishable from the mined diamonds and you also do not have the baggage of thousands of dollars to carry. Even among man made diamonds, there is much to choose from, though you may not always be able to get unbiased information about the better options available to you.

Diamond Pendant Styles

Diamond pendants have been around for as long one can remember. Second only to the diamond ring, diamond pendants are probably the most gifted diamond ornament the world over. These glittery stones set in attractive patterns have become a symbol of everlasting love and beauty the world over. Diamond pendants have also become a popular signature of glitz and glamour, shining its way into the hearts of wearers and admirers.

Diamond pendants can be worn at every occasion. Whether you are off to work, out on a holiday, going for a quiet dinner or partying late into the night, diamonds are so versatile that they make their presence felt regardless of the event. Unlike some gemstones and pearls, a diamond is neither too formal nor too casual. Moreover, since a diamond reflects and refracts the light it absorbs, its glitter is always in keeping with the ambience of the setting.

Wearing a diamond pendant means having every onlooker’s eye riveted on your neck, at least for a few seconds. Since a diamond pendant is such a visible and obviously expensive piece of jewelry, you have to be careful in selecting the right pattern and style. There are all kinds of diamond pendant styles available. In fact, you can get one made to your taste if you don’t particularly care for what is available.

Depending on the wearer’s age, taste and occasion diamond pendants are designed into classic cultural symbols like the cross, the heart, and a variety of other designs. Many people also like to wear alphabet or numeral pendants that signify their name or a lucky number. Another popular kind of pendant style is the designer pendant, fashioned as per designs made popular by celebrities and jewelry makers. Designer diamond pendants are ideal if you already have earrings or a ring to match with them whereas symbol and alphabet pendants are a stand-alone piece. Apart from the conventional women’s pendants, there is also a large selection of diamond pendants for men available today. The men’s diamond pendant designs are chunkier and usually more geometric. Many men also like to sport the alphabet or numeral pendants on chunky gold chains.

If you are thinking of gifting a diamond pendant, make sure you have a clear idea of your budget and the occasion of the gift. The prices of diamond pendants can vary as much as they do for rings and if you are not sure what you want to spend, selecting the right one can be very tedious.