Diamond Citi

The world's best fashion jewelry designers

2010-01-30T04:37:00.000-08:00

From Daus to Wieck, who's who in the world of fashion jewelry

Jewelry design has become a special art form into itself. The discovery of hundreds of different gemstones, the perfection of the cubic zirconia (CZ), and the new plating processes now available have opened new doors for jewelry designers. Now, the world’s best, like Nicky Butler, Heidi Daus, Joseph Espisito, Kenneth Jay Lane, Nolan Miller, Joan Rivers, Suzanne Somers, Robert Tacori, and Victoria Wieck, have entered into the fashion jewelry realm.

Designers like Robert Tacori and Victoria Wieck have been working with real gemstones and precious metals for decades. Only after CZs and gold and platinum plating processes became perfected did they dare to cross over into the fashion jewelry industry.

Robert Tacori

Tacori is a name with which the rich and famous are familiar. This famous jewelry line combines platinum and diamonds in some of the most innovative designs ever made. Many of Hollywood’s brightest stars wear Tacori down the red carpet each and every year. Tacori has become a name synonymous with beauty, elegance, and grace; and now it is also a line that the everyday woman can wear. In conjunction with the television retail giant QVC, Tacori now offers the same stunning jewelry in diamonique - QVC’s cubic zirconia - and sterling silver plated with platinum. The line, which is called epiphany, also often includes simulated gems like blue diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. At a mere fraction of the cost of the real thing and with a limited lifetime warranty to back it up, the epiphany line has quickly become one of QVC’s, and Tacori’s, shining stars.

Classic rings

2009-11-03T23:18:00.000-08:00

Classic rings have always been trendsetters; and something you can never go wrong with. You might want to get a diamond solitaire or a diamond accented at the sides with baguettes. As far as stone shapes are concerned, round and emerald-cut diamonds continue to be strong, but the latest classic cut on the scene is the oval. And platinum continues to be the metal of choice for a classic setting. Antique rings are the newest fashion entrants. The trendy yet nostalgic pieces fit well into the vintage theme that's now hot in clothes and accessories. These rings can feature unique details like filigree settings, floral accents, or gemstone baguettes.

Platinum has come in as the new choice metal for many diamond engagement rings because its rich luster brings out the brilliance and fire of diamonds like no other metal. Platinum is naturally white and will maintain its shining luminosity forever, unlike other white metals, which, in time, may turn yellow or tarnish. It is also the strongest precious metal used in jewelry, and is almost twice as heavy as 14-karat gold. Platinum Bands enhanced with hand-carved custom designs, filigree and inset stones are in fashion. Chunky platinum rings encrusted with diamonds continue to be popular among men, while women favor delicate vintage-inspired platinum creations. Modern styles capitalize on clean, streamlined designs for that cosmopolitan chic and daily wear use. For a most contemporary style, look for bezel-set styles and designs where the diamond is "tension-set" (seeming to float in space, held in the setting at its very edges) or set flush to the surface of the metal.

Rings with colored stones are very fashionable, since they offer a very personalized flair. Even colored diamonds are in rage, with yellow, pink, blue and black varieties. If you want to stick with a white stone, you could accentuate it with lively gems like sapphires, rubies, emeralds or even your birthstone. Recent innovations in the diamond cutting industry can help you to opt for entirely new shapes. The popular new cuts include the Zales Diamond, which display more facets than traditional cuts to increase the stone's fire; and alternative shapes like the princess-cut (modified square), which offer the bride-to-be more individuality than the more traditional round, marquise, emerald, pear, or oval shape. New settings for engagement rings are tension (the stone is only held on its edges, suspended, and appears to float) and bezel (the stone is flush with the ring's surface).

Ejaz Rings

2009-11-03T23:16:00.000-08:00

The prong setting or claw setting is the most commonly used gemstone setting and is the popular choice for solitaire engagement rings. In a prong setting, the diamond is inserted into three or more metal prongs that form a basket-like base, and then the ends of the prongs are shaped and bent over so that they rest against the crown, just past the stone's girdle, holding the diamond in place.

The prong setting or claw setting is the most commonly used gemstone setting and is the popular choice for solitaire engagement rings. In a prong setting, the diamond is inserted into three or more metal prongs that form a basket-like base, and then the ends of the prongs are shaped and bent over so that they rest against the crown, just past the stone's girdle, holding the diamond in place.

The visible ends of the prongs are often rounded, but they can also be shaped into ovals, points, V-shaped arrangements, left flat or formed into decorative elements. Prongs have advantages such as their size which is small, so more of the diamond can be highlighted; they can be achieved with ease and are thus less expensive as compared to more intricate settings and they have ease of cleaning. The claw settings are disadvantageous in the way that do not offer much protection for the diamond, and that they tend to snag clothes and other items which they touch. But they do offer protection for pointed edges, such as in marquise and heart shaped diamonds, which are protected at the edges by V-shaped prongs.

Wedding and Engagement rings.

2009-11-03T23:15:00.000-08:00

Diamonds developed

2009-11-03T23:14:00.001-08:00

Pricing of Diamonds

2009-11-03T23:11:00.000-08:00

In the Diamond Industry there are many ways to price Diamonds .The pricing can be attributed to the pricing guidelines and the channels of distribution used in select market areas. These market areas influence the policies behind setting the prices for Diamonds in different zones. The jewelry industry regularly monitors these pricing guidelines.

The Diamond sight holder or the company which purchases rough Diamonds form De Beers applies mathematical formulas to the original price paid for the rough Diamond. These calculations are then used as a base for determining the final selling price of the polished Diamonds. These polished diamonds are then sold to Diamond dealers, wholesalers, brokers, jewelry retailers and manufacturers.

The polished Diamonds quality grades (Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat weight) have to be certified by an independent company. After the quality grades have been certified the fair market value of the fine polished Diamond can be identified.

The rough Diamond purchaser or the Diamond sight holder calculates the selling price of the polished Diamonds by adding the cost of cutting, financial carrying cost, cost of the rough Diamond and profit to the polished Diamond.

When the Diamond reaches the market in the Diamond Dealers Club through the cutter, a Primary market is established. This primary market is made at the same price level and the Diamonds are directly offered for sale to the public through this channel.

Transparency of Diamond

2009-10-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

Attempts to convince some of the world's major diamond producing countries to submit to an independent audit of their national diamond control systems were scuppered on Wednesday by a handful of governments, who argued that calls for an impartial review system went beyond the scope of the Kimberley certification process. Representatives from governments, the diamond industry and NGOs gathered for the Kimberley Process plenary meeting in South Africa this week, to decide whether or not to adopt a South African-backed peer review proposal.

But Global Witness, the British-based lobby group, told IRIN that progress towards reaching consensus on the peer review mechanism was slow. "It is really disappointing, especially since the peer review system has the backing of the major diamond producer countries, international NGOs and the World Diamond Council. However, despite this strong support there has been resistance from some countries, including Zimbabwe and India. It is ironic that there should be any objections, especially since it's a voluntary system," Global Witness campaigner, Alex Yearsley, told IRIN.

Global Witness dismissed arguments that setting up an impartial auditing system had not been part of the Kimberley agreement. "Independent monitoring is crucial to the credibility of the scheme and, therefore, part of the certification process. The peer review system is a constructive mechanism to ensure compliance," Yearsley said.

Under the Kimberley scheme, chaired by South Africa, diamond producer countries are obliged to issue certificates proving that gems come from legitimate mines. Exporting countries that failed to respect the deal would be prevented from selling diamonds, and could face international sanctions.

Although the scheme was widely seen a positive step in curbing the trade in "blood" diamonds, advocacy groups have argued since its inception that the process was flawed, because of the failure to develop strong verification and monitoring measures. They have called for regular, impartial monitoring to ensure the certification system is transparent.

Another concern was the lack of progress in the collection and analysis of statistics, which are seen as an important tool for detecting trade in "conflict" diamonds. "There are a significant number of governments that have failed to submit the required statistics, calling into question their commitment to the Kimberley Process," Yearsley said.

Congo Suspended

2009-10-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

A U.N.-backed body barred the Republic of Congo from the legitimate world diamond trade, accusing it of blatantly sending millions of dollars in smuggled gems onto the global market. Suspending the west African country was "necessary to safeguard the credibility and integrity" of international efforts to block black-market conflict diamonds from the $60 billion annual diamond business, said the group.

The suspension was imposed after a May 31-June 4 mission to Republic of Congo that concluded the country had smuggled in from surrounding nations virtually all of the reported 5.2 million carats Republic of Congo had been putting into the market each year through Europe and the Middle East. Republic of Congo's officials trafficked the gems through the lesser diamond centers of Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates to evade more rigorous controls at the world's diamond hub, Antwerp, Belgium, investigators said, in confidential findings first reported Friday by The Associated Press.

The Canada-based Kimberley Process Certification Scheme announced the ban in a statement released on its web site late Friday in Ottawa. "The findings of the review mission are clear. The Republic of Congo cannot account for the origin of large quantities of rough diamonds that it is officially exporting," Tim Martin, the Kimberley Process chairman, said in the statement. Kimberley Process dealers "must have complete confidence that conflict diamonds are not entering the legitimate trade," Martin said.

The Kimberley Process was established with diamond industry backing in late 2002. The effort came in response to growing world concern about "blood diamonds" that fueled and funded 1990s insurgencies that killed millions of people in Angola, Congo, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The process is meant to track diamonds from mines to jewelry display cases, certifying their origins so as to keep conflict diamonds out of the system. Forty-five countries have signed on to the process, representing 98 percent of the world diamond trade, Kimberley officials say.

Suspension closes legitimate diamond-trading channels to the Republic of Congo, barring the gems from Kimberley Process signatories including Belgium, the world's diamond-trading center, and the United States, which buys two-thirds of the world's diamonds.

Republic of Congo, which has little or no actual diamond production of its own, long has stood accused of dealing in smuggled diamonds from two diamond-rich, unstable neighbors â€” the similarly named Congo, and the Central African Republic. Investigators, in their report, found Republic of Congo was exporting diamonds at a rate "approximately 100 times greater than its estimated production." Republic of Congo authorities subsequently were unable to account to Kimberley Process officials for the "massive discrepancy" of their large-scale exports "in the absence of any reported production or imports," Martin said in his statement.

Republic of Congo officials â€” apparently seeking to evade taxes and hide revenues â€” also were formally declaring the gem-quality stones in Switzerland at far less than their market price, investigators concluded: just 98 U.S. cents a carat on average, compared to the average market price of US$75.90 a carat for uncut, unset stones.

Republic of Congo denied all the allegations. It denounced the suspension, calling it "arbitrary."

South Africa Shines in Diamond

2009-10-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

South Africa has apparently stolen a march on the Kimberley Process by inviting a delegation to ensure it is fully compliant and has the controls in place to ensure no trade in conflict diamonds can take place. The delegation, led by Denis Lagacé, Canada's natural resources director, was in South Africa for two days and visited various facilities, including government offices where documentation and licensing issues were checked, and various production sites. Seller and buyer details were also verified using the certificates which are required under the process.

Delegates were not available for comment on their visit, and a spokesman at the SA Diamond Board said information would be released only once the chairman of the process, Tim Martin of Canada, had been briefed. However, the spokesman emphasised that the delegation had been invited and therefore did not constitute a review mission, which is called if there is a suspicion of noncompliance by any of the process's 43 members.

A De Beers spokesman confirmed the world's biggest diamond producer had met the delegates. "We had an open and frank exchange of views and we're definitely on the same page [as the Kimberley Process]," the spokesman said. "The delegation is executing its responsibilities with vigour and obviously De Beers is 100% supportive in word and deed. It is imperative for the natural diamond industry that the Kimberley Process succeeds." The process is a joint initiative by governments, the international diamond industry and civil society to stem the flow of conflict or rough diamonds that are used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments.

Earlier this year the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) was suspended from the process after a review mission from South Africa, headed by SA Diamond Board chairman Abbey Chikane, established discrepancies in Congo's annual diamond exports of about 5.2 million carats and its geological potential of just 55 000 carats a year. The move was welcomed by Global Witness, a nongovernmental organisation that has been one of the diamond industry's most strident critics for its lack of action on the illicit diamond trade. Chikane said the decision demonstrated the diamond industry's will and ability to combat the trade in conflict diamonds.

Diamond Jewelry

2009-10-17T07:28:00.000-07:00

A diamond has long been idolized as the ultimate symbol of lasting love because of it’s purity and ageless beauty.

As an admirer of diamonds for engagement rings, whether past, present or future, one may wonder why there is such variation in price from store to store. What characteristics constitute a $5,000 diamond versus one that costs only $500?

The grading system for diamonds is based upon four different elements. Firstly, size will play a large role in the price. This is referred to as the “carat weight,” and it is determined on a 100 point scale. The larger the carat weight, the higher the value.

Carat size may push the price up, but only slightly if there is no clarity. Several facets determine clarity on both an internal and external basis. Internal aspects, dubbed inclusions, and external aspects, dubbed blemishes, all contribute to the overall clarity score.

The clarity of a diamond can vary from ‘pure’ to heavily included. This designation is arrived at after anaylyzing the how many inclusions are found as well where the inclusions are located, whether they are tinted, and how large they are.

Therefore the more severely included a diamond is with crystals, feathers, or other types of internal and external flaws, the lower its value. These deformities are due to the cooling process of the diamonds against other materials. Clarity is highly prized, especially in larger carat diamonds where the imperfections are more detectable.

Color is the next element that affects price. Although clarity is important, there are special cases where under certain conditions underground a diamond may have taken on a certain coloration that actually increases its value.

Diamonds range in color from a designation of “D” to “Z”, with “D” being no color at all, and “Z” being a diamond with a color that is deep enough to be very noticeable to the human eye.

Cut is the final factor in diamond grading. This is an often forgotten element of diamonds, but it is extremely important, as it gives this remarkable stone its ability to come alive.

To view a diamond from the point of view of the cut is to investigate whether or not it has any ‘fire’. Like the other criteria for grading, the cut has it’s own grading scale that goes from excellent to irregular. If the diamond doesn’t knock your socks off then it likely has not been cut very well.

So there you have it, the 4 C’s of choosing a diamond: carat, clarity, color and cut. Understanding these basic concepts before you enter a diamond store will go a long way towards making a good purchase decision.

Tiffany & Co

2009-09-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-24T07:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-24T07:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-09-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

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

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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

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The Koh-i-noor Diamond

Blue Diamonds

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

2009-09-15T04:06:00.000-07:00

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

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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.

Colored Diamonds

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When most people think about diamonds, they have an image of a bright, sparkling clear, almost white stone. In addition, while the perfect diamonds are clear and white in color, there are many colored diamonds of equal or even greater value. As one of the four C’s considered when pricing diamonds, different colors are determined by different facets of the gemstone.

A diamond that is free of chemicals and structural flaws will be perfectly translucent with absolutely no color hue. In reality, this is rare as most diamonds will have structural imperfections in it crystal make-up and depending on the color and the intensity of the color, the value of the diamond can go up or down. Many yellow colored diamonds are less expensive than white diamonds, but those such as the Hope Diamond, are considered more valuable. Intense blue coloring in the diamond make is extremely rare, however the most sought-after colored diamonds are those with an intense red color.

Most colored diamonds mined fall into the range of pale yellow to light brown with a slight impurity of nitrogen infused during the crystal growth giving the stone its color. The vast majority of diamonds mined from South Africa are considered clear, even if they contain a slight yellow color. There are a few that appear as brilliant yellow or dark brown, due to the content of the nitrogen and are commonly referred to as Canary Diamonds.

Grading Colored Diamonds Now Standardized

When the industry first began grading diamonds by color, there was no established rules concerning the colored diamonds and was typically used when sorting rough diamonds for sale. When the gems reached the next level in the supply chain there were again sorted by size and color, this time with more attention paid to the intensity of the color. Today, computerized tools are used to grade colored diamonds, allowing a standard procedure to make the process for exact.

When colored diamonds fall outside the normal color scale, they are considered fancy diamonds and those, such as the intense blue Hope Diamond, are much in demand and, as such, considered highly valuable. Of course, its size 45.52 carats has a lot to do with its value and it is currently housed in the Smithsonian Institute.

Diamond Necklace

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Marilyn Monroe sang her way into the heart of millions with her popular song “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend”. Though a diamond may not be a best friend, it certainly is a possession every woman vies to own and is every other woman’s envy. There is no denying that this marvel of nature in its every form has made a special place in our hearts and in our lives, and even burnt a few holes in people’s pockets!

Diamonds are produced naturally from carbon. In fact, diamond is the hardest known substance on earth. But this apparently rugged stone has an unparalleled glitter once it is cut. Today, cut diamonds are popularly used in a lot of jewelry. Where diamond rings and earrings are quite popular and every woman owns one, only a few elite possess diamond necklaces.

Since a diamond necklace has a multi-stone setting, it is much more expensive. Also, conventionally, the necklace uses larger stones than a ring or earring and hence the price of every stone is significantly higher. But the cost doesn’t stop people from buying diamond necklaces to adorn their loved one.

Diamond necklaces are available in various price and style ranges. You can decide on your approximate budget when buying a diamond necklace. This budget can vary from a few thousand to a few million. Once you know your budget, you can hunt for that perfect design. There are many options available when selecting a design so you are not likely to go unsatisfied even on a smaller budget. Depending on the ethnicity, age and taste of the wearer, diamond necklace designs can be very ethnic as well as highly contemporary.

Online shopping has made buying diamond necklaces much simpler. In fact, you can sift through hundreds of designs at very competitive prices in online jewelry stores and place your order. The only thing to ensure when you buy jewelry online or offline is that a certificate of quality for the diamonds should accompany every diamond necklace purchase.

Diamond Engagement Rings

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Diamonds are becoming the most common trend in engagement rings. In fact, men as much as women now wear diamonds in engagement rings and wedding bands. Diamond engagement rings have been around for long and the symbol of the man going down on his knee and offering a diamond ring is the most typical personification of an engagement.

Some men get quite creative when it comes to proposing to their beloved and some do it the more traditional way, but the diamond engagement ring always remains an intrinsic part of the entire event. Whether you want to give it to her up-front or put it in her ice cream, the glittery stone makes an eternal mark. Since you do it only once, every man wants to get it just right and getting the perfect ring is the most crucial part.

Picking the right diamond engagement ring is not all that easy. For one, you are spoilt for choice and on the other hand, budgets can be quite a restraint. But most people tend to stretch their budget for that one special occasion. Apart from money, there are many other aspects to consider when you buy a diamond engagement ring.

Most buyers have a remote vision of what they are looking for. If you have no idea what you might like, try to look around for pictures or samples of styles that may suit your taste before you enter a shop. Once you enter a jewelry store the sheer variety of diamond engagement rings are likely to confuse you. Vaguely knowing what you like can help you narrow down to a fewer number of rings and you are less likely to test the patience of the jewelry store salesperson too!

On the technical side, a diamond engagement ring should be judged by its style. If your fiancée has thin long fingers a different setting is likely to suit her hands. On the other hand, if she has shorter thicker fingers, you may go for a more chunky design. The crucial thing to notice is the stone setting. The two most preferred diamond engagement ring settings are the trinity and the solitaire. You will also have to pick the metal color. The most common choices in metals are white gold, yellow gold and platinum.

Another crucial thing to take heed when you buy a diamond engagement ring, is to make sure you check for its certification to avoid any duplicates. A hallmarked certificate of testing must accompany such an expensive purchase.

A Statement of Enduring Beauty

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Diamonds are a class apart. Since the Middle Ages, diamonds have been mined and adorned as some of the most precious stones found on Earth. There is no disputing the fact that a diamond set in metal is not just an adornment, but also a style statement as well as an artistic possession.

Where diamond rings are hallmarks of purity and commitment and are most commonly seen as engagement rings and wedding bands; diamond earrings are more a work of art. Diamond earrings have been worn by women of all ages for long now. Whether young or old, different designs of diamond earrings appeal to different women. In the recent years, even men have taken to wearing diamond earrings, albeit as small studs and usually in one ear.

The popularity and variety of diamond earrings has reached its peak in the past few decades. These glittery stones have become the preferred ear adornment for all occasions as well as regular wear. Unlike other stones and gems, diamonds are more versatile and enduring and this makes them wearable with any ensemble, at any time of day. So whether you wear a formal suit to work or an elaborately cut dress to a party, diamond earrings add a touch of class to your look.

The earring is the most visible adornment and hence a well cut diamond or a collection of well cut diamonds set in an earring, add some direct sparkle to the face. Unlike other stones, a diamond doesn’t absorb light but rather reflects as well as refracts it. This adds a glow to the wearers face and augments the features. A craftily made pair of diamond earrings can even add a glint to the wearer’s eye. Nothing is better than wearing a gorgeous pair of earrings and enhancing your natural beauty with such a crafty stone.

Men’s diamond earrings are simpler and only a few men choose to wear them. Celebrities, movie stars and other icons sport a stone or two sometimes. Women’s diamond earrings on the other hand come in various designs. They can be solitaires or single diamonds, as well as a series of diamonds set in a dangler style. The more casual wear diamonds usually come in smaller stones set in a pattern of gold, silver or platinum. In fact, you need to be quite clear on your wearing need and budget to even start looking for diamond earrings, especially since the variety and designs are so innumerable

Diamond Jewelry

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A diamond has long been idolized as the ultimate symbol of lasting love because of it’s purity and ageless beauty.

Cut is the final factor in diamond grading. This is an often forgotten element of diamonds, but it is extremely important, as it gives this remarkable stone its ability to come alive.

Diamond Charms

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Fashions come and go but charm bracelets, pendants and rings seems to be around for quite a while now. There are a large number of celebrities who sport these amazing diamond charms and have made them quite the fashion statement. As far as celebrity fashion goes, anything new, trendy and expensive is likely to make it big. Diamond charms may not always be that expensive but they certainly are new and trendy. Diamond charms come in many shapes, sizes and designs. Some people wear it for fashion, while others wear them as lucky charms and some have other spiritual reasons.

With lifestyle sciences and arts like Feng Shui and Zen gaining increasing popularity the world over, charms are quite a common thing to be seen. With diamond charms you get to combine the spiritual power of a charm with the eternal elegance of a diamond. Usually diamond charms are fashioned out of gold, silver or platinum and have diamonds set at significant places. The more expensive charms are entirely set with diamonds all along its pattern. Charm diamonds can also have designs of animals and other symbols like peace, harmony, heart, anchors and so on.

Diamond charms can be in the form of pendants, rings, or even bracelets. Celebrities have made wearing charms quite a trend and there are an ever-increasing number of people sporting these. When it comes to wearing jewelry differently, celebrities have led the way with diamond charms. Diamond charms let you make a fashion statement that sets you apart from others. In fact, if you try hard enough, you can find a diamond charm that is uncommon and absolutely fascinating.

Diamond charms make a great gift. Whether it’s your anniversary or a friend’s birthday or any occasion, diamond charms are an en vogue gift. In fact, most celebrity charm wearers received their charms as gifts. One popular diamond charm doing the rounds in Hollywood circles is the push charm gifted by celebrity husbands to their wives for the labor they went through at childbirth. A push charm marks a commitment and is a sort of thank you present.

Heart Shaped Diamond

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There are ten different diamond shapes which are common. Each cut has its own different qualities. This article will give you a short rundown on the properties of each of these ten most common diamond shapes.

The most popular cut by far is the round cut. If you are stumped and looking to make a quick decision, the round cut may be just the thing for you. When thinking of diamonds, the round cut is the shape which first comes to mind.

If you’re looking for something different, the princess cut is the second most popular diamond shape. Properly cut, a princess cut diamond can be beautiful. However, sometimes they don’t quite come out as brilliant as you may expect. If you want one, get one from a well-established jeweler.

The oval cut is another very popular cut, especially for engagement rings. This is a classic style, almost as common as is the round cut. This cut is beautiful and stylish as well as versatile - this diamond shape can work in rings of almost any style.

One of the very most elegant cuts is the marquise cut. This is an elongated shaped cut which makes the diamond appear larger than its actual size and as such is typically used on smaller diamonds. The name of this cut comes from the fact that they were and still are popular with royalty.

Another beautiful diamond cut is the pear shaped cut. The best way to describe a pear shaped cut is that it is between an oval and marquise cut in shape. It has many of the best characteristics from both of those cuts.

The step cut, also known as the emerald cut is a good choice for those looking for their first diamond. These are an appealing cut, but do have fewer facets than do many other available diamonds - meaning that if there are any flaws in the diamond, they will be more obvious.

Art deco buffs will love the asscher cut. This is a less popular cut, but is becoming more popular again. However, this is a cut which you will not see on every finger and can be quite the conversation starter.

Diamond Bracelets

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Diamonds are eternal and when a woman wears them on her wrist they reflect a bond with the special person who gifted the diamond bracelet to her. Diamond bracelets are not as common as diamond rings or earrings but there is a huge variety out there and if you can afford one, a diamond bracelet is an overwhelming present for anyone.

Diamond rings are synonymous with special occasions like engagements, weddings and anniversaries but throwing in a diamond bracelet on these occasions is like adding cherry to the icing. Where the ring is essential, the diamond bracelet is special. It is this that makes the diamond bracelet a possession of a lifetime.

Diamond bracelets are usually quite expensive and hence they are out of reach for many of us. But, if you have a solid stash of dimes tucked away, you can make the occasion very special for that special someone. Although, diamond bracelets come in many designs, the patterns and styles are fewer than that of rings. Usually, you will be able to find a bracelet that compliments a ring design but this may not be a certainty.

Nonetheless, the popularity of diamond jewelry has made room for a good selection of diamond bracelets as well, and you can take your pick. Bracelets are available in light as well as flashy settings. In fact, the bracelet offers more space to experiment with the stone size and setting. Despite the variety, bracelets are far more expensive due to the sheer quantity of stone ad metal that goes into making it.

Depending on the occasion, you can pick the bracelet design. If you are gifting the diamond bracelet to your wife on an anniversary, picking out a style that compliments a ring or earring she already has can be a very smart decision. On the other hand, if it’s a just-because kind of present, you can pick any pattern you like. You can also gift a diamond bracelet to your mother as a sign of love, respect and gratefulness on occasions like Mother’s Day. For such a purchase make sure you buy something that is in tune with what your mother is likely to wear depending on her wardrobe and age. Light design diamond bracelets are also a good gift for parents to give their daughters on birthdays and graduation days. A classy modern design that can be worn with a variety of clothes is a perfect memorabilia for your daughter’s special day.

Loose Diamonds and Gemstones

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If you love jewelry and jewels, you may want to consider buying loose diamonds and gemstones. Although it seems simpler to just buy ready pieces or place an order out of a catalog, buying loose diamonds and gemstones can give you quite a leverage in designing that special piece of jewelry.

Unlike what many people would believe, purchasing loose diamonds and other gemstones is far more financially viable. As a loose diamond buyer you can either get the stones set in your ornament or even preserve it for resale. Buying loose diamonds and gemstones is much easier now, so you don’t have to fret about where to go.

You can buy almost any kind of loose diamond and gemstone online. Online stores like Diamond Ocean bring to you a variety of stones to choose from. You can look them up in an online catalog and just place your order. Each diamond comes with the requisite certificates so you are sure of what you have purchased.

When buying a loose diamond you should ideally have an approximate idea of what you are looking for. If you know the cut, carat and purpose you will have a much easier time selecting a stone. Once you know your cut and carat just log online and search for the stone on the website. Most websites will provide you with additional support to help you make a better decision. The website will have an in depth detail regarding the diamond’s facets, its carat weight, its cut or shape. You can sift through a few samples and place your order as if you were buying any other product.

Buying loose diamonds and gemstones online can be much cheaper. It is sold at 70-80% less price than a set stone so you end up buying many diamonds for where you would have purchased only one set in a pendant. Since the prices are wholesale, you can make quite a profit on them by even reselling them after a while. Unlike selling set diamonds, loose diamond sale is profitable since the stone is sold at liquidation prices.

Big Diamonds

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Diamonds are a status symbol. They show others that they have enough money to spend extravagantly on such things as big diamonds! These jewels are proudly displayed and more often stowed away in safes where nobody can steal or damage them. Rarely do big diamonds see the light of day. It’s a shame really. These diamonds should be seen!

Choosing the Perfect Big Diamond

When the time comes to purchase big diamonds, it is best to be prepared. It is too easy to be swindled by a less than reputable jeweler. Finding a good jeweler is the first step in purchasing any jewelry. It is also a good idea to do the right research on choosing diamonds.

Choosing a perfect diamond is based on what jewelers call the 4 C’s. This stands for cut, color, clarity, and carat. Each of these plays its own importance in grading all diamonds and become especially important when choosing big diamonds. When a lot of money is going to go into a purchase, it is best to know exactly what to look for.

The first consideration is the cut. The cut of the diamond extends far beyond the physical shape. A diamond is intricately cut based on mathematical algorithms. The better quality of the cut, the more it will shine. It can also hide imperfections that are in every diamond, big or small.

The next consideration when purchasing a big diamond is the color. There are colored diamonds such as yellow and pink, while most diamonds are classified as white. Most diamonds have a yellow or brown tinge to them. Each is graded on a scale from D to Z. A diamond classified as a D is going to be the best quality and have the purest color.

Clarity also weighs heavily on the grading of the stone. As previously stated, every diamond has imperfections, including cloudy spots and even small black spots. This is common, but can be hidden by an experienced jeweler and the proper cut.

Diamond Solitaire Rings

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A Diamond Solitaire Ring can be anything and everything you want it to be. You have spent many wonderful years together and have a lot of cherished memories to keep moving on. And after all this time, the Christmas holiday season no longer holds much surprises. In this fast loving lifestyle, you barely have time to put much thought into a Christmas gift, so you end up buying the usual pair of gloves or a well-knit sweater. Don’t you just wish that you could somehow bring back the fire and passion of when you first met?

Leave her awe struck this Christmas by gifting her, a real diamond solitaire ring. This gift will be much more than an eye opener, and will be a token of your love, appreciation and everlasting commitment. Only women know what women want, which is precisely why all our diamond solitaire rings have been crafted by a talented team of women designers. Each ring reflects beauty, magnificence and grace. Precious metals of gold, silver and platinum add a touch of class and elegance to the designs.

A diamond solitaire ring is no longer out of your reach or budget. DiamonOcean.com has an exclusive range of high quality diamond rings starting from a very modest price of only $150. You also have the option of customizing the ring to better suit your taste and budget. You can actually save over 75% by customizing your ring.

Browse through an endless collection of rings to find that perfect ring for your loved, one that she can feel proud of. Every woman dreams of owning a diamond ring make her wish come true by gifting an exquisite diamond solitaire ring from our beautiful collection. Even if your lover already has a collection of diamond jewelry, this is one gift that she’ll never get tired of. Diamonds are forever and each one has its own distinctive character that enhances your personality in their own special way.

Though most of our designs are focused keeping today’s woman in mind, we’ve not sidelined the men completely. We have a bold and charismatic collection of diamond solitaire rings targeted at the men’s section. Most of the diamond rings in our Men’s collection have broad bands that highlight his masculinity. Compared to women, men are lacking in the fashion sense department, so what better way to show off your man that adorning him with a handsome diamond solitaire ring. Add a rich and flamboyant touch to your man’s personality and wardrobe. So gift your man something unique this Christmas without burning a hole in your pocket.

Diamonds in Conflict

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In May 2000, responding to a growing grassroots movement on "blood diamonds," governments and the diamond industry came together in the South African town of Kimberley to combat the trade in diamonds from conflict zones. The result of these negotiations was the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, setting up an internationally recognized certification system for rough diamonds and establishing national import/export standards. In November 2002, 52 governments ratified and adopted the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which was fully implemented in August 2003.

The Kimberley Process was seriously flawed from the beginning. The Kimberley system of "voluntary self-regulation" on the part of the diamond industry has meant a significant lack of transparency and independent monitoring efforts. The World Diamond Council, initially established to represent the diamond industry at the Kimberley Process, has failed to coordinate effective industry monitoring. Governments, too, have been uninterested in monitoring and regulating the diamond trade. Some say the Kimberley Process amounted to little more than a public relations stunt for the diamond industry, and recent reports by Global Witness and other NGOs have found little evidence of genuine attempts to deliver on industry commitments.

2009 Summer Style Trends

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Swimsuits has helped changed the way women dressed, thought about themselves and the way society thought about women and their role in society. Bathing suits helped women escape the conservative role and identify with their sexuality by highlighting their best assets. From long legs and toned arms to flat tummies, swimsuits have always been the main focus during the summer season. However, accessories were always taboo because too much jewelry would take attention away from your swimsuit. Whether it's about early spring break, or a vacation on beach in summers, beachwearis an essential clothing item. Beachwear carries different meanings with it- for some, it's comfort, for others it's style.

A woman shall never be without her jewelry, even while swimming. It’s just a matter of what you wear and how you wear it. Try accessorizing with delicate pieces that can compliment your swimsuit. You will still show off your laid back summer style, just with a little dose of bling!

Identifying a Well Cut Diamond

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In defining the best cut, personal preference will always be an issue. So the listed category Well Cut, Very Good, Excellent & Ideal assists you in selecting the right diamond. Ideal cut has the narrowest range, with Excellent and Very Good following later. The lowest score becomes the overall cut grade. The lowest assigned grade for any individual characteristic is always used. For e.g. If the table percentage falls within excellent and yet the depth percentage is in the very good range, the diamond is classified as Very Good.

Every shape of diamonds does not have the same proportions. Every diamond shape requires its own guidelines in order to achieve maximum beauty. Due to mathematical differences, inherent in different shapes, the table and depth guidelines are formulated to maximize fire & brilliance. This is done to have a magnificent display that highlights the individuality and character of each shape. The girdle is the outer edge of a diamond. It usually has a frosted appearance. Many diamonds are also finished with a fully polished or even a faceted girdle. This characteristic does not affect the value of a diamond and is often more a reflection the diamond cutter's preference. The girdle is rated in terms of thickness. Girdle size is generally defined as Extremely Thin, Very Thin, Thin, Medium, Slightly Thick, Thick, Very Thick, or Extremely Thick. The girdle can also be described as a range of these terms such as Thin to Thick. Avoid the two Extremes. When purchasing a diamond, select one with a girdle that is neither Extremely Thin nor Extremely Thick. The culet is the bottom point of the diamond. In many cases this point actually has a very small facet. The culet is referred to in terms that relate to the presence or size of this facet. The culet is generally graded as None or Pointed, Very Small, Small, Medium, Slightly Large, Large, Very Large, and Extremely Large. Smaller is more desirable. This characteristic refers to the finishing or final polishing of the facets, or flat surfaces. Contrary to common belief, diamonds are ground and polished, not chipped away, until they reach their final form. Each facet should be carefully fashioned by the diamond cutter to shine and be free from polishing imperfections. The polish of a diamond is generally defined as Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, or Excellent. When purchasing a diamond, select one with a polishing grade of Good or above.

KNOW YOUR DIAMOND

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TABLE:

This refers to the flat top of a cut stone. It is sometimes called as its face.

CROWN:

This refers to the portion of a cut stone above the Girdle. It consists of a large flat area on top called a table, and several facets below it. These include the Star Facet, Bezel Facet and Upper Girdle Facet respectively.

GIRDLE:

This refers to the edge formed where the top (crown) and bottom (pavilion) of a stone meet. The girdle is the area normally grasped by prongs when a stone is mounted onto a setting. Many diamonds are also finished with a fully polished or even a faceted girdle. The girdle is rated in terms of its thickness.

PAVILION:

The pavilion is the bottom portion of a cut stone, beginning at the girdle and going to the point at its end. It includes two separate facets namely the Lower Girdle Facet and the Pavilion Facet.

CULET:

The culet refers to the bottom point of the diamond. In many cases this point actually has a very small facet. The culet is referred to in terms that relate to the presence or size of this facet.

DIAMOND HISTORY

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Diamonds were formed under immense heat and pressure hundreds of miles below the sea level. Volcanic explosions forced them upwards after nearly 100 million years of formation. The diamonds were formed more than 70 million years ago when volcanic explosions brought this diamond bearing ore to the surface. After the cooling of the magma, it solidified into a blue mass, or kimberlite, where the precious rough diamonds are still found today. Rated 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, diamonds are the hardest substances on earth, but their appeal goes far beyond durability.

Approximately 250 tons of ore must be mined and processed in order to produce a single, one-carat, polished, gem-quality diamond. This is what makes them so valuable and unique. The first diamond mining endeavors were undertaken nearly 4000 years ago in ancient India . Modern mining started in the 19 th century in South Africa . Botswana , Russia , South Africa , Angola , Namibia , Australia and Zaire are among the top diamond producing nations, accounting for nearly 80% of the world's rough diamond supply. The cultural alignment with diamonds has been there throughout the centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed diamonds were tears of the Gods and splinters from falling stars. Then, the Hindus attributed so much power to these precious stones they went so far as to place diamonds in the eyes of some of their statues .

Diamonds were thought to bring about luck and success and also change the course of astrological events. Many ancient people wore diamonds as charms believing in their ability to heighten sexual prowess and attract others. Plato even wrote about diamonds as living beings, embodying celestial spirits.

Diamond rings have been witnesses to the talismanic power of diamonds in the middle and dark ages. In the middle Ages and Renaissance period, every ring set with a precious stone was not considered so much as a piece of jewelry, but more as an amulet that conveyed magical powers like fearlessness and invincibility upon the wearer. This myth laid the groundwork for monarchs to begin wearing diamonds as symbols of power.

Diamonds today are cherished for their astonishing natural beauty and their aura of being such a special and magical gift. As of today a diamond is more than just a jewel it is the ultimate symbol of love.

Classic rings

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Hot Bridal Trends

2009-09-13T03:51:00.000-07:00

How do you make a day often called the happiest day of one's life even more joyous? Its wedding time. The bride is surrounded by her friends and family, wearing a beautiful gown, glowing with joy and anticipation, carrying fragrant flowers, and joining in matrimony with her true companion. Add to that , this special occasion calls for the giving and donning of sparkling gemstones, precious metals, and lustrous pearls, and what more could one want?

Of course, the festivities all begin with a diamond - and for an uninformed bride and groom, buying this important stone can be a daunting and unforgettable experience. Diamonds add glitter to the entire show and fanfare. Once the diamond is purchased, there are many other opportunities for fine jewelry to bring joy to the celebration. "Brilliant diamonds enhance a bride's radiance, and are a traditional way for a bride to adorn herself," says Elizabeth Florence, spokesperson for the Jewelry Information Center , a nonprofit trade association based in New York City.

Once the bride's look is in place, she will want to think about gifts for her attendants. "Colored gemstones are a wonderful way to add a bit of sparkle to the bridesmaids' outfits," says Florence . "Pair of earrings, a simple pendant, or even jeweled hair clips is a lovely gift, and will always be a special reminder of the day. Brides on a tight budget will be glad to know that there are beautiful colored gemstones that are relatively inexpensive, such as blue topaz and amethyst. For the groomsmen, watches or sterling silver cuff links are a wonderful remembrance. A diamond cuff link set with an engraved date, initials of your friend and a special message will make it an instant heirloom, which will be cherished forever.

ring setting

2009-09-13T03:50:00.000-07:00

trendy and fabulous in diamonds

2009-09-13T03:49:00.001-07:00

Today's hottest jewelry trends have prompted an elitist response for expressing style through diamonds. Long, diamond drop earrings and chandelier earrings have joined traditional diamond studs as the earring of choice, adding lady-like sophistication to a formal gown or an elegant pantsuit. To add to that, there are surprisingly affordable versions in the market to make any woman feel like a fashion icon. Delicate diamond pendants, like the three-stone “snowman” pendant of diamonds in graduated sizes, are gracing the necklines of the glitterati everywhere, along with heart-shaped diamond solitaires and zodiac signs to communicate the real you. Its all about the style and aura which is brought about by the new fashion image associated with diamonds and diamond jewelry. The most cherished and sought-after piece of diamond jewelry of the moment is the diamond right-hand ring – a unique piece that expresses a woman's desire for independence and personal style. The diamond right-hand ring is a perfect showcase for a new generation of women who want a unique, very personal piece of jewelry which they can enjoy every day. Take a look at the celebrity lineup sporting them. They are some of today's biggest stars, including the trend-setting quartet from Sex & the City (Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Catrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon) heading the list.

Colored diamonds are considered as the ultimate prize . Colored diamonds – known to elite jewelers as “fancy colored diamonds” are rarer and relatively more expensive than their white counterparts. Fashion gurus are drooling over the engagement rings showcased by Hollywood stars. Celebrity brides-to-be have recently seen a 6.1-carat, pink diamond set in platinum, and a 10-carat marquise-shaped, canary yellow diamond. Colored diamonds are available in every shade of the rainbow and are extremely rare. Some, like the yellow ones, are colored by the naturally occurring addition of elements such as nitrogen, whereas pink diamonds simply reflect light that is different from white diamonds.

Choosing your Wedding and Engagement rings.

2009-09-13T03:47:00.000-07:00

How do you go about the task of choosing high quality and timeless rings for your wedding or engagement day? These rings are going to be the most cherished pieces of jewelry and will be symbols of your long lasting love and commitment. These facts make it all the more important to choose rings which fit the bill both in terms of quality and long lasting value.

The first and foremost thing should be to make up your mind on the design and style of ring to purchase. This is in conjunction with the important fact that you have to wear it everyday for the rest of your life. The best way towards selection of the design and style is following your instincts and posing questions to yourself about the comfort and style provided by different designs. Engraved style or beaded edge designs are always a cut above the rest. Traditional plain gold bands will continue to be in style for many more years to come. You could also go for something trendy and flashier like a ring of channel-set-diamonds. The choice ultimately boils down to selecting a ring that is reflective of your style and personality. Couples also go in for custom-made designs depending upon their tastes and preferences. There can be many answers towards selecting and buying your ring but ultimately the choice depends on your own interpretation and understanding of style and design.

It is not mandatory to have the same matching metal bands for both your wedding and engagement rings. You can opt for similar style rings but in different metal bands. You should lookout for the metals which you wear regularly like silver, or gold. The selection of rings depends on the interplay of the style and the type of metal used in the band. Gold and silver bands are the most popular, although new and attractive metals like platinum and palladium are also gaining foothold.

If you are choosing yellow gold always look at the mark inside the band to ascertain the quality of the Gold. Usually styles are available in 14k, 18k and 24k, among which 24k is the purest variety and also the softest. If you do most of your work with your hands then to prevent scratches and damage you should go for either 14k or 18k varieties.

White gold is also another popular choice because it can be used in coordination with both silver and platinum jewelry. It is also cheaper than platinum. Platinum is an addition in the new era showcasing stylish metals which go along with almost all designs and style of jewelry. Platinum is also one of the hardest metals making it a symbol of enduring love. It is not mixed with any of the less valued metals as in Gold Rings and is thus available in the pure form. It is however more expensive than gold.

The next issue which comes forward is the selection of precious gems for your wedding or Engagement rings. The choice depends not on beauty of the gemstone but on durability. The softer variety of stones might look beautiful but in retrospect they are not the best choices to go along with your rings. Any gemstone which registers a value of less than 7 on the Moh’s Scale of hardness is not recommended as a choice for engagement rings. The Moh’s scale reading shows the ability of a gemstone to resist abrasion. Diamonds with a reading of 10 are the hardest among the known gemstones. People who do a lot of activity using their hands should preferably go for Diamonds, Rubies or Sapphires. All these three gemstones are among the hardest known gemstones on earth and they are well suited for all occasions and are also durable and resistant to abrasion.

Diamonds developed in the lab

2009-09-13T03:46:00.000-07:00

Have you ever dreamt of owning a fancy color diamond of the highest quality but yes with a lower price tag? Science has made it possible to duplicate the process followed by Mother Nature and which rivals the real thing in both beauty and sparkle. The end result is that we are coming into an era where the sale of lab manufactured diamonds is going to challenge the annual billion dollar sales of natural diamonds.

American Diamond manufacturers like Apollo diamonds use laser cutters to cut seeds from diamonds and then expose these seeds to carbon gas inside a vacuum chamber. The carbon atoms start sticking to the seeds and a diamond can be formed in 2 to 3 weeks. Elsewhere other corporations use imported Russian machinery to recreate the intense heat and pressure filled conditions during natural diamond formation. The introduction of carbon into this controlled environment results in the formation of shiny yellow or canary diamonds. These diamonds are also known as cultured diamonds. Only an expert eye with the aid of a microscope can distinguish them from their real natural counterparts. The laboratory generated diamonds can hugely open up the diamond wholesale market with their cheaper prices and greater accessibility.

The sudden eruption of this technology had diamond majors scurrying for cover. De Beers went to the extent of saying that these cultured diamonds were imitations and degraded the most precious stone in the world. De Beers has also started supplying gemologists with equipment to distinguish natural diamonds from lab cultured ones.

However traders dealing in cultured diamonds feel that each of the manmade stones has an individual certificate with an inscribed number. This number is the same as on the cultured stone. This practice according to dealers protects the consumer in the event that a synthetic stone is sold off claiming it to be a natural stone.

So what is the verdict? That question still remains as it is incoherently difficult to distinguish a natural diamond from a cultured one. There is also lack of availability of proper detection technology at present. The consumer still remains in doubt, whether or not to go for synthetic diamonds. The strategy would be to find a good and trustworthy jeweler who will provide the best value for money. In contrast people who have bought synthetic diamonds seem to appreciate its beauty and do not harbor any uneasy qualms over not buying a natural diamond.

Pricing of Diamonds

2009-09-13T03:45:00.000-07:00

Leather Jewelry

2009-09-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

Most people will agree that leather jewelry is great. Whether it’s a wristband or an ankle bracelet – it has a touch of style. Even though it’s often a small detail – it’s always very noticeable on anyone who wears it. Short skirts, shorts, bikini, anything fits to be worn with leather jewelry.

Fashion trend to wear leather started long time ago with first rockers on tv-screens. Yet those days it was pretty prohibited kind of decoration, because it was associated with rebelling against rules. Today, every kind of jewelry is ok – leather becomes less extravagant and more of “okay-type” jewelry. Still it has a little of being forbidden feel. Even now people are very attracted to these kind of decoration. Since the beginning of ages, people tend to love forbidden fruit.

Typically leather jewelry bracelet is a collection of string-shaped parts, tied together with some kind jewels on it (but usually not too much, as leather itself is really amazing). Sometimes it’s thick, sometimes it’s thin, but it’s always nice and attractive on any women or men to wear it. Yes, leather bracelets are unisex, both men and women can wear this.

Leather necklace is other type of leather jewelry. It can be easily done by yourself. It’s just a leather-string with decorations on it. It can be simple rocks or costly precious rock beads; it all depends on what you’re trying to show.

Are you going to look as a vamp-type or gothic women? Wear leather with shiny metal! Trying to seem friendly? Leather string with any kind of polished rocks will fit you!

Don’t forget about friendly leather bracelets that can be handmade. Just tie a few leather strings of similar colors to each other – here is your simple but warm gift to a friend.

A nice thing to wear is a leather ankle bracelet. There are numerous fashions of leather ankle bracelets – try to find your own. Wearing an open shoes and skirt with those in summer is guaranteed to magnet attention of men (it draws even more attention than a “sport-bar with free beer” sign). Sometimes. It’s always adjustable for your legs and has a tie to easily slip it off, but once it on – it’s on, no matter how much you move around.

With a little bit of search you can find fascinating flower-decorated anklets (ankle bracelets).

Do you want something more customized for you? Seek for a place to engrave letters on your leather bracelet. Wearing a leather bracelet with your name on it is a nice idea to meet people – they already know your name and won’t forget it – it’s rare when people wear jewelry that has their name on it. Maybe you’d even like to engrave someone’s name to show how much he (or she) means to you and how deeply you care for that person – to carry his name always on your hand.

Leather jewelry becomes very popular with celebrities these days. Those guys know what’s hot (eh, they have a whole team of stylists to tell them what’s great and what’s not), so watch closely – you might notice what kind of leather is popular these days. And, of course, it’s not only about leather – any kind of jewelry celebrity puts on – immediately becomes fashion trend, cause often each part of their costume and jewelry is well-thought by a big-name stylists.

Wedding Gift

2009-09-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

When it comes to weddings, both the bride & groom, and the guests worry about wedding gift etiquette. These do’s and don’ts will keep you on the right gift giving track!

I bet your wondering where the idea of wedding gifts originated? You’ll have to travel back to the time when men no longer bartered for their wives. With the tradition of choosing your bride, also came the tradition of friends and family bearing gifts. In those days articles were functional and useful additions to the couple’s house, making their lives easier.

The Grecians were into presenting lush and lavish gifts. It was a big competition to see who could present the most lavish gift. Brides and grooms were presented with precious jewelry, gold vases, magnificent clothing or furniture.

These days’ things have really changed. Wedding gift etiquette of the past, simply does not work today. For couples who have been married before they already have all the household toys, so what is one to buy? Even if a couple has not been married before, most have run their own households so they still have everything they need. Many couples request no gifts. Some will ask for cash gifts, so they can put the funds towards a vacation, a house, or bigger ticket item. Is this okay? How big of wedding gift should one buy? It seems no matter what a person buys, they feel they’ve not spent enough, or bought the wrong type of gift. Relax!! And go with the modern day flow!

The best thing the bride and groom can do for their guests, is to let them know what you are looking for. Funny, brides and grooms feel bad playing the “what they need” card, and guests are too uncomfortable to broche the subject for fear of offending the bride and groom.

First, it’s okay for the wedding couple to ask for cash only. The correct way is to include a little note in the invitation that reads something like. Because we are saving for [insert item] we would appreciate cash donations in lieu of gifts. Thanks so much! It’s simple and to the point and these days people understand. For many it’s much easier than trying to figure out what you need.

If you are blending two households that are financially set, and you don’t want any gifts or cash, then make a note of this on your invitation. Some people will feel uncomfortable with not providing a gift. So you could include a note that reads. We would like to decline any gifts. If you would like to give, please donate to our favorite charity [insert here]. Many thanks! Or, you can indicate they can donate to their favorite charity.

If you are going to be accepting gifts, then do your guests a favor and have several wedding gift registries set up at various stores. This will alleviate a lot of stress for your guests and insure you receive items you really need or want.

Charming Trends in Jewelry

2009-09-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500 BC, when they were believed to hold special powers -- particularly the power of protection. By the 1890's charms had evolved into a fashion statement and a popular keepsake. Now, as then, charms are often given by mothers to their daughters as gifts or family heirlooms. Many women start collecting them as pre-teens and continue adding to the collection as they mature. Charm bracelets make an ideal gift because of their broad appeal.

Italian charms are the hottest trend right now and show no signs of slowing down. Silver, gold, and non-precious charms snap into place onto a bracelet similar to a watch band. The charms are like the "links" on the band. They're decorated with pictures, letters, symbols and designs that can be combined to create a message or theme. Which reminds me of a great thing about charm bracelets -- you can add to them. That means future gift giving opportunities!

Another growing trend in modern jewelry is "theme" bracelets. If you're looking for the ideal dog jewelry gift, a dog-themed charm bracelet could be your answer and a dog themed Italian charm bracelet might just be a slam dunk! Want to coordinate your accessories with your dog's? Buy her a branklet®, the doggie version of a bracelet or anklet.

As Italian charms have grown ever more popular, variations have come on the scene, one of which is a plastic or leather version. The charms slide onto the leather or plastic bracelet, which comes in a variety of fashionable colors. These charms usually take the form of letters, numbers, and popular symbols like hearts or butterflies. Like the traditional kind, they can spell out a message or a name, or advertise the wearer's interests or sentiments.

Ready to coordinate? For the woman who thinks of her dog as a furry child (or, heaven forbid, an accessory) mother-and-dog can now coordinate this look with leather charm collars for the dog! Picture "mom" wearing her leather charm bracelet, rhinestone charms spelling out "I Love my Dog". Picture her four legged companion alongside her, wearing a matching leather collar and charms of his very own. Bowser can headlight his name in rhinestones. Or maybe his collar will spell out how much his mommy loves him.

There's yet another type of charm that can be shared between man and dog -- or woman and dog, as the case may be.

To symbolize the prayer for protection, or the golden bond between owner and dog (or dog and dog), 14K gold Protection Medallions and Bond Charms are the answer. The hearts can be separated so that each owner wears half. For dogs who are best friends, or people who are best friends with their dogs, this is a gift of dog jewelry that says it all. Should your pal ever wander off, you'll have no problem proving that the two of you are a pair!

Man White Gold Rings

2009-09-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

t is commonly believed that white gold man rings do not look good and masculine. This is perhaps the main reason why man rings in white gold are quite hard to find. Jewelry designers and sellers have played by the market trend and avoided white gold for men's rings.

There is only one possible reason that has led to this belief. White is a color that is associated with something fine and delicate and therefore thought to be unsuitable for men's rings and jewelry. Design research has proved that a few features implemented into man white gold rings would make them look great for men. Some of these features are good suggestions for men's white or yellow gold rings.

(1) Good gold weight is the beginning of a good white gold ring for men. The good weight ensures that the ring gets a full and masculine feel. It also helps to make the ring sturdy and increase the long term durability of the ring. The good gold weight will also ensure that the gemstone remains firmly mounted in the ring. White gold male rings if made with low gold weight, would most likely appear to be dainty and feminine.

(2) Single gemstone designs are ideal for man white gold rings. A fairly large single gemstone set in a white gold ring for men creates an impression of being solid and assertive. This goes well with the personality of most of today's men. Many small gemstones instead of one large gem make the ring look cluttered and also need more looking after. The large gemstone in your man white gold ring need not be an expensive gemstone. Stay within your budget and go for affordable gems. London Blue Topaz, Onyx, Jade, Red Garnet, Citrine are some of the possible medium price gemstones.

(3) When choosing a gemstone for your white gold ring, choose darker shades of your favourite gems. Deep blue topaz, deep red garnet, very deep yellow citrine, smoky quartz are such medium priced gemstones. If you prefer rubies then remember that white gold male rings look better in square or octogonal shapes. With blue sapphires almost all shades are fine and the important thing is to keep the gemstone a bit large. One small note here, ensure that the gems are not very dark as that would make them appear almost black when contrasted against the white gold.

(4) Keep a broad ring band width throughout. You would have noticed many male rings where the head height of the ring is around a centimeter (10mm), the band width reduces drastically for some reason and ends up at a mere 2mm to 3mm behind the finger. This may save you a few grams of gold but also ruins the overall impression of the ring. Ideally a man ring with a ring head height of 1cm should have a band width behind the finger that is at least 5mm to 6mm. Besides being vital for the overall impression of the ring, this feature also helps in adding durability to the ring.

(5) Solid gemstone mounting is another important factor. Prong settings for gemstones make the ring appear a bit delicate and light. Prongs also tend to get stuck in pockets and other places. This causes the prongs to open up and loosen the gemstones. Ensure that the gemstone is well protected and bordered with gold. This will give your man white gold ring a broad and solid feel and also protect the gemstone from side impact.

(6) Remember that 14k white gold is much harder than 18k white gold. Given today's active lifestyles that men lead, we would strongly suggest 14k white gold for your man white gold rings. 18k gold is softer than 14k gold and that makes the work of your jeweller a bit easier, but the idea is to get a jewel that is strong and durable so take note of this suggestion.

Diamonds in the Sky

2009-09-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

Only one fifth of all rough diamonds mined are suitable for gem cutting.

I bet you didn't know this. It's not the diamond that contributes to its shine, but actually the cut. Sure color, carat, clarity are important but a bad cut can ruin diamonds. A professional diamond cutter determines which cut to give. Every diamond has it's own unique cut.

In a white diamond, the absence of color is important. The lesser the color, the more valuable. If a diamond has full color, like a blue diamond or a yellow diamond, it is worth thousands more than a white diamond.

The size of diamonds are measure in carat weight. The larger carat weight, the more it will cost.

Clarity of diamonds is defined on the amount of blemishes with the stone. The blemished happen in nature. Blemishes will have some effect on sparkle.

The cut makes or breaks a diamond. A bad cut can make a diamond loose its shine no matter what.

To make matters worse, there are still other things that can make a diamond loose its shine.

Your fingers contain oils that can dull a diamond's surface. Diamonds easily soak up this oil and loose its luster.

You can restore the sparkle in your diamonds much easier than the gem cutter who made a bad cut.

Cleaning your diamonds is simple. Soak your diamonds in an ammonia-based household cleaner like window cleaner or jewelry cleaner. Remove your diamonds from the solutions in the morning. Remove any remaining dirt with a horse hair brush or soft cloth. Reserve your brush or cloth exclusively to clean your diamonds only.

When cleaning your diamonds, take care to clean around the metal post. Some metals weaken and become fragile after soaking in cleaner.

Encrusted dirt on diamonds can be removed using an ultrasonic cleaner. This cleaner uses ultrasonic waves to remove the dirt. It can also loosen the stones. Let a professional jeweler clean your diamonds with this method. The jeweler will inspect any mountings and tighten them if necessary

As long as you take regular care of your diamonds, they will last you forever.

Costume Jewelry

2009-09-08T09:26:00.000-07:00

There is virtually no difference between costume jewelry and antique jewelry. Costume Jewelry dates back to the 1930s. By the definition of antique that would also make it antique jewelry.

However, most jewelry experts have come to agree that antique jewelry predates the 1930s.

Costume Jewelry came into being in the 1930s as a cheap disposable jewelry meant to be worn with a specific outfit, but not meant to be handed down through generations.

It was intended to be fashionable for a short period of time, out date itself, and then be repurchased to fit with a new outfit purchase, or with a new fashion style.

It became available in large quantities during the 30s. Cheap jewelry also existed prior to the 1930s. Paste or glass jewelry as far back as the 1700s. The rich had their fine jewelry duplicated for a variety of reasons, using paste or glass stones.

By the mid 1800s with the growth of the middle class there were now different levels of jewelry being manufactured using fine, semi-precious and base materials.

Fine jewelry of gold, diamonds, fine gems such as emeralds and saphires continued to be made.

Jewelry from rolled gold, which is a thin layer of gold attached to a base metal, entered the market for the middle class.

This jewelry was often set with semi-precious gems such as amethyst, coral or pearls, and was much more affordable.

And then there was jewelry that most anyone could afford, consisting of glass stones and base metals made to look like gold. All three types were intended to be passed down to future generations.

There are usually clues that can help one identify what era a piece of jewelry is from. Style, material, the type of piece. For example dress clips came in in the 1930s and were out of style by the 1950s.

Jewelry reflects styles, designs, colors and stones of the era. For example from 1910 to 1930 silver was the favorite color for metal, so jewelry was found in platinum, white gold, silver or a base metal colored to look like silver.

Silver Jewelry Care

2009-09-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

Silver is a beautiful metal that out shines most jewelry any day. But sadly it easily develops a black tarnish. When silver is exposed to the outside a chemical reaction occurs causing the unsightly tarnish. The more moist the climate, the faster it tarnishes.

Don't worry though. With the proper care your silver can last more than a lifetime. Plus it's easy to do.

Silver scratches and pits easily. The best way to clean your silver is with a non abrasive paste or liquid polish cleaner. You can find silver polish cleaners in your grocery store, hardware store, pharmacy or jewelry store. You'll find two types of silver polish cleaner. One you need to apply and let dry and remove with a cloth. The other is applied than washed off. The one you wash off is the least abrasive making it your best choice. Some silver polish cleaners also provide anti-tarnish protection.

Polish and clean your silver with 100% cotton lint-free cloth or balls. Other fabric are made with abrasive compounds that can produce in scratches. Only use a horse hair brush to remove grime from intricate designs. Handle your silver wearing cotton gloves to keep fingerprints off you new shiny surface.

Other types of cleaning methods exist. The most common is Chemical Dips and Electrochemical. Chemical dip contains acids and accelerates the tarnish removal. The corrosive nature of acid can damage and pit your silver. You should only use chemical dips for severely tarnish silver that won't clean up with polish. The aluminum plate used in electrochemical cleaning can also scratch and pit your silver. It will also cause your silver to tarnish quicker. Neither method is recommended.

Try these simple tips to reduce silver tarnish. Store each silver item individually inside a polyethylene bag. Extra protection, wrap them in sulfur free archive tissue. Absorb moisture and harmful pollutants by placing bagged silica gel and active charcoal or Anti Tarnish strips with the stored silver.

Never put your silver in the dishwasher. The harsh dish detergent and high water temperatures are too abrasive for your prized sterling silver. This includes silver plated items too. Always wash your silver by hand and dry with a cotton dish towel.

Remember... give your silver regular care and you'll have those heirloom treasure for future generations to enjoy.

Jewelry For All Occasions

2009-09-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

Nowadays it seems everyone is getting body piercing. Belly chains, belly rings, nose rings, ear rings, and other rings are common today. If you like sexy and stylish the online shopping market offers a variety of body jewelry including the “Double Thong Sterling Silver Bali and Hematite Barefoot Sandals” anklets. If you have multiple body-piercing then you may enjoy a “Swarowski Crystal and Faux Pearl Bali Choker/Nipple Chain.” The chain starts as a necklace and crosses down between your breasts, over to nipples, and centers down to the pit of your belly.

Toe rings are also common pieces of jewelry today that provides an exotic sex appeal. Sterling silver toe rings, with special designs can give a sex appeal, and a stylish affect. If you are looking for body chains, belly chains, anklets, toe rings, rings, earrings, and other types of jewelry for all occasions, it makes sense to shop online. Some of the best prices for jewelry are available online. Even if you are looking for Tongue Rings, you can get a good deal at most stores online. If you are looking for great deals, sexy or casual jewelry, shopping online can make your adventure a rewarding event.

The World Wide Web has a wide variety of jewelry to choose from, and offers the best prices on the web. Regardless of the occasion or the need for jewelry, online shopping is easier for selecting the right piece. Everyday a couple is married. If you are searching for that wedding band in the “traditional metal bands,” (also known as the gold bands), or if you prefer diamonds, shopping online is the choice for you. If you prefer the shiny look the “1/10” Carrot “Diamond Chevron Band in 14K White Gold” the ring is available for less than $300. The elegant piece of jewelry is shiny, and has diamonds that circle half way around the ring. Other rings are available for less, while others cost more; it depends on your tastes, style and budget.

The advantage of buying jewelry online is that some of the online stores offer payment plans, making it more convenient for your jewelry need. Jewelry adds style to your everyday or occasional events. Classical jewelry, streamlined, or comprehensive jewelry can make the most of a wonderful or dull moment. Having the right necklace with a perky outfit can set an opinion off right when going for a job interview. Bracelets, rings, and other jewels can also add a charm to your appearance. If you are searching for that special gift, you might want to take a look at the variety of engravings available. Many online shopping stores sell engrave able bracelets, rings, watches, and more, and you get choices between sterling silver, gold, and diamonds. White Gold is also available at many of the online jewelry stores offer an added appeal to all occasions. Whether you are searching for sexy, casual, stylish, or traditional, shopping online is where it is at.

Precious Metal Jewelry

2009-09-08T09:23:00.001-07:00

Undoubtedly, gold remains as the ultimate medium of jewelry expression. For thousands of years, gold has beguiled man with its beauty, its warm luster and glow and its amazing attributes. Artisans and jewelers have crafted gold into stunning pieces of jewelry that are priceless and eternal. Gold is one of the most precious of earth's metals. It can be found almost anywhere but it is very difficult to extract pure gold. Although platinum is more expensive, gold remains unsurpassed as the most popular jewelry metal. As it does not corrode or rust, gold jewelry is exceptionally durable. It is also very malleable and pliable: a single ounce of gold can be drawn into a thin wire stretching almost 5 miles. In fact it is the most malleable and ductile metal known to man.

Pure gold or 24-karat gold is soft and pliable. That is why it is mixed with other metals to increase its durability. Karat quality determines the purity of gold. For instance, 14-karat gold is 14 parts pure gold mixed with 10 parts of a base metal. The higher the karat rating is, the higher the proportion of pure gold. Most gold jewelry pieces are marked with its karat quality. This helps you verify that the product you are viewing are truly made of gold. Gold is crafted into an endless myriad of jewelry pieces such as rings, chains, bracelets, charms, pendants, brooches, earrings and others. Moreover, because of the many amazing qualities of gold have many other uses. It is used in dentistry, coinage and for industrial purposes. The value of gold forms the base of monetary standard by many nations.

Buying gold jewelry is an excellent investment. Any jewelry collection would not be complete without any gold jewelry. Its radiant, sensual and warm quality make it the preferred metal used in wedding rings and other jewelry meant to be given to a loved one. When buying gold jewelry there are some important things to consider. One of these is the karat quality, as mentioned above. The different karat qualities include 10-karat gold, 14-karat gold and 18-karat gold. However, some gold jewelry is not necessarily purely made of gold. Jewelry can also be plated with gold. This means that a base metal is coated with a layer of gold. In time, the layer of gold will wear away depending on how often the piece is worn. Other terms you should know about gold jewelry include gold-filled, gold overlay, and rolled gold plate.

DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL BEST FRIEND

2009-09-08T09:21:00.000-07:00

Monroe made that phrase famous. Diamonds are a girl's best friend. That still makes a lot of sense. Here's why.

Reason #1 diamonds are a girls best friend because they are so beautiful. Fiery, romantic diamonds light up her finger. White diamonds look beautiful with outfits in every color.

Reason #2 diamonds are forever. There are lots of beautiful things around. Why diamonds? Roses are beautiful, but they fade. Dresses are gorgeous, but after childbirth, or as she ages, that beautiful dress would not look as beautiful on her anymore.

Reason #3 diamonds are precious. Sure, moissanite may be what a girl might buy for herself, because of its lower price, but moissanite is man made. Diamonds are rare, natural stones. The diamonds that girls love are of the highest quality. The lower grade diamonds may be used in tools, but women look at the quality of the diamond. A large, high quality diamond would definitely impress.

Reason #4 diamonds are romantic. Especially when he is proposing to her with a diamond worth two months of his salary. It means sacrifice for love on his part. The fact that he loves her enough to save that sum to buy that diamond for her is a very romantic gesture that she will remember for years to come, each time she sees that diamond on her finger.

Reason #5 diamonds say that her man can provide for her very well. From the days when men would go out and hunt for animals to feed the family, to today, when most men go out there to bring in the money to support the family, women love being cared for. Being provided for. In many cultures, women look to marry a rich man. A man who can provide for them. If a guy can afford to give her diamonds, he can easily provide for her daily needs and for that of her children.

Reason #6 diamonds are practical. Like the song, diamond's are a girl's best friend. A kiss will not pay the bills. A rose isn't going to pay for her rental. A diamond, on the other hand, in times of emergency, can be a life saver. A single diamond can be sold for enough money to pay for a woman's bills when times get tough.

Reason #7 diamonds are a girl's insurance. Ok, so now, there are insurance policies in paper, that promise to pay for her old age medical bills etc, but diamonds are a lot more beautiful. She holds and sees them. She wears them. Everyone admires them. They assure her that even when she gets old, when she loses her looks, even if her guy leaves her for a younger woman, the diamonds would still be with her. A collection of diamond jewelry assures her that in her old age, or she is in dire need for cash, a piece of diamond jewelry could be sold, or pawned for much needed cash. Diamonds are a girl's insurance.

The writer is the webmaster of Buy Diamonds which gives you tips on how to get the best diamond within your budget.

Religious Jewelry

2009-09-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

Jewelry is a broad term that describes any ornamental adornment on the body. It includes toe rings to tiaras and everything in between. Jewelry has been used in every culture throughout history and in many different ways. While in our culture today jewelry serves mostly an aesthetic purpose, jewelry can serve other functions as well. Jewelry is used to represent social or official rank, age, marital status, and tribal affinity. In addition, jewelry serves as emblems of religious, social, and political affiliation. In fact, one of the very first uses of jewelry was to show religious affiliation. The following are the main cultures that began the use of religious jewelry and the common symbols and uses of their jewelry.ewelry in Ancient Egypt was very symbolic. Some common symbols in Ancient Egyptian religious jewelry include the scarab (beetle), lotus, serpent, falcon, and the eye. The scarab is a symbol for good luck and resurrection while the "Eye of the Horus" represents healing. A common symbol of the time called the "Ankh" is meant to represent eternal life. Religious jewelry was extravagant, consisting of gold and semi-precious stones and were worn by men and women alike. When the Roman Era arrived, Egyptian religious jewelry was made of cheaper materials and more Christian symbols were used. When Islam arrived in Egypt men were forbidden to wear gold jewelry. At this time silver jewelry became more popular in religious jewelry in Egypt. Religious jewelry is still widely used in Egypt, but does not have the same extravagance as the Ancient Egyptian religious jewelry.

Beaded Lanyards

2009-09-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

The typical lanyard is a length of basic rope, wire, or cloth that is designed to secure a small object. They are often purchased in large quantities and are fairly inexpensive. Many employees wear lanyards around their neck to secure identification badges while on the job.

Beaded lanyards can be as basic as an inexpensive metallic, beaded chain. They can be ordered through most typical lanyard suppliers and feature a variety of hardware attachments to secure small objects. These lanyards are often in several different lengths and an array of colors.

Other beaded lanyards are quite unique and are referred to by some as jewelry. They are designed by skilled artisans and can be extremely expensive depending upon the type of materials used. The cost of a beaded lanyard depends on the type of beads and wire used in its design. Beaded lanyard patterns may consist of colorful patterns of seed beads, glass beads, crystals, or even gemstones.

The most popular beaded lanyards are used to secure eyeglasses or sunglasses around the neck. They attach to the temples of the glasses, allowing them to hang around the neck when not in use. These exquisite neck lanyards are often referred to as eyeglass necklaces or eyeglass holders. They are a fashionable way to keep track of an item that can be easily misplaced or damaged. Beaded lanyards allow the wearer the freedom to easily put on and remove glasses frequently throughout the day.

Many bead artisans also offer jewelry pieces to coordinate with beaded lanyards. The beaded lanyard patterns are often duplicated in a bracelet, anklet, or pair of earrings.

One drawback of the beaded lanyard is that they are often fragile. They may look elegant but also may not have the durability of a nylon or cotton lanyard when worn frequently.

Fashion Accessory

2009-09-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

Are you one of those fabulous women that has curves, and you would like to know a fun way of showing them off? There are several ways to make your figure look the way that you want. It is all in the manner that you carry yourself. Being confident and following a few basic rules on how to dress will make you look like the woman you want to be.

The first rule is to go out and buy the correct size bra. A good bra will make your outfits look the way that they should. Having curves is a wonderful thing to have, but you need to know how to make them fit right with your clothing style. It is amazing what a great bra can do for your figure.

The second rule is buying clothes that are the right size for you. So, go ahead and throw away all those clothes that are too baggy on you. Say hello to a more fun, alive figure. Stop hiding it. Wearing sizes too big or small for your body frame will only accentuate your weight, and not your lovely curves. You do not want to wear shapeless styles. Try wearing semi-fitted separates. It will make you look taller and thinner, and make it look like you have a more sculpted waist. Wear tops that just skim your waist and hips. Jackets should be worn just to the length of your fingertips. As for your bottoms, select clothes that tend to taper downwards. It will look better than other styles. Skirts will look good if they are not too high. If you can sit in your skirt without it ridding up on you, then you are all set. Shift dresses are great especially with a round neckline. It will even out your proportions wonderfully.

The third rule is not to wear anything that is too bold, and that calls extra attention to yourself. That means no super bold prints, no big patch pockets, no oversized buttons or bows, and no horizontal patterns. You want to wear a nice crisp line of color, and then accessorize with just a few simple accessories such as jewelry or a scarf. Sometimes even just wearing one solid color all over is great look. It will add height to your frame, and shrink your width.

The last rule is very easy. You should buy the best quality that you can afford. Quality fabrics can make all the difference in how you look. Fine fabrics look better than stiff fabrics that can add inches onto your body. In addition, well-made clothes will hold their shape better. Better shape will improve your shape too. If you follow all these rules, you will look and feel better. So go out, and let your light shine. Better clothes, for a better you!

Titanium Jewelry

2009-09-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

Titanium is an elemental metal with a wide variety of uses. Since its accidental discovery in 1791, titanium has been used to make aircraft, sporting goods such as golf clubs, automobile parts, watches, and rings. While titanium rings may not be as widespread as gold or platinum rings, they have many advantages. Titanium rings are durable, lightweight, strong, 100% hypoallergenic, and affordable. Titanium is stronger than steel and keeps its shape better than most metals used to make rings. It is also lighter and more comfortable to wear than gold or platinum.

Titanium is biocompatible with all human skin and will not cause any irritations like rashes or discolorations. Another advantage of titanium is that it does not rust, corrode, or lose its color. Since titanium is not a precious metal like gold, silver, or platinum, the cost of a titanium ring is lower than rings made of those materials. The price of a titanium ring can start at around $70 for a basic design. There are different grades of titanium, from aircraft grade, which is the strongest and most durable, to pure commercial titanium, which is less strong. Since jewelry is meant to be long lasting, most manufacturers use higher grades of titanium for their products. Most titanium rings can be engraved and many are available in different colors.

There are many types of titanium rings available for several different uses and occasions. Titanium wedding rings can be a unique alternative to more traditional gold wedding rings. Instead of a standard engagement ring, adventurous shoppers can choose one made of titanium. Many men buy titanium rings because they can look more masculine than most jewelry and come in colors like black. Since titanium is so durable and strong, titanium rings can be customized in many different ways. Titanium promise rings are also available, giving buyers more options.

Jewelry Cleaning Tips

2009-09-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

To keep your jewelry sparkling you’ve got to take care of it! Cleaning your jewelry is an important part of its care.

No matter how careful you are with your jewelry daily life will take its toll on it – grime and dirt, hair spray residue, soap film – they all cause a residue to build up on your jewelry making it dull and unimpressive.

Cleaning your jewelry should be done with a little caution. Some stones such as turquoise, pearls, or opals, do not fair well with harsher cleaners.

Use only warm soapy water and a Q-tip to gently clean these stones or gems. Rinse and polish. Toothpaste also works well. Place a small amount on a soft bristle brush, scrub, rinse well, then polish with a soft cloth.

Sterling silver jewelry is beautiful. However, overtime it will tarnish and not look so beautiful. It is important to clean your sterling jewelry regularly.

There are many silver cleaner dips on the market which can be used for jewelry that has no stones or gems.

However, I don’t recommend using silver cleaners on jewelry that has stones or gems set in it. In these cases I recommend using a Q-tip to apply the cleaner directly to the just the silver, then rinse completely and polish with a soft cloth.

If you wish, you can use a blow dryer on the setting to make sure there is no water residue left.

Do not let your jewelry soak for long periods of time in cleaner. The moisture can damage some jewelry. Moisture can damage a piece of jewelry over time, so if you do put your jewels into a wet jewelry solution, or rinse in water, make sure you dry it thoroughly.

Use a soft towel to get the moisture out of all the cracks and crevices. You may want to use the blow dryer as mentioned above.

Always clean your jewelr properly to keep it enjoyable for years!

About the author: Sher from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry,

Gift Sugestions and Valantine's Day

2009-09-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

as soon as the stores put away their Christmas merchandise, out comes the Valentine’s Day items — even though Valentine’s is still more than six weeks away.

I don’t know why, but it always takes me by surprise to see Valentine’s Day merchandise so soon after Christmas.

I’ve always wondered where Valentine’s Day came from, and under those circumstances, a person could be forgiven for thinking it was invented to create more business when Christmas is over.

But no, after a little research, I discovered that Valentine’s is not a holiday that was “invented” by greeting card companies to sell more greeting cards or by candy companies to sell more candy or by florists to sell more roses.

Valentine’s Day actually started more than 1,500 years ago.

According to legend, Valentine was a priest who defied the orders of the Roman emperor Claudius and continued to perform marriages. It seems that Claudius realized no young men wanted to join his army because they didn’t want to leave their wives and sweethearts. When it was discovered that Valentine was still performing marriages in secret, he was sentenced to death. Valentine allegedly cured the jailer’s daughter of blindness, and on the night before his execution, sent a note to her signed “from your Valentine.” He reportedly died on Feb. 14, 269 A.D.

In 496 A.D., February 14 was named by Pope Gelasius to honor St. Valentine.

The first Valentines are credited to Charles, Duke of Orleans, who was imprisoned in the Tower of London during the 1400s where he wrote romantic verses that he sent to his wife.

A woman named Esther Howland is credited with sending the first Valentine in the United States.

The United States Postal Service is credited with advancing the popularity of sending Valentines when the penny postcard was introduced in the mid 1800s. Before that, sending mail was too expensive for the average person, because at the time, the person who RECEIVED the letter paid the postage and not the person who SENT the letter.

Personally, I’m thankful it’s not that way today. Can you imagine paying the postage to receive your Valentines?

In days gone by, Valentines were hand-painted cards decorated with lace and feathers and sequins.

I don’t know about anybody else, but if I were going to hand paint a Valentine and decorate it with lace and feathers and sequins, I wouldn’t go to all that work for just anybody.

Nowadays, however, Valentine’s cards are mass produced in thousands of designs and sizes — large ones and small ones; serious ones and silly ones; inexpensive ones and expensive ones.

The variety of Valentine’s cards is overwhelming and, as far as I’m concerned, rather unnecessary. I mean, how many Valentine’s cards does one person need to buy? Spouse? Parents? Siblings? Second and third cousins? The teacher you had in fifth grade? The lady who cuts your hair? The grocery store clerk who tallied up your last purchase? The man who stopped his car so you could make it through the crosswalk without being run over?

And what about the Valentine’s merchandise? The candy, the posters, the teddy bears sporting a red heart that says ‘Be Mine,’ socks with little red hearts all over them, heart-shaped rings, necklaces and earrings, and the list goes on and on.

I wonder what the real St. Valentine would think of the cards and the candy and the jewelry and whatever else?

Then again, maybe the real St. Valentine would be delighted by this turn of events.

After all, it’s been more than 1,700 years since he died, but every Feb. 14, people are still celebrating Valentine’s Day.

Personal Fashion Style

2009-09-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

Samuel L. Jackson has a Kangol hat. Jude Law always seems to have a beautiful tailored English suit with a colored shirt. Mischa Barton from the hit TV show “The OC” has her beautiful frilled skirts. What is your personal fashion style? Have you ever sat down and worked out your personality and what would suit you? You should. After this article you will have some ideas of how to gain that look. THAT LOOK. The look that makes people say, “They have great sense of personal style.”

First, take a serious assessment of your personal style. Are you traditional? Are you modern with some punk attitude? Fashion forward perhaps, daring even? You have to find this out. This heads you in the right direction.

Second, why are you trying to develop your own personal fashion style? What is the reasoning behind it? Are you trying to be more noticeable, just for fun, or for the opposite sex?

Third, find your niche market on your body. Britney Spears uses her belly button, and has it stand out. Perhaps your neck, ears, eyes, chest, etc. Pick your favorite part and do something with it.

Fourth, because you know your personality, find a celebrity that has a similar taste as you. Get People Magazine or In Style Magazine, flip through and find a celebrity that you would like to copy. Dress like them, and add your own flavor, and let your look evolve.

Fifth, what would you change first? Your hair? Go to a salon. Your clothes? Go to the fashion district of your city. Jewelry? Find some nice boutique thrift stores with some antique or modern jewelry depending on your look. If your going for a huge change, pick out something with a new outfit and slowly incorporate it as jewelry, shirt, or scarf if you don’t want a sudden change.

Sixth, rely on accessories first. Handbags, sunglasses, and bracelets are a great way to gradually infiltrate and destroy your old drab look with your new fashion personality.

Good luck in creating your personal fashion style. Make sure you incorporate your new fashion to hide some flaws in your body. Believe me everyone has them, just hide them well, or even better, accentuate your assets! Have fun doing it, but make sure you experiment and ask for people’s opinions in most of what you do. But overall, enjoy yourself by expressing your new personal fashion style.

The Claddagh Ring

2009-09-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

The popularity of rings increased during the medieval period. People wore rings no matter if they were rich or poor. The most used materials in the making of rings are copper, iron, gold and silver. The class of the person was usually identified by the material the ring was made of.

Faceted jewels began to appear in rings around the 14th century. Some cultures have rings that are usually associated with them. Native Americans are associated with silver and turquoise jewelry. The Greek symbol of the fish, called the Icthus was used by Early Christians. The Irish Claddagh has an interesting story attached to it.

Richard Joyce along with the crew on a fishing boat from the village of Claddagh, Ireland, was captured the same week he was supposed to be married. Goldsmithing was Richard Joyce's trade while he was enslaved. While he was captured, neither married. Richard Joyce made a ring for his beloved that had two hands holding a heart for love and a crown for loyalty.

Joyce escaped from his captors and returned to Claddagh where he was excited to see his love again and know she had never married. She never gave up hope of his return to her. He gave her the ring that is known as the Claddagh ring. Wearing the Claddagh on your right hand, crown inward means that you are letting people know that you are single.

The person who wears the Claddagh on the right hand with the crown outward is in a committed relationship. Wearing the Claddagh with the crown outward on your left hand says Let our love and friendship reign forever, never to be separated. There are many reasons for wearing rings, one is adornment. Rewards for a job well done include rings such as the one given after the Super Bowl victory.

Rings such as engagement rings and wedding rings symbolize commitment. Women Religious wear rings to show their commitment to God. You can use almost any material to make rings now. Plastic, silver, copper, gold or even wood can be use to make them. Ceramic materials can be used as well.

Rings can be very simple or of something as intricate as filigree. Rings can be plain and simple or be adorned with jewels and/or gemstones, as is the case of birthstone rings. There is a birthstone for each month with its own meaning.

Below you will find a list.

The Garnet is January's stone the gem of faith and truth; it is believed to stop bleeding, to cure sickness of the blood and infections and it is said to protect from poisons. It is believed that February's birthstone the Amethyst helps soldiers in battle, hunters to catch prey, control evil thoughts and help the owner have success in business. In order to prevent seasickness, keep them safe, and gain courage and foresight, sailors use the Aquamarine, the stone for March.

The Diamond is April's stone and is the symbol of strength, courage and invincibility. The diamond is the greatest gift of love. In 1477 Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave a diamond to Mary of Burgundy which started the tradition of engagement rings. The Emerald is the birthstone for May and believed to sharpen the eyesight and mind of the wearer.

Fine Jewelry Platinum

2009-09-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

In our hungry-for-anything new pop culture world, celebrities are often the ones that can start a hot fashion trend seemingly overnight. With their heavy media exposure, they are often photographed wearing the latest styles in fashion and jewelry.

Platinum engagement and wedding rings are the latest celebrity trend that has taken the jewelry industry by storm. Several high-profile newlyweds have taken a shine to the cool elegance of platinum.

“Platinum is like our relationship in that it is strong, precious and timeless,” says Nick Lachey about the custom made platinum wedding rings he and his wife Jessica Simpson tied the knot with.

It seems that view of the lustrous metal is shared by other celebrity couples as well such as: Russell Crowe and Danielle Spencer, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, Adam Sandler and Jackie Titone, as well as, popular actresses Reese Witherspoon and Kate Hudson.

Celebrities are especially fond of pairing fancy colored diamonds with their platinum rings. Also, the three diamond platinum engagement ring has quickly become all the rage among new brides.

So, if you’re looking to buy diamond jewelry online, whether it’s for a special occasion like a wedding, or a gift for a special person, consider platinum jewelry as one of your best and brightest options.

Respected Diamond Analysis

2009-09-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

Items of significant value typically come with important documentation. Houses have deeds. Vehicles have titles and registration. Purebred pets have pedigree papers. And a college education is validated with a diploma. But what about something as important as a diamond? The answer is that independent support documentation is available for diamonds, too, to verify their quality and provide positive identification.

The most widely used and recognized means of verifying a diamond’s quality is with a GIA Diamond Grading Report™ or GIA Diamond Dossier®, provided by the internationally recognized, nonprofit Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

A report from GIA provides an expert analysis of the quality of a diamond based upon the 4Cs of diamond grading: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. The GIA Diamond Grading Report also includes a plotting diagram which depicts the diamond’s unique clarity characteristics, such as inclusions. In addition, since GIA is not affiliated with any commercial enterprise, the public is assured the world’s most impartial and accurate analysis of a diamond.

The GIA Laboratory employs hundreds of highly trained diamond graders, gemologists, and research technicians and scientists to ensure the highest caliber of analysis for every diamond submitted for grading. Some of the world’s most famous diamonds have been graded by GIA Laboratory experts, including the legendary Hope Diamond (45.52 carats) and the De Beers Centenary Diamond (273.85 carats).

GIA only grades unmounted diamonds, and the fee for services varies based on the weight of the diamond. For an additional fee, the unique GIA Report Registry number can be micro-laser inscribed onto the diamond’s girdle (thin outer edge). This unique number provides added security to the diamond’s owner. The owner can also choose to inscribe a personal message, such as “I Love You,” a special date, or any message of choice. The number or wording is permanently registered in GIA’s archive database.

Diamonds weighing 1.99 carats or less can be issued a GIA Diamond Dossier®. This report provides the same information as the GIA Diamond Grading Report, except for the plotting diagram. The micro-laser inscription of the diamond’s unique GIA Report number is included for each diamond receiving a Dossier at no additional charge.