Diamond and Gemstone Rings are both beautiful and unique. There are so many styles, cuts, and weights that is hard to choose just one. Lets take a look at what a diamond is and briefly discuss what gemstones are. We can then progress to discussing diamond rings and gemstone rings or any combination of the two.
A diamond is the hard substance known. Diamond rings symbols of everlasting love and affection. Many men become overwhelmed when they go to purchase diamond andor gemstone rings. There are many styles, band widths, and settings. The size and weight of the stone is also something that will play into the decision, but I digress.
Here is a quick overview of ring settings. Settings are defined as the manner in which a stone is place on a ring. An example of a setting is the traditional solitaire was engineered by Ifanes. It is a single diamond set in either a four or six pronged mounting high above the band. This allows the most light to refract in the stone. This setting is also very easy to clean and is also less expensive than other settings.
Another setting is the Diamond Accent setting. The stones used are smaller. The Channel Street Baguette style are stones set into the band that accentuates a center stone.
Gemstone settings are basically any setting with a combination of diamonds and other precious stones. The colors of the other stones enhance the beauty and sparkle of the diamond (i.e. rubies, emeralds, or sapphires). One way to do this is put a diamond in the center with the birthstones of the couple on either side. Later if children come along their stones could be added as well. Gemstones rings can be made with almost any precious stone such as Fancy Gems, Sapphires, Topaz, Emerald, Black Onyx or a Ruby.
The Truffle setting usually accompanies a three stone ring where a large stone has a smaller stone on either sided and is a design where loops on each of the stones connect the stones together. There are many combinations of metals, diamonds and gemstones that can be created. You need to decide what you want and what you can afford and come up with the perfect ring.
Both gemstones and diamonds can be cut in round, rectangular, or oval. Shapes such as hearts or diamonds are also used particularly in gemstones. Almost anything is possible.
When choosing a diamond ring or a gemstone ring you should consider your budget bearing in mind that taxes, insurance, and warranties will add to the cost of the ring. The likes and dislikes of the person who will receive the ring is crucial to your decision. For example you see this exquisite diamond ring that has the birthstone of the person to whom you will give the ring. It so happens that the ring is in your price range. Right next to it is a very simple diamond in a solitaire setting and it is very pretty.
Now you think the more exquisite one is perfect and you purchase it. When you give it you cant help noticing a look on their face that you cant explain. Later it is explained to you that simple designs are more the persons style so you return the gaudy ring for the simple solitaire one.
So think about your budget. Think also about the recipient do they wear jewelry and if so is it simple in design or are they more the type that loves ornate pieces. Know that for the most part your choice will be gratefully accepted. Good luck!
Diamonds girls best friend! Why do girls love diamonds? Why are they so precious? Is it because of their beauty and exquisiteness? Talk about buying. Purchasing a diamond can test the nerves of even the most astute buyer – what do you look for? What do the terms mean? What makes one diamond worth more than another?
When you get in the diamond shop and attempt to buy one, but do not know what the different between this one and that one. Even though those two have the same size and carat, the price can be completely different. Why? Here is a simple guide to the essentials of diamond grading.
Understanding these terms will help you discuss with the dealer the features most important to you, ensuring you get the very best diamond for your money. Diamond appraisers look for four qualities in a diamond when discerning its value. Commonly called the ‘4 Cs’ they are: Cut, Clarity, Carat and Color.
CUT
There are 2 big aspects of CUT.
1. Quality of cut – affecting the brilliance of the diamond – the other refers to the actual shape of the diamond.
2. Shape – Diamonds are available in many shapes. Some of the more common are; round, oval, pear (teardrop shaped), heart, princess (square shaped), Emerald (rectangular shaped), marquise (football shaped) and round. Of all the shapes available, round diamonds are the shape most capable of being cut to exude the greatest brilliance. The brilliance is determined by the ability of the diamond to reflect light. A quality cut diamond will have facets angled to reflect the greatest amount of light. Beware of diamonds cut to maintain a higher carat weight while sacrificing the cutting of a good angle as this will dramatically reduce the brilliance.
CLARITY
Diamonds from natural sources are subject to individual flaws including trace minerals and scratches. A diamond without such characteristics is called flawless and is the rarest kind. While these flaws are often not visible to the naked eye, they affect the light reflecting qualities of the diamond which affects the overall brilliance.
Diamond clarity is classified as follows: Flawless, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, SI3, I1, I2 and I3.
CARAT
Carat is the measurement of the weight of a diamond. One carat may also be referred to as ‘100 points’. This means that a half carat would be listed as ‘50 points’ and so on.
The larger a diamond is the more costly it becomes. Since the larger diamonds are much rarer the cost will go up significantly with each increase in size. A one carat diamond will be more than just double the cost of a half carat, however, a ring with multiple diamonds that have a combined weight of one carat will be cheaper than a single stone of that weight.
COLOR
There are many diamond colors which called fancy diamonds. But the mostly found diamonds will be rated on an alphabetical scale from D to Z. A typical ‘white’ diamond should be as colorless as possible – a rating of ‘D’ being the rarest and most desirable. When choosing a colorless diamond it is best to stay within the D-J range or the diamond will have a yellow cast which lessens the value. The less natural color the diamond has the more colors will appear in the flashes reflected in the prism.
‘Fancy’ diamonds (diamonds with a rating over Z) come in a variety of shades and include some famous diamonds such as the Blue Hope diamond.
When decide to buy a diamond, please keep in mind of these 4 Cs as a factor of buying consideration. It takes years to gain a specialty in this area. Therefore, at least you should point out whether which features are of greatest importance to you and with a little knowledge select the diamond that will hold the greatest value and sentiment for your budget.
For centuries, charms have been used as a medium for superstition, religious beliefs and fashion. The ancient Egyptians first used charm amulets to gain the favor of the gods and to obtain a passage into the afterlife. Later, charms were used to ward off evil forces and were also used to curse enemies.
It was in the Victorian period that charms grew out of their traditional image of spiritual and superstitious objects. Queen Victoria of England started wearing charm bracelets as a fashion accessory and started a trend that has continued through the ages. It is said that Queen Victoria wore a charm bracelet of small lockets that contained the photographs of her family. Until that period in history, jewelry was characterized by bulky ornaments made of gold, silver, diamonds and rare gems. However, the quaint charm bracelets revolutionized the concept of jewelry with their delicate and artistic appearance.
Charm bracelets received a sudden revival during the World War periods. Soldiers on their way home picked up charm bracelets for their near and dear ones, as souvenirs from the lands they had visited. The wars came to an end, but the concept of charm bracelets continued.
Today, charm bracelets are extremely popular, especially among girls in their teens. They are not restricted any longer to the upper strata of society as was the case earlier. Charm bracelets come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be worn as casual jewelry or for formal occasions, depending on their style.
Charm bracelets contain anything from animals and flowers to zodiac signs and birthstones, making them a great gift item for any occasion. In most cases, the charms are easily interchangeable on the bracelet, so one can suit their own mood or special occasion. With their quaint and delicate appearance, intricate beauty and magical aura, charm bracelets are sure to fill ones life with style and excitement.
“Cats are possessed of a shy, retiring nature, cajoling, haughty, and capricious, difficult to fathom. They reveal themselves only to certain favored individuals, and are repelled by the faintest suggestion of insult or even by the most trifling deception.” – Pierre Loti
Ah, where to start? Cats are among the most celebrated creatures of literature. They’re domesticated and at the same time wild, loved and at the same time hated. They stand for stealth and mystery, the power of silence and secrets. And cat jewelry is a testament to that power.
Even before Halle Berry popularized the Catwoman, and before the sleek, sassy villainess ever graced the pages of DC comics, cats were being worshipped all over the world. The way the cat moves, the easy grace and mysterious stillness fuels the imagination and fires up the senses. Bast, the ancient Egyptian cat-goddess, was a wild goddess who was generous in good humor, and ferocious in ill. To kill a cat in ancient Egypt was to call down the wrath of Bast, and was not only considered an act of evil, but a crime against the gods.
To compare a person to a cat is to give credit to hisher capricious, languid, underhanded nature. Cats will only do as they desire, not as they are told. Loyalty is something they only bestow, not give out of a sense of obligation. At the same time they are affectionate to those whom they have chosen, work with reasons they may not disclose to anyone, and perform incredible tasks with absolute secrecy. Sending a person — especially a woman — cat jewelry as a gift would serve as a tribute to these special traits. Wearing cat jewelry would aid in fostering an image of mystery and an instinct for the refined.
The endearing nature of cats has been immortalized not only in classical literature (“The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe, and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” by Tennessee Williams, to name two of many) but also in modern literature, like TV shows and comic strips. We have Garfield and Heathcliff on our Sunday papers, and Top Cat and the Thundercats in our (all right, kind of outdated) Saturday morning cartoon lineups. Cats have been preserved in so many artistic forms — why can’t jewelry be among them?
Cat jewelry might be popular among children, especially little girls who love kittens and probably raise cats of their own. Young women may also appreciate the extraordinary sleekness of the feline motif, and feel especially sexy wearing something so in tune with their sensual nature.
You may wonder what is the amazing thing behind Pearls? Well, Pearls are a complex object, to start the iridescence that pearls display is caused by the overlapping of successive layers, which breaks up light falling on the surface. In addition, pearls (especially freshwater pearls) can be dyed yellow, green, blue, brown, pink, purple, or black. I love Black Pearls, they are amazing.
This was the main reason why pearls fetched such extraordinary prices in the past. Imitation or fake pearls are also widely sold in inexpensive jewelry, but the quality of the iridescence is usually very poor, and generally speaking, fake pearls are usually quite easy to distinguish from the real thing.
You need to understand what sort of pearls you are buying, if you buy Pearls that come from Pearls farms you need to understand how they are picked up, these sort of pearls are carefully selected from long-established pearl farms. And then range in size from under 1mm to 20mm giants. Usually this farm pearls are harvested in the cooler winter months, after about two years of cultivation.
Like natural pearls, cultured pearls grow inside of a mollusk, but with human intervention. Cultured pearls are sold by their size in millimeters. Saltwater pearls originate within a saltwater mollusk. Saltwater pearls can be either natural or cultured.
Obviously it is not a surprise for anyone to understand that natural pearls are more expensive and if you are really interested in getting the best pearls in the world, well, you need to Travel all the way to Japan.
When you buy a Pearl you need to ask about the origins and their shapes. This is the way they get classified.
So where do Pearls come from ? Well [earls are formed inside the shell of certain bivalve mollusks: as a response to an irritant inside its shell, the mollusk creates a pearl to seal off the irritation. Pearls come in eight basic shapes: round, semi-round, button, drop, pear, oval, baroque, and circled.
Pearls where before only for fashion, but now you can find pearls have also been crushed and used in cosmetics, medicines, or in paint formulations. Pearls with the smoothest surfaces are the highest-quality, most sought-after pearls.
Regarding buying Pearls as part of Jewelry, you need to know the following: almost all pearls used for jewelry are cultured by planting a core or nucleus into pearl oysters. Abalone from along the Pacific Coast, primarily California, produce both blister and free pearls and their shells are used for inlay in jewelry and other items.
Try to find a company or design that offers these same finer-quality of any Japanese cultured Pearls at a fraction of traditional-store prices. It is not easy but for sure it is possible. Pearls are a great present for many people out there, you will never look out of fashion with a nice Pearl Jewelry necklace, and for sure always buying some high quality pearls is a wise investment. Pearls are perfect for gifts and for that special and romantic occasions
A nice quality designer watch will be a much appreciated by either gender. A fine quality designer watch will always make a big impression.
Tak the time to consider some of our suggestions and this will go a long way to helping you make the right choice.
The first thing you need to do is do a little research to discover what the person likes.
Consider your options: gold, white gold, silver, platinum, stainless steel, leather bands, etc.
Each of these options has its own style and makes its own statement. Take the time to choose the one most fitting for the recipient.
Select a basic watch style. General watch types include the mechanical wind-up types, self-winding and quartz, which are powered by batteries.
Look for extra features, such as a built-in calendar, an appointment alarm, a heartbeat monitor, etc. Have fun customizing the watch to the recipient’s specific lifestyle.
Shop only within your price range, watches can run upward of 10,000, so set a range first and then limit your shopping to your budget.
From complicated watches made for divers or trekkers to fashionable watches that do a bit more than tell time, sports watches are all the rage.
Choose a sports watch with basic features if you’re not buying it for a specific sport. These include alarm(s), water resistance, a timer or stopwatch function, an illuminator and the original band.
Opt for more advanced features if you know they will be used by the wearer. These can include altimeter, barometer, thermometer, compass and data-link features.
Choose a sport-specific watch if you know what sports the recipient enjoys. These include specialized watches for divers, runners, surfers, etc.
Be sure the band will fit comfortably around the person’s wrist. It should be somewhat adjustable.
Check the guarantee and return policies so that the watch can be returned if another model is desired.
Set the watch to the correct time prior to wrapping.
If the watch is quartz, include an extra battery wrapped as a present topper.
Building a Jewelry Wardrobe: A Woman’s Guide to Seven Jewelry Must-Haves
Just as every woman needs a pairor twentyof jeans, a few pairs of black shoes (at the very least: ballet flats, thongs, kitten heels and stilettos), a cocktail dress, a few basic skirts, a chic business suit, a cardigan sweaterI could go on but you get my point. Just as every woman needs these fashion staples, she needs a few jewelry basicsseven actuallywith which to accessorize her outfits.
Like a custom paint job on a sleek Harley, accessories personalize your style and tell the world that you care enough to go the extra mile for appearances sake. And we all know that appearance counts. Within the first three seconds of taking you in, people make judgments about you that you usually cannot reverse. So why not make a good first impression with a look that is polished, put together, and says that you pay attention to style and detail? Still with me? Good. Here are seven jewelry staples no well-dressed woman should be without. Choose any one of them to accessorize in a snap, and to ensure that snap judgments made about you reflect who you really are.
Diamond studs Anyone can pull off this classic accessory. Diamond studs are elegant, timeless and simple enough to be worn with other jewelry and any style of hair or dress. Look for clear, sparkling gems with at least carat total weight, set in white gold or platinum (not yellow gold) to show off their colorlessness. As for shape, round studs will always be in style, but princess cut styles are popularand classic too. Look for screw backs to help ensure that you wont lose your investment, and make sure the setting is secure (I prefer four prongs to three).
Be warned that quality diamond studs can be pricey. Blue Nile.com has a beautiful pair of carat tw diamond studs with screw backs for 600; Tiffany & Co. sells a beautiful pair of .22 total carat weight diamonds set it platinum for 875. Cant afford these beauties? My sparkly CZ look-alikes get the job done, and cost under 40. And I dont have to worry about losingor insuring them.
Pearl studs Like diamond studs, pearl studs can be worn with every style of dress, and with all types of jewelry. Unlike diamond studs, pearl studs are surprisingly affordable, especially when you choose freshwater pearls, which today can rival the beauty of their saltwater cousins. Look for round white gems that are well-matched; these are classics and wont go out of style. Beware of purchasing button-shaped (flattened) pearls when you think youre getting round. Choose a back that is comfortable, secure and comprised of a metal your skin can tolerate, such as white gold, yellow gold or platinum.
When wearing pearls, keep in mind that the gems are typically associated with a demure, ladylike reputation, so theyre perfect for a job interview, wedding or other formal setting. Of course, classic pearls are perfect for daytime and casual events as well, and give the wearer a timeless, feminine look that is very polished.
When buying pearl studs, choose akoya cultured pearls or their far more affordable freshwater counterparts, which are just as beautiful. For the best look, choose pearls that are 6mm or greater in size. JR Dunn sells Mikimoto akoya cultured pearls in 6mm round white for 340; MoonRiverPearls.com sells round white freshwater cultured pearls in 7mm for 38.
Dangle earrings I love dangles for their drama, and because their typical hook backs make them easy to get on and off. But many dangles arent for everyday; theyll look out of place with shorts and a tank, for example. If youre going a bit more formal, though, you have many options with this earring style. Keep in mind that if you want your dangle earrings to become a jewelry staple, look for a classic, elegant design in a neutral color, such as an all metal style or one that ends in a cultured pearl, for example. For your staple piece, dont choose anything trendy or cute; steer clear of hearts, stars, zodiac signs and skulls. (If you want to go trendy thats fine, just buy something inexpensive.) As for what to choose, I prefer a dangle that hangs an inch or two below the earlobe to really make a statement. White gold and yellow gold bars, chains or chandeliers are timeless favorites. Of course, hairstyle and wardrobe will play a role here too. If your hair is very long you can get away with more dramaticand longerstyles. Remember, though, if you wear a dramatic earring its best to skip the necklace and let the earrings speak for themselves.
Silver or gold hoop earrings Several styles of hoop earrings can be considered jewelry staples, from small diamond-encrusted loops to gargantuan, J.Lo-style hoops. It all depends on what you like, so choose hoops that fit your personality. Keep in mind, though, that oversize hoops can overpower short hair, an updo, or a face with small features, so take in the overall picture before you step out. Small gold, silver, diamond, pearl or CZ hoops go with everything and are always in style. Look for hoop earrings with a back thats easy to fasten and wont readily bend or fall out. And dont wear gigantic hoops to a job interview or other professional setting, unless you work at Vogue.
Diamond solitaire pendant Theres not enough room here to write about the five Cs of diamond quality, but, if youre interested, there are a ton of sites out there where you can read about how to choose a diamond. As for the pendant, a single bezel set diamond on a white gold chain looks amazing, crisp and classic. Choose an 18-inch length with a secure clasp (I prefer lobster claw here) and make sure the chain is sturdy, yet thin and unobtrusive. Its the diamond that you want to showcase here, not the chain. As with studs, you can get a gorgeous solitaire pendant made with a CZ, or, for a twist, try a pearl.
Pearl strand When choosing a classic pearl strand, look for an 18-inch princess length in a classic creamy white. This length is very versatile, and the color is timeless. Both akoya cultured pearls and freshwater cultured pearls fit the bill, although akoyas will be more expensive. Other factors to keep in mind: pearl size counts. After the 7.5-8.0 mm mark, prices rise dramatically, but a 6.5mm strand is lovely and affordable. Look at luster and surface. Pearls should have a high luster, or surface sheen, meaning they reflect light well. They should also be free from obvious blemishes. Pay attention to uniformity. Make sure the pearls are the same size, the same color and have a uniform lusterthe warm glow that appears to come from within the pearl. To check that the pearls are uniformly round, roll the strand on a table. Matched pearls will roll smoothly.
So you think pearl strands are too Barbara Bush? A Tin Cup necklace, where the pearls are evenly spaced on a chain, is a gorgeous alternative.
A Classic Timepiece Lots of options here, but if youre going to choose just one watch it has to be classic, functional and stylish. I like a water-resistant oversize sterling silver watch or a classic tank watch, both of which will look good with everything except formalwear (then you can tuck it in your clutch). A stainless steel band will wear better than leather, and is usually water-resistant, but try it on in case it feels too heavy or overwhelms your wrist. Stick with a classic white or muted watch face with numbers that are easy to read. (Bold colors are pretty, but distracting.) A glow-in-the-dark face is a plus. As for brands, Swiss Army has some great styles that wear well and dont break the bank. If you have the means, a Tag Heuer or Rolex is always nice too.
When you have your seven basic jewelry staples, its time to play. There are so many other classics you can add to your jewelry box if youre so inclined. A diamond tennis bracelet, a beautiful Tahitian pearl bracelet, an oversize pearl cocktail ring, or a signature piece in your birthstone all look terrific. Depending on your style personality and budget, you can choose plenty of other extras to keep up with fashion trends, but keep these on the inexpensive side as they likely wont stand the test of time. For a statement-making piece, choose an oversize cocktail ring in a bold color. Or, if you like todays layered look, pick several chain necklaces in your favorite metal in varying lengths, and layer them with pearl strands or oversized turquoise, wood or mother-of-pearl beaded necklaces. Wide wood, mother-of-pearl or metal cuffs always look terrific, and stackable bangles, especially personalized charm bracelets, are always fun. (Do spend more on charm bracelets, as youll probably hang on to these.)
Still stuck on what to wear? You can always go with my favorite and most valued piece of jewelry: a handcrafted, hand painted macaroni necklace made for me by my four-year-old son.
Bridal Jewelry Sets – a great combination to pull your look together
Finding bridal jewelry to complete your look for the big day can sometimes be a difficult task. You may find that in your searching you see a pair of earrings you like and a necklace, but there is no bracelet. Likewise, you may also find your bridal earrings and bridal necklace but together, the two pieces of jewelry do not match well. This is where the suggestion of pulling your jewelry accessory look together by purchasing an entire bridal jewelry set from one merchant.
When purchasing your entire bridal jewelry set from one merchant or bridal jewelry designer, you will have a more consistent and complete look. Your bridal jewelry will match together because it was designed to be together. What makes bridal jewelry sets even more special is after your big day, many times just wearing your bridal earrings or bridal necklace out for a nice dinner or dancing can bring back all of the special moments and memories that you made on the most important day of your life.
In addition, you will save time and energy by purchasing a bridal jewelry set all at once. There will be no more hunting for the perfect pair of bridal earrings that will match the bridal necklace or bridal bracelet that you have already purchased. Yet another bonus to purchasing one bridal jewelry set is you will pay one shipping fee versus paying two to three different shipping fees by ordering your bridal jewelry pieces from various bridal websites and bridal jewelers. Many times you will find that by purchasing your bridal jewelry in a set, you will receive a discounted rate.
To conclude, when purchasing your bridal jewelry sets, keep in mind the overall look and feel you want to have for your special day, this will be reflected in what you wear, as you are the bride and the center of attention for the day. By purchasing a bridal jewelry set, your look will be congruent and gorgeously pieced together. Sit back and take in your day and all of the wonderful compliments it will bring.