Diamond Ring Purchasing Guide
January 29, 2008
Diamond rings are extremely popular. They also often represent the first diamond purchasing experience for people. This diamond ring purchasing guide is designed to let you know how to go about the process.
Diamond rings are most often thought about when it is time to propose, as an engagement ring. These important rings, worn on the left ring finger, are a symbol of a promise of marriage and a sign of dedication to a future together. While these may be the most important and famous types of diamond rings, there are many other types of diamond rings that can be given and worn just as thankfully.
A good idea before purchasing any diamond jewelry is to look at a guide. A diamond ring purchasing guide can help you to decide on what sort of ring is right for your occasion, as well as allow you to browse the different types of rings available. Aside from engagement rings, there are many other important occasions that may warrant a diamond. A promise ring is also usually a diamond ring, although one of a much smaller carat size. Some younger couples use promise rings as a sort of “pre” engagement ring – a promise to get engaged with a bigger diamond ring at a later date. Others use the promise ring just as a promise of staying together, with no further commitment implied.
Another occasion where looking at a diamond ring purchasing guide may be helpful is for the wedding ring itself. Today, many couples are opting to purchase wedding rings that are different from the standard plain gold or platinum bands. Some couples choose to get a diamond ring that matches the engagement ring for the bride (as in a bridal set) and still others choose to get a groom’s ring with diamonds on it as well. Diamonds, being a symbol of love and longevity, are no longer just worn by women – men are also wowed by these sparkly stones.
A final reason to look at purchasing a diamond ring may actually be for no reason at all! Women are beginning to see the advantages of purchasing themselves a diamond ring – whether or not they are married. These rings are typically more stylish and fanciful than a traditional engagement ring, and are usually not worn on the left hand. Known as right hand rings, these diamond rings are a symbol of a woman’s independence, or maybe even just a way to show how much they love diamonds.
No matter the reason, knowing the type of diamond ring you are searching for, and the reason you are purchasing the ring, can be very helpful when you set out to visit a jeweler.
Find jewelry stores near you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arsene_Bergkamp
Loose Colored Diamonds
January 20, 2008
The most important aspect while buying diamonds is to be aware, of the differences between colored diamonds that are formed naturally and ones that are man-made. Diamonds were traditionally thought of as white or clear. As a matter of fact diamonds do have color and this can be graded. There are different types of colors that are available from black loose diamonds to pink and then there are yellow diamonds, which look stunning.
Loose diamonds that are colored naturally are extremely rare and hence are tagged at an incredibly high price. There are basically three ways in which colored diamonds are formed by nature. The first method is when a foreign constituent is introduced in the carbon material that a diamond is made from. More often nitrogen can cause a diamond to have yellow or orange hues, while boron can make it blue in color. The next method is when pressure compresses the carbon and creates a red, pink, or purple hue. Out of all the loose colored diamonds, Green, red and purple diamonds are considered very uncommon and fetches high price. Research has indicated that there is only six naturally formed red diamonds currently in the market. Natural fancy colored diamonds are so rare that there are approximately 10,000 colorless stones for each colored stone.
Fancy colored loose diamonds can also be man-made. There are many ways that can be used to color diamonds. On the other hand, these stones can be formed in a matter of weeks, where as it takes thousands of years for natural colored diamonds to be formed. These types of synthetic diamonds are a lot like the real diamonds, and only high tech equipment might be able to detect slight differences, in the crystal formations. Most of the times these equipments are used when people come to sell their used diamonds to know whether they are fake or real.
Diamond Engagement Rings - Important Details for Choosing a Diamond
January 20, 2008
The solitaire diamond ring is the engagement ring that everyone pictures. And with good reason. Although other gemstones such as emeralds and sapphires are becoming fashionable for engagement rings, a solitaire diamond is still the classic, safe choice.
Why? Because a diamond is traditional, and it goes with everything from blue jeans to a little black dress.
How to choose a good diamond
You’ve probably heard about the 4Cs: clarity, color, cut, and carat. Before you buy a diamond, make sure it has been independently appraised for all four of these qualities.
Clarity: this refers to the purity of the diamond, and it’s the primary factor in determining the price. Clarity refers to how easily you can see imperfections in the diamond. The fewer the flaws, the more the light is reflected, and the more the sparkle.
Color: This is where the diamond gets it sparkle. Diamonds range from colorless to faint yellow. The brightest and most expensive have the least color.
Carat: this is the weight of the diamond, which determines its size. Diamonds are measured in carats, with 1 carat weighing 0.2 grams.
Cut: This is the diamond’s shape. A diamond with a good cut means that all the facets are in the right proportions to each other, and different shapes, such as emerald, oval or round, have different, perfect, angles.
Avoid Conflict or Blood Diamonds
Blood diamonds, or conflict diamonds, are stones from countries such as Angola, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the proceeds fund military and terrorist operations. While wars in many of those places have decreased in intensity, blood diamonds from certain areas are still being sold, and have caused massive human suffering.
Your engagement ring should reflect your joy and love. You can do your part by ensuring that the proceeds from your diamond will not been used to harm people in other countries. Jewelers committed to selling conflict-free diamonds often have systems in place to ensure no blood diamonds get in. Ask them about certification to ensure that the diamonds are conflict free.
Buying an engagement ring can be confusing. There are several other aspects that you should be aware of in choosing the gem and the setting, before you buy that special engagement ring.
Different type of Colored Diamond
January 20, 2008
Diamonds are mined in over 25 countries around the world, on every continent but most wholesale diamond activity is centered in Europe and New York. Although most diamonds are of the traditional, clear type, diamonds of every color are found naturally. Colored diamonds are the same structurally as normal diamonds, but contain trace amounts of other minerals, which give them their special cover.
Diamond possesses many qualities, which make it an ideal gemstone. It is extremely hard, and also very tough and hard wearing, and this also helps it to take a very high polish. Some hard articles are brittle which detracts from their durability. There are some things, which are harder than diamond. In its pure form it is colorless, has a high refractive index, so has a very high luster. It possesses high dispersion, meaning that different light wavelengths are diffracted differently, giving a strong scintillating play of prismatic colors.
Pure diamond, if such a thing exists, is colorless. Most diamonds are slightly colored, even if the coloring is almost imperceptible. The commonest color is yellow, which is caused by tiny amounts of nitrogen being present in the crystal structure; others are gray, light brown or greenish. Diamond can be almost any color, although strongly colored attractive specimens are very rare, and as such are not actively promoted. Probably in case consumers realize that blue, red, green and other colors are attractive, and start buying sapphires, rubies, emeralds and other gemstones instead of diamonds! As with many gemstones, colors can be artificially produced or modified.
Colored diamonds in trade go under the name “fancy color”. Because of their rarity they are held in very esteem, especially when the color displays an intense saturation. The most valuable diamond, however are the completely colorless stones- in this respect diamond is the only gemstone whose colorlessness renders it more valuable.
Some fancy colored diamonds are produced by irradiation and subsequent heat treatment. Natural fancy colored diamonds command very high prices, especially the more popular colors. Fancy colored diamonds where the color has been artificially produced are no less beautiful, but sell for more normal prices. We occasionally have fancy colored diamonds available in blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, brown, and even black.
Sapphire Gemstones - A Buying Guide
January 20, 2008
Fine colored gemstones have never been more popular. Not long ago, only a diamond would be thought suitable for an engagement ring. But today many precious and semi-precious stones are chosen instead of diamond. This trend gained momentum when Princess Diana chose a blue sapphire for her engagement ring.
Sapphire, the blue variety of the mineral corundum, has long been one of the most highly esteemed of precious stones. It combines excellent hardness and wearability with outstanding brilliance and luster. And it is hard to equal the velvety deep blue of a sapphire, especially when set with white diamonds. Blue sapphire is thought to symbolize sincerity and faithfulness.
But the classic blue is not the only choice in sapphire. Here is some useful information on sapphire colors and what to look for in a fine sapphire.
Sapphire Colors
Blue continues to be the top-selling color in sapphire, though there is actually a range of blue tones from light blue to midnight blue. But not all sapphires are blue. You might be surprised at the wide choice of sapphire colors. They include shades of pink, yellow, green, orange and a very rare pink-orange known as padparadscha. You won’t find sapphires in red, however. That’s because red sapphire is known as ruby! Ruby and sapphire are actually the same mineral, corundum.
Yellow sapphire has become a very popular choice recently, probably due to the popularity of yellow diamonds. While yellow sapphires are hardly inexpensive, they are certainly far cheaper than yellow diamonds, yet have a combination of hardness and brilliance that rival diamond.
Yellow sapphire is colored by traces of iron. These stones are available in shades from the palest yellow to intense yellow-gold. The darker yellow tones are achieved through heat treatment, with some of the brighter shades created by a lattice diffusion treatment using beryllium.
Many sapphires that appear green actually consist of fine alternating bands of blue and yellow sapphire, which may be visible under the microscope.
What to Look For in a Fine Sapphire
In the case of blue sapphire one should look at the intensity of the blue as the most important factor in deciding the value. For example, you may have a huge stone of many carats, but if the color is a washed-out, weak blue, then the value of the stone will be lower. Look for a stone that has an intense, rich blue without being dark or inky. Overall, sapphires that are too dark and inky or too light in color are valued less.
Sapphires tend to be cleaner than ruby in regards to clarity. Look for stones that are eye-clean. This means that no inclusions or defects are visible to the naked eye. Actually, extremely fine silk or rutile throughout the stone can enhance the value of some sapphires. The famous sapphires from Kashmir have a velvety blue color which is caused by this fine silk. However, too much silk weakens the color, making it appear undesirably grayish. Another thing to look for is color consistency. The color should be consistent throughout the gem, with little or no color zoning. Study some sapphire information before you go shopping.
Various shapes and cutting styles are common with sapphires. Ovals, cushions, and rounds are seen, as are other shapes such as the heart or emerald cut. Round stones often command a small premium because it takes more rough material to cut a round stone. Round stones are also easier to set since commercial settings can easily be adapted to round stones of any size.
Untreated sapphires are especially valuable. But these days it is rare to find untreated stones in the market — the vast majority of sapphires have been heat treated to improve the color and clarity. Look first for color; second for clarity; and third for cut. Compare a large number of sapphires before you make your choice. It’s better to buy a smaller stone that is very fine than a larger gem of poor color or clarity.
Three Stone Diamond Engagement Rings
January 20, 2008
Engagement rings are the most precious gifts received from a loved one. They are regarded as a token of love and should be extraordinary, to make the magical, romantic moment even more special. On account of the importance of engagement rings, a number of diamond sellers and jewellers offer exclusive collections of these rings in different designs, stones and cuts. Diamonds are considered more valuable than other stones, due to their sparkle and shine. They are attractive and have the romantic appeal to impress any woman. Hence, diamond engagement rings are widely available, in a large variety to choose from. Three stone diamond rings are unique creations and are readily available in the market. These rings generally come with round, princess and oval diamonds and are regarded as the perfect choice in engagement rings.
Three stone diamond engagement rings are said to represent the past, present and future of a relationship and are rightly called “eternity rings.” Some of these rings are designed only with diamonds, whereas some others are made with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Though three stone diamond engagement rings are available in white gold and yellow gold varieties, some jewelers offer three stone rings, set in platinum. The platinum used in these rings is of the finest quality, adding quality to the creations. Some of the three stone diamond rings are available in timeless designs that provide an elegant feel. Some display very bold designs, capturing instant attention.
Three stone diamond engagement rings can be custom made. These rings can be created in any size, shape and with diamonds of particular weight, to suit the budget. The three stone diamond rings symbolize eternal love and prove to be the ideal testimony to an everlasting commitment. They make the perfect gifts and are well received always.
Why Should You Buy Fake Jewelry?
January 20, 2008
Cubic Zirconia is often used to imitate diamonds because of its visual similarity to diamonds. Its hardness and brilliance can pass it off for diamond itself. CZ has its own beauty. Unfortunately, since it has often been used to mimic diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds, cubic zirconia jewelry is often though of as imitation jewelry, or fakes.
Imitation jewelry really is a girl’s best friend if she has to pay for them herself.
Fancy the gorgeous rubie and diamond necklace your favourite celeb wore in a movie? How about J.Lo’s wedding ring? Or the fancy jewels seen at the oscars.
How would those jewels look on you?
Can’t afford them?
Probably not the ones the stars are wearing which are probably set with real diamonds, emeralds, sapphire and rubies, and come with bodyguards to ward off potential snatch thieves.
That doesn’t mean you’ll have to do without jewelry that looks like the ones the celebs wear though. You can always wear cubic zirconia jewelry which resembles the ones from the best jewelers or the movie set.
Come to think of it, those who can afford to wear necklaces with huge diamonds and who own such treasures may be wearing imitation jewelry in public. Precious stones, especially those large enough to turn heads attract thieves. Those who have the means would probably lock the real gems in safe, and have a duplicate of their jewelry made using cubic zirconia or other imitation rocks. These fakes are worn in public to protect the real jewels.
The Endless Loop of the Eternity Engagement Ring Represents Everlasting Love
January 20, 2008
Eternity engagement rings are a stylish and classy way to enter into holy matrimony together. Eternity rings have historically been given as anniversary bands, worn in addition to engagement and wedding rings. But you know what? You can wear them any way you want. They can be worn alone, instead of with a traditional engagement ring, or with a wedding band, or with both.
When not given as engagement rings, eternity bands are often presented for a special marriage anniversary year. They are also given as gifts for overcoming major obstacles in a relationship or as “push gifts” which is in layman’s terms, a present for giving birth. There is really no right or wrong time to present your love with an eternity ring and it’s guaranteed that she will appreciate one, no matter the occasion.
While diamonds are most frequently seen on eternity engagment rings, other gemstones such as rubies, sapphires, emeralds, etc. can be used as well. Square and oblong stones are often used with eternity engagement rings, because they don’t interrupt the continuity of the flow of diamonds on the band.
A full eternity engagement ring has diamonds completely surrounding the band while a half eternity engagement ring has diamonds surrounding only half of the band, centered around the front of the ring. Half eternity engagement rings may be more popular then full eternity engagement rings because they cost quite a bit less….the math shouldn’t be too complicated…less diamonds = less money. Also, full eternity engagement rings cannot be resized, which can be a problem depending on how much a ring finger expands and shrinks throughout one’s lifetime. One advantage to the full eternity ring is that no matter how much the ring rotates around one’s finger, the diamonds will always show.
Looking at Diamond Rings? Diamonds Weren’t Always So Popular
January 20, 2008
So you’re thinking of purchasing a Diamond for that special someone in your life. Less than a hundred years ago, you most likely wouldn’t have bought a diamond for use as an engagement ring. Gold, along with other precious gems such as Rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds were more popular.
Don’t get me wrong…diamonds have held special meaning, and later on value, for close to three thousand years. Back then they were valued for their ability to refract light for decorative purposes and to ward off evil spirits. In the Dark Ages, diamonds were used to supposedly heal people from the rampant illnesses of those times. They were even ingested to try and cure people’s diseases - unfortunately to no avail. In the Middle Ages, people began to value diamonds more for their beauty and worth than for their mystical or medicinal purposes. Not until major discoveries in South Africa in the middle of the nineteenth century has there ever been enough diamonds available for sale to the public on a large scale. The supply of diamonds had to be in place before an ingenious campaign was started to mass market them to the public like never before.
You have probably heard of the diamond company called De Beers. They coined a slogan in 1947 - “Diamonds Are Forever” that allowed them to sell their mountains of diamonds to newly wealthy Americans, Europeans and eventually the rest of the world. Diamonds are composed of pure, simple Carbon - The most common element on Earth. How was it that such a simple element found in nature has became the obsession of most every bride for the last 60 plus years?
It’s all about image, and it’s all about marketing. The Diamond was reinvented by De Beers. The slogan “Diamonds Are Forever” says it all. Diamonds, until very recently, were the hardest substance known to man. On the Mohs scale of hardness 1-10, Diamonds are the hardest substance at number 10. A diamond can scratch every other mineral and thus nothing but another diamond can scratch it. Therefore, diamonds forever maintain their finish, keep their brilliance and don’t break or crack unless inflicted with a severe blow or put in harsh contact with other diamonds.
De Beers realized that a relationship was supposed to be Forever…”Until Death Do Us Part”, so it gave them a perfect opening to introduce something that would also last Forever and something they had an abundance of - a mineral and gemstone called a Diamond that would last Forever just like a couple’s undying love. It was a match made in business heaven. What better gemstone to give in an engagement ring than the most durable mineral and gemstone known to man. It made sense to everyone and to this day it still makes sense. As a takeoff from Hallmark’s slogan, one could say “When you care enough to give the very best, give her Diamonds”
So, in a relatively short period of time, our culture has completely changed what we give our loved ones for their engagement, wedding, anniversary or special occasion. We have come a long way from the beginning of the 20th Century when gold, rubies, sapphires and emeralds were king. Because of the De Beers advertising campaign and our increasing recognition of durable, quality goods, we now choose diamonds more than other gemstones for these special occasions. Of course, it now seems natural since they are the “Forever” gemstone. And for those of you who still prefer the color of rubies, sapphires and emeralds, you are in luck. Diamonds come in just about every color imaginable. So you can now have your cake and eat it too. Fancy colored diamonds are becoming more and more available.
Nitestones - Montana Sapphires
January 20, 2008
Nitestone is a term given to Montana Sapphires because of their sparkle and slight color change achieved under evening light. Precision diamond cutting achieves a brightness that exceeds other sapphires and makes them sparkle like diamonds. Montana stones have tremendous light refraction.
Montana sapphires are truly some of the finest quality sapphires in the world. They come in a variety of colors. They are COMPLETELY NATURAL gemstones.
Sapphire was first discovered in Montana in the late 1800’s by gold miners working the gravels of Missouri River near Helena. The gold prospectors discovered the Gem Mountain sapphire deposit in 1892. Since that time, this mine has produced 180 million carats of sapphire.
When modern heat treatment processes were introduced, Montana sapphire production went through the roof.
Unfortunately, the sapphires from this location (Gem Mountain) are usually quite small. However, the color and clarity of these gems make up for it. They come in red, orange, yellow, green, pink and blue. They also come in a combination of these colors and because of their color changes under evening lighting they are extremely unique.
Most of the gem grade sapphire in the market place is heat-treated. When Montana sapphire is properly heat treated, they explode with color. Diamond cutting brings out a brilliance under various lighting conditions that is unique to these gemstones. It is very difficult to find Montana sapphires that are gem quality without being heat-treated.
There are four basic Montana sapphire regions but Rock Creek is known for its distinctly sharp colors. The colors range from cornflower blue to red/orange to mint green. Spokane Bar and Eldorado Bar are other sapphire regions and located on either side of Houser Lake.
Please visit www.gemsofcoloronline.com to view some of these incredibly beautiful and unique sapphires.
We have been in the colored gemstone business for over twenty-five years. We purchase rough gemstone material from the source and cut our own stones. This eliminates the middlemen, which allows for tremendous savings that we pass on to our customers. All of our Montana gemstones are diamond cut to exacting standards achieving maximum brilliance and clarity. Diamond cutting achieves a brightness that exceeds other native cuts.
