These loose diamonds are those which one can use if he or she wants customized jewelery pieces. It was first mined in the land of India years ago. Up until today, many prefer this diamonds especially for diamond engagement rings because jewelers have also now prepared ring fitters to allow one to choose which set of diamonds he wants to put into the ring. He chooses for and creates some unique styles of diamond rings that suit the likes of the woman he loves. Or one can also express his feelings by the way he wants the loose diamonds to be put into the ring. With loose diamonds, diamond cut engagement rings and even wedding rings and anniversary rings are never this special and very personal.
Upon hearing that specialized and personalized diamond rings can be done with the use of loose diamonds, the first thing that will come to mind is the price. Actually, it is never a problem because this diamonds are very affordable, and having it done for an engagement ring is even less expensive. This is not to say that since it is less expensive, diamond rings with loose diamonds are also less beautiful. They are just the same as the diamonds that are usually found and mined in Africa. The only difference is, one buys it as diamonds, not yet done in rings or any piece of jewellery. That is the reason why men are encouraged to look for jewelery stores and really prepare for a much sweeter way of proposing marriage to the women they love. Engagement rings are very special to women, especially when they are given diamond cut engagement rings. There really is something very special about diamonds. Maybe it is in the way it glimmers and sparkles, or it is in the way that it is cut, just as sexy and elegant.
So, to give men some tips in looking and buying for loose diamonds for their engagement rings, here are some tips. Of course, men must always ask for the carat. Women will more appreciate higher carats, but be practical. Higher carats often come with higher prices. Aside from the carat, be sure to take note of the color of the diamonds. Always consider what color will the woman appreciate for an engagement ring? Take note that the woman will keep and wear this ring wherever she goes, so might as well pick one that is beautiful and sophisticated. Cut and clarity are also to be considered because these two will determine the quality and elegance of the engagement rings. The shape of the loose diamonds also are to be considered because one can choose over emerald cut, heart, oval, princess, pear, among others. Be sure to check on the personality of the woman you are buying these loose diamonds for. They will surely have a say on the ring after it has been given to them. There are many jewellery stores providing loose diamonds with different colors, cuts, and carats. There are also online stores for these. However, it is best that one scrutinizes first the ring before actually buying it because engagement rings are something special and expensive that one cannot afford to buy a wrong one. So when buying loose diamonds, always remember that it is more unique, less expensive and engagement rings with loose diamonds can always be as beautiful as other diamond rings.
Showing posts with label Diamonds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diamonds. Show all posts
Friday, 1 January 2010
Sunday, 13 December 2009
Engagement Ring 101 For Him!
This is strictly for helping guys pick an engagement ring for those who have allowed themselves to become ensnared by that most dangerous and ferocious of beasts; the female of our species.
I kid you not; choose an engagement ring at your own considerable, personal peril and those around you. If you want the very best advice for choosing an engagement ring it is to take a pull ring from a Coke can, go down on one knee (it used to be two but beheadings are no longer legal) and using your prosthetic engagement ring propose with that on the strict undertaking you will allow her to go choose a ring she wants for herself.
If you are still reading this we can see why you are bent on this path down to matrimonial bliss - you are obstinate, foolhardy, deaf to advice and stubbornly determined; so herewith is the font of our wisdom when it comes to YOU choosing an engagement ring for her and may God be with you!
Rule One: Look at What She wears Now
Yes we know you probably have never done this before but you need to make a start!
Look at her jewelry she owns now and particularly what she claims are her favorite pieces but a hint for you will be to assess what she wears regularly. You should not be overt about this as men taking too close an interest in jewelry tends to unnerve ladies because they are so unused to this attention plus it is a dead giveaway you are planning "something" - be careful!
Consider the types and colors of metal she likes; there is gold, silver, platinum, white gold and other variations. Does she prefer diamonds or other gemstones such as sapphires or rubies; think about the style of jewelry such as whether it is modern, bold or subdued, maybe classical or ornate.
You will also easily get her ring size by using a bar of soap and imprinting one of her rings into it!
Rule Two: Her Opinion
Be prepared for this, once you are married there are two opinions - hers and whatever opinion she gives you.
The best way to find out her opinion is to take her shopping; if this is an unknown concept to you can simply take her to one of the big shopping malls and she will automatically guide you through the process. You are looking to see what catches her eye, what she looks at most closely or tries to wear while she makes up her mind - a great way to engineer the situation is to go to a jeweler and tell her you need some help in choosing a new watch. Nature will do the rest for you as she gravitates to the good stuff on display for ladies and you can sit back and watch; if possible you may contribute by saying something vaguely intelligent but best to keep quiet.
Rule Three: Exercise Your Judgment
Now we are on very dangerous ground here not least because exercising your judgment after you have judged she is the one for you can and will get you into a lot of hot water very quickly.
You will have to judge whether a ring will look good on her hands and fingers and some tips here are if she has short fingers, go for an elongated diamond shape such as an oval or marquise which will accentuate them and they will look longer. Wide ring bands will make her fingers look shorter though if your intended has long fingers she will be able to get away with bold ring styles though delicate ring settings will look lost on large hands.
You will also have to decide on the shape and setting for your engagement ring and most women choose a round diamond above all others. This popularity may not translate to your lady and she may prefer a square cut (also known as emerald cut), oval (pear shaped) or even a cluster of stones as opposed to a solitaire. This is where her existing jewelry will guide you in making the decision.
All that can now be said is "Good Luck!" - you are going to need it!
I kid you not; choose an engagement ring at your own considerable, personal peril and those around you. If you want the very best advice for choosing an engagement ring it is to take a pull ring from a Coke can, go down on one knee (it used to be two but beheadings are no longer legal) and using your prosthetic engagement ring propose with that on the strict undertaking you will allow her to go choose a ring she wants for herself.
If you are still reading this we can see why you are bent on this path down to matrimonial bliss - you are obstinate, foolhardy, deaf to advice and stubbornly determined; so herewith is the font of our wisdom when it comes to YOU choosing an engagement ring for her and may God be with you!
Rule One: Look at What She wears Now
Yes we know you probably have never done this before but you need to make a start!
Look at her jewelry she owns now and particularly what she claims are her favorite pieces but a hint for you will be to assess what she wears regularly. You should not be overt about this as men taking too close an interest in jewelry tends to unnerve ladies because they are so unused to this attention plus it is a dead giveaway you are planning "something" - be careful!
Consider the types and colors of metal she likes; there is gold, silver, platinum, white gold and other variations. Does she prefer diamonds or other gemstones such as sapphires or rubies; think about the style of jewelry such as whether it is modern, bold or subdued, maybe classical or ornate.
You will also easily get her ring size by using a bar of soap and imprinting one of her rings into it!
Rule Two: Her Opinion
Be prepared for this, once you are married there are two opinions - hers and whatever opinion she gives you.
The best way to find out her opinion is to take her shopping; if this is an unknown concept to you can simply take her to one of the big shopping malls and she will automatically guide you through the process. You are looking to see what catches her eye, what she looks at most closely or tries to wear while she makes up her mind - a great way to engineer the situation is to go to a jeweler and tell her you need some help in choosing a new watch. Nature will do the rest for you as she gravitates to the good stuff on display for ladies and you can sit back and watch; if possible you may contribute by saying something vaguely intelligent but best to keep quiet.
Rule Three: Exercise Your Judgment
Now we are on very dangerous ground here not least because exercising your judgment after you have judged she is the one for you can and will get you into a lot of hot water very quickly.
You will have to judge whether a ring will look good on her hands and fingers and some tips here are if she has short fingers, go for an elongated diamond shape such as an oval or marquise which will accentuate them and they will look longer. Wide ring bands will make her fingers look shorter though if your intended has long fingers she will be able to get away with bold ring styles though delicate ring settings will look lost on large hands.
You will also have to decide on the shape and setting for your engagement ring and most women choose a round diamond above all others. This popularity may not translate to your lady and she may prefer a square cut (also known as emerald cut), oval (pear shaped) or even a cluster of stones as opposed to a solitaire. This is where her existing jewelry will guide you in making the decision.
All that can now be said is "Good Luck!" - you are going to need it!
Monday, 16 November 2009
Diamonds Are the Perfect Gift For All Occassions
Diamonds are forever - made for each other - Diamonds are timeless stones that are never out of style whatever the hottest trend is. Every woman wants to own a diamond in some form, be it a necklace or a bracelet or a ring. Before, every woman has to wait for a suitable man to come and present her this sparkling gem as the engagement ring. But now the time has changed. Diamonds are now considered the best gifts any one can offer. Starting from daughter's marriage to the grandson's first birthday, diamonds have become a part of family. Families own a diamond and pass on to their generations. Besides platinum jewels available, diamonds are still favored by a huge community of people.
Diamond engagement rings come with variety of shades, color and sizes. This is where most men go confused in choosing the best for their better half. Whatever the diamond we choose, no two diamonds are unique. So, it is always the best you can give to your beloved. In the western civilization, diamonds are considered to have the ultimate romantic gestures and considered to bring love and affection for the couple.
That is why marriages occur with these diamond rings. Time has evolved and so are the diamonds as the new form of gifts. Presenting them on a momentous occasion like parents wedding anniversary is the happiest gift anyone can present to the parents. Even a graduation day can end up shining with a diamond bracelet.
The diamonds we see are even the ancestors of our great dinosaurs. They are the ancient gems still in use. Even diamonds are found in various colors. Each color has its own significance. Each can be used to present at suited occasions. The rarest of them however is the red diamond. So, if it is going to be the most unique person, then definitely it is the red diamond the gift. Nonetheless it comes in a highly expensive price. Diamonds are priced based on the four factors namely clarity, color, caret and cut.
Diamonds are mostly cut into less than 1 carat, which are sold at affordable cost compared to more than 1 carat diamonds. The color of diamond is yet again an important factor to consider. So, it is better to choose a diamond that most suits you just by matching your taste with any of these.
Most men believe that the diamonds bring true love among their girls. They somehow think that their soul mate will have faith in them only with a diamond engagement ring and trust in their next level of relationship. Even presenting a pendant or a diamond earring still is a great way of expressing the true love and it is not going to bring a false expression among the women.
Rather than a lot of other gifts, that are simply wasted by time or make, diamonds stand out as their best part as a gift. Diamonds are not only for a present generation, they are passed on to the next generations and considered as their family treasure. Diamonds never go unfashionable or even worn out. Instead of presenting a gift that bores, diamonds are great gifts that are adored. Diamonds are forever and truly a girl's friend.
Diamond engagement rings come with variety of shades, color and sizes. This is where most men go confused in choosing the best for their better half. Whatever the diamond we choose, no two diamonds are unique. So, it is always the best you can give to your beloved. In the western civilization, diamonds are considered to have the ultimate romantic gestures and considered to bring love and affection for the couple.
That is why marriages occur with these diamond rings. Time has evolved and so are the diamonds as the new form of gifts. Presenting them on a momentous occasion like parents wedding anniversary is the happiest gift anyone can present to the parents. Even a graduation day can end up shining with a diamond bracelet.
The diamonds we see are even the ancestors of our great dinosaurs. They are the ancient gems still in use. Even diamonds are found in various colors. Each color has its own significance. Each can be used to present at suited occasions. The rarest of them however is the red diamond. So, if it is going to be the most unique person, then definitely it is the red diamond the gift. Nonetheless it comes in a highly expensive price. Diamonds are priced based on the four factors namely clarity, color, caret and cut.
Diamonds are mostly cut into less than 1 carat, which are sold at affordable cost compared to more than 1 carat diamonds. The color of diamond is yet again an important factor to consider. So, it is better to choose a diamond that most suits you just by matching your taste with any of these.
Most men believe that the diamonds bring true love among their girls. They somehow think that their soul mate will have faith in them only with a diamond engagement ring and trust in their next level of relationship. Even presenting a pendant or a diamond earring still is a great way of expressing the true love and it is not going to bring a false expression among the women.
Rather than a lot of other gifts, that are simply wasted by time or make, diamonds stand out as their best part as a gift. Diamonds are not only for a present generation, they are passed on to the next generations and considered as their family treasure. Diamonds never go unfashionable or even worn out. Instead of presenting a gift that bores, diamonds are great gifts that are adored. Diamonds are forever and truly a girl's friend.
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Cultured Vs Natural Diamonds
"Cultured" diamonds are one type of artificial diamond. They have been small and limited to industrial uses, while synthetic diamonds have been produced for decades. Cultured diamonds, then again, can be up to 2 carats and come in a selection of colors such as pink, orange, yellow, and the most common transparent diamonds, making them appropriate for jewelry accessories. Cultured diamonds are shaped using a recently invented production system that grows the crystals from a seed under high temperature and pressure.
Natural loose diamonds always have structural indiscretion or chemical impurities. Because of this, imperfections must be added to simulate the look of natural diamonds. While colored diamonds (for instance, Jennifer Lopez's pink diamond engagement ring) are enormously uncommon in nature, they are cheaper to produce because they take only a few days to cultivate as compared to several weeks for transparent diamonds. The period for producing cultured diamonds may be shortened as the manufacturing methods are perfected.
Unlike cultured diamonds, cubic zirconia (shortened CZ) is made up of a different substance than natural diamonds. CZ consists mostly of zirconium dioxide. Consequently, its chemical properties are close to, but are unlike those of diamonds. While CZ is heavier, it does not have the 'fire' or light dispersion that diamonds have. In normal conditions, cultured diamonds and diamonds are considered 500 times harder than cubic zirconia.
There are a number of claims which states that cubic zirconia cannot be easily differentiated from a natural diamond when seen by the unaided eye. This may be true for people who are not in the jewelry business. However, simple lab tests can easily differentiate them because they are made of different materials. On the other hand, there is no way to differentiate between a cultured diamond and a natural diamond. This information causes huge dismay to the diamond commerce, which is racing to expand differentiating processes.
In order to prevent confusion, the companies that are manufacturing these cultured diamonds are taking procedures to mark their diamonds. For instance, they may laser engrave them or put in trace impurities. If this is not done, diamond buyers would not be able to know if the diamond they are buying came from a machine or from a natural mine. A natural diamond might command a high value due to the expense of mining and its apparent rarity. An unprincipled seller might pass off a far less luxurious cultured diamond as a real diamond.
Natural loose diamonds always have structural indiscretion or chemical impurities. Because of this, imperfections must be added to simulate the look of natural diamonds. While colored diamonds (for instance, Jennifer Lopez's pink diamond engagement ring) are enormously uncommon in nature, they are cheaper to produce because they take only a few days to cultivate as compared to several weeks for transparent diamonds. The period for producing cultured diamonds may be shortened as the manufacturing methods are perfected.
Unlike cultured diamonds, cubic zirconia (shortened CZ) is made up of a different substance than natural diamonds. CZ consists mostly of zirconium dioxide. Consequently, its chemical properties are close to, but are unlike those of diamonds. While CZ is heavier, it does not have the 'fire' or light dispersion that diamonds have. In normal conditions, cultured diamonds and diamonds are considered 500 times harder than cubic zirconia.
There are a number of claims which states that cubic zirconia cannot be easily differentiated from a natural diamond when seen by the unaided eye. This may be true for people who are not in the jewelry business. However, simple lab tests can easily differentiate them because they are made of different materials. On the other hand, there is no way to differentiate between a cultured diamond and a natural diamond. This information causes huge dismay to the diamond commerce, which is racing to expand differentiating processes.
In order to prevent confusion, the companies that are manufacturing these cultured diamonds are taking procedures to mark their diamonds. For instance, they may laser engrave them or put in trace impurities. If this is not done, diamond buyers would not be able to know if the diamond they are buying came from a machine or from a natural mine. A natural diamond might command a high value due to the expense of mining and its apparent rarity. An unprincipled seller might pass off a far less luxurious cultured diamond as a real diamond.
Friday, 6 November 2009
Diamond Anniversary Rings - An Overwhelming Expression of Love
You probably are on the brink of completing a year of happy marriage. Do you know what could be an exotic way of winning the heart of your beloved wife? Diamond anniversary rings to gift yourselves could be an exotic and sentimental way of reminding yourself of the vows of togetherness that you at no point of time would want to stray away from. This is indeed an ultimate expression of love where the diamond anniversary rings would speak more than words. This is a way of re-emphasizing how much your spouse is loved in spite of the ups and downs that life would probably take you through. In fact diamonds autograph a new beginning in one's life where you could look forward to some of life's choicest experiences where love, happiness and goodness would be remarkably bounteous!
By choosing to exchange diamond anniversary rings you could also be marking the celebration of your silver or for that matter even you golden jubilee. Isn't it worth the pomp and show? Well, long years of togetherness certainly need something special to make its mark! Diamonds studded in different metals only enhances its beauty better. Anything with the diamond is highly appreciated around the world. Ever since Internet has become a great market for buying and selling products right from a hairpin to a car and even diamonds, there are some exclusive online diamond jewellery shops that make no compromise in serving their customers with some of the best designs and spectacularly crafted jewellery. While, on your hunt for genuine diamond jewelers, you're sure to come across sites where you have the facility of customizing your own diamond rings with just the click of the mouse. http://www.diamondsonweb.com/ is one such store that gives you a variety of shapes, colors of diamonds, setting style and ring design to combine. With this enhancement on the site, one gets to visualize and give life to their fantasy before actually purchasing it online. The glitter in the diamonds personifies the radiance of freshness, happiness and true long lasting love. This is why the diamond is considered incomparable to any other stone in the world.
Across cultures, this precious stone-the diamond has its unanimous popularity owing to the effects it gives the wearer. Did you know that diamonds combat certain astrological imbalances to give you a perfect and smooth going life? Wouldn't you be giving you marriage a new positive touch of romance and love by purchasing the diamond anniversary rings which is of course an this extravagant buy but definitely a valuable one. This indulgence is worth it as nothing beyond this could aptly befit the occasion of reminding yourself of the lovely years you've spent together, growing and learning from each other as you celebrate you wedding anniversary. Three diamonds set in a platinum ring are very significant as they symbolically raise a toast to the past, present and future. Cluster setting, bar setting, bezel setting that makes it look like a watch dial, a claw setting or a channel setting are some of the basic styles in which a diamond is held against the metal. Each style is exclusive to the kind of diamond you would like to set. At times you may want a number of small diamonds clustered together or one big oval or circular shaped diamond held in a claw like pattern where the diamond gives a 3-D effect and makes its outstanding presence on your personality felt. This could reach you to what you have on mind.
Keep the survey on and find out which place can offer you the best diamond anniversary rings. Get your beloved's ring size and also go to a specialist who can tell you what ring style will best suit her. Remember that the ring is not just made for her finger but is made so exclusively beautiful that it envelops her with an aura of glitter-the best expression of your love!
By choosing to exchange diamond anniversary rings you could also be marking the celebration of your silver or for that matter even you golden jubilee. Isn't it worth the pomp and show? Well, long years of togetherness certainly need something special to make its mark! Diamonds studded in different metals only enhances its beauty better. Anything with the diamond is highly appreciated around the world. Ever since Internet has become a great market for buying and selling products right from a hairpin to a car and even diamonds, there are some exclusive online diamond jewellery shops that make no compromise in serving their customers with some of the best designs and spectacularly crafted jewellery. While, on your hunt for genuine diamond jewelers, you're sure to come across sites where you have the facility of customizing your own diamond rings with just the click of the mouse. http://www.diamondsonweb.com/ is one such store that gives you a variety of shapes, colors of diamonds, setting style and ring design to combine. With this enhancement on the site, one gets to visualize and give life to their fantasy before actually purchasing it online. The glitter in the diamonds personifies the radiance of freshness, happiness and true long lasting love. This is why the diamond is considered incomparable to any other stone in the world.
Across cultures, this precious stone-the diamond has its unanimous popularity owing to the effects it gives the wearer. Did you know that diamonds combat certain astrological imbalances to give you a perfect and smooth going life? Wouldn't you be giving you marriage a new positive touch of romance and love by purchasing the diamond anniversary rings which is of course an this extravagant buy but definitely a valuable one. This indulgence is worth it as nothing beyond this could aptly befit the occasion of reminding yourself of the lovely years you've spent together, growing and learning from each other as you celebrate you wedding anniversary. Three diamonds set in a platinum ring are very significant as they symbolically raise a toast to the past, present and future. Cluster setting, bar setting, bezel setting that makes it look like a watch dial, a claw setting or a channel setting are some of the basic styles in which a diamond is held against the metal. Each style is exclusive to the kind of diamond you would like to set. At times you may want a number of small diamonds clustered together or one big oval or circular shaped diamond held in a claw like pattern where the diamond gives a 3-D effect and makes its outstanding presence on your personality felt. This could reach you to what you have on mind.
Keep the survey on and find out which place can offer you the best diamond anniversary rings. Get your beloved's ring size and also go to a specialist who can tell you what ring style will best suit her. Remember that the ring is not just made for her finger but is made so exclusively beautiful that it envelops her with an aura of glitter-the best expression of your love!
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Conflict Diamonds Are Paid For With Blood
If you are in the market for a beautiful piece of diamond jewelry, such as an engagement ring, it is vital that you pause to consider where that beautiful diamond comes from. Although diamonds have for long been loved and admired for their unique beauty, people have not known anything about where they actually come from. Now that is changing, as more and more people have access to information. You may have heard of conflict diamonds and perhaps you would like to avoid buying any; however, finding out if they are conflict diamonds is actually more difficult than you might think.
The way African wars have been conducted has changed drastically as a direct result of the trade in conflict diamonds. Through the blood diamond trade rebel or terrorist groups are able to secure the funds that they need to exist and to finance their wars. As a result, hundreds of thousands of innocent men, women and children have been injured, tortured, mutilated and killed. Conflict diamonds mean misery and suffering for countless ordinary civilians.
Angola is one country that has suffered due to the diamond trade. After gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, there were several groups who fought for control of the country, and UNITA, the National Union for the Total Control of Angola, was one of them. This group sold diamonds abroad in order to finance their war on their government. In Cote d'Ivoire, a route has developed in order to take diamonds out of Liberia and the war zone of Sierra Leone. The Republic of Congo, despite having no official diamond mining industry, has faced sanctions due to the export of large numbers of diamonds with no explanation of where they are from.
The free world has begun looking into means that will allow them to curtail the use of the diamond market by people who would finance military action, but in many cases it has been a hard struggle. The biggest step towards this goal is known as the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. Pushed through by the UN, this is a process that is designed to certify the origin of all rough diamonds that have come from sources that are considered conflict free. The primary goal of the Kimberley Process is to halt the movement of blood diamonds into retail space and to ensure that human rights abuse funded through the illegal trade of diamonds is stopped.
Currently, there are 48 parties that actively participate in the Kimberley Process, with 74 countries represented. These participants include all major countries who have a hand in producing, importing and exporting diamonds. This is certainly an important step when it comes to banning the presence of blood diamonds in the market, but the truth of the matter is that the process still has a long way to go. There is a great deal of debate when it comes to ascertaining how diamonds are sourced and even how to track them.
If you are in a place where you are considering the purchase of a diamond, what are your choices going to be? Making it a priority to purchase only conflict-free diamonds is one thing, but how do you follow through? More than one conscientious consumer has run into a brick wall when searching out conflict free diamonds. They may be told that there is no way of telling where the diamonds are from, or they may be pushed off in other ways.
But if you are determined not to purchase a blood diamond, there are certain things that you can do that might help. Firstly, ask the jeweler to tell you where the diamonds originated. However, because there are many dishonest people out there you need more than just their word on the matter, and so, secondly, request proof that the diamonds are not conflict diamonds. If the jewelry company you are dealing with cannot provide you with written copies of their policy when it comes to blood diamonds, or statements from their suppliers, then this should definitely be viewed with suspicion on your part.
Although it might require some extra effort, it is so important that you do your bit in helping to ban the blood diamond trade. Your conscience will be clear because you will also know that you have not contributed in any way to the ongoing suffering of countless thousands of innocent people.
The way African wars have been conducted has changed drastically as a direct result of the trade in conflict diamonds. Through the blood diamond trade rebel or terrorist groups are able to secure the funds that they need to exist and to finance their wars. As a result, hundreds of thousands of innocent men, women and children have been injured, tortured, mutilated and killed. Conflict diamonds mean misery and suffering for countless ordinary civilians.
Angola is one country that has suffered due to the diamond trade. After gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, there were several groups who fought for control of the country, and UNITA, the National Union for the Total Control of Angola, was one of them. This group sold diamonds abroad in order to finance their war on their government. In Cote d'Ivoire, a route has developed in order to take diamonds out of Liberia and the war zone of Sierra Leone. The Republic of Congo, despite having no official diamond mining industry, has faced sanctions due to the export of large numbers of diamonds with no explanation of where they are from.
The free world has begun looking into means that will allow them to curtail the use of the diamond market by people who would finance military action, but in many cases it has been a hard struggle. The biggest step towards this goal is known as the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. Pushed through by the UN, this is a process that is designed to certify the origin of all rough diamonds that have come from sources that are considered conflict free. The primary goal of the Kimberley Process is to halt the movement of blood diamonds into retail space and to ensure that human rights abuse funded through the illegal trade of diamonds is stopped.
Currently, there are 48 parties that actively participate in the Kimberley Process, with 74 countries represented. These participants include all major countries who have a hand in producing, importing and exporting diamonds. This is certainly an important step when it comes to banning the presence of blood diamonds in the market, but the truth of the matter is that the process still has a long way to go. There is a great deal of debate when it comes to ascertaining how diamonds are sourced and even how to track them.
If you are in a place where you are considering the purchase of a diamond, what are your choices going to be? Making it a priority to purchase only conflict-free diamonds is one thing, but how do you follow through? More than one conscientious consumer has run into a brick wall when searching out conflict free diamonds. They may be told that there is no way of telling where the diamonds are from, or they may be pushed off in other ways.
But if you are determined not to purchase a blood diamond, there are certain things that you can do that might help. Firstly, ask the jeweler to tell you where the diamonds originated. However, because there are many dishonest people out there you need more than just their word on the matter, and so, secondly, request proof that the diamonds are not conflict diamonds. If the jewelry company you are dealing with cannot provide you with written copies of their policy when it comes to blood diamonds, or statements from their suppliers, then this should definitely be viewed with suspicion on your part.
Although it might require some extra effort, it is so important that you do your bit in helping to ban the blood diamond trade. Your conscience will be clear because you will also know that you have not contributed in any way to the ongoing suffering of countless thousands of innocent people.
Saturday, 24 October 2009
Some Reasons For Designing Your Own Engagement Rings
You have heard a lot about the people who have preferred for designing of their own engagement rings. If you are also about to shop for the rings for your bride-to-be, then we offer you the right reasons for asking the jewelers to make the rings as per your specifications.
A usual reason for many couples designing their own rings is that they do not find satisfaction in the run-of-the-mill jewelry products found in a shop. Pre-set rings are available to all the people and many women are already wearing the ring design that you will buy. So, the novelty and uniqueness is almost missing in the ready to wear jewelries. Clearly, if you want to offer a unique gift of the ring to your woman, you should be making such a piece of your own specification.
To design such engagement rings, you need to draw a sketch on the paper and you can take help of anyone if you are not good at the drawing. You can compare some settings and designs of the rings online or in a physical store to have a glimpse of the current trends in the jewelry. Then, you should settle for a particular cut of the diamond.
You should compare princess cut, cushion cut or round brilliant cut of the diamond and see which one of them will be more attractive. Then, select a prong, bezel, channel, pave or any other setting for the ring. You should also choose from yellow gold, white gold and platinum metals for the ring. Keep all these factors in mind while making the sketch of the ring of your choice to arrive at the right design.
Take the specifications and the sketch to an experienced jeweler who designs engagement rings. Make sure to tell the jeweler that you will take the finished ring to the other jewelers for second opinion. This will force the jeweler to pay full attention for making the ring perfect with all the minute details.
Besides having a ring of your own specification, the option of designing of the rings is also beneficial for lowering the costs. if you are on a tight budget and cannot afford expensive pre-set diamond rings, then you can reduced the cost to larger extent by selecting an affordable design.
To slash the costs of engagement rings, you can purchase a loose diamond or many smaller diamonds that have invisible flaws. Such gems may also have yellowish color but its prices are lower. If you can cut the costs on the diamonds, the jewelry will be much more affordable. Or, you can settle for gemstones that are cheaper.
Similarly, designing of the jewelery also gives you the option of a cheaper metal like white gold instead of platinum. You can also settle for some cheaper settings that are simple but elegant. To reduce the costs further, explore the internet also for purchasing the loose gems and designing of the ring in simple steps. But ensure that the online jeweler is reliable and has a return policy too.
A usual reason for many couples designing their own rings is that they do not find satisfaction in the run-of-the-mill jewelry products found in a shop. Pre-set rings are available to all the people and many women are already wearing the ring design that you will buy. So, the novelty and uniqueness is almost missing in the ready to wear jewelries. Clearly, if you want to offer a unique gift of the ring to your woman, you should be making such a piece of your own specification.
To design such engagement rings, you need to draw a sketch on the paper and you can take help of anyone if you are not good at the drawing. You can compare some settings and designs of the rings online or in a physical store to have a glimpse of the current trends in the jewelry. Then, you should settle for a particular cut of the diamond.
You should compare princess cut, cushion cut or round brilliant cut of the diamond and see which one of them will be more attractive. Then, select a prong, bezel, channel, pave or any other setting for the ring. You should also choose from yellow gold, white gold and platinum metals for the ring. Keep all these factors in mind while making the sketch of the ring of your choice to arrive at the right design.
Take the specifications and the sketch to an experienced jeweler who designs engagement rings. Make sure to tell the jeweler that you will take the finished ring to the other jewelers for second opinion. This will force the jeweler to pay full attention for making the ring perfect with all the minute details.
Besides having a ring of your own specification, the option of designing of the rings is also beneficial for lowering the costs. if you are on a tight budget and cannot afford expensive pre-set diamond rings, then you can reduced the cost to larger extent by selecting an affordable design.
To slash the costs of engagement rings, you can purchase a loose diamond or many smaller diamonds that have invisible flaws. Such gems may also have yellowish color but its prices are lower. If you can cut the costs on the diamonds, the jewelry will be much more affordable. Or, you can settle for gemstones that are cheaper.
Similarly, designing of the jewelery also gives you the option of a cheaper metal like white gold instead of platinum. You can also settle for some cheaper settings that are simple but elegant. To reduce the costs further, explore the internet also for purchasing the loose gems and designing of the ring in simple steps. But ensure that the online jeweler is reliable and has a return policy too.
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
All the Right Stuff
As its name indicates, this is a fashion ring for the right hand, a ring whose design and purpose are different from the engagement or wedding rings on the left. Those rings, usually a gift from a man, have their own romance and significance. The important difference about the Right-Hand Ring, however, is that it's intended to be a self-purchase, a gift a woman chooses for herself to celebrate who she is.
We tell our clients to think of a Right-Hand Ring as a personal statement of style and status. It's an ideal choice for jewelry lovers who have the financial means to buy it for themselves. And while the Right-Hand Ring can be of any style or made from any material, the most popular ones we've sold have been diamond rings.
Choose from classically elegant designs in platinum, white or yellow gold with prong-set, pave or channel-set diamonds. Many of the new rings are fairly wide, yet are comfortable and easy to wear because they are braided, woven or pierced like lace. The size and number of diamonds is always an option: Some rings sport a large center diamond, others are designed with many different sized stones, still others are entirely of pave. The design is another matter of personal choice. While many women prefer to coordinate the style of the Right-Hand Ring with their wedding and engagement rings, others want something totally different. As a result, jewelry designers have come up with a large variety of new looks to choose from. Come in today to view our selection of Right-Hand Rings and find the perfect one to reflect your taste and style.
We tell our clients to think of a Right-Hand Ring as a personal statement of style and status. It's an ideal choice for jewelry lovers who have the financial means to buy it for themselves. And while the Right-Hand Ring can be of any style or made from any material, the most popular ones we've sold have been diamond rings.
Choose from classically elegant designs in platinum, white or yellow gold with prong-set, pave or channel-set diamonds. Many of the new rings are fairly wide, yet are comfortable and easy to wear because they are braided, woven or pierced like lace. The size and number of diamonds is always an option: Some rings sport a large center diamond, others are designed with many different sized stones, still others are entirely of pave. The design is another matter of personal choice. While many women prefer to coordinate the style of the Right-Hand Ring with their wedding and engagement rings, others want something totally different. As a result, jewelry designers have come up with a large variety of new looks to choose from. Come in today to view our selection of Right-Hand Rings and find the perfect one to reflect your taste and style.
Thursday, 8 October 2009
On the Hunt For Your Diamond
Hunting for the perfect diamond engagement ring or indeed, a diamond for any other occasion is a task the uninitiated may sometimes feel overwhelmed by; diamonds sparkle but everything that sparkles is not gold! Certainly not "gold" when it comes to making the right decisions on the diamond of your choice!
Before you start looking for a diamond, take a few moments to educate yourself on how to spot a great diamond from a piece of squashed graphite: diamonds and graphite are made from exactly the same element - Carbon - but the process for making each of them is very different deep within the bowels of the earth.
Diamonds are formed at least fifty miles under our feet where the pressures defy belied and at extremely high temperatures which force the carbon atoms into a peculiar lattice structure and it is this atomic formation which gives diamonds their strength and beauty as well as three of the four factors which affect their value and the price you pay - "The Four C's".
The four C's are:
1. Color - this is something of a trick; the most valuable diamonds have no coloring at all which accentuates the brilliance and fire after they are cut and polished; many diamonds have a yellowish coloring and this decreases the luster and sparkle of the stone so the less color a diamond has the more valuable it is. As a side note, there are blue and pink diamonds which are exceedingly rare and these do have an astronomical price tag!
2. Clarity - when a diamond is forming in the earth, other material aside from carbon may be included in the mix - bubbles of gas or foreign matter, or as part of the process the growing diamond may have scratches or faults along the lattice - these may be visible or may not be; if they are visible this will impact the value of the diamond and you will pay much more for a flawless diamond than one with flaws. Even though your diamond may have flaws, there are considerable detailed classifications for how serious the flaws are - visible inclusions near the surface of the stone decrease the value much more than a tiny, invisible to the naked eye inclusion towards the base of the diamond.
3. Carat - this is a measure of weight drawn from ancient times when the seeds of the Carob tree were used as a counterbalance on the diamond weighing scales - one carob became one carat and this is equal to 0.2 grams. Be aware that the term carat is a measure of weight and not shape of size; a diamond may appear to be large from how it has been cut (see the following) but is in fact a lesser carat than another smaller looking stone. The more carats the more you will pay.
4. Cut - The only man-made part of the process which affects the value of a diamond; how it is cut will account for as much as 40% of the final value of the diamond itself. It is a highly skilled process practiced by exceptionally gifted craftsmen. The cut will determine the final shape and appearance of the stone but more importantly, how brilliant and fiery a diamond appears is directly related to how well it is cut. The sparkle of a diamond comes from the internal reflection of light entering the stone; it bounces around the interior of the diamond and this gives an amplified effect when it leaves the stone and enters your eye. Too shallow a cut and the light does not reflect so well as it simply passes through the stone; a good cut will maximize the internal reflection of light and it will enhance its sparkling appearance.
Before you start looking for a diamond, take a few moments to educate yourself on how to spot a great diamond from a piece of squashed graphite: diamonds and graphite are made from exactly the same element - Carbon - but the process for making each of them is very different deep within the bowels of the earth.
Diamonds are formed at least fifty miles under our feet where the pressures defy belied and at extremely high temperatures which force the carbon atoms into a peculiar lattice structure and it is this atomic formation which gives diamonds their strength and beauty as well as three of the four factors which affect their value and the price you pay - "The Four C's".
The four C's are:
1. Color - this is something of a trick; the most valuable diamonds have no coloring at all which accentuates the brilliance and fire after they are cut and polished; many diamonds have a yellowish coloring and this decreases the luster and sparkle of the stone so the less color a diamond has the more valuable it is. As a side note, there are blue and pink diamonds which are exceedingly rare and these do have an astronomical price tag!
2. Clarity - when a diamond is forming in the earth, other material aside from carbon may be included in the mix - bubbles of gas or foreign matter, or as part of the process the growing diamond may have scratches or faults along the lattice - these may be visible or may not be; if they are visible this will impact the value of the diamond and you will pay much more for a flawless diamond than one with flaws. Even though your diamond may have flaws, there are considerable detailed classifications for how serious the flaws are - visible inclusions near the surface of the stone decrease the value much more than a tiny, invisible to the naked eye inclusion towards the base of the diamond.
3. Carat - this is a measure of weight drawn from ancient times when the seeds of the Carob tree were used as a counterbalance on the diamond weighing scales - one carob became one carat and this is equal to 0.2 grams. Be aware that the term carat is a measure of weight and not shape of size; a diamond may appear to be large from how it has been cut (see the following) but is in fact a lesser carat than another smaller looking stone. The more carats the more you will pay.
4. Cut - The only man-made part of the process which affects the value of a diamond; how it is cut will account for as much as 40% of the final value of the diamond itself. It is a highly skilled process practiced by exceptionally gifted craftsmen. The cut will determine the final shape and appearance of the stone but more importantly, how brilliant and fiery a diamond appears is directly related to how well it is cut. The sparkle of a diamond comes from the internal reflection of light entering the stone; it bounces around the interior of the diamond and this gives an amplified effect when it leaves the stone and enters your eye. Too shallow a cut and the light does not reflect so well as it simply passes through the stone; a good cut will maximize the internal reflection of light and it will enhance its sparkling appearance.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Diamond in the Sullen Rough
A diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance known to man and when combined with the brilliant fire of the cut and polished finished product, has made diamonds one of the most valuable gemstones in the world.
Diamonds in all of their glory are pure carbon, just the same way lead pencils used to made from graphite which is also pure carbon, it is the way the carbon atoms are arranged which makes the difference between cheap, dull graphite or brilliant, fiery diamond. Diamonds are formed at great pressure and temperature inside the earth; at least 50 miles below the surface where the pressure is so intense that the carbon atoms are compressed together into an extremely packed formation and which gives diamond its strength. Diamonds are brought to the surface as a result of the natural, geological processes of the earth or more usually, are sought in some of the deepest mines in the world.
Brazil and India used to be the principal sources of diamonds with their gemstones being sourced from rivers and gravel deposits which had come to or close to the surface naturally. In 1870, Kimberlite rock was discovered to be richly laden with diamonds in South Africa and now, huge masses of rock are mined and processed to extract the diamonds it contains. To put it into some perspective, for one carat of polished diamond over 250 tons of Kimberlite ore must be mined and processed - now you understand why diamonds are so expensive!
Once extracted from the ore, the rough diamonds must be sorted and processed further. Processing includes cutting and polishing as at this stage, the diamonds resemble pebbles you would encounter on a beach and are nondescript in appearance. Cutting and polishing the rough diamond brings out the internal fire and beauty of the diamond, however, it is how a diamond is cut which determines the level of light which enters the stone and is internally reflected before exiting the diamond - this level of internal reflection is what adds to the sparkle and brilliance of the stone so cutting a diamond properly is essential or it will appear dull.
After being cut and polished, diamonds are then graded according to a system know as the "Four C's". The Four C's are - Carat (or weight), Cut, Clarity and Color. A carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams but you must take care not to confuse diamond size with weight - a carat is a measure of weight and not size; a smaller looking diamond may very well be a larger weight of a much larger diamond simply because of composition and the way it has been cut. The cut, as we have seen, determines how much light enters and internally reflected within a diamond thus bringing out the fire or brilliance - too shallow a cut, where the diamond is not deep enough to allow the internal light reflection, will mean the diamond looks dull instead of fiery - this is a poor cut and underlines why diamond cutting is a highly skilled art.
Clarity refers to how clear and flaw-free the diamond is; diamonds will contain flaws which may be foreign matter enclosed within the diamond when it was forming in the earth or bubbles of gas and even internal faults where the carbon atoms have not uniformly bonded together. The presence of flaws affects the visual appearance of the diamond but also influences how light will travel and internally reflect within it; for these reasons, a flawless diamond is considerably more valuable than one with flaws.
Finally, color - diamonds can come with a yellowish tinge or at the other end of the scale have no color whatsoever - no color means a brighter and fiery brilliance whereas the yellowish tinge will dampen the brilliance of the diamond. The less color a diamond has the more valuable it is and the more you are going to pay for it.
Diamonds in all of their glory are pure carbon, just the same way lead pencils used to made from graphite which is also pure carbon, it is the way the carbon atoms are arranged which makes the difference between cheap, dull graphite or brilliant, fiery diamond. Diamonds are formed at great pressure and temperature inside the earth; at least 50 miles below the surface where the pressure is so intense that the carbon atoms are compressed together into an extremely packed formation and which gives diamond its strength. Diamonds are brought to the surface as a result of the natural, geological processes of the earth or more usually, are sought in some of the deepest mines in the world.
Brazil and India used to be the principal sources of diamonds with their gemstones being sourced from rivers and gravel deposits which had come to or close to the surface naturally. In 1870, Kimberlite rock was discovered to be richly laden with diamonds in South Africa and now, huge masses of rock are mined and processed to extract the diamonds it contains. To put it into some perspective, for one carat of polished diamond over 250 tons of Kimberlite ore must be mined and processed - now you understand why diamonds are so expensive!
Once extracted from the ore, the rough diamonds must be sorted and processed further. Processing includes cutting and polishing as at this stage, the diamonds resemble pebbles you would encounter on a beach and are nondescript in appearance. Cutting and polishing the rough diamond brings out the internal fire and beauty of the diamond, however, it is how a diamond is cut which determines the level of light which enters the stone and is internally reflected before exiting the diamond - this level of internal reflection is what adds to the sparkle and brilliance of the stone so cutting a diamond properly is essential or it will appear dull.
After being cut and polished, diamonds are then graded according to a system know as the "Four C's". The Four C's are - Carat (or weight), Cut, Clarity and Color. A carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams but you must take care not to confuse diamond size with weight - a carat is a measure of weight and not size; a smaller looking diamond may very well be a larger weight of a much larger diamond simply because of composition and the way it has been cut. The cut, as we have seen, determines how much light enters and internally reflected within a diamond thus bringing out the fire or brilliance - too shallow a cut, where the diamond is not deep enough to allow the internal light reflection, will mean the diamond looks dull instead of fiery - this is a poor cut and underlines why diamond cutting is a highly skilled art.
Clarity refers to how clear and flaw-free the diamond is; diamonds will contain flaws which may be foreign matter enclosed within the diamond when it was forming in the earth or bubbles of gas and even internal faults where the carbon atoms have not uniformly bonded together. The presence of flaws affects the visual appearance of the diamond but also influences how light will travel and internally reflect within it; for these reasons, a flawless diamond is considerably more valuable than one with flaws.
Finally, color - diamonds can come with a yellowish tinge or at the other end of the scale have no color whatsoever - no color means a brighter and fiery brilliance whereas the yellowish tinge will dampen the brilliance of the diamond. The less color a diamond has the more valuable it is and the more you are going to pay for it.
Thursday, 24 September 2009
Diamonds Are a Womams Best Friend, Fashion and Pride
Since diamonds were first discovered, they have always been made into fine jewelries. Engagement rings have a more classic feel when it is of a diamond. Wedding rings are more revered when it holds a diamond. Diamond Rings are not just for Wedding Rings or Engagement Rings, it can also be a fashion trend. Even if we consider diamond as a very classy article, it can actually fit also in a casual environment. Everything depends on the cut, the style, color, size and some other qualities, like personality of the wearer.Though, wedding rings and engagement rings tops the list for diamonds rings.
Some consider diamond rings as part of their personality and style. In such cases, wholesale diamonds becomes practical, as well as loose diamonds. In loose diamonds, you can create your own rings, whether it's for that special evening dress or for that lunch with old friends. Mix and matching clothes are not just the trend; diamonds should also revamp to give you more options. Different cuts to choose from, different styles, different size and colors, you can make your own. There are websites that can actually do that for you.
They have diamond rings that are custom made so there would not be a problem in finding the perfect combination that you want. You would be able to choose the loose diamond to affix your wedding ring or your engagement ring. Some of the popular cuts are Princess Cut Engagement Rings, Round Brilliant Diamond Rings, and Emerald Cut Rings. You can also choose the style, some of the popular styles for Wedding Rings and Engagement Rings are Classic Solitaire, Rings that have side stones, Three Stoned Rings, and there is also a growing demand for Styled Diamond Jewels. These types of jewels are for more stylish looks as well as for those who are daring enough to wear such designs. In putting together the perfect diamond ring, keep in mind that quality of the diamond always comes first.Now, being luxurious in diamonds does not mean you should stop from being practical. Sometimes, you should also be reminded of how certain designs or settings should be treated. You may want to consider a smaller, and flatter design for everyday use.
The best option would be an Emerald Cut Diamond Ring. This would also prevent some damage from your clothes. You may wear the stylish chic designs for informal parties, this brings the crowd but avoids that too much flash. More stylish designs for Diamond Rings, earring, necklace and bracelets are more appropriate, it brings out the bolder side of you. For formal evening gatherings, you opt to wear classier diamond designs, this actually brings back the elegance and sophistication of the contemporary generation, besides it always looks good with a new dress.Diamond rings, whether for wedding rings or engagement rings, or for stylish chic rings, are still your best friend. Just do not forget to wear the perfect one to a perfect occasion. Now, go and discover your perfect diamond ring.
Some consider diamond rings as part of their personality and style. In such cases, wholesale diamonds becomes practical, as well as loose diamonds. In loose diamonds, you can create your own rings, whether it's for that special evening dress or for that lunch with old friends. Mix and matching clothes are not just the trend; diamonds should also revamp to give you more options. Different cuts to choose from, different styles, different size and colors, you can make your own. There are websites that can actually do that for you.
They have diamond rings that are custom made so there would not be a problem in finding the perfect combination that you want. You would be able to choose the loose diamond to affix your wedding ring or your engagement ring. Some of the popular cuts are Princess Cut Engagement Rings, Round Brilliant Diamond Rings, and Emerald Cut Rings. You can also choose the style, some of the popular styles for Wedding Rings and Engagement Rings are Classic Solitaire, Rings that have side stones, Three Stoned Rings, and there is also a growing demand for Styled Diamond Jewels. These types of jewels are for more stylish looks as well as for those who are daring enough to wear such designs. In putting together the perfect diamond ring, keep in mind that quality of the diamond always comes first.Now, being luxurious in diamonds does not mean you should stop from being practical. Sometimes, you should also be reminded of how certain designs or settings should be treated. You may want to consider a smaller, and flatter design for everyday use.
The best option would be an Emerald Cut Diamond Ring. This would also prevent some damage from your clothes. You may wear the stylish chic designs for informal parties, this brings the crowd but avoids that too much flash. More stylish designs for Diamond Rings, earring, necklace and bracelets are more appropriate, it brings out the bolder side of you. For formal evening gatherings, you opt to wear classier diamond designs, this actually brings back the elegance and sophistication of the contemporary generation, besides it always looks good with a new dress.Diamond rings, whether for wedding rings or engagement rings, or for stylish chic rings, are still your best friend. Just do not forget to wear the perfect one to a perfect occasion. Now, go and discover your perfect diamond ring.
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