What You Need To Know About Loose Diamonds
by Jonathon Blocker
plug itDiamonds that have not been placed in a setting are referred to as loose diamonds, and are generally sought after by investors and professional retail jewelers. Any purchase of loose diamonds should be accompanied by a certificate of appraisal and value.
The certification, which should always be based on an appraisal and analysis done by an outside, independent third-party agency, is more properly known as a diamond grading report. This report describes your loose diamonds in terms of weight in carats, clarity of the gems, color and cut. The individuals who perform this service are known as gemologists, and have received specialized training in this particular sub-field of geology. Gemology focuses on the study and analysis of precious stones and gems.
When loose diamonds are accompanied by such a report, they are known as certified. Anyone considering an investment in such diamonds, whether they are for use in diamond jewelry or as a hedge against inflation should make sure that their purchase consists of certified loose diamonds.
The job of a gemologist's certification is not to assign a monetary value on loose diamonds; that happens in the marketplace. However, such a report is used to determine such a value. The weight in carats (a carat is roughly equivalent to .015 of an ounce, or two-tenths of a gram) is the most obvious basis of valuation; however, if the gem has a "cottony" appearance inside, this can affect the value negatively.
Certified diamonds are evaluated on what are known as the SI3 Clarity Scale and the Color Scale. The Clarity Scale was developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA); it ranges from "FL" for "flawless" to I3 for "Imperfect," i.e., cracks and occlusions easily seen by the unaided eye.
Colored diamonds are rated on a scale that describes the gems in terms of hue and saturation. They are labeled with a letter of the alphabet from D to Z, ranging from virtually colorless to gems with a deep hue. Diamonds can be almost any color; the color variations include pink, green, blue, purple and amber, and are caused by chemical reactions during the diamonds' formation. Such gems can be worth substantially more than "white," or clear diamonds.
Control of the diamond market is concentrated in relatively few hands, centered around Antwerp, Belgium, where the diamond cutting industry was born over 500 years ago. These wholesalers recommend that diamonds be certified either by the GIA or the American Gem Society Laboratories.
Because of the way the analysis is done, it is impossible to perform a certification on mounted stones; loose diamonds should be certified prior to placement in a setting, ring, or watch, and the seller should provide documentation that such services have been performed.
2008-03-28
What on Earth are Diamond Fashion Rings?
What on Earth are Diamond Fashion Rings?
by Ron Poul
plug itDiamond Fashion Rings are one type of fashion jewelry. Fashion jewelry are those jewelry that people wear partly for fashion or styling purposes, and partly for functional purposes; or maybe just for fashion and styling purposes alone. Thus, you might have an engagement ring that falls under the category of Diamond Fashion Rings, a wedding ring that is also considered part of the Diamond Fashion Rings world, and your simple common diamond-studded ring that you wear for no reason whatsoever aside from the fact that it looks great being part of your collection of Diamond Fashion Rings.
Aside from Diamond Fashion Rings, fashion jewelry can encompass many types of jewelry that people like to wear to stand out from the crowd. For instance, your fashion jewelry may be composed of bracelets, earrings, cufflinks, pendants and necklaces, among many others. The list of possible kinds of fashion jewelry can go on indefinitely so long as people keep finding new ways to wear and use fashion jewelry.
Your Diamond Fashion Rings can be very simple (like those rings that have just one stone set on them apiece) or very ornate (with some rings having a cluster of quality diamonds set in a pretty pattern on them.) It all depends on your taste in Diamond Fashion Rings and your capacity to pay for the type of Diamond Fashion Rings you fancy. Another factor that may influence what type of Diamond Fashion Rings you purchase could be the imagination of the artisan who creates these Diamond Fashion Rings. The more difficult it is to create your Diamond Fashion Rings, the more expensive it will be.
Some Diamond Fashion Rings have more than just diamonds set into them - they may also use precious and semi-precious stones as part of the pattern used by the jewelry designer. One common complement to diamonds in Diamond Fashion Rings is the pearl. Pearls seem to look good with diamonds so these two often go together in fashion jewelry. Other gems that might be used in Diamond Fashion Rings are sapphires, and rubies. Usually, soft precious stones are not used in Diamond Fashion Rings because they do not set well or can be easily removed from the setting. The band itself of your Diamond Fashion Rings can be made of expensive precious metals like gold, silver or platinum as the jewelry designer sees fit to use.
Now, what types of Diamond Fashion Rings are the most in demand among consumers? That is a hard question because consumer tastes differ from person to person. What may seem like classy Diamond Fashion Rings to one person may seem like crass and ostentatious jewelry to another potential buyer. Sometimes, even your fiancé may not appreciate the Diamond Fashion Rings that you buy so you have to be careful if you will be using Diamond Fashion Rings in a functional way like as engagement rings or as wedding rings. The last thing you want is to displease your future spouse with your choice of Diamond Fashion Rings.
by Ron Poul
plug itDiamond Fashion Rings are one type of fashion jewelry. Fashion jewelry are those jewelry that people wear partly for fashion or styling purposes, and partly for functional purposes; or maybe just for fashion and styling purposes alone. Thus, you might have an engagement ring that falls under the category of Diamond Fashion Rings, a wedding ring that is also considered part of the Diamond Fashion Rings world, and your simple common diamond-studded ring that you wear for no reason whatsoever aside from the fact that it looks great being part of your collection of Diamond Fashion Rings.
Aside from Diamond Fashion Rings, fashion jewelry can encompass many types of jewelry that people like to wear to stand out from the crowd. For instance, your fashion jewelry may be composed of bracelets, earrings, cufflinks, pendants and necklaces, among many others. The list of possible kinds of fashion jewelry can go on indefinitely so long as people keep finding new ways to wear and use fashion jewelry.
Your Diamond Fashion Rings can be very simple (like those rings that have just one stone set on them apiece) or very ornate (with some rings having a cluster of quality diamonds set in a pretty pattern on them.) It all depends on your taste in Diamond Fashion Rings and your capacity to pay for the type of Diamond Fashion Rings you fancy. Another factor that may influence what type of Diamond Fashion Rings you purchase could be the imagination of the artisan who creates these Diamond Fashion Rings. The more difficult it is to create your Diamond Fashion Rings, the more expensive it will be.
Some Diamond Fashion Rings have more than just diamonds set into them - they may also use precious and semi-precious stones as part of the pattern used by the jewelry designer. One common complement to diamonds in Diamond Fashion Rings is the pearl. Pearls seem to look good with diamonds so these two often go together in fashion jewelry. Other gems that might be used in Diamond Fashion Rings are sapphires, and rubies. Usually, soft precious stones are not used in Diamond Fashion Rings because they do not set well or can be easily removed from the setting. The band itself of your Diamond Fashion Rings can be made of expensive precious metals like gold, silver or platinum as the jewelry designer sees fit to use.
Now, what types of Diamond Fashion Rings are the most in demand among consumers? That is a hard question because consumer tastes differ from person to person. What may seem like classy Diamond Fashion Rings to one person may seem like crass and ostentatious jewelry to another potential buyer. Sometimes, even your fiancé may not appreciate the Diamond Fashion Rings that you buy so you have to be careful if you will be using Diamond Fashion Rings in a functional way like as engagement rings or as wedding rings. The last thing you want is to displease your future spouse with your choice of Diamond Fashion Rings.
Men And Diamonds
Men And Diamonds
by Jason Tye
plug itDecades ago, diamonds were very famous as jewelry for both men and women. The cut and design were as flashy for both sexes, sometimes men even had bigger and grander diamond rings than women did, but somehow, the trend began to dwindle and soon it became taboo for men to wear extravagant and flashy diamonds. Nonetheless, diamonds are still continually used in men's jewelry in smaller sizes and subtle styles - but of course, there will always be that unique set that is made for only the brave and those secure in their manhood. After all, it takes a man to wear a man sized stone. Today, jewelry designers for men have found ways of how to use diamonds subtly, but still managed to pack a punch and sufficiently elevate the value of pieces used.
Pavé Set
Pavé settings are very popular for jewelry because it's a way for jewelers to use smaller diamonds. Pavé translates into 'paved' which describes how the stones are set into the base. Small diamonds are inlaid into the surface of the jewelry, sometimes onto the sides to accentuate a middle piece. For men's jewelry, especially Men's Rings a Pavé setting is usually used to cover the surface of the piece. A Pavé setting is also commonly used in cufflinks and in earrings. So, if you're looking for some flash without resorting to very feminine looking solitaire and cushion cut diamonds, then the Pavé set is the best way to go.
Single Diamond Set
Another popular setting for diamonds in men's jewelry is when a single diamond is set in the middle of a big piece of metal plate or semi-precious stone. A very common design to this is one with an onyx plate and a single diamond in the middle. Another is a loop ring with a small diamond dab in the middle of the ring. Usually the single set is popular with the more mature set. This is one of the ways that men can wear diamonds without being too flashy.
Studs
Studs are famously used in men's earrings. We see a lot of famous celebrities that use these pieces of jewelry. One of the most memorable is the clip on earring that was worn by the actor Jamie Fox on the red carpet. That style choice made the stud setting for earring famous again, plus Jamie Fox helped elevate the status of earrings for men into something classier and not one that is dated and out of style.
The Future for Diamonds in Men's Jewelry
For the diamond lovers out there, we are very glad to say that the use of diamonds in men's jewelry has a very bright future. In fact, more and more men are trying out flashier pieces and the jewelers are responding to the demand. Now, it maybe a long time before we see men sporting 60 carat diamond rings to something other than a concert or the club scene, but, who knows - it is definitely something that shouldn't be ruled out.
by Jason Tye
plug itDecades ago, diamonds were very famous as jewelry for both men and women. The cut and design were as flashy for both sexes, sometimes men even had bigger and grander diamond rings than women did, but somehow, the trend began to dwindle and soon it became taboo for men to wear extravagant and flashy diamonds. Nonetheless, diamonds are still continually used in men's jewelry in smaller sizes and subtle styles - but of course, there will always be that unique set that is made for only the brave and those secure in their manhood. After all, it takes a man to wear a man sized stone. Today, jewelry designers for men have found ways of how to use diamonds subtly, but still managed to pack a punch and sufficiently elevate the value of pieces used.
Pavé Set
Pavé settings are very popular for jewelry because it's a way for jewelers to use smaller diamonds. Pavé translates into 'paved' which describes how the stones are set into the base. Small diamonds are inlaid into the surface of the jewelry, sometimes onto the sides to accentuate a middle piece. For men's jewelry, especially Men's Rings a Pavé setting is usually used to cover the surface of the piece. A Pavé setting is also commonly used in cufflinks and in earrings. So, if you're looking for some flash without resorting to very feminine looking solitaire and cushion cut diamonds, then the Pavé set is the best way to go.
Single Diamond Set
Another popular setting for diamonds in men's jewelry is when a single diamond is set in the middle of a big piece of metal plate or semi-precious stone. A very common design to this is one with an onyx plate and a single diamond in the middle. Another is a loop ring with a small diamond dab in the middle of the ring. Usually the single set is popular with the more mature set. This is one of the ways that men can wear diamonds without being too flashy.
Studs
Studs are famously used in men's earrings. We see a lot of famous celebrities that use these pieces of jewelry. One of the most memorable is the clip on earring that was worn by the actor Jamie Fox on the red carpet. That style choice made the stud setting for earring famous again, plus Jamie Fox helped elevate the status of earrings for men into something classier and not one that is dated and out of style.
The Future for Diamonds in Men's Jewelry
For the diamond lovers out there, we are very glad to say that the use of diamonds in men's jewelry has a very bright future. In fact, more and more men are trying out flashier pieces and the jewelers are responding to the demand. Now, it maybe a long time before we see men sporting 60 carat diamond rings to something other than a concert or the club scene, but, who knows - it is definitely something that shouldn't be ruled out.
The History Of Diamond Jewelry
The History Of Diamond Jewelry
by Jonathon Blocker
plug itDiamond jewelry has been valued and worn throughout most of recorded history, although the art and science of cutting loose diamonds is relatively new - and diamond jewelry has only been available to the general public for the last 150 years or so.
Prior to that, diamond jewelry was worn almost exclusively by royalty. The earliest example of diamonds being placed in a setting dates from the time of the Norman Invasion of England; at that time, one of the Ãrpád kings of Hungary, possibly Andrew I, had rough-cut diamonds set into a crown for his queen. However, cut diamonds would not be available for another half-millenium.
The mid-1500's were an energetic time; Martin Luther of Germany and Henry VIII of England had broken with the Church of Rome; Ivan IV (the Terrible) expanded Russia to its present-day borders, and Ottoman sultan Suleiman extended the Turkish empire as far west as Vienna. It was during this time of ferment that the first diamond-cutters' guild was formed in Antwerp, located in present-day Belgium. An industry soon developed for the purpose of appraising loose diamonds, giving birth to the modern diamond jewelry market. Antwerp continues to be the center of the international diamond jewelry trade.
The gems that are used in diamond jewelry is 75% science and 25% art. Together, these make up the "4 Cs" that are used to evaluate loose diamonds:
* carat * color * clarity * cut
"Carat" of course refers to the weight of the gem; a carat is equivalent to about 2 decigrams, or a mere 1/150th of an ounce. That means the largest cut, polished diamond in existence - the famed Star of Africa - weighs just a little over 2-1/4 pounds.
Although we generally think of clear or white diamonds, they come in a wide range of colors ranging from crystal-clear white to dark amber. Pink, green, blue and even purple diamonds are not unusual, and some are far more valuable than their white counterparts.
Clarity refers to just that - how clear the stone appears. All natural and artificial diamonds have internal flaws; the fewer or the less apparent these flaws are, the higher the appraisal is likely to be.
These three qualities are objective, and easily measured and quantified. Cut is a more subjective quality; selecting gems that are appropriate for use in diamond jewelry requires a good eye and aesthetic sense.
Of course, loose diamonds are not really jewelry until they are placed in a setting, such as a ring or necklace. Even the finest diamonds' value can be affected by the setting; it is a value-added aspect of diamond jewelry.
by Jonathon Blocker
plug itDiamond jewelry has been valued and worn throughout most of recorded history, although the art and science of cutting loose diamonds is relatively new - and diamond jewelry has only been available to the general public for the last 150 years or so.
Prior to that, diamond jewelry was worn almost exclusively by royalty. The earliest example of diamonds being placed in a setting dates from the time of the Norman Invasion of England; at that time, one of the Ãrpád kings of Hungary, possibly Andrew I, had rough-cut diamonds set into a crown for his queen. However, cut diamonds would not be available for another half-millenium.
The mid-1500's were an energetic time; Martin Luther of Germany and Henry VIII of England had broken with the Church of Rome; Ivan IV (the Terrible) expanded Russia to its present-day borders, and Ottoman sultan Suleiman extended the Turkish empire as far west as Vienna. It was during this time of ferment that the first diamond-cutters' guild was formed in Antwerp, located in present-day Belgium. An industry soon developed for the purpose of appraising loose diamonds, giving birth to the modern diamond jewelry market. Antwerp continues to be the center of the international diamond jewelry trade.
The gems that are used in diamond jewelry is 75% science and 25% art. Together, these make up the "4 Cs" that are used to evaluate loose diamonds:
* carat * color * clarity * cut
"Carat" of course refers to the weight of the gem; a carat is equivalent to about 2 decigrams, or a mere 1/150th of an ounce. That means the largest cut, polished diamond in existence - the famed Star of Africa - weighs just a little over 2-1/4 pounds.
Although we generally think of clear or white diamonds, they come in a wide range of colors ranging from crystal-clear white to dark amber. Pink, green, blue and even purple diamonds are not unusual, and some are far more valuable than their white counterparts.
Clarity refers to just that - how clear the stone appears. All natural and artificial diamonds have internal flaws; the fewer or the less apparent these flaws are, the higher the appraisal is likely to be.
These three qualities are objective, and easily measured and quantified. Cut is a more subjective quality; selecting gems that are appropriate for use in diamond jewelry requires a good eye and aesthetic sense.
Of course, loose diamonds are not really jewelry until they are placed in a setting, such as a ring or necklace. Even the finest diamonds' value can be affected by the setting; it is a value-added aspect of diamond jewelry.
Diamond Gifts For That Special Woman In Your Life
Diamond Gifts For That Special Woman In Your Life
by Gabriel Adams
plug itHave you ever seen what diamonds look like before they end up all shiny in a jewelry store? If you have, I am sure that you find it as amazing as I do. Who would ever guess that underneath all that darkness there would be such a beautiful stone!
Have you ever heard of a person being called a "diamond in the rough"? Just as it takes a lot of work and faith to see the diamond in a person, it takes a great craftsman to clean and cut a diamond to make it truly a work of art.
When we go to a jewelry store to choose a diamond, we aren't thinking about what that diamond looked like before it got there. As we go down the rows of diamonds on display, we are just in awe at how beautiful they are. How those diamonds do sparkle sitting in the case under the lights!
Although there are many men who appreciate diamonds, there is a reason why people say that diamonds are the way to a woman's heart. There is nothing that says "I love you" like giving diamonds to that special woman in your life!
It doesn't matter whether you are giving her a diamond for your engagement, wedding anniversary, her birthday, a holiday or just because you want to express how special she is to you. When you ask her to marry you, most likely you will give her an engagement ring with diamonds in it.
Has she ever mentioned how she saw this beautiful diamond on a television commercial that had a princess cut? Keep that in mind when you go shopping for a gift for her. Although princess cut diamonds are a little pricier than a plain round cut, they are definitely worth it! How they pick up the light!
There are even diamond rings that also have pearls included. If her birthday is in April, you could give her a ring like that. You would be right on target since both stones are special for that month. She definitely will be eager to show you her appreciation for your thoughtfulness!
However, you may choose a diamond necklace for her birthday. As a special gift for your wedding anniversary, you may decide to get her a diamond bracelet to match. For instance, if you are going to be celebrating your 10th anniversary, you might choose something that has ten diamonds.
Don't forget about Valentine's Day! You could buy her a lovely diamond that is in the shape of a heart. No woman could resist a man who gave her a gift like that. You would definitely win her heart when she opens that present! To make that special day even better, you could take her out for a special candlelight dinner and surprise her with this special diamond during the meal.
You may feel that you aren't good at knowing how to express your affection in words. There is no doubt that any gift that includes diamonds will definitely speak louder than any words you could have spoken! Just be prepared for all those hugs and kisses that you will be receiving once she has seen your gift of diamonds!
by Gabriel Adams
plug itHave you ever seen what diamonds look like before they end up all shiny in a jewelry store? If you have, I am sure that you find it as amazing as I do. Who would ever guess that underneath all that darkness there would be such a beautiful stone!
Have you ever heard of a person being called a "diamond in the rough"? Just as it takes a lot of work and faith to see the diamond in a person, it takes a great craftsman to clean and cut a diamond to make it truly a work of art.
When we go to a jewelry store to choose a diamond, we aren't thinking about what that diamond looked like before it got there. As we go down the rows of diamonds on display, we are just in awe at how beautiful they are. How those diamonds do sparkle sitting in the case under the lights!
Although there are many men who appreciate diamonds, there is a reason why people say that diamonds are the way to a woman's heart. There is nothing that says "I love you" like giving diamonds to that special woman in your life!
It doesn't matter whether you are giving her a diamond for your engagement, wedding anniversary, her birthday, a holiday or just because you want to express how special she is to you. When you ask her to marry you, most likely you will give her an engagement ring with diamonds in it.
Has she ever mentioned how she saw this beautiful diamond on a television commercial that had a princess cut? Keep that in mind when you go shopping for a gift for her. Although princess cut diamonds are a little pricier than a plain round cut, they are definitely worth it! How they pick up the light!
There are even diamond rings that also have pearls included. If her birthday is in April, you could give her a ring like that. You would be right on target since both stones are special for that month. She definitely will be eager to show you her appreciation for your thoughtfulness!
However, you may choose a diamond necklace for her birthday. As a special gift for your wedding anniversary, you may decide to get her a diamond bracelet to match. For instance, if you are going to be celebrating your 10th anniversary, you might choose something that has ten diamonds.
Don't forget about Valentine's Day! You could buy her a lovely diamond that is in the shape of a heart. No woman could resist a man who gave her a gift like that. You would definitely win her heart when she opens that present! To make that special day even better, you could take her out for a special candlelight dinner and surprise her with this special diamond during the meal.
You may feel that you aren't good at knowing how to express your affection in words. There is no doubt that any gift that includes diamonds will definitely speak louder than any words you could have spoken! Just be prepared for all those hugs and kisses that you will be receiving once she has seen your gift of diamonds!
2008-03-19
Diamond Jewelry - Perfect Gift For My Wife : Diamond Jewery sale online
Diamond Jewelry - Perfect Gift For My Wife
by David Yu
Everyone knows that old saying that “Diamonds are a girl’s best friendâ€. That is why you can never go wrong when choosing a gift, such as diamond jewelry for your wife. You can be sure that she will love the gift and that it will last forever. Giving her the gift diamond jewelry shows her that you love her and think of her as timeless, just as the diamond.
So you know what you want know to buy your wife but where to do find the best quality at the best price? There are many places that sell jewelry. You want to be sure that the diamond is authentic as many places also sell cubic zirconia jewelry. This is a close proximity to a diamond but none the less, it is not a diamond. These stones, while beautiful to look at, do not compare to the quality of a real diamond. So be sure that the merchants you check out are selling the “right stuffâ€.
There are also many places on the internet that offer great prices on diamond jewelry as they buy these items in bulk at low prices so they can in turn sell them to you at a great deals. They still get to make money on it and you still get to save money. You can also check out eBay as well as there are many people selling good quality merchandise for good prices. Ebay auctions are a good way to get items such as diamond jewelry at prices next to nothing as you are competing against other bidders. Often times there is no minimum bid so if no one else is bidding on the same item you can get it for mere pennies on the dollar of the value.
You can also check local jewelers in your area. There are some that will custom make a design for you, giving your wife a unique, one of a kind piece of jewelry. Sometimes you can take in to the jeweler, any old broken piece of gold jewelry and they can use that to melt down to make your original piece of work. They then just have to add the diamond. This is a great way to save on the cost and get the top of the line diamond jewelry for your wife.
You can never go wrong when choosing diamonds as a gift for your wife. They truly are the most beautiful gem stones and they say so much about the person giving the gift. They are timeless and beautiful just as the woman they are meant to adorn. Check around at various jewelers and online to be sure that you get the right design for your wife. Compare prices as well as local jewelers often times will “meet or beat†their competitors prices.
by David Yu
Everyone knows that old saying that “Diamonds are a girl’s best friendâ€. That is why you can never go wrong when choosing a gift, such as diamond jewelry for your wife. You can be sure that she will love the gift and that it will last forever. Giving her the gift diamond jewelry shows her that you love her and think of her as timeless, just as the diamond.
So you know what you want know to buy your wife but where to do find the best quality at the best price? There are many places that sell jewelry. You want to be sure that the diamond is authentic as many places also sell cubic zirconia jewelry. This is a close proximity to a diamond but none the less, it is not a diamond. These stones, while beautiful to look at, do not compare to the quality of a real diamond. So be sure that the merchants you check out are selling the “right stuffâ€.
There are also many places on the internet that offer great prices on diamond jewelry as they buy these items in bulk at low prices so they can in turn sell them to you at a great deals. They still get to make money on it and you still get to save money. You can also check out eBay as well as there are many people selling good quality merchandise for good prices. Ebay auctions are a good way to get items such as diamond jewelry at prices next to nothing as you are competing against other bidders. Often times there is no minimum bid so if no one else is bidding on the same item you can get it for mere pennies on the dollar of the value.
You can also check local jewelers in your area. There are some that will custom make a design for you, giving your wife a unique, one of a kind piece of jewelry. Sometimes you can take in to the jeweler, any old broken piece of gold jewelry and they can use that to melt down to make your original piece of work. They then just have to add the diamond. This is a great way to save on the cost and get the top of the line diamond jewelry for your wife.
You can never go wrong when choosing diamonds as a gift for your wife. They truly are the most beautiful gem stones and they say so much about the person giving the gift. They are timeless and beautiful just as the woman they are meant to adorn. Check around at various jewelers and online to be sure that you get the right design for your wife. Compare prices as well as local jewelers often times will “meet or beat†their competitors prices.
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