Jewelry & Diamonds Archives

Online Diamond Buying Guide

Engagement Ring Ideas

Online diamond purchase is a better choice; you can compare different stones at varying reasonable costs, you can even avail of lower discounts. Online purchase is secure, convenient and in most cases, tax-free; you only need to know how to go about it.

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Know these easy methods of buying diamonds on the internet.

Tip #1: Understand the language of the diamond industry

Get to know about the important things regarding diamonds; you can check the web as to how reputable bodies grade the diamonds, check out the American Gemological Society (AGS), Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and others. Read through the description of each stone that you view; do not be swayed by the pictures that you see.

Tip #2: Deal only with trustworthy online agents

If the dealer follows honest and ethical standards, it will be evidenced by a certification issued by such bodies on the net as BBB (Better Business Bureau). It will also help if the dealer has an affiliation with a private or public trade organization that is related with the trade like the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT).

Tip #3: Compare various samples before you settle

Do not close the deal as soon as you have found the diamond of your preference and budget. There might be other diamonds for similar prices but better deals.

Tip #4: Have an appraisal of the stone

This is one thing you should not miss for any purchase of diamond. The appraisal should be made by an independent appraiser. It should not come from an in-house appraiser or someone contacted by the vendor. Additionally, be careful about appraisers who make buyer recommendations.

Tip #5: Product returns policy

Be certain that all the necessary data about the vendor return policy is clearly written and you have understood them. If you are confused about it, ask for explanations; or if not, simply walk away. Trustworthy dealers would accept returns in case their grading report does not match with that of the independent appraiser’s.

Tip #6: Issues about product shipment

Look closely at the package before accepting it; it should be properly sealed, without damage or signs of tampering . Until you sign for the shipment, it remains insured by the vendor or appraiser. You take responsibility for the diamonds once you have signed the acceptance paper. If you have any suspicion, contact the courier company; do not sign for the package.

Tip #7: Payment-related issues

Online payments through credit cards are preferred in order to prevent fraud due to vendor misrepresentations. But it is important to know your credit card company’s chargeback procedures and policies.

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Navel Rings Are Available In Many New Styles.

Not only are belly button rings becoming more popular, but they’re becoming more creative as well. It’s not like there are only the basic curved barbell with two balls anymore!

Belly button rings are available with a variety of barbells and decorations.  The most common, and least expensive, are still the non-dangling, but that doesn’t mean they’re boring. You can purchase a navel ring with a variety of gems and jewels, colors and shapes, and even licensed logos and brands like professional sports teams and Playboy.

The dangling belly buttons are becoming more creative, too.  They’re no longer always a plain jewel hanging from a plain linked barbell. You can get dangling chains, gems, jewels, metal shapes and more.  If you’re interested, there are also belly button rings attached to chains and ropes which can wrap around the waist or link on to other body piercings.  There is a variety of size as well, ranging from as little as 1/4 inch to 1 and 1/2 inches.

There are even newer and unseen styles available today. In the past few years, the “reverse navel ring” has skyrocketed in popularity. This style of navel ring enters the belly button in the same way, but instead of a decorative piece hanging down from the bottom part of the barbell, it extends from the top. It will typically be stationary, rather than free-moving, but this is a creative way to expand your navel ring style.

You could also look for a “spiral navel ring” if you want something a little more daring. They don’t dangle but they are a curved barbell either.  They spiral and twist, just like the name says. The design features a 14 GA or 16 GA barbell that spirals, rather than curves. It appears to be like a section of a spring, but it doesn’t expand and contract. Typically, two 3mm balls are attached, one at each end, and they can be anything from glittery plastic to shiny titanium.

Never again should you feel like you can only choose from two styles of navel rings.  No matter what your style and taste dictates, you can easily find a belly button rings that’s right for you.

Diamond Coloring – Evaluating Diamond Color

Engagement Ring Ideas

What precisely is diamond coloring?  Whilst most folks think of the classic, transparent diamond, which happens to become one of the most rare and valuable, the colors of diamonds really range from transparent all the way to a brownish coloring.  You will find different saturations of diamond colour, and tones.

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The Gemological Institute of America, generally known as the GIA for short, is probably the most commonly used system for evaluating diamond color.  They’ve produced something known as the “GIA Color Grade Scale”, and it has placed a grading system about the numerous diverse colors and shades of diamonds, classifying into 22 letter grades.

How Diamonds are Graded

The Gemological Institute of America has certified diamond color grades as “master color comparison” diamonds.  When a diamond is being graded, it is compared against these master coloring comparison grades, to locate the shades that match it most closely.  The diamond that’s getting graded must be thoroughly cleaned and all oil should be removed from your surface before becoming examined, since even small amounts of dirt or oils on the surface from the diamond can alter the color. 

A line of master color comparison diamonds or shade chart is set up, with each grade placed about a single inch apart, ranging in the lightest and highest graded D shade, to the darkest, graded Z diamonds.  The diamond color that is being graded is moved from your left side with the comparison units for the right, until it matches one with the shades.

Diamond grading should take location in a colorless environment, using a balanced fluorescent light source that has a filtered, cool white sun like ray.  The room where the grading takes location is dark, all except for the special grading light, to be able to obtain probably the most accurate grading of the diamond coloring. I highly recommend you visit Diamond Ring Brands For our full in-depth look at diamond brands.

Fluorescence of Diamonds

Yet another consideration when considering the diamond coloring is diamond fluorescence, and how it will effect the actual appearance within the diamond color. Fluorescence causes some diamonds to alter color when viewed in our everyday, ultraviolet lighting, as well as below fluorescent light bulbs.

When a diamond color is graded, the strength with the fluorescence of that diamond should also be indicated.  It might be considered to become strong, moderate, or weak fluorescence, and also the reports should also indicate what coloring the diamond will change to due for the fluorescence.   The reason for this is when folks are within the jewelry shop, looking at diamonds in the unique lighting from the store, they might all appear to be the colorless, transparent diamonds.  Whenever you purchase a diamond and get it house beneath normal lighting, you could discover your diamond is yellowish in colour!

It is possible to ask your jeweler to offer grading documentation and information about the fluorescent value of a particular diamond prior to purchasing, to ensure that you will be happy with the diamond you purchase.  Numerous jewelers also can show you the diamond beneath different lighting conditions, which will enable you to fully appreciate the beauty with the diamond prior to you purchase it.  Some individuals like a diamond colour with a darker shade, although others are insistent around the transparent diamond color.  The diamond coloring is one of personal preference, so be certain to do a little investigation prior to making your final selection. I strongly recommend you check out Jamesallen.com Review For our full in depth Jamesallen.com review.

Magnetic Jewelry – How It Helps You

For a few people, the pieces of jewelry that they wear are more than just pieces of accents . More frequently , it is a reflection of who we are. Irrespective of the type of jewelry that we are actually wearing, they sometimes speak about our personality. In other words, these pieces of accessories represent who we are. For instance, those who prefer pieces of jewelry that are simple looking yet elegant, are often, exactly like that and those who prefer jewels that are bold like those gothic jewels are exactly that bold as a person.

Some who prefer to wear sterling jewelry are said to be refined and well reserved but it does not mean that they are boring. They can be wild but they know when to stop when they need to be serious. Of course, these are all opinions but if you just found yourself in that last sentence, then this article can’t be more useful.

When jewelry is being mentioned, the things that come to our mind are gold, silver, gems, copper or even brass. More than anything, we view jewelry as things of beauty we all so fondly adorn ourselves with. These things are used to adorn our body because they make us feel beautiful and for some, it is a form of self expression regardless of the type of jewelry.

In other words, we think jewelry is nothing beyond aesthetic or social value. Truth is it can be so much more. Think about it making you feel better inside, and there’ll be scientific evidence to prove that you won’t be imagining things. In fact, there are pieces of jewelry that can heal.

Magnetic jewelry for instance can be as charming as a beaded bracelet but don’t be fooled by its appearance. It can actually improve your health. It produces a magnetic field on the body when worn which can cause a wave of positive effects on your tissues and it also releases endorphins or painkillers. This is why a lot of people prefer to wear these type of jewelry rather than popping pills like analgesic or paracetamol. A number of studies have also reported that it can help people cope up with diseases like hypertension and other heart diseases.

While magnetic jewelry has been gaining popularity nowadays, it is not to be regarded as a miraculous cure-all for everyone who wears it. This is because magnetic jewelry isn’t safe to wear for some people especially for pregnant women and those who are wearing pacemakers and any kind of metal prosthetic.

Those with serious health conditions are also not advised to use magnetic jewelry unless cleared by their physicians. Those cancer patients especially those who are going through cobalt and other kinds of radiation therapy are not advised to wear any kind of magnetic jewelry.

People want jewelry for different reasons. To some, it distinguishes them from others in terms of status symbol, some use it to accentuate their outfits while some use it as a form of self expression. And then there are those who are simply obsessed about these beautiful works of art. If you’re one of those people who are inexplicably fascinated by unique fashion jewelry, try the Internet and you won’t be disappointed. Whether it’s spiritual jewelry you have in mind or even anything conventional, the Internet is always the most excellent place to look. It offers the widest varieties and often at the lowest prices.

Looking for a celebrity style jewelry? Try looking online, you can find a lot of different options including cheap bracelets and necklaces and the like. You can definitely save a lot of money.

Moissanite Engagement Rings: An Acceptable Alternative?

From one of a kind princess cut engagement rings. You want to have a cheaper engagement ring that looks like a diamond, listen up. Moissanite looks like a diamond and is brilliant in the same way as a gemstone. Moissanite is also known as silicone carbide, in short a synthetic diamond not really considered as fake.

A moissanite engagement ring can be cheaper than a real gem stone. Regarding durability, it is as durable as gem stone. Although it is not as white as diamond but the brilliance is the same as with the gemstone. This is good if you wear your wedding ring every day.

If you have a smaller budget and you need an proposal ring for your girl, at least consider a moissanite wedding ring. But you have to tell your girlfriend that it is not a real gem stone but a synthetic gem stone. At least you are being honest with her and you can tell her that if you have enough money when the time comes, you will change it to a real gem stone.

Moissanite is lab created gemstone and you need to take care of it. It is the same with real gem stones and because of this many people use moissanite as an alternative to gem stone. The brilliance of Moissanite depends on its cut and shape, the bigger the stone, the lesser the clarity on it.

Most people who choose moissanite rings these days do so because aside from the fact that it looks like a real diamond, it is affordable for everyone. But, like other engagement rings, you have to take care of it.

There is also moissanite that is yellowish in color and some kinds are even grayish. This kind of moissanite is cheaper than the brilliant white. What is important is the moissanite ring have a quality setting with an elegant and glamorous look. The beauty of moissanite white is as beautiful as the real thing.

In order to have a perfect engagement ring, you can have a perfect setting with the perfect stone and a perfect price. Moissanite is not really a fake diamond because diamond is different from moissanite. So there is no such thing as fake gemstone in moissanite. Everyone has their own opinion regarding moissanite. It depends on how you understand it.

There are lots of moissanite rings to choose from with elegant settings and glamorous style. If you have no time to shop or roam around the jewelry store, you can shop online. There are many styles or design to choose from at a reasonable price.

You don’t have to be in a hurry to choose since you do so on your own time. It is easy and convenient to search around the internet. You can compare prices easily. There are more unique designs or style to choose also through the internet.

For more see diamond solitaire emerald cut engagement rings and engagement rings made from moissanite.

Fashion Jewelry : Most Popular Casual Dress Accessory

Fashion Jewelry is a very popular accessory that we like to add when dressing causal or when we want to spice up a dressy outfit that we might wear in the evening. The preferences of women and girls have undergone a sea change in terms of preferring the cheaper jewelery to the expensive gold and silver. You need to shell out little money only for getting this eye catching jewelry.

One can buy jewelry at any place these days. Most of the department stores even have jewelry to match up to your most preferred clothes as well. Even a casual dress can be made to look quite attractive and flamboyant by adding up a nice necklace and latest ring. With the many different designs, and colors that are available, you can find the perfect fashion jewelry to match any and every outfit that you have in your closet. It is the fashion consciousness of the women and girls these days that has made big and bright jewelry more popular and nobody wants to wear anything usual.

Everyone wants to look trendy by wearing big jewelery and the one so much in demand these days are the glass dichroic rings. These rings look so wonderful in round and oval shape available in so many colors and patterns. While crafting it the material that is being used will determine its price to go up a bit. The cost may vary for some of the glass dichroic rings when they are rimmed with 14kt gold frames than the full glass ones. The teenage girls are very fond of the dichroic glass. Dichroic rings are most found with the designs of hearts or realistic flowers on the inside of them.

One can see that one of the most special features of this dechroic glass rings are that it is made of a lot of colors making it to display so many colors while wearing them. You cannot believe that these rings are not made with paints! It seems that way, but the manipulation of light is what causes the rings to reflect color. The amazing thing is that the only way dichroic glass rings can look so beautiful is by being carefully handmade. Only technologically advanced machinery has to be made use of to produce the glass. Oxides and silicones are used to create and determine the thickness of the dichroic glass. When the clear or black glass is mixed with the metallic oxides the ring displays the colors. The gold frame being fixed to the dichroic glass ring makes it look more colorful. People are very fascinated by any kind of jewelry that is made of dichroic glass, but amongst necklaces, bracelets, and anklets, the rings are what seem to be the most popular.  Gather more knowledge on Fashion Jewelry and Glass Dichroic Rings.

Diamond Colors

When identifying a stone’s quality and value, four main features are regarded; included in this is the diamond color. The other three are clarity, cut and carat weight; they are referred to as the Four C’s. Once you comprehend these four diamond features and how they interrelate, you would be able to choose the stone that best suits your budget and tastes.

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Grading Diamond Colors

Not all stones are clear; the grounds that all other tones of diamonds are judged against are the colorless or “white” diamonds.

To score diamond color, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has devised a set of rules. Control stones (preselected gems of a particular color) are the basis of assessment for the color of graded diamonds.

How to Grade Diamond Color

* Diamonds must be loose stones for them to be graded; once it is set on metal, its color is influenced.

* Diamonds are seen with a ten times loupe, positioned table-down, pavilion-up.

* Diamond color is determined by a lettering system from D to Z, depending on the quantity of color present in every diamond, with D being granted only to totally colorless uncommon diamonds.

Diamond Color Rating Chart

Diamonds that are without color and the ones which are yellow or yellowish brown are grouped into the classes shown here. Fancy colored gemstones are not included here – they have their own color grading specifications.

D-E-F

Clear

G-H-I-J

Almost colorless

K-L-M

Slightly colored, usually yellow-colored

N-O-P-Q-R

Lightly colored, usually yellow. Hue could be seen with the naked eye.

S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z

Tinted, generally yellow, and may develop to brownish. Tint is obvious to the naked eye, even when mounted.

Elements Affecting Diamond Color

Brightness

If or not the stone displays fluorescence is mentioned in the records presented by GIA and other labs; the diamond’s color alters when it is subjected to ultraviolet radiation. The alteration in diamond color seems to take place in stones with this characteristic quite frequently, especially because ultraviolet radiation is a component of daylight and is present in fluorescent lit areas.

* Under ultraviolet light, stones that generate a blue reaction generally seem whiter or more colorless.

* The appearance of diamonds that reflect yellow becomes even more yellow with some lighting factors.

Diamond Color Enhancements

Through the use of HPHT (high pressure/high temperature) processing, the color of some stones can be considerably altered. Contrary to previous diamond treatments, alterations in diamond color through HPHT seem to be irreversible.

To temporarily enhance a diamond’s color, coatings are occasionally used.

Diamond Settings

When mounted in a white setting (platinum or white gold), a loose diamond that appears lightly yellow to the naked eye normally appears more colorless. This same diamond, when mounted in yellow-gold metal, will enhance its yellowish shade.

A Synopsis About Diamond Color

Diamond color strongly impacts its cost; however, it is not the most essential characteristic to think about in the purchase of a stone. It does not necessarily mean that you can’t own a lovely gemstone if your budget prevents you from buying a D through F graded stone.

Other grades are completely suitable, even those from G through J. In considering and selecting the best stones for your needs, the help of a skilled jeweler can be important. If you have ever considered buying diamonds online to save some hard earned cash then I recommend that you go and visit our review of James Allen.com

Diamond Clarity Defined

Diamond clarity is a term used to illustrate the lack or presence of flaws inside a diamond and gemstone or on the surface of the stone. Without looking at the gems via a jeweler’s magnification loupe, most imperfections that can be found in jewelry grade diamonds cannot be noticed; and a perfect stone with perfect clarity or clearness is uncommon.If you have ever considered buying diamonds online to save some hard earned cash then I recommend that you go and visit our review of James Allen.com

Terms to Know About Diamond Clarity

Inclusions in Diamond Clarity

* Imperfections or disorders, within a diamond.

* Tiny spots of white, black, or other colors.

* Breaks. There might be no problem for some. But others could potentially cause a split to the stone.

* Crystals with or without colors.

Diamond Blemishes

* Flaws found on the outer surface of the diamond.

* Due to the cutting and polishing procedure, several disorders are on the outer surface of the diamond.

In grading diamond clarity, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) uses 10 times magnification. Diamond labellings for clarity are the following:

Fl, Flawless

* No internal or external flaws.

IF, Internally Flawless

* No internal defects. There are exterior blemishes, but very minimal.

VVS1 & VVS2, Very, very slightly included.

* Minute inclusions. Difficult to detect, even for a seasoned grader.

VS1 & VS2, Very slightly included

* Tiny inclusions; not easily seen by a skilled grader.

SI1 & SI2, Slightly included

* For a seasoned grader, inclusions are visible.

I1 & I2 & I3, Included

* The diamond’s transparency and brilliance are affected by obvious blemishes.

As described here in detail, we can read that even to an experienced jeweler, imperfections usually cannot be noticed with no magnification. Primarily, they are tiny defects that do not affect a stone’s brilliance. Until level “I” categories are reached will defects begin to deter from the beauty of the stone.

If the clarity of the diamond you select is not close to the top of the scale, you shouldn’t be concerned.

Consider the Spot of Diamond Flaws

Some defects are more noticeable when situated in certain areas; that’s the reason you should consider where a stone’s flaw is found in connection with the diamond’s cut. You can ask advice from your jeweler about poor positions of imperfections.

Because no two stones are identical, the defects provide a road map for us to spot our own diamonds; this was stated by the writer of the book “Diamonds, The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide”; she further motivates to get to know the imperfections within our diamonds.I highly recommend you visit Diamond Ring Shapes For our full in-depth look at diamond shapes.

Clarity Enhancement of Diamonds

Even though treatments can enhance diamond clarity, not all enhancement methods are lasting. Two of the most popular treatments are:

Laser Treated Diamonds

* Some kinds of blemishes are removed with the use of a laser. The laser leaves a path which is usually seen by a seasoned jeweler.

*  Clarity enhancements through laser treatments are fixed.

Fracture Filled Diamonds

* The cracks in a diamond, however small, are filled with a colorless chemical.

* Clarity improvement through fracture filling is not permanent.

A diamond seems to be of higher clarity than it truly is, after the treatment. When a stone has been treated, it should be cheaper; therefore your jeweler should be able to evaluate and disclose any type of treatment that has been carried out.

Of the elements considered when purchasing a diamond, clarity is simply one of them. Other factors that you should consider are its color, carat weight and price. The search for the best stone that matches your needs is like a jigsaw puzzle. When you have set all the parts together, that’s when you have the perfect choice for you. I recommend that you visit Easydiamondguide.com For our full guide on buying diamonds.

Buying Your First Designer Watch

When it comes to buying a new watch, there is an endless range of stylish designer watches to choose from.It is important that you know what to look for as even the cheapest watches can cost several hundred pounds.For the first time buyer it can be something of a daunting prospect to pick out the right watch, as it is a lot of money to invest.If you are a little tentative when it comes to treating yourself to a new watch then the following tips should help you decide what timepiece to buy.

First you need to decide on what kind of watch you intend to buy.Think about what you are likely to use it for and consider whether you need it to be extremely durable or whether it is likely to get wet.For example, divers and athletes will often to choose sport watches which are water resistant.

There are several important watch terms you should know the meaning of before you go out to buy a watch.   Do a little reading so that you know the meaning of quartz, movement, complication, water-resistant, water proof and self-winding.

If you are working to a tight budget then it is understandable if you are tempted to buy online or from a 2nd hand retailer but it can be difficult to tell whether the watch you are looking at is fake or not.  When you are first buying a mens designer watch you should ideally purchase from a recognised dealer.Not only will you be guaranteed a quality product and advice, but they will also be able to help you service and maintain your watch if it breaks.

When you are out shopping it is very important.  Take your time when browsing and make sure that you choose the watch that is right for you.  Not only will you have an attractive timepiece, but possibly also a valuable investment!

Breitling Chronomat Review

Breitling is almost a synonymous of chronograph, and in 2009, Breitling has officially launched the Breitling Chronomat B01 with their latest in-house automatic-winding chronograph movement, recognized as Caliber B01. The Breitling Chronomat B01 will be available at only about 35 stores in the U.S., with more online retailers coming quickly. As of mid-2009, about 2000 pieces had been manufactured. Manufacture will finally reach about 50,000 pieces per annum.

The Chronomat B01 has been in development for almost five years, and its launch coincides with Breitling’s 125th anniversary. The movement incorporates a column-wheel switching device and a vertical clutch, two hallmarks of a well-made chronograph. The vertical clutch assures that the chronograph seconds hand does not jump when the chronograph is busy. The Chronomat B01 has central chronograph seconds, nonstop seconds at nine, and a jumping 30 minute totalizer at three. The instant-change date is positioned at 4:30. The time and date can be modified at any given time, ever near 12am. The movement includes a patented mechanism for adjusting the start, stop and reset hammers. The 47 jewel movement uses a smooth hairspring and a flat balance wheel. A single barrel brings 70 hours of power reserve. The Chronomat B01 ticks along at 28,800 vph, and as with all Breitlings, the Chronomat B01 is of course COSC-certified.

At Basel in Switzerland, Breitling’s VP Jean-Paul Girardin said that the company decided to manufacture Caliber B01 to satisfy market demand for a production movement, and to guarantee Breitling’s future. The company felt that it should have a stable supply of chronograph movement mechanisms, as this kind of watch accounts for more than 50% for Breitling’s sales.

The watch measures exactly 43.5mm in diameter and it will be available in 4 versions, all steel, steel with gold, steel with steel and steel with 4 gold quarterkers and 18K red gold. That’s 18 different dials. The unidirectional bezel turns easily with 240 teeth. The steel and 2-tone versions are water resistant to about 500m, while the all-gold version can only be taken down to 100m.

The Breitling Chronomat starts at about $6500 for the steel version on a leather strap, and the opening price tag for the 2-tone edition on a bracelet is almost $8000. All all-gold watches on a strap will begin at more than $20,000. The Chronomat B01 tops out at more than $40,000 for the red gold and diamond version, which is on a beautiful red gold bracelet.