Diamond Rings: The Most Coveted of Jewelry

There are many pieces of jewelry that people want; there are rings, watches, necklaces, tiaras, bracelets, and earrings. That's not to mention the more unusual forms of jewelry, such as belly-button rings and toe rings. Why then is the diamond ring perhaps the most coveted of all jewelry?

The Easy Answer

The easy answer as to why the diamond ring is so popular is of course because that is the standard type of jewelry used for engagement rings and is even used in wedding bands. Although they come in many different sizes shapes cuts color, clarity and carats, the overall popularity of the diamond rings for engagement purposes is certainly unmatched.

The use of diamonds for engagement rings is partially due to the fact that in addition to being beautiful, diamonds are also the hardest natural substance known to man. This makes them ideal for wearing daily, as they are not likely to break, scratch, mar, or in any other way become damaged.

Diamonds are also used as engagement rings, because of the ability to use them as a status symbol. By flouting a large ring, women and the men engaged in them, are able to demonstrate their wealth. Similar to buying an expensive car, many people may use their engagement rings are to appear well-off.

The More Difficult Answer

Perhaps the less popular answer to the question of why diamond rings are the most coveted of all jewelry is that diamond companies have done particularly well in their ad campaigns for diamond rings, and diamonds in general. Companies like De Beers Group have managed to take diamonds from being a regular gemstone into a symbol of all sorts of things. Some of these things include a symbol of love, a symbol of wealth, and a symbol of good taste.

What to Look For

Whether or not a person is purchasing a diamond ring as a symbol of wealth, or simply to show their affection to another person, there are certain things they should look for. Diamonds are classified using the four C's. These C’s include clarity, cut, carat, and color.

Diamonds of high clarity rating generally have very few flaws in the diamond. A diamond’s cut may sound like it is referring to its shape – that is actually a different subject entirely. A diamond’s cut is judged on how well the diamond was shaped into whatever shape the workman chose. The carat of the diamond is its weight; one carat is equal to 200 milligrams. A diamond’s color is generally sought to be more translucent however, diamonds with a great deal of color are actually more valuable than translucent diamonds.

A Guide to Buying Diamond Studs

All diamond studs are beautiful and a wonderful gift for that special someone, however you should never just run out and purchase any random pair of diamond studs. There are quite a few things that you need to take into consideration before you can make the best possible decision here, and if you want to find those perfect diamond studs, then this should not be a big deal and you should be more than willing to put in the time and effort and become educated.

Before You Buy

Choosing the right diamond is a very personal process, and although what your opinions may be on the ‘best’ diamonds may differ from the opinions of someone else, the same basic rules apply to everyone when it comes to buying any type of diamond jewelry.

Diamonds are the most popular gem in the world, and they have great brilliance, beauty and charm. Diamonds are graded on four particular qualities, which are: color, clarity, cut and carat. When it comes to color, the closer a diamond is to being colorless, the greater value it offers.

The clarity of a diamond is determined by the size and number of inclusions inside of it, and just like with color, there are many different grades of clarity, with the highest being flawless. The cut of a diamond is one of the hardest properties to judge, as there are a number of different factors that you need to consider here. First you have to consider the brilliance of the gem, as this is one of the most important aspects of all.

The more brilliant a diamond, not only the more beautiful it is to look at, but as well the more valuable it is. The carat is the easiest factors to understand, as smaller diamonds cost less than larger ones.

Buying Diamond Studs

Now that you are more informed on diamonds and how to buy them, you can go out and buy your diamond studs. There are many great jewelry companies out there, including the Jewelry Center, Kay Jeweler’s, Precious Glow, Fine Jewelry Designs, Jared Jewelry.

Compare and contrast between the different companies, browsing through their selections and determining which you like the best. You should also take the prices of the jewelry into consideration, although jewelry is something that tends to stay the same between one store to another in terms of price, and if you want a really nice piece of jewelry you are going to have to pay the price.

The Story behind Diamond Tennis Bracelets

There are few things more beautiful on a woman’s wrist than a diamond tennis bracelet. But why in the world are these sparkling accessories referred to with the name of a sweaty sport attached? The answer is quite simple. During the 1987 U.S. Open, tennis pro Chris Evert was wearing one of these stone clad beauties. During her match the clasp on her bracelet broke, and she asked the officials overseeing the event to pause the match until the piece of jewelry could be located. Since that occasion, the term “diamond tennis bracelet” has been adopted and stuck. Today you can find these bracelets in a wide array of designs and styles, although the trademark look of all is the line of diamonds that are linked with some sort of setting of a precious metal.

Characteristics of Diamond Tennis Bracelets

Because these bracelets come with a number of stones, diamond tennis bracelets tend to be one of the pricier pieces of jewelry that you can own. The price range generally runs anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on the carat size and the quality of the diamonds. Many diamond tennis bracelets come with stones that are of lesser quality than you will find in a ring, pendant or earrings, simply because the number of stones makes this style less costly. Lower quality stones do not necessarily mean a less brilliant piece of jewelry however, since many diamond flaws are only visible to a well-trained, magnified eye. You can also find less expensive versions of the diamond tennis bracelets with semi-precious stones (like birth stones) intertwined in a colorful pattern, or a geometric pattern of metal with the stones. One popular version like this is to use a metal “X” shape with round stones to give a “hugs and kisses” message.

What to Look for in your Diamond Tennis Bracelet

The most important feature to look for when shopping for a diamond tennis bracelet is a style that appeals to your personal taste. You can find these pieces in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors. The most popular metals that are usually used in these tennis bracelets are white or yellow gold, but you can also find some that will incorporate other types of gold as well. The more expensive bracelets that use larger stones will often have a platinum setting, since this metal can hold the stones more securely. When it comes to choosing your stones, cost may often be a factor. This will lead many jewelry shoppers to consider diamond tennis bracelets that include semi-precious stones like birth stones or alternatives to genuine diamonds like cubic zirconium.

One important feature that you will want to be sure that your diamond tennis bracelet includes is a safety clasp that will keep your bracelet on your wrist in the event that the original clasp comes open or breaks. This will help to prevent the loss of an expensive and valuable piece of jewelry. Most diamond tennis bracelets will come equipped with this feature, particularly if the jewelry piece runs on the higher end of the cost spectrum.

A Guide to Ruby Rings

Ruby rings are classic, stylish and elegant, and are the perfect gift for any special woman in your life, or even yourself. They are casual enough that you can wear them day to day, but chic enough to pair with the most dressy outfit. Although ruby rings tend to be quite expensive because of their high value, if you know where to look then you can find some really great deals.

Where to Look

There are a couple jewelry companies in particular that you will want to become familiar with if you are interested in buying ruby rings, one being Jewelry Central. They are a company that offers only the highest quality jewelry, and as well outstanding customer service and professional guidance to help you make the best possible jewelry buying decision.

They were established in 1999, and since that time they have worked hard to become one of the leading jewelry companies in the world. They offer a wide range of ruby rings, diamond earrings and necklaces, pendants, and much more, and their selection is so vast that regardless of your own personal preference you are sure to be able to find the perfect piece.

Their expert advice is a company feature that is especially adored, as their jewelry consultants available 24/7 to help you find that perfect gift or piece of jewelry with step by step guidance and advice.

Another great company that you should check out for ruby rings is Kay Jewelers. There are few people who do not recognize the Kay name in the world of jewelry, and this is for good reason. They are one of the original jewelry companies, and they now offer one of the largest and most vast selections of jewelry in the world. They are a company that understands that offering fine jewelry at a great price is only one important issue.

Remember

Just remember if you are looking for a ruby ring or other piece of jewelry that the process really requires a lot of time and dedication. You want to ensure not only that the piece you are interested in is made of the highest quality but also that you are completely satisfied with your purchase, because you certainly do not want to get home and regret your decision.

Any good jewelry store will offer jewelry consultants, and you should take full advantage of this offered help in order to get some second opinions before making your decision.

The Hope Diamond – World’s Most Famous Blue Diamond

The Hope Diamond is one of the most famous diamonds in the world. It is perhaps the largest and most perfect blue diamond at over 45.5 carats. Its brilliant blue color is due to the presence of traces of boron in it. It is classified as a Type llb diamond, and displays red phosphorescence under ultraviolet light.

While there are numerous tales about its origins and legends about its curse, the Hope Diamond as it is known today, was first put on sale in 1812 by a London jeweler Daniel. It is believed to have acquired by British Monarch, King George IV, though there is no record of it in the Royal archives.

The Hope Diamond got its name from its subsequent owner, Henry Philip Hope, in whose collection it resurfaced in 1824. On his death, after much litigation, it passed on to his nephew Henry Hope, and stayed with the family till 1902. The Hope Diamond was sold to a London jeweler, but eventually made its way to the United States. It was bought by the Sultan of Turkey, who subsequently sold it in 1910. The diamond was later sold to Pierre Cartier of Paris, who changed its setting, and sold it to a young flamboyant American socialite Evelyn Walsh McLean.

It was Evelyn Walsh McLean who brought the Hope Diamond into the limelight. She wore it on every social occasion, and eventually she was recognized wherever she went because of the ever present diamond necklace. Like almost all of its previous owners had done, the Hope Diamond was sold to settle debts. It was bought by New York diamond merchant Harry Winston in1949, who exhibited it around the world. He eventually donated it to the Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC in 1958.

The Hope Diamond has been a central exhibit at the Smithsonian ever since. It has been taken abroad on a few occasions, for exhibitions and is a star attraction of the Institute’s National Gem Collection. In 2005, after detailed computer analysis, the Institution officially confirmed that the Hope Diamond was part of the missing French Blue Crown Jewel.

The Origins of the Hope Diamond

Until 2005, the origins of the Hope Diamond were only a matter of conjecture. In 1660, a French merchant Tavernier took a 112 carat blue diamond from India to France. The diamond was mined in the Kollur mines of Golconda, and was believed to be stolen from the third eye of a Hindu Goddess. This is also believed to be the origin of the curse. Tavernier sold it to King Louis XIV, who had it cut to 67 carats. It became known as the Blue Diamond of the Crown or French Blue.

It was stolen during the French Revolution, and surfaced mysteriously in London twenty years after it disappeared. Death and debt may have stalked its owners, but the Smithsonian has raked in a fortune from curious visitors who come to see the Hope Diamond.

Ruby Red – Worth a King’s Ransom

Ruby red is a rare precious gemstone whose hardness is second only to diamond.
Ruby red is associated with passion, vivacity, unbridled love and power. It is a gemstone of exceptional hardness, outstanding brilliance, and magnificent color. No wonder it is considered to be a royal gem, and was one of the most prized stones in any king’s jewel collection.

Ruby red is characterized by its deep red color, and everything else is secondary when evaluating the gemstone. It was only in the nineteenth century that it was discovered that ruby and sapphire originate from the same mineral, corundum. It is the presence of traces of elements like chromium, iron, titanium, or vanadium in corundum that give the gem its characteristic blood red color. Pure corundum is colorless, and if it has any other color and trace elements it is classified as sapphire.

Prior to the discovery of this closeness in composition to sapphire, rubies were thought to be the same as spinets or red garnets. In fact, the Black Ruby and Timur Ruby, which are part of the British Crown Jewels, are not rubies at all, but spinets. This may be true of a number of other gemstones and crown jewels. Ruby red is even rarer than what one thought it was. The presence of a star shaped rutile crystal inside makes it even rarer.

The only consideration while selecting or evaluating ruby red is its color. Fire and blood are associated with this color, and it essentially represents the warmth and passion of man. Even clarity and transparency are secondary. The presence of inclusions is also acceptable, as finding a large, deeply colored ruby with minimum inclusions is extremely rare. In fact the presence of inclusions is considered proof of its natural origins.

Important Sources of Ruby Red

Ruby red has been traditionally associated with India, and it has been an integral part of many erstwhile royal insignia. The best quality ruby is the Burmese ruby, a reflection of its color, not source. However, Myanmar has significant ruby deposits, particularly in the Mogok Stone Tracts of North Myanmar. Here lies the “valley of rubies” surrounded by high mountain peaks. Mong Hsu in North-east Myanmar is also well known for its ruby deposits.

Ruby red deposits are also found in the Himalayan regions of Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Tadzhikisthan. Further east, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand have deposits which yield rubies of a slightly different color. Sri Lanka had deposits too, though the Ceylon Ruby is now rarely seen. East Africa is one of the more recent sources of this magnificent gem.

What is Ruby Quartz? An Explanation

What is ruby quartz? Apparently the answer to this question will depend on who you talk to. For some, the term ruby quartz is a substance that is found in the X-men movies and comics. The field leader of the X-men, who is known as Cyclops, uses ruby quartz lenses to protect those around him from his dangerous optic blasts that are out of his control. When you ask an X-men fan what is ruby quartz, you are very likely to be referred to this character and information. However, a lover of gemstones and jewelry will probably have a much different idea of what ruby quartz is.

What is Ruby Quartz? Real or Synthetic?

There are many different types of quartz that can be found today, and a number of them have become beautiful additions to many types of jewelry. One of the most popular gemstones that you can find in any number of jewelry settings is amethyst, which is purple quartz. Citrine, or yellow quartz, is another common stone used in many different styles of jewelry. Blue quartz, rose quartz and aventurine are all different quartz varieties that can create beautiful jewelry and accessory pieces. But what is ruby quartz?

Ruby quartz gets its name from the color of the stone, which is shaded with ruby-colored flecks that are found inside of this quartz. Ruby quartz was discovered in a mine in Africa just a few short years ago, and it tends to be a rather fragile substance to work with in its natural state because it crumbles quite easily. It has a unique appearance with a variety of other colors that can be found within it, and it tends to give off a natural, subtle sparkle.

Because ruby quartz is apparently somewhat rare to come across in its natural state, and because of the fragile nature of the stone, many of the jewelry pieces that you will come across that state they are ruby quartz are actually synthetic in nature. Although these stones are not natural in many cases, they can be a beautiful addition to many jewelry pieces because of their rich color and their versatility. You can find ruby quartz that is manmade as an accent to authentic gemstones like fresh water pearls.

There are also beautiful carved stones that are synthetic ruby quartz as well. You can find gorgeous crafted roses, and basic shapes like ovals and rectangles. Because these are manmade stones, you can find a wide variety of shapes and sizes, all for very reasonable prices. A number of jewelry supply retailers also provide a variety of synthetic ruby quartz beads that you can use for your jewelry making craft. Many jewelry makers love working with these stones because the rich hues work well in a variety of jewelry styles with any number of other stones.

So what is ruby quartz and what can you do with it? If you are not a Cyclops that needs to protect those close to you, you can use ruby quartz as a beautiful addition to many of your jewelry pieces.

White Gold Diamond Rings – The Choice Is Endless

Most brides today choose white gold diamond rings as engagement rings. These rings are available in many classic and contemporary styles. Many young brides look upon the engagement ring as the first piece of their bridal jewelry. The choice of their white gold diamond rings is therefore made keeping the bridal dress and jewelry they will subsequently choose in mind.

White gold diamond rings are usually made of 14 carats, or 18 carats, and the prices vary accordingly. They also vary according to the white metal that is in the alloy. The prices of the rings also vary with the choice of diamond. Diamonds vary in shape cut, color, carat, and clarity. The prices too vary according to these. The value of the gold adds to the cost too. Nine carat white gold rings are also available for both men and women.

Several unusual designs are now available for men in white gold diamond rings. These make great wedding rings, or anniversary presents. Jigsaw Puzzles rings for men are quite popular, and are a very unusual idea for a gift. The men’s signet ring with a diamond set in white gold is particularly attractive. Most yellow gold designs can be reproduced in white gold.

Fancy white gold diamond rings with prong set diamonds adding up to 0.75 carats in a dome shape, are very eye catching, and great value for money. Another classic design is a Pave Diamond ring, which has ten round diamonds set in the front of ring in a pave setting. Many jewelers now recreate antique diamond ring designs in 14 carat white gold. The Past Present Future Diamond ring features a twisted rope design, with the diamond set in a box setting. Hand engraving around each diamond is usually replicated from antique rings.


Shopping for White Gold Diamond Rings Was Never Easier

The Internet has numerous websites with eye catching designs for jewelry. It is often difficult to choose. Fortunately, one can browse for hours and then make up one’s mind. Some even offer the option of designing one’s own ring. It is now possible to buy white gold diamond rings from the comfort of home. Many jewelers have online jewelry stores, which display extensive catalogs. One can browse through the online pages at leisure and make choices. The jewelers give complimentary appraisal certificates along with the jewelry selected. and IGI Appraisal reports are also available. Most ship the goods for free, and offer a thirty-day return guarantee.