DIAMOND RINGS

How To Care For Your Diamond Ring

2012-01-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

There are so many diamond rings out there how can you even begin to choose one. Diamonds are very old dating back billions of years even before the dinosaurs were on the earth.

The process of finding and excavating these very rare and precious jewels has taken a lot of time and money hence their cost. Even today with modern equipment diamonds are still not easy to find and geologists search the remotest corners of the world in their quest to find diamonds.

Most diamonds end up as diamond rings, from the smallest to the largest. Diamonds rings are usually given as a symbol of love and a commitment of marriage at a later date.

Many of us will remember Richard Burton giving Elizabeth Taylor a diamond ring as a token of his love for her. This diamond was 33 carat and worth over 7 million pounds.

Today you can look in all the jewelers shops and find a huge array of diamond rings and other types of jewelry, but diamonds are not as plentiful as they seem. So where do we go to find the diamond ring of our choice, these days there are many places Jewelers, the Internet Catalogues and even your daily newspaper magazine.

Diamonds are classified by there size and their clarity (quality) and also there color, in other words you get what you pay for. Some places will offer discounts if you buy your diamond ring from them or maybe give you free insurance so it does pay to shop around and not go for the first one that you see.

The diamond ring you purchase will hopefully be on your finger for a very long time so choose wisely. When buying your diamond ring do not forget to insure it properly many insurance policies only cover an amount of up to £500 for jewelry so your diamond ring will have to be insured as a separate item, so check your policy to avoid losing out should the ring become lost or stolen.

Also remember the difficulty in finding these diamonds and the fact that they are in short supply, did you know all the diamonds that have ever been polished would only fit in one double decker bus, makes you think !

It is important to care for your diamond once you have chosen it, your daily tasks of cleaning and using household products can leave a film over the diamond which stops it from shining, you may have purchased a diamond ring that has been coated to avoid this but if not try soaking the ring in mild soapy water and using a soft brush to remove any debris.

Although diamonds are extremely hard and durable if they have been treated with something to hold the shine using a hard brush or scrubbing too vigorously could remove this protective coating so take care when you do decide to clean your diamond ring.

Vicki Churchill writes for Finest Diamond Rings [http://www.finest-diamond-rings.com], a site that specializes in Diamond Rings [http://www.finest-diamond-rings.com] & also Diamond Snake Rings [http://www.finest-diamond-snake-rings.com], including how, where & what to buy.

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What You Should Know When Buying a Diamond Ring

2012-01-20T09:32:00.000-08:00

Diamond information for couples interested in buying a diamond engagement ring. At a point in nearly every man's life, there comes a time when his heart knows it's time to buy a diamond engagement ring for the woman he loves. Only then will you feel comfortable buying a diamond engagement ring. There are many things to consider when learning how to buy a diamond, you should never rush into buying a diamond without first doing a little research as to how the diamonds are priced. Buying a diamond is no different, except most of know us very little about diamonds. Buying a diamond ring is often an emotional - not to mention expensive - experience.

Diamond Ring:
Buying a diamond ring can be a huge investment and you want to get one with the perfect diamond in it, so you may be intimidated if you are a first time buyer. Buying a diamond means investing in a piece for forever. Every individual buying a diamond seeks out the best they can afford. When buying a diamond, consider your budget and where the stone will be worn to help determine the ideal carat size. The Four C's of Buying a Diamond, to determine the best price for your ring, you need to be familiar with the four C's. The four C's of cut, color, clarity, and carat are explained.

Diamond Color
Most diamonds have a slight hint of yellow and the diamond color scale is based on the amount of yellow present in a diamond. It's the absence of color that adds value to the diamond. Diamond color is graded according to the GIA Grading Scale. Grades are based on the amount of yellow that is visible when viewed face down through the pavilion using the GIA Diamond Lite. The color scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (yellow tinge).

Diamond Cut
To achieve the maximum reflection of light that causes a diamond to sparkle requires a diamond to have an Ideal/Excellent cut grade. Ideal cut diamonds are graded as such because they fall within the ideal cut grade parameters specified by the diamond grading labs. The better cut grades are likely to display more fire and brilliance and since their appearance is more desirable, they are priced accordingly. The GIA and EGL have only extended ideal/excellent cut grade parameters to round brilliant stones at this time. Determining a diamond's cut grade, however, goes beyond simple measurements of width and depth. Diamond Cut is perhaps the most important of the four C's.

Diamond Clarity
A diamond's clarity is determined by the number, nature, position, size and color of internal characteristics called "inclusions" and surface features called "blemishes". These show themselves as the various characteristics which make up the clarity of a diamond, included crystals, feathers, clouds etc. These characteristics are sometimes not visible to the naked eye and they are what make each diamond unique. This clarity grade becomes more important as the diamond size increases. The clarity scale was developed by the Gemological Institute of America GIA to quantify these imperfections.

Diamond Carat
It is a common misconception that carats refer to the size of a diamond. In reality, a carat is the standard unit of weight by which diamonds are measured. Since a carat is a measure of weight, not size, one diamond of the same carat weight may look bigger than another depending on the cut. A premium cut diamond may actually appear bigger than many diamonds of a higher carat weight.

Diamond Shape
Stones come in different shapes - round, oval, marquise, pear, emerald, heart, princess, and radiant.

Round
A round brilliant is a great choice if you want the most sparkle and the most enduring classic shape round-brilliant diamonds are the only shape to have this ideal proportion defined. Brilliant cut diamonds have facets that are shaped like triangles and kites. Today's round brilliant diamond has a total of fifty-eight facets, but you'll see varying facet numbers in vintage brilliant cut diamonds. Even though Round Brilliant cut diamonds are the most expensive in the market, they make up the overwhelming majority of diamonds found in engagement rings, and are popular as stud earrings and pendants.

Oval
The elongated shape of Oval diamonds gives a very flattering effect to your finger when worn in a ring, and is found in some of the most beautiful diamond engagement rings. Unlike round cut diamonds, oval cut diamonds have an elongated shape, which makes the diamond appear larger in carat weight. Oval cut diamonds are essentially elongated round cut diamonds. Many women with smaller hands or shorter fingers prefer the look of oval cut diamonds and pear shaped diamonds because they truly slenderize and elongate the fingers on the hand.

Marquise
While marquise diamonds are not as popular as round cut diamonds or princess cut diamonds, they are still quite sophisticated and elegant. A marquise cut diamond has a uniquely beautiful shape that is favoured by many women, but a small percentage of brilliance will be sacrificed for the beauty of this uniquely diamond shape. Compared to the round cuts, the marquise diamonds are not as popular these days. In addition, the shape of the marquise diamond almost makes the stone appear larger than it is. The Marquise shape was created for Louis the XIV and is has become a timeless classic.

Pear
The pear shape is a stunningly feminine diamond shape with a rounded end on one side and a tapering point at the other. Due to their elongated shape, pear cut diamonds are known for their slenderizing effect. .The Pear cut allows a range of cutting styles, so that the teardrop shape can be wider, slimmer, or cut to Ideal proportions, based on your choice and preferences. Pear shaped diamonds have a rounded end and a single point. While pear shaped diamonds are not as traditional as round cut diamonds, or as trendy as princess cut diamonds, they are still coveted by many people.

Emerald
The emerald-cut diamond is among the most classic of diamond shapes that is distinguished by beveled corners and step facets, emerald cut diamonds are more transparent than other shapes, resulting in the need for higher standards of clarity. The emerald cut can be one of the least expensive to cut because its shape is most like the natural shape of the rough diamond crystal. Because of the angle, size and shape of the facets, the emerald cut shows less brilliance and fire dispersion than the other brilliant cut diamonds. However, the emerald cut stone reveals a classic beauty and elegance not seen in other cuts. The trim lines of Emerald cut diamonds lend an elegant, sophisticated air to both the simplest of ring designs.

Heart
The heart-shaped diamond is the most romantic of diamond shapes and a symbol of love and affection, the heart cut diamond is an excellent choice for an anniversary or engagement ring. It is a tender gesture to make to someone special. A quality heart-shaped diamond is lovely and distinctive, with an even shape and well-defined outline. They are the ultimate symbol of romance, and more and more people are choosing heart cut diamonds for engagement and anniversary rings. Heart Shaped Diamonds are rarer and more expensive as it takes a large piece of diamond rough to shape cut and polish to something that is the ultimate symbol of love "the heart"

Princess
A modern innovation, the princess shape dazzles and sparkles with its star burst facet pattern, while still leaving the crown of the diamond flat and open. The princess cut is stunning set as a solitaire it is a modern classic of clean, square lines and beautiful sparkle. Its sharp corners are usually contained in a four-pronged or bezel set in wedding rings. You will also find Princess cut diamonds are often channeled into the wedding band itself. Princess Cut Diamonds are for those people who love the sparkle and brilliance associated with round cut diamonds, but prefer the shape of a square. While the round brilliant solitaire seems to be the most popular shape right now for engagement rings, many people are deviating from this trend and going with princess cut diamonds.

Radiant
The radiant cut was first patented in the late 1970's by Henry Grossbard, with its angular shape and brilliant cut facets it makes a scintillating alternative to other cuts such as the Emerald cut. The radiant shaped diamond can be considered a modified brilliant diamond that is closely related to the princess cut diamond because of its square shape. High quality Radiant cut diamonds combine the fire and sparkle of Emerald and Round cuts.

Now you know the different shapes of diamonds that you can purchase and which shape will accentuate individual fingers or provide brilliant sparkle we can now move on to the ring.

There are many different metals used for rings today which can be grouped into two, precious and non -precious, those in the precious group including silver, gold, and platinum, while those in the non-precious group can include brass, copper ad nickel. Most rings today are made of gold or platinum so we will focus our discussion on these two precious metals.

Gold
Gold comes in various colors that can reflect the carat value of the carat of yellow gold with 10k, 14k and 18k being the most popular. Did you know that you can get Rose Gold, white gold and yellow gold and that white gold is more a silver color than white? Until recently white gold was yellow gold with as much of the yellow gold removed as possible, however it was still not a true white color. To give you that white (silver) brilliance the rings are plated with Rhodium or palladium.

Platinum
Platinum became very popular for its natural white (silver) color and durability. Customers that buy white gold rings that have rhodium plating will have to have the ring re-plated every few years if it's worn regularly, as the rhodium wears off. With platinum the color stays the same no mater how often you wear it. Platinum is about twice the price of 14K Gold and can push the price of the setting and diamond out of the range of some customers.

Ring Mounts
There are thousands of different settings available for you to choose from; they come in all shapes and sizes, from solitaires to multi stone rings. Your choice is a personal one; however you should consider when you are going to be wearing your ring. If you plan to wear it daily then pick something with a low profile that protects the diamond and setting from getting damaged if you accidentally catch it against something. This could lead to the diamond coming loose and having to be reset, to forcing the diamond out of the mounting and breaking it.

On the other hand, if you are only going to wear the ring for special occasions then purchase a mount that holds the diamond high so that it's well displayed and allow the light to enter unobstructed from the top and show the scintillating fire and brilliance.

Remember that if you are purchasing a high quality diamond for your ring that having other diamonds around it will detract from your central diamond. If on the other hand you are purchasing a smaller center diamond adding smaller ones around the outside will make the center one look larger.

Engagement sets are also very popular, with couples purchasing the engagement ring and then going back and purchasing the wedding band from the set, for that special day.

Charts for Clarity and Color can be found in the resource section of Jewels by Truros. Please see us at Jewels by Truros

Derek Parnell is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and can be contacted at Jewels by Truros a division of Truros Corporation.

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Diamond Rings: When Should You Buy One?

2012-01-18T18:41:00.000-08:00

Diamond Rings

Throughout history diamond rings have become larger, more elaborate, and have included a wide variety of other jewels and metals. However, modern times demand a new look at why we give or possess the diamond ring. Regardless of the intention of the diamond ring itself, its purpose should be up to the giver, and not confined to the mere traditional purposes of engagement rings, wedding rings, or promise rings.

The necessity of the diamond ring has created a need to less expensive replicas to fulfill our cultural obligations. Moissanite and platinum engagement rings are other types of diamond alternative engagement rings that many couples are now choosing. One of the stones that are often used in diamond alternative engagement rings is the cubic zirconium diamond. However, for the sake of it being a meaningful gift, there is no substitute for a real diamond ring.

Since few people can afford the original item, there will always be a market for replicas of these one of a kind diamond engagement rings. To avoid replicas, a possible alternative are pawn shops. They will have amazing diamond rings that they are more than willing to sell for a reduced cost. Everything from engagement rings to promise rings, there are always a variety of diamond rings from which to choose.

If you're planning on shopping around for diamond anniversary rings be sure to also find some good ideas about how to present the ring. Also, if you're buying men's diamond rings for someone else be sure and take note of the shape and size of their hands. Also take into account the type of ring you are looking for. For instance, three stone diamond rings are available with a variety of different shaped stones.

A man needs to approach his wedding ring quite differently, hence the popularity of diamond men's rings. To some of you the thought of diamond wedding rings ever being too big for a man is absurd; however a diamond on either a man or woman is really never too large.

Probably the most daunting task is finding out which style of diamond ring that your significant other will like. Be sure to get a general idea from friends and family, and then shop on the internet to get an idea for what is out there.

Also, ignore some cultures myths surrounding diamond rings if you are just shopping for yourself. You don't have to be engaged to be married to wear diamond rings. Men's and women's diamond rings come in all kinds of shapes and sizes from small and simple to big and gaudy for all different reasons and occasions. Do not limit yourself based upon cultural superstitions.

Bottom line: if you want a diamond ring, or if you need a diamond ring, just go out and get one. Make yourself feel better, or do it for the right reasons if it is to secure the person in your life that you truly do love. Diamond rings are meant to be a symbol for a very strong and lasting bond. It is up to you to determine what that reason and bond should be.

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Diamond Rings

2012-01-17T09:09:00.000-08:00

Diamond Rings

Diamond rings are used in a variety of ways. You can find many stores which will sell you the diamond ring that you can most afford. These rings that you can find are designed for both men and women of all ages. The colors of the diamonds which are used are sometimes based on popular demand. Regardless of these colored diamonds, the styles which can be seen in diamond rings have the look of simple elegance that is a trademark of diamond designs.

You will find that the diamond colors which are used for rings are white diamonds, pink Argyle diamonds, blue diamonds and yellow diamonds to give you a few examples. The rare red and pink diamonds look really fabulous in modern classic diamond ring style. The current traditional use for diamond rings is that of engagement rings.

You will see that diamond rings are used for wedding rings, men's signature rings - although the diamonds which are found on these rings are of the small variety - and fancy diamond ring designs. The shapes of these diamonds are designed and chosen so that they enhance the wearer's finger. By choosing a ring shape which complements your finger you will find that diamond rings make a statement about the way that you feel about yourself.

Depending on the ring which is chosen your state of mind will also be revealed. For instance the main idea of diamond rings which are used as an engagement ring is that you are well loved and your fiancé has felt that you are worth the purchase of a diamond. Since the saying diamonds last forever is true you can expect that this ring that you have chosen represents the level of commitment in a relationship.

For other people who like the idea of wearing diamond rings these rings are the perfect complements to any outfit. The choice of diamond that you choose will in some cases limit what types of clothes that you wear. For instance you can wear a yellow diamond with colors that will not make the diamond ring look garish.

Besides buying natural diamond rings there is another type of diamond that you can buy. These diamonds are synthetic diamonds. These diamonds have been made so that they closely mimic the brilliance of these faux diamonds. The prices of these diamond rings are not as expensive as your ordinary diamond ring.

Now unless you have some experience with diamonds there is no way that an ordinary person will know if you are wearing a real diamond or a man made diamond rings. The best thing that you can do is to enjoy the pleasure of wearing one of the timeless beauties.

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