Diamond Rings: The Four C’s

Diamonds are one of the world’s most rare and valued stones. We use diamonds for all kinds of jewelry. The most popular use of diamonds is in diamond rings. This is also, for many people, the first diamond that they purchase.

Diamond rings are traditionally given as engagement rings. They are also becoming more popular in eternity rings and are being used for dress wedding bands and right hand rings. Diamond stud earrings are classically beautiful and have remained popular for many years. If you are buying diamond rings, then there are some criteria that you should be aware of so that you are getting the most for your money.

Not all diamonds are created equal. There are several things to consider when determining the worth of a diamond. The jewelry industry has regulated how diamonds are judged and valued. When you are shopping for diamond rings, you need to keep “The Four C’s” in mind. This will help you pick the right diamond at the right price.

Cut, clarity, carat and color are the qualities that you will be looking for.

Cut- The diamond’s cut refers to its shape and how it has been cut. The more facets that are present, the more brilliant the stone will appear. Facets are the flat facings on the stone’s surface. Some stones are square or rectangle cut and do not have as many facets, but their classic simplicity and clarity can make the diamond as stunning as a multi-faceted brilliant round cut diamond.

Choosing the right cut and shape is purely a personal preference. You will be able to choose between round, emerald, oval, pear, marquise, radiant, princess or heart shaped diamonds.

Clarity- Flawless clarity refers to a diamond that is completely transparent and clear of any cloudiness, discoloration, carbon flecks, cracks, inclusions and faults. Flawless diamonds are very rare and can be one of the most expensive diamonds on the market. Clarity is categorized by flawless, very very slight (VVS), very slight (VS), and slightly included (SI). Slight flaws can help you to identify your diamond when having it sized or repaired.

Carat- Carats refers to the weight of the diamond. Higher quality diamonds might appear smaller, but weigh more than less perfect diamonds and therefore have more carats. Do not confuse carats with size.

Color- The color of a diamond can range from light yellow to completely clear. Completely clear diamonds are extremely rare and you may not even be able to find one. A diamonds color value is usually determined by the amount of yellow detectable in the diamond. However, if the color is pink or blue, it can actually increase the value. Red diamonds are the rarest in the world. Diamonds also occur in green, orange and purple.

When buying diamond rings, consider The Four C’s. Shop around for the most beautiful diamond you can find that is sure to take her breath away.

About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of diamond rings, eternity rings, platinum rings and gold rings. For more information, please visit www.Maliere.com.

Gemstone Quality

A gemstone is a precious stone cut and polished to use in the making of jewelry. If you are in the market for a gemstone, there are a few things that you should know before you buy. You should estimate the quality of the stone to make sure that you are getting what you pay for. There are a few guidelines to go by to make sure that you are not spending too much on a low quality stone.

If a stone is rare, like a diamond, then it will be expensive regardless of its quality. Sometimes certain rocks will be considered gems, and again, can be very expensive if they are a rarity.

Colored gemstone value is usually assessed depending on the color of the stone. Size is also, of course, a major consideration. Larger stones can be quite rare and can cost considerably more than the same weight in smaller stones. Inclusions, flaws or pits can cause the value of a stone to go down. Cloudiness is another factor. Sometimes gemstones are manipulated to increase their value.

One simple method of making a stone more beautiful is to heat it. Jewelers can increase the color and clarity of many stones by heating them up. Aquamarine stones are usually heated to make them more blue than green and to remove yellow undertones. Almost all rubies and sapphires are heated to improve their color and clarity. Diamonds are the exception here. Heating a diamond can actually burn it.

Emeralds just about always have inclusions. Sometimes these tiny flaws are filled with wax or oil by the jeweler to make them appear smoother. Turquoise stones are also commonly waxed or oiled. Sometimes the wax or oil is tinted to bring out a brighter or deeper color in emeralds and turquoise stones.

If you can not afford the gemstone of your dreams, then you might consider synthetic gems. These are man-made gemstones that are identical, physically and chemically, to naturally occurring gemstones. Therefore, they are often referred to as real gemstones. Cubic zirconia is produced to look like a diamond, but it does not retain the same chemical properties as a real diamond. This is why it is called a cubic zirconia as opposed to a synthetic or lab-created diamond. You can save money by selecting lab-created or synthetic stones. You will have beautiful real stones. The only differences are that they were not found in nature, they can be mass produced and they are not as rare as naturally occurring stones.

All kinds of gemstones are used in jewelry manufacturing today. Whether you are buying an imitation stone, such as a cubic zirconia or going all out on perfect diamond rings, you are sure to have a treasure worthy of admiration.

About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of diamond rings, eternity rings, platinum rings and gold rings.

Gold Jewelry Buying Guide

Are you wondering what type of gold you should consider when buying your jewelry? You are not alone. There are so many choices that it can be confusing. In general, you will want to consider how you will use the jewelry before you start narrowing down what type of gold you should go with. Will this be a ring or necklace that you wear every day? Will this be used as a wedding ring or heirloom?

If you will rarely wear this piece, then you may be able to choose a higher quality, or higher karat, gold. Gold is a relatively soft, malleable metal. Twenty-four karat gold is almost pure gold. It is more expensive than lesser karats, but also softer and easier to bend, break and scratch. Higher karats of gold are usually only used in fine jewelry that will be worn carefully and not very often.

When you are purchasing an engagement ring or wedding band, consider that it will be worn everyday. Also, since rings are worn on your hands, they will be banged around and scraped fairly often. Soft gold is not necessarily the best choice if you are interested in the ring keeping its shine. Ten to fourteen karat gold is a much more popular choice when choosing a diamond engagement ring or wedding band. It is very durable and beautiful. Your investment is sure to last a lifetime.

Gold comes in different colors. Yellow gold is traditionally the most popular color and it is also the most abundantly available color. Sometimes gold is bonded with other metals to change the color. White gold is a popular alternative to silver. It does not tarnish or bend as easily as silver and will last a lot longer. Rose gold is also popular and is a metallic pink toned metal. Color altered gold can change over time if it is worn every day, so keep that in mind when selecting the gold that suits your taste and skin tone.

Choosing the gold for your jewelry is a personal decision. There are things such as quality, durability and shine to consider. Price is another factor. Pure gold costs considerably more than lower karats. Lower karats are more durable and less likely to scratch, scar, bend or break. If you choose a higher karat gold, white or rose gold, you should take special care of it. Do not sleep in it or wear it every day. Take it off when you work or clean. These types of gold jewelry can keep their beautiful appearance for years if properly taken care of.

About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of diamond rings, eternity rings, platinum rings and gold rings. For more information, please visit www.Maliere.com.

Symbolized by a Promise Ring

A promise ring is a very special token symbolizing a promise. The promise ring can remind you of a promise that you made to yourself or to another person. Promise rings traditionally have been given as a symbol of fidelity between two people. This is usually a precursor to an engagement ring and has been popular with the younger crowds.

A promise ring can symbolize anything that you want it to. The new trend in promise rings is that it acts as a reminder of a promise to oneself. It can help you to remember that you promised yourself that you would be a non-smoker. It can remind you of a promise to yourself to stay sober. It can also be used to symbolize your promise to put your family first. It can mean whatever you want it to. A ring that you wear everyday can be a powerful motivator for sticking to your guns and doing what is right.

A promise ring can also be given as a token of friendship. Friendship promise rings are usually worn as a right hand ring. A friendship ring acts as a reminder that you are not alone. Promise rings symbolize a deep, lifelong friendship.

Promise rings are also becoming more popular for religious reasons. A boyfriend and girlfriend might exchange promise rings in agreement that they will retain their virginity until marriage. They could be a promise to be true to your faith. They are also used as a promise to raise your children in the church.

Promise rings used to symbolize love are most common. As mentioned, they are most often used as a precursor to engagement. Sometimes young couples simply can not afford the engagement ring of their choice. The promise ring is a less expensive alternative which shows the world your intent to someday be married. Sometimes a promise ring is given as a trial before engagement. This gives the couple some time to seriously consider what it would be like to be married before they commit to the engagement.

If you are giving or receiving a promise ring, make sure you are clear on the meaning. Communicate to the recipient what you intend by giving the promise ring. It can mean anything that the two of you agree on. Whether it be a promise to be friends forever, to someday become engaged, or to stay on the path to sobriety together, a promise ring always symbolizes something. Make sure that yours is beautiful, timeless and well suited to the recipient’s style. The giving of a promise ring is a special event and you will always remember it. Make it memorable. Give your promise rings with sincerity and honesty.