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.

Choosing the Right Precious Metal

When you are buying jewelry such as diamond rings, eternity rings, engagement rings, wedding or anniversary bands, your first consideration is what type of precious metal you want. There are a few more things to consider when choosing a precious metal than most people realize. There is yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum and silver to choose from.

First, ask yourself if this is a ring that will be worn every day, such as an engagement ring or wedding band. If so, then you want to make sure that the metal you choose will be strong and resistant to scratches and bending. Price can be a factor as well. Platinum is very popular and has very good points about it, but you will pay more for platinum. Silver may be great for jewelry that is not worn every day, but if you plan on wearing it for years to come, you may consider other metals.

Yellow gold is definitely the long standing most popular precious metal choice for many jewelers and buyers alike. It is easy to work with and strong enough for every day wear. Consider how many karats you want based on how often the ring will be worn. Ten and fourteen karat gold are strongest and most resistant to scratching and bending. They are popular choices for engagement rings and wedding bands. Rings sold in eighteen karat or twenty-four karat gold need to be taken care of to avoid bending and scratching.

Twenty-four karat gold is one hundred percent gold. Lower karat gold is mixed with other metals, such as zinc, copper and silver, to make it stronger. Some rings are gold plated or filled and will look beautiful for a while as long as they are not worn daily. The coatings can become discolored, tarnished and worn down over time, so if you are looking for something other than costume jewelry or special occasion jewelry, you probably want to choose a ring made with at least ten karat gold. White gold and rose gold are very durable, but they can discolor after a few years of wear. They sometimes can, however, be refurbished to restore their original beauty.

Platinum is the most sought after precious metal today. Unmatched in reflective beauty and strength, platinum is becoming as popular as gold. Platinum rings have more weight and durability than gold rings and the color will never turn. Where gold can be mixed with over forty percent of other metals, platinum is at least ninety percent pure. Platinum is very strong and is a great choice for jewelry such as diamond rings. Keep in mind that because of its strength, platinum is harder and more expensive to size.

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.

A Ring of Eternity

An eternity ring is a very special gift with a very special meaning. Historically, eternity rings have represented the circle of life. They represent an ongoing circle of unending love and devotion. But really, an eternity ring can mean whatever you like.

Eternity rings have become more and more popular with men and women. Some people are even buying eternity rings for themselves. Some are giving them as gifts for several different occasions.

An eternity ring has diamonds or other stones circling the ring. They come in half or full rings. People who prefer larger stones generally go with the half eternity rings. People who want the stones to circle completely around the ring go with a full eternity ring. Smaller stones are generally used for full eternity rings, but advances in jewelry making have enabled skilled jewelers to create eternity rings that fit comfortably, even with larger stones.

If you plan on giving an eternity ring, the meaning behind it can be left up to your imagination. Many people give them as anniversary bands. In this case, the number of stones may represent the number of years that you have been married. The continuous circle can represent the never ending love that you have for each other. The ring can embody the meaning of eternal love and devotion. Eternity rings generally can not be sized and each one is truly a continuous circle that has never been broken. You may choose for your anniversary eternity ring to represent the future that you are going to share together. You can even feel free to throw in a little humor and say that this eternity ring represents how being together has felt like an eternity! Whatever meaning you choose, make it personal. The meaning will have more of an impact if it suits your personality and really embodies the meaning of your relationship; past, present or future.

Eternity rings are not only for anniversaries. Many people use them as wedding bands and commonly refer to them as dress wedding bands. Far more sparkly and feminine than traditional bands, they make wonderful wedding gifts that are sure to dazzle and impress your bride. The compliment the traditional engagement ring beautifully. When paired, eternity rings can even act as a wedding band wrap, resting on either side of the engagement ring.

Eternity rings have been around for thousands of years and have withstood the test of time. When you give an eternity ring, you will not have to worry about this classic beauty going out of fashion. You can give eternity rings with confidence that they will be adored for years to come.

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.

What are Diamond Flaws?

If you are in the market for diamond rings, you may have questions about diamond quality and diamond flaws. What types of flaws are acceptable? How do you tell if the diamond you are looking at is worth the asking price? These are a few things to consider when selecting your diamond.

Most diamonds have flaws. Very few are perfectly clear. A perfectly clear diamond, or flawless diamond, is very rare and can be extremely expensive. Diamond flaws are called inclusions. There are two types of inclusions to consider when you are shopping for a diamond. Not all inclusions are bad. In fact, some inclusions can help you identify your diamond. Inclusions are like your diamond’s fingerprint, and can help you to ensure that when you send off your diamond ring for repair or resizing, that you actually get your diamond back. It is rare for jewelers to try and replace you diamond with a fake one, but being able to identify your unique stone will give you peace of mind and keep you from getting ripped off.

Epigenetic inclusions are flaws that happen when the diamond was in production. Epigenetic flaws are usually in the form of pits, scratches, nicks, laser lines, bearding or cleavage.

A cleavage is a crack in the diamond. A cleavage can cause your diamond to break apart. Pits are small holes in the facets of the diamond. Pits and scratches can usually be polished away and do not take away much value once they are removed. Bearding refers to stress fractures. These can happen around the girdle where the prongs touch and are sometimes referred to as girdle fringes. Laser lines happen when flaws are removed with a laser and a scar is left inside of the stone. Feathers are tiny lines that look like feathers and do not hurt the stone unless they are very close to the surface.

Naturally occurring flaws are called syngenetic inclusions. Syngenetic flaws are ones that were formed as the diamond was growing. Irregular crystallization, growth lines and pinpoints are naturally occurring inclusions. These can be harmless, but can give a diamond a cloudy appearance. Occasionally the crystal clusters reach the outside surface of the diamond and can cause it to chip or break.

Any time you look at a diamond in the jewelry store or online, all inclusions should be disclosed. You should look for up close pictures of the diamonds or look at it yourself through the jewelers loop. If it is very clear and cheap, then you should be suspicious. If it is cloudy and expensive, then you may be paying too much. The best way to tell if you are getting a good price is to look at a lot of diamonds until you get a sense of which diamonds should cost more and which diamonds should cost less.

Once you have settled on a diamond, inspect it closely with a jewelers loop and map out the flaws for yourself. Tiny cracks, feathers or small black carbon flecks can help you to always identify your diamond.

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.

Diamond Rings and Their Cuts

Diamond rings are certainly the most popular rings in the world. They are widely used for engagement, but are also very commonly used for anniversary gifts, graduation rings and congratulatory rings, as with the birth of a child. If you are in the market for diamond rings, then you probably have a lot of questions about cut, carat, clarity and quality. Here we will focus on the cut of diamond that you may prefer. Diamonds come in all shapes and sizes, so the one you choose will have some personal significance. Although no two diamonds are identical, there are nine basic cuts that you can choose from.
The princess cut is the most popular today. This is a square cut diamond with added facets for fire and brilliance. Square diamonds are beautiful, but have lost out in the popularity contest with round brilliants in the past. That is why the princess cut has become so popular lately. The old style of square cut just didn’t sparkle like the round cuts did. The princess cut brings you the sparkle of the round cut in a beautiful, sophisticated square shape.
The asscher cut diamond is a square diamond with the corners cut off. This helps eliminate chipping risks. The asscher doesn’t have all of the facets of the princess cut, but does have a unique sparkle. Higher quality diamonds are generally used for the asscher cut because its design can show flaws more vividly than more brilliant cuts. The emerald cut is basically the same, but more of a rectangle shape. The emerald cut can also show flaws if the quality of the diamond is not high enough.
The cushion cut diamond is rectangular with the corners rounded. It has more facets than the emerald cut and can more effectively hide flaws. It has more sparkle and brilliance, but doesn’t show the clarity that an emerald or asscher cut can. Similar to the cushion, asscher and emerald cut is the radiant cut. This is a marvelously faceted rectangular cut. The corners are cut off and the facets are triangular like the popular round brilliant.
An oval cut is very beautiful with its smooth lines and sparkling facets. This is a good alternative for people who love round brilliants but prefer something a little more unique. Another unique shape that really sparkles is the heart shaped diamond. The pear cut and marquise cut are also popular alternatives to the traditional round brilliant. All are beautiful and have lots of facets to sparkle. Pear cut diamonds are round on one end and come to a point on the other, like a teardrop. Marquise cut diamonds are oval with a point on two ends, giving them a unique yet feminine shape.
Whatever styles of diamond rings you are considering, you’re sure to make an impression with any shape of diamond that you choose. Make shopping for diamond rings fun by educating yourself on what types of diamonds are out there before you shop. Buying diamond rings is an experience that you should feel good about. Once you’ve decided on the right one for that special someone in your life, you’re sure to win her heart.

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.

Heirloom Eternity Rings

Eternity rings are very popular items to pass down from generation to generation. Their superb quality and stunning beauty ensures that they will last and last, from generation to generation. With stones encircling the ring, their style is simple and elegant, so there is no fear of eternity rings ever going out of style. They have been around since the times of the ancient Egyptians, after all. These valued possessions carry on your legacy in a beautiful meaningful way.
When you pass down eternity rings, make sure that you write down the story of the rings. Was this your wedding ring, anniversary ring, or congratulatory championship ring? Maybe you received it for the birth of your child and you wish to heirloom it to that child when you are gone. Passing down your eternity ring can be a very moving gesture. It can symbolize your eternal love for the person you leave it to. It can ensure that the story of your love for your husband or wife lives on in your family.
Make sure that you take care of your eternity ring if you wish to heirloom it. They are very well made and durable, so it doesn’t take much effort to keep them beautiful and eye-catching. Use a soft bristled toothbrush to get into tiny cracks. Use a mild detergent or jewelry cleaning solution to get the stones looking stunningly brilliant. Some people like to dry their eternity rings with a hairdryer after cleaning to ensure that no water spots are left on the stones. This also ensures that water isn’t left down inside of the band between the stones. Check your stones often to make sure that they are not getting loose. It is very unlikely that you would ever lose a stone from an eternity band since the stones are usually set inside of the band, not on prongs, but you should still check to ensure that your ring isn’t in need of repair. Just take a toothpick or other small pointed item and gently try to wiggle the stones all the way around your eternity ring. If you see any of the stones wiggle, then take your eternity ring to a jeweler.
Deciding who to heirloom your eternity ring to can be a difficult decision. Traditionally, daughters or granddaughters are the recipients. If you wish to leave yours to a son, niece or nephew, then that is a good decision as well. If there is more than one recipient, then you may ask who would like to have the eternity ring. You may find that one would much rather have your engagement ring or some other special piece that they associate with you. If you’re torn, you can always have half of the stones mounted in one ring and the other half in another. This is a very thoughtful way to heirloom your eternity ring. However you decide to heirloom your eternity rings, you’re sure to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

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.

The Meaning of Eternity Rings

Eternity rings are beautiful symbols of love that your sweetheart is sure to cherish for years to come. But what are the true meanings of eternity rings? We’ve researched it, and found out that they can mean lots of different things to different people.
Eternity rings are rings, usually made of gold, white gold, or platinum, that feature stones that encompass the outside of the ring all the way around. Some feature stones that go half-way around, while most feature stones all the way around. The stones most often used are diamonds. Eternity rings are used very often for wedding bands, but are becoming increasingly popular as anniversary gifts and symbolizations of many special moments in a couple’s life.
Wedding bands symbolize the eternal circle of love and life. They are one continuous circle of precious metal that can never be broken. Many people have their wedding bands made to fit and don’t believe in sizing them. This is simply because they don’t want the band to ever be cut. The circle must never be broken. This is one reason that eternity rings are so popular as wedding bands. They don’t only beautifully compliment a diamond engagement ring, but they are one continuous unbreakable circle. Because of diamond placement circling the ring, you can’t size it. Cutting the band could cause you to lose stones and some believe, break the eternal circle. Eternity rings must be made to be the size that you need.
As one of the strongest substances on the planet, diamonds themselves represent eternity. Diamonds can mean undying love and devotion, loyalty, fidelity, eternal friendship, unwavering partnership and commitment. They can also represent the future, promising a life of togetherness and closeness. Diamonds on eternity rings represent all of these meanings in an eternal circle, essentially magnifying their meanings, continually encompassing the finger in a never-ending circle of lasting beauty.
Some people use eternity rings to symbolize various moments in their lives. One man described why he chose an eternity ring for his bride of fifty years. He realized that each one could symbolize something important that they had shared or an adversity that they had overcome together. He wrote a beautiful poem describing what each stone meant. One was for the first time he laid eyes on her. The next was for their first kiss. Then came marriage, children, their first home, getting through the hardships that they had faced together with unwavering commitment to each other, and so on. Coming up with his own meanings made this eternity ring extremely special to his wife and surely put a smile on her face every time she saw it after that. This special ring and it’s story will most definitely become a treasured family memory and heirloom in the future.
In short, the eternity rings that you give can mean whatever you want them to. Eternity rings should always symbolize something. Whether it is marriage, the birth of a child, anniversary or just a special time in your lives, eternity rings can really solidify the moment, capturing the uniqueness and sacred bond that you share in a stunning circle of stones. Your special relationships, friendships and love can be forever symbolized in eternity rings.

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.

Which One to Choose?

Eternity rings are very popular choices for wedding bands or anniversary rings. Their timeless beauty will never go out of style. When you are selecting an eternity ring for the one you love, there are a few things you should consider. First, what kind of precious metal should you select? It may be obvious if you are matching an existing engagement ring. If not, then you may need to educate yourself on the different types of metals available, their properties, and the pros and cons of each.
Gold has been the most popular choice in rings for centuries. Twenty four karat gold is pure gold. It is way too soft to use in most jewelry making. When purchasing eternity rings, you do not want the gold to be so soft that it bends easily. This can cause you to lose stones. Also, the gold surface would be so soft that it would easily be scratched up and start looking dull. Eighteen karat gold is fairly soft, but some prefer the color of eighteen karat gold to fourteen karat. Their durability is very close, but eighteen karat has a slightly darker color. Compare the two when you are shopping for eternity rings and you can decide which you might prefer. Keep in mind that the eighteen karat gold eternity rings will need to be treated with a little more care than the fourteen karat rings. They are a little bit softer and less durable. If the ring you are buying will be worn every day, then fourteen karat may be a better choice for durability.
When most people talk about gold, they are referring to yellow gold, gold’s natural color. Some people prefer white gold. White gold is mixed with other metals and can have slightly different shades of yellow in it. If the white gold eternity ring you are looking at has nickel in it, then you may want to check with the person you are buying it for and make sure that they are not allergic to nickel. Many people are and you should find out what metals are included in your white gold before you purchase it. The white gold that is the whitest is rhodium plated gold. The rhodium plating looks very nice, very shiny and very white. The plating will not chip off, but keep in mind that it can wear off over time. The white gold ring will eventually start to look more like yellow gold, and you will need to get it replated.
Platinum is the most popular choice in eternity rings today, and for good reason. It costs more, but the durability, quality and beauty of it wins hands down when it comes to precious metals. Platinum is white, like white gold, but it won’t wear down and turn yellow over time like white gold. The shine of platinum seems to be deeper and it makes diamonds really stand out with more sparkle when it is used as the setting. Eternity rings have small diamonds and a platinum band can really make each one count. The shine, sparkle and durability of color make platinum a very fine choice. Another important thing to note about platinum is that it is hypoallergenic and holds diamonds and gemstones more securely than other metals. Platinum is heavier than other metals and is sure to impress the one you love.

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.

What is an Eternity Ring?

Eternity rings are becoming increasingly more and more popular, and for good reason. An eternity ring is more than just a ring. An eternity ring symbolizes something. It symbolizes eternity. It symbolizes everlasting love. It tells someone that you love them forever. If the diamonds go all the way around, then it symbolizes how your love is a continuous circle that never ends. When you give an eternity ring, you really are saying how much you cherish someone and it is like a promise that you will always feel the same way about them. Eternity rings are so popular because the recipients will remember how you feel each and every time that they look at their beautiful eternity ring.
Some people believe that each stone symbolizes something about their relationship. Come up with something romantic that each stone represents when you give the eternity ring. One could be for the day you met. The next can represent your first kiss. One diamond can represent you falling in love. One can be for your wedding day. The next one or more can represent each of your children. If you do not have children yet, or if you just want to make a statement about your life ahead, you can leave some stones to represent your future that has not happened yet. Then, as you make your memories together you can name the next stone to symbolize its importance to you as a couple.
Eternity rings make great gifts for many occasions. The birth of a child can really spark a flood of new emotions and mark a special time in a couple’s life. An eternity ring can represent this new life that you are embarking on together. Eternity rings make very beautiful wedding bands. Eternity rings compliment almost every engagement ring. The timeless beauty and simplicity of the eternity ring will ensure that you never grow tired of the style of your eternity ring. The sparkle and beauty of an eternity ring far surpasses that of traditional wedding bands.
There are two types of eternity rings to choose from. Full eternity rings have diamonds (or other stones) that go all the way around. These are very beautiful rings with the maximum amount of sparkle. They sometimes cost a little more than half eternity rings because they have to be custom fitted. You can not buy a full eternity ring and have it sized later, because of the stones going all the way around. Some people prefer the full eternity rings because they symbolize the eternal circle of love that they have for the recipient.
Half eternity rings have the stones only on top of the ring. Having exposed precious metal on the bottom of the ring makes it possible to have it sized. Another benefit of the half eternity ring is that you can put bigger stones in it. This makes for a more dazzling display of diamonds (or other stones). Some believe that half eternity rings are slightly more comfortable, but jewelers keep comfort in mind when designing both types of eternity rings, so feel free to pick the one that you are drawn to. Keep all of these things in mind when selecting the eternity ring that is right for your special someone. You are sure to have a special moment in the giving of your eternity ring, followed by a lifetime of love and memories.

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.

What is an Eternity Ring?

Eternity rings are becoming increasingly more and more popular, and for good reason. An eternity ring is more than just a ring. An eternity ring symbolizes something. It symbolizes eternity. It symbolizes everlasting love. It tells someone that you love them forever. If the diamonds go all the way around, then it symbolizes how your love is a continuous circle that never ends. When you give an eternity ring, you really are saying how much you cherish someone and it is like a promise that you will always feel the same way about them. Eternity rings are so popular because the recipients will remember how you feel each and every time that they look at their beautiful eternity ring.
Some people believe that each stone symbolizes something about their relationship. Come up with something romantic that each stone represents when you give the eternity ring. One could be for the day you met. The next can represent your first kiss. One diamond can represent you falling in love. One can be for your wedding day. The next one or more can represent each of your children. If you do not have children yet, or if you just want to make a statement about your life ahead, you can leave some stones to represent your future that has not happened yet. Then, as you make your memories together you can name the next stone to symbolize its importance to you as a couple.
Eternity rings make great gifts for many occasions. The birth of a child can really spark a flood of new emotions and mark a special time in a couple’s life. An eternity ring can represent this new life that you are embarking on together. Eternity rings make very beautiful wedding bands. Eternity rings compliment almost every engagement ring. The timeless beauty and simplicity of the eternity ring will ensure that you never grow tired of the style of your eternity ring. The sparkle and beauty of an eternity ring far surpasses that of traditional wedding bands.
There are two types of eternity rings to choose from. Full eternity rings have diamonds (or other stones) that go all the way around. These are very beautiful rings with the maximum amount of sparkle. They sometimes cost a little more than half eternity rings because they have to be custom fitted. You can not buy a full eternity ring and have it sized later, because of the stones going all the way around. Some people prefer the full eternity rings because they symbolize the eternal circle of love that they have for the recipient.
Half eternity rings have the stones only on top of the ring. Having exposed precious metal on the bottom of the ring makes it possible to have it sized. Another benefit of the half eternity ring is that you can put bigger stones in it. This makes for a more dazzling display of diamonds (or other stones). Some believe that half eternity rings are slightly more comfortable, but jewelers keep comfort in mind when designing both types of eternity rings, so feel free to pick the one that you are drawn to. Keep all of these things in mind when selecting the eternity ring that is right for your special someone. You are sure to have a special moment in the giving of your eternity ring, followed by a lifetime of love and memories.

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.

Eternity Rings

Eternity rings are similar to wedding rings in that they symbolize undying love. But unlike wedding and engagement rings, eternity rings do not mark a specific occasion, but are rather an expression of everlasting love between the giver and the person receiving the ring. Eternity rings are often given for special occasions such as an anniversary, the birth of a child or a birthday, but part of the beauty of eternity rings is that they are often given for no special occasion at all. The gift of an eternity ring is an expression of love that can be shared anytime.

Eternity rings sometimes incorporate selected valuable gems such as sapphires, rubies, or emeralds, but by far the most popular choice is a ring set with diamonds. A common design for an eternity ring is a band with an inset row of diamonds, wrapping around the ring either half way or completely. Half eternity rings are lined with diamonds circling half way around the band, which show just on the upper face of the ring. Full eternity rings have diamonds which are lined all the way around the ring. Full eternity rings are more costly due to a larger number of diamonds, the need for custom sizing and possibly custom designing. In general, half eternity rings bear less cost due to easier sizing and design but have the advantageous potential of being set with larger diamonds than full eternity rings. Square and rectangle diamonds are typically preferred to round diamonds for use in eternity rings due to the continuity created when setting them end to end.

Spanning a diverse array of styles and varying price ranges, eternity rings carry the common symbolism of the circle band representing infinite love. Eternity rings are most often worn by women on the same finger as wedding bands are traditionally worn. The manner of wearing an eternity ring is a personal choice. Some women wear eternity rings in place of their wedding and engagement rings, while others choose to wear them in place of one ring or the other.

Though there are numerous styles and options available in eternity rings, the sentiment of everlasting love remains the most valuable aspect of the gift.

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.

Major Diamond Shapes

Historically, diamonds have been highly regarded and believed to possess magical powers that bestowed strength and invincibility upon the fortunate few who possessed them, perhaps due to their seemingly indestructible nature. Today, the diamond has evolved into a symbol of eternal love for many, and is available in a variety of cuts. Here you will find an overview of common diamond shapes that are commonly used in jewelry design.

Round: The round cut diamond is the most popular choice for jewelry, with the circle commonly representing never-ending love and harmonious balance. Creating a finished round shape diamond requires sacrificing more rough than any other diamond cut.

Marquise: A marquise shaped diamond is elongated, typically half as wide as it is long, with pointed ends. Said to be inspired by the smile of a mistress of King Louis XIV named Marquise de Pompadour, the marquise shaped diamond has royal insinuations.

Pear: The pear cut diamond, also known as the drop cut, appears to be a cross between the round and marquise shapes. A pear cut diamond may appear wide on the rounded end or may have a more elongated shape.

Heart: The heart shaped diamond requires considerable skill to produce. The heart cut is similar to a pear cut diamond, but incorporates two connected rounded edges where the pear shaped cut has one.

Oval: An oval shaped diamond looks just as you may imagine, like an elongated round cut diamond. The longer length causes an oval cut diamond to appear larger than a round cut diamond with the equivalent carat weight.

Princess: Only around since 1980, a princess shape diamond is a perfect square with ninety degree angled corners. A minimal amount of rough is lost in cutting and polishing a princess shape diamond.

Baguette: Baguettes can be fashioned in a variety of shapes, but typically appear like a rectangle with one end disproportionate to the other.

Emerald: An emerald cut diamond is reminiscent of the way emerald gems are typically cut, and appears like a shortened rectangle with beveled corners.

Triangular: Triangular cut diamonds, also called trilliants, are three sided and shaped as the name indicates, like a triangle. A trilliant may have linear or rounded sides, and the corners may be sharp or rounded.

Asscher: Invented by diamond cutter Joseph Asscher, Asschers can be square shaped or rectangular with the corners cut at angles. Looking straight into an Asscher cut diamond will reveal the unique illusion of a passageway of mirrors.

Cushion: The cushion shape diamond has been around since the 1800s, but has experienced a recent surge in popularity. The square shape rounded on the sides and corners is renowned for its vintage appearance.

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.