From: emerald cut diamond ring. Diamond jewelry had always been regarded to be on top of the list as the world’s most-desired gem, although a few would like to dispute it. Nevertheless, the diamond mystique still works its charms on people for them to want to own a piece, or at least to know more about it. 

After centuries of fascinating stories and myths, here are the bare facts all about the world’s most wanted gem.

The bare essentials

Most people would certainly have heard about gem stones. They may have heard how precious they are as jewels. Some may have heard, too, random bits and pieces about the qualities that make them fascinating and attractive to people. 

Let us take you to a short guided tour and introduce you to the essential parts (and other aspects) of a diamond for your information. It is then up to you to discover what make them special as gems.

Table 

This is the first surface (surfaces in gems are called facets) that you will see. It is on top of the gem stone, and is the largest area in the whole stone’s body.

Crown

This is the upper part of the diamond just above the girdle that includes the table and the bezel facets around. (The girdle is the outer edge of the diamond forming the stone’s total width around it.) 

The crown slopes down to the girdle and this is called the crown angle. It passes and intersects the stone’s bezel facets. (The bezel is the metal holding the stone around the girdle.)

This crown angle helps in the dispersion of light, called fire, in a gem stone. It also helps to enhance the diamond’s brilliance. 

Girdle 

As pointed out, this is the narrow band encircling the widest part of the gem stone. This part of the stone is sometimes faceted (tiny polished surfaces) and some are not. Some jewelers have the diamond’s certificate number inscribed in laser on the girdle.

Pavilion

This is the bottom part of the diamond, essentially the facets just below the girdle, all leading to the culet. This is where lights come in and is reflected out of the stone’s table.

Culet

This is the pointed end at the bottom of the stone which may be faceted (a tiny polished surface at the endpoint) to protect from chipping. 

In the early days, large faceted culets were common in diamonds, especially the Old European or Old Mine cuts. Modern diamonds have very small culets or none at all.

Other essentials 

The above are only the basic physical parts of the diamond. But there are other considerations that make it the most-coveted stone today. This is where the other aspects of the stone would make it stand out and differ from the others.

Depth

This is the stone’s measurement from the culet to the table. The stone’s depth is responsible for the correct angling and height for light to enter and be reflected back to the viewer in a most fascinating manner.

These flashes of reflected light are commonly referred to as sparkle.  The intensity of this reflected bunch of light beams to the top of the diamond is called brilliance. When a diamond moves, there are flashes of color reflected from within, and it is called fire. 

Symmetry

This is another important gauge in a diamond’s desirability because this is an indicator of the stone’s quality. Misalignments (facet angles, polish, lengths, etc) can diminish some of the gem stone jewelry’s other near-perfect qualities.

For more see unique emerald cut engagement rings and vintage emerald cut diamond rings.

If diamonds are a lady’s best friend then jewellery is her soul sister! jewellery is like a powerful accessory that a great many want one fabulous piece and build an outfit around it. You’ll be able to ruin a superbly large outfit by wearing a different jewellery.

Before we get into what and how to where jewellery there are several no-nos that you ought to be aware of. Relax – these are too tough to follow!

Don’t overdo it with jewellery. Keep it easy. Wear no a couple of big piece such as earrings or necklace.

Don’t wear an ankle bracelet or toe ring using a dressy outfit. It may look trashy.

Limit the number of rings. Wear chunky rings alone.

For after hours events, replace your basic day jewelry with more festive pieces.

Now for the good stuff. Here’s what you’ll be able to do with jewellery.

It’s takes a confident person to wear bold jewelry. Going bold is great and screams “I’m okay with standing out in the crowd and I need everyone to know it!” What it shouldn’t do is over-accessorize the incorrect outfit. Don’t wear prints with big and bold jewellery. Sleek all black or all white are perfect with colorful jewelry.

Figure out how to mix metals. It’s not taboo to gold with gold and silver. Just keep in mind to maintain the style of jewelry the same. Stacking square or round bangles in different shades of gold and silver is fine. You can even layer gold and silver necklaces for a modern look.

Wear a good length necklace. Wearing the wrong necklace be able to during any outfit out of kilter. Here’s some easy suggestions for getting it right. V-neck, boat-neck and off the shoulder tops look great with collar necklaces. Chokers are perfect with strapless or plunging necklines. The most common length is between 17-19 inches. This be able to be worn with most necklines except high ones. Plunging necklines look great with a necklace length of 20-24 inches. Very high necklines are perfect for 28-34 inch necklace. This length can also be doubled for a multi-strand look.

Pure diamonds are always tempting. They are very expensive, but the price of these diamonds cannot deter the people from showing their love towards them. Both men and women are very fond of these precious stones and leave no good opportunity to own at least one. The love and desire of the purest and the best kind of these diamonds take these fond lovers to the jewelry shops where these gemstones are generally sold.

The elegant diamond bands give a stylish look to the personality of both men and women. These diamond bands adorn people of both sexes equally. These bands are made with different types of metals like platinum, gold, and titanium. Like the diamonds themselves, these metals are also very costly. However, the best bands are available in these combinations only. The bands of these metals adorned with precious diamonds make a unique combination that has all the ingredients to present you a splendid piece of ornament.

The latest designs of diamond bands are essential part of modern dressing. In spite of the fact that these diamond bands are made with different metals mentioned above, the most demanding combination makes use of gold with these precious diamonds. According to the jewelers, this combination provides the strong designs of elegant pieces of the product. The designs of these bands are also fantastic. You can buy a diamond band of your own choice from any reputed jewelry store for a good price. However, it is suggested that if you have decided to buy a band of your choice, then you should go for the best that comes with gold and diamond.

Diamond bands for all

However, this better quality of diamond bands are heavy and therefore, they weigh more. It is quite natural that these bands are high priced as well. These bands are in great demand these days as they make a very good and valuable presentation for all, irrespective of the sexes. At present, these golden bands are regarded as the best and the most preferred item of ornament for both the bride and the groom. Therefore, quite naturally, the families of both the bride and the groom spend a lot of time in choosing and purchasing the best kind of bands for them. Almost all the jewelry shops maintain a good variety of these stylish bands for their probable customers.

Due to their variety of designs and trendier looks, these bands are the most common presentation these days. As a common practice, the new couple exchanges these diamond engagement bands with each other on the occasion of their engagement. It makes a very good reputation among the guests as well. These diamond bands become the witness of their newly formed relationship. It makes the day memorable for both the alleys of marriage.

Rich Vial is a webmaster for Diamond Bands visit: ediamondlist.com

From: brilliant round diamond engagement rings. Diamonds in the rough are as ordinary as any regular stone, sometimes uglier. But once these are cut into shapes into the diamond jewelry that we are familiar with, the transformation is simply magical. 

Gem Stones are usually cut to accentuate their brilliance, fire and color.

Cuts 

diamonds are mostly cut into familiar round shapes (round brilliant cut). Those that are not are known as ‘fancy cuts’.

Fancy cuts are the baguette (like the French loaf of bread), the marquise, the princess (square), briolette (rose cut), and the pear cut.

Today, newer cuts are introduced into the industry, perhaps to liven it up. These include the ‘cushion’, the ‘radiant’ (like princess cuts, only with rounded edges), and the ‘Asscher’ cut (square emerald cut).

Fancy-colored gem stones are mostly cut in these new styles. However, these fancy cuts are not held to the strict standards of diamond cuts. 

These precise standards were set by mathematician and gem enthusiast Marcel Tolkowsky. He calculated the exact angles and dimensions of the diamond’s facets (surfaces) to reflect the most light and gives the gem stone its famed brilliance.   

Fashion 

Like any other man-made ornament, diamond cuts are also heavily influenced by the fashion of the day. In the Art Deco period, the baguette (it accentuates a gem stone’s luster but plays down the fire) was the favorite.

Today, the princess cut is gaining popularity, mostly among younger women. It is a favorite among diamond cutters because it uses most of the crystal in the original stone.

Since the past decades, there had been modifications of diamond cuts. These new cuts are seen to be more on trying to adapt a brand differentiation rather than actual improvements.

Shapes 

The round diamond is the most popular today. It has 57 facets (or 58 including the culet). By far, it displays the most fire and scintillation among all.

Cut into a square with 90 degrees angle on each corner, the princess cut brings out a tremendous amount of brilliance, second only to the round. 

Heart-shaped diamonds are the most sentimental of all. It is also the hardest to find.

Radiant diamonds are rectangles with rounded corners. What make it special are the patterns of the facets that makes it look like cracked ice.

Invented in the 60s, the oval diamond is similar to the round brilliant, except for the ovate shape. One can see a visible “bow-tie” on top.

Designed in 1902, the Asscher is often called the square emerald cut. It has cropped corners that give it a distinctive elegance.

The emerald cut, rectangular or square, has beveled corners. It has a window-like transparency giving it a classic beauty.

The marquise has 56 facets, elongated and has pointed ends. Reportedly, it had been inspired by the smile of the Marquise de Pompadour and created for Louis XIV.

The pear cut looks more like a teardrop. It shows off best as a pendant or on earrings.

The cushion cut or the candlelight has larger facets and rounded corners to increase their sparkle under candlelight.

The corners of a triangle diamond may be pointed or rounded. The body shape is defined by the cutter or the stone’s characteristics.

By far, one can see that the many shapes of diamond jewelry are all geared to accentuate the beauty of the stone, its own unique elegance. Which one would look best on you?

For more see radiant cut diamond solitaire rings and princess engagement rings.

From: unique diamond solitaire rings. Diamond jewelries, although expensive, are becoming popular gifts not only for engagements, but also for anniversaries, birthday and other joyous occasions. diamond jewelry shopping could be a bit overwhelming, since there are national chains and local jewellers which could provide what you want.  Another place to search and purchase gem stone jewelries is on the internet.  

More people are choosing online shops rather than personally buying the jewelry from the shops.  Mainly, it is because the price tends to be more affordable when buying things online.  Aside from the difference in the cost, there are also more choices in online shops.  It would also give you enough time to make a guided decision and learn more about gem stones.   It would even make jewelry hunting easier, since you can do this while at home or in the office.  

If you have chosen to purchase online, there are guidelines that should be considered to make sure that you will be getting your money’s worth.  

- When buying jewelries online, always look for shops that would display their business registration number.  They would also be displaying company contact information.  You could start by checking if these online shops are credible enough by calling the company offices.   You could also check online stores by sending them e-mails.  Immediate reply to your call or e-mail would show how much the company value its customers. 

- Always check the money-back guarantee. There are online stores that would offer diamond and other kinds of jewelries in low prices, only to find out that they have no-return policies in the fine print.  

- Once the online purchase is finished, it is available to take the jewelry to a trustworthy jeweller for inspection.  If your jeweller decides to use a loupe or a scope to examine it, make sure that your jeweller would be done with the inspection before the return-policy expires.  This would help you get an idea if your purchase would be worth its price,  if not, then you could return it. 

- Don’t immediately buy the diamond jewelry that would catch your eye.  Continue with searching for similar diamond jewelry that could cost you lower. 

- When purchasing the diamond, always ask for the diamond certification or grading report.  This would ensure that your jewelry was properly inspected and documented.  

- When buying diamond jewelry online, using your credit card for purchase would be a good idea.  There are some credit card companies who would prevent or intervene if the product purchased or site is fraudulent.  Check with your bank if they would be able to do this for you in case you would run into a problem.

Online shops and stores could be convenient but safety and precaution should be followed when purchasing on the internet.  Regardless of any kind of product you will be buying, research is very crucial. 

There are also organizations which you could approach to learn more about a particular business or assistance regarding a problem with a purchase.  There are also local programs which could help in resolving disputes about jewelry, even gem stone jewelry disputes.

For more see marquise diamond solitaire engagement rings and radiant cut diamond solitaire rings.

From: affordable engagement rings in emerald cut. In diamond jewelry, the cut is one characteristic considered to be the most important. With a good cut, the quality of the final gem can offset a lower color quality or a generally poorer clarity. 

On the other hand, a D-color (a very high rating), Internally Flawless stone will not live up to its high promise if the cut is poor. The inferior quality of the cut would reduce all of the diamond’s brilliance, sparkle and scintillation.  

History 

Ever since the beginning of gem stone cutting in the mid-1300s, the techniques had evolved slowly through the years to what it is now today, which includes the use of lasers. It was in the 1600s when they found out that more facets meant more brilliance. 

It was with the Single cut that the modern and popular Brilliant cut of today was founded. The modern round brilliant cut diamond had evolved into a round outline, symmetrical triangular and kite-shaped facets, a table and a small culet, which was optional.

Cutting 

gem stone cutting, though done in around 5 basic steps, is actually a very long and intense process. For the layman, knowing the lengthy procedures would afford one to appreciate the work done. 

Stone shapes 

The natural shape of the original rough stone is the arbiter of the final shape of the finished diamond jewelry. Naturally oblong-shaped stones become marquises, ovals or pear shapes.

There might be near-perfect crystal shapes and they will more likely to become princess cuts or some other square cuts. Some large stones sometimes take a longer time to plan because of the fear of crystal wastage. They sometimes produce two gems out of one rough stone.

Planning

The first crucial step in making gem stone jewelry is planning when the rough stones are being subjected to lengthy scrutiny. The planner (his only work) decides where to mark the stone to fashion out a profitable polished gem or gems.

Mistakes like incorrect markings and others can cost as high as thousands of dollars. The planner decides the size, clarity, and the direction of the crystal when marking. Cleaving in a wrong position can shatter a gem stone stone and make it worthless.  

Cleaving or sawing

After the planner’s markings, the stone is either manually cleaved or sawed. The saw is a diamond-coated rotary one, or a laser.

Bruting.

Bruting is the process where the worked-on diamond is being spun on a rotating lathe and another diamond is forced against it to gradually form a rounded outline at first.

Polishing

This is the final stage of the cutting process where the diamond is given its finished proportions. 

The first polishing stage is blocking. This establishes the diamond’s basic symmetry. It is here where the first 17 or 18 facets are made, creating a single cut. For very small diamonds, the process for them ends here.

‘Brillianteering’ 

The brillianteering stage is next for the larger diamonds where their final facets are polished. This will determine their brilliance and their fire, whether they will be dazzling beauties or dull stones.

For the cutter, the driving force is always to create a diamond jewelry masterpiece.

For more see antique emerald engagement ring in emerald cut and cheap cushion cut engagement rings.

From: princess vintage diamond ring. Buying antique diamond jewelry, whether as an engagement ring, a wedding ring, or for personal satisfaction, is always an investment. Considered as “nature’s perfect gemstones,” antique diamond jewelry such as rings, bracelets, necklaces or earrings can be priceless and rare especially if they contain high-quality and high-grade diamonds. 

Since it signifies romance, innocence, and reverence, antique gem stone jewelry such as rings are becoming one of the most popular choices in events like engagements and weddings these days. 

How to know if the jewelry is antique 

For gem stone jewelry such as a ring to be antique, it should be over than 100 years and originates from the Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, and Art Deco. Typically ornate and detailed, antique gem stone jewelry are usually authentic pieces or a reproductions inlaid in gold, platinum, titanium and silver. 

If you are looking forward to buying antique diamond jewellery, the first thing to consider is the 4Cs of the diamond. Knowing the elements that reveal the true value and rarity of a diamond is the first step to know if you’re likely to possess an antique diamond ring for keeps. The 4Cs comprise of Carat, which refers to a diamond’s weight; Clarity, which measures the purity of a diamond; Cut, which determines the gem stone’s brilliance and Color, which gauges a gem stone’s whiteness. 

Remember that antique diamond jewelry personifies character and history, which sets it apart from other modern designs. Before you purchase antique diamond jewellery such as ring for wedding or engagement ring, here are some of things you might want to consider:

1. Look for professional appraisal. Make sure that the antique diamond jewelry is professionally appraised before your pay for it. By doing this, you can be sure that all of its gems are authentic. You can also determine if the jewelry has been repaired or if it need repairs in case there are stone chips or cracks. 

2. Find proof. Look for a photograph with a hallmark or written and signed interpretation to know when was the diamond jewelry authenticated. 

3. Get estimated repair cost beforehand. In case the antique diamond jewelry needs a repair, get an estimated cost of before proceeding.

4. Be open-minded. There are gemstones and designs other people consider as unlucky. If you’re not into these myths, you might want to consider this antique diamond jewelry because they might be less expensive than others. 

5. Be meticulous. Make sure that you inspect and examine closely the condition of the antique jewellery such as an engagement ring. For instance, it’s always best to take note of the prongs holding the center gem stone and the shank of the ring.

6. Research, research, research! Do some research on 10X jeweler’s loupe because it will give you more information on antique diamond jewelry such as caring and maintenance and others.

When buying antique diamond jewellery such as gem ring, always get these from a reputable jeweler or jewellery store. Also, it will pay to make sure that everything about the antique diamond jewelry is written on receipts, appraisals, and certifications. To know if the stone is a genuine diamond or if it is a cubic zirconia, moissanite or other synthetic substance and if possible, get a certificate from Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to ensure the authenticity of your antique gem jewelry.

For more please see antique vintage diamond solitaire engagement rings and vintage emerald cut rings.

From: diamond engagement ring. They say that diamonds are a girls’ bestfriend, then you would have to care for your bestfriend right? It’s so great to have beautiful diamond jewelry which you can use for special and formal occasions.  Although, gem stones are hard stones, it is still important to care for them to avoid any kind of scratches or damage.  

Here are some things to keep in mind when caring for your precious stones.

- It is best to avoid wearing your diamonds or gave them stained with oil, beaching liquid, or whenever you are doing heavy work.  These may affect the lustre of your stone, metal bands and may even damage the texture.  Bleach and other chemicals may discolour the metal bands. 

- When keeping or storing your gem stones, separate it from other jewelries.  It may scratch your other stones.  Keep your diamonds individually packed since it can also be scratched by another diamond.  If you cannot provide a box or you would have to store your jewelry in one box, then you could use cloth pouches or plastic sealing bags to keep them separately.  Just make sure that the jewels are perfectly dry to avoid any moisture formation. 

- diamond settings need to be checked.  You could take it to your favourite jeweller every year to check on the prong or the settings.  If they are loose, then your jeweller could make repairs immediately.  You could take it every six months to the jeweller, some would have their stones checked yearly. 

- Clean your gem stone jewelry every month.  Its shine and brilliance could get affected by the oils and fats that it is exposed to.  The oils and fats could be from your skin or from your cosmetics.  You could always get a professional to clean it for you.  

- You could cleanse your jewelry at home.  Just drop it in tepid water with some liquid soap and brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush.   Use a strainer when taking it out of the water to make sure that you are not losing any stone.  Rinse it carefully with lukewarm water and dry it. Make sure to completely dry it since water could tarnish the bands and weaken the clasps.  

- You could get ammonia mixture cleansers from your jeweller.

- Aside from bleach, chemicals and fats, extreme temperatures can also be harmful to your jewellery.  It could cause some damage on the jewel’s cement or can fracture the gemstones. 

- Avoid wearing your diamond jewelries when participating in sport activities or swimming.  

- diamonds that were altered may need a different kind of care.  There are some diamond jewelries that have undergone treatment.  There are some stones that have been fractured before and were treated with epoxies.  Epoxies could melt in intense heat and eventually cause your diamond to fracture again. You could ask your trusted jeweller if your diamond jewelries have been altered in any way. 

Always keep in mind that your gem stone jewelries are indeed the hardest stone, but it does not mean that they will be able to last forever given that you are not taking care of it properly.  Proper caring would surely make the shine last for a long time, even forever.

For more see round diamond rings and heart shaped diamond solitaire engagement rings.

From: original princess cut diamond engagement rings. The one standout quality that diamond jewelry possesses (that makes them so desirable) is their ability to absorb light and disperse it back to the beholder. Humans have always been mesmerized by these light displays for centuries now.

In the jewelry industry, light performance is the description of how well a gem stone stone returns the light to the viewer. These light properties described in light performance are brilliance, fire, and scintillation.

Brilliance

Brilliance is how we perceive the diamond’s brightness. Normally, brilliance is not just the simple return of the light to the eyes of the beholder coming from the stone’s external and internal facets. 

Brilliance is also more than just the scintillation, the availabilities of light sources and the contrasts. Included here would be the fluctuating variables of an imperfect human perception.

For some, brilliance is the most important feature to consider a gem stone’s beauty. This is because once brilliance is compromised, the diamond’s fire and scintillation are both reduced, too. 

Steep diamonds should be set in such a way that the light can enter in the pavilion and is reflected back out to the table (the stone’s top-most facet). Leakages are when a “window effect” is produced and the gem stone can be seen through like plain glass.

Scintillation

The idea of scintillation had been thought of as alternating flashes of contrasting dark and brightness produced by facets, caused in turn by the viewer’s movement, the diamond or the illuminating source.

For some experts, defining and measuring scintillation cannot be done accurately, claiming that observations are always personal assessments. 

Others would define it as a contrast for brilliant white or fiery colored sparkles that appear brighter to the human eye. “Sparkly” things always catch and attract attention. 

One expert defines two kinds of scintillation. Static scintillation is “the amount and the placement of darkness in a gem stone seen … [face-up view] in a jewelry store environment from a distance of 16 inches.” Dynamic scintillation “is the sparkle effect [one sees] when [any one of the] diamond, the light or the observer moves.”

Generally, scintillation is the total effect when small flashes of light are seen when the diamond, the light source or the viewer is moved. Consequently, a diamond that is cut and polished that gives off a high level of this quality is considered high in light performance.

There is a common assumption that diamonds with additional facets are more scintillating. (Strangely though, some customers likes better the bolder, blocky scintillation of the Old Mine cuts.)

Fire 

The so-called fire in a diamond is its ability to disperse white light into its component colors. These are the spectral colors which are produced when the diamond disperses back the light like an expensive prism. 

These flashes of color are more intense and more attractive, though.

However, maximum brilliance and maximum fire cannot be observed at the same time, with the same view and at the same point. Brilliance is best seen in well-lighted areas and fire appears better in a point-lit room.

Whichever quality attracts you to diamond jewelry - brilliance, scintillation, or fire - you certainly are one of those men and woman who had fallen to the magic charms of a very beautiful-looking stone.

For more see old princess engagement rings and cushion cut rings.

Undoubtedly, diamonds never go out of style and are classic. That is why; a diamond earring is the first choice of any woman who has love of earrings. There are different designs and styles of diamond earrings you can choose from. Some are simple yet elegant which can be worn on everyday basis in house or in office. Some are stylish and designer earrings which are meant to be worn out at a party. Whatever kind of earrings you are planning to purchase, you will find it very difficult to make your final decision and therefore, you should be very careful while making your purchase.

Before purchasing your diamond earring, you should consider the style that you want for yourself. There are different styles of earrings available in the market including hoop diamond earrings, fancy diamond stud earrings and several others. Before selecting a particular style, you should think what exactly your preferences are and what style of earrings look best on your face. Also keep in mind the length of your hair. If you have long hair, then stud earrings will get hidden behind your locks and will not be seen. If you need to be on phone for most of the time, then a dangling earring will surely hurt you. If you are interested in purchasing a simple style of diamond earring, then chandelier style may be the best choice for you but if you want something classic and different, then studs are perfect for you.

Another thing you should consider is the 4 C’s of diamonds that are color, clarity, carat and cut. By knowing all these factors of the diamonds you are purchasing, you will be able to know that the diamond earrings you are going to purchase are as per your expectations and you are giving right money for the right thing.

Also give special thought to the metal in which your diamonds are studded. Diamond earrings can be made of different metals including yellow gold, white gold, silver, platinum and titanium. You can choose the metal as per your personal choice and also your budget. Most popular metal is yellow gold which is strong enough to withstand the wear and tear the diamonds are going to give it.

Last but not the least, you should give due consideration to your budget. If you are in the market to purchase a diamond earring, then there is no limit to what you can spend. But you have to determine your budget beforehand and decide not to go beyond it. After all, you are purchasing the earrings for your pleasure and elegance and you should not do at the cost of your finances. Look out for special discounts during the festive seasons and compare prices of different stores before making your final purchase.

Rich Vial is a webmaster for Diamond Pendants visit: ediamondlist.com