Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The Reasons Why Women Love Fine Jewelry

Fine jewelry has played important roles that has been well document in the pages of history. Since the ancient times humans have been inclined to wear jewelry pieces to adorn their bodies. Starting from the old stone age approximately 25,000 years ago, both men and women collected different kinds of items, drilled holes in them and wore them for varying reasons. However, compared to men, women are perhaps more inclined to use jewelry pieces in order to befit differing purposes.

In a recent survey done by a lifestyle magazine, it has been found out that 95 out of 100 surveyed women spends more time shopping for fine jewelry pieces than any other items. This profoundly shows how adept women are when it comes to jewelry. Probably by now you are asking: "what is it with jewelry that women really love?- Accordingly, many women appreciate jewelry for a variety of reasons.

To begin with, all kinds of jewelry pieces are additives that reinforce the real context of dressing as well as artistic display. They are considered as vital components of fashion and style as they have the power to improve the visual appeal of the clothes women wear. Hair dresses adorned with loose diamonds could make the hair glimmer, brooches and pins apparently make a dull looking office suit into a livelier outfit. Jewelry pieces worn on different parts of the body such as bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces create a focal point that hides aesthetic flaws of women.

Other than accessorizing, articles of jewelry are also utilized to define the social status of women in the society. Back in the ancient times they were determining factors of what positions women hold in the community--with slaves using beads and upper echelons using metallic jewelry pieces accented with gemstones such as loose diamonds. Though this purpose may not be as extensive today as that from the past, it cannot be denied that jewelry pieces are benchmarks for the rich and famous.

Many women also love fine jewelry pieces because of their associated symbolism as well as the spiritual and health value they hold. Women from India uses the so-called "tika- which appears like a chandelier earring though it is hooked at the end of the hair with the pendant dangling at the exact center of the forehead to symbolize spiritual preservation. Nose rings on the other hand is said to enhance sexual reflexes, while necklaces, which are often worn close to the heart are identified as pieces that work on emotions and attract or strengthen love. Charm bracelets are often used because of the luck they induce, while bangles are said to help unleash creativity and represent the potent energy of the sun. Gemstones of all kind are also revered for their healthy benefits especially in the field of Feng Shui, with diamonds to enhance clarity and jade to achieve relaxation just to name a few.

Of course, jewelry pieces profess and communicate different stories, which is why many women appreciate them. They tell stories of love, friendship, celebration, welcoming or personal epiphany. They speak of relationships with spouses as seen from the popularity of wedding and engagement rings adorned with round brilliant cut gemstones, friendship in the form of friendship bands, and family which could be seen from the bequeathal of heirloom from one family member to another. All in all, jewelry speaks volumes about the characters of women that not even written or spoken words could express.

Fine jewelry pieces have long been adored by women because of the many purposes they hold. Loose diamonds for instance that have round brilliant cut are often used to accentuate wedding and engagement rings used to encompass undying love and devotion. Necklaces, bracelets and earrings are worn for artistic display as well as to improve the appearance of clothes, improve health and define social status among others.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Where To Buy Fine Diamond Jewelry That Would Give You A Run For Your Money

In buying fine diamond jewelry, not only do you have to consider the four C's but also the place where you intend to make your purchase. Diamonds are expensive items may they be loose, integrated on an article of jewelry or enhanced. This is why they are probably among the most important purchases that you will make in your life. By taking these things into account, it would be wise to become cautious about the store or stores where you would embark your purchase so that you would not bemoan your decision in the future.

You have many options at hand to acquire the sparklers you like. The first thing that you could do is to go online and search for online jewelry shops that offer fine diamond jewelry. Purchasing online is one of the most practical means in order to carry out the task of buying diamonds because online jewelry stores are your key to finding high quality and competitively priced diamonds without breaking any sweat. In addition, online jewelry shops hold all sorts of diamond jewelry products from different parts of the world which gives you more room for choices.

One advantage of purchasing from online jewelry stores is that you could time and energy--with just a click of your finger, even while you're at home or in the office, you could instantly make your purchases from a whole range of selections and you also engage in online jewelry auctions that are usually run by professional jewelers. Parallel to this, online jewelry stores offer more inexpensive diamond jewelry pieces, regardless if they are round brilliant or oval in cut, as they do not apply markups on their products, which usually cover overhead expenses, since they do not have physical stores that demand extra fees like electricity and employee salaries among others. The main issue with online purchasing however could be found on the copiousness of jewelry selections that often undermine the ability of consumers to appropriately appraise the value and quality of their jewelry choices. Likewise, as the internet equates to anonymity, jewelry scammers are just around the corner to take advantage of naive online jewelry buyers.

If you wish to be sure about your diamond jewelry purchase you could always visit the local jewelry stores in your area. The main benefit of engaging in this option is that you have the opportunity to personally appraise the quality and value of the round brilliant diamond you wish buy. Professional jewelers could also answer all your queries which would help you establish the right purchasing decisions. The major issues surrounding such option however could be found on product pricing; most of the time physical jewelry stores place markups on their products to cover the overhead expenses they use to run their business, and you have limited selections unlike those with online jewelry stores.

Meanwhile if you're after cheap diamonds, rare jewelry like oval diamonds from certain era, or used diamonds, you could try looking at specialty stores, thrift shops and pawnshops. If you intend to follow this option, it is essential that you are knowledgeable about diamond jewelry to make appropriate purchases. It would also be necessary to have patience because at most times you might leave these stores empty handed. However, if luck is on your side, you might find yourself owning rare diamond jewelry, though this case rarely happens.

When you decide to purchase fine diamond jewelry for yourself or for your loved one, it is highly suggested that you shop around and make comparisons first prior to making your actual purchase. If you intend to buy online, always do your homework before you purchase to make sure that the store where you would buy is indeed legitimate; check the complaints directory to know the reputation of your prospective online jewelry store and also take the time to study their refund and return policies. When it comes to the local jewelry stores in your area, it would be wise to compare prices, services and the quality of products. If you're not familiar with the jewelry stores in your area, ask for the recommendations of your friends and family so that you could choose the right jewelry that would be worthy of your expenses.

Fine diamond jewelry is perhaps one of the most important purchases you could make in. To make sure that you won't go wrong with your decision, it is advisable to check the store options you have at hand. You could buy your round brilliant diamonds online to save money and time. However, if you want to make sure about the quality of your oval diamonds personal visit with your local jewelry store would permit you to appraise them.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Friday, September 3, 2010

Why Choose Round Brilliant Cut Diamond For Your Fine Jewelry

Of all the C's of diamonds, cut is perhaps the least understood though it has profound impact on the aesthetics and value of these fine jewelry pieces. It should be noted that well cut diamonds could cost as much as 40 to 50 percent more than poorly cut sparklers. As such, a prospective buyer should fully understand the value of cutting when it comes to diamonds. When referring to the cut or make of diamonds this is identified as the general symmetry, proportioning and finish of such gems that profoundly affect their ability to produce fire and brilliance.

There are three basic cutting styles used for fine jewelry diamonds: brilliant cut, step cut and mixed cut. A brilliant cut utilizes several facets that are usually triangular and kite in shape and are arranged in a particular manner to optimized the diamonds' brilliance. A step cut utilizes fewer facets, mostly rectangular or trapezoidal in shape and are arranged in linear pattern. A mixed-cut on the other hand integrates the elements used by both the step cut and brilliant cut styles.

From the above alluded techniques though, the brilliant cut is probably the most famous due to its ability to reveal the maximum fire and brilliance of diamonds. But, if combined with the right shape, a brilliant cut sparkler will surely overshadow other diamonds in terms of beauty and value. While there are many shapes that complement brilliant cutting, it is perhaps the round shape that truly stands out. In fact, round brilliant cut is the most popular shape that befits well with the said cutting technique.

Each round brilliant cut sparkler contains 58 facets""33 are situated on the crown, 24 at the bottom, and another facet at the culet or point. Smaller round brilliant sparklers are referred to as "full cut" in order to differentiate them from "single cut" gems that only contain 17 facets, and from "Swiss cut" gems that only have 33 facets. By now you're probably wondering, what is so special about this round brilliant diamonds? The answer lies on their capability to emit the most brilliance, fire and liveliness which could all be credited from their ability to reflect the most light.

The round brilliant cut is an established favorite and considered "ideal" combination of cut and shape not only because of its premium brilliance but also its ability to suit all types of jewelry pieces. Diamonds cut this way are most preferred for engagement and wedding rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings among others because they could be easily lined together regardless of the form of the jewelry. Nonetheless, they befit all settings whether it is prong or pave. Fundamentally, this cut is truly functional and versatile.

As mentioned earlier, different cutting techniques could be used for diamonds. What might look strange to some, might be ideal for others. When choosing diamonds, regardless if they are loose diamonds or clarity enhanced diamonds, you should be the one to decide what type of cut you would like because the appearance of a sparkler with an ideal make would not actually appeal to you, and the diamonds without ideal proportions are sometimes receive the highest cut grade from GIA. The most important thing that you have to do is to look and compare diamonds of various qualities and prices as this will train your eyes to properly detect their differences in terms of fire and brilliance as well as lifelessness and dullness.

Round brilliant cut diamonds, whether loose or clarity enhanced diamonds, are known for their maximum brilliance and fire. Because of this, the round brilliant cutting style has become an established favorite among jewelers and jewelry buyers alike. Such combination of shape and cut is also known for its ability to complement all sorts of fine jewelry pieces ranging from engagement rings to earrings.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Fine Jewelry: What To Look For

Is cut more important than clarity when appraising diamonds? You could spend hours speculating on the merits of one over the other. However, to get a definite answer, you need to understand the relationship between the two. More importantly, you'll need to consider what you really value in fine jewelry.

A diamond's cut alludes to its external proportions, as well as the skill of cutting and polishing. Diamonds can be cut in such a way that it attains its highest selling price, or maximizes its capacity for brilliance. The clarity of diamonds, on the other hand, alludes to the quantity of imperfections a diamond has. Fewer imperfections make a higher quality diamond, which will make it both more beautiful and expensive.

Clearly, the skill with which a diamond has been cut will alter its clarity. In the process of producing a diamond, this is one of the few factors which can be controlled. Only the most precise craftsmanship can guarantee that a raw piece of diamond will be recut into fine jewelry.

On the other hand, the clarity of diamonds can be poor independent of the quality of the cut. Clarity is also reliant on the quality of the raw diamond. As a buyer, you need to be mindful of this and put any diamonds you intend to buy under a microscope or loupe to check for flaws yourself.

When you look at a round cut diamond, you'll realize how vital it is to cut a diamond with a reasonable amount of skill. It will also become more apparent just how closely cut and clarity are connected to each other. Round cuts are known for having the most potential for brilliance above all other cuts. Any errors in the cut or internal flaws, even minor, will reduce that potential considerably.

Do you want to buy fine jewelry? Do you prefer a diamond with the best cut, or the highest clarity? You cannot ignore either factor. However, you can look at the cut first, since it affects clarity, as well as carat weight. Prioritizing one of the four C's over the others is counterproductive, if you lack a basic education on diamonds.

A diamond's cut pertains to its external proportions, as well as the skill of cutting and polishing. The clarity of diamonds, on the other hand, pertains to the amount of imperfections a diamond has. When you look at a round cut diamond, you'll realize how vital it is to cut a diamond with a reasonable amount of skill. Only the most exacting craftsmanship can ensure that a raw piece of diamond will be made into fine jewelry.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Wedding Ring And Engagement Ring: Similarities And Differences

Since prehistoric times, bands have played significant roles during betrothals and marriages. As a matter of fact, it would be hard to imagine having an engagement and wedding without referring to bands. Because of their long lingering presence, wedding ring and engagement ring are often confused with each other. However, it should be understood that while both these jewelry pieces are worn by women, they greatly differ from each other in many aspects.

To further outline the differences between wedding ring and engagement ring, it would be logical to start with their individual functions. Basically, an engagement ring is purchased or given by the man to the woman as an indication of their engaged status. On the other hand, wedding bands are jewelry pieces exchanged by the couple during their wedding ceremony to seal their marriage vows, and serves as indication that the wearers are bound by marriage. After the wedding ceremony and into the future, both the bands are worn on the same finger, this applies to women since men do not wear engagement bands though there are engagement bands intended for men.

Between wedding and engagement bands, many couples prefer investing on engagement bands. In fact, an engagement ring is more attention-grabbing than a wedding ring because it is somehow a silent announcement of the soon-to-be married status of couples. Engagement bands traditionally have prominent center stones that are commonly constructed from fine diamond jewelry. Today though, it is no longer a requisite to have diamond engagement ring as other precious stones can also be used as central accents such as ruby, sapphire, and opal to name a few.

Meanwhile, wedding ring is the exact opposite of engagement ring in terms of design and finish as it is often plain and simple, or sometimes appear as less accentuated with gemstones. However, there are also couples that make use of fine diamond jewelry for their wedding bands, though this rarely happens as the plain design of such ring symbolizes the sanctity of marriage. The wedding and engagement bands are both worn on the left finger between the index and pinkie as tradition has it that the said finger holds the vein that is connected directly to the heart which is referred to as the vena mori. But, this is not always the case as there are cultures that place their wedding and engagement bands on the right hand.

Commonly, wedding and engagement bands are separately purchased. They could also be purchased as a set; hence, some wedding bands are as intricately designed as the engagement bands they come with. If you would be purchasing these bands separately, always try to consider that you would be using them on a daily basis, so when you are to pick each piece select the shape of the gemstone that would complement your lifestyle. A diamond may be hard in nature, but it can chip off or break overtime especially if it has pointed edges; in this case it would be more preferable to choose a round brilliant cut as it could last longer.

In general, wedding ring and engagement ring are two important jewelry pieces that symbolizes two of the most important stages in the relationship of couples""engagement and marriage. They indeed have distinct qualities that sets them apart from each other. Regardless of these differences however, it remains a fact that these precious pieces are primarily based on the concept of undying love as seen from the round shape of the bands and their material makeup. They also serve as material seals that strengthen the symbolism and sentimentality of devotion of the couples.

Wedding ring and engagement ring differ greatly in appearance and function. An engagement ring is worn prior to the marriage to denote the engaged status of the couple. Traditionally engagement ring has center piece that's of fine diamond jewelry with round brilliant cut. Meanwhile, wedding bands are the ones exchanged by couples during wedding ceremonies to seal their marriage vows. Such ring is usually a plain band or designed to match the theme of the engagement ring but is simpler.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Diamond rings: Nothing says I love you like it

It is normal for people with extra money to invest their funds in assets that would allow their money to grow.Keeping it in the bank just wouldn't do so putting it in assets like stocks, condominium units or land would be the logical step because this gives more power to their money in terms of interest.

On the other hand, other people would skip investing on assets like these and would rather spend on things that would cater more to their interests.And what else can cater to their interest but their hobbies which can be a more delightful way to spend their extra cash.

Some hobbies are also considered an investment because as time goes by they also increase in value just like luxury cars, fine jewelry and toys.However, choosing the right type of toy or jewelry, like diamond rings, is the key to finding the ones that really appreciate in value as time goes by.

Toys are a good example of items that, when kept in mint condition, can actually sell for more than its original value, sometimes ten to twenty times the original.Fine jewelry is also a good choice for a luxury investment.Diamond encrusted jewelry like diamond rings can definitely get more expensive over time.

Diamond rings does not only serve us a sound investment but it also can be a symbolic gift for a person that you truly care forAs they say, diamonds last forever, which makes it and even more sound luxury investment given that other assets can actually degrade in quality or go out of style as the years takes its too on it.

In a nutshell, spending extra money on assets and investments is a smart thing to do as it should be dictated by the desired outcome as time progresses.Investing does not necessarily have to be boring because there are numerous ways money can grow over the years but at the same time address your wants and interests like toy and jewelry collecting.

While some people spend on assets like condominium units or land to make their money grow, others choose to invest on their hobbies and interests instead. Some like fine spending on fine jewelry or expensive cars or rare toys. This is a smart investment because like diamond rings or rare toys, they can only get pricier as the years go by.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Settings That Goes Well With Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds

Diamond jewelry gifts are perhaps among the best tokens that a person could give and receive. While the value of gifts isn't determined by their aesthetic appeal, it cannot be denied though that in some ways most of us look on the outside appearance of presents. Taking these things into consideration, diamonds are the best tokens that could actually fulfill our emotional and aesthetic needs when it comes to gifts. Nonetheless, they are valuable pieces that would never fade and would last for the years to come.

If you are about to purchase diamond gifts, it would be more preferable to settle for loose diamonds since they are not yet incorporated in any piece of jewelry. Meaning, you could actually have them customized in accordance to your desired setting and piece of jewelry. Similarly, it would be easier for you to have the gems appraised knowing that you could perceive their overall features. One of the most essential features that you would have to closely consider with loose sparklers is the cut.

In order to fully understand what a cut means, one should be able to differentiate it from shape. Shape refers to the outline of the stone's perimeter, while the cut or make profoundly affect the gem's appearance as it refers to the proportioning and overall finish of the diamond""two elements that are directly linked to how the diamond produces its fire or rainbows, and brilliance or the liveliness and sparkle. To simply put it, a diamond with an excellent make would be more valuable than a diamond with a poor cut. There are several cutting styles that one could use in order to produce high-quality diamonds; however, the round brilliant cut is probably the most popular and most preferred by many diamond enthusiast.

Round brilliant cut is the most conventional means of cutting diamonds and is regarded as the best at producing prismatic effect, which means its shape produces the most sparkle due to its ability to reflect the most light on the top of the diamond. Diamonds cut this way exemplify greater brilliance than other diamonds as they have no corners where light could hide. This is the primary reason why the brilliance and fire of the diamond are exemplified at their maximum levels. Though new emerging shapes and cut compare favorably to round cut diamonds, this cut remains on the top of many jewelers.

Round brilliant cut diamonds are very versatile and will suit all kinds of jewelry setting. If you will be proposing using a round brilliant diamond ring, it pays to know what options you have when it comes to ring settings. Prong setting is the most common band setting where the diamond is held steadily in center position by four or six prongs of equal height, which in turn allows the gem to project outward. A pave setting is composed of lots of diamonds set closely together and are held in place by little gems to the metal setting, while a bezel setting contains a metal rim or collar that completely encircle the sides or just a portion of a single diamond, extending slightly above the edges of the gem.

Aside from the aforementioned settings, other noteworthy settings used for round brilliant loose diamonds include the channel setting, where diamonds of similar sizes are placed in a metal channel forming a row, and bar setting where diamonds are incorporated in grooves with metals to separate them from each other. Generally, there's no denying that diamond jewelry pieces are truly the perfect gifts that a person could give and receive as they encompass beauty, exquisiteness, and value. As such, if you wish to give something that is truly special to the person you love, diamond jewelry is the one that you should go after since it could best encompass your real emotions.

Diamond jewelry gifts are probably the best token you could give to the person you love. If you are to give these kinds of gifts, choose loose diamonds that have round brilliant cut instead of sparklers that are already set. This is because round brilliant loose sparklers could be customized according to your desired setting and would allow you to properly appraise the gems.

-Lorraine Jacobs