Caring for Your Diamond Jewelry | Take Steps to Keep Them Looking Great

Keeping your diamonds looking good will take more than an occasional cleaning. Diamonds are forever,but they can be damaged if you are not careful. By learning how to properly care foryour diamond, you will ensure that your diamond is indeed forever.

First, you should take your diamond jewelry to a jeweler at least one time each year. Make sure they check the mountings and prongs that hold your diamonds in place. Have him make any needed repairs. This will prevent your diamond from falling out of its setting and becoming lost. You should also look at the prongs yourself once a week. By doing so, you may be able to catch a loose diamond before there is a real problem.

Diamond jewelry that is not being worn, or diamonds that are loose should be stored in a fabric lined jewel case, or in a jewelry box where it can be kept separate from other jewelry. Each piece should have its own compartment. This will keep diamonds from becoming scratched, and it will also keep your diamond from scratching other jewelry as well.

Remove diamond engagement rings before bathing. When you combine soap and water, it is very slippery which will make your rings slide off more easily without you even noticing. To make sure this doesn’t happen it is best to remove them while you take a bath or shower.

Don’t take off and place your jewelry in a public place, even if you are going to be right next to it. It may be stolen in a second or you may just forget to put it back on before leaving.

If you want to soak your diamond rings to remove built up grime, be sure to use a lint-free cloth to dry it off to make sure you don’t scratch the diamonds or setting.

Don’t let your diamond come in contact with a chlorine bleach when you’re doing household chores. This will damage or discolor the mounting.

Take off your diamond jewelry when you do any yard work. Even though diamonds are extremely hard, even moderate blows from certain angles might chip or cleave them. If your ring fits too tightly to remove it, wear suitable gloves to help in protecting them.

Consider Making Diamonds Your Best Friend

You say you may not be able to afford it now, but if you are like almost all women, it is most likely that one of your secret desires is to possess a cut of that most expensive rock, a diamond. Be it a ring, a bracelet, or maybe a decoration displayed on a luxurious outfit, it makes no difference. Diamonds are diamonds and they are known as a girl’s best friend. If you find you are fortunate, you may be one of the few that don’t need to be concerned about cost when shopping for this jewellery. But you have to keep in mind still that although the sky may be the limit in your shopping spree, it is always wise to find out more about diamonds to ensure you make an informed decision. Here are a couple tips you may find useful in the process.

The Internet is host to loads of information about virtually everything you could ever think of. There are myriad of websites talking about diamonds like www.diamondinfo.org. This one offers everything you might want to know concerning diamonds, including how they could be graded the way austin jewelers do it. Keep in mind the four C’s when it comes to diamonds. These are the carat, clarity, color and cut. Understanding the meaning and the implication of each feature can help you make a wise decision. So take time to do your research.

If you are planning an engagement and are looking for a diamond engagement ring, you really should plan your purchase, with serious thought as to how much you can comfortably afford to spend when at the jewelry store. Keep in mind that unlike buying a car, which loses value over time, diamonds from austin jewelry stores retain their value forever. And though death can separate it from its owner, it most often will be passed on as an heirloom for several generations. If you can afford the same 24-carat emerald cut diamond engagement ring of Paris Hilton which is worth $4.7 million (diamond-jewelry-blogger.blogspot.com), they are never a bad investment.

You might be asking yourself what makes a diamond the only choice for those who can afford it? Diamond jewelers can tell you a whole lot of things, but the quality of the diamond is what makes it an everlasting choice as a sign representing love. Because its reputation is to last forever, diamonds stand for eternity. And who doesn’t want the promise of eternal love?

Whether you are male or female, diamonds are a subject you may have to deal with just once in your lifetime. But when such need arises, it is crucial that you are well-informed about it. Understand the basics of grading a diamond. Establish the amount you can comfortably pay for it. And do not forget the main reason you are probably discerning whether you should buy the diamond ring. For that special person in your life, it can be the best material gift you can give.

This article was written by Wesley Mathews who is a jewel authority and former lawyer. He owns and manages one of the finest austin jewelry stores in Texas helping clients on one of the most important choices in their life.

Among All The Precious Gems The Diamond Is Still King

In the whole world there is surely no other jewel that gets quite the same number of gasps per year as diamonds. This is often a desirable stone offering lots of uses and practically a culture of its own today, too. Let’s research some of the heritage behind precious stone diamonds to determine what we could learn.

Naturally, while diamonds are definitely part of the world of jewelry, they have many other uses other than decorative purposes. They are surely used in many industrial functions such as in drills, scalpels and other vital tools. However, the varieties used as jewels have to first be cut. An elaborate process is undergone to alter the unprocessed jewel into the gem we know and adore. According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_(gemstone)) the tradition of diamonds as gems goes all of the way back to around 400 years BC. These days the majority of the gems we have are taken from Africa and Asia, but there are plenty additional locations where diamonds come from, these are simply the most well recognized producers.

What’s interesting to notice is that diamonds being chosen for the engagement ring is a relatively new idea which started out during the late 1930′s. The reason for this unexpected surge in diamonds is that they had been located in great quantity within South Africa at that time. Prior to this time in history, it would have been difficult for partners to meet the expense of such a precious stone. The tradition of diamonds becoming chosen for marriage rings is prefaced by having appeared amongst the Romans, although in that illustration it was viewed as a jewel bearing the supernatural power to help individuals get along rather than as a symbol of lasting elegance.

These days, you can view diamonds of natural or synthetic types in a variety of stores, ranging from a department store’s jewelry section to a more customary austin jewelry store. We have a fairly well unspoken interpretation of these gems and they still beguile us, even today. The market for jewelry containing diamonds is nearly $60 billion as of 2002 as outlined by (http://www.awdiamonds.com/article-8.html). It’s amazing to witness how far the size of this industry has come while at the identical time not diverging too far off from the fundamental roots of our human enthrallment with them: they’re exquisite and hold fascinating characteristics. This alone ensures diamond jewelers that sell austin engagement rings will almost definitely always have an eager audience for things they may create.

Like we have seen, some of how we regard diamonds has been with us for ages and some of it is relatively new. One thing is for sure, though, and that is these are without doubt one of a kind stones. It is easy to determine why they would be chosen for significant romantic occasions.

This was written by Michael Crane who is a gem professional and former lawyer. He has been one of the most recognized jewelers austin tx has for over five years now due to the personal attention to detail he gives clients.

Sterling Silver Trillion Cut Peridot With Genuine White Diamonds Bracelet, 7.25″

• All our diamond suppliers certify that to their best knowledge their diamonds are not conflict diamonds
• The natural properties and composition of mined gemstones define the unique beauty of each piece. The image may show slight differences to the actual stone in color and texture

Amazon.com Product Description
Sterling silver trillion cut peridot with genuine white diamonds bracelet (0.003 cttw, i-j color, i2-i3 clarity), 7.25″

Sterling Silver Trillion Cut Peridot With Genuine White Diamonds Bracelet, 7.25″

Learn How to Clean Your Diamond Jewelry the Right Way

Through our day to day movements our diamonds get smudged and soiled. Even when you haven’t been wearing them, they collect dust. Lotions, soaps, our natural skin oils, can cause film and grime on diamonds and inhibit their brilliance.

Diamonds require that you clean them so maximum amount of light can refract and make them look brilliant. Remember that all it takes is a few moments and a little care to keep your diamonds as fiery as when you bought it.

You should use a small soft brush like an eyebrow or lip stick brush and soapy water to clean your jewels. Simply make a bowl of warm sudsy water with a mild detergent and place your pieces in the mixture. Then brush the diamonds with the soft bristles of the brush while they are in the suds. You should make sure that you rinse them thoroughly of all suds after cleaning them. Try using a small kitchen strainer like a tea strainer to hold them while you rinse under warm water. Using a white, lint free cloth, or a jewelry polishing cloth, pat them dry.

If your jewelry is in need of a stronger cleaning, you might want to soak them for 20-30 minutes in a solution that consists of half water and half ammonia. After they soak for 30 minutes, remove the jewelry and gently brush the mountings with a small brush. Then rinse and pat dry.

If you find your self too busy to be mixing soaps and ammonias, many department stores sell liquid jewelry cleaners. Many of them are kits, and include everything you need including the brush. You need to read the labels to determine the one that is right for your diamonds and other jewelry. Read all directions completely and follow any precautions noted.

If you are more of a high-tech person, even when it comes to your diamond cleaning routines, there are quite a few ultrasonic cleaners you can find in stores. These machines use high-frequency to create a cleaning motion. All machines are not the same, so please read the instructions before using.

You are the only one that can choose the cleaning method you prefer. But, it is very important to keep your jewelry clean so that it stays brilliant and sparkling. Between cleaning, try not to touch your clean diamonds or gems with your fingers or handle your jewelry by its edges. Doing so can help maintain it’s shine and brilliance for a longer period of time.

Find The Way To Her Heart In A Magazine

Mostly all relationships, at least of the romantic variety, involve giving gifts at one time or another. Thus, it should be obvious that the more you think about what present to give, the more likely it is to fulfil your intentions. For men, giving gifts can be a complex experience because sometimes we simply aren’t sure what to get. While no one has the perfect answers for each woman out there, thinking considerately about present offering will doubtlessly put you in good stead. Allow us to explore several options to keep in mind if you are currently seeking the ideal present for your partner.

One of the first and most important things to remember about giving gifts to your special partner is to keep in mind that big and expensive gifts are far less important than you might think, as a male. If you leaf through magazines designed for women the next time you are in the check out line at the store, you’ll discover that many women prefer gifts to be frequent and given with sincerity. All right, various ladies have indulgent tastes, but commonly they’d like to receive something from time to time versus a large, expensive present each year. Flowers, candy, even a card is a great way to offer a little love.

Another golden rule is to choose a gift that you know she’ll like, rather than what you think she should like. You’ll find the advice given by many relationship guidance specialists is to decide upon gifts that reflect the personality of the person you have in mind. This can be as simple as knowing her likes and dislikes (and buying gifts that appeal to this) or giving your gift on a particular special date that is not your anniversary or her birthday. Going out of your way is what counts here.

Obviously, the standard gift options are still good examples including a dozen red roses or austin diamond jewelry you know she likes. Mixing things up and being more frequent is what can help. Diamond jewelry with austin diamonds will always make sense for very special occasions and a candlelit dinner will always be romantic – these are among the best.

Finally, it should be said that women vary in their preferences. What is essential to giving the most ideal present for the occasion is to remain attentive to the personality of your partner. Lots of ladies are happy to share what makes them happy so a little listening goes a long way.

So here you are, a few pointers you can use to improve your performance with present offering. You’ll be delighted to know that it’s simpler than previously thought, as long as you keep listening to the clues from your cherished other half, no matter if you’re the husband or wife.

This article was written by Michael Crane who is a jewel expert and past lawyer. He has owned and operated a jewelry store in austin engagement rings being the specialty for clients regarding one of the most incredible decisions in their life.

Diamond Grading Has Everything to Do with the Price You Pay

Pricing most products is quite easy. Determine how much it costs to make the item, how much it costs to market that item, and then mark it up by 15 30% or more. Simple, right? Well, pricing diamonds isnt quite that simple. There are many factors that are considered when diamonds are priced.

Diamond prices are determined first by adding the cost of the rough diamond, the cost of cutting the diamond, and all other costs necessary to turn the rough diamond into a marketable diamond. Dependent upon the significance of the diamond, an independent company should be considered to certify the grade of the diamonds based on color, cut, clarity, and weight.

At this point, the diamond becomes more expensive each time it changes hands, until it finally reaches a retailer, where the price is raised a bit more, especially for diamond rings. However, before they reach the retailer, the diamonds must travel from the mine to be cut and polished, to an independent grading company, and then to the main market. Once it has reached the primary market, it will be purchased by diamond dealers and wholesalers, and from there it will be sold to retailers.

As you can see, the earlier you can buy a diamond in this process, the lower your cost will be. The actual value will be based on what the diamond can be sold for in the market place through a retail store.

If you own a diamond, and you have no idea how much it is worth, you can have it appraised, but the appraisal may not be accurate. You will be better off obtaining a certificate through GIA Gemological Institute of America. With the information on this certificate, you can use a cutters guide to accurately determine what your diamond is worth.

There are also many diamond price calculators available. Many can be found on the Internet, and most diamond dealers use these as well.

Your best bet would be to get a Diamond Grading Report on your diamond, and utilize that information to look up prices in a guide that diamond cutting industries use. This will give you the most accurate value of the diamond in your possession, or of the diamond you are considering purchasing.

Diamonds – Using The 4 Cs To Assess And Evaluate Quality

It is likely not every day that you go shopping for diamonds. Trying to grade these gems and get good quality for your money may seem like an insurmountable task if you dont possess a college degree in the discipline. In all actuality, there are some fairly easy to follow methods for assessing the quality of diamonds.

Diamonds are graded using charts that describe the 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat. When it comes to cut, you need to choose a shape that is appealing, and Round, Marquise, and Princess are some of the most popular. The quality of the cut, however, depends on the make. Ideal cuts are for the times when money is no object. A cut of Good is more for the buyer who wants more stone for less money. Excellent make is a nice middle ground for quality and looks.

Grading charts are more relevant when dealing with color. The most precious diamonds are totally colorless, and the grades begin to lessen as yellow tint begins to creep in. Some people prefer a touch of yellow because they feel it adds a unique quality. For sheer perfection, though, start with a D-graded diamond. These are totally clear, but E and F diamonds will likely suffice as well and are not as expensive. Diamonds of color grades G through I are still transparent to all but the most discerning eye and are rather beautiful.

The clarity of a diamond refers to flaws that appear on the inner or outer surface. Flawless and Internally Flawless grades are given to diamonds that are truly what the name implies; without flaw. Needless to say, you will need to dig deep in your pockets to obtain one of these stones. Many people are just as happy with a grade of SI-1 because that indicates flawless to the naked eye. You do not often run into anyone carrying a loupe demanding to see your diamond. As the grades lower into the VS1 and VS2 range, the loupe may uncover flaws, but the eye cannot. They are a good value. Dont forget carat weight. Half carat, 1 carat, and 2 carat sizes are the most commonly purchased.

Once you assess a diamonds quality, you can then choose a price point that works for you. It depends on the level of perfection and money you are able to spend. Once you are more familiar with the grading system, finding a stone that meets your needs is not too difficult.

More : Diamond Rings

Looking for the Perfect Jewelry this Spring? | Choose from One of the Top Spring Jewelry Trends

The top Spring jewelry trends this year bring back some old favorites, but include a mix of cool shapes, colors and are architecturally pleasing. Many of the trends are more like wearing a work of art than jewelry, so step out and be more bold this season and finish off your outfit with one of our Top 9 Spring Jewelry Trends.

Black and White

White is making a big comeback this season in both clothes and jewelry! You will see some classy white jewelry pieces that include white onyx, ceramic and mother-of-pearl. Blackened steel and silver will be extremely popular this year as well as black diamonds and black sapphires.

Cabochon Stones

The mixing of giant Cabochon-style stones in different shapes and colors bring back some of the looks from the 70′s and 80′s. Turquoise stones will be popular as well and you should expect to see them in large stones for necklaces and chunky bracelets. These pieces will be meant to make a big statement, while at the same time looking elegant.

Chunky Gemstone Rings

You will be making a big statement with an oversized cocktail ring. These rings will be able to be found with just about any gemstone, with aquamarine being especially popular. These are included in most jewelry designers Spring collections. In addition, they have included them in yellow gold, white or rose gold, platinum and sterling silver.

Bold Metals

Big and bold is in, especially when it’s made out of metals. There will be chunky necklaces and link chains in sterling silver, yellow gold and rose gold. Designers have also included some texture on the metal that makes them look even more edgy.

Plastics

There is a trend toward childlike, whimsical jewels with a 60′s feel and can always find a place in your wardrobe. This spring, we are really excited that designers like Karen Walker and Marni have offered fun plastic necklaces and wide perspex-like color cuff bracelets.

Rose-Gold

In fashion, it’s always a guessing game each season as to who in the metals will prevail: silver or gold? Well, for spring, the more exotic rose-gold is stealing center-stage, with a striking necklace by Eddie Borgo and a surprisingly sophisticated Michael Kors watch taking top honors on our spring/summer wish-list.

Animal Inspired

There will be so many safari-inspired clothing options and jewelry accessories for Spring, which will continue the trends from this Winter. You will really enjoy the bold look of stacked cuffs and bangles, layered necklaces and even animal textured watch straps. P

Bohemian

The bohemian look has always offered a blank canvas for accessories. You will love all the stacked bangles, that include a multitude of mixed gems, big earrings and yellow gold.

Crosses

Whether you wear a feminine style or a chunky, rock n roll style, crosses are popping up in all the jewelry designers Spring collection.

Do You Want To Find Out About Man Made Diamonds? Click Here.

Nature is full of ironies and stark contrasts, something as cheap as coal is made of the same element that constitutes something as expensive as diamonds. Man has been fascinated by diamonds ever since he discovered them; he has even shed blood to acquire more. Their beauty and rarity make diamonds desirable and valuable. Superior hardness, corrosion resistance, optical properties and thermal conductvity make diamonds suitable for many industrial applications. Modern technology has made it possible to produce synthetic or man made diamonds.

Synthetic diamonds help narrow the deficit between demand and supply. Scientists have created man made diamonds by replicating the geological processes and conditions that form diamonds in nature. It is now possible to produce synthetic diamonds that are so similar to natural diamonds that even experts have difficulty telling them apart. They are just as beautiful as natural diamonds and are used in jewelry as cheaper substitutes.

Man made diamonds were principally developed for industrial application as cutting tools and abrasives. Diamond production technology has matured over time and now it is possible to produce flawless man made diamonds suitable for use as gemstones. Unlike synthetic diamonds, natural diamonds are very expensive, rare and often have a trail of blood and crime.

Gemstone grade man made diamonds are mostly produced by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High Temperature High Pressure (HTHP) processes. The HPHT method uses very high temperature and pressure to heat and compress carbon or graphite to form diamonds. The CVD process deposits diamond in layers over a seed by reacting precursor gases under high temperature. The common colors are yellow, blue and colorless.

There are four principal types of synthetic or man made diamonds, they are: HPHT grit, HPHT single large crystal, CVD polycrystalline and CVD single large crystal. HPHT grit and CVD polycrystalline diamonds are very small are mostly used for industrial applications. Their major use involves cutting, drilling tools and abrasives. Single large crystals are diverted for use in jewelry and decoration. Most jewelry stores sell synthetic diamond jewelry including engagement rings.

Protect Your Diamond Investment | Demand a Certificate

A diamond certificate is also known as a Diamond Grading Report. This report comes from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and you should require this report when you are purchasing a diamond.

With a diamond certification, you can verify the color, cut, carat, weight, and clarity of the diamond. You dont have to worry about a diamond dealer telling you anything less than the truth, because the certificate comes from the GIA not the dealer. You might have to pay for the certification, but the cost is usually low, and in most cases, it will help you negotiate a better price on the diamond or keep you from purchasing a low quality diamond altogether.

If you purchase a high quality diamond, and then later decide to sell the diamond, you will need to have the certificate, or you will have a hard time selling it to someone else. In addition, you can use the Diamond Grading Report to look up the wholesale value of the diamonds in question. Use the guide that is used by the diamond cutting industries.

By having the Certificate, or Diamond Grading Report, there will not be a doubt when you are trying to purchase a diamond. You will easily be able to find out what the diamond is worth. This will prevent you from overpaying.

Copies of the Diamond Grading Report should be given to your insurance company when you insure the diamond. This provides definitive, proof of the value of the diamond should it be lost or stolen in the future.

Avoid diamond dealers who seem reluctant to provide a certificate! You should also avoid a seller who tells you that a certificate diamond will cost more moeny the only additional cost should be the cost of the certificate, which is low. If the dealer doesnt want to provide a certificate for your diamond or any other gem like a sapphire or ruby, then you dont want to do business with that dealer.

Dont accept certificates from Gemological Laboratories other than GIA. There are quite a few fly-by-night Gemological labs these days, but in the end, GIA was established as the most respectable and trustworthy not to mention oldest. So avoid dealers who dont want to use GIA for certification purposes as well.

Do not buy an expensive diamond without paying the extra cost of the certificate. If a dealer tries to convince you to make the purchase without the certificate, or if they want to use a company other than GIA, they may have something that they are hiding from you.

Don’t Be Caught With a Fake | Spotting a Fake Diamond Easily

How To Buy a Diamond Engagement Ring

There is much to consider when purchasing a diamond especially a diamond engagement ring! The tradition of presenting a woman with a diamond engagement ring when proposing began in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian presented a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy and in most cases, the woman you plan to propose to will expect a ring to accompany that proposal!

First you should figure out how much ring you can afford to buy. Most men use the two months salary rule. This means that the ring should cost the equivalent of two months of your current salary. Since you have other bills to pay, saving up this amount of money could take quite awhile. You could consider financing. Go to the jewelry store of your choice and tell them that you want to buy an engagement ring, and that you would like to finance it. Get the credit check out of the way, find out what your payments would be, and how much down payment will be required.

Have someone like your mother, sister, or maybe your girlfriends best friend take your girlfriend shopping, and make sure that they take a look at the engagement rings and different selection of gems to get an idea of what she might like. Make sure the jewelry store you purchase the ring from allows returns or will allow your girlfriend to exchange it for another one if she is not happy with your selection!

How To Spot a Fake

With advanced technologies these days, it is next to impossible to simply look at a diamond and know whether it is real or fake – especially if you do not know much about diamonds. There are some steps that you can take to avoid buying a fake diamond, however.

First, only deal with reputable jewelers, and when you find a reputable jeweler, stick with them. Avoid purchasing diamonds or other jewelry from a jeweler that you have not dealt with in the past. Ask to see the certificate for the stone. If no certificate exists, walk away.

Look at the setting that the stone is in. Fake diamonds, like cubic zirconias, are typically set in low quality metals.

After purchasing a diamond, take it to another jeweler for appraisal. In fact, take it to two or three other jewelers for an appraisal to make sure that the appraisals are all fairly close. If you see that you purchased a fake diamond, you might be accused of making a switch when you return to the store of your purchase; so, it is important to have a certificate for the diamond.