Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Diamond Rings: What To Look Out For

Clarity is one of the four C's that influences the quality of the diamond. It refers to the number of flaws found in a diamond. These flaws are imperfections caused by mistakes in cutting or that spring up from the original rock. A diamond with poor clarity will have faults that can be easily observed, and may even be seen with the naked eye. They will not look charming set in diamond rings, and have low resell value. In contrast, a diamond with great clarity is highly sought after by collectors, and will be a gift of true value to loved ones.

Flaws can be divided into two; external flaws are called blemishes, whereas flaws within the diamond, that can modify its ability to reflect light, are called inclusions. Since inclusions get in the way of a diamond's sparkle, they can reduce the value of a diamond more, but they can also be useful. Inclusions can be used to identify specific diamonds as a sort of diamond fingerprint. In this way, you would be able to secure your diamond rings.

Diamonds are graded based on how easy it is to perceive these flaws. They go through this process while they are still loose diamonds. There are several gemological organizations worldwide that have developed separate grading systems, although in many cases they are very similar. You should familiarize yourself with the grading system used in the store where you buy your diamond. When buying diamond rings, you will want to check the clarity of the diamond above anything else. Clarity is one of the main factors used in gauging a diamond's monetary value. It is a standard accepted by gemological organizations across the board.

To ensure you get diamonds of the highest clarity, get loose diamonds first. You can make an ocular inspection of the diamonds before buying. The jeweler should let you borrow their loupe or magnifier so that you can view them under 10 x magnification if asked. If they are hesitant to let you take a closer look, it's a red flag to look elsewhere.

Be careful when picking jewelry stores as well. One store may be offering dirt cheap sales, or limited period sales. You may think you're getting a good deal; but they'll lose most of their value in as short as ten years. You'll want to get diamonds of lasting value. You can buy a good quality diamond at a reasonable price, if you take the time to learn about diamonds.

When buying diamond rings, you will want to check the clarity of the diamond above anything else. Clarity is one of the main factors used in gauging a diamond's monetary value. Jewelry stores are not always what they appear to be. To guarantee you get diamonds of the best clarity, purchase loose diamonds first. You can get a high quality diamond at a sensible price, but only if you study your diamonds.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Round Brilliant Cut Diamond""A Background

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 is noteworthy that well cut diamonds could value 40 to 50 percent more than their poorly cut counterparts. As such, a prospective buyer should fully understand the value of cutting when it comes to diamonds. With regards to diamonds, cut or make pertains to the overall symmetry, proportioning and finish of the stones that have direct impact on the levels of their fire and brilliance.

The three most basic cutting techniques used for fine jewelry diamonds include the 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 have fewer facets than that of the brilliant cut, commonly rectangular or trapezoid in shape and are arranged in a linear format. On the other hand, a mixed cut uses combined elements from the step cut and brilliant cut techniques.

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, when combined with the right shape, a brilliant cut sparkler will definitely show an imposing beauty and value that will endure the test of time. While there are many shapes that complement brilliant cutting, it is perhaps the round shape that truly stands out. As a matter of fact, round brilliant cut is the most famous shape that is closely identified with the mentioned cutting technique.

A round brilliant cut sparkler has 58 facets, 33 of which are located on the crown, 24 on the bottom, and one on the culet or point. Smaller round brilliant diamonds are called "full cut" to properly distinguish them from "single cut" stones that have 17 facets, and from "Swiss cut" diamonds that have 33 facets only. With all these information perhaps you're now wondering, what is with these round brilliant diamonds that make them valuable? The answer is that since this shape has no corners it displays the most liveliness as it is capable of reflecting the most light that passes through the stones due to its perfect proportions.

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 commonly incorporated on engagement and wedding rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings since they could be arranged easily regardless of the shape and form of the jewelry. Nonetheless, they befit all settings whether it is prong or pave. Basically, this cut warrants functionality and versatility that other cutting styles could not produce.

As mentioned earlier, different cutting techniques could be used for diamonds. What might look strange to some, might be ideal for others. If you have the intent to purchase diamonds, regardless if they are loose or clarity enhanced diamonds, always consider the cut that you like and not the cut that your friend likes; remember proportionally cut diamonds does not always warrant the highest cut grades from GIA, there are actually diamonds that aren't cut ideally but they are far more valuable than the ones that have an ideal cut. The most important action that you could take is to compare diamonds of differing qualities and prices, as this is an efficient means to train your eyes to properly identify their differences when it comes to 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

Round Brilliant Cut: Increasing The Value Of Your Loose Diamonds

From the earliest times, diamonds have amazed mankind. They are probably the most revered articles of accents provided by nature; deeply symbolizing beauty and forever. Among all the stones that our world holds, diamonds are the most preeminent and sought after. Regardless if they are loose diamonds or blood diamonds, one thing is for sure, generations after generations of people will successively enjoy their beauty and value.

Due to our inclination to diamonds, these stones became permanent fixtures during betrothals, weddings and other special occasions. Fine diamond rings and almost all articles of jewelry made from diamonds have turned into valuable belongings equally at par with real estate and artworks. Due to these, purchasing diamond pieces has turned into an endeavor that requires thorough understanding of the stones characteristics in order to make wise choices. While much has been said about the clarity, color, and carat of diamonds, not all of us are very familiar about the facet of diamond cutting.

Cut with an emphasis on diamonds, refers to the guide of style or design used to shape a diamond for polishing. As oppose to shape, this feature is what defines the symmetry, proportioning and polish of a diamond, which all affect the stone's brilliance and fire. Practical history of diamond cutting dates back to the middle ages and is continuously innovated to date. Despite the emergence of new cutting styles, the round brilliant cut remains as the most popular of its kind.

Round brilliant cut was first introduced in 1919 by Marcel Tolkowsky, Belgian diamond cutter. An engineer by profession, Tolkowsky developed this cut based from precise mathematical and empirical analysis that accounted the essence of brilliance and fire in diamonds. As a result, a diamond that had undergone this cutting style exemplifies 58 facets; 33 of which are on the top of the stone and 25 are in the bottom part of the gem including its culet or point. Similarly, since a single cut produces two diamonds, one is larger than the other, very few diamond pieces are wasted.

When a round brilliant cut diamond is cut well, the shape produced allows light to pass through from any angle, thereby making the diamond to have greater brilliance and fire. Due to its relatively safe shape, it is considered as the best choice of cut in terms of its "saleability," optics as well as insurability. Other than these features, diamonds that are round brilliant in cut are also appreciated for their versatility to suit almost all types of jewelry setting. No wonder, approximately 75 percent of diamond jewelry sales around the world are accounted to this form of cut.

If you are shopping for loose diamonds that you would be customizing into jewelry later on, it would be more preferable to go for the ones that are round brilliant in cut. Based from the characteristics mentioned above, this cut would surely help you maximize the value of your diamonds in many aspects including its saleability and insurability. Nonetheless, with its versatile nature, you will not have any trouble finding the right setting for your diamond jewelry. To simply put it, you can never go wrong with diamonds that are round brilliant in cut.

Loose diamonds are always appropriated for fine diamond rings and other fine jewelry pieces. This is because they give individuals the option to choose the setting that would befit their design preference. In order to further reinforce the beauty of loose sparkler, most jewelers would suggest that it would be more preferable to pick round brilliant cut diamonds since such cut is considered as the highest quality pattern that maximizes the brilliance and fire of diamonds to their full extent.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Diamond Heart Jewelry: Check For Imperfections

The round brilliant cut is considered the gold standard for diamond cuts. Designed to maximize the potential of a diamond's brilliance, this cut is also known as the most wasteful, with over half of the raw diamond thrown away to get to this ideal shape. Not to say that diamonds should exclusively come in this shape only. In fact, the diversity of diamond cuts boosts their overall allure.

And diamond heart jewelry is as appealing as it gets. Heart cuts have a lot in common with the pear cut, but vary in height and width. The heart cut retains some brilliance found in the round brilliant cut, but also flaunts the diamond's other qualities, like clarity. Bear in mind that this shape was not invented carelessly. The heart cut is essentially the pear cut with a cleft added in.

Admittedly, diamond heart jewelry may not appeal to everyone. Some people may feel that it is too trifling to use in their wedding rings. Still, it is hard to question the romantic appeal of the heart shape. Since it is a relatively new cut, there are less regulations in making heart cut diamonds compared to round brilliant.

In comparison, with round brilliant cut diamonds, your primary consideration really is just the brilliance of the piece. Diamond makers built on Tolkowsky's Ideal Cut, the original standard for the round cut. Thanks to advances in the science of refraction and manufacturing technology, they're able to utilize a raw diamond's potential to reach maximum brilliance.

It is crucial that you do a quality check before you acquire any diamond heart jewelry. Particularly, you need to check that it does not have any blemishes, cracks or other imperfections. Some imperfections are not distinguishable to the naked eye, but still affect the diamond's value. These imperfections do become apparent under the microscope, and are considered when the finished diamond is graded and priced.

If you prefer to get more value for your investment, you should be on guard for enhanced diamonds. These are treatments performed on diamonds after they have been cut and polished, to remove these imperfections. Government regulations require that any enhancements be divulged to potential buyers. These treatments lessen their value and are only performed on seriously flawed diamonds.

It is imperative that you do a quality check before any purchase of diamond heart jewelry. Particularly, you need to check that it does not have any blemishes, cracks or other imperfections. With round brilliant cut diamonds, your primary concern really is just the brilliance of the piece. You should watch out for enhanced diamonds. These are treatments performed on diamonds after they have been cut and polished to remove these imperfections and reduce their value.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Loose Diamonds: Choosing Round Brilliant And Other Cuts

For most people, the only time they want diamonds is when they want wedding or engagement rings. The smart way to go about this is to get loose diamonds first and have them set later. You can inspect them for defects better, and improve your chances of a good deal. However, you need to be meticulous when buying. It's easy to make mistakes and give too much, or end up with an inferior diamond.

When looking at loose diamonds, you should confirm the diamond's value. You'll want to scrutinize each one for the four C's; carat weight, cut, clarity and color. But bear in mind that each diamond is unique, and it's rare for a single diamond to get two separate assessments with identical results. Ultimately, the value of a diamond is subjective, so you shouldn't be too engrossed looking for it's exact value.

The pinnacle of all diamond cuts is the round brilliant cut. Thanks to the work of Marcel Tolkowsky, the proportions required to get the most brilliance and fire out of a diamond were verified and popularized. Further innovations perfected Tolkowsky's measurements to optimize diamond's potential for brilliance.

The round brilliant cut is also the established favorite cut. On the other hand, fancy cuts become popular based on prevailing fashions. Nowadays, people look for sparkle, so the heart, oval, and pear cuts are popular. However, the quality and value of a diamond is based on other factors. You can easily get a high value diamond of any cut - or low value, if you buy carelessly.

So buy a diamond jewelry gift in the cut you really want. It may be a shape that captures your or your significant other's interest, or one that elicits special memories or feelings within you. If all you want is a huge diamond, and you don't mind flaws, it's easy to get one for cheap. But even if you are buying cheap, you have to make your purchases carefully to avoid getting gypped.

When it comes time to set your loose diamond, it's safest to have it done by the same people who sold it to you. If you bring it to another jeweler, they won't want to be held accountable for any damage the diamond may acquire during setting. If the seller won't vouch for their own diamonds, just skip them and look for a seller who does.

For most people, the only time they want diamonds is when they want wedding or engagement rings. The smart way to go about this is to get loose diamonds first and have them set later. The round brilliant cut is the established favorite cut. Different fancy cuts become popular in line with the current fads. However, the quality and value of a diamond relies on other factors. So buy a diamond jewelry gift with any cut you desire.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Friday, August 6, 2010

Diamond rings are more than just a luxury

For people with cash to spare, it is but natural to put these funds into an investment that would give more value to their money.To help their money grow, they would usually acquire assets like land or stocks and even condominium units because they can generate revenue as their value appreciates.

But while enormous and expensive assets may be the way for most people, others choose to invest on more enjoyable and less expensive items.Investing on their hobbies is always a more enjoyable way to spend hard earned money.

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.Choosing the right toys and even the right jewelry, particularly gold or diamond rings is the key factor in getting the right investment hobby that would naturally appreciate in value as the years pass.

Some toys when kept in mint condition or intact in their boxes can sell at ten to twenty times its original value as time goes by.Another good example is fine jewelry because this definitely appreciates in value in time.Diamond rings can only get more expensive so as other jewelry decorated with diamonds.

Diamond rings can also be a investment not only in the financial sense but also a material asset dedicated for someone you love or care for.Diamonds pretty much last for a lifetime so it can be smart investment compared to other things like cars or houses that can depreciate as time takes its toll and cause mechanical or aesthetic problems.

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.

Spending on investments can help give more value to your money over the years. Houses and Lots are some of the usual investments people can invest on. But there are some who like to spend on items that are not only a wise investment but also an ideal source of happiness or interest like fine jewelry or luxury cars. Diamond rings is one good investment since it can last for a long time and naturally gets more expensive over time.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Clarity Enhanced Diamond Basics

Diamonds are probably the most sought after gemstones by women all over the world. In fact, if you are a man and would wish to sweep your woman off her feet, might as well give her fine jewelry encrusted with diamonds. Of course, diamonds aren't cheap; just a piece could already cost you a fortune especially if you are rooting for the ones that are rare and have high quality features. However, if you really like to seal your vows of love with diamonds without spending too much, you could simply opt for diamonds that were enhanced to improve some of their features.

Clarity is one of the most vital features of a diamond as it serves as a determining factor to know the real market value of such gemstone. For example, untouched loose diamonds are expensive because they do not exude imperfections and inclusions making their clarity high in grade. However, there are also diamonds that are referred to as clarity enhanced sparklers found in the market today. These diamond pieces are way inexpensive that untouched diamonds due to the manipulations done to them in order to make them look aesthetically appealing.

Clarity enhanced diamond, as it is called, is a gemstone that had eye visible imperfections. Meaning it is a stone that originally had lower clarity grade, and because nobody wants to have a diamond that has eye visible imperfections, its inclusions are treated so as to make them invisible to the naked eye. Once the enhancement is carried out, there would be no discernible differences between enhanced and untouched diamonds. Enhanced diamonds are also referred to as "fracture filled diamonds."

There are different methods of enhancements to produce clarity enhanced diamond. The most common of which is drilling wherein a tiny hole is drilled into the diamond to remove minerals or elements that often causes discoloration. Drilling is performed with the use of laser that emits a beam capable of creating a neat hole directly towards where the inclusion is located. After drilling, it is more likely that the diamond would be left with a small fracture which is then filled with silicon or hard glass that isn't apparent to the eye; this process of filling is known as fracture filling.

If you would buy diamonds in the future, do not forget that according to the FTC rules, diamonds that underwent enhancements other than basic cutting, cleaning and polishing should be fully disclosed by the jeweler to the buyer. However, if you really want to make sure about the quality of your chosen diamond, ask the jeweler if you could have the diamond appraised by a different appraising firm. Always put in mind that a clarity enhanced diamond has exemplify no aesthetic difference with untouched diamond. Hence, the best thing that you could do is to have the diamond tested in order to know whether it has been enhanced or not.

If you're a man who wish to have a decent looking sparkler to give for your woman but you are a bit short on budget, try considering a clarity enhanced sparkler. If all the other traits of the enhanced diamond are in excellent condition, and the diamond itself is visually clean in grade, don't let the thought of enhancement discourage you from taking it as recourse. Similar to flawless diamonds, enhanced sparklers could also complement any form of fine jewelry pieces and are guaranteed to last for long. Thus, enhanced diamonds are good gemstones that could also definitely sweep your woman off her feet.

When it comes to gemstones, loose diamonds are the most preferred to be incorporated in fine jewelry pieces. It cannot be denied though, that diamonds are expensive, especially if you the ones that are flawless and exudes high quality grades. If you want inexpensive yet descent looking diamonds that are aesthetically at par with expensive diamonds, you may want to look at clarity enhanced diamond pieces. They are cost efficient but exemplify high quality aesthetics.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Loose Diamonds: All The Brilliant Cuts, And Otherwise

Why buy loose diamonds? They're not necessarily as practical as earrings and necklaces. You would not be able to have them on you or display them anywhere you go. But diamonds have a beauty on their own that can't be compared to diamonds set in jewelry. They seem even more extraordinary when they are bought for their own sake.

Diamonds are available in a variety of designs, known in the trade as cuts. The most famous of these is the round brilliant cut. Simply put, the round brilliant is the most popular because it provides the most brilliance. It has been cut in such a way that it reflects the most light. What most people don't know is that the shape of the round brilliant is the most wasteful. As much as half of the original diamond is left out when it is turned into a round brilliant. For this reason, diamonds are available in several other shapes as well, commonly known as fancy cuts.

Now some of the fancy cuts are already based on familiar designs, and will appeal to people even if they aren't that familiar with diamonds. The heart and oval cuts are named after their shapes. The pear cut is often interpreted as an upside down teardrop.

On the other hand, how do you explain to people the differences between the Asscher and emerald cut, or the princess and radiant cut, when their shapes are the same? This is where we get a bit technical, but fortunately you don't have to get that esoteric.

Emerald and Asscher cuts are classified as step cuts. Unlike the round brilliant, they are rectangular in shape, with each side bordered with small steps. Step cuts emphasize lustre and clarity over brilliance. The Asscher cut has been popular for over 100 years, and its proportions are less even.

The princess and radiant cuts comprise a third category, known as mixed cuts. They have more brilliance than step cuts, but are more cost-effective than brilliant cuts. The princess cut is the most popular next to the round brilliant, whereas the radiant cut has over 70 cuts.

When choosing loose diamonds, you need not be intimidated by technical knowledge. You can buy based on what cut you like. The jeweler, in turn, will narrow down your choices in terms of price and quality, and help find the best deal for you.

Diamonds are available in a variety of designs, known in the trade as cuts. The round brilliant cut has been designed in such a way that it reflects the most light. Step cuts stress lustre and clarity over brilliance. Mixed cuts have more brilliance than step cuts, but are more cost-efficient than brilliant cuts. When choosing loose diamonds, you need not be intimidated by technical knowledge. You can buy based on what cut you prefer.

-Lorraine Jacobs