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Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Choosing A Diamond Wedding Ring

Choosing a wedding ring can be the most fun part of the whole wedding process, second of course to the fitting of the wedding gowns.

When you think about it, a wedding ring is actually more important as this will be worn even after the wedding as a symbol of the couples’ love for each other. Choosing that symbol of love is therefore crucial.

For most people, diamond is the only option. Although there are some that choose emeralds, sapphires and other colored stones, most women still prefer the purity of the diamond’s color and brilliance. There is something about the diamond that beckons to the modern bride.

First stop is of course the price. If you do not have the budget, better settle for a simple wedding band in white gold. This is preferable than buying a diamond wedding ring that is yellowish in color or hazy in its brilliance. It is better to just save your money now and buy a quality diamond wedding ring later when you already have enough. Besides, who needs a diamond wedding ring that is tawdry and cheap looking.

In choosing a diamond wedding ring, here are the things that you have to take into consideration.

Clarity

The clarity of the diamond wedding ring refers to the brilliance and shine of the stone. This includes the imperfections that can seen on the gem and if it is hazy in appearance. There are corresponding clarity scales for each diamond. When you buy, ask the clerk about this as the clarity is one of the things that will determine the value of the diamond you are going to buy.

Color

The whiter the diamond is, the more expensive it is. Like the clarity, each diamond will have a corresponding color scale. Ask your clerk about this and make that you do not buy those in the yellow side.

Carat

This is perhaps the most popular property of the diamond as this corresponds to the size of the stone and the weight. One carat is equivalent to 0.05 grams. The bigger and the heavier the diamond, the more expensive it is of course.

Cut

The cut of the diamond is not really that crucial compared to other properties but some people prefer specific cuts. Among the cuts that they can choose from are the round, oval, pear, marquise, emerald and the princess cut, which may have cuts from 57 to 70 facets.

Choosing a Diamond Wedding Ring Set

Weddings are definitely joyous but exhausting event. Aside from the basics like searching for a venue, the wedding dress, the reception and the like—one of the major considerations of countless couples who are planning to tie the knot is the their wedding ring.

Usually, most couples prefer a diamond wedding ring set because it is large enough to be worn by itself. For those who are much into rings, a diamond wedding set is perfect for you because it can serve as an engagement ring and the wedding ring all at the same.

Searching for that perfect diamond wedding ring can be stressful and strenuous because there are so many things to consider such as the beauty, shape, size, and cost. The best thing you can do is to trim down these options based on your personal preference and taste.

Here are some tips that can help you get by in searching for that dream diamond wedding ring set. First, you have to choose a diamond wedding ring set that suits your taste and of your fiancé as well. There are actually many settings of diamond wedding ring sets available in most jewelry stores today.

If you prefer simple ones, you can opt for a diamond wedding ring set that has contemporary or modern look like those rings with one main diamond surrounded by smaller stones. But if you want a grander one, you might want to look for diamond wedding ring sets that have intricate designs or have traditional and antique look.

Next, know what kind of metal you prefer and also determine its weight based on your budget. The most common setting of any diamond wedding ring set is gold—it can be white gold or yellow gold. Based on standards, fine gold jewelry should be mounted in either a 18-karat (K) which, consists of 18 parts pure gold with 6 parts other metals or a 14-karat (K) that has 14 parts pure gold combined with 10 parts of other metals.

If you’ve finally decided to use gold for your diamond wedding ring set, decide whether you want a 14-K or a 18-K. Most jewelers agree that a 14-K yellow gold will last longer over time compared to the 18-K yellow gold because it is harder. If you like white gold for your diamond wedding ring set, 18-K is the best because it is whiter, harder, and more resistant to scratches.

Other common option is platinum because it has remarkable appeal and could last longer. Since it’s more durable compared to gold, a diamond wedding ring set made of platinum can resist breakage, chipping, and cracking over time and most of all, it doesn’t cause any discoloration of the skin.

Lastly, consider the shape. The popular diamond shape for wedding rings is round or brilliant because they tend to sparkle more than other shapes. Other popular cuts for diamond wedding rings include baguette, emerald shape, heart shape, oval shape, pear shape, princess cut, marquise, and trillion wedding rings.

How Gemstones Go From Lumps Of Rock To The Sparkling Gems We Love

When precious stones are found in mines, they don't look half as dazzling as they should look. Gems are finely cut, shaped and polished to give it that mesmerizing stunning and impressive look. The method of cutting the stone is known as gem cutting or lapidary. This process was started in the early 1300s in Venice. Later in the 1400s this method was used in Paris and Bruges. There are four basic styles of gem cutting, namely tumbling, faceting and carving. The precious stones should be cut so well that they mirror and reflect the light that falls on them. If the gem has not been cut or polished well, it destroys the beauty and the shine of the stone. For example, an alluring diamond, if not polished and cut well, will not be as valuable, rich or worthy compared to a well polished diamond.

The gem cutter or a lapidary, also known as lapidarist begins the process of lapidary by sawing the gem. The gem from the mine is first cleaned with oil or water, to remove the residues present on the stone. The stone is then sawed with a thin circular blade. One can use different sizes of blades, depending on the size of the stone. Sawing helps remove all the debris and chunks of mud stuck to the stone. The second step is grinding the stone.

Grinding is usually done with silicon carbide wheels or diamond-impregnated wheels, which is used to give shape to the gemstone to a desired rough form, called a preform. The third step is sanding which removes the scratches and dents caused by grinding. Sanding is a very delicate fine process, which is similar to grinding. If the stone needs to be flat at one end, then the stone goes through a process called lapping.

Laps are made of iron or steel, to flatten one side of the stone. Then stone is then polished, to create a mirror like effect. Polishing makes the stone so clear and dazzling that it shines. Polishing agents like tin oxide, aluminum oxide, ferric oxide and so on are used. Cloth, leather, wood, can also be used for polishing. The next process is cabochon. The gem is smoothly rounded and polished on top, and either flattened or slightly rounded on the bottom. This is usually done to opaque or transparent stone.

Transparent stones are also faceted. The stone is flattened at on the sides symmetrically and the entire surface is polished thoroughly, making it shine. The stone is then dopped on a metal dopstick, and later sanded and polished on a lap. Water or any liquid is used to clean the stone. A well faceted stone acts like a mirror, reflecting the light that falls on it, thus making it shine.

How Gemstones Get Their Colors And What Makes Them More Valuable

The colors of the gemstones are what make them look so dazzling and alluring. The most dazzling gemstones are the precious stones. Emeralds, rubies and sapphires are known primarily for their bright green, red and blue colors. While sapphire is also available in colors like pink, green and yellow. Nevertheless, all gemstones have beautiful colors, which increase their exquisiteness. For instance, pearls are white, pink, red, aquamarine is bluish green, amethyst is purple, garnets are green, red, purple, and topaz is yellow and orange in color. Gems also come in different shades of colors, like blue, green or red.

You can choose your gemstone according to the color you like. The deepest or richest colors are the most valuable and expensive stones. Emeralds have different shades of green, but the most popular shade is the bluish green, which is the richest color. Sapphires too are found in pink, green, yellow and different shades of blue. However, the rich blue color is the most valuable and popular stone. Rubies are also found in different shades of red, while the color known, as "pigeon's blood" is the darkest and richest red available, which is very powerful. This deep red ruby is mined only in Myanmar.

When precious stones are found in mines, they do not look as attractive as they should be. Stones are usually polished, carved and cut into different shapes and sizes for it to acquire its beauty. According to the polish of the stone, the value increases.

It is a common notion that the deeper and richer the color of the stone, the more precious and valuable it is. For instance, bright white pearls, green garnets, royal purple amethysts, yellow topaz, deep red corals are the most precious and valuable gem stones existing. A lighter colored gemstone, like a light green garnet isn't as precious as a parrot green garnet.

It is very difficult to obtain the richest color of a stone, as they are very rare. Thus most of the people settle with lighter colors, as they are easily available and very affordable. These days, people prefer a lighter garnet, or a lighter purple amethyst, as it is next to impossible to afford or find the "perfect" green or purple. As long as the gemstone is powerful and attractive people are content.

However, it is strange that diamond, which is the most expensive and exquisite gemstone, is valued by how colorless it is. Diamonds are rated according to their shine, and neutral color. If the diamond is white or pale pink, it is regarded as a low grade diamond. But if the diamond is known as a pink diamond, or a canary diamond then it is considered worthy. The most high priced diamonds are oddly, colorless.

What Is It That Makes Certain Gemstones Truly Precious And Rare?

Gemstones, popularly known as precious stones are extremely stunning and dazzling. They are available in different shapes, sizes and colors, which make them even more impressive. Usually gemstones are worn, according to your date and month of birth, as they bring happiness and prosperity to our lives. But now days, most of us wear them according to their beauty, such as a diamond, which is the king of all stones, and a must for every woman. But most of us do not know the significance of these stones in our life, or what is it that makes them so precious and expensive is, is it the beauty of the stone, or the power.

It is a known fact, that precious gems are minerals of the earth, which have been carved, and polished, making them look so gorgeous. Diamond, one of the most powerful gems, is a polymorph of the element carbon, in earth. It is usually found in South Africa. An emerald, which is green in color, is made of Beryllium Al Silicate, found in the Columbian and Muzo mines. While a sapphire known as the "destiny gem," is made of aluminum oxide, extensively found in Sri-Lanka, Thailand and Cambodia.

All gemstones are precious, but they are commonly ranked according to their availability. Rare gems are the most expensive and powerful gems. You should be very careful while picking your gemstone, as pure gems has the most powerful effect on the body. However, it is very difficult to get pure gems these days. Diamonds are one of the most common gems available today. However, due to controlled distribution, they are very expensive and valuable.

Other stones such as sapphire, ruby and emerald are much rarer than diamonds. Ruby is from the mineral corundum, formed from aluminum oxide. It is a red sapphire, known as the "tears of Buddha" and is a symbol of power and freedom. It is usually found in Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia. It is very rare to get a ruby over two carats.

Gem stones are divided into three categories, "precious stones", such as, diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald, "semi precious stones",which include aquamarine, jade, opal, topaz and so on, and lastly "organic stones", like amber, coral and pearl. Benitoite one of the rarest gemstones made of mineral. Benitoite, which is usually blue in color, was earlier mistaken to be a sapphire. It is only found in the mines of San Benito County, California.

However, there are some precious gems, which are rarer that the mineral Benitoite. Peridot, a variety of olivine was a mineral found in a meteorite, which is the rarest gem of our time. A Peridot is green in color and a very powerful stone. Many people give a lot of importance to the location where the gemstone is found. Many stones found in less important places, are not as powerful to stimulate, fame, happiness, and prosperity in our lives.

Buying A Diamond Ring That Fits You

Buying a diamond ring seems to be pretty simple but it’s actually not. In addition to the designs, you also have to take into account a variety of things that will determine the cost of the piece of jewelry. Below are some of the factors that you have to consider in buying a diamond ring that will really fit you.

1. Clarity

Clarity refers to the clearness of the stone. This means that the stone must not be hazy in appearance. When seen under the lens, there should be no flaws or imperfections in the form of spots. This is important as the number of flaws will determine the level that the diamond will be in. The higher the clarity, the more expensive the diamond will be.

2. Color

Although diamonds are basically clear in its color, colorless in short, there are some that carry shades of yellow. This is because of the way the diamond developed in the mining field. Because of this, diamonds are classified according to the color shades. The colorless ones are the costly ones while those with yellow shades are less expensive.

3. Cut

Although this is actually not so much a determinant of price, people still include this in their list of considerations because this will determine the brilliance of the diamond. The cut does not only refer to the shape of the stone but also to the number of cuts that make up its facets. The princess cut for instance can have as much as 57 facets. Other kinds of cuts are the marquise, the emerald, the pear, the oval and the round.

4. Carat

The carat, as most know, refers to the weight of the diamond. The bigger and heavier the diamond is, the more expensive it is. Stores will have a calculation of how heavy the individuals stones and also a calculation of the total weight. If there are colored stones like sapphires, rubies and emeralds, it is also good to ask for their equivalent weight.

5. Setting

In buying a diamond ring, you also have to choose the kind of setting that you want. There are actually a lot of metals that you can choose from. There is the gold, both white and yellow, that is still the choice of most people. There is also the titanium, the silver and the platinum, which is fast becoming a popular commodity in the country when it comes to rings.

Gemstones: Significance Of Individual Gemstones

Gem stones, also known as lucky stones or birth stones are diamonds, emeralds, aquamarine, ruby, sapphire, amber, opal, jade, topaz garnet and so on. Most of us, love wearing them, but sadly, we do not know what gem stones are, or how they are made, or why we wear them, the importance of it in our lives or why are they so precious.

Gemstones are very precious and powerful stones, worn to ward off evil. They have healing and medicinal powers, which protect us against the bad effect of planets. They are known to boost the spiritual power of our body, keeping us happy and healthy. Research has proved that gemstones heal people suffering from dangerous and fatal illnesses, by energizing them.

Gem stones are very pretty stones, that can be polished and worn to shield us from negative energy.

Gemstones, which stimulate positive and powerful radiation in our body, are mostly made form minerals. Very precious stones, such as pearls or amber are made from living organisms. They are shaped, carved and polished according to our liking and we are made to wear them very close to our skin, to ward off evil. People believe that the more precious the stone is the more powerful effect it has on our body.

Gemstones are of different colors and powers; with induce our body with energy. The colors mirror other natural elements, making it look very beautiful.

For instance, Ruby is the stone of the Sun. It is known to protect us from the harmful effects of the Sun's afflictions, insuring a long life. Ruby is available in red, yellow, and in rose color while Diamond is ruled by Venus. Diamonds are available in white, blue, red, pink and black. It is a symbol for intelligence, good fortune, fame and money. It is one of the most popular and expensive gems, which is worn during weddings, to bring love and prosperity in the marriage.

Usually precious stones are very sturdy and long lasting. However a few can get damaged or chipped off easily, such as pearls, opals and moonstones. These birthstones are usually worn to obtain happiness and success in our lives, but many people wear them for their beauty. The soft stones are an asset for collectors and are very rarely worn. Pearls disintegrate very fast if not taken care of. Pearl being a stone of the Moon protects us from harmful effects of the Moon. They are available in many colors and shapes. However, flat pearls should never be worn. You should be very careful not to spray perfume or hairspray on your pearls, to prevent damage.

Opal, popularly known as the "queen of gems" is a very delicate stone. They are very precious and can be easily damaged. If not set well, they can fall easily. They cannot tolerate sudden change in temperature, which leads to destruction of the gem. It is a symbol of love, romance, beauty and happiness.