The European era of necklaces this article covers is from 1300's to 1600's. During the middle ages it was customary for men, women, and children to all wear jewelry. This era had two main themes for jewelry: religion and romantic love.

Very popular were busts and portraits of saints, altars, or ornaments worn on necklaces. Mythical creatures such as mermaids and dragons were very popular along with animals, such as dolphins and lions. European towns each developed their own unique design style, such as Venice which was influenced by the imports of precious gems and other items from the orient bringing forth oriental approaches to the designs. Engraving ranged from having ones initials to lengths of scriptures or poetry. A popular religious pendant was the Tau Cross, which was worn by itself or with many on the chain, sometimes just one tiny bell was worn with it. It was also popular to wear a necklace with just a tiny bell attached only.

The leading workshops were in, Paris, Limoges, Meuse, Belgian-Lorraine, Siena, Florence, and Venice. The main precious metals used in jewelry making were gold and silver with the main gemstones being sapphires, rubies, and pearls. During the early part of this era (14th century) gemstones were finished with the en cabochon method which is highly polishing smooth the stone and not cutting it into faceted angular cuts until later when cutting was more perfected. Other types of neck jewelry were glass beads of various colors combined with precious gems mounted in silver or gold. Covering certain areas of the piece with enamel was also a common practice. Niello was also used which was a mixture of silver, sulphur, and lead. Fashioning jewelry necklaces was often done with molten metal poured into molds. Germany was well known for using milled wire instead of pouring to make them.

The en cabochon method gave way to a new method during the 15th century which was the forerunner of the diamond facet cutting we know today. The Dutchman Louis de Berken, was the first to discover in Brussels that a diamond could be polished with pulverized diamond moistened with oil. In 1476 he was able to perform facet cutting to diamonds, which had previously been used for rock crystal. Charles the Bold employed Louis de Berken at his court for his newly discovered amazing ability.

Cloisonne' enameling was where the enamel was applied and fired in raised cells which would sometimes be done with soldered wire. Champleve' took over in popularity which is the carving out of areas and filing these areas with enamel and then leveling down (usually sanding) the surrounding metal with the level of the enamel. The copper champleve' work was a technique which allowed colorful jewelry to be produced from inexpensive material and was opaque with clearly outlined areas of color. Paris goldsmiths have been credited with inventing translucent silver enameling, with this technique the goldsmith pours the opaque enamel into a bas-relief carved into the silver. The silver backing produces a delicate and diffused shimmer when the light hits it due to the light colored enamel. The gold enameling technique en ronde bosse also developed by Paris goldsmiths in the late 14th century . This technique utilized various colors of glass flux which were melted over a gold core, and combined with beads and precious stones, including red rubies and blue sapphires being the most popular. In Hungary, which from the 13th to the 15th century was the European country richest in gold, wire enameling was taken over from Italy. This method consisted of twisted gold wire forming the contours of the design and the hollows were filled with an opaque enamel.

The Renaissance began in Italy during the 1300's, it spread to England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and other countries during the 1400's and ending in the early 1600's. This movement was considered a rebirth of the ancient works of art, literature, and philosophy. The Europeans studied these three endeavors of ancient Greece and Rome following the great scholars and artists, becoming themselves great in continuing and even advancing these areas. This movement reached a height in the 1400's and the early 1500's when achievements had become some of the greatest in history.

During the Renaissance jewelers achieved breakthroughs in shop tools, working areas, methods, and advanced techniques. Successful artists came from serving in strict apprenticeships or grew up working with family or close friends in the trade. Jewelry was in high demand during this period in history. In Florence, Italy there were over forty shops dedicated to producing the finest jewelry the world had yet ever seen. The style before the Renaissance was called Gothic which was thought to have expelled all of the possible works from it and had given in to the new more elaborate style.

During the end of the fifteenth century western Europe had become united in many ways and artists freely traveled about expanding their craft. During this time of international freedom, French, Spanish, Italian, German, and Hungarian jewelers developed their style at an equal pace. This made it difficult sometimes to distinguish from which country the jewelry was made during the Renaissance period. Italy was considered one of the greatest at the time for many forms of art including jewelry. Throughout Europe, Italian jewelers were sought for their advanced techniques and amazing methods for extracting the finest detail.

The technique at the time was very disciplined and defined. The overall piece would often have a central theme with incredible detail and precision. The designs would be incredible stretches of the imagination, ships, galleons, mermaids, mermen, salamanders, sea horses, and cupids would be laced with beautiful diamonds and other precious gems. Brooches, pendants, and ropes were sculpted from onyx, silver, gold and laced with pearls, opals, and rubies. Necklaces were normally made to end part way around the neck with looped ends and linking done with threading applied to backings in some cases. A necklace with a pendant was called en suite. Portraits were carved with babies and angels, sculpted with such fine detail as to the point of miraculous. Irregular pearls called baroque would be set in a design that made their unusual shape flow and become a necessary part of the piece. Diamonds were often fashioned into triangular chips embellishing the piece with extraordinary beauty.

During this time gems were thought to contain special powers for the body, so these were designed into the piece to touch the skin. Salamanders were said to represent passionate love and cupids were often times given as gifts to enhance a special meeting. An interesting note, Queen Elizabeth enjoyed animal jewels and had various ones in her collection including greyhound, scorpion, turtledove, and dolphin.

Output of South German and Hungarian mines worked at a fevered pitch to meet the massive demand for gold in this period. The Hungarian mines also produced opals and precious stones which were also imported from the Oriental regions. Sea coral was used for carving which came from off the shores of Italy.

In the making of the pieces casting was performed, many times in two or more sections or portions. After casting, various pieces were put into different combinations bringing about different designs. Opaque white enameling would be done with care as to not completely cover all the metal. Carefully applying enamel to recessed areas with deep cuts or cells of metal then sanding the metal down to the level of the enamel was called champleve'. Adhesive used for precious gems was black wax. The wax was used if metal drawn over or embracing the precious stone detracted from the overall design of what the artist envisioned. There were a few methods used for making tiny sculptures. Some of these included wax modeling which was accomplished then careful casting of the tiny art piece then melting out the wax. Small sheet metal shaping and pressing was also done if the piece required it.

Rings were the most popular, then pendants, and then necklaces. Pendants were worn by men, women, and children. Men and children wore them around the neck. Women wore them around the neck or pinned or tied with ribbon on the dress or sleeve.

The jewelry of the Renaissance with all of its passion and romance continues on as talented artists embrace and study this great period. Keeping it still alive with their own masterpieces influenced by this era of artistic achievement.

It is important to know something about diamonds before you buy any. It is easy to buy a diamond that is of poor quality for a high price so the more you understand about diamonds the better your chances of getting a good deal are.

Diamonds are not just a set price, There are many types and qualities and many dealers and suppliers. Picking the right one can make a difference of thousands of dollars but you do need to know what you are looking for and when dealing with a dealer or jeweler, what you are talking about and understand what 'they' are talking about also.

Diamonds, like many other substances such as talc, graphite, gypsum etc. one of the major differences is the hardness of the substance. The diamond is the hardest and the way this is determined is how the atoms are arranged in the carbon. Diamonds are made under intense pressure deep within the earth and most of the diamonds you will see around were made anywhere from one to three billion years ago.

To get 5 grams of diamond generally requires mining or sorting through about 1 million grams of material but only 20% of these are suitable for jewelry. The rest are used in industry for cutting other material or other diamonds and for watches as, for all intents and purposes, cannot wear out.

Diamonds are thought to be white but in fact can be a range of colors and these are usually called Fancies or fancy diamonds.

The factor of colour is given an importance unequalled in the evaluation of any other gem. By far, most diamond gems appear colourless to the untrained eye and only a few gems display decided hues such as one expects to see in varieties of corundum, for example; these are 'fancy' diamonds, very rare and very costly. The apparently colourless gems are painstakingly subdivided into numerous if somewhat artificial, colour grades, the nuances between which are seldom apparent when gems are mounted in jewelry. Nevertheless, some form of colour grading is employed by every dealer in diamonds and affects directly and substantially the price that is charged.

The grading of diamonds for colour is the art of classifying them on a scale from colourless to obviously yellow. This statement is based on the fact that most diamonds encountered in the trade range from absolutely colourless to some tinge of yellow or faintly smoky. Those that are decidedly yellow or coffee in hue are fancies and sold as such.

The overly free use of the term 'blue-white' is much less evident now than several decades ago when jewelers used this term more freely in their advertisements and were rightly regarded with suspicion because of the very real rarity of diamonds, which actually display some tinge of blue. A survey by the Gemological Institute of America some years ago showed that only one diamond out of 500 examined under scientifically adjusted lighting conditions actually qualified for the term 'blue-white'. Needless to say, diamonds of this hue command a very high price. Even higher prices are asked for fancies, particularly those, which are blue to rich blue, red, pink or green, with lesser prices asked for golden, yellow and rich browns, greens and blues.

The factor of clarity refers to the absence of inclusions or flaws. The term 'perfect' is now seldom used; instead, those diamonds which do not reveal inclusions or flaws when examined by an expert eye under 10-power magnification rate the term 'flawless.'

The final factor of cut refers to the mechanical shaping and polishing of a diamond crystal into a faceted gem, giving due regard to proper proportions, symmetrical outlining and placement of facets, accurate meets or junctions between adjoining facets, proper girdling and culeting and surface finish upon facets. Diamonds too deeply or shallowly cut are less brilliant than they could be, sometimes seriously so. Excessively thin crowns ('swindled' crowns) cut down dispersion substantially, although brilliance can be quite satisfactory. In general, overlapping facet junctions, extra facets, or uneven facets do not seriously detract from brilliance and dispersion, providing that the basic proportions are nearly correct; however, careless work is usually a sign of poor material and should also be cause for rejection of any stone in which it is glaringly evident. Careless polishing,

Diamond Rings – symbols of love, romance, marriage, affluence, status. The diamond has the greatest refraction and dispersion of light of all the precious stones known to man. It is also the hardest substance known to man, natural or artificial.

Purchasing a diamond ring, for an engagement, a wedding, or as a surprise gift, usually involves much expense. It pays to know something about diamonds so you can make an intelligent choice.

As a first step familiarize yourself with these main factors which affect the value and price of diamond rings. Then go to the Diamond Ring Tutorial mentioned in the Resource box at the end of this article to continue your education.

Carat

Carat is the unit of measurement used to describe the weight of diamonds. As carat size increases, the diamond’s diameter and depth also increase.

Clarity

A diamond’s clarity rating is determined by the number of inclusions it has and how noticeable they are. Inclusions refer to tiny pinpoints, clouding, or markings on the diamond. The fewer the inclusions the more brilliant the diamond and of course the higher the value.

Color

Diamonds with less body color are more valuable as the reflection from them is more pure. A letter scale from D to Z is used to grade the color of diamonds, D being colorless through to Z which can include light yellow, brown or gray.

Cut

The cut of the diamond can have a major effect on how it reflects light. A shallow cut will allow light to escape through the sides whereas a deep cut will cause light to be lost through the bottom of the diamond. The more exacting the proportions of the cut, the more valuable the diamond is.

With that background consider now the shape you prefer. Is it Asscher, Cushion, Emerald, Heart, Marquise, Oval, Pear, Princess, Radiant, Round, or Trillion?

You do not know what to buy and where to start, but you do know it has to be something special for that someone special in your life. Most times the confusion comes from not knowing some of the basics about the person you are buying for.

1. To give a gift of jewelry that they will always remember you need to know what they like and more importantly what they do not like. If the gift is for a special occasion then see what is traditionally given at that time, and ask yourself if your special person would really like that. If her birthday is in July but she does not like red then do not buy her the birthstone for July, which is Ruby. Maybe a jewelry setting with another color of gemstone or even a diamond would be a wiser decision

2. Will she want to wear it every day, if yes then make it practical, buying an expensive Gemstone or Diamond Ring with a delicate or high mounting is not a good idea, as it can get caught or knocked and damaged.

3. Knowing what colours she likes to wear can help you in deciding what color of gemstone would match her wardrobe, especially if its earrings or a necklace. Know her skin tone or dominant make up color as different colors of gold look better on different skin tones or make-up colours.

4. You will need to know the size of her finger if you are purchasing it as a surprise present. If you can “borrow” one of the rings she wears, you can take it to a jeweller who will be able to tell you the size. This way when you purchase your ring you can make sure it will fit correctly and she can wear it immediately.

5. If your special person has thin fingers then buy her a wider setting or smaller gemstone, as larger gemstones on thin settings will have tendency to twist and turn. If you are set on a larger stone then have the jeweller modify the ring with the addition of 2 small spheres of gold soldered at 8 and 4 o’clock on the inside of ring shank. This will allow the ring to slip over the knuckle but provide a tighter fit around the finger keeping the gemstone on top for everyone to see.

6. Earrings are an excellent choice, but it is important to know if she has pierced ears or prefers clip-on mountings. Does she like long dangly earrings or does she prefer studs.

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.

A prom dress without the proper adornments is like a Christmas tree with no ornaments: no matter how beautiful it is, it seems somehow naked. If you've ever watched celebrities walk down the red carpet you know that they realize the importance of accessories in order to "complete the package". Tasteful and properly coordinated accessories can really bring an outfit together while ill matched pieces will often ruin the entire outfit.

It is often difficult to decide which accessories are perfect for prom since most of us do not have the luxury of celebrity stylists to offer advice and recommendations. Keeping the following suggestions in mind as you search for the perfect compliments to your prom outfit should help you avoid any glaringly horrid accessory mistakes. The number one, time-honored piece of advice for accessorizing and proms is this: less is more. It is better to err on the side of caution than to add too many accessories and become an eyesore.

When it comes to jewelry, it helps if you select jewelry that not only goes with the overall theme you are hoping to achieve with your dress and hairstyle, but also something that you would wear after the prom as well. You do not have to choose jewelry that matches your dress, it is more important to choose pieces that compliment your entire ensemble. Pearls are always a wise selection as they are elegant and beautiful while rarely being garish. They are also friendly to budgets that may be stretched a bit thin from the purchase of a prom dress.

Your hairstyle should be considered when selecting your jewelry also. If you are going for an updo, there are many wonderful jewelry options available. For these hairstyles, studs work wonderfully and allow for bolder choices in necklaces while drop earrings also look great with this hairstyle and call for keeping other jewelry a little simpler. The same goes with hair ornaments.

If you have long hair that you are wearing down, you will need earrings that are bold and make a statement. Hoops and chandelier style earrings work really well in this particular situation. Be sure you don't overdo the accessorizing thing by pairing these bold earrings with bold necklaces and bracelets; you only need one piece of 'loud' jewelry.

There are many different types of prom dresses and the dress you will be wearing should have an impact on the jewelry you wear along with it. Below are some general guidelines that should help you make wiser jewelry decisions for your special night.

1) Spaghetti straps: If you are looking for one stand out piece of jewelry to wear with this type of dress, consider a wide cuff bracelet for that special piece. You can pair it easily with stud earrings or earrings that dangle but aren't over stated. Be sure that your date won't be brining a wrist corsage however as this will kill the statement that the bracelet makes.

2) Strapless: This particular dress is striking gold for the jewelry lover as you can choose a necklace that really makes a statement. Be sure to wear a necklace that is short with this particular type of dress rather than one that will meet the fabric. If you choose a simple necklace you are free to add bold earrings or a bracelet in order to add that little bit of zing!

3) Short sleeved dress: It is an excellent idea to bring attention to your arms by using stackable bracelets with this type of dress. Choose a simple necklace or even go without and let your bracelets make your statement for you. If you aren't into bangles, try for a wide cuffed bracelet instead.

4) High-necked: With this type of dress, a necklace will only serve to compete with the neckline, skip it. Instead, choose an elegant bracelet and matching earrings, gemstones work best.

5) Square-necked: This dress is an excellent choice to show off a beautiful necklace. Keep that fact in mind when choosing your jewelry. You'll want a necklace that you can show off and understated earrings and other accessories.

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.

Jewelry has been around for more than two thousand years, worn as a show of class, stature, and beauty. Today most people wear jewelry just because they like it. Both men and women wear jewelry. Since real gems and precious metals are very expensive, many people turn to mainly wearing costume jewelry which is made of less expensive materials yet still holds the look almost as well as real jewelry.

Men and women alike have developed individual taste when it comes to costume jewelry. Necklaces are very popular for both men and women currently. Sleek silver or gold designs for men's necklaces are a hit at this time. For women more variety among styles of necklaces exists.

Women can find small thin necklaces with only one or two simple gems a simple yet beautiful addition to their outfit. These types of necklaces go well with formal dresses as well as a low cut sweater or blouse. The simplicity gives an illusion of sophistication that radiates from the woman. For a little more pizzazz women may enjoy bangle type necklaces. These are one or more chains with several pieces of jewelry attached. These necklaces come in short and long versions as well every length in between. Adding a dangling necklace to a simple outfit will pill the whole outfit together that shouts fun and outgoing.

Watches are by far the most popular type of jewelry. Men and women are looking for ways to add beauty to their outfit with watches. Most people own at least one watch. Having a few watches for different types of outfits makes more sense than buying one standard watch for all outfits. With so many choices to choose from watches make a great gift too.

Rings are a great way to dress up your hands and men and women enjoy the stylish look gained by wearing a pretty ring on their finger. Women generally prefer diamonds but being as expensive as they are, many are settling for a inexpensive stone that shines and looks almost as nice as a real diamond called cubic zirconia’s. Men tend to stick with simple wedding bands made from silver or gold.

Tennis bracelets are a great way to add some beauty to your ensemble. Men and women tend to enjoy wearing bracelets. Women have been wearing more bangle type bracelets in recent years, often combining many bracelets on one wrist.

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.

Diamonds are a woman's best gift and are the perfect gift for a wedding or an engagement, one of the most precious and valuable stones of today. Diamonds are a symbol of love, romance and power. However the groom-to-be finds it very difficult to choose the perfect diamond ring for his bride. Knowing the four famous Cs, which are cut, color, clarity and carats of a diamond is not enough to choose the ideal ring. So, one should know exactly how to choose the precious stone.

The style most popular today is the polished round one. It was one of the first cuts and carves that was developed and it depends totally on mathematical equations to create a stone with fire. It is one of the most brilliant creations of the early lapidates. Brides always want the best and most unique ring for their special day. These days diamonds are available in many shapes and sizes. For instance, they are pear shaped; heart shaped, diamonds shaped like a tear drop, oval shaped, emerald and so on. We have so many choices today, that it has become very difficult for us to choose our diamonds. We even have the choice of getting our diamonds cut according to the shape we choose. There is unique faceting of the stone also available, like the square princess – cut diamond.

There are a few patented authentic cuts that are available too, such as the long Ashoka diamond, Arprey and Garrad Eternal cut diamond, Elara which is a square cut diamond, whose corners are rounded, Asscher diamonds which are square with rounded facets, Couples diamond which are diamonds that form the shape of the circle of hearts, or arrows, a symbol of love and romance.

Though diamonds are not a very rare precious stone, its distribution has been controlled by the market, thus making it a very valuable and high priced gem. Diamonds are ranked according to their clarity. It should have a mirror like effect. The clearer the diamond, the more expensive it is. Diamonds are priced according to their carat weight. The prices keep fluctuating in the market; however the purest form of the diamond is very high priced. A one carat diamond costs more than 10point diamonds and two carat diamonds cost double the price of one carat diamonds.

A diamond is the ultimate gem stone. It is a polymorph of the element carbon. It is one of the most powerful gems and is a pure symbol of love, romance and power. It absorbs the negative energy that comes to the body. It calms the brain, making us very relaxed. It is known to take away nightmares. It is a sign of prosperity. A diamond can be enhanced with accompaniments such as baguettes and trillions.

Anniversaries are festive occasions especially for couples who have been together for such a long time. With the divorce rates skyrocketing in the country, it is a blessing to be able to hold on to a marriage for more than 10 years.

What more fitting gift for such a special event as a brilliantly cut diamond ring. This is the perfect symbol of a love and commitment that lasts a lifetime.

But with hundreds of designs to choose from, how do you buy the perfect anniversary diamond ring for your special someone? Here are some tips that hopefully will help you cut the chase.

1. Determine how much you can spend

Let’s face it. A diamond ring for an anniversary gift is not exactly cheap. Compared to the usual romantic anniversary gifts like flowers, chocolates and even a candle-lit dinner, a diamond ring is way above most people’s league. Even if you combine the budget for all three, you will still not come close to the price of a diamond anniversary ring.

While in search of a diamond anniversary ring, it is important that you have your budget with you to help your narrow down the choices.

If you don’t have the budget, better save up for the next anniversary year. This is better than buying something that you cannot afford. You will only end up knee-deep in debt or giving your loved one a cheap-looking ring.

2. Determine the design that you want

Although there are literally millions of designs out there, there are groups of designs that will appeal to your spouse. For instance, antique and Victorian rings will appeal to people who are into the romantic periods or those who love old things. There are also more modern designs that make use of a variety of new cuts not only in the diamond but also in the gold.

3. Determine the metal

Remember that you are not only buying the diamond. You will also be buying the setting. Decide what you want to buy, whether it is yellow gold, white gold, silver or platinum. In choosing one, refer to the kind of metal that your spouse usually wears. If majority of his or her jewelry is in white gold, it is good to buy a white gold diamond anniversary ring to better fit the rest of his collection.

Diamonds are rated according to their clarity. Their mirror like effect makes them more valuable. However most of us find it very difficult to choose the right diamond. There are four Cs of a diamond, popularly known as cut, clarity, color and carat weight, which helps us choose the our ideal diamonds. But most of us are unaware of the other qualities that a diamond possesses. Diamonds are known for their fluorescence, which means that when diamonds are put under the ultraviolet rays they fluoresce or shine very brightly. This quality is not present in any other precious stone.

Diamonds are called a woman's best friend. It is the perfect gift to give your lady love, as it symbolizes romance and love. It is one of the most powerful gemstones ever, which absorbs the negative energy that come towards us. They are known to calm the brain and relax our minds.

What makes the diamond so special is the way it is polished. If the diamond hasn't been polished well, is decreases the value of the gem. They are usually graded as to how much of blue is there in the diamond. Diamonds can be light blue, faint blue, medium blue and so on. The blue tinges in diamonds increases the shine or fluoresce, making it look dazzling. Whereas the over all color of the body of the stone should be white. However, people prefer the colorless mirror-like effect in the diamond rather than the blue tinge.

Diamonds are a polymorph of the element carbon and are widely found in the mines of South Africa and Europe. Due to the change in preferences, diamond lapidarists make sure they bring the colorless shine to the gem and reduce the blue tinge as much as possible. While buying a diamond you should be very careful and always cross check which diamond you are buying. You should check the diamonds fluoresce not only in sunlight but also under the jewelers back light, which will bring out the clarity and shine of the diamond clearly.

Diamonds are not a very rare gem, but the distribution has been controlled by the market, which makes it such an expensive and valuable precious stone. To get a pure diamond these days is close to impossible. However they are rated in grades, which describe the purity. A grade D is the perfect diamond, G is a very expensive grade of diamonds, H is the more reasonable and affordable grade of diamonds, which has a beautiful shine.

It is a common mistake to think that the carat weight of a diamond is its size. Actually, carat weight is how much a diamond weighs, and while there is an increase in size for an increase in weight, the carat measure does not quantify a stone's size. Carats are more or less equivalent to two hundred milligrams, slightly less than one quarter ounce. Carats are also divided into one hundred points. Therefore, seventy-five points is the same thing as saying three quarters of a carat.

As the carat rating of a diamond goes higher, the relative rarity of the stone increases. Rareness is a good measure of price, but the relation is not linear. The price increases geometrically, which is to say that a two carat diamond will be worth more than two one carat diamonds. Or that one 50 point diamond will be worth more than double two 25 point diamonds. All these examples, of course, assume that the stone’s are identical in every way other than weight.

Another thing that can affect the value of a stone is how it is cut. Gem-cutters can choose to emphasize certain qualities, but doing so can affect others. And just because two stones have the same carat rating does not mean that they will be cut in the same way. Generally, a stone that is cut to be wider and flatter will appear larger than its carat rating would imply. But this shape can decrease the stones luster by harming its brilliance or scintillation. And if a diamond is cut too thin, it will lack all sparkle, which would effectively ruin it. The appearance of size, and hence carat weight, can be important, but there is no call to harm a stone’s other qualities for the semblance of increased carats. When choosing a stone for yourself or a loved one, consider more than the dead quantity of carats. Each diamond is a microcosm of light and color, and should be evaluated as such.

If you come across a striking smaller diamond and are hesitating from purchasing it because of its meager carat value, remember that stones can always be improved with accessories like baguettes, trillians, or similar shaped stones one either side. As you might recall, the price of diamonds increases at a geometric rate as carat weight goes up. So you will be able to get two stones that weigh the same as one single stone. Use this to your advantage, and create a magnificent ring or necklace, if paying for a single high carat stone seems too pricey. So now you’re an educated diamond connoisseur so go out and start shopping!

When people talk about the cut of a diamond, they are referring to how it is shaped and polished, the way its sides, or facets, are designed, and how shallowly or deeply it has been cut. Diamond cutting styles are innumerable, but there are a great many that have been patented and among superficially similar patented types, there are many differences. Princess and Asscher diamond cuts, for instance, are both square shaped. But the facets of each are cut and arranged in extremely different ways.

People might also mean the shape of a diamond when they speak of its cut. A diamond's shape is predetermined in large part by its molecular structure. Diamonds whose molecular crystals are macers, can be cut to be oval or marquise shaped, while those that have an octahedron structure must be cut to be a round brilliant. Certain crystal structures permit several cutting options. Octahedron diamonds can often be turned into two round brilliants.

Most diamond cuts do not have sharp corners, but corners that are cut off and rounded. This is because, counter to the popular myth, diamonds can be quite brittle and do chip when they bump into things at the wrong angle. So leave the glass cutting to specialized bits! Because of this, the Princess cut is unique among diamonds with its squared shape and fully pointed corners. An emerald shaped diamond may be rectangular, but its corners are rounded. Its sides, or facets, are also longer than a Princess cut diamond. Emerald cuts are used for diamonds that have a high level or clarity, that are not cloudy at all, because it accentuates the transparency of the stone. If the diamond is not clear, it will seem clouded, which is unappealing.

Modern round cut brilliant stones are not actually round, but have 58 or 57 facets. Those that have 58 facets maintain the small, bottom facet called the culet. Those that have only 57 have omitted the culet. The Marquise cut is interesting in that it is a cut that can maximize the weight of a stone in carats, because although it can be a long and slim cut, it is highly faceted. Marquise cut diamonds can be shaped in many different length-width ratios. The Asscher diamond cut is related to the emerald cut, save that instead of being rectangular, it is square. When it is viewed top-down, the cut looks a lot like a spider web does.

Other cuts are mostly what their name implies. Tear and pear cut diamonds are diamonds that are cut to resemble tears or pears. They are ovals that are thinner on one side than on the other, with rounded curves. Oval cut diamonds are simply an oval. Heart shaped diamonds are heart shaped.

Diamonds that are colorless are more valued than those that have color. In fact, diamonds that are colored are considered to be more flawed than their clearer cousins. To rate the level of a diamonds color, retailers and diamond experts use a scale that begins with the letter D, and progresses alphabetically. Why not start with the letter A? It seems that when diamonds were first being graded on their colorlessness, people wanted to leave room for the possibility of a simply flawless, perfect diamond. So the best diamond known at that point was given the letter D, with A, B, and C being left in reserve for a possible marvel that might be discovered. No A, B, or C diamonds have ever been found.

The diamonds that are hardest to find are the ones with the least color. The letters D, E, and F are reserved for them. Between these three levels there is only the minutest difference, which is all but invisible to anyone but an expert in gems. G and H diamonds are labeled as near colorless, and a layperson can tell the difference between them and higher grade diamonds. G-H diamonds can be a very good value. Diamonds that are graded between I and J are also called near colorless, but they have a bit more color than G and H. These also can be had at times for a very good value.

The color letters progress all the way to the letter Z, the level of color increasing along the way. As letters get closer to the end of the alphabet, their quality decreases. It is important to not that the color scale for is for white diamonds, and that it doesn't apply to diamonds, which are colored.

Colored diamonds are very much sought after by gem-collectors, while discolored white diamonds are not. When two types of diamonds are paired together, the result can be marvelous. The Hope Diamond, perhaps the most famous diamond in the world, is for instance a deep blue color set on a chain with white diamonds. Of all diamonds that are colored, the rarest are red diamonds.

Diamonds get their coloring from mineral impurities that are found in the cells that make up their crystal structure. Technically, these are defects, but they still can be pleasing to the eye. Some of the colors that diamonds can be labeled are brown, purple to pink, green, red, yellow, orange, blue, gray, white, and black.

Take your time when purchasing a diamond. The time you spend will likely save you money and you will be able to find the diamond of your dreams that is within your budget.

When it comes to diamonds, there are numerous scams to avoid. Most scams are minor, but there are some major ones that come up from time to time concerning the buying and selling of diamonds. With all of the potential for scams concerning diamonds, buying diamonds online almost seems unthinkable! However, you actually can purchase diamonds online, without any problems – as long as you are careful.

First, think about your reasons for wanting to purchase the diamond online, as opposed to making a purchase from a local jewelry store. The most common reason is price. Due to low overhead costs, online jewelers and wholesalers are able to offer lower prices. However, you must be careful – sometimes a price that is too low is a sure indication of a scam.

One of the best things about purchasing online is the unlimited selection. When shopping offline, you are limited to the selection in the stores in your general area. Online, there are no limits. But again, you must use a great deal of care and consideration before handing your money over to someone that you cannot see and have never met!

Before shopping, learn as much as you can about diamonds – especially cut, color, clarity and carat weights. When you are knowledgeable about diamonds, it will be harder for a con artist to rip you off. Once you know more about diamonds, you will be ready to start shopping.

Take your time. Don’t purchase the first diamond that you see that interests you. Instead, look for similar diamonds for sale. Do some comparison shopping to find the lowest and best offer prices. Once you have found the lowest price, start doing your detail investigation. You know about diamonds, you’ve found a diamond that you love, and you’ve found the lowest price – but you are still quite a ways away from actually purchasing that diamond!

In this respect, ask about the seller’s credentials and qualifications, such as professional jewelry associations that they belong to. View and print the seller’s return, refund, and upgrade policies. Also inquire about additional services, such as settings and mountings, sizing, and free shipping. Do a search for customer reviews on this particular company around the Internet. Also check with the BBB Online to see if there have been any complaints.

Ask for a diamond grading report from an independent laboratory such as GIA, HRD, EGL or AGS. You should see this before making a purchase. Finally, use a reputable escrow service for high dollar diamonds – preferably one that will have the diamond appraised while it is in their possession. The seller sends the diamond to the escrow service, and you send the money to pay for the diamond to the escrow service. The escrow service has the diamond appraised, sends the diamond to you, and sends the money to the seller. This is the surest way to protect yourself…again, make sure that you use a reputable escrow service!

Phenomena and Value

Have you ever wondered why some gemstones show different and sometimes dazzling effects (phenomena)?

These gemstones, and there are many of them, show phenomena as light interacts with their structure, Opal, Moonstone, Alexandrite, Star Sapphire and Ruby are just a few. These spectacular gemstones phenomena colors seem to dance both on the outside and inside of the gemstone basic color. It is fair to say that the stronger the phenomena the more valuable the gemstone is.

Lets take a look at five of the more common gemstones with Phenomena

Opal

This gemstone is known for its play-of-color, so what is play of color it can be described as a shifting flash of rainbow colors. Most gemstones are crystals but Opal is made up of spheres of Silica, the size of the spheres, their alignment and the way light interacts with them provide the shifting color the eyes see.

The value of an Opal is dependant on the color and the strength of play-of-color, today the most prized and valuable opals have a black body color and with large and distinct patches of many bright and intense colors that are called Harlequin. The more common opal sold today in jewelry stores is the White Opal, it cost is lower and you still see this play of color although it lacks the intensity of the black opal with a Harlequin patchwork of bright colors

Moonstone

This gemstone will show a Phenomenon called Adularescence, and can best be described as billowing color that is different from the body color and seems to float across the moonstone. It is a very striking effect. Moonstone is the only natural gemstone to display adularescence and relatively inexpensive, the next time you are looking for an interesting gemstone take a look at this phenomenal stone

Value is based on the body color, which should be light blue with a bright blue adularescence, this is followed in value by a white body color with a blue adularescence and finally by the moonstone with either a grey or white body color.

Alexandrite

This gemstone is know for its dramatic color change, which depending on the change in light, can change the color of the gemstone from green to brown, blue to red, and many other combinations. While there are other natural gemstones that have color change such as Garnet, Sapphire, Ruby, Spinel, this gemstone has come to be known for its dramatic changes and you will sometimes hear the term “alexandrite effect”

The more valuable color change Alexandrite will change colors from green to a purplish red with a medium saturation in both hues. If you want a color change gemstone and don’t want to pay the prices that Alexandrite command look at a color change garnet, its relatively inexpensive and provides a distinct color change for you to see and admire.

Star Ruby, Star Sapphire

Some gemstones have a phenomena call asterism, which produces a star on the face of the gemstone when the light hits the surface. There are quite a few gemstones with Asterism but you will probably hear more about Star Sapphires and Rubies. Most Gemstones with asterism will either show a 4 or 6 ray star this is due to the crystal structure of the gemstone.

Value is determined by the quality of the star rays as they should be straight and reach all the way across the gemstone. Most Gemstones with Asterism are cut as cabochons with high domes to distinctly show the star. Star Ruby, Sapphire and Garnets are the most expensive, but if you are looking at something less costly look at the Black Star Sapphires.

One of the most exciting and interesting gemstones you can buy is one that has color change, Alexandrite is most recognised of these gemstones as it has a dramatic color change depending on your light source. Today there are a lot of color shift gemstones, being sold as color change. Usually a color change gemstone commands a premium price, so how can you be sure you are getting color change and not color shift?

All of a gemstones color (hue, tone and saturation) is dependent on two things, how the gemstone is cut and the most important component light. It is the type of light and direction of the light that produces the brilliance and fire in a well-cut diamond or the beautiful color in gemstones.

The color you see in a gemstone is the result of the light that returns to your eyes after bouncing off the gemstones crystal structure. Now we know what causes color but what makes it a color change or color shift gemstone?

The element chromium that allows equal amounts of red and green light to pass through it causes color change in Alexandrite. Because of this balance of red and green, if you view Alexandrite under incandescent light (rich in red) the gemstone looks like a red Ruby. If you then take the gemstone and hold it under an incandescent light (rich in blue/green) the Alexandrite looks more like an Emerald Green. This is color change.

Color shift is representative of colors that can change in the different or the same light source, a good example of this would be Tanzanite that will shift from blue to violet/purple by tilting the gemstone in the same light source. You will find a reasonable amount of gemstones will have this effect especially the ones with rich colors,

The best explanation of the difference I have used for deciding what is color change and what is color shift, is for those that have seen or have access to color grading wheel which is a chart that designates all of the colors of gemstones for grading gemstones. GIA calls it the hue wheel and it shows all of the color hues from Blue, to Green, to Yellow, to Orange, to Red, to Purple, to Violet (32 hues in all). If a color change moves from Red to the next color on the wheel (orange) then this is called a Color Shift. If the color moves from Red to Green, which is on the other side of the wheel, then this is called Color Change.

EGL Diamond Certification is done by the European Gemological Laboratory.

The price of diamonds is very much dependent on having a proper certification of that diamond.

A Certification is an assurance of quality. A diamond certification is a detailed diamond quality report issued by an accredited independent gemological laboratory. The most recognized gemological laboratories that provide certified diamond quality reports to the diamond and jewelry industry are listed below.

G.I.A. - Gemological Institute Of America
A.G.S. - American Gem Society
E.G.L. - European Gemological Laboratory
I.G.I. - International Gemological Institute

Certifications verses appraisals: It is vital to understand that appraisals are not the same as certifications and often not as accurate as a certified diamond quality report performed by an independent gemological laboratory. Such a report is based on a mechanical and technical examination of the diamond using verified test and electronic equipment . Appraisals are done individually by an appraiser and are only as accurate as the skill, knowledge and training of the appraiser.

A Certified Diamond Reports should provide the following information:

Shape
Measurements
Weight
Depth Percentage
Table Percentage
Girdle Thickness
Culet Size
Polish
Symmetry
Clarity Grade
Color Grade
Fluorescence
Comments about Diamond
Plot of Internal and External Inclusions

With the EGL certification, the EGL also issues a condensed report on a diamond known as a consultation. The difference between the consultation and the certification is that it does not have depth percentage, table percentage, polish and symmetry or fluorescence grades. And only documents the carat weight, color grade, clarity grade and plotting diagram. This is a quick short analysis useful when purchasing bulk diamonds.

EGL Certified Diamonds wholesale at as much as 20% less than similar clarity & color AGS or GIA certified Diamonds. This seems to indicate the diamond industry's perception that the EGL certification does not quote equal the same standards of accuracy and reliability as say, the AGS or GIA certifications. This price variation can be utilized to find a diamond price below its actual quality but, for the most part, an owner of a diamond will recognize the true characteristics and quality of the diamond and price it accordingly.