It looks like a diamond ring, it sparkles like a diamond ring and it endures like diamond ring but it is definitely not a diamond ring. How do you know it's not a diamond ring? It's priced like a moissanite ring. There is a buzz in the fashion industry about moissanite rings and jewelry and it's getting around fast.

Moissanite is a mineral that was discovered over a century ago, but until a few years ago it was too rare to use as jewelry. Now, moissanite rings and jewelry are on the rise and not just because they're a diamond "substitute." Moissanite jewelry can actually be better looking than diamond jewelry because the stones have more "fire" and brilliance than diamonds. It's a measurable, scientific fact. Some stones posing as diamond look-alikes, cubic zirconia for example, have some shine and sparkle, but none of them come close to the diamond, much less exceed it.

By far the biggest benefit of purchasing moissanite rings and jewelry is the cost. A three stone moissanite ring, equaling two carats will probably run right around $1000. A similar diamond ring will set you back over $5000. Investing in moissanite jewelry rings is just as safe as investing in diamonds. They are harder than any other gemstones; diamonds are the only ones still harder, and moissanite is barely behind, making them just as durable and very appropriate for everyday wear. Moissanite jewelry rings also carry lifetime warranties most of the time. And just like diamonds, moissanite holds its value.

Even though moissanite rings and jewelry are less expensive than diamonds, buying moissanite does not carry the "fake" diamond stigma, because of the high quality stones. More and more couples are choosing to purchase three stone moissanite rings instead of choosing diamonds when it comes time to make wedding decisions and celebrities like Vivica Fox, Kiko Elsworth, the members of (the former group) Destiny's Child, and Marc Anthony are choosing to purchase and wear moissanite jewelry.

Before you purchase a moissanite ring, there are some things you will want to know. Just like diamonds, moissanite has varying color hues ranging from almost colorless to shades of green, sometimes even looking grey. Many consider this color very elegant and a green moissanite ring would be a great conversation starter but if you're concerned about the color, be sure to examine your potential stones in varying types of light. The green hues are most visible in natural light so they might not show up under the bright lights at the jewelry store.

So when it comes time to spend some of your hard earned money on yourself and add some glitter to those hardworking hands, or if you're looking for a special gift for a loved one, buying a moissanite ring might be the best choice you can make.

We all know that 'diamonds are forever,' but it's also a well known fact that many end up paying for them forever as well. But how do you create the feel of elegance that a diamond gives while on a budget? The answer is moissanite jewelry and it's a secret that has been waiting in the wings for over a century. In 1893 an inventor named Henri Moissan discovered a mineral called silicon carbide but it wasn't until 1995 that moissanite was recognized for its brilliance and a jeweler decided that if cut properly the substance could be almost identical to diamond jewelry.

It's so similar, in fact, that many jewelers have trouble telling the difference between real diamonds and moissanite jewelry. Available in the same cuts as diamonds, the possibilities with moissanite jewelry are endless. From elegant earrings to wear for an evening out to a princess cut engagement ring to present when you're ready to ask the love of your life for her hand in marriage, moissanite jewelry presents a lasting impression. The difference is, it won't break your budget.

How does moissanite jewelry compare to other diamond look-alikes? The most common look-alike, and the only one that could even be considered a competitor, cubic zirconia, is still a little cheaper than moissanite but lacks the luster and brilliance of a piece of moissanite jewelry. Moissanite is also much harder than cubic zirconia., which is very important if the piece is going to be worn frequently or even daily, as would be the case with an engagement ring.

Moissanite ranges from near colorless to shades of green. The green can be elegant, but it is important to make sure that the stone you choose is exactly what you are looking for. Make sure the light is optimal when you are examining your pieces. Moissanite is durable, but it still isn't as hard as a diamond, which means that you will need to be careful with your moissanite jewelry.

Finally, there is the stigma that can be attached to "fake" diamonds. Although moissanite is genuine, the wedding industry would have you believe that diamonds are the only acceptable symbol of love. It's becoming more and more common for couples to buck this trend, since purchasing moissanite can mean getting more glitter for their money, but it's important that, if you're planning to propose with a moissanite ring, you clarify your sweetie's feelings on the matter first.

Before you discard the dream of being able to afford fashionable, elegant jewelry without going broke, consider moissanite. You may just find that it is the answer to all your fashion needs.

This season, glam and glitter is in style to the point of being overload. Sparkly, diamond imitation jewels are available everywhere but they can reek of cheapness and overkill. So how can you glitter like the stars without breaking your budget? The answer could be moissanite fashion rings and tennis bracelets.

Moissanite is a mineral, originally discovered in 1893, that has only recently been developed. When cut like a diamond, even experienced jewelers have difficulty telling a moissanite stone from a genuine diamond. Moissanite also features durability that exceeds every other gemstone and closely matches diamonds, so you won't have to worry when wearing your moissanite fashion rings in everyday situations.

How does the price stack up? Try this example on for size: A diamond tennis bracelet, containing one total carat of diamond stones will probably cost about $1000. A Moissanite tennis bracelet for the same price will contain the equivalent of over four carats. Generally, moissanite runs about $500 per carat (not including setting). That seems expensive until you consider the fact that diamonds usually exceed $1000 per carat and because diamonds are rarer, the larger the stone, the more it costs per carat.

Moissanite can be produced, meaning it is not mined like diamonds are, thus there is not a limit on the size of stones. This keeps prices lower on larger stones so you can get more sparkle in a fashionable moissanite ring for your buck.

Another huge benefit to choosing a moissanite fashion ring is the sparkle and shine. Moissanite is known for its brilliance and "fire," which actually exceeds the diamond. A moissanite fashion ring is sure to attract lots of attention in any situation.

Are there disadvantages to moissanite? Moissanite is usually colorless but can contain some green or grey tinges. While most would consider this elegant, if you're concerned about the color, be sure to examine any moissanite jewelry that you buy in several kinds of lighting.

Since you are probably going to be buying moissanite fashion rings or other items for yourself, rather than having them bestowed upon you (as would be the case with engagement rings, for instance) you shouldn't be too concerned about the fact that some consider anything but a diamond "fake" and less than genuine. This isn't true in any case, but if it's not a token of affection there is no reason to worry.

The sparkly styles surrounding us extend from piling on rings necklaces and earrings for evenings out to sprucing up more casual wear, so dressing up a simple outfit with a moissanite tennis bracelet could be the cure for a blah day. Whatever you do with your new sparkle, rest assured that moissanite is the perfect way to add some shine to your life.

Modern technology has advanced to the point it is very difficult to tell diamonds and cubic zirconia apart. Let’s delve into this a little bit more.

CZ vs. Diamonds

When searching for the perfect diamond gift, the price of this beautiful stone might be a little daunting. Diamonds are often the most expensive of stones, with prices ranging up to the hundreds of thousands of dollars. With the high price of diamonds, you might be tempted to purchase one of the many diamond look-alikes or fake diamonds that are available today because of their much lower price tag.

CZ is by far the most common and accepted substitute for a diamond, especially when used in costume jewelry. There are other stones that are used to simulate diamonds, such as moissanite, white sapphire and white topaz, but is most commonly used because of its relatively low cost and high sparkle. It is hard as well (although not approaching the hardness of a real diamond) and has “fire”, a term often used to describe the sparkling qualities of diamonds.

CZ is a lab created synthetic stone, meaning it does not (usually) occur in nature in this state. This stone starts with zirconium oxide, which is heated and then made to keep a stable shape by adding another compound known as yttrium oxide. It was found only once in nature, in 1937, but was never again seen outside a laboratory. In the 1970's Russian scientists figured out how to create their own CZ, and it has been in production as a diamond simulating stone ever since.

So what is the distinction between diamonds and CZ? Diamonds definitely do occur in nature, they are mined from the earth and are made of just one element – carbon. They are harder, rarer, in a finite supply (we can't make more once we've mined them all) and more beautiful than simulations. While it is said that most people would not be able to tell the difference between the two stones with the naked eye, the choice of settings and other materials in the jewelry often gives away whether a stone is a CZ or a diamond.

It's your choice whether you want to invest in a diamond or spend less and get a substitute such as a CZ. Just be sure never to try to “trick” someone into thinking a simulation is the real thing, and remember that diamonds will appreciate in value while CZ will not.

Gems are often valued for their appearance or monetary value. As this introduction to moonstone gems details, certain gems carry a more spiritual value than monetary.

An Introduction to Moonstone Gems

Moonstone is one of the most mythical of all gemstones. With its exotic, lunar name and its milky unique rainbow sheen, moonstone is highly prized by many practitioners of crystal and stone healing, as well as some mystic religions. Moonstone is a sacred stone to the people of India, and was named by the Romans for its ability to reflect moon light, making it a sacred stone to this culture as well. Today, the many aspects of moonstone gems continue to make them a sought after stone.

Moonstone is one of the birthstones that are used for the month of June (along with pearl) and it is also used to represent the 13th wedding anniversary. Gifts of jewelry made with this stone are commonly given for this anniversary. Moonstone comes from the mineral family of feldspar, and it is the most valuable of all stones in the feldspar family. It is composed of the mineral albite (which helps to give the stone its blue sheen) and orthoclase feldspar. Moonstone can come in many different colors, ranging from the typical milky white or gray to blue, peach, pink, yellow, brown and transparent.

The most beautiful type of moonstone is rainbow moonstone, which is a milky white to gray color with a blue and rainbow sheen that catches the light. The moonstone gem is found in several different areas of the world, such as Brazil, India, Germany, Madagascar, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Tanzania and the US. It is prized in many cultures and used in Zodiac, traditional crystal medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and many other areas.

Moonstone gems many mystical properties offer the wearer or the possessor protection and healing in different ways. It is believed that moonstone brings good fortune, protects women and children (who are generally under the protection of the moon), enhances passion and balances yin and yang. In ancient times, one belief stated that if a person held a moonstone in their mouth during the full moon, they could tell the future. Moonstones were also used to assure good crops.

Moonstone gems have also been attributed to have healing qualities, a notion generally believed in some cultures who value stones for spiritual healing. These properties are said to promote digestion, stop nosebleeds, and protect against epilepsy and sun stroke. Whatever the reason you choose, owning a moonstone is a good idea, even if it's just because of its beauty.

Rocks, stones and crystals, precious or not have their own electromagnetic frequency. They contain a specyfic energy, express oneself by their color and inner structure. With all this, we don't like just all stones, but just those which enter into resonance with our enercetic field, sending us the energy that we need in that precise moment.

Gold, silver and copper

For the healing effect of the stones to be more intense, they must be carried into the right of energetics center that we have on our body, respectively, above ours heart or above ours neck, by all means direct on skin, because the energy and our heat amplifies the inner energy of the stone, and in the same time magnifying the efficiency.

The ear-rings with crystals balances the energy of our cerebral hemispheres, and the rings stimulates the power to the specific meridians to the hand that they are carried ( on the left hand they stimulates the reception of energy, and right hand the emission).

It is important to keep in mind that the recomanded metals for the stones mounting are silver, gold and copper, the others beeing energetic unstrung, reason for which they act as some power energetic vampires.

The compulsory purification

Before you use or carrie the stones, we recommend to purify them, in order to don't take over, negative power and his weak load, stored before they came into our possession.

For this it is enough to hold the stone a hour below strong water cold spurt, for choice of spring, or between 30 as far as 70 hours in brine. If you want a drastic purification, therefore either we keep 24 of hours the respective stone in bay salt either we bury it in earth on all of a lunar loop.

The flux of energy

Once we have purifyed is needfulness render our stone the positive energy. Just expose it to the sun three day consecutive or exposit to the moon shine if is talking about opal.

Crystalotherapy

Crystalotherapy don't replace the pure medical methods of treatments but just potentiate and balance the power connections short cuted by the disease. Thus:

Amethyst acts against the sleeplessness, of the anxiety and the fear and is recommended in diets, potentiate the debilitation in weight.

Aquamarine attenuates the sea sickness, the disturbances of urination and fool disposal.

The coral helps with us digestion, soothes the headaches and cures affections of the oral cavity.

The transparent quartz inducts get along with the life, and one light-tight silence and agreement.

The pink quartz reacts on the heart and the circulation and helps with the reconstruction after an affective traumata.

The diamond sweeps off the fogs and disclose the direction in life.

The jade inducts calm in moments of stress and emotive tension.

The pearls dissolves the hostilities and the bad continuations and strengthen the inner force and hope.

The emerald decreases the congestions and balance the internal energies.

Turquoise reacts on the lungs and the neck.

Even with the best planning and preparation, most weddings go over budget. If you find yourself sinking deeper into debt with each passing day, consider an idea that could literally cut thousands from your budget.

Diamonds are the traditional stones for wedding sets, but many couples are choosing to take a less traditional route for trendy and monetary reasons. One of the most popular choices for these couples is choosing moissanite wedding bands.

Moissanite is a mineral substance not so unlike diamond. Most moissanite stones are near colorless (colored stones are a variety of elegant greens) and can actually offer more brilliance than a diamond at a fraction of the cost. Since moissanite is man-made and larger stones are not any rarer than smaller ones, if you choose moissanite you'll be more likely to get the wedding set that you want instead of having to settle for something that you can live with to reduce the strain on your budget.

For Example, a simple diamond wedding set, with small round cut diamonds equaling one carat may cost around $2000. A similar, simple moissanite wedding set will cost about half the price. Imagine what the price difference would add up to with larger stones. For some, budget is not the reason that they ultimately choose to purchase a moissanite wedding set.

Moissanite is known for its "fire" and a brilliance that can actually exceed the diamond. Although diamonds remain the hardest gemstones, moissanite is next on the list, its durability exceeding that of every other stone, meaning that you won't have to worry about your moissanite wedding band being damaged because of daily wear and tear. Most moissanite wedding bands also come with lifetime warranties.

There are some things to consider before purchasing your moissanite wedding set. First of all, moissanite is not entirely colorless and some stones can have a slight grey or green tinge. It's a good idea to examine your wedding set in several types of lighting to ensure that you purchase stones that you are happy with. The green tinged stones can actually be incredibly elegant and your moissanite wedding set could end up becoming an excellent conversation piece.

In addition, although most people love the extra "fire" that moissanite stones produce, some consider it to be too gaudy. In the end it is just a matter of finding the wedding set that you are most comfortable with and that fits not only your finger but your budget and personal style the best. Moissanite wedding sets almost always fit the bill.

Purchasing a moissanite wedding set does not suggest that you or your intended didn't have the money for a "real" diamond so you had to settle for a "fake." Instead, it should say that you weighed your options and went for the wedding set of your dreams. You can spend a few extra dollars on your honeymoon while wearing your moissanite wedding bands proudly knowing that your stones have all the endurance and brilliance, of diamonds.

When one hears the word "moissanite", it usually refers to a trade name given to a ceramic compound of silicon and carbon in the gem business, otherwise called "silicon carbide". While some properties of moissanite are closer to those of diamond than to other synthetic diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia, once its properties are known, moissanite is perhaps even easier to identify. It is doubly refractive (the decomposition of two light rays) and has a slight green tint to it. Moissanite can be found in three stone rings, as moissanite jewelry rings are quite popular today.

Moissanite three stone rings for engagement and weddings are considered even more important than just jewelry, as they remain important to their owners throughout a lifetime. Having a moissanite jewelry ring means that you can have a larger stone in your ring, than the traditional diamond. A moissanite three stone ring is supreme when several stones are in a Chanel setting. Although it does not have the same clarity as diamonds, moissanite outperforms diamonds when it relates to brilliance. It's highly advisable to make an educated decision when purchasing moissanite jewelry rings.

Moissanite three stone rings are extremely fashionable today. Unlike the diamond, moissanite has no cracks and fissures, which help in reflecting light with the magnificence that easily surpasses the reflecting qualities of diamonds. The luster and brilliance of moissanite combined with the hardness, was discovered to be amazing and soon considered an affordable alternative to diamond. Moissanite three stone rings are more popular than a platinum bracelet, diamond pendant or even a diamond ring. There are a variety of moissanite jewelry rings, such as round, baguette and princess cut, that go well with nearly every type of outfit and any woman's personal style.

For a diamond alternative, a moissanite jewelry ring is an excellent choice. A dazzling radiance draws attention to the moissanite three stone ring at a much more affordable price than a real diamond on platinum ring. You can imagine the exquisite beauty of the moissanite diamond on a platinum ring that will thrill any woman.

Many individuals are looking at moissanite as the choice in jewelry. This is because moissanite is a lab-created synthetic diamond. It naturally occurs in nature, but it occurs in very small quantities. It is only slightly less than a diamond on the Mohs scale of hardness, being 9.4 as compared to the diamond at 10. Moissanite three stone rings and moissanite jewelry rings can be purchased at select jewelry stores or online.

When diamonds are discussed, the visual image that comes to mind is one of clear, white diamonds. Colored diamonds, however, represent another segment of the diamond market that is becoming popular.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend, goes the old Marilyn Monroe song, and there are very few women who can resist a diamond's charms. This beautiful stone, with its relationship to romance and love, offers many women the sentiments and extravagance they long for. However, today's diamond lovers are looking for more than just the typical round, white diamond of years past. Now, women are interested in the many colored diamonds available.

There are a restricted number of colors that diamonds can come in. These range between steel gray, white, blue, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, brown and black. The most expensive and rare of all of the colored diamonds is the red diamond, but all of the colored diamonds can be expensive. It all depends on their cut, clarity and carat weight (color is different, because colored diamonds do not fall within the color rating scale). Blue is the second most rare and expensive diamond. Diamonds such as the vibrant Hope diamond fall into this category.

Yellow and pink colored diamonds are some of the most popular colored diamonds, made that way because several celebrities in recent years have had engagement rings made with these colors. They are not as rare as red diamonds (most diamond dealers will never see this color of diamond) or blue diamonds (these are rare as well and are only mined in two specific spots in Australia and South Africa), but yellow and pink diamonds can be just as beautiful.

The price of a colored diamond is determined differently from that of a colorless or white diamond. With a colorless diamond, the lighter the stone is the higher the quality. It is the opposite for a colored diamond – generally the darker the hue, the more expensive and higher the quality of the diamond. Yellow diamonds can range in price from starting at about $10,000 all the way up to $20,000 per carat (diamonds less than .8 carat are often up to 20 percent less costly). Pink diamonds can range from $10,000 all the way up to $250,000 per carat for a pink diamond that is rated “fancy vivid”.

Choosing to purchase colored diamonds can be an expensive proposition. These diamonds are not as common as the white or colorless variety, and so they can be hard to find. This, of course, makes them even harder to afford for you and me. They make a great statement, however. If you really want to wow the woman you love, buy her one of a fancy colored diamond.

Perhaps not a few Americans watch fans must sometimes regret they were not born some generations earlier. If they'd been around in the late 19th century, they very well could have seen firsthand the heyday of the U.S. pocket watch industry, when they quality of its outpost was unsurpassed. A few decades later, in the 1920s and '30s, they could have seen the flowering of U.S. wristwatch design.

A current exhibition called American Watchmaking at the National Watch & Clock Museum in Columbia, PA., enables watch aficionados to see much of what they missed. It tells the story of how, in the 19th century, American watch companies adopted a new system for mass production that depended on interchangeable parts that for a brief period made the U.S. industry the equal of its Swiss counterpart.

The exhibit, which has a total of 95 watches, also highlights American railroad watches. And it shows how American companies were major producers of military watches and made superb marine chronometers that were vital to the U.S. effort in World War II.

Diamond Solitaire Ring – Size Does Matters

A diamond solitaire ring is a ring with only one diamond and nothing else to distract the attention from that magnificent solitaire stone. A solitaire ring loves to seek attention by its wearer, and not crowded by its competitors as, a solitaire enjoys standing all by itself well grounded in the ring and boosting its beauty to its wearer. Solitaire diamond represents ultimate in jewelry, so the size of a solitaire has to big to stand and jut out from others. Solitaire is a summary of magical and divine love.

A diamond solitaire is well known for its clarity, cut, setting and its modesty yet aggressiveness. It strives to make a direct place in your heart by cutting down the competitions from all the sides; it loves to fight for its dignity and right. A solitaire diamond ring is timeless and classic when a single stone is placed in a ring, which makes the ring simple, elegant and comes in a variety of shapes to complement any woman's fashion sense.

The solitaire ring will glorify the beauty of the diamond, so the size of the solitaire plays a very important role and it has to be in proportion to the size of the bride. The solitaire is the traditional ring style but you can find a great variety within the shape of the stone and the color of the setting. Round cuts are probably the most popular and are always in style but there are others to choose from too. The shape you choose is purely a matter of personal taste.