The mention of diamonds usually triggers thoughts of glamour and romance. Diamonds have pretty much become the standard for engagement rings.

And what woman doesn't enjoy the sparkle and fire of a pair of diamond earrings?

But, there is much more to diamonds. They are the hardest chemical substance on earth. Of all the diamonds mined, many are not suitable to be worn in jewelry as gemstones. It is estimated that only about twenty percent of the diamonds mined are suitable as jewelry.

So what happens to that other eighty percent? It goes go work.

Diamonds in industry

Diamonds have been used in industry for many years. If you are old enough to know what a phonograph is, diamond needles probably provided you with many hours of pleasant music.

What about the home improvement center? There are items all around you when you go to the home improvement center to buy a few things for your latest project. In fact, you probably have items in your garage or workshop made partially of diamonds. Saw blades, polishing compounds, stones for sharpening, and abrasive pads.

Since diamonds are such a durable and abrasive substance which hold up well it is used in many of these applications and more.

We take many things for granted, since it's someone else's job, but diamonds are useful in medicine, providing cutting instruments to go through bone and tissue. Not a pretty thought, but if you need surgery, you certainly want a sharp instrument to get the job done right. Diamonds are also useful in both the dental and optical fields.

Speaking of fields, diamonds are useful in the drilling for oil. They are also used on devices for cutting granite and concrete, as well as in the textile industry for cutting out patterns.

Diamond are being used in the space program, and also by scientists in many fields.

Diamonds at work in the future

Diamonds are already making improvements in electronics and technology and this will continue and make dramatic improvements in the very near future. It will enable computers to run much faster without overheating, improve broadband, provide less expensive flat television sets, even smaller cell phones and ipods, with even more capabilities.

In the medical field there are projects underway that will enable those who have lost vision from genetic diseases to be able to see images though the implanting of microchips in the retina.

And joint replacement will be improved providing no friction replacements that are predicted to last a lifetime.

Man made diamonds

These are just a few of the present and future uses of diamonds. Man is always trying to one-up nature, and it would seem in some cases he is doing a pretty good job. Over the last fifty or so years, scientists have been working on the process of creating quickly what nature took eons to do.

In order to keep up with the future uses and the demand for diamonds, man made diamonds are being created in a lab situation. Some of these are even now being sold as wearable gemstones, and probably there will be more and better in the future.

There will definitely be a market for these man made diamond gemstones for industrial purposes, and a secondary market for jewelry, but I doubt if the real thing created by nature, will ever lose it's appeal as a wearable and treasured gemstone.

Being given a diamond engagement ring is probably one of the most memorable moments in some ones life. A diamond engagement ring is a symbol of love and devotion and a promise of a marriage and happiness.

When you receive your diamond engagement ring the sparkle of the diamond will take your breath away and you will be amazed at its beauty. An engagement ring is something that will be worn for many many years and possible handed down to the next generation.

Because your engagement ring will be worn everyday products such as hair styling sprays, hand lotions and other house hold products can cause the sparkle to fade and the ring its self look dull. Over time you may find that gunk and grime will build up behind the diamond making it look dirty and unattractive.

To keep your diamond engagement ring shining and looking striking it is important to clean your ring properly so avoid this unsightly build up. Although diamonds are one of the hardest substances known to man they are often coated in a special substance to protect them and keep their shine, Using abrasive substances and by brushing the diamond with something coarse could potentially remove this protective coating making the ring more susceptible to dirt and grime.

You may find there are many products you can buy to clean your diamond engagement ring however this is not always needed. Why not save your self some money and try cleaning the ring yourself.

Once you have removed the ring from your finger find a small bowl ad fill it warm water and some mild dish washing liquid, place your diamond ring in the solution and leave to soak.

Remove the ring from the water solution and use a very soft brush to gently remove and dirt that is visible. Never use something that hard bristles as this can damage and scratch the ring setting, I find babies toothbrush works fine as the bristles are soft and the head is small enough to get into tight cracks.

Once you have removed any debris and dirt place the ring back in the water to give it a final clean. Remove the ring and rinse it well with warm water then dry the ring with a lint free cloth.

Remember to protect where you are cleaning your diamond ring, if you are by the sink make sure that the drain is covered to avoid dropping and losing it. If you find the ring still has some dirt or grim on it try using a wooden tooth pick to gently easy it away then rinse again and pat dry with a lint free cloth.

The best way to keep you rings and jewelry clean and looking good is to remove them or wear protective gloves when you are using products that can damage them.

If you do decide to use a chemical solution to clean your ring and your ring contains more than one type of gem stone, always use the solution that is designed for the less durable stone.

The most important piece of jewelry you will ever receive is your wedding ring, symbolising love and devotion between a man and a woman.

One of the hardest things you will have to do is choose a wedding ring there are so many patterns, metals and styles available you will be spoilt for choice. The main thing is to find the perfect wedding ring because it is something you will wear and treasure for many years to come.

Because the wedding ring is so important it will probably be the most expensive item of jewelry you will ever own so you need to make sure you choose the right one.

Traditionally wedding rings are worn on the left finger as it is believed that vein in this finger goes straight to the heart, although modern technology has proved this theory to in fact be wrong most people still continue to wear their wedding ring on the same finger as this tradition still exists. In other parts of the world such as Germany, Poland and Norway the wedding ring is worn on the right hand.

When it comes to choosing a wedding ring there are many metals to choose from, yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and many many more.

White gold is measured in carats and is an alloy of yellow gold, Rose gold is often used for specialist jewelry, it is a copper and gold alloy with a red tint and is sometimes know as pink gold.

A popular choice of wedding ring metals for men especially is titanium because it is a strong durable metal that is light in weight and corrosion resistant. Although it is as strong as steel it is much lighter, this type of metal suits men because of the day to day jobs they encounter.

Another popular choice is platinum, this metal can be more expensive and not as available as normal gold. Platinum is a more precious gold and usually other metals are used along side platinum when making a ring to give it and extra special look.

I would always recommend that you choose the same metal for your wedding ring as your engagement ring, this is because they will always be worn along side each other so will need to match and compliment each other.

Once you have decided on the metal you are going to have for your wedding ring you will need to decide on a pattern, the most popular wedding ring pattern is a plain band, normally the engagement ring is fancier so having a plain band won't take away its beauty.

Some couples may choose to have a personal message engraved on their wedding ring to give it a extra special uniqueness, sometimes the date of the wedding or the couples favourite song can make the ring extra special.

What ever wedding ring you decide on you will always treasure this beautiful symbol of love.

The cross necklace has been a staple of jewelry for hundreds of years. That being said, today there are many choices when it comes to this necklace, but what is the best?

Stainless steel has become a very popular metal in the jewelry industry. Once relegated to kitchen sinks and other industrial uses, this versatile metal has found its way out of the plumbing and into necklaces, bracelets and rings. Stainless steel, particularly surgical stainless steel, is also used extensively in the body jewelry field, with most new piercings being done with this material. Stainless steel can also be found in more unique pieces of jewelry, such as in a solid stainless steel cross necklace.

The type of stainless steel most often used in the jewelry industry is known as 316L Stainless Steel. This is also known as surgical stainless steel, although the number relates to the pliability of the steel and not the surgical status. The thickness and hardness of this stainless steel is just soft enough to allow shaping and creation of jewelry pieces – but hard enough to withstand wear and use. The color of this steel is deeper than the silver of sterling silver, and it is often seen with a matte finish which accentuates the darker color.

Almost any item that could be crafted out of silver or gold can be crafted out of stainless steel. This makes it very popular for jewelers who are looking for a new and inexpensive medium for their designs. Stainless steel is much less expensive to purchase and work with than either sterling silver or gold, and it is also less expensive to purchase the final product. This allows younger shoppers, and those with a limited budget, to be able to purchase more different pieces.

Many wearers of steel pieces, such as a solid stainless steel cross necklace, are men. Especially where religious jewelry is concerned, some men may feel that traditional styles are too feminine or too flashy for their tastes. Stainless steel looks good in bigger, thicker styles – such as Gothic and tribal styles, and these are also the types of jewelry that appeal to men. The heavy weight and sturdiness of this metal is also a big draw to those who work in certain environments. Crosses made in these styles are less traditional while still proclaiming a Christian faith.

Stainless steel jewelry, along with titanium jewelry and other “new” jewelry metals, is gaining popularity for its unique look and less expensive cost. A solid stainless steel cross necklace is a great way to show off this new metal and new look, a different twist on an old favorite.

Most people focus on the gems or metal used in necklaces, but what about certain settings? The Bezel setting is unique and brings out the look you want with diamonds.

Diamonds are one of the world's most popular gemstones. With the diamond symbolizing many things in Western culture – such as love, fidelity and eternity, it's no wonder that many men choose to buy their women diamond jewelry for special occasions. Throughout the years, different styles of diamonds have been popular, from ornate settings including filigree to simple four pronged settings that let the diamond speak for itself. One of the most popular settings today is the bezel setting.

A bezel setting does not use prongs to hold in the diamond. Instead, as is the case in bezel diamond necklaces, the diamond is held into the piece of jewelry by tension created when the stone is popped into the setting. The bezel setting is sized exactly for the carat weight of a particular diamond – there is no way to “squeeze” a one carat diamond into a setting meant for a diamond that is only one half carat. A hole is usually left at the bottom of the bezel, in order to allow light to fully pass through the diamond and showcase its fire.

Any bezel setting is ideal for those who have a fear of snagging their diamond on cloth or other materials. Bezel settings do not have the diamond sticking up in any way, it is set flush with the metal that is holding it. There are no prongs or other pieces above the stone that may get caught on sweaters and other fabric. This setting is also ideal for those who are afraid of losing their diamond – the bezel is generally thought of as more secure than a prong set diamond.

These jewelry pieces are found in many different price ranges and styles, with the bezel setting being popular with all ages and classes. Bezel diamond necklaces can be found with stones that are as little as .10 carat in weight, or as much as tens of carats. Many of the necklaces have just one stone, showcasing the brilliance of that one diamond as a singular pendant. Others have a few bezel set stones spaced around the necklace chain for added sparkle and effect.

The size of your diamond may not matter as much as the reason it was given to you, and these necklaces are often given as tokens of love or important gifts. These beautiful, contemporary necklaces are great for the woman in your life, or as a gift to yourself.

The philosophy of the Zen Buddhist is catching on more and more these days. Many people are choosing to show their interest through their jewelry.

There are many different religions practiced throughout the world, and while some have seen a decline in their practitioners in recent years, others have become more popular. Buddhism has gained many followers in the last few decades, due to its practices of inclusion, non-violence and, in the case of Zen Buddhism, meditation. Now, from Buddhist paintings to necklaces, there are more ways than ever to showcase your Buddhist beliefs.

Zen Buddhism is a particular school of Mahayana Buddhism that believes in meditation in order to obtain a spiritual awakening. The form of meditation used by Zen Buddhists is called zazen, and this where the name Zen is derived from. This form of Buddhism was first documented as being developed in the seventh century, and it is believed to have come from China. Today, many of the world's practitioners of Zen Buddhism live in China, as well as in Japan and other Asian countries.

The Zen form of Buddhism is less focused on the texts and spiritual lessons set forth in Buddha's works. Instead, it emphasizes seated meditation, which is said to mimic the way that the Buddha sat under the tree and became enlightened. Not all of the Buddha's teachings are ignored, however, because important facts like the four noble truths set forth by Buddha and the eightfold path are definitely followed in Zen Buddhism. Zen also emphasizes the daily spiritual life as being just as important as ritual periods of meditation. Zen teachers also are more likely to work with their students one on one, with lots of communication – this is believed to be preferable to scriptural work.

Most people who follow Buddhist teachings strictly live very austere lives, devoid of such luxuries as jewelry or fancy clothes. For those who are inspired by the Buddhist lifestyle, but not fully involved in the way a monk may be – Zen Buddhist necklaces are an interesting way to communicate your religion to others. The most recognizable symbol seen on Zen Buddhist necklaces is the Buddha himself – either in his plump, happy form or in the thinner, more godly form. Other symbols include the Sanskrit writing for OM, a mantra used by Zen Buddhists.

If you want to wear Zen necklaces, the popularity of this religion has made it easy to find a number of different styles and shapes. You can display the image of Buddha, or a related image such as the lotus flower, and showcase your beliefs.

Tribal has become fashionable again, from tattoos to jewelry. For the man in your life, these pieces make good gifts as they are fashionable and masculine.

Finding jewelry that will suit a man can be hard work. Many men are not fans of jewelry, finding it to be too feminine, or just too awkward or in the way. In order to get a man to wear jewelry, it becomes important to find a piece that he will really like. Often, a unique metal such as titanium can be a good way to pique a man's interest, or an interesting pattern. Tribal necklaces are usually a big hit with all men, because of their interesting form and substance.

The term “tribal” can cover a broad range of things. Many people take the term tribal to mean something made by a tribesman (or woman) such as African artifacts or Polynesian works – and this is one definite meaning of the term. Another way of looking at a definition of mens tribal necklaces is to take the meaning of the word tribal as it refers to the tattoo industry – a thick, black often random seeming design that is very masculine.

Whether you take the term in the tattoo sense or in the more traditional sense, there are several things to consider when purchasing mens tribal necklaces. The first thing is the size of the necklace. Some men work in environments where large jewelry can put them at a disadvantage – or even in danger. These situations are not good for long necklaces, or those with large medallions or charms. In these instances, it's better to go with a simple tribal design, such as a puka shell necklace or something made out of beads of wood or bone.

Another thing to consider is the taste of the man you're buying for. Some men prefer simple styles, if they are going to wear jewelry at all, while others like to make a statement. Jewelry can be a very intimate thing for some people, so it can be a not-so-good idea to purchase jewelry for someone you don't know well. Picking out mens tribal necklaces together can also be a good idea – that way the recipient can see which piece he likes best.

Tribal jewelry is very popular today – with both men and women wearing pieces that have been crafted in far away lands or with symbols that look like they were. While not all styles fit all people, the numerous choices in mens tribal necklaces make it relatively easy to find a piece that will suit anyone's taste.

Finding a gift for a mother can be very difficult. If you are having problems, a birthstone necklace is a great choice because if it jewelry and tells you mother you thought about her.

If you are looking for a special gift for your mother – whether it's for Mother's Day, Christmas or a birthday, jewelry is always a big hit. Moms love to feel pampered and special on their big days, and jewelry is a great way to show that you really care about her. Some occasions are more special than others, such as an important milestone birthday, or the birth of a new child. In these instances, birthstone necklace may be in order.

There are several different types of mother's jewelry available to choose from, including rings and bracelets as well as necklaces. These pieces can be as simple as a row of birthstones, or they can be seen in a more elaborate display of children's names, ages and representative gemstones. A mothers birthstone necklace can be as ornate or as simple as the taste of the individual mother, and since the jewelry is made as a custom order, individual styles can often be accommodated.

The first thing to do when searching for a birthstone necklace is to be aware of all the birth months of the children involved. For most people that won't be a problem, as the months will either belong to your children or your siblings. In some cases, there is more than one gemstone associated with a birth month – but jewelers will often only offer one choice. The birthstone for April, which is the diamond, is almost always substituted with a cubic zirconia or other simulated diamond – a real diamond would make the jewelry too costly.

There are some unique twists on the mothers birthstone necklace available – such as tiny shoes adorned with the child's birthstones – in male and female styles. Other types of necklaces include those with names (these are often more expensive because of the engraving involved) or those that use a clever device to portray the birthstones – such as a family tree. Mother's jewelry can be found in several different metals, with the most popular being sterling silver and 14kt gold. They can also be found in less expensive silver and gold plate styles.

If you want to purchase a birthstone necklace for your mom's (or wife's) next important holiday, remember that these necklaces take time to create. You will usually have to give the jeweler or jewelry company at least four weeks to complete your piece. This may take some advance planning, but the results will definitely be worth it.