One can arguably state that the possibilities are almost endless when it comes to jewelry selections. From fine jewelry to casual collections, one has a lot to choose from when it comes to this type of accessory. For many individuals who are shopping for jewelry items, finding a top of the line piece of jewelry at an exceptional price is the desired outcome. These individuals will be glad to know that this is not only possible but highly likely so long as they know the tips which go along with doing so.

Clearance Sales on Fine Jewelry

Many jewelry stores and larger retail stores with specialty departments will provide a separate jewelry case which has fine jewelry items on clearance. For the most part, these items are in superior shape yet perhaps they are the last ones of their kind which are on sale or they have to be sold in order to make room for new collections coming into the store. No matter what the ultimate reason may be, it is a great idea to peruse these sections to see if any piece of jewelry catches one’s eye. Clearance sales can be a great way to get top of the line products at a bargain price.

Purchasing Jewelry Online

Another avenue to pursue when hoping to find a great deal on top of the line jewelry is to consider buying these accessories online. More and more jewelry shops and chain retail stores are utilizing the World Wide Web to sell their wares to consumers. Since these entities realize the growing trend of online shoppers they are taking advantage of this occurrence by presenting their goods in an online venue. One way to get a great deal on top of the line jewelry is to take advantage of web-only sales. Online retailers often present some of their items for sale at a discounted price which can save the frugal shopper a noticeable amount of money.

Promotional Discounts

Top of the line goods of this type can also be obtained at great prices if one takes advantage of promotional discounts which may be offered by the store. This can be done via coupon usage or some may find that even coupons are unnecessary when it comes to getting a good deal. Many of these promotional discounts occur on a monthly basis although one is sure to find a good amount of them surrounding various holidays. Promotional discounts are another way to add those beautiful prime jewelry pieces to one’s collection at a fraction of the price. By shopping around via store circulars or advertisements, one might just be able to find promotional discounts on these items which are sure to benefit them in the end.

When the time comes to pop the question to a loved one, there are many different things to consider. Factors such as where to ask for one’s hand in marriage and the timing thereof are both extremely important however purchasing the perfect engagement ring for the occasion is perhaps on the top of the importance list. There are a few tips which one should keep in mind both prior to and during their engagement ring shopping expedition which will help to yield the best possible result which is that of the perfect engagement ring.

Know What Your Future Fiancée Likes and Dislikes

It is a good plan to have an idea as to what your future fiancée likes and dislikes when it comes to diamonds, jewelry and if possible, engagement rings. Since many do not like to come right out and ask the significant other what type of ring they would like to have and wish to keep it a surprise, they can still hint around and find out what their tastes are in this department. Simple things such as taking notice of their jewelry collection or asking friends and family members for advice on the subject may help the individual to narrow down the options when it comes time to buy the ring.

Have a Price Range In Mind Prior to Shopping

One should also know their intended price range when it comes to diamond engagement ring shopping. This is important for a few different reasons. First, it allows the shopper to focus in on a certain category of engagement rings. Secondly, by having a set price in mind, the shopper will not be tempted to spend above and beyond their limit which may cause problems down the road, especially if they finance the ring purchase. The best way to come up with a desirable price range is to look at one’s personal finances and see how much money they can pay each month if they intend to buy the ring on credit or through a financing plan.

Consider Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Sets

Another tip to keep in mind when shopping for an engagement ring is whether the ring is available with matching wedding bands. Frequently one will be able to find engagement rings and wedding bands which match one another and can be purchased as a set. This will not only look nice once the couple gets married as the bands will match but it may also provide a good deal when it comes to paying for the rings.

Shop Around and Take Your Time

Purchasers of engagement rings should also be sure to shop around at different jewelry locations and take their time when engaging in a purchase of this type. So long as the buyer is not in a rush to buy a ring, it will benefit the individual to embark on this important shopping journey carefully and thoughtfully. Doing so will bring about the best result, which is the purchase of a beautiful engagement ring.

Diamonds are a type of stone which have a large consumer following. Perhaps it is due to their brilliant appearance or maybe it is how the wearer feels when they have that beautiful sparkling gem on their hand. Many people tend to overlook the interesting past of the gemstone as they really only see the stone in its finished form on the jewelry store shelf. The following will present gemstone lovers with a better view of where the diamond was discovered and the historical trail of events which made it perhaps the most highly sought after gem.

Where Diamond Mining Originated

Diamonds have been in existence for an exorbitant amount of years. In fact, the mining of such began around 4000 years ago in India although the existence of such a stone beneath the ground occurred an indeterminable amount of centuries prior to that. The diamond mines throughout India became the first mining areas of these gemstones and it wasn’t until the 1800’s when mines began operation within South Africa, which today is one of the leading mining areas. These beautiful stones began their creation as a result of the combination of heat and pressure occurring below sea level. It is amazing to see the finished result of the natural process which leads to diamond construction.

Legends Surrounding this Gemstone

Due to its lengthy history, the diamond has many legends and folklore surrounding it. Individuals in various areas throughout the world have said that those who wear or carry a diamond will be protected from harm. In other parts of the world, the diamond was seen as an item of good luck or even an object of desire. Although the legends vary from place to place, most of these tales portray this gemstone as being an item of good fortune and strength.

Mining and Production Grew As the Years Progressed

Once the mining began in South Africa, it prospered so much that other countries were trying to tap their own diamond resources as well. Some of the mass producers of these wonderful stones besides South Africa include Congo, Canada, Botswana, Russia, Angola, Namibia and Australia. Today, approximately 25 countries produce diamonds in their mining operations.

Diamonds in the Post-Mining State

Once the diamonds have been mined, they find their way to cutting centers. Some of the most widely used cutting centers are located in areas such as New York, Bombay, Tel Aviv and Antwerp. This is where the stones are crafted into the beautiful gems which then travel on to jewelry stores, boutiques and ultimately the consumer.

Importance of the Diamond History

It is important to take note of where this gemstone came from for a few different reasons. First, it provides individuals with information pertaining to the amazing transformation the gem takes from ore to the beautifully polished stone that it is when purchasers place their eyes upon it in the glass jewelry case. Secondly, knowing the history of this gemstone allows individuals to understand the true treasure which they have when they choose a diamond of their own.

Jewelry is a wonderful accessory which can be purchased in a wide array of metals and styles. One particular metal which has gained in popularity quite greatly in the past ten years or so is that of platinum. Platinum is used to make all different types of jewelry items such as rings, watches, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. The increase in popularity can be seen for a number of different reasons and one will discover after learning about them that it is no wonder that more and more men and women are choosing platinum as their jewelry composition of choice.

Aesthetic Values

Platinum jewelry has a natural shine and brilliance to it. The white tone of the platinum metal makes the jewelry stand out in and of itself however pair a few gemstones with the platinum and the effect is even more radiant. The pure aesthetic value of platinum jewelry is one reason why jeweler purchasers flock to the platinum jewelry counters to set their eyes upon this metal.

Rare and Precious Metal

Platinum is also seen these days as the most rarest and precious of metals that one can buy in the way of jewelry. The sheer reputation surrounding platinum makes it a highly coveted item. Although the price which goes along with platinum jewelry may be more expensive than perhaps gold jewelry, the reason for such a price relates to the rareness thereof. This attribute makes it much more attractive to jewelry buyers.

Strength and Durability

Another reason why platinum jewelry has drawn in the mass jewelry buying public pertains to the strength and durability of the product. This metal is known for its lasting qualities and for this reason many individuals choose to have their engagement rings and other keepsake gemstones set in platinum. The strength and durability of this metal is also due to its sheer weight which although more than gold products, it does not have a heavy feel to it. If one is looking to purchase a piece of jewelry which will stand the test of time then platinum is the way to go.

Plentiful Jewelry Options

With the growing demand for pieces of this type of jewelry, one will also find that there are plentiful amounts of platinum jewelry items available to purchase. Jewelry stores are adding more and more pieces of platinum jewelry to their floor displays as the owners know exactly what the public is looking for these days which is platinum. All jewelry buyers have to do with regard to finding a piece of platinum jewelry which they like is to go into almost any store or visit online websites and they will find a selection like no other. As the desire for platinum jewelry grows, so do the many options which one will find on their jewelry shopping trips.

Jewelry is a very personal accessory which individuals like to purchase and wear. Since everyone has their own unique style when it comes to this type of accessory, one may have a hard time figuring out just what type of jewelry they should get for their loved ones. With that said, there are certain ways to figure out what type of jewelry items and styles might best suit others when buying them these wonderful accessories as gifts.

Consider the Gift Recipients Personal Style

Every individual has a personal style which they exude in the way they dress, carry themselves and accessorize. When choosing jewelry items as gifts for your loved ones, it is important to look at their overall style in order to determine which type of jewelry would suit them best. For example, individuals who like to stand out from the crowd might appreciate a piece of jewelry which is flashy and large in size. In the alternative, an individual who dresses modestly and likes to blend in with the group may find that a demure and elegant piece of fine jewelry would be the perfect gift.

Look at What Types of Jewelry the Individual Currently Wears

Another way to select the perfect type and style of jewelry to give as gifts to loved ones is to take note of what the individual currently wears. When it comes to jewelry, some individuals like to wear a lot of different types of these items whereas others have one or two special pieces which they wear every day. Also, some individuals are comfortable wearing rings for example yet do not like bracelets for one reason or another. It is a good idea to notice what type of jewelry appeals to the gift recipient and stick with similar sorts of items.

Consider Matching Jewelry Collections

One may also want to buy jewelry items from a matching collection so that the friend or family member has pieces which all coincide with one another. Frequently one will be able to find collections which feature rings, bracelets and necklaces all set around the same pattern. If the gift recipient exudes a style where everything tends to match, whether it be clothing or accessories, selecting a gift featuring a few different collection pieces might be the perfect thing to do.

Where to Purchase These Items

There are quite a few places to purchase gifts of this type. Some of the more popular locations include privately owned jewelry boutiques, retail stores and via online merchants. Shopping around at a few different places may provide the buyer with the most options and the best price. Since it is going to be given as a gift, the purchaser may even want to ask if the store will gift wrap the item for them so the final product is perfect.

Shopping online is a fast developing business due to the fact that it is more accessible than regular shopping because it is far more easier to look for a sterling silver jewelry for example on the Internet than to go on shopping the classic way which is rather boring and exhausting.

The jewelry market is one of the most complex markets in the world with literally thousands of types of jewelries from rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and the list could go on. Online shopping offers the buyer the possibility to choose from hundreds of shops without going from store to store and wasting a lot of time searching for the perfect jewelry.

Sterling sliver jewelries are becoming more and more popular among jewelry buyers because they come at an affordable price and also stand out from all other jewelry due to the purity of the silver which is quite exquisite. These jewelries are the perfect compromise between cheap jewelries and very the very expensive ones which aren’t accessible to the regular buyer due to the fact that they come at a big price.

Lots of online shops offer this kind of jewelry for potential buyers which is a great alternative to other types of jewelries due to the fact that quality can be found at an affordable price. Whether your looking for an engagement ring or a necklace, sterling silver jewelries come in all shapes and sizes, satisfying everyone’s tastes, making them an ideal solution for a present.

Another advantage of online jewelry shopping is that you don’t have to stand in line when you want to purchase something also online shops are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Besides this, many online shops have special offers from time to time, price cuts and other similar advantages which put them in front of regular shops.

On many online jewelry shops you can find comments from customers which bought products from that shop, this is a great way to find out what other people think about the products available which will help you decide whether to buy or not from that shop.

Also, online jewelry shops have a contact section where you can ask questions about the products available, this is a great way to find out more information about a specific product like its availability, shipping, payments and other similar questions.

Well developed jewelry websites present their products in a very professional matter, giving the visitor a clear idea about that specific product. Complete information can be found on this sites regarding all of their products making the buyer’s life easier because they can have all the information they need about a certain product so they can easily decide which product to buy.

All in all, combining online jewelry shopping with sterling silver jewelries you get the perfect way to make an ideal present to your love ones, at a reasonable price. Just by clicking a few mouse buttons you will make someone’s life way more happier, with a sterling silver jewelry.

I was so upset last night. I looked down at my ring and realized a small diamond fell out! It was one of the small ones on the band. I told my FH and he got upset with himself for buying the ring. He got it from Zales so hopefully they can fix it. Ive only had it for a month! I hope this doesnt happen often. I just hope Im not too rough on it.

My ring is from Zales too. My came with a garentee that if the stone should fall out it would be replaced. You should check that out. Zales is a reputable company so it shouldn't be a problem.

I got a better one. MY WHOLE DIAMOND FELL OUT. I had it for a couple months and one morning I woke up and I had a big whole in the middle of my ring. (My fiancee was out of town and I was so scared to tell him about it). I tore my whole house apart for the next week looking for it, retraced my steps from the day before with some friends, and we had no luck in finding it. It really sucks because he had saved up for 1 1/2 to be able to buy me that. It's not just about the money we lost, he designed that with the jeweler and I will never be able to get that back. We didn't have the ring insured yet (I didn't know this) and the jeweler said he can put in another diamond but it would cost us $2500; so needless to say, I am without a ring.

We dont have insurance either, but Zales covers the diamonds regardless having insurance or not. We plan on getting insurance but just havent got around to it yet.

Depending on your homeowners insurance company, they may cover it. My parents policy covers damage to our items as well as extra for the jewelry we own. You might want to see what yours covers.

I wear it all the time except for when I shower. I get it cleaned once a month though. Plus I clean it myself everyday after I shower. My ring gets loose in the winter when the weather is cold, but it never slips past my knuckle. It spins a lot, but doesn't come off. If your scared it might fall off, they have these new plastic, flexible wraps that you can put around the bottom of your ring. Kinda like a rubber grip to stop it from coming off. Then at least you don't have to have it sized.

Make sure whoever your FH buys your ring from, sizes it right. It should feel a little tight going over your knuckle and should not be easy to come off. You should have to push your ring up to go over your knuckle. I have had mine for a year and have had no problems loosing it or sliding off my finger.

This is one that lots of people have to deal with. I want to say first that I am glad you have an aquamarine! This makes me smile in a sentimental and special way. Why? Well, with so much blue topaz on the market today, the wonderful aquamarine has almost faded in the public eyes. Unfortunately, many do not even know about this much more valuable and beautiful gemstone. In years past, the aqua WAS the stone of choice for those special shades of blue nature makes. Aquamarine is a superior stone in all aspects to the irradiated blue topaz, a stone not naturally the rich blues in nature.

First of all, most jewelry shops do not have the capability to recut chipped gemstones. Some of this depends on the cut of the stone to start with, whether a cabochon(round top, like an opal or onyx might be cut) or faceted as with diamonds, rubies and other stones with little faces (the facets) on the surface. The person who cuts gemstones does the work called 'lapidary' or stone cutting. This work requires the cutting and polishing equipment needed for gemstones. Almost all stones must be worked with tools the jeweler simply does not use for working metals.

Stones are much harder than metals and require special and sometimes very specialized machines to work the gem, whether in cutting a gem from a piece of rough material from the earth or in repairing a chip in a stone already cut. While many folks do cut and polish cabochons(rounded tops without facets), the number greatly lessens when looking for those who do facet cutting. The equipment is very different since each individual facet is cut one at a time, through different grades of cutting from rough abrasives to the final polish.

What do most jewelers do? When a chipped stone needs repair, the jeweler generally sends the stone to a lapidary craftsperson. This usually means sending the stone to a company where the work may be done. Sometimes, the jeweler might have a local connection to either a professional or amateur(some are the best going!) for the repair work. The cabochon work is easy and more locals can do this work. For faceted gems, having a local cutter is not common and most stones are shipped to a factory offering the service.

What work is needed? Some companies offer to cut the gem stone for you. On some websites they show you what kind of cuts that they can do. When you see line drawings of the 'diamond' they want to sell. Using the line drawings, you can get an idea of how difficult it might be to repair the chip in your aquamarine. It all depends on the location of the chip! The middle of the stone, between the top(crown) and the bottom(pavilion) is called the girdle of the gem. If the chip is here, repair is relatively simple for a small chip and will not affect the rest of the stone in a noticeable way.

If the chip is higher on the stone, say on or between a couple of the facets on the crown, the repair is more difficult. Why? Look at the drawing(or at your aquamarine) and you will see the faces line up and meet each other. To repair a chip on one of the higher facets will mean cutting and polishing the stone down deep enough to remove the chip. This will change the face where the cutting is done and the facets will not line up as before.

To do the job properly, often the entire top(crown) of the stone will need to be re-cut. This means all facets are re-cut and polished so they all line up as before. This is done to prevent one large repaired face from messing up the arrangement and standing out easily to the eye.

How the repair is done depends on the location of the chip and whether the stone is faceted or a cabochon cut. Then, where and how well the work is done depends on the contacts the jeweler has. To find a jeweler with in-house lapidary service is a rare find, indeed. Be sure to ask if the work is done in-house or sent to a cutter. Ask for an estimate before having the work done. Ask if the repair will change the over dimensions (width and length) of the stone since that will affect how it fits back into your jewelry mounting.

Ask if the cutter can give you at least an idea of how much stone must be cut away to do the repair. Asking these questions can kind of give you an understanding of how the stone might look when they are done with it. But sometimes it is good to ask these questions that way you can find out if taking your stone to this one person is a good thing. You can always go around to all of the jewelry stores and ask them the same questions and when you get home find out which one is the best for you.

This article is about real pearls, both natural and cultured. First, the term 'pearl' should be applied only to natural pearls, formed in a mollusk when some event in nature induces the oyster or mussel to form a pearl. These pearls are quite rare and are the pearls of antiquity before pearl farmers learned to culture pearls. Freshwater pearls fished from the rivers in the USA are natural pearls, but now-a-days, most freshwater pearls are also cultured in freshwater pearl farms.

In any event, naturally forming or cultured, such pearls are formed in the oyster or mussel and are not fakes. The real difference in the totally natural pearl and the cultured pearls is what makes the pearl start to grow and the thickness of the nacre. Nacre is the pearly layers that make a pearl so lovely. The natural pearl will have very thick nacre, generally forming in concentric rings around some starting source or irritation to the mollusk. A large natural pearl is very, very rare. Cultured pearls generally use a 'core' of mother-of-pearl, the shell of the mollusk.

The bead core goes into the mollusk and nacre is formed around the core. The core determines the overall shape of the pearl. How long the oyster is allowed to let the pearl grow determines the thickness of the nacre. Thicker nacre is better. Best of all is thick nacre and a smooth, almost blemish free surface. Pearls grown inside the mussel or oyster do have a gritty feel to the tooth.

Fake pearls are made by coating a core of some sort (mother-of-pearl, plastic, etc.) with a plastic, a kind of paint containing ground fish scales or other stuff that look pearly to the eye. Generally, the fakes do not have a gritty feel to the tooth. Most may be identified with a little practice and a 10x jewelers loupe or microscope. The way to do it is to compare real pearls with some known fakes. The fakes almost always show a grittier look to the surface and not the more smoothly formed natural nacre.

The look is grittier but the feel to a tooth is smoother. After some practice comparisons, most fakes are fairly easily identified. Still, some are hard to detect without very thorough testing sometimes using solvents and acids which attack the real pearl nacre but not the plastic fakes and visa versa.

Other than that, a look at the drilled holes in the beads will help. Since the pearl is formed naturally without a hole, the hole must be drilled. The surface of the pearl at the drill hole will not 'sink in' or 'rise up' as is seen in many fakes that are formed and coated with the holes already made to the core. In the real pearl, the nacre will be smooth with the drill hole and might even be chipped a bit. Some folks recommend having a dentist do an x-ray to see what is inside.

Still, unless a person is very, very familiar with reading the images the results are very iffy. A core will look like a core whether in a fake or a cultured pearl. A core will not be present to any large extent in a pearl formed freely in the ocean but those pearls just are not around or to be had except in very small sizes.

Using a good loupe (hand held magnifier) of 10 power is likely the best home test. Of course, try the teeth first! Then look at the drill holes and the surface compared to a good cultured pearl. There is not a one-in-all test I can recommend. Some of this will simply require some 'pearls' of real and fakes for comparison. When you look through a 10x maginfier at the surface of most fakes, the surface might look gritty, uneven, "orange peel" as in paints or even flaked off in small places.

There is a difference difficult to describe. The comparison of the nacre of a pearl to the fake surface is a good indication for use at home, following your teeth, of course. Again, look for the rising or falling surface at the drill holes, like a "painted surface" has sunk into the hole or been pulled up from it.

Even the jewelers are fooled once in a while but not often. Have you seen Mabe pearls? These are the large 'half pearls' often seen in rings and pendants. Some years ago some really good fakes hit the market and were being sold at very competitive prices -- that is, compared to the real ones. Many were sold and bought as the real thing! The testing for these required disassembly of the fake mabes plus solvent and acid tests. A lot of buyers were taken in on this one, likely never to know they bought and later sold fake mabe pearls.

If you get pearls and you are not sure if they are fake or real and you have a hard time to tell them apart, go to you closest jewelry store and talk to them. See if they can run some of the test that I just menched to you. They will be able to tell you if the pearls are fake or not. But like is said it is very hard to tell some of the real ones from the fake ones. You need to be careful when you are shopping around for any kind of jewelry and make sure that you go to a jewelry store that you know are good.

Its become a very competitive business with everyone trying to come up with their own "Branded" diamonds, and jewelry and design, the so called Calla Cut is nothing more than a modified round stone it appears, this is the first I have heard of it, similar to an Ascher Cut which came out a few years ago and then just died!!! No one is buying Aschers anymore and the same will happen to this Calla. A cutter can make much more money with a "new" designer cut diamond and promote it, hopefully someone will fall in love with it and pay 30-40 more money than it should be.

If you love the cut then I would say go for it but be aware that the actual value will never come back to you since it is not main stream. over time, the round diamond has proven itself the most popular. We have sold many princess cut diamonds the past 5 years but even those have slowed down. We almost never sell any marquise diamonds lately, all these cuts are cyclical, the round diamond has been most consistent.

The Jeweler who told you about certified cut may have meant that he cant distinguish the table and the depth to determine if the diamond is a good cut or not. More than likely he is blowing smoke and trying to get you to "doubt" the Calla Cut. When a diamond is sent to the laboratory such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or European Gem Labs (EGL) they are evaluated for Color Cut Clarity Carat Wt. hence the "4 C's" of the diamond. The cut or of the table and depth ratios are the reason the diamond has "fire" or lacks "fire".

How can you tell the difference between a real diamond and a crystal? A crystal of what, Daniel? Quartz? Colorless Sapphire? Cubic Zirconia or Moissanite? The easiest way to tell the difference is to use a "Diamond Tester". It requires no mineralogical experience.

It uses diamond's superior ability to conduct heat as a criteria for positive identification. A diamond tester can pick out a real diamond for a fake one in a matter of minutes or even seconds. Diamonds have a very high thermal conductivity, exceeded in gemstones only by synthetic mossanite. The diamond tester can go though a box of diamonds and it can tell the difference between a fake diamond and a real one.

Can diamonds be produced in laboratories? How? Oh, they certainly can! The leaders in synthetic diamond production are Tom Chatham in San Francisco. They have been growing diamonds for a while and they have come up with the best way of growing diamonds. The laboratories have found a way of growing diamonds that would take a long time if they were not man made. The companies take a real diamond and use a seed with this seed they put it into a carbon gas chamber. They can controll the whole proccess by a flick of a switch.

Besides jewelry, what are the other uses of diamonds? Some diamonds are used in computer chips for the most high tech machines that have been made. Diamonds are one of the ideal sustanis, since they are not all the same it would be hard for anyone to find the right diamond that is being used of anything. They are used for cutting through some objects. Diamonds are also use for surgery. Begin that the diamond is one of the most hardest objects they come in handy. Not all diamonds are used for looking and touch, and there are probably other things that diamonds are used for that we don't know about yet.

Are all diamonds alike? What are the different categories? No two diamonds are exactly alike. To the naked eye all the diamonds might look as though they are the same in size and shape but they are not. It just like what alot of people say about snow flakes they not never the same. The same goes for diamonds. Some are bigger, smaller, darker, light, ect. You will never find one that is the exactly the same as any other one.

How are prices for diamonds determined? Prices for diamonds are determined for the most part by DeBeers Consolidated Mines which is the largest monopoly in the world. The prices are based on color, clarity, cutting proportions and carat weight.

How long does a diamond take to be made naturally? How long does it last? Diamonds were formed as long ago as 3 to 5 billion years, under conditions of great heat and pressure, deep inside the earth. This correlates with the earliest stages of the development of our planet, estimated to be in the region of 4 to 5 billion years old. Volcanic eruptions carried the diamonds to the surface of the earth millions of years ago. Diamonds are found in cone-shaped pipes of rock called kimberlite.

These pipes have been weathered and their diamonds dispersed by rivers to far-lying areas, such as coastlines. They should last for several million more years.

Who were the first people to discover diamonds? Diamonds have been known since ancient times. They were originally used as a tool to carve other gems like lapis and carnelian.

Ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were splinters of stars that had fallen on earth. Some said that they were the tears of gods. Legend has it that there existed an inaccessible valley somewhere in Central Asia, a carpet of diamonds covered it. It was patrolled by prehistoric birds of prey and guarded by venomous snakes. However, the truth is that the exact origin of diamonds is still a mystery, to scientists and geologists.

There may be no real reason yet as to why diamonds exist. It will probble take longer for us to find out. Some people just choose to stay with legend then to wonder who or how diamonds came to be here.

Besides, diamonds, what other gems are also used to make jewelry? Which one is the most common? Why are diamonds so valuable? The price of anything is determined by supply and demand. There is a great demand for diamonds and the appearance of a short supply is maintained by DeBeers Consolidated. Where are the most productive diamond mines located? The Seven major diamond mining countries of the world are: Botswana, Russia, South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Australia, Democratic Republic of Congo.

From time immemorial, jade has been closely associated with the Chinese culture. To the Chinese people, it has the power to protect body and spirit for both the living and the deceased; they also treat it as talisman. In the West, jade is sought after for its elegance, mystique and romance.

Jade can be classified into two different types, nephrite and jadeite. They are two totally different minerals. Colours of nephrite include translucent white, yellow, green, black and the colour is always evenly distributed. Colours of jadeite include white, purple, yellow, green and others; evenness of colours varies with different textures.

Most of the jades yielded in China are nephrite. Among highly treasured pieces of nephrite are some described as "mutton fat". As the description implies, these are pieces creamy white in colour and uniformly translucent. The majority of fine-carved jade artifacts are made of nephrite.

Jadeite is mainly produced in Burma.Since it is more prominent than nephrite in different aspects, such as texture, colour and price, it is used almost exclusively in jewellery setting, which also lead to a large demand in the market, so we will confine our discussion to jadeite.

Jadeite is also known as fei tsui. The criteria we employ for its appreciation are : colour, transparency, clarity, cutting and flaws.

COLOUR

Colour is of paramount importance. We examine the colour of fei tsui according to the following criteria:

1. Purity

Purity refers to the proportion of the prime and the secondary colours. Let's take green fei tsui as example, the most desirable is pure green; in descending order of desirability are green tinted with yellow, blue and grey.

2. Intensity

The more saturated the green the better the jade. However, an overdone intensity is of only middling quality.

3. Vividness

The colour should be vibrant and lively. The presence of grey and black makes the green dull without altering its tint.

4. Evenness

The more even the colour, the more desirable the jade and the higher the value.

TRANSPARENCY

Transparency of fei tsui affects the refraction of light and its beauty. When light enters a transparent fei tsui with fine texture, it sparkles; if light enters an opaque fei tsui with coarse texture, it refracts dull light to the eye that reduces attractiveness.

CLARITY

Clarity refers to inclusions, which cohered with jade during the formation process, mainly in black and white. In general, white inclusions are less distracting than black ones and, of course, the less visible the inclusion the better.

CUTTING

Fei tsui is usually worked into two categories: plain polished shapes such as cabochon and carved designs. Plain polished shapes require higher grade material without flaws, and with good proportion, symmetry as well as appropriate thickness. For example, a well-cut cabochon should be neither too thick nor too thin in relation to the area of its top surface. Its "bulge" should be centered, prominent but not exaggerated.

Carved designs are often used to eliminate or minimize the effect of flaws and cracks. They are assessed on their aesthetics and the workmanship of the details.

FLAWS

Flaw lines are value-detractor of fei tsui.Fei tsui can be cracked and even broken when crashed. We can use a torch to examine cracks and flaws, so consumer should pay special attention when making purchase.

High quality jade can be sold at desirable price, however, it has a limited supply. To maximize profit, some businessmen proceed artificial treatment to jade before putting them on the market. Jade is then categorized into "A" jade, "B" jade and "C" jade.

Treated Jade

"C" Jade

"C" jade is dyed jade. During the treatment process, dyes are injected to colourless jade under a high temperature and high pressure environment. The jade will be wholly or partly be dyed into green or purple colours, however, by and by the colour of "C" jade will become dull and fade.

"B" Jade

The treatment process of "B" jade involves removing inclusions and impurities near the surface by bleaching or other chemical means, leaving mainly green and white material. Polymer resin, a chemical that solidifies into an almost colourless, clear mass, is then injected into the stone to fill up leftover space and enhance translucency. Since the structural integrity of jade is damaged during the process, flaws will appear very easily. If dye is injected during this treatment process, it can be categorized as "B + C" jade.

Throughout the centuries jewelry has been created and worn by people of different cultures. Every culture had it gemstones that they valued and they attributed a special meaning to each. Today the list of precious and semi-precious gemstones is very large and each one has a history and folklore associated with it. The Quality Jewelry Directory has created a list of the most popular gemstones and gives a brief outline of each. The following is the second half of two pages on Gems- History, Folklore and Mineral Data.

Citrine: Citrine is a form of quartz that comes in a variety of colors ranging from yellow, yellowish-brown, orange to reddish brown. Because of the variations in this color range its name is derived from the word "citrus". Citrine is a form of quartz and can be found in it's original state but most citrine is created through a heating process. Citrine is found throughout the world and in locations such as Madagascar, France, Russia and primarily Brazil. Folklore notes that citrine is a bringer of success and abundance and was thought to provide protection from snake bites. Thought to help in digestion and sleep.

Agate: A interesting type of silica is agate. Agate is not a unique form of mineral but is actually the mineral silica but in the form called "chalcedony". Due to the way silica is percolated and deposited in vapor-vesicles it will form layer upon layer of chalcedony and quartz resulting in a layered appearance. Agate comes in many different forms and each type forms in different metamorphic conditions. Agate is found throughout the world and notably in the United States, Iraq, Uruguay, Peru, Brazil and other countries. Believed to improve concentration and memory, it is valued for the belief that it increases a persons knowledge. Considered a healer of the emotionally sick and deemed a discerner of an individuals honesty.

Aquamarine: Aquamarine belongs to the mineral family beryl and has a slight blue to turquoise color that is indicative of seawater. The beautiful aquamarine color is caused by a concentration of iron within it. The greater the intensity of color the higher the value of the aquamarine. Aquamarine is found around the world, but the best gemstone deposits come from Africa and from the mines of Esperito Santo and Minas Gerais in Brazil. The Aquamarine name comes from the Latin word 'aqua' for water and 'mare' for sea. Ancient legends tell the story of the aquamarine and how it came from the treasure chests of beautiful mermaids. The gemstones would wash up from the chests to the shore where they were found. Ancient sailors prized the aquamarine because it was believed that the God, Neptune considered the gem sacred and would grant them a safe and prosperous voyage.

Quartz: One of the most common minerals on Earth is Quartz. Quartz forms large and small crystals that form six sided shapes in the form of prisms and pyramids. Quartz is formed in pegmatites and in veins and is commonly found in deposits of granite, limestone, metamorphic and sandstone deposits. It's sister varieties are often called agate, onyx, tiger's eye, citrine and others. It is also used in scientific equipment due its ability to be used as an oscillator when exposed to electrical current. Many cultures throughout the world recognize quartz in its mythology and folklore and is a common gem that is used in many types of jewelry

Jade: Jade is a prized gemstone that encompasses two mineral types. These two types of jade are Jadeite and Nephrite. Even though both are considered Jade, the silicate mineral structures for both are different. Jadeite is a silicate of sodium and aluminum and forms an oily translucent appearance and Nephrite is composed calcium and magnesium and has a appearance similar to glass. Jade can occur in a variety of colors which can range from green, red, purple, yellow and brown. Jade is a tough mineral that can be shaped into tools and fine jewelry and mineral deposits be found throughout the world. The best quality jade can be found in Myanmar, New Zealand, United States, Canada and Russia. The value of jade is determined by its color intensity, vividness, clarity and transparency. Colors that are most valued are imperial jade, green apple and spinach green with lighter colors of white. Yellow and pink tones have greater value in the Far East.

Amber: Amber has been around for millions of years and is in reality a fossil resin that is secreted in pockets and canals from the epithelial cells in plants. Amber is not indicative to any one plant but is produced from large trees and plants that were specific to certain areas of the world. Amber can be found in rocks ranging in time periods from 30 to 90 million years of age. In its mineralized state, amber is prized for its glossy and warm appearance. Amber was once used as a heat source but is now used in beautiful jewelry and is prized for its scientific interests when fossilized creatures are entombed within it. Amber can be found in Russia, Lebanon, Denmark, Norway, England, Mexico, Germany and many other locations throughout the world.

Lapis Lazuli: Lapis Lazuli is a dark blue crystalline rock that is composed of different minerals but primarily in the form of "Lazurite" which is a form of silica mineral. Lapis Luzuli in the true sense is not considered a mineral because it is a combination of different minerals locked together in the form of rock. Minerals are one constituent only. Lapis is mined throughout the world and is found in deposits in Afghanistan and in other minor deposits in the United States, Burma (Myanmar) and Chile. The name "Lapis Luzuli" is a combination of two terms and variations, of which "Lapis" is Latin for stone and "azul" for blue. It is often coined as the "Stone of Azure". Lapis is one of the oldest mined rocks and has a colorful history dating back thousands of years to Mesopotamia, the Indian subcontinent and all the way to Pakistan and Egypt. Many of the most priceless paintings in history are colored from Lapis to impart the beautiful blue coloration. Mystical and metaphysical properties were associated with Lapis. Regarded as a stone of truth and friendship it was endowed with the ability to bind relationships. Often thought to enhance openness, awareness and insight. Considered a holy stone in some cultures and is often associated with royalty. Listed on the Mohs Scale of Hardness as a 5.5 and is considered a stone that is easily scratched of damaged. Care must be taken when wearing Lapis.

Garnet: The Latin name for the Garnet, is called "Granatus" or "Granatum" which translates to "Seed or Grain". It is often associated with the pomegranate for seeds that resemble the shape and color of garnets. Most garnets are red but in fact many different colors can be attributed to it. These colors can range from orange, green, black, purple and in differnet variations dependent upon the minerals in it. The names of these different variations of garnet include Alamandite, Melanite, Hessonite and Pyrope. The clearer the garnet gemstone the higher the price can be associated with it. Garnets have a rich history and mythology and are still valued for their attributes of "Health". These attributes are for remedies for inflammatory diseases, hemorrhaging wounds, the balancing of the energy with the human body and to protect the wearer from poisons. It was also used while sleeping to ward away bad dreams and to alleviate depression. Garnets symbolize and embody friendship and were worn to the "betterment of personal relationships". Noted to promote light-heartedness, loyalty and long felt affections and successful business ventures. Garnets are found throughout the world and are primarily located within the Russian Federation, the North and South Americas, the African sub-continent and Australia.

Red Coral: One of the nicest gemstones is the beautiful coral. Coral is composed from single polyp heads linked together with each other to form colonies. The two types of coral are calciferous and conchiolin and are primarily composed of polysaccharides and proteins in an aragonite matrix. The most precious type of coral is red coral. Prized for its spiritual meanings, coral is believed to ward off evil spirits, prevents illness and symbolizes the life force. Coral comes in a variety of colors such as white, black, brown, pink, yellow and red. Often called "fire coral", the material is becoming more and more scarce due to its high demand. Located throughout the world, coral can found primarily in the Mediterranean Sea, in the reefs off Australia, the seas off of Japan and the South Pacific.

Most often when thinking of someone receiving a ring whether it is for engagement, wedding or a gift you might think that it is always a woman that is the receiver however today it is becoming more common for men to receive rings.

The promise ring is a ring that is given to a man by a woman as a symbol of commitment and often considered as a mans engagement ring.

A promise ring can also symbolise other emotions and promises, quite often a promise ring will be exchanged between friends or family members as a gesture of love and a promise of eternal friendship.

It is important when offering a promise ring to someone that you both understand the meaning of the promise in question, you do not want to give a male friend a promise ring based on a promise of friendship and they think it is a promise of marriage.

If the promise ring is for engagement one of the advantages is this type of ring will be considerably lower in price than a normal engagement ring. If the promise ring is for a man then it is important to choose a metal that is going to both suit the wearer and last a long time.

Titanium is a popular choice of mens promise rings because this type of metal is strong and durable but also light in weight. A titanium promise ring will retain its shape and is also bio compatible which mean it will be less likely to cause any skin irritations should the receiver have sensitive skin.

Titanium will not rust or discolour and its strength makes it a more masculine metal which is perfect if the promise ring is intended for a man

There is no rule when it comes to which finger a promise ring should be worn, generally speaking if the promise is of engagement then the ring is worn on the left hand and then moved to the right hand once the wedding has taken place. If the ring is for friendship then the right hand will avoid any confusion of romantic ties between the giver and receiver.

There are many styles of promise rings, your budget and the promise itself will determine which type of ring you chose, if it is for engagement you may consider a diamond promise ring if the ring is a simple promise of friendship then a pain ring with the word friendship engraved on it may suit you better.

Which ever type of ring you decide on make sure than when you give it to someone they understand the meaning, maybe adding a little note or card in the ring box explaining what promise you are making will avoid any confusion.