Common Types Of Fine Jewelry

The visual appeal of fine jewelry has never failed to capture our attention. In fact, jewelry pieces have been objects that denote social status especially during ancient times. They have significantly shaped many traditions that we know today. From necklaces and earrings, to rings and bracelets, these adornments have provided humans with worldly satisfaction that no other material could induce.

Fine jewelry pieces have different types and finishes. Some are worn as adornments, while others serve as symbolic tokens presented in different occasions. There are also articles of jewelry that are simple in design and inexpensive, while there are also pieces that are expensive due to the materials used to construct them. Below are some of the most common articles of jewelry available in the market as well as their qualities and purposes. Rings are perhaps the most common articles of jewelry that almost all of us are familiar with. These jewelry pieces may come in the form of plain cylindrical bands as seen from wedding rings ornamented with precious stones like diamond heart setting, spiral or serpentine coils, signet rings, and open on one side. Rings are used for differing purposes but usually they serve as symbolic tokens given during special events like betrothals and weddings, or just to highlight one's fingers. In the case of signet rings, these bands are employed to tote the emblems of fraternal orders or the insignias of certain organizations.

The necklace is another popular form of jewelry worn around the neck. Basically, there are four general forms of necklaces: close fitting collar band with stones or beads, chain necklace with a single pendant, row of beads that are usually graduated in size held by a wire or chain, and several chains or strings of differing lengths worn on top of each other. Necklaces can be made of different precious metals, gemstones, raw materials or a combination of these items, and are commonly used together with pendants that are made of precious stones; the most of popular of which is the diamond heart pendant. To further highlight the beauty of necklaces, they appropriately worn with dresses that have low necklines as this design helps the jewelry to become the focal point of the person's upper body.

Meanwhile, earrings are jewelry pieces used for the ears that are either set on against the earlobes or are left dangling like pendants. The most favorite form of earrings set against the earlobe is the pair of pearls, while popular hanging drops are the ones referred to as chandelier earrings. Traditionally, wearing earrings demands for ear piercings because the practice of wearing this jewelry in the past was a barbarous custom. Today however, earrings can be worn without the need for piercings, and instead they could just be clipped to the ears.

The bracelet is another type of fine jewelry, worn on the arm. This piece can be in the form of closed band, spiral coils, open on one side, closed with clasps or flexible rings made from several links. Aside from the ring, necklace, earrings and bracelets other form of jewelry pieces include pins, cuff links, anklets, chains, brooches, and collar buttons. Generally, there are many jewelry pieces that vary in function, quality and design; it is already up to the individual what jewelry to use in accordance to his or her desired function.

In creating fine jewelry articles, metals, gemstones, coins as well as other materials are utilized though they are commonly set into precious metals, accentuated with gemstones like diamond heart. Aside from their ornamental purpose, jewelry pieces have long been used throughout history as symbolic tokens given during occasions especially during weddings and betrothals. They were also used to denote power and status in many societies.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Contrasting Aspects Of Wedding Ring And Engagement Ring

Since prehistoric times, bands have played significant roles during betrothals and marriages. In fact, it would be hard to carry on an engagement and wedding without the presence of bands. Due to their long history, the use and functions of wedding ring and engagement ring are often intermingled with each other. But, it should be taken into account that though these jewelry pieces are commonly seen among married women, they profoundly differ from each other in many aspects.

In order to identify the differences of wedding ring and engagement ring, let's take a closer look at their individual functions. Simply, an engagement ring is the band given by the man to the woman prior to their marriage to signify the engaged status of their relationship. Wedding bands on the other hand, are exchanged by the couple on their wedding day to seal their wedding vows and signify that the wearers are united as husband and wife. Right after the wedding and for the years that would follow their marriage, the wedding and engagement bands are worn by the wife, while the man only wears the wedding ring since men does not necessarily need to wear an engagement ring.

Between the wedding and engagement hoops, most couples invest more on their engagement bands. In fact, an engagement ring is more attention-grabbing than a wedding ring because it is somehow a silent announcement of the soon-to-be married status of couples. Traditionally, betrothal bands have prominent center stones, most of which are made from fine diamond jewelry. At the moment however, couples need not to buy engagement bands that are accentuated with diamond stones, rather as a less expensive option they could use other precious stones such as ruby, sapphire, opal, etc., as the center stone of the engagement ring.

Meanwhile, wedding ring is the exact opposite of engagement ring in terms of design and finish as it is often plain and simple, or sometimes appear as less accentuated with gemstones. However, there are also couples that make use of fine diamond jewelry for their wedding bands, though this rarely happens as the plain design of such ring symbolizes the sanctity of marriage. Both the wedding and engagement bands are traditionally worn on the left finger between the index and pinkie fingers as it is believed that the said finger contain the vena amori or the vein directly connected to the heart. However, there are also cultures that traditionally wear their wedding and engagement bands on the right hand, specifically on the right ring finger.

Commonly, wedding and engagement bands are separately purchased. They may also come as a set, which is why a wedding ring can also be as elaborate as the engagement ring. However, if you are to purchase each piece separately, remember that you are going to wear them everyday, so when you select the shape of the stone always consider your lifestyle. Diamond may be hard, but it is most likely to chip off or break especially if its edges are pointed; it would be more appropriate to pick bands that have round brilliant cut stones embedded in them as they are more likely to last longer.

Overall, no other jewelry best represents engagement and marriage than the wedding ring and the engagement ring. They vary greatly in terms of function, purpose and design. Setting aside their differences though, what is apparent is that they share the same concept of undying love and commitment, apparently shown from their round shape that has no beginning and no end as well as the materials used to develop them. They also function as material seals that strengthen their vows and the symbolic meaning and sentimentality of the couple's devotion for each other.

Wedding ring and engagement ring are important fixtures in the relationship of couples. An engagement ring is an indication of the engaged status of couple. It is usually more expensive than the wedding ring as it is commonly made from fine diamond jewelry with round brilliant cut and side gemstones. Wedding bands on the other hand are exchanged by couples during the wedding ceremony to seal their marital vows and are simple in design and finish.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Simple Guidelines On Buying Diamond Jewelry Gifts

So, you are a young man in love, with that burning desire in your heart to offer your bride-to-be a diamond ring and ask her to marry you. The idea seems simple enough; you'd go to a jewelry store, select a diamond worthy for your beloved, pay for it and you're ready to go. Unfortunately though, this isn't always the case because when you see the price tag of your prospective sparkler, you might think twice before you actually get your hands on those sparkly diamond jewelry gifts. If you have the intention to purchase a diamond in the near future, it is important that you know the tricks of the trade for you to take charge of your transactions and get a run for your money.

According to Fred Cuellar, gemologist and one of the world's top diamond experts, there are basically four things that a consumer has to remember when he or she intends to purchase diamond jewelry gifts, and these could be summarized as BEST: B-budget, E-expectations, S-savvy, and T-timetable. In terms of budget, you should try to figure out first how much you intend to spend on buying diamond, and you should stick to that budget outlay; a month's salary could already be a good starting point. As for expectations, it is advised for you to know and understand the needs and wants of the person to whom you're about to present the diamond; by doing this you would have a feel of what diamond type would be appropriate for that person. Being savvy requires you to know the given cost of diamond in the market and the best designs available, as they say knowledge is power; and for the element of timetable, you must have a laid plan about when and where you intend to give the diamond, do not haste things and be sure to give yourself enough time to analyze things.

Since you are now aware of the general basics, you should also consider where to buy your sparklers. There are two options available for you to be able to secure your diamond jewelry gifts: go online or visit your local jewelry stores. Buying online is a practical way to secure your diamond without the need to drive around since everything you need is just a click away; however, you should also consider the drawbacks associated with this practice, first you can't appraise the jewelry and second you don't know with whom you are transacting with; if this option is good enough for you, it is crucial for you to do an intensive background check so that you can be assured that you would really get the diamond you are about to purchase. The second option which is to check on your local jewelry shops is still the best because aside from the fact that you could personally appraise the diamond, the jewelers could also assist you on your purchasing decisions.

As for the diamond, always remember the 4Cs: clarity, color, cut and carat; all of which are important elements that determine the real value of sparklers. Clarity refers to the absence and presence of blemishes and inclusion in a diamond. Different types of diamond are assigned with clarity grades that may range from flawless to obvious inclusions. In fact, there are so-called clarity enhanced sparklers that are treated to reduce their imperfections via irradiation, filling imperfections, or laser drilling, but they are cheaper than diamond pieces that aren't treated.

Sparklers come in a whole range of colors; however, colored diamond pieces are very rare and expensive that they are not usually available in local jewelry stores rather white and yellow diamond pieces are the most common, between the two however, it is always preferable to pick the whiter ones. This is because the yellow coloring of sparklers came from nitrogen which affect their sharp and sparkly features; hence, as a rule of thumb, the yellower the diamond, the cheaper it becomes. In terms of cut, sparklers may come in a whole range of shapes including round brilliant cut, box, marquise, and pear to name a few. When you look at the cut always remember that aside from indicating the stone's shape, it also determines how sparkly your diamond could become.

Aside from being clear and white, a diamond cannot be considered as a diamond unless it sparkles, which could only be achieved by properly cutting it. Though cut is extremely difficult to evaluate, you could be able to do this by identifying three of its characteristics: brilliance, fire and scintillation; but if you want to take a short cut, the standard round brilliant cut is probably the best choice as all the other cut are considered as fancy shapes. Lastly, carat determines the standard unit weight of sparklers. Most diamond pieces utilized for fine jewelry are often one carat or less in weight.

Purchasing diamond jewelry gifts is a daunting task. Hence, it is always best to be an informed buyer in order to get the most out of your money. Not because a diamond is round brilliant cut doesn't mean it's already a good purchase. Remember that there are still three remaining Cs that you have to consider. A clarity enhanced diamond might be inexpensive but also consider the quality. Educating oneself is a good way to make the right purchasing decisions.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Fine Jewelry: The Perfect Gift For Any Occasion

Fine jewelry signifies items that are utilized as personal adornments like earrings, bracelets, necklaces and brooches. Jewelry can be made from various materials including precious metals, gemstones and seashells. Ever since the prehistoric period, jewelry has arrested the attention of humans, and this perspective is still applicable to date. In fact, we use different kinds of jewelry pieces for our daily activities.

Fine jewelry pieces serves the purpose of the perfect gifts for different occasions. This is due to their ability to encompass fashion sensitivity, which simply translates to their capability to maintain their timelessness and their ability to synthesize different aspects of the society. One perfect example of this is in the form of engagement and wedding rings which have long been used as tokens to represent two important life occasions""engagement and wedding. Jewelry can also be symbolic of group membership; for instance in many organizations worldwide the use of rings or pins is common to denote their membership to a certain group or as a welcoming item for new members.

At the moment, fine jewelry pieces come in a whole range of styles and finishes available for both men and women. For women jewelry choices can be in the form of necklaces, earrings, brooches, bracelets as well as rings. For men usual jewelry pieces includes cuff links, tie accessories, watches, customized rings and necklaces as well as money clips. Over the years, the prices and designs of jewelry pieces have profoundly changed in order to complement different cultural and occasional situations.

If you are searching for the ideal gift items, jewelry pieces with gemstones is a good choice. Loose diamonds are the most preferable gemstones to accentuate jewelry pieces because they are widely available, cost efficient, and goes well with any jewelry design and occasions. If you're planning to propose to your loved one, the best way to do so is to give her a ring with loose sparklers. This is the most exemplary means to tell her how much you value her love, as the ring itself is already representative of your unending commitment, and the diamonds would justify your indestructible love for her.

Earrings, bracelets or necklaces with loose diamonds are also good choices for that special gift as you can rarely go wrong when it comes to design. These jewelry pieces are crafted perfectly for female members of the family such as your sister or mother that could be given to them during their birthdays or during special events in their lives. Aside from the dainty selection available, their use are never limited to certain occasions but can actually be utilized on a daily basis. Surely, loose sparklers are guaranteed to improve the look of jewelry and make it appear timeless and usable.

If you're a woman and would like to give something different to your father on father's day or maybe your husband during your anniversary, a simple cuff link is the most appropriate choice for you. Basically, there are no restrictions when it comes to the motifs of cuff links as they best represent the characteristics of men. For instance a simple round cut matt silver cuff link that has loose sparklers in it can symbolize the reticence of a man. Generally, jewelry of all sorts are the best gift ideas because they never ran out of style, they encapsulate your emotions in a small but meaningful package and most importantly they strikingly represent the personality of the person to whom you are going to give such special gift.

Fine jewelry pieces have long been used as tokens due to their timeless appeal and rich symbolic value. In fact they are considered as the perfect gift ideas for all occasions. To further improve the appeal of these items however, gemstones like loose diamonds in differing cut are incorporated. Round cut loose sparklers for instance is widely used are adornments for three stoned engagement or wedding rings.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Engagement Rings: How To Find Quality Diamond Rings

Diamonds can last forever. Loose diamonds are admired for their astonishing and compelling beauty. These precious gems are meant to remain elegant as ever even after a long time.It is a universal belief in almost all cultures across the world that diamonds are ideal for engagement rings since these gems are symbols for eternity.Furthermore, aside from being a symbol of undying love, diamond rings have also become status symbols. What made them very special is their expensive cost and the value they currently hold, and as a result, diamonds have become a luxury for many people.

Not too many people have the financial capability to afford diamond rings.This is one of the apparent reasons why diamond engagement rings are perfect for surprising your soon to be wife and loved ones. As a representation of your endless and unequaled love, it would be a great idea if you would surprise your bride to be with a diamond engagement ring. A diamond engagement ring can help you make your marriage proposal a more special and treasured one, both for you and your bride to be.

However, before you move on with your plan of purchasing a diamond ring for your proposal, it is recommended that you educate yourself first with what to look for in diamond jewelry. Since diamonds are all but expensive commodities; it is recommended that you acquaint yourself with the ways on how to find quality diamonds. Getting the necessary education and guidance in getting the right type of diamond jewelry can help you maximize the huge amount of money you are about to spend. Moreover, it can help you find out the appropriate variety of diamond jewelry that can effectively suit your bride's style and preference.

Buying a diamond ring to surprise your bride to be is a task you have to do by yourself. In choosing a diamond engagement ring, it is vital to remember several factors such as the ring size, the style and the type of metal.The first thing to remember is the ring size to make sure that your effort and the money you spent will not go into waste.You have to be sure that the diamond ring you are about to purchase can fit perfectly into the ring finger of your bride to be.In doing this, you have to consider the ways on how to determine the ring size of your future wife or you can just tell the jeweler about her body type and size.

The style of the ring is also an important factor in finding the right type of diamond jewelry. Diamond rings can be purchased in varying cuts, styles and colors. Classic solitaire diamonds are the most popular while colored diamonds are among the trendiest and unique. The tiffany style is recommended for a classic look while the invisible style can imbibe a more modern and current appeal.In addition, your choice of ring should depend on the personality of your bride to be. It is also important that the diamond is certified by diamond grading experts.

One of the crucial things to bear in mind in buying a diamond ring is the type of metal present.You can select from a wide array of metals available in the market such as yellow, white gold and platinum.In choosing the metal type of the ring, you have to be cautious of your budget and the type of diamond that will be accompanied by the metal.White gold and platinum metals are the best choices for colored diamonds.

Diamonds are symbols of an eternal love which makes them fit perfectly in engagement rings. Diamond rings including loose diamonds are status symbols for many people and a symbol of eternity, which makes them special. Diamond engagement rings are perfect for surprising a loved one and for marriage proposals. In choosing a diamond engagement ring, it is important to consider several factors such as the ring size, the style, the type of metal and the required certifications.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Diamond engagement ring and wedding bands for the true, loving couple

For most couples, exchanging marriage vows is the ultimate expression of true love they wish to reach in their relationship. A couple decides to take the next step after one of them proposes, usually asking the "Will you" question with a ring.The symbolic token before marriage can be a promise ring, a simple engagement ring or the traditional diamond engagement ring. More than that, it is a symbol of a pre-marriage vow that they are ready to share their life with the other under death to them part.

Many guys who have gone through the engagement ring shopping before can attest that it is not an easy task.Of course, it is always easier if the couples shop together, but that is not always the case. Cost aside, there are so many things to consider such as the style and material of the ring's band and gemstone. And then there is the cut and clarity of the gemstone, its carat weight, color and the design of the ring itself. One of the popular designs is the trinity ring, a three-stone diamond engagement ring said to symbolize the couple's past, present and future.

Unlike women, men usually has a wedding band that was also his engagement band. Meanwhile, women has a different ring for engagement and wedding, although many had chosen to wield these two together after the wedding for practical purposes.Looking at it, we are talking three rings, at the very least, for the couple. While these are usually bought separately, many jewelry sellers offer jewelry wedding bands sets which include a mens wedding band, a ladies engagement ring and a ladies wedding ring as matched set.

Marriage signifies a love that lasts forever - that's why there is no other gemstone that would be a perfect representation of this marriage than a diamond. Diamonds are the most popular and preferred gemstone for engagement rings and marriage rings because of its breathtaking beauty and natural characteristic of being the hardest mineral. It is the number 1 in the ranking of hardness minerals in the Mohs scale of mineral harness, a method used in comparing hardness of stones.In addition, a diamond ring is a good investment because of its resistance to scratches makes it perfect for daily wear.

A diamond engagement ring can be within your reach as long as you set a budget to strictly follow.Diamond, because it is a high-priced, precious commodity, can increase the cost of an engagement ring. Simple rings could be bought at a few hundred dollars, but the average price of a diamond ring is between $3,500 and $4,000. As long as you stick to your budget, you can then feel free to choose among the many styles and design to buy your girlfriend.Because in the end, no matter how big or small the diamond is, its what the ring represents that matters for a real loving couple.

When planning a wedding and getting ready for marriage, the last thing you want is to get into a huge debt. There are online shops and jewelry stores to guide you in picking the best ring at a price you can afford.Also, consider buying jewelry wedding bands in a set since these usually come in cheaper. Lastly, enjoy shopping! This should be an exciting moment for the buyer as much as it will be for the recipient of the ultimate question and the engagement ring.

A diamond engagement ring is a promise of a lasting and loving life together for a couple. Diamonds are the common gemstone used in marriage rings because it is the hardest mineral, making it a perfect part of a ring that symbolizes strong love and commitment. But diamond rings can be tough on the wallet, that's why many couples decide to purchase a jewelry wedding bands in matching sets, as these often come cheaper. But no matter the cost of your wedding rings, the important thing is to make the marriage work and to keep the love alive forever.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Cheap Diamonds: How To Make The Most Out Of Your Tight Budget

The diamond remains as one of the most coveted gems in history. As a matter of fact, the diamond has been used as a symbol of many wonderful concepts like power, love, invincibility, refinement and more. Due to the acknowledgment given to such gemstone, along with the controversies surrounding its mining process, purchasing and owning a flawless diamond would definitely cost a person his fortune. If you are looking for means to buy cheap diamond, there are certain ways that you can do to get one.

As a good start, try going online and look for online jewelry shops that sell inexpensive jewelry pieces. Purchasing diamonds online is a good option because compared to local jewelry stores that incur additional costs on their products as a form of coverage for their overhead expenses, online jewelry stores offer competitive pricing without extra charges often induced by overhead expenses, except of course for the shipping and handling fees as well as taxes. It also preferable to participate in online diamond auctions that are frequently facilitated by jewelers. Purchasing online saves you money, time and energy.

If you have no problem buying pre-owned items, another option that you can go for is to drop by at stores that offer discounted or inexpensive jewelry pieces. Pawnshops and thrift shops are stores that often sell pre-owned jewelry pieces. However, if you intend to go for this option you must have the right knowledge about sparklers so that you will know if the gemstones you are about to buy are real or fake. Likewise, be prepared to get a bit disappointed because at most times you might leave a shop without any purchase, but if you're lucky enough you can get a good deal for sparklers that are still in good condition or you can even get rare pieces for that matter.

Another reliable approach you can do to secure a cheap diamond is to purchase loose diamond. A loose diamond is economical because aside from being a real sparkler it hasn't been used for any jewelry production process; therefore you can buy it in its purest state. Unlike a diamond that is already set on jewelry, buying loose diamond won't cost you that much because you don't have to pay for the metal used to make the jewelry where the diamond is mounted on, the services, warranty coverage, gift casing and more. With loose diamonds, you have the option to customize your jewelry according to your own preference.

Downgrading is also preferable to get cheap diamond. By downgrading the 4Cs of you sparkler, you can create significant changes on the price of the diamond you want to buy. If you're worried that downgrading can alter the quality of your diamond, don't fret because downgrading only induces very little or no discernible reduction on the quality of a sparkler. Downgrading can be as simple as purchasing an eye-clear clarity grade diamond or buying a sparkler that has a carat grade lower than exact half numbers or full numbers.

Finally, you can simply go for clarity enhanced diamonds which are also referred to as treated diamonds. Try to remember that all diamonds, with an exemption for the very rare and flawless ones, have character flaws called inclusion or imperfection. If you are wondering what an inclusion is, it is the determining factor of the clarity grade of a diamond. Hence, when you speak of treated sparklers they have imperfections that were corrected by differing processes such as irradiation, filling imperfections and laser drilling to name a few; however, it must also be taken into account that these enhancements does not totally ruin the quality of diamonds, but they make such gemstones relatively inexpensive.

Inexpensive jewelry pieces are hard to find nowadays, unless you wanted to settle for something that is low on quality. However, when it comes to gemstones, you can purchase cheap diamond in the form of clarity enhanced diamonds. Although they don't exemplify the same quality as that of flawless diamonds, these touched-up pieces are also good finds because aside from their low price tags, their enhancements are truly hard to discern by untrained eyes.

-Lorraine Jacobs