Friday, December 15, 2006

The Gemstone And Their Meanings

In most traditional relationships, women expect their man to give them gifts of jewelry, and the men do so. Today, more women are paying special attention to giving jewelry to their men than ever before.

Giving jewelry to your spouse or romantic partner has always been a popular gift. Often holidays like Christmas, anniversaries and Valentine’s Day prompt men to run to the jewelry store for something shiny and expensive. Imagine how much more valued this gift would be if given without a major holiday attached to it. Why not give your partner jewelry for no particular reason, other than love?

Diamonds are always popular when it comes to choosing jewelry, other gemstones or simply silver and gold can be just as popular. You probably know that each month has a gemstone that represents it, and those gemstones each have a symbolic meaning. If you really want to blow your partner away, select your jewelry for it’s significance to a particular month (birthday or anniversary for example) or for another more personal meaning.

Here’s a brief look at the gemstone for each month and their meanings.

January – garnet, represents faith and stability and is available in many colors, except blue
February – amethyst, represents sincerity and happiness and is royal purple in color
March – aquamarine, represents hope and bravery and is a blue-green or sea-green color
April – diamond, representing joy and innocence
May – emerald, represents peace and tranquility and is always green
June – pearl, standing for wisdom and pureness
July – ruby, represents passion and nobility and is always a beautiful red
August – peridot, stands for patience and has a yellowish-green color
September – sapphire, represents honesty and hope and is available in a variety of shades of blue
October – opal or tourmaline, represents confidence and sweet love
November – topaz or citrine, stands for friendship and faithfulness and both are brown through orange or yellow
December – turquoise, represents understanding and success. In 2002, the AGTA added Tanzanite as another December birthstone


As with any gift from the heart, presentation can count nearly as much as the gift. How would you feel if your beloved just tossed you the diamond ring and said “Gotcha something?” Now, what if they went to some amount of effort to present it to you? There movies and personal stories everywhere about how people have presented a special piece of jewelry to their spouse. Believe it or not, food is one of the most popular methods! People tend to place rings in champagne or other clear beverages or bake it into their special person’s favorite pie or cake. What is often left out of these stories is the precautions you need to take. Make sure your loved one doesn’t actually eat your gift, or worse, choke on it. Next, check with your jeweler about any physical precautions. Champagne will actually dissolve pearls and if you baked a ruby it may crack!

Giving the gift of a lifetime is a significant investment, and you shouldn’t enter into it lightly. Do your research, make sure you know what you’re buying, and how to make a good decision.
You can visit the website for the Jewelry Information Center at www.jic.org for free advice on a variety of jewelry related topics.


About Author
Jeff Rose has published an eBook on returning the romance to a marriage entitled 'The Magic Marriage.' Check out the free tips available at http://www.magicmarriage.com/tips.htm

The Gemstone And Their Meanings

In most traditional relationships, women expect their man to give them gifts of jewelry, and the men do so. Today, more women are paying special attention to giving jewelry to their men than ever before.

Giving jewelry to your spouse or romantic partner has always been a popular gift. Often holidays like Christmas, anniversaries and Valentine’s Day prompt men to run to the jewelry store for something shiny and expensive. Imagine how much more valued this gift would be if given without a major holiday attached to it. Why not give your partner jewelry for no particular reason, other than love?

Diamonds are always popular when it comes to choosing jewelry, other gemstones or simply silver and gold can be just as popular. You probably know that each month has a gemstone that represents it, and those gemstones each have a symbolic meaning. If you really want to blow your partner away, select your jewelry for it’s significance to a particular month (birthday or anniversary for example) or for another more personal meaning.

Here’s a brief look at the gemstone for each month and their meanings.

January – garnet, represents faith and stability and is available in many colors, except blue
February – amethyst, represents sincerity and happiness and is royal purple in color
March – aquamarine, represents hope and bravery and is a blue-green or sea-green color
April – diamond, representing joy and innocence
May – emerald, represents peace and tranquility and is always green
June – pearl, standing for wisdom and pureness
July – ruby, represents passion and nobility and is always a beautiful red
August – peridot, stands for patience and has a yellowish-green color
September – sapphire, represents honesty and hope and is available in a variety of shades of blue
October – opal or tourmaline, represents confidence and sweet love
November – topaz or citrine, stands for friendship and faithfulness and both are brown through orange or yellow
December – turquoise, represents understanding and success. In 2002, the AGTA added Tanzanite as another December birthstone


As with any gift from the heart, presentation can count nearly as much as the gift. How would you feel if your beloved just tossed you the diamond ring and said “Gotcha something?” Now, what if they went to some amount of effort to present it to you? There movies and personal stories everywhere about how people have presented a special piece of jewelry to their spouse. Believe it or not, food is one of the most popular methods! People tend to place rings in champagne or other clear beverages or bake it into their special person’s favorite pie or cake. What is often left out of these stories is the precautions you need to take. Make sure your loved one doesn’t actually eat your gift, or worse, choke on it. Next, check with your jeweler about any physical precautions. Champagne will actually dissolve pearls and if you baked a ruby it may crack!

Giving the gift of a lifetime is a significant investment, and you shouldn’t enter into it lightly. Do your research, make sure you know what you’re buying, and how to make a good decision.
You can visit the website for the Jewelry Information Center at www.jic.org for free advice on a variety of jewelry related topics.


About Author
Jeff Rose has published an eBook on returning the romance to a marriage entitled 'The Magic Marriage.' Check out the free tips available at http://www.magicmarriage.com/tips.htm

Protect Your Jewelry When Traveling

If you have travel plans in your future, think carefully if you really need to take all your expensive jewelry. The risk of theft, loss and damage increases as soon as you start your trip because you are in new surroundings, doing new activities and often in tourist areas that are the target of pickpockets, thieves and con artists.

If you are traveling out of the country, check to be sure your jewelry insurance covers your property when you are traveling outside the United States. Because the risk of theft is so much higher in foreign countries, some insurance companies only provide domestic coverage.

To avoid inviting crime, plan to dress inconspicuously to blend into the environment, especially when in another country. When traveling internationally, consider taking and wearing no jewelry. Criminals assume all tourists are wealthy so if you choose to wear jewelry, turn rings around so the diamonds are not showing and avoid dangling earrings. Large, expensive-looking jewelry is an attractive target and it is easy to snatch dangling earrings.

It is never wise to put jewelry items in checked baggage, especially with security personnel going through your belongings. The percentage of bags lost by airlines continues to increase and their liability for your lost luggage is very limited. Keep your jewelry and other valuables like money, keys, wallets, tickets, cameras, and medications in your carryon luggage. If airport security requires going through your carryon, request a private place so other travelers will not see your valuables.

Be especially careful with your valuables in hotel rooms because they are open to cleaning personnel several times a day and safes in hotel rooms are not particularly secure. How many times have you walked by hotel rooms with doors wide open and cleaning crews not visible? Professional criminals know the cleaning procedures and can quickly enter your room when cleaning service personnel are not looking.

If you do not put your jewelry in your luggage or leave it in your hotel room, that means you are carrying it with you but that can be a problem at the security checks at airports or when carrying something all day as you travel or are sightseeing. Many valuables disappear after being left for a few moments in a bag at a restaurant, transportation waiting room, restroom, or ticket line. Thieves patiently wait for travelers to let their guard down for just a minute and grab their bag without anyone noticing.

Theft is only one of the risks when traveling. Often a vacation includes some time at the beach, pool or hot tub. The sand and concrete can easily scratch precious metals in jewelry as well as gemstones that are not as hard as diamonds. Chlorine can also weaken and discolor precious metals. Travelers often expose their jewelry to risks they would never think of doing at home.

Carrying jewelry when traveling also needs some special care. Diamonds, gemstones and metal can scratch each other if carried together in a single bag. Place fine jewelry in separate cloth bags or put in separate compartments of a jewelry bag made for travel. Then be sure to carry the jewelry case in a purse or carryon.

The purpose of most vacations is to relax, not to impress the locals, so minimize jewelry when traveling. If you do take jewelry, be aware that you are in new and potentially dangerous surroundings. Take special care of your valuables and enjoy your trip.

More info.

Protect Your Jewelry When Traveling

If you have travel plans in your future, think carefully if you really need to take all your expensive jewelry. The risk of theft, loss and damage increases as soon as you start your trip because you are in new surroundings, doing new activities and often in tourist areas that are the target of pickpockets, thieves and con artists.

If you are traveling out of the country, check to be sure your jewelry insurance covers your property when you are traveling outside the United States. Because the risk of theft is so much higher in foreign countries, some insurance companies only provide domestic coverage.

To avoid inviting crime, plan to dress inconspicuously to blend into the environment, especially when in another country. When traveling internationally, consider taking and wearing no jewelry. Criminals assume all tourists are wealthy so if you choose to wear jewelry, turn rings around so the diamonds are not showing and avoid dangling earrings. Large, expensive-looking jewelry is an attractive target and it is easy to snatch dangling earrings.

It is never wise to put jewelry items in checked baggage, especially with security personnel going through your belongings. The percentage of bags lost by airlines continues to increase and their liability for your lost luggage is very limited. Keep your jewelry and other valuables like money, keys, wallets, tickets, cameras, and medications in your carryon luggage. If airport security requires going through your carryon, request a private place so other travelers will not see your valuables.

Be especially careful with your valuables in hotel rooms because they are open to cleaning personnel several times a day and safes in hotel rooms are not particularly secure. How many times have you walked by hotel rooms with doors wide open and cleaning crews not visible? Professional criminals know the cleaning procedures and can quickly enter your room when cleaning service personnel are not looking.

If you do not put your jewelry in your luggage or leave it in your hotel room, that means you are carrying it with you but that can be a problem at the security checks at airports or when carrying something all day as you travel or are sightseeing. Many valuables disappear after being left for a few moments in a bag at a restaurant, transportation waiting room, restroom, or ticket line. Thieves patiently wait for travelers to let their guard down for just a minute and grab their bag without anyone noticing.

Theft is only one of the risks when traveling. Often a vacation includes some time at the beach, pool or hot tub. The sand and concrete can easily scratch precious metals in jewelry as well as gemstones that are not as hard as diamonds. Chlorine can also weaken and discolor precious metals. Travelers often expose their jewelry to risks they would never think of doing at home.

Carrying jewelry when traveling also needs some special care. Diamonds, gemstones and metal can scratch each other if carried together in a single bag. Place fine jewelry in separate cloth bags or put in separate compartments of a jewelry bag made for travel. Then be sure to carry the jewelry case in a purse or carryon.

The purpose of most vacations is to relax, not to impress the locals, so minimize jewelry when traveling. If you do take jewelry, be aware that you are in new and potentially dangerous surroundings. Take special care of your valuables and enjoy your trip.

More info.

Jewelry insurance

Jewelry insurance comes in many forms and varieties and only an insurance agent can provide accurate and specific advice. However, it helps to know enough about jewelry insurance to ask your agent the right questions and to be aware of how the process works. The time to ask your insurance agent the questions is before you insure an item, not when you need to file a claim. Read the fine print in your insurance contract to be sure it provides the coverage you expect.

Understanding jewelry insurance begins with recognizing the difference between scheduled and unscheduled property.

Unscheduled property (jewelry not specifically listed) is typically included in basic homeowner or renter’s policies under blanket coverage. There is a usually a deductible (typically $500) and a maximum amount of coverage (typically $1500) although these amounts can vary with the specific policy. This type of coverage does not require an appraisal but sales receipts, written descriptions or photos are beneficial in proving the items existed and estimating their replacement value.

Scheduled property (jewelry specifically listed) is included in a floater, rider or endorsement to homeowner or renter’s policies. Jewelry insurance is also available with a separate policy, from a company specializing in jewelry insurance. For scheduled property, the insurance appraisal is vital because it describes the jewelry item and provides the “insured value” that is used in determining the premium you will pay to insure the item each year. Most scheduled property policies do not have an automatic appreciation adjustment as is common for the house and other unscheduled property. Therefore, even if it might cost 50% more to replace an item in five years, the “insured value” is still only that stated in the appraisal.

If you file an insurance claim, the settlement process and amount paid will depend on the policy and in particular, if the policy allows replacement or agreed value settlement. For agreed value policies, the settlement amount is stated in the policy whereas replacement value allows the insurance company to replace your jewelry or make a cash settlement based on the insurance company’s cost to replace your item. The insurance company’s liability ceiling is set at the “insured value” on the appraisal.

Do you have enough jewelry insurance? The answer depends on what kind of policy you have, the “insured value” is on the appraisal, the settlement procedure is for your particular policy, and the accuracy of the information on your appraisal. If you have a jewelry item valued at more than the $1500, you should definitely consider scheduled as opposed to unscheduled coverage.

The critical issue for scheduled property coverage is the how accurate is the information on the appraisal.

1) If the information on the appraisal is vague and general, the insurance company can replace the item with an item that satisfies the description but perhaps is not the quality and true value of the lost item. Be sure your jewelry appraisal has a detailed and accurate description of the jewelry item.

2) If the appraisal value is artificially high, the insurance company can replace the item at their cost even though the client paid premiums for years on a value twice as much. This is often the case for purchases from a jewelry store with prices double other retailers and the store provides an insurance appraisal even higher than the purchase price. You do not need an appraised value more than 150% of the price you would pay at low priced online retailer.

3) If the appraisal value is too low, the insurance company can make cash settlement that might not cover the current replacement cost of the item. This could be the case for items purchased three or four years ago from a low price online retailer and the appraised value was at or below the purchase price. With diamond prices increasing about 10% a year recently, it does not take long for appraisal values to be out of date if too close to online retail purchase prices. Be sure to have your jewelry insurance appraisal updated every four or five years so you do not end up under insured.

About Auther

Jewelry insurance

Jewelry insurance comes in many forms and varieties and only an insurance agent can provide accurate and specific advice. However, it helps to know enough about jewelry insurance to ask your agent the right questions and to be aware of how the process works. The time to ask your insurance agent the questions is before you insure an item, not when you need to file a claim. Read the fine print in your insurance contract to be sure it provides the coverage you expect.

Understanding jewelry insurance begins with recognizing the difference between scheduled and unscheduled property.

Unscheduled property (jewelry not specifically listed) is typically included in basic homeowner or renter’s policies under blanket coverage. There is a usually a deductible (typically $500) and a maximum amount of coverage (typically $1500) although these amounts can vary with the specific policy. This type of coverage does not require an appraisal but sales receipts, written descriptions or photos are beneficial in proving the items existed and estimating their replacement value.

Scheduled property (jewelry specifically listed) is included in a floater, rider or endorsement to homeowner or renter’s policies. Jewelry insurance is also available with a separate policy, from a company specializing in jewelry insurance. For scheduled property, the insurance appraisal is vital because it describes the jewelry item and provides the “insured value” that is used in determining the premium you will pay to insure the item each year. Most scheduled property policies do not have an automatic appreciation adjustment as is common for the house and other unscheduled property. Therefore, even if it might cost 50% more to replace an item in five years, the “insured value” is still only that stated in the appraisal.

If you file an insurance claim, the settlement process and amount paid will depend on the policy and in particular, if the policy allows replacement or agreed value settlement. For agreed value policies, the settlement amount is stated in the policy whereas replacement value allows the insurance company to replace your jewelry or make a cash settlement based on the insurance company’s cost to replace your item. The insurance company’s liability ceiling is set at the “insured value” on the appraisal.

Do you have enough jewelry insurance? The answer depends on what kind of policy you have, the “insured value” is on the appraisal, the settlement procedure is for your particular policy, and the accuracy of the information on your appraisal. If you have a jewelry item valued at more than the $1500, you should definitely consider scheduled as opposed to unscheduled coverage.

The critical issue for scheduled property coverage is the how accurate is the information on the appraisal.

1) If the information on the appraisal is vague and general, the insurance company can replace the item with an item that satisfies the description but perhaps is not the quality and true value of the lost item. Be sure your jewelry appraisal has a detailed and accurate description of the jewelry item.

2) If the appraisal value is artificially high, the insurance company can replace the item at their cost even though the client paid premiums for years on a value twice as much. This is often the case for purchases from a jewelry store with prices double other retailers and the store provides an insurance appraisal even higher than the purchase price. You do not need an appraised value more than 150% of the price you would pay at low priced online retailer.

3) If the appraisal value is too low, the insurance company can make cash settlement that might not cover the current replacement cost of the item. This could be the case for items purchased three or four years ago from a low price online retailer and the appraised value was at or below the purchase price. With diamond prices increasing about 10% a year recently, it does not take long for appraisal values to be out of date if too close to online retail purchase prices. Be sure to have your jewelry insurance appraisal updated every four or five years so you do not end up under insured.

About Auther

Women's Guide to Getting Their Dream Diamond Engagement Ring

How can women get their dream diamond engagement ring when it is the boyfriend making the purchase and wanting it to be a surprise? To find the answer you need to understand your man’s thought process. After all, he is shopping for a diamond, the symbol of his love for you.

The man shopping for an engagement diamond has three primary shopping priorities:

1) They want to make a good investment
2) They want to make you happy
3) They fear disappointing you or worse yet, rejection

On all three points, men act out of fear of making a mistake. Their pride and desire to surprise their girlfriend typically prohibit them from asking the woman’s advice. As men so often do, they try to apply logic to what is a very emotional decision.

Most men attack diamond shopping the same as any other problem they face. They research the subject, gather all the facts (often in a spreadsheet), and then make a logical decision. They assume you will have the same priorities they have so they focus on what will be a good investment. They seek a high quality diamond fearing that anything less will as somehow imply some lower level of love.

The man’s first stop is often the jewelry store in the closest shopping mall. They walk in the door and realize they just entered a world foreign to them. They look at rings in the display cases and see more zeros in the price tag than they have seen since they bought their car. Their heart starts pounding as they realize they have to spend thousands of dollars on a tiny little rock they know nothing about, then give it away to someone else or worse yet, face rejection.

Now their legs are shaking so they decide they need to do more research and do it in a friendlier environment. They head home, turn on the computer, and start searching online for clues on how to survive the diamond buying process. Their goal is to find a pretty ring their girlfriend will like and have a few dollars left in their pocket. They feel more comfortable with the discussions of the four C’s (color, clarity, carat weight and cut) where they can match up those letter grades with their budget to find some possible options. However, with a little knowledge comes the sinking feeling that there is a whole lot more for them to learn in order to protect themselves from making an expensive mistake. They become even more determined not to make a mistake so they spend the next weeks and months gathering ever fact and opinion they can find on diamond buying. It is almost like trying to get a drink from a fire hydrant. There is just too much to drink in.

It is at this stage of the shopping process men sometimes forget the reason they started on this adventure in the first place. They can lose sight of the fact that their primary goal is to make their girlfriend happy.

If you are a woman, by now you are probably getting the picture. However, you are asking yourself, what should I do to help ensure the diamond of my dreams and the proposal moment as romantic as I hope?

Here are some suggestions that can help make your dreams come true:

1) Do some shopping yourself so you can tell your boyfriend what shape of diamond you like best on your finger. Do not leave it up to him to guess wrong.

2) If you sense this is going to be mostly a surprise gift, drop some subtle hints about what kind of mounting (solitaire, side stones, etc.) you want for your diamond. If you do not know, hint you want something very simple so he does not make an expensive mistake.

3) If you have a strong preference for the type of metal in the ring (yellow gold, white gold, platinum), find a way to tell him.

4) If you have the type of relationship that supports it, get involved in the diamond buying process. There are more couples shopping together for the engagement ring now than ever before and the result is often higher levels of happiness and lower levels of stress.

Many couples now shop together so the boyfriend knows what shape of diamond the girlfriend likes, knows what style of mounting she likes and then he takes that knowledge to buy the ring on his own timetable and make the presentation a surprise.

The bottom line is your man is trying, to the best of his ability, to do all the right things to make you happy. You just need to be patient and try to appreciate the effort he is making on your behalf. If you would like to see this diamond gift giving repeated, then by all means tell him how proud you are of his research show him how much you love that sparkling diamond on your finger.

Author

Women's Guide to Getting Their Dream Diamond Engagement Ring

How can women get their dream diamond engagement ring when it is the boyfriend making the purchase and wanting it to be a surprise? To find the answer you need to understand your man’s thought process. After all, he is shopping for a diamond, the symbol of his love for you.

The man shopping for an engagement diamond has three primary shopping priorities:

1) They want to make a good investment
2) They want to make you happy
3) They fear disappointing you or worse yet, rejection

On all three points, men act out of fear of making a mistake. Their pride and desire to surprise their girlfriend typically prohibit them from asking the woman’s advice. As men so often do, they try to apply logic to what is a very emotional decision.

Most men attack diamond shopping the same as any other problem they face. They research the subject, gather all the facts (often in a spreadsheet), and then make a logical decision. They assume you will have the same priorities they have so they focus on what will be a good investment. They seek a high quality diamond fearing that anything less will as somehow imply some lower level of love.

The man’s first stop is often the jewelry store in the closest shopping mall. They walk in the door and realize they just entered a world foreign to them. They look at rings in the display cases and see more zeros in the price tag than they have seen since they bought their car. Their heart starts pounding as they realize they have to spend thousands of dollars on a tiny little rock they know nothing about, then give it away to someone else or worse yet, face rejection.

Now their legs are shaking so they decide they need to do more research and do it in a friendlier environment. They head home, turn on the computer, and start searching online for clues on how to survive the diamond buying process. Their goal is to find a pretty ring their girlfriend will like and have a few dollars left in their pocket. They feel more comfortable with the discussions of the four C’s (color, clarity, carat weight and cut) where they can match up those letter grades with their budget to find some possible options. However, with a little knowledge comes the sinking feeling that there is a whole lot more for them to learn in order to protect themselves from making an expensive mistake. They become even more determined not to make a mistake so they spend the next weeks and months gathering ever fact and opinion they can find on diamond buying. It is almost like trying to get a drink from a fire hydrant. There is just too much to drink in.

It is at this stage of the shopping process men sometimes forget the reason they started on this adventure in the first place. They can lose sight of the fact that their primary goal is to make their girlfriend happy.

If you are a woman, by now you are probably getting the picture. However, you are asking yourself, what should I do to help ensure the diamond of my dreams and the proposal moment as romantic as I hope?

Here are some suggestions that can help make your dreams come true:

1) Do some shopping yourself so you can tell your boyfriend what shape of diamond you like best on your finger. Do not leave it up to him to guess wrong.

2) If you sense this is going to be mostly a surprise gift, drop some subtle hints about what kind of mounting (solitaire, side stones, etc.) you want for your diamond. If you do not know, hint you want something very simple so he does not make an expensive mistake.

3) If you have a strong preference for the type of metal in the ring (yellow gold, white gold, platinum), find a way to tell him.

4) If you have the type of relationship that supports it, get involved in the diamond buying process. There are more couples shopping together for the engagement ring now than ever before and the result is often higher levels of happiness and lower levels of stress.

Many couples now shop together so the boyfriend knows what shape of diamond the girlfriend likes, knows what style of mounting she likes and then he takes that knowledge to buy the ring on his own timetable and make the presentation a surprise.

The bottom line is your man is trying, to the best of his ability, to do all the right things to make you happy. You just need to be patient and try to appreciate the effort he is making on your behalf. If you would like to see this diamond gift giving repeated, then by all means tell him how proud you are of his research show him how much you love that sparkling diamond on your finger.

Author

Red Diamond For Sale

The Argyle Diamond Mine in Australia is famous for being the world’s premier source of pink colored diamonds but it is also the premier source of the few red colored diamonds known to exist. To say that there is only a small number of true natural red colored diamonds is no exaggeration. The number diamonds certified as red is estimated to be less than twenty so it is rare that a red diamond is seen in public, let alone available for sale.

Bruce Robinson Jewellers in Brisbane, Australia recently purchased a red diamond at the 2006 Argyle Pink Diamond Tender, which featured 65 exceptional colored diamonds. While the purchase prices for the diamonds at the tender are confidential, the red diamond is now for sale and expected to demand a very high price.

The 0.54-carat brilliant-cut red diamond, named “The Lady in Red” measures only 5.13 mm and is I1 in clarity meaning it has inclusions visible to the unaided eye. The diamond was a 1.46-carat rough diamond crystal and was cut and polished to its current 0.54-carat weight. In spite of its small size, this diamond will probably be price well over $2 million.

Red diamonds are extremely rare. The last red diamond sold for almost $1 million twenty years ago. Because of their rarity and beauty, several red diamonds are among the most famous diamonds.


Perhaps the most famous of the red colored diamonds is the Moussaieff Red, a 5.11-carat ruby-red diamond making it the largest red colored diamond in the world. Discovered by a farmer in Brazil in the 1990s, the internally flawless 13.90-carat rough crystal was cut by William Goldberg Diamond Corporation. The rare red stone was later sold to the Moussaieff Jewelers for a rumored $8 million.

The second largest red diamond is simply known as Red Diamond and is an emerald cut weighing 5.05 carats. Its current location is unknown.

Another famous diamond is the De Young Red, a 5.03-carat round brilliant that is the third largest red diamond in the world. The De Young Red is on display at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC. At one time it was mistakenly sold as a red garnet because the stone’s subtle brown hue give it an appearance more like a garnet than a rare red colored diamond.

The Hancock (Halphen) Red is an extraordinary deep ruby red making it exceptional among the reds even though it is smaller in carat weight at 0.95-carats. In the 19th century, Edwin Streeter, a diamond dealer in Paris bought the extraordinary red known as the Halphen Red. The stone disappeared from public view and was never seen again. Almost a century later, a collector in England purchased a 0.95-carat red diamond, The Hancock Red, named after its owner Warren Hancock. While there is no proof the two diamonds are in fact the same, the rarity of red diamonds makes it likely they are the same. The purplish-red diamond sold for $926,000 at Christie’s in 1987.

Time will only tell what will happen to “The Lady in Red” that is currently for sale in Brisbane.

Red Diamond For Sale

The Argyle Diamond Mine in Australia is famous for being the world’s premier source of pink colored diamonds but it is also the premier source of the few red colored diamonds known to exist. To say that there is only a small number of true natural red colored diamonds is no exaggeration. The number diamonds certified as red is estimated to be less than twenty so it is rare that a red diamond is seen in public, let alone available for sale.

Bruce Robinson Jewellers in Brisbane, Australia recently purchased a red diamond at the 2006 Argyle Pink Diamond Tender, which featured 65 exceptional colored diamonds. While the purchase prices for the diamonds at the tender are confidential, the red diamond is now for sale and expected to demand a very high price.

The 0.54-carat brilliant-cut red diamond, named “The Lady in Red” measures only 5.13 mm and is I1 in clarity meaning it has inclusions visible to the unaided eye. The diamond was a 1.46-carat rough diamond crystal and was cut and polished to its current 0.54-carat weight. In spite of its small size, this diamond will probably be price well over $2 million.

Red diamonds are extremely rare. The last red diamond sold for almost $1 million twenty years ago. Because of their rarity and beauty, several red diamonds are among the most famous diamonds.


Perhaps the most famous of the red colored diamonds is the Moussaieff Red, a 5.11-carat ruby-red diamond making it the largest red colored diamond in the world. Discovered by a farmer in Brazil in the 1990s, the internally flawless 13.90-carat rough crystal was cut by William Goldberg Diamond Corporation. The rare red stone was later sold to the Moussaieff Jewelers for a rumored $8 million.

The second largest red diamond is simply known as Red Diamond and is an emerald cut weighing 5.05 carats. Its current location is unknown.

Another famous diamond is the De Young Red, a 5.03-carat round brilliant that is the third largest red diamond in the world. The De Young Red is on display at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC. At one time it was mistakenly sold as a red garnet because the stone’s subtle brown hue give it an appearance more like a garnet than a rare red colored diamond.

The Hancock (Halphen) Red is an extraordinary deep ruby red making it exceptional among the reds even though it is smaller in carat weight at 0.95-carats. In the 19th century, Edwin Streeter, a diamond dealer in Paris bought the extraordinary red known as the Halphen Red. The stone disappeared from public view and was never seen again. Almost a century later, a collector in England purchased a 0.95-carat red diamond, The Hancock Red, named after its owner Warren Hancock. While there is no proof the two diamonds are in fact the same, the rarity of red diamonds makes it likely they are the same. The purplish-red diamond sold for $926,000 at Christie’s in 1987.

Time will only tell what will happen to “The Lady in Red” that is currently for sale in Brisbane.

Purchasing An Elegant Diamond Engagement Ring

The absolute best way to show a bride how much she is loved is by choosing or creating a diamond engagement ring that she can adore forever. Creating a beautiful diamond engagement ring entails choosing a high quality diamond and the setting it is placed into. Picking out the setting is purely aesthetic, but to obtain a high quality diamond you must understand the "4C's," cut, color, clarity and carats.

The diamond can be selected first or last, there is no right or wrong order. Some people prefer to choose their diamonds first and then find a setting that will accentuate its beauty. Others choose to pick out the setting initially and then search for a diamond, or diamonds, that will adorn that setting. And there are still others that find it much easier to buy a diamond engagement ring that is already finished completely.

Diamonds all look beautiful. Even cheap diamonds can look elegant and classy. If you want your diamond engagement ring to look as elegant as you-ve always dreamed it would be the most important thing is to locate a fine setting. It-s this choice of setting that will determine whether the finished product is a worthy purchase. Your choice of diamonds and setting is very important because ideally you won-t get a second chance at choosing your diamond engagement ring.

Many women choose diamond engagement rings that have three stone settings. These rings will usually include one center diamond and two smaller offset diamonds. Three stone settings are very popular and can include either prong or bezel settings which can be made of 14k or 18k yellow gold, white gold or platinum.

Some women prefer classic solitaire settings that may include 4 to 6 prongs, bezel or cathedral settings. There is a wide assortment of solitaire settings. As a general rule the more prongs you have the safer the diamond engagement ring sets. You certainly don-t want to lose a diamond because one of the prongs breaks off. So this is something to consider when choosing your setting.

When shopping for a diamond it-s important to purchase a certified stone. A certified diamond has been evaluated by an independent expert that will give it a quality rating for its cut, color, clarity and carats. This is the surest way to purchase a high quality diamond. After finding a center diamond and complimentary diamonds to your liking the next step is to find that beautiful setting you-ve always dreamed of.

Another thing to consider when shopping for a diamond engagement ring is the current trend. Many women will end up purchasing a style of ring that is currently popular only to find out 10 years later that it-s no longer in style. You have to remember that this wedding ring will be worn forever hopefully so choosing a classic style may be more to your liking.

It-s also smart to consider the practicality of the engagement ring. If you plan on wearing the ring daily it may be wise to purchase a sturdier ring that can withstand the daily rigors of your job or activities. You should determine the amount of wear and tear your ring will endure and select a ring that is up to the punishment.

Other things to consider are the metal your wedding band or engagement ring will be made from. Some women prefer the look of yellow gold while others prefer white gold. Some forego gold altogether and go with platinum, a very popular style these days. Or you can go with a combination, a two-tone gold with some yellow and some white. It-s purely a personal preference.

But something to consider is that two-tone gold may be easier to match with other jewelry that you may wear. Another question that brides-to-be often have a hard time deciding is whether or not they should buy a name brand ring or not. It-s usually fairly easy to find comparable rings cheaper if you do not go with a name brand. On the other hand it-s sometimes nice to be able to flaunt an expensive name brand ring. The choice is yours.

About Author
This article is brought to you by My Diamond Engagement Ring, an online source for quality diamond engagement rings. For more information please visit http://www.my-diamond-engagement-ring.com

Purchasing An Elegant Diamond Engagement Ring

The absolute best way to show a bride how much she is loved is by choosing or creating a diamond engagement ring that she can adore forever. Creating a beautiful diamond engagement ring entails choosing a high quality diamond and the setting it is placed into. Picking out the setting is purely aesthetic, but to obtain a high quality diamond you must understand the "4C's," cut, color, clarity and carats.

The diamond can be selected first or last, there is no right or wrong order. Some people prefer to choose their diamonds first and then find a setting that will accentuate its beauty. Others choose to pick out the setting initially and then search for a diamond, or diamonds, that will adorn that setting. And there are still others that find it much easier to buy a diamond engagement ring that is already finished completely.

Diamonds all look beautiful. Even cheap diamonds can look elegant and classy. If you want your diamond engagement ring to look as elegant as you-ve always dreamed it would be the most important thing is to locate a fine setting. It-s this choice of setting that will determine whether the finished product is a worthy purchase. Your choice of diamonds and setting is very important because ideally you won-t get a second chance at choosing your diamond engagement ring.

Many women choose diamond engagement rings that have three stone settings. These rings will usually include one center diamond and two smaller offset diamonds. Three stone settings are very popular and can include either prong or bezel settings which can be made of 14k or 18k yellow gold, white gold or platinum.

Some women prefer classic solitaire settings that may include 4 to 6 prongs, bezel or cathedral settings. There is a wide assortment of solitaire settings. As a general rule the more prongs you have the safer the diamond engagement ring sets. You certainly don-t want to lose a diamond because one of the prongs breaks off. So this is something to consider when choosing your setting.

When shopping for a diamond it-s important to purchase a certified stone. A certified diamond has been evaluated by an independent expert that will give it a quality rating for its cut, color, clarity and carats. This is the surest way to purchase a high quality diamond. After finding a center diamond and complimentary diamonds to your liking the next step is to find that beautiful setting you-ve always dreamed of.

Another thing to consider when shopping for a diamond engagement ring is the current trend. Many women will end up purchasing a style of ring that is currently popular only to find out 10 years later that it-s no longer in style. You have to remember that this wedding ring will be worn forever hopefully so choosing a classic style may be more to your liking.

It-s also smart to consider the practicality of the engagement ring. If you plan on wearing the ring daily it may be wise to purchase a sturdier ring that can withstand the daily rigors of your job or activities. You should determine the amount of wear and tear your ring will endure and select a ring that is up to the punishment.

Other things to consider are the metal your wedding band or engagement ring will be made from. Some women prefer the look of yellow gold while others prefer white gold. Some forego gold altogether and go with platinum, a very popular style these days. Or you can go with a combination, a two-tone gold with some yellow and some white. It-s purely a personal preference.

But something to consider is that two-tone gold may be easier to match with other jewelry that you may wear. Another question that brides-to-be often have a hard time deciding is whether or not they should buy a name brand ring or not. It-s usually fairly easy to find comparable rings cheaper if you do not go with a name brand. On the other hand it-s sometimes nice to be able to flaunt an expensive name brand ring. The choice is yours.

About Author
This article is brought to you by My Diamond Engagement Ring, an online source for quality diamond engagement rings. For more information please visit http://www.my-diamond-engagement-ring.com

Yellow Diamonds Good Luck Diamonds

Yellow Diamonds are cherished gem stones for their gorgeous color, exotic appearance and mystic power. Which diamond

rings look best with yellow diamonds? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Yellow Diamonds are cherished gem stones for their gorgeous color, exotic appearance and mystic power. Which diamond

rings look best with yellow diamonds? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you haven’t seen fancy yellow diamond rings lately, you’re in for a treat. The new diamond rings designs with fancy yellow diamonds are fashionable and alluring.

Mellow Diamonds - Yellow Diamonds


Want to impress people at a party? Wear yell diamond jewelry such as elegant yellow diamond earrings or a yellow diamond pendant, or earrings, etc. . Yellow diamonds are more versatile than other colored diamonds. Compared to other fancy colored diamonds, yellow diamonds are mellow jewelry… they don’t shout “Look at me!” like other fancy colored diamonds and are loyal to their owners. Whereas a fancy green diamond is green with envy over your lover, a fancy yellow diamond will dazzle with delight at your happiness. One thing though, yellow diamonds like to party all night. Is that ok with you? Cool, then wear your favorite yellow diamond ring and to party till dawn (of later)

Buying Tips - Yellow diamonds

Yellow diamonds are judged and sold on the same was as other colored diamonds, on the basis of the four C’s – cut, clarity, color and carat weight. Of these four, the most important is the yellow diamond’s color. Why? Because that’s why you are buying a yellow diamond – for it’s amazing, heart pounding beauty and the magic it bestows on the luck lady (or man) that wears it. Of course, you should take into consideration diamond quality and buy a certified diamond out of common sense. Is owning a fancy yellow diamond about common sense? Of course not! So stop worrying and let your intuition lead you to the

yellow diamond in your life.

Good luck and Yellow Diamonds!


Diamond USA is a leading yellow diamonds wholesaler with its own cutting facilities in-house. All Diamond USA yellow diamonds are certified by EGL or GIA. For more info, visit Diamonds USA .
About Author
Johnny Mayer is a content writer for Compucall Web Marketing, LTD. http://www.compucall.co.il

Yellow Diamonds Good Luck Diamonds

Yellow Diamonds are cherished gem stones for their gorgeous color, exotic appearance and mystic power. Which diamond

rings look best with yellow diamonds? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Yellow Diamonds are cherished gem stones for their gorgeous color, exotic appearance and mystic power. Which diamond

rings look best with yellow diamonds? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you haven’t seen fancy yellow diamond rings lately, you’re in for a treat. The new diamond rings designs with fancy yellow diamonds are fashionable and alluring.

Mellow Diamonds - Yellow Diamonds


Want to impress people at a party? Wear yell diamond jewelry such as elegant yellow diamond earrings or a yellow diamond pendant, or earrings, etc. . Yellow diamonds are more versatile than other colored diamonds. Compared to other fancy colored diamonds, yellow diamonds are mellow jewelry… they don’t shout “Look at me!” like other fancy colored diamonds and are loyal to their owners. Whereas a fancy green diamond is green with envy over your lover, a fancy yellow diamond will dazzle with delight at your happiness. One thing though, yellow diamonds like to party all night. Is that ok with you? Cool, then wear your favorite yellow diamond ring and to party till dawn (of later)

Buying Tips - Yellow diamonds

Yellow diamonds are judged and sold on the same was as other colored diamonds, on the basis of the four C’s – cut, clarity, color and carat weight. Of these four, the most important is the yellow diamond’s color. Why? Because that’s why you are buying a yellow diamond – for it’s amazing, heart pounding beauty and the magic it bestows on the luck lady (or man) that wears it. Of course, you should take into consideration diamond quality and buy a certified diamond out of common sense. Is owning a fancy yellow diamond about common sense? Of course not! So stop worrying and let your intuition lead you to the

yellow diamond in your life.

Good luck and Yellow Diamonds!


Diamond USA is a leading yellow diamonds wholesaler with its own cutting facilities in-house. All Diamond USA yellow diamonds are certified by EGL or GIA. For more info, visit Diamonds USA .
About Author
Johnny Mayer is a content writer for Compucall Web Marketing, LTD. http://www.compucall.co.il

Saturday, December 9, 2006

Guide To Diamond Care

You slip the ring on your finger, or hold the earring up to your ear, and you can’t believe the flashes of light shimmering off that diamond. “It’s stunning,” you think to yourself, “and I don’t ever want to take it off.”
A diamond is a treasure that should last a lifetime, and with the right care and maintenance, so can that incomparable sparkle. At Spence Diamonds, we want you to enjoy your diamond’s sparkling beauty for generations, so here’s a few “dos and don’ts” of caring for your new diamond:
It is okay to:
•Clean your jewelry in warm, soapy water with a soft brush
•Use a mild soap, such as dish soap
•Use products designed specifically for cleaning diamonds (ask us in store for details)
It is not wise to:
•Wear your jewelry when using abrasive cleaning products, or ones that contain bleach or chlorine
•Wear your diamond during manual labour activities, while using heavy equipment, weightlifting or while playing sports (for your own safety as well as that of your jewelry)
The setting of your diamond and the metals used in bands, bracelets and necklaces should be taken into consideration, too. Especially in the case of gold, you want to be sure that the cleaning products you choose won’t tarnish the finish of your precious metals. By following the guidelines above, you should be able to keep your valuables in showroom shape, plus it gives you a perfect use for your old toothbrushes! On that note, its best if you stick to mild soap and water with your toothbrush. Today’s new toothpastes are great for getting your teeth whiter, but are usually much too abrasive for your jewels.
Everyday wear and tear, and even the perspiration and natural oils from your fingers can have an effect on your jewelry’s natural glow over time, so a regular cleaning will ensure that they always look their best.
If you have any questions about the proper care of your jewelry, you can visit any Spence Diamonds showroom. We’d be happy to offer plenty of tips on proper care and maintenance of your jewelry investment.
Author Bio: Author's Website: http://www.spencediamonds.com

Guide To Diamond Care

You slip the ring on your finger, or hold the earring up to your ear, and you can’t believe the flashes of light shimmering off that diamond. “It’s stunning,” you think to yourself, “and I don’t ever want to take it off.”
A diamond is a treasure that should last a lifetime, and with the right care and maintenance, so can that incomparable sparkle. At Spence Diamonds, we want you to enjoy your diamond’s sparkling beauty for generations, so here’s a few “dos and don’ts” of caring for your new diamond:
It is okay to:
•Clean your jewelry in warm, soapy water with a soft brush
•Use a mild soap, such as dish soap
•Use products designed specifically for cleaning diamonds (ask us in store for details)
It is not wise to:
•Wear your jewelry when using abrasive cleaning products, or ones that contain bleach or chlorine
•Wear your diamond during manual labour activities, while using heavy equipment, weightlifting or while playing sports (for your own safety as well as that of your jewelry)
The setting of your diamond and the metals used in bands, bracelets and necklaces should be taken into consideration, too. Especially in the case of gold, you want to be sure that the cleaning products you choose won’t tarnish the finish of your precious metals. By following the guidelines above, you should be able to keep your valuables in showroom shape, plus it gives you a perfect use for your old toothbrushes! On that note, its best if you stick to mild soap and water with your toothbrush. Today’s new toothpastes are great for getting your teeth whiter, but are usually much too abrasive for your jewels.
Everyday wear and tear, and even the perspiration and natural oils from your fingers can have an effect on your jewelry’s natural glow over time, so a regular cleaning will ensure that they always look their best.
If you have any questions about the proper care of your jewelry, you can visit any Spence Diamonds showroom. We’d be happy to offer plenty of tips on proper care and maintenance of your jewelry investment.
Author Bio: Author's Website: http://www.spencediamonds.com

Friday, December 8, 2006

How to Care for Your Jewelry

Jewelry is a substantial investment and therefore great care should be taken to keep your fine metals and gems looking bright and sparkling.
- Remove your jewelry when cooking, deep cleaning or gardening. Chlorine can damage and discolor the mounting on your jewelry.
- Remove jewelry before showering. Soap can cause a film to form on karat gold jewelry making it appear dull and dingy. By preventing the formation of this film you reduce the occasions your jewelry will need to be cleaned.
- For protection of your jewelry and for safety reasons jewelry should be removed when working around machinery with movable parts.
- Have your fine jewelry inspected annually by a professional. Inspection will insure that deep crevices are cleaned and settings are solid and secure preventing loss of valuable stones.
- Clean your jewelry as needed using jewelry cleaner made especially for this purpose or with a non abrasive soap or mixture of ammonia and water mixture. Use caution when cleaning jewelry to avoid damage to your precious metal. A soft chamois cloth is an effective way to keep your pieces shining and your jeweler can give you specific advice as to which commercial cleaners are available and suitable for your needs.
- A soft, discarded toothbrush is ideal for cleaning jewelry as the bristles will get into tiny spaces where dirt likes to hide and the brush accustomed to cleaning delicate surfaces is designed to clean without scratching.
- Sterling silver will oxidize and tarnish unless covered with a protective layer of rhodium to help prevent tarnishing. Over time this covering may breakdown. Commercial polish will restore the original color and luster. However, you may also clean sterling silver by mixing mild soap, water and a drop of ammonia and wipe with a clean soft cloth. Never use vinegar on sterling silver.
- To clean stainless steel simply moisten a cloth with undiluted white or cider vinegar and wipe clean.· Take special care of silver jewelry making sure it does not come into contact with swimming pools, hot tubs or the ocean. Silver will react with chlorine causing discoloration and then there is also the issue of loss at a public pool or in your own filter system.
- Pearls should be kept away from chemicals including hairspray, perfume and detergents. Use fragrance and hair products prior to donning pearls.
Pearls when cleaned should be done so with a mild soapy water solution and rinsed well, never put in an ultrasonic cleaner. Before storing you pearls, wipe them with a soft, damp cloth to ensure that they remain free from any harmful buildup.
Pearls are easily scratched and should be stored in a soft cloth pouch or in a separate lined jewelry box to avoid being bumped by other jewelry. If you wear your pearl strand several times a week, consider having your jeweler restring it once a year to prevent strand breakage. Pearls aren’t just for formal occasions they look just as fashionable when you’re having a “dress down” day.

How to Care for Your Jewelry

Jewelry is a substantial investment and therefore great care should be taken to keep your fine metals and gems looking bright and sparkling.
- Remove your jewelry when cooking, deep cleaning or gardening. Chlorine can damage and discolor the mounting on your jewelry.
- Remove jewelry before showering. Soap can cause a film to form on karat gold jewelry making it appear dull and dingy. By preventing the formation of this film you reduce the occasions your jewelry will need to be cleaned.
- For protection of your jewelry and for safety reasons jewelry should be removed when working around machinery with movable parts.
- Have your fine jewelry inspected annually by a professional. Inspection will insure that deep crevices are cleaned and settings are solid and secure preventing loss of valuable stones.
- Clean your jewelry as needed using jewelry cleaner made especially for this purpose or with a non abrasive soap or mixture of ammonia and water mixture. Use caution when cleaning jewelry to avoid damage to your precious metal. A soft chamois cloth is an effective way to keep your pieces shining and your jeweler can give you specific advice as to which commercial cleaners are available and suitable for your needs.
- A soft, discarded toothbrush is ideal for cleaning jewelry as the bristles will get into tiny spaces where dirt likes to hide and the brush accustomed to cleaning delicate surfaces is designed to clean without scratching.
- Sterling silver will oxidize and tarnish unless covered with a protective layer of rhodium to help prevent tarnishing. Over time this covering may breakdown. Commercial polish will restore the original color and luster. However, you may also clean sterling silver by mixing mild soap, water and a drop of ammonia and wipe with a clean soft cloth. Never use vinegar on sterling silver.
- To clean stainless steel simply moisten a cloth with undiluted white or cider vinegar and wipe clean.· Take special care of silver jewelry making sure it does not come into contact with swimming pools, hot tubs or the ocean. Silver will react with chlorine causing discoloration and then there is also the issue of loss at a public pool or in your own filter system.
- Pearls should be kept away from chemicals including hairspray, perfume and detergents. Use fragrance and hair products prior to donning pearls.
Pearls when cleaned should be done so with a mild soapy water solution and rinsed well, never put in an ultrasonic cleaner. Before storing you pearls, wipe them with a soft, damp cloth to ensure that they remain free from any harmful buildup.
Pearls are easily scratched and should be stored in a soft cloth pouch or in a separate lined jewelry box to avoid being bumped by other jewelry. If you wear your pearl strand several times a week, consider having your jeweler restring it once a year to prevent strand breakage. Pearls aren’t just for formal occasions they look just as fashionable when you’re having a “dress down” day.

The Female Diamond Mindset

The differences between men and women have been made famous by author, John Gray, in his book Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus. The differences between Martians and Venusians are clearly apparent when it comes to a diamond purchase.
Guys, listen closely and we will tell you some secrets that you need to know about Venusians if you want to thrill her with a diamond ring. Venusians are casually interested in diamond quality grades such as color and clarity while Diamond Certificates and Investment value have less meaning. A diamond ring is a gift from the heart with the highest emotional attachment!
When it comes to the diamond, Venusians are interested in three things:
1. Does it look big?
2. Does it sparkle?
3. Does it look big?
We are not necessarily saying Venusians don’t care about quality. But as long as they cannot see any black spots with their naked eye and it does not look yellow, they are not interested in the differences in clarity and color grades, whether it has a certificate, or what store you bought it at.
You need to understand that their emphasis on big size does not mean they are greedy or materialistic. Rather, they view the size of their diamond as a physical sign of your love for her. This becomes very important in the fascinating post-engagement ritual of “let’s compare diamonds.” The very first thing your Venusian will be thinking about after you give her the diamond is, who can she show the ring to? Everyone will be politely saying how beautiful it is while comparing it to their own diamond ring.
One of the most difficult aspects of buying a diamond for a Venusian is the dilemma of trying to make it a surprise and yet making her happy by getting something she absolutely loves. The problem is that you cannot take what your Venusian says literally. If she says “You didn’t have to get me flowers” what she really meant was that she loves the flowers and please keep on surprising me with them. Most Venusians are pleasers and will tell you what they think you want to hear rather than what they really feel.
Venusians are just dying to tell you what size diamond or what kind of mounting they would love, but they fear that would seem too bold, forward, or even just plain greedy. Instead they will make comments like “It doesn’t have to be big” or “I’d be happy with anything you pick out.” Now think about that for a minute. Would you as a Martian like your Venusian to pick out your stereo system, your golf clubs, or your car? An engagement ring is something the Venusian will be wearing every day for years and you want her to be thrilled every time she looks at it. Your goal is to get her the diamond of her dreams, not necessarily what you like.
A word of caution is warranted when casually shopping with your Venusian. By their very nature, Venusians like the sport of shopping. When they walk by a jewelry store in the mall and point to a ring in the window, it does not mean they want that ring on their finger for the rest of their lives. They are pointing out new and unique things, it is you job to be completely clear what shape and size your lady dreams about and make that dream come true!

Thanks! Website: http://www.diamondarticles.com

The Female Diamond Mindset

The differences between men and women have been made famous by author, John Gray, in his book Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus. The differences between Martians and Venusians are clearly apparent when it comes to a diamond purchase.
Guys, listen closely and we will tell you some secrets that you need to know about Venusians if you want to thrill her with a diamond ring. Venusians are casually interested in diamond quality grades such as color and clarity while Diamond Certificates and Investment value have less meaning. A diamond ring is a gift from the heart with the highest emotional attachment!
When it comes to the diamond, Venusians are interested in three things:
1. Does it look big?
2. Does it sparkle?
3. Does it look big?
We are not necessarily saying Venusians don’t care about quality. But as long as they cannot see any black spots with their naked eye and it does not look yellow, they are not interested in the differences in clarity and color grades, whether it has a certificate, or what store you bought it at.
You need to understand that their emphasis on big size does not mean they are greedy or materialistic. Rather, they view the size of their diamond as a physical sign of your love for her. This becomes very important in the fascinating post-engagement ritual of “let’s compare diamonds.” The very first thing your Venusian will be thinking about after you give her the diamond is, who can she show the ring to? Everyone will be politely saying how beautiful it is while comparing it to their own diamond ring.
One of the most difficult aspects of buying a diamond for a Venusian is the dilemma of trying to make it a surprise and yet making her happy by getting something she absolutely loves. The problem is that you cannot take what your Venusian says literally. If she says “You didn’t have to get me flowers” what she really meant was that she loves the flowers and please keep on surprising me with them. Most Venusians are pleasers and will tell you what they think you want to hear rather than what they really feel.
Venusians are just dying to tell you what size diamond or what kind of mounting they would love, but they fear that would seem too bold, forward, or even just plain greedy. Instead they will make comments like “It doesn’t have to be big” or “I’d be happy with anything you pick out.” Now think about that for a minute. Would you as a Martian like your Venusian to pick out your stereo system, your golf clubs, or your car? An engagement ring is something the Venusian will be wearing every day for years and you want her to be thrilled every time she looks at it. Your goal is to get her the diamond of her dreams, not necessarily what you like.
A word of caution is warranted when casually shopping with your Venusian. By their very nature, Venusians like the sport of shopping. When they walk by a jewelry store in the mall and point to a ring in the window, it does not mean they want that ring on their finger for the rest of their lives. They are pointing out new and unique things, it is you job to be completely clear what shape and size your lady dreams about and make that dream come true!

Thanks! Website: http://www.diamondarticles.com

Friday, December 1, 2006

Diamond's Shape

Shape Diamonds do not show all of their beauty as rough stones; instead, they must be cut and polished to exhibit the characteristic fire and brilliance that diamond gemstones are known for. Diamonds are cut into a variety of shapes that are generally designed to accentuate these features. Diamonds which are not cut to the specifications of Tolkowsky's round brilliant shape (or subsequent variations) are known as "fancy cuts." Popular fancy cuts include the baguette (from the French, meaning rod or loaf of bread), marquise, princess (square outline), heart, briolette (a form of the rose cut), and pear cuts. Newer cuts that have been introduced into the jewelry industry are the "cushion" "radiant"(similar to princess cuts, but with rounded edges instead of square edges) and "ascher" cuts. Many fancy colored diamonds are now being cut according to these new styles. Generally speaking, these "fancy cuts" are not held to the same strict standards as Tolkowsky-derived round brilliants and there are less specific mathematical guidelines of angles which determine a well-cut stone. Cuts are influenced heavily by fashion: the baguette cut—which accentuates a diamond's luster and downplays its fire—was all the rage during the Art Deco period, whereas the princess cut—which accentuates a diamond's fire rather than its luster—is currently gaining popularity. The princess cut is also popular amongst diamond cutters: of all the cuts, it wastes the least of the original crystal. The past decades have seen the development of new diamond cuts, often based on a modification of an existing cut. Some of these include extra facets. These newly developed cuts are viewed by many as more of an attempt at brand differentiation by diamond sellers, than actual improvements to the state of the art.

Quality of a Diamond

The quality of a diamond's cut is widely considered the most important of the four Cs in determining the beauty of a diamond; indeed, it is commonly acknowledged that a well-cut diamond can appear to be of greater carat weight, and have clarity and colour appear to be of better grade than they actually are. The skill with which a diamond is cut determines its ability to reflect and refract light. In addition to carrying the most importance to a diamond's quality as a gemstone, the cut is also the most difficult to quantitatively judge. A number of factors, including proportion, symmetry, and the relative angles of various facets, are determined by the quality of the cut and can affect the performance of a diamond. A poorly cut diamond with facets cut only a few degrees out of alignment can result in a poorly performing stone. For a round brilliant cut, there is a balance between "brilliance" and "fire." When a diamond is cut for too much "fire," it looks like a cubic zirconia, which gives off much more "fire" than real diamond. A well-executed round brilliant cut should reflect light upwards and make the diamond appear white when viewed from the top. An inferior cut will produce a stone that appears dark at the center and in some extreme cases the ring settings may show through the top of the diamond as shadows. Several different theories on the "ideal" proportions of a diamond have been and continue to be advocated by professional gemologists. Recently, there has been a shift away from grading cut by the use of various angles and proportions toward measuring the performance of a cut stone. A number of specially modified viewers and machines have been developed toward this end. They included the FireScope, a.k.a. SymmetriScope or IdealScope (tests for light leakage, light return and proportions), Hearts and Arrows Viewer (test for "hearts and arrows" characteristic pattern observable on stones exhibiting high symmetry), GemEx BrillianceScope (tests for direct light performance results of a diamond), Isee2 Beauty Evaluator (tests for diffused light performance results for round or octagonal diamonds), and ASET (test for AGS cut grade). These viewers and machines often help consumers determine the light performance results of the diamond in addition to the traditional 4 C's. Along with this shift there are a few companies that provide results on these viewers and machines in addition to the original 4c's. The GIA has also developed criteria for grading the cut of round brilliant stones

Quality of a Diamond

The quality of a diamond's cut is widely considered the most important of the four Cs in determining the beauty of a diamond; indeed, it is commonly acknowledged that a well-cut diamond can appear to be of greater carat weight, and have clarity and colour appear to be of better grade than they actually are. The skill with which a diamond is cut determines its ability to reflect and refract light. In addition to carrying the most importance to a diamond's quality as a gemstone, the cut is also the most difficult to quantitatively judge. A number of factors, including proportion, symmetry, and the relative angles of various facets, are determined by the quality of the cut and can affect the performance of a diamond. A poorly cut diamond with facets cut only a few degrees out of alignment can result in a poorly performing stone. For a round brilliant cut, there is a balance between "brilliance" and "fire." When a diamond is cut for too much "fire," it looks like a cubic zirconia, which gives off much more "fire" than real diamond. A well-executed round brilliant cut should reflect light upwards and make the diamond appear white when viewed from the top. An inferior cut will produce a stone that appears dark at the center and in some extreme cases the ring settings may show through the top of the diamond as shadows. Several different theories on the "ideal" proportions of a diamond have been and continue to be advocated by professional gemologists. Recently, there has been a shift away from grading cut by the use of various angles and proportions toward measuring the performance of a cut stone. A number of specially modified viewers and machines have been developed toward this end. They included the FireScope, a.k.a. SymmetriScope or IdealScope (tests for light leakage, light return and proportions), Hearts and Arrows Viewer (test for "hearts and arrows" characteristic pattern observable on stones exhibiting high symmetry), GemEx BrillianceScope (tests for direct light performance results of a diamond), Isee2 Beauty Evaluator (tests for diffused light performance results for round or octagonal diamonds), and ASET (test for AGS cut grade). These viewers and machines often help consumers determine the light performance results of the diamond in addition to the traditional 4 C's. Along with this shift there are a few companies that provide results on these viewers and machines in addition to the original 4c's. The GIA has also developed criteria for grading the cut of round brilliant stones

Clarity of Diamomd

Clarity is a measure of internal defects of a diamond called inclusions. Inclusions may be crystals of a foreign material or another diamond crystal, or structural imperfections such as tiny cracks that can appear whitish or cloudy. The number, size, color, relative location, orientation, and visibility of inclusions can all affect the relative clarity of a diamond. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and others have developed systems to grade clarity, which are generally based on those inclusions which are visible to a trained professional when a diamond is viewed from above, under 10x magnification. Diamonds become increasingly rare when considering higher clarity gradings. Only about 20 percent of all diamonds mined have a clarity rating high enough for the diamond to be considered appropriate for use as a gemstone; the other 80 percent are relegated to industrial use. Of that top 20 percent, a significant portion contains a visible inclusion or inclusions. Those that do not have a visible inclusion are known as "eye-clean" and are preferred by most buyers, although visible inclusions can sometimes be hidden under the setting in a piece of jewelry. Most inclusions present in gem-quality diamonds do not affect the diamonds' performance or structural integrity. However, large clouds can affect a diamond's ability to transmit and scatter light. Large cracks close to or breaking the surface may reduce a diamond's resistance to fracture. Diamonds are graded by the major societies on a scale ranging from flawless to imperfect.

Carat Weight of a Diamond

This is probably the most common criteria shoppers are aware of. The carat weight of a diamond is simply the weight of the diamond. A carat is a unit of measurement and 1 carat is equal to 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. Hence a 1.25 carat diamond will weigh 250 milligrams. The value of a diamond comes partly due to the fact that larger diamonds are found far less often than smaller diamonds. This means that the price of a diamond will increase exponentially as the carat size of the diamond increases. All other things being equal, a 2 carat diamond will always be worth more than two 1 carat diamonds. The most common size of diamond that Novori sells is between 0.6 carats and 1.25 carats in size. This range of diamond has the best size for value ratio and is easily fitted in most pieces of jewelry. The size or carat weight of a diamond cannot be used alone to determine the value of a diamond. A large diamond will not be as valuable if it does not show good color, a fine cut or excellent clarity. All factors (cut, color, clarity and carat weight) are used together to determine the value of a diamond. A common misconception is that a 2 carat diamond will look twice the size of a 1 carat diamond. Since the carat of a diamond refers to its weight, a 2 carat diamond will not be 2 times the size of a 1 carat diamond but it will be twice the weight. A 0.5 carat round diamond has a diameter of approximately 5.2mm while a 1.0 carat round diamond has a diameter of approximately 6.5mm. When choosing the carat size of your diamond, remember to keep a good balance between size and quality. Ifyou are looking for a larger diamond, you may have to lower the color or clarity.

Diamond's Color

Every diamond will range in color from clear to yellow. The most valuable diamonds will have very little color. Color in a diamond will act as a filter for the light passing through and degrade the spectrum of light emitted, making it show less sparkle. The grade of color is usually represented by the GIA's professional color scale which gives a letter scale from D for colorless diamonds to Z for diamonds that display a yellowish or brownish color. To maintain a high level of quality Novori will only sell diamonds with a color rating of J or better. We prefer to recommend a diamond engagement ring with a color rating of D, E or F but realize that your budget may not allow this. Most Novori customers purchase a diamond with a color rating of G, H or I because of the almost undetectable color and the value associated with these ratings. D >> The highest color grade and the diamond is absolutely colorless. E >> Colorless F >> Colorless G - H >> Near Colorless I - J >> Near Colorless K - M >> Faint Yellow N - Z >> Light Yellow to Yellow

A Diamond's Cut

Of the 4 C's, the diamond's cut is the most important factor in determining its brilliance and beauty of a diamond. There are many shapes that diamonds are cut to but a diamonds cut refers to how well proportioned the diamond has been transformed into its shape. The shape of a diamond can be round, oval, pear, heart, marquise, emerald or princess. When speaking of a diamonds 'cut grade', we are referring to its proportions, symmetry and polish. Novori will not sell diamonds with a cut grade considered less than very good. Ideally, the cut of the diamond is done in a way to best reflect the light that shines into it. This is what produces the sparkle and fire we see in a beautifully cut diamond. GIA grading reports show depth % and table % ratios as compared to the width of the diamond. A good table cut should be 53-64% and a good depth cut is 58-64%. If the cut is outside of this range the diamond is considered to be cut too deep or too shallow. If the diamond is cut too heavy, or too shallow, most of the light entering into the crown is released through the bottom of the pavilion resulting in an overall dull appearance. An ideal cut diamond on the other hand, returns most of the light that enters it back through the crown giving it a very satisfying sparkle effect.

Introduction to Loose Diamonds

A diamond truly is a unique gemstone. The word diamond comes from the Greek word adamas which means unconquerable. Nothing compares to the hardness of a loose diamond. The diamond is the king of gemstones because of it's rareness, optical qualities and hardness. Novori only sells certified loose diamonds that meet strict quality standards. We even reject diamonds that other online dealers may sell because we want you to be absolutely sure that you have a quality gemstone with impeccable quality. That is how we are able to ensure your total satisfaction and provide a no hassle, 30 day exchange policy with all Novori loose diamonds. We can help you find the right diamond that will provide a lifetime of enjoyment for your life partner. Your appreciation of diamonds will come from your understanding of the 4 C's known as Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat-weight. Our first step is to explain what these are.

Buy Diamonds

The cost of buying diamonds can vary considerably.Buying Diamonds online, for example, tend to be cheaper than from the local diamond shop in the High Street since online dealers have much lower overheads, no shop, utilities and much less staff to pay for.Buying diamonds online can give you the opportunity of finding the best cut diamonds. It is relatively easy for sellers to list their wholesalers inventories online whereas stores can only offer and show their current stock. This will open the door to a much larger selection of beautifully cut diamonds at the best price.In addition, there are many more dealers on line than there are stores. This increases competition and reduces operating costs the benefits of which, in an effort to get your business, are passed onto you the buyer. There are also some tax benefits to be derived from buying interstate and even from other countries in many cases.Diamonds look their best in a well lite environment hence the lighting in many stores is deliberately designed to show the diamonds at their best. However when you get the diamond home or in the natural light you would normally display it, the difference can be disappointing.So there is an additional advantage to buying diamonds online where you can have them shipped to your home and inspect them in the light they would normally be worn. You can also take them to a local jeweller and get an additional assessment prior to confirming your purchase.Of course the difficulty with buying diamonds online is the uncertainty that you will get what you pay for, and how do you know you can trust the seller or dealer?It is important therefore that you educate yourself very well with the various aspects of diamonds that you need to make an informed purchase.Firstly general information about diamonds is offered at: Price of Diamonds on the 4 C's of diamonds, cut, color, clarity and carat weight, the basic facts about diamonds, how to tell a real diamond from a imitation or zirconia. There are heaps of addition articles covering the various facets (pun intended) of different diamonds, added on a regular basis so it pays to check back at regular intervals and read all of those as well. The basic things to remember are to:Ensure you educate yourself about diamonds. Understand about how diamonds are cut. Read the article on the 4C's of diamonds, cut, color, clarity and carat weight. Browse the dealers online and locate those that are reputable and reliable. Ring them up and discuss how they operate. Read their terms and conditions on the web site. Ensure they have a fixed address and contact numbers and faxes. Check if they are members of a Diamond Association in their country.Get each purchase independently appraised. This ensures you know what you are getting. It applies even if you are buying a diamond from a store. Especially if you are not experienced in understanding the value of diamonds.Do a patient search on prices. Once you know what to look for in a diamond you can compare apples with apples, or in this case diamonds with diamonds.Whether you are buying just the one diamond for a celebratory occasion, or to impress that special person, or collecting as a hobby or for investment purposes, diamond buying can be a satisfying and rewarding experience provided you keep in mind the important points above. So, as they say, "know before you go!". and check out Price of Diamonds for full comprehensive information about diamonds today.

Diamond Jewelry Online Buying Tips

When it comes to diamonds, there are numerous scams to avoid. Most scams are minor, but there are some major ones that come up from time to time concerning the buying and selling of diamonds. With all of the potential for scams concerning diamonds, buying diamonds online almost seems unthinkable! However, you actually can purchase diamonds online, without any problems – as long as you are careful.First, think about your reasons for wanting to purchase the diamond online, as opposed to making a purchase from a local jewelry store. The most common reason is price. Due to low overhead costs, online jewelers and wholesalers are able to offer lower prices. However, you must be careful – sometimes a price that is too low is a sure indication of a scam.One of the best things about purchasing online is the unlimited selection. When shopping offline, you are limited to the selection in the stores in your general area. Online, there are no limits. But again, you must use a great deal of care and consideration before handing your money over to someone that you cannot see and have never met!Before shopping, learn as much as you can about diamonds – especially cut, color, clarity and carat weights. When you are knowledgeable about diamonds, it will be harder for a con artist to rip you off. Once you know more about diamonds, you will be ready to start shopping.Take your time. Don’t purchase the first diamond that you see that interests you. Instead, look for similar diamonds for sale. Do some comparison shopping to find the lowest and best offer prices. Once you have found the lowest price, start doing your detail investigation. You know about diamonds, you’ve found a diamond that you love, and you’ve found the lowest price – but you are still quite a ways away from actually purchasing that diamond!In this respect, ask about the seller’s credentials and qualifications, such as professional jewelry associations that they belong to. View and print the seller’s return, refund, and upgrade policies. Also inquire about additional services, such as settings and mountings, sizing, and free shipping. Do a search for customer reviews on this particular company around the Internet. Also check with the BBB Online to see if there have been any complaints.Ask for a diamond grading report from an independent laboratory such as GIA, HRD, EGL or AGS. You should see this before making a purchase. Finally, use a reputable escrow service for high dollar diamonds – preferably one that will have the diamond appraised while it is in their possession. The seller sends the diamond to the escrow service, and you send the money to pay for the diamond to the escrow service. The escrow service has the diamond appraised, sends the diamond to you, and sends the money to the seller. This is the surest way to protect yourself…again, make sure that you use a reputable escrow service!

Choosing The Right Diamond

Choosing a diamond is an extremely personal decision. The most important part of choosing a diamond is to choose one that appeals to you personally. The first rule when choosing a diamond is to make sure it is accompanied by a grading report. Choosing a diamond is as important as learning how to buy a diamond. While choosing a diamond you should consider these factors shape, cut and clarity. Remember that choosing a diamond is not an exact science. For most people, the most important consideration when choosing a diamond is price. True, choosing a diamond is all up to the buyer's taste, but an expert’s opinion definitely counts. The hardest part in choosing a diamond is not what you thought, it’s only over when you find someone special enough to present one to. Step one in choosing a diamond is learning about them, it costs nothing, but could end up saving you a bundle. Choosing a diamond is one of the most important decisions of your life. If they are colorless, they usually don't alter a diamond's clarity. Clarity is an important factor that can be "stretched the farthest" when choosing a diamond. When looking at clarity, many diamonds have what are known as inclusions. Your objective is to find a diamond of the highest clarity possible. The 4Cs - Cut, Carat, Color and Clarity play a very important role in choosing a diamond and determine its value. The fewer the inclusions the diamond has, the greater the clarity and the more valuable the diamond. Alternatively, a stone may be cut well, but have poor color and clarity. Two diamonds can be of equal carat-weight, but if the cut, color and clarity are different they can be less then a single cut diamond with better quality. The number, size and location of these inclusions determine the stone's clarity. A cut that is poor will make the diamond look very dull even if the color is of high level. Another vital grading characteristic in diamonds is their clarity. One of the most important characteristics of a diamond is clarity, if the clarity is not good you could see carbon or inclusions in your diamond jewelry. A diamond with outstanding color and clarity will not sparkle as it should if the stone is not cut to interact properly with light. What to think about before buying a diamond of any particular shape. Shape refers to the overall outline of the diamond when viewed from the top. Most people are interested in the shape and carat when people are choosing a diamond, people should also consider the cut and color. The most commonly purchased type of diamond is the round diamond. Once the diamond's shape has been determined, facets are cut. Many experts name color as the number one consideration in choosing a diamond. The simple round cut diamond is better at hiding flaws or yellow color. Color is very important when choosing a diamond. The best color for a diamond is no color at all. The most valuable diamonds will have very little color. The method in which diamonds get there color is when the diamond is compressed with a lot of pressure which creates a red, pink or purple hue. Diamonds with outstanding clarity and color will not twinkle if the cut is not done to properly interact with light. But its variety and depth of color still make it a unique piece of jewelry anywhere. A diamond ring is a sign of commitment to the person you intend on spending the rest of your life with, so choosing a diamond is a momentous occasion. By: DMF

Jewelry is the Perfect Gift

When it comes to gifting, we often draw a blank. It is hard to decide what to give and whether the person you are giving it to will like it or not. With a virtually endless list of possible items, the confusion is tremendous. But, have you considered gifting some jewelry?For those who have never gifted any jewelry to anyone his may seem like a surprise but jewelry is a very popular and probably one of the best received kind of gifts ever. Whether it is a small trinket token in artificial metal and beads or whether it is exquisite diamond necklace jewelry makes a perfect gift item. Jewelry has a lasting appeal that no other gift can match. Of course, every occasion may not be appropriate for gifting jewelry and jewelry gifts may not necessarily match your pocket but if you want to gift a truly memorable item and make it personal then jewelry is on top of the list. Precious jewelry has not just the visual appeal but also a value attached to it. This makes your gift memorable and precious. Also, you need not just opt for the conventional jewelry gifts and go for a small unconventional piece that may suit a different style. Wedding for one are a great occasion when jewelry gifting is appropriate and the perfect way to mark the day. Apart from gifting jewelry to your bride or groom, you could also give little pieces to the bridesmaids, best men, family and close friends. If you are looking for a gift for a friend’s wedding, you can always spend a few dollars on a nice pendant or earring set. Apart from this, jewelry is the perfect way to mark birthdays and anniversaries. You can even gift your children some nice jewelry like light bracelets or pendants. These can be easy to manage and not too expensive. With so much variety and price range available in jewelry, it can really ease your gifting woes. And, the best part is that when you gift jewelry you know it will be remembered.

Diamond's Shape

Shape Diamonds do not show all of their beauty as rough stones; instead, they must be cut and polished to exhibit the characteristic fire and brilliance that diamond gemstones are known for. Diamonds are cut into a variety of shapes that are generally designed to accentuate these features. Diamonds which are not cut to the specifications of Tolkowsky's round brilliant shape (or subsequent variations) are known as "fancy cuts." Popular fancy cuts include the baguette (from the French, meaning rod or loaf of bread), marquise, princess (square outline), heart, briolette (a form of the rose cut), and pear cuts. Newer cuts that have been introduced into the jewelry industry are the "cushion" "radiant"(similar to princess cuts, but with rounded edges instead of square edges) and "ascher" cuts. Many fancy colored diamonds are now being cut according to these new styles. Generally speaking, these "fancy cuts" are not held to the same strict standards as Tolkowsky-derived round brilliants and there are less specific mathematical guidelines of angles which determine a well-cut stone. Cuts are influenced heavily by fashion: the baguette cut—which accentuates a diamond's luster and downplays its fire—was all the rage during the Art Deco period, whereas the princess cut—which accentuates a diamond's fire rather than its luster—is currently gaining popularity. The princess cut is also popular amongst diamond cutters: of all the cuts, it wastes the least of the original crystal. The past decades have seen the development of new diamond cuts, often based on a modification of an existing cut. Some of these include extra facets. These newly developed cuts are viewed by many as more of an attempt at brand differentiation by diamond sellers, than actual improvements to the state of the art.