Sndgems offers the largest fine genuine designer jewelry found anywhere. We offer 500 plus ruby rings in our fine jewelry collection.
The Finest Selection of Designer Jewelry
Sndgems offers the finest selection of finely crafted genuine designer jewelry with price ranging from $1500 to $80,000. Every jewelry comes with an independent third party fine jewelry appraisor.
Best Deals on Designer Jewelry
Get the best deals on fine jewelry in terms of unique styles, never seen before designs, quality and convinience. Find antique vintage vistorian jewelry to modern contemporary jewelry.
New Arrivals of Designer Jewelry
We add around 25 new authentic designer jewelry every week to our fine ruby jewelry collection.
Customer Reviews on Jewelry
We have sold thousands of fine genuine designer jewelry in the past several years. Read what our satified ruby ring customers have to say about us. Read More.
Custome Made Designer Jewelry
If you're looking for a special designer jewelry that you see in our collection, we will be more than happy to design a diamond ring of your dreams.
Eco-friendly Jewelry
We use fine genuine diamond & gemstones which have been mined as per industries ethical mining standards.
A Hands-on Guide: Don’t we overwhelmed, intimidated and confused at the prospect of buying jewelry. We share our own & our client’s experiences with you, and provide a practical guide through the entire process. With it, you’ll find all the information you need to feel more confident about making the right choice. Learn More.
Shopping Within Your Budget: Set a realistic budget range that you can afford to eliminate any possibility of temptation and confusion. The key here is to decide what is important to you - the size or the quality. If you’re going for the size then quality has to be compromised & vice versa.
How To Compare Prices: Watch out for the extreme price differences - if the price is much lower then make sure you check out the quality and on the other hand if the prices are much higher check to see if they’re offering good value. We can offer some general guidelines that will help you with comparing prices and paying the price according to the quality.
Determining The Prices in Colored Gemstones: There is an endless choice of colored gemstones offered today. If you like the red, there are rubies, red tourmalines and even red diamonds. If you like the blue, there are sapphires, tanzanites and even blue diamonds. If you like green, there are emeralds, tsavorites, green sapphires and even green diamonds. The most important thing when
selecting a colored gemstones is to choose a stone that is strong as you want your ring to last a lifetime! Start with the most coveted gemstones. Learn More.
Sparkling Sapphires: The finest-quality sapphires are found in Burma with deep blue color. Fine Kashmir Sapphires are velvety-toned deep blue. Ceylon sapphires are a very pleasing shade of blue and are less shade than the Burmese or Kashmir Sapphires. Sapphire also come in almost every other color - beautiful & lively yellow, pink, green, purple and more.
Learn More.
Authentic Fine-quality Emeralds: The finest emeralds are found in Columbia with a fresh young green grass color - a pure spectral green with a faint tint of either yellow or blue. Emeralds from Africa is also a nice shade of green with a blue undertone with traces of iron giving it a slight darkening effect. Learn More.
Largest Selection of Stunning Diamond Rings
We have the largest selection of stunning designer diamond rings. We carry around 750 finest quality diamond rings and add around 10 new products every week. We have the largest & widest selection of ruby rings in terms of quantity, styles, designs, carat sizes, price ranges in sterling silver, gold and platinum.
Finest Selection of Designer Diamond Rings
We have the finest selection of stunning designer diamond rings. We use the finest rubies from Burma, Ceylon, Thailan, Africa & Vietnam. We have the finest selection of ruby rings in terms of metals, styles, designs, gemstone quality, craftsmanship featuring antique, art deco, edwardian, victorian, art noveau to modern contemporary designer diamond rings.
Best Deals on Diamond Rings
Why? We have the best deals on breathtaking designer diamond rings - get the finest quality at the lowest prices. We offer the best selection of diamond rings.
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Our products are backed
by 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you aren't satisfied, you can return for a
no-hassle refund or exchange 30 days from the date of
purchase.
New Arrivals
We carry around 750 finest quality ruby & diamond rings and add around 10 new ruby jewelry products every week.
Trusted Jewelers
All fine jewelry, 100%
authentic designer clothes & designer handbags are genuine, authentic and of
consistent high quality and value.
After Sales Service
Sndgems is qualified to
perform virtually any jewelry revitalization you may require, and our experience
in this area is considerable. We will gladly work with individuals to meet their
specific needs...or with professional shops seeking reliable, high-quality
repairs for their clients. You may rely upon Sndgems goldsmiths to accomplish
the most delicate of restoration procedures, whether on jewelry or watches. Our
reputation for expert execution is unsurpassed.
Great Customer Reviews
I absolutely LOVE this RUBY RING! I thought the round diamond placed in the center would be larger in proportion to the others when I first opened the box. Once had the ring on my finger for a while I relazied the proportionas were perfect! Follow us on facebook to read more customer reviews.
Sndgems jewelry guides are easy to use, interesting and helpful guide to buying jewelry onle. Our jewelry guides are indispensable guide to judging jewelry characterstics, distinguishing genuine from imitation, making wise choices, useful to all type of consumers, from professional jewelry to online searchers. Our diamond guides help everyone in viewing diamonds as gemologists, diamond experts, diamond dealers, experienced lapidaries,
diamond buyers and online customers. Our diamond guides dissects each aspect of diamond value in detail with a wealth of diamond grading information. Our gemstone guides help everyone in viewing colored gemstones as gemologists, gem dealers, experienced lapidaries, gem buyers and online customers. Our gemstone guides dissects each aspect of ruby, sapphire, emerald value in detail with a wealth of gemstone grading information. Our guides offers step-by-step instructions for how to examine
and judge the quality and craftsmanship and materials even if you dont know anything about jewelry. If you're thinking of buying jewelry online this guide is a best place to start. Our guides will help you to know about jewelry details such as finishes, settings, flaws and fakes. Our guides cover diamonds, gemstones, jewelry craftsmanship, treatments, diamond and gems sources, appraisals. There is something for everyone.
Buying a diamond ring may be the one of the most important jewelry related decisions one has to ever make. Our jewelry guides is designed to help you get the best buy possible. Our diamond guides are highly informative - useful for first-tine diamond buyer, the gemologist, and the jewelry retailer. Its a must read for everone who is planning to buy jewelry online. Our guides offer a wealth of information keeping explanations
streamlined enough so even the first-time diamond buyer can confidently buy diamond jewelry online. Our guides shows you step-by-step how to find the right diamond and settings in different designs and metals. Its helped thousands of diamond buyers make smart decisions - and it can help you to.
Read about thousands of satisfied customers who have used these guides and bought jewelry from our online jewelry store.
Become an Well Informed
Educated Smart Savvy Buyer - Tips on Smart Jewelry Buying
Buying Diamond
Jewelry is easy at the same time daunting with so many online
jewelers offering jewelry. It is important that consumers get all the
advice, education and knowledge to become a savvy online shopper.
There are some basic steps to follow:
1. Do your
research on the the jeweler and the jewelry store
Buy only
from trusted reputable retail jewelry syores or online jewelry stores.
How do you find out a reliable trustworthy jeweler and jewelry store?
Here are some simple easy steps to follow:
. Check Jewelry
Stores Physical Address using Google Maps
. Check Jewelry
Stores Telephone Numbers
. Check Jewelry
Stores References
. Check How Long
They have been in Business
. Check Customer
Reviews Online
. Compare Jewelry
Stores Prices as well as Quality, Selection
. Return Policies
. Product Guarantees
. Third Party Appraisals
. After Sales Service
With the internet
and social media evolution finding all of the above about a jewelry
store is easy. Use the powerful tools internet and social media has
to offer to do price comparison, customer reveiws, business location, business history,
and more can be found fast. Also check similar designs at other
online as well as local jewelry stores. After receiving jewelry from
online jewelry store take it to local jeweler to get it appraised
again. Post videos of you jewelry and write description to get
opinions from your friends, family and others. Be an informed
educated savvy buyer.
2. Get to know
Diamond Jewelry Basics:
Be an educated
diamond jewelry buyer. Get to know diamond 4C's so that when you buy
jewelry from a jewelry store the jeweler can't take advantage of your
ignorance and end up charging higher prices. This will help you
asking the right questions and get the diamond quality you're paying
for. Diamond pricing is not regulated and the best way to know the
right price is by first learning about diamond 4C's and then doing
price comparispon online. Get to know all about diamond grading
organization like GIA, EGL, AGS
Getting educated
and informed about diamond will almost guarantee you to get the best
deals on diamond jewelry at jewelry stores.
3. Don't be Trapped
by Inflated Price & Discount Glimmicks:
There is no such
thing like free. What you pay is what you should get. Use internets
vast resources like price comparsion tools and local jewelry stores
to become familiar with diamond prices. This will allow you to
understand real prices and allow you stay away from unreal discounts
like 50 - 75% off.
4. Take Advantage
of Vast Resources Internet & Social Media Sites have to offer:
Even if you don't buy from an online jewelry store you should use
internet to do price comparison, check jewelry stores reputation,
customer feedback and reviews, watch you tube videos, look up jewelry
stores trade report, facebook and twitter likes and following, read
its history and more. Several decades back consumers did not have
internet and social media to see company products and offerings, do
price comparison and had to buy from a local jewelry store at
whatever prices they asked.
Internet and
social media has dramatically changed jewelry buying process in favor
of consumers proiding them unlimited options and choices as compared
to buying from a local jewelry store.
5. Narrow your
Selection and Do Price Shopping:
After getting
informed on jewelry stores reputation and diamond 4C's the next step
is narrow down your choices and don't rush to make a purchase. Take
your time and check out out prices for similar designs, diamond and
gemstone quality, gold and platinum quality.
1997 was the 50th
anniversary of the De Beers slogan "A Diamond Is Forever." Ian Fleming titled a
James Bond story "Diamonds Are Forever." Many people today believe DeBeers stole
the slogan from the James Bond title. However, Fleming was a good friend of Sir
Harry Oppenheimer, the ex-head of DeBeers. Fleming was fascinated with the
diamond industry. The 45.52 hope diamond was recently regraded by the GIA to
fancy deep grayish blue color. Diamonds are a girls best friend. Anything extremely rare is also precious. Diamonds, formed thousands of years
ago, are rare in that only a few survived the journey from the depths of the
earth to reach the earth’s surface. Indeed, you may be surprised to learn that
even though diamond production has increased in recent years, it is estimated
that as little as 350 tons have ever been mined in recorded history up to date.
Of diamonds mined today, only about 50% are judged to be of gem quality. The
rest, because of their colour and quality, are suitable only for industrial
purposes. Even fewer are large enough to be cut into diamonds that are much
bigger than the head of a match. Approximately 250 tons of ore must be mined and
processed from the average Kimberlite pipe in order to produce a one carat
polished diamond of gem quality. Before a diamond reaches a woman’s hand, it
will probably touch at least four continents and the lives of hundreds of
people. The expertise of many skilled and experienced craftsmen is necessary for
the complicated process of extracting and finishing a diamond.
Becoming
independent and knowledgable buyer will assure you in getting best
deal with written product guantees and assurances.
Diamond History in a Nutshell
Facts and
History of Diamonds Amongst the many precious crystallised stones diamonds
stand pre-eminent for their beauty, brilliancy and strength. Diamonds are the
hardest stone known, hence the name of Adamas, meaning "the Indomitable," which
was given to them by their ancient discoverers. Diamonds can cut every known
substance although a diamond itself cannot be cut, nor be scratched, by other
stones. Neither acids nor solvents any effect upon them. When found, the diamond
is covered with a thick crust, so hard that there is no substance known that
will remove it but that of itself, and it is only by grinding and polishing with
diamond dust and minute diamonds that it is shaped and its wonderful brilliancy
developed.
Facts and
History of Diamonds Amongst the many precious crystallised stones diamonds
stand pre-eminent for their beauty, brilliancy and strength. Diamonds are the
hardest stone known, hence the name of Adamas, meaning "the Indomitable," which
was given to them by their ancient discoverers. Diamonds can cut every known
substance although a diamond itself cannot be cut, nor be scratched, by other
stones. Neither acids nor solvents any effect upon them. When found, the diamond
is covered with a thick crust, so hard that there is no substance known that
will remove it but that of itself, and it is only by grinding and polishing with
diamond dust and minute diamonds that it is shaped and its wonderful brilliancy
developed.History of
Diamonds - The History of the Regent Diamond Napoleon Bonaparte also attached great value to the
qualities of diamonds and wore the famous Regent diamond in the hilt of his
sword. The history of Regent diamond is very curious. In its natural state it
weighed 410 carats, but after its cutting, which took two years to complete, it
was reduced to 137 carats and was the size of a large plum. The diamond was
perfectly white and flawless. The 'Regent' diamond was found at the Parteal mine
in India, by a slave who hid it by making a gash in the calf of his leg and then
hiding the stone in the bandage until he could escape to Madras. The slave was
helped by a sailor but when a purchaser was found for the diamond the slave was
thrown overboard by the sailor. The seaman then sold the diamond to a dealer
named Jamchund for £1000, which he quickly spent, afterwards legend has it that
he hung himself. The diamond was next purchased by Thomas Pitt, grandfather to
the Earl of Chatham, who purchased it after much bargaining for £20,400. But the
diamond brought him no happiness. He was so frightened of losing it that it is
said that he never slept twice at the same house whilst the diamond was in his
possession. About the year 1717, having offered the gem to several sovereigns, the Regent of France was persuaded that his country should possess the most beautiful and perfect diamond known so the diamond was bought for £135,000 and from that time known as the Regent diamond. The diamond was stolen from the public treasury during the turbulent times of the French Revolution. Twelve years later it was recovered and hen set in the Imperial diadem of France.
History of
Diamonds Great importance
was attached by the Hindus of India to the original shape of a diamond. They
believed that a triangular stone being thought to cause quarrels, a square
diamond terrors but a six-cornered stone was thought to bring the best of good
fortune and to renew the strength in old age.
Is Diamond Jewelry
& Precious Metals a Good Investment?
Just like the
precios metals like gold, sterling silver and platinum prices have
doubled and tripled in last five years diamond prices have also have
risen around 25% in last five years and that is why buying diamond
and metals is a good investment. When thinking about diamonds most people turn to the image of exquisite and
stunning diamond jewelry with diamonds sparkling, glittering, shimmering but diamonds can be also considered as the investment,
especially in times of economic woes like this is the case today.
The
diamonds of good and excellent quality will always hold their value so you don't
need to worry about losing money on them. This is because diamonds have their
unique status and extreme appeal, and these two factors help retain diamond's
value.
Diamonds are global merchandise and are therefore not affected
with an economic situation in certain region or in certain country. This also
means that diamonds can be sold in any country, anywhere in the world, without
losing their value.
Another big advantage when investing in diamonds is
the fact that there are no costs to maintain. People often prefer investing into
the real estate forgetting that real estate has big maintenance costs and is
also being taxed. When you look at it from pure economic reasons it makes much
more sense to invest in diamonds than real estates. The only actual upkeep with
diamonds refer to insurance costs.
Famous Diamond Mines
Diamonds are made up entirely of carbon. Pressure (diamonds can’t form above
100 miles below the earths crust) and temperature (750+ degrees F) are the
factors that “change” the diamond from mere carbon into a treasured commodity.
After millions of years undergoing this pressure and heat, the rough stones are
settled in diamond-bearing rock and from there, wait for a volcanic eruption to
bring them to the surface.Diamond Mining Techniques
Pipe Mining: Primary Source-refers to the process of diamonds emerging to the
earth’s surface in host rocks through volcanic pipes, which are pathways between
the earth’s mantle and surface.
After the rough diamonds are mined, less than 20% are gem-quality, the other
80% have other uses. If not gem-quality, they fall into one of two other
categories Near Gem-Quality or Industrial use diamonds.
Gem Quality: Approximately 20% of diamonds mined fall into this category.
These are high enough in quality to be used in diamond jewelry. They range in
clarity from Flawless to Visible Inclusions.
Near Gem Quality: These fall in a category between gem quality and
industrial, so they need to be individually checked to determine if they could
be used in jewelry in some way or if the quality is just to poor they are used
in industrial ways.They range in clarity from Visible Inclusions to industrial
quality.
Industrial Quality: These diamonds are badly included stones and are
functional only for industrial use; for example drills and saws or earthmoving
equipment. These are categorized as industrial quality clarity.Mining Facts
Orapa diamond mine largest diamond mine-located in Bostwana, Africa.
iamonds are a world wide source, mines are found in 25 countries and on all
continents except Antarctica. Antarctica is thought to have an abundance of
diamonds to be mined, but international accords prohibit mining there. While
America is the largest purchaser of diamonds than any other country, the US has
only one diamond mine, located in Arkansas. At least 200 tons of ore needs to
be extracted and processed to product a single one carat gem quality diamond *
Only 20% of diamonds mined are gem quality stones.
The discovery of diamonds in 1867 in the Cape Colony of South Africa had a
profound effect on the world’s supply of diamonds. For the ten years following
the discovery a once extremely rare material became more accessible to Western
society. Scientists learned that diamonds came from volcanoes. South Africa
still maintains its position as the major diamond producer but there are other
famous mines located in other areas.
In North America the oldest and most famous diamond mine is the Crater of
Diamonds. It is located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. In 1906, John Wesley
Huddleston bought the land for farming purposes and noticed two small stones in
the bottom of a bucket of feed. He sent the stones to a Little Rock Jeweler who
then sent them to Tiffany’s in New York. They were certified as gem quality.
John then sold the property to some people in Little Rock for ,000.
De Beers Consolidated Mines are located in several African countries. The
company was founded in 1888 and today it is comprised of rough diamond
exploration, mining and trading companies. The De Beers companies make up about
40% of the world’s diamond production.
The Kimberley Diamond Mines are known worldwide and are located in the town
of Kimberley, South Africa. In 1866 Erasmus Jacobs discovered a small stone by
the Orange River. It turned out that is stone was a 21.25 carat diamond. In 1871
a 83.5 carat diamond was found on the slopes of Colesberg Kopje and this led to
the first diamond rush in the area.
The Williamson Diamond Mine, which is also known as the Mwadui Mine is
located in Tanzania. It was the first significant diamond mine outside of South
Africa. Dr John Williamson, a Canadian geologist established the mine in 1940.
It is an operating pit mine and mainly produces diamond carats.
The Premier Diamond Mine located in Transvaal, South Africa is one of the
most famous mines and is known throughout the world. This mine was found to be a
huge volcanic chimney of diamondiferous earth. It covers about 80 acres and is
shaped like a pear. It is situated on a level plateau at an elevation of about
two hundred feet.
The Ekati Diamond Mine is Canada’s first diamond mine. It is located near Lac
de Gras and is about 200km south of the Arctic Circle. It is a joint venture
between BHP Billiton Diamonds and the two geologists who discovered the
kimberlite pipes in that area. It is only accessible by air except for 10 weeks
each year when it can be reached by icy roads.
The Kollur Diamond Mine is located in Guntur District Golkonda, India. It is
one of the most productive mines in India and was the first major diamond
center. It was operated between the sixteenth and mid nineteenth centuries. The
Indian mines were eventually depleted and the diamond center shifted to Brazil
where new diamond pipes were discovered.
These are just a few of the more famous diamond mines known today. Diamonds
have a very interesting history and also a very bright future.
Largest Diamonds
10. The Millennium Star Weight:
203.04 carats
The Millennium Star is internally and externally flawless pear-shaped diamond (total
of 54 facets). With the weight of 203.04 carats it is the 10th largest diamond
in the world. Originally, the rough stone was 777 carats found in the Mbuji-Mayi
district of Zaire (Democratic Republic of the Congo) in 1990. After 5 months of
studying and planning the cutting of the stone, it was decided to cut the rough
diamond into three pieces. The Millennium Star is the outcome of the largest
piece. The value of the stone hasn't been revealed but the Millennium Star was
insured for 100 million English pounds, this is believed to be a fraction of its
true worth. 9. The Red Cross Weight:
205.07
carats
The Red Cross is canary yellow cushion-shaped diamond with weight of 205.07 carats.
The rough stone weighed 375 carats and was found in Kimberly mines (South
Africa) in 1901. The diamond was presented as a gift to the art sale held in
London by Christies in 1918, on behalf of the British Red Cross Society and the
Order of St. John. Another rare feature is that a Maltese Cross is distinctly
visible in the top facet, hence the double appropriateness of its name, the Red
Cross Diamond.
8. The De Beers Weight: 234.65 carats
The De Beers diamond was found in Kimberly mines in 1888, the rough stone weighed
428.50 carats and measured 47.6 mm through its longest axis and 38.1 mm square.
Weighing 234.65 carats, the De Beers is the 8th largest faceted diamond in the
world. After its display in Paris the Maharaja of Patiala bought the De Beers.
In 1928 Cartier of Paris set it as the centerpiece of a ceremonial necklace that
came to be known as the Patiala Necklace. The necklace originally contained
about 2,930 diamonds weighing about 962.25 carats. Today's whereabouts of the De
Beers diamond and the Patiala Nacklace is unknown.
7. The Jubilee Weight: 245.35
carats
The Jubilee is a colorless cushion-shaped diamond with a weight of 245.35 carats.
The original rough stone, an irregular octahedron without definite faces or
shape weighed 650.80 carats and was found in the Jagersfontein Mine towards the
end of 1895. When during the cutting it became evident that a superb diamond of
exceptional purity and size was being produced, it was planned to present it to
Queen Victoria. In the end this did not happen and the diamond remained with its
owners. The following year marked the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria (the
75th anniversary of her coronation) so the gem was renamed the Jubilee to commemorate the occasion.
6. The
Centenary Weight: 273.85 carats
The Centenary was found in Premier mine in 1986, in its rough form it weighed 599
carats. When cutting was completed the Centenary weighed 273.85 carats, measured
39.90 × 50.50 × 24.55 mm, and had 247 facets - 164 on the stone and 83 around
its girdle. Never before had such a high number of facets been polished onto a
diamond. The true value of the Centenary diamond is unknown, but the diamond was
insured for around $100 million in 1991.
5. The Spirit of de Grisogono Weight:
312.24
The Spirit of de Grisogono, at 312.24 carats, is the world's largest cut black
diamond, and world's 5th largest diamond. In a white gold mounting, it is set
with 702 white diamonds totaling 36.69 carats. This diamond originally had a
rough weight of 587 carats and was mined several decades ago in west Central
Africa before being imported into Switzerland.
4. The Cullinan II Weight: 317.40
carats
The Cullinan II is the massive 317.40 carat cushion shaped diamond in the
center-front of the Imperial State Crown of Great Britain. Cullinan II was cut
from the largest gem-quality diamond ever found, it weighed 3106 carats, or
about 1 1/3 pounds. It was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, who opened the mine
and was visiting on that eventful day. The nine larger stones of the Cullinan
diamond remain either in the British Crown Jewels or in the personal possession
of the Royal Family.
3. The
Incomparable Weight: 407.48 carats
The Incomparable, in its rough state weighing 890 carats, was found in the town of
Mbuji Mayi in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) in the 1980s.
Four years were spent studying and then cutting the stone, the biggest piece of
rough ultimately yielded a gem weighing 407.48 carats; it is the third largest
diamond ever cut. Internally flawless clarity and fancy brownish-yellow in
color, it measures 53.90 × 35.19 × 28.18 mm.
2. The Cullinan I - aka the Star of
Africa Weight: 530.20 carats
The Cullinan I, a pear shaped diamond weighing 530.20 carats is also known as the
Star of Africa. It measures 53mm x 44mm x 29mm, and has 76 facets. It's called
the Cullinan I because it is the largest of 9 large stones cut from the 3106
carat Cullinan Diamond. Cullinan I was placed by King Edward in the Sovereign's
Royal Sceptre as part of the Crown Jewels, and it is now on display in the tower
of London. Estimated value of Cullinan I is over $400
million!
1. The Golden
Jubilee Weight: 545.67 carats
The Golden Jubilee, with the weight of 545.67 carats, is the largest faceted diamond
in the world. Rough stone weighed 755 carats and was discovered in Premier mine,
South Africa in 1985. The Golden Jubilee was presented to the King of Thailand
in 1997 for his Golden Jubilee - the 50th anniversary of his coronation. Prior
to this event, the stone was simply known as the Unnamed Brown. Estimated value
of the Golden Jubilee is $4-$12 million.
Know Everything About World Famous Diamonds
High quality diamonds are very rare to find. Eighty
percent of all diamonds are gemstone quality. Diamond able to capture the
world’s fascination have something exceptional is them along with a very
enriching history. Whether fact or fable, intriguing
stories have risen up over the ages concerning the kings and their gems. All around the world
there are many diamonds that have been spoken about and even written about in
various stories and official records. Famous diamonds are part of our world's
history, and have been located in various parts of the world. From royalty to
the gods, famous diamonds are often as famous as the people who they
belonged.
The
Bazu
The Bazu diamond is one of those
historical Diamond of which little is known, and what is known is
contradictory.Many experts agree on the physical description of
this diamond and believe that this Diamond was weighing 32.62 carats Colorless
hexagonal shape. Created by King Louis XV, it was the largest diamond set with
the French Blue in an ornament called The Order of the Golden Fleece, considered
to be the most lavish and expensive single piece of jewelry in all of Europe. It
is said to have its origin in India or Brazil and was stolen in 1792 band never
recovered. Many efforts have been made to make a replica of this Diamond Shape,
weight and color.
The Beau Sancy
Beau Sancy is one of the world’s oldest and most
famous and sought after diamonds. It weighs 34.98 carats and has a one of a kind
pear cut. Its had its origin in India in the deccan region and currently it is
in private ownership in Europe. It is expected to fetch up to £2.5million when
auctioned at Sotheby’s auction house in Geneva on May14th 2012. In
1604, French King Henri IV purchased it from the Lord of Sancy, as a gift for
his beautiful wife, Marie de Medici, one of Europe's wealthiest women. After the
king's murder, she was forced to sell the jewel. One of the most striking features of
the diamond isits 110 identical and symmetrical facets, including the two small
table facets.
The
Black Orlov
It is a
67.50 carat cushion-cut Black stone and is also known as The
Eye of Brahma. It is said to have originated near
Pondicherry , India , and to have weighed 195 carats in the rough. There are
many stories about Black Orlav being cursed. 1969, the stone was
sold for $300,000, then resold in 1990 at Sotheby's for $99,000 . Then on October 11th, 2006,
the necklace containing the stone, in a Christie's Magnificient Jewels sale, it
sold for $352,000. Its is estimated to have a value of $100,000 to
$200,000.
The
Darya-I-Nur
The
magnificent Darya-I-Nur, the Taj-E-Mah and the Nur Ul-Ain are sister
diamonds.These three “sister” diamonds were cut from the same
original rough, the Great Table, are now believed to be in the crown jewels of
Iran and are seldom seen by anyone. The Darya-i-Nur
diamond is a pale pink, table-cut diamond (also known as Lasque), with a weight
of around 186 carats, and having dimensions of 41.40 x 29.50 x 12.15 mm. The clarity of
the stone is not known with its origin in the Deccan region of India. The
Darya-i-Nur and the Nur-ul-Ain diamonds are still the first and second largest
pink diamonds in the world. The Nur-ul-Ain weighs around 186 carats. These names
were given by Nadir Shah, the Persian conqueror, who invaded India. During the reign of Nasser-ed-Din the stone was mounted in an elaborate
frame, which is surmounted by the Lion and Sun (the emblem of the Imperial
Government of Iran) and set with four hundred fifty-seven diamonds and four
rubies. It is still mounted in that same frame today. The Dresden Green
The
legendary 41-carat Dresden Green Diamond is the largest and finest natural green
diamond ever found. Today it lays at Albertinium Museum in Dresden, Germany .Its
historydates back over three centuries to the early
1700s, when it was purchased by Friedrich Augustus I of Saxony. It is probably of Indian origin, but nothing seems to be
known of its antecedents. It is estimated to value
£30,000. The Dresden Green Diamond is
established as an one of a kind quality stone that is a rare type IIa diamond.
The GIA certified the clarity grade as VS1with superior polish and the precious
stone posses a flawless interior. The dimension of the gem measures 29.75 x
19.88 x 10.29mm.
The Florentine Diamod
This magnificent stone is also called the Tuscan, the
Tuscany Diamond, the grand Duke of Tuscany, the Austrian
Diamond and the Austrian Yellow Diamond. It got is name Florentine for the
famous city Florence. This exclusive stone is Yellow in color and weighs 140.91
carats with dimensions of 30.7 x 26.1 x 19.81
mm. This beauty was an irregular, 9-sided
double rose-cut stone, with a shield shape and having 126 facets. A double
rose-cut is a modified briolette with a girdle. Florentine Diamond is believed to have
originated in the Deccan plateau region of India. The history of the
Diamond is documented by Tavernier. According to him after the fall of the
Medici, the diamond made its way to Vienna and was positioned
in the Hapsburg Crown Jewels in Hofbrug. The value of the Florentine diamond
then was $750,000. During the reign of Ferdinando I de Medici, the 3rd Grand
Duke of Tuscany (1587-1609), the Medici Family acquired this stone. There
are many different stories about how this stone became a part of the Medici
treasury. The whereabouts of this stone are not known. There are a lot of tales
about the curse of the hope diamond. But most of them are
fictitious.
French Blue
Weighing 112 3/16-carats with dimensions of 31.00 x
24.81 x 12.78
mm this
magnigicient diamond was mined in India in the 17th century. Between 1630-1668,
the French gem merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier made six voyages to Persia and India and
acquired this unique stone and sold the stone to King Louis XIV. King Louis XIV
of France purchased
the diamond in 1668, had it cut by court jewelers and wore it on a necklace for
ceremonial occasions. It became known as the French Blue. The French Blue became
lost during the French Revolution and resurfaced in London in the 19th century.
Henry Philip Hope, an Englishman, owned the diamond in the 1830s; the French
Blue became the Hope diamond in his honor. Eventually, Cartier acquired the Hope
diamond. The famous jewelers set it in a pendant, surrounding the blue diamond
with 16 white diamonds, as part of a diamond necklace for socialite Evalyn Walsh
McLean. Harry Winston Inc. purchased this necklace as part of Mrs. McLean's
jewelry collection in 1949 and donated it to the Smithsonian Institution in
1958. Trace amounts of boron give the diamond its dark grayish blue
color.
Great
Mogul
The Great Mogul is the largest diamond found in
India. There is only one recorded instance of this stone, and it occurs in
Tavernier’s book (1676). Weightsaround275.65 carats
and has Dimensions of34.85 x 25.61 mm. It was
discovered as a 787-carat rough stone in the Deccan region mines in India in
1650 and subsequently was cut by the Venetian lapidary Hortentio Borgis. The
French jewel merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier described it as rose-cut stone
with a flaw at the bottom and a small speck within. Presently, the existence of this rare Mogul diamond is a big
question..Its present location is unknown, and
some believe that either the Orlov diamond or the Koh-i-noor may have been cut
from this stone after its loss following the assassination of its owner, Nader
Shah, in 1747.
Table Diamond.
This magnificient Diamond was weighing 242.31 carats
with an Oblong shape with dimensions of 59.42 x 33.51 x 13.25
mm and light pink color. It originated in Golconda, India and it
is believed that it was recut to make the Darya-i-Nur and the Nur-ul-Ain in the
Iranian Crown Jewels.Shah Jahan Table Cut strongly resembles the diamond in a
turban ornament in a portrait of Shah Jahan, and the stone is similar to the
description given by Tavernier, shown to him by Aurangzeb, Shah Jahan's son, in
1665. Like other Mogul treasures, the table cut appears to have departed India with
the Persian invasion in the mid-eighteenth century, after which it may have
found its way into the Russian Treasury. The Shah Jahan was offered at auction
by Christies in Geneva in 1985 but was not sold.
Hope Diamond
The Hope diamond,45.52-carat is
the world’s second largest blue diamond. It is currently located in Smithsonian Institutionand in its current
setting—it is now surrounded by 16 white diamonds and hangs on a chain of 45
diamonds. King Louis XIV of France purchased the diamond in 1668, had it cut by court
jewelers and wore it on a necklace for ceremonial occasions. It became known as
the French Blue. The French Blue became lost during the French Revolution and
resurfaced in London in the 19th century. Henry Philip Hope, an Englishman,
owned the diamond in the 1830s; the French Blue became the Hope diamond in his
honor. Eventually, Cartier acquired the Hope diamond. The famous jewelers set it
in a pendant, surrounding the blue diamond with 16 white diamonds, as part of a
diamond necklace for socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean. Harry Winston Inc. purchased
this necklace as part of Mrs. McLean's jewelry collection in 1949 and donated it
to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958
Idol’s
Eye
Ottoman
Sultan, Abdul Hamid II (1842-1918) owned the Idol’s Eye. It is unclear where its
name came from but it is believed to have originated in the deccan region of
India and it is said that it was worn by an idol. After Abdul
Hamid II was defeated and went for exile he entrusted his servant to keep it
safe but he sold the jewels in Paris.on June 24, 1909 . Later, a Spanish
nobleman bought the Idol’s Eye diamond but kept it in his bank for years.In
1946, the Idol’s Eye appeared and was purchased by a Dutch diamond dealer who
sold it to Harry Winston in 1946. He then sold it to May Bonfils Stanton. She
was known to have had a generous collection of jewelry. After her death in 1962,
all her jewels including the Idol’s Eye were auctioned off by Parke-Bernet
Galleries in New York and the proceeds were given to her special charities.
Harry Levinson, a Chicago jeweler bought the Idol’s Eye for his wife for
$375,000 who then sold it to Laurence Graff in 1979. Before the sale Levinson
loaned the diamond to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The following January the
Idol’s Eye was sold to an unknown buyer.
Koh-I-Noor
The Koh-I-Noor is one of
the most unique stones. It is currently 105
carats (21.0g), though it was once known to be the largest diamond in the world,
at a whopping 793 carats! It is considered to be of the finest white color,
clarity and transparency. Though some brilliant blue, pink and green mined
diamonds are considered to be among the rarest stones .A vast amount of diamonds are
mined and discovered every year, but less than 20% of them are commonly
considered worthy of jewelry, with the remaining 80% frequently used in
industry. Koh-I-Noor too originated in India and it currently
lies in the Tower of London; British Crown Jewels. Its current value is estimated at
some £10.5 billion . Before it was sent to the UK, this diamond was in
the safekeeping of Login, who later handed it over to the then Governor-General
Lord Dalhousie. He personally carried it with him to London. In 1850, the
young Maharaja Dalip Singh, presented the Koh-i-Noor as a gift to Queen Victoria. It
was originally mounted in a brooch, but is now set into the Crown of Queen
Elizabeth and on display at the Tower of London.
Mirror of Portugal
The Mirror of Portugal is
one of the most facinating stones in diamond history. This magnificient Diamond
was weighing 26.07 carats carats had of dimensions of 17.89 x 16.73 x 10.98
mm and was colorless. It was owned alternatively by the kings of Spain,
England, and France.There is no concrete evidence of its shape but a few
portraits and faint drawings indicate it was a table cut. It was pawned a few
times, recut into the Mazarin 3
in the late 1600’s. In 1972 it was
stolen in the robbery of the French Crown jewels in 1792 and since then it is
permanently unknown.
Nassak
The Nassak diamond ,
another wonder stone was found in India in the 15th century. This astonishing
Diamond was weighing approx. 90 carats and had dimensions of 23.35 x 21.73 x 11.51
mm and was colorless. From 1500 to 1817 the diamond was in this form
part of the image of Shiva. This got the Nassak is second name: “Eye of the
Idol”. During the third Anglo- Maratha War the British East Indian Company
acquired the Nassak diamond and then sold it in 1818 to a British jeweller. It
was then recut and was incorporated in the handle of the sword of the 1st
Marques of Westminster. In 1927 the Nassak diamond was transferred to the United
States. In 1940 the Nassak diamond was recut by Harry Winston to an Emerald
shape of 43.38 ct. Nassak is probably under private ownership but it current
location is unknown.
Pasha
The Pasha is the Finest Gem in the
Egyptian Treasury weighing 40Carats and dimensions of 23.5 x 23.5 x 10.81 mm. It is valued at
pound 28,000. It originated in Brazil or India.. It was purchased
by Ibrahim Pasha.
Get to Know What Conflict Diamonds and Blood Diamonds Are?
Diamond mines in politically unstable
parts of central and western African countries are controlled by few
revolutionary groups and where innocent human lives are subjected to torture,
terrorism, violence and human rights abuse and in many cases the ultimate prices
- death. For years, diamonds have been mined, cut and polished at the cost of a
human life, injury, pain, grave injustice, human rights abuses, child labor,
violence, or environmental degradation in many parts of Africa.
As the journalist Douglas Farah writes,
"Diamonds are valuable as currency in this conflict diamond trade for numerous
reasons. They are easy to transport, easy to sell and retain their value over
time. They do not rot and do not need to be held in special
conditions".
''Stop Blood Diamonds'' is an
organization pledged to stopping the exploitation of the diamond trade by human
rights abusers. Blood diamonds, often called conflict diamonds, are mined in war
torn African countries by rebels to fund their conflict. The rebels grossly
abuse human rights, often murdering and enslaving the local populations to mine
the diamonds. Read More
Diamonds and
Rebellions
These rebel groups in Africa sell
diamonds from these mines to fund their operations and these diamonds are called
conflict or blood diamonds. The public concerns about the purchase of such
diamonds leading to war and human rights abuses the diamond industry introduced
the Kimberley Process in 2002. This process ensures that diamonds sold by such
rebel groups are not sold along with other diamonds. The Kimberley process
provides documentation and certification of diamond exports from diamond
producing countries to ensure that the proceeds of sale are not being used to
fund criminal or revolutionary activities.
Having such strict procedures also does
not help curb the blood diamond trade to the fullest extent. Approximately 2% of
diamonds traded today are possible conflict diamonds. This is due to the
relative ease of smuggling diamonds across African borders and violent nature of
diamond mining in nations which are not in a technical state of war and whose
diamonds are therefore considered “clean".
Terrorism and Human Rights
Abuses
Conflict diamonds are so called because
these come from countries that suffer from terrorism and human rights abuses.
Several groups which want to control diamond trade in these countries have
killed many innocents. Therefore, conflict diamonds are also called blood
diamonds. The money earned by selling these diamonds is also used to fund such
terrorist activities of these groups in West African countries like Angola,
Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of
Congo (also known as Congo Brazzaville) and Liberia. Read More
The Tragedy of Sierra
Leone
During the late 1990’s, blood diamonds
caught the world’s attention during the extremely brutal conflict in Sierra
Leone. It was estimated that 4% of the diamonds traded during that time were
conflict diamonds.
There was an important study done to shed
light on the Sierra Leone tragedy. It exposes how diamonds - small pieces of
carbon with no great intrinsic value - have been the cause of widespread death,
destruction and misery for almost a decade in the small West African country of
Sierra Leone. Through the 1990s, Sierra Leone’s rebel war became a tragedy of
major humanitarian, political and historic proportions, but the story goes back
further - almost 60 years, to the discovery of the diamonds.
The diamonds are, to use the title of
Graham Greene’s classic 1948 novel about diamond smuggling in Sierra Leone, The
Heart of the Matter. In the 1960s and 1970s, a weak post-independence democracy
was subverted by despotism and state-sponsored corruption. Economic decline and
military rule followed. The rebellion that began in 1991 was characterized by
banditry and horrific brutality, wreaked primarily on civilians. Between 1991
and 1999, the war claimed over 75,000 lives, caused half a million Sierra
Leoneans to become refugees, and displaced half of the country’s 4.5 million
people.
Get to Know Diamonds and De Beers - The Diamond Cartel
Until the 1980s, De Beers was directly
involved in Sierra Leone, had concessions to mine diamonds offshore, and
maintained an office in Freetown. Since then, however, the relationship has been
indirect. De Beers maintains a diamond trading company in Liberia and a buying
office in Conakry, Guinea.[1] Both countries produce very few diamonds
themselves, and Liberia is widely understood to be a ‘transit’ country for
smuggled diamonds. Many ‘Liberian’ diamonds are of Sierra Leonean origin, and
others reportedly originate as far away as Russia and Angola. De Beers says that
it does not purchase Sierra Leonean diamonds. Through its companies and buying
offices in West Africa, however, and in its attempts to mop up supplies
everywhere in the world, it is virtually inconceivable that the company is not -
in one way or another - purchasing diamonds that have been smuggled out of
Sierra Leone.
What about the Governments in
Africa?
Many of the world’s diamonds are
harvested using practices that exploit and degrade children, communities, the
labor force, and the local environment. Workers are subject to brutality,
degrading working conditions, low pay and sometimes death. Consider the facts:
over 1 million diamond diggers in Africa are paid less than $1 a day, living in
poverty and working in dangerous conditions. Many of the diamond workers in
Africa are children under the age of 16, accounting for between 30-50% of the
workforce in countries like the Congo, Angola, and Sierra Leone. Local
communities in Angola are being tortured by local diamond companies in an effort
to force them off the diamond rich land, while the government turns a blind
eye.
The Kimberly Process - An End to
Conflict Diamonds?
More than 99% of the world's diamonds are
now from conflict free sources and are officially traded under the UN mandated
Kimberley Process. We are glad to bring you diamonds that are conflict free and
have been mined and traded with the strict guidelines of the Kimberly Process.
Thanks to the international effort that started in May 2000 when Southern
African diamond producing states met in Kimberley, South Africa, to come up with
a way to stop the trade in conflict diamonds and to ensure consumers that the
diamonds that they purchase have not contributed to violent conflict and human
rights abuses in their countries of origin.
Today, more than 99% of the world's
diamonds are free from conflict free sources and are officially traded under the
UN mandated Kimberley Process. We are glad to bring you diamonds that are
conflict free and have been mined and traded with the strict guidelines of the
Kimberly Process.
Know Everything About Types of Diamonds
The inherent beauty possessed by
every diamond ring is rivalled only
by the larger-than-life stories behind the discovery of diamonds. Various
legends surround the discovery of diamonds, including one which involves a
valley in central Asia full of diamonds but guarded by snakes and birds of prey.
There are even tales about the poisonous nature of diamonds, but these are
generally attributed to mine owners who spread the myths to discourage the
workers from swallowing the diamonds straight from the mine.
While these myths are clearly
untrue, there is no doubt that diamond rings and other diamond-laden jewelries
possess beauty, and many believe that they also possess mystical power. The
ancient Greeks used them as talismans and as cures for a variety of
ailments.
A diamond ring may be expensive,
but it has become popular because of its sturdiness, making it ideal even for
daily wear. The scratch-resistant feature of a diamond ring is one of the
reasons why it has become a popular wedding ring. In exchange for a diamond ring
investment, you get a scratch-resistant stone with a grade of 10 in Mohs scale
of hardness. Not all diamonds are equal though: only the purest and flawless
diamonds get the highest hardness score, which makes them impossible to scratch,
except by other diamonds.
In the 15th century,
diamond rings and other diamond jewelries were only worn by kings. The increase
in the supply of diamonds in the 19th century increased the demand
for diamond rings. They became more popular with the discovery of more diamond
mines, the growth of the economy worldwide, and the improvement in cutting and
polishing techniques.
There are various types of diamonds
but among the best diamonds you can use to create magnificent diamond rings
include:
Pink Diamonds
White diamonds, which are sourced
from Argyle, used to be considered most beautiful diamond in the world; then the
pink diamond was discovered. Don’t expect to see pink diamond rings from your
trusted local jeweler just yet. It is the most valuable and one of the rarest
types of diamonds from the Argyle mine. Less than a 10th of one
percent of the diamonds sourced from the mine are pink. A 3.14-carat pinkdiamond ring from Argyle was once sold
in an auction at Christie’s in New York for $1,510,000. The pink diamond rings
from Argyle possess an intense pink color compared to the pale pink diamonds
from Africa, Brazil and India. Argyle is known as the largest producer of
diamonds in the world.
Blue diamonds
Only a few jewelers have been lucky
enough to see authentic blue diamond rings because they are extremely rare.
Authentic blue diamonds also come from the Argyle mine, albeit in a limited
number. The closest you can get to the real thing is at Washington D.C.’s
Smithsonian National History Museum, which houses the “Le blue de France” or the
Hope Diamond, a deep blue 45.52-carat diamond. Be wary about this diamond
though if you believe in myths because it is reportedly cursed. This has not,
however, stopped people from checking out the blue diamond, making it one of the
world’s most-visited works of art, next only to the Mona Lisa. There are however
many fancy blue diamond rings in the market.
Black diamonds
Some people still think black
diamonds are a myth because there are not a whole lot of them being sold on the
market. Many times, a transaction involving a black diamond is done in a
“hush-hush manner” so that no ordinary mortal can prove that this type of
diamond really exists. Black diamonds exist as a result of volcanic eruptions.
These diamonds, which were formed one million years ago, are still younger than
the clear diamonds which were formed over 4.25 billion years ago. Rarely will
you find blackdiamond rings because
of the challenge involved in cutting the pitted diamond surface.
Native-Americans believed that these diamonds were cursed. Italians, on the
other hand, believe these diamonds can make a troubled marriage well
again.
Nexus diamonds
With the price of diamond rings
incessantly on the rise, scientists resolved to find a way to create diamonds in
a laboratory. Laboratory-created diamonds are known as Nexus diamonds. These are
diamond stimulants that match the features of real diamonds, right down to their
hardness, ability to cut glass, brilliance, radiance and ability to refract.
Those who cannot afford real diamonds opt for Nexus diamond rings for their
engagement or wedding rings.
All diamond ringsmay sparkle and shine, but no two
diamonds are the same because they undergo different cutting and polishing
process. The sparkle of every diamond in fact depends on its facet, the surface
on the diamond that traps light and causes it to sparkle. While experts are
expected to know how to determine the best diamonds by heart, it wouldn’t hurt
if you learn a thing or two about these precious stones as you may be wearing
them on your fingers pretty soon.
Get to Know Diamond 4C's
When considering the purchase of a diamond, it is imperative to study diamond education. At Beyond the 4Cs we believe diamond education leads to satisfied customers. We strongly urge you to learn, more than just the basics, we recommend "beyond the 4cs" and you've come to the right place.
The 4 C’s of diamond grading are not four C’s at all but rather B followed by three C’s. The B stands for brilliance, the most important attribute of a gem grade diamond in that the beauty of a diamond is actually the beauty of the brilliance of light. Cut, the proportions and finish of a diamond, are what determine diamonds optical qualities and cut (brilliance) grading assesses the nature of those optical qualities that make up diamonds
brilliance – the amount of light and the nature of and balance of light returned to the viewers eye. Brilliance (cut) is the most important consideration in the evaluation of gem grade diamonds, diamonds with color at J or above and clarity above SI-2. The brilliance (cut) of a diamond influences the diamonds value and price by as much as 25%. Yet is it the least documented or understood when purchasing a diamond.
For diamond education purposes, in describing the make of a diamond two words are used, shape and cut. Shapes, such as round brilliants, emerald shapes, radiants, princess, pears, ovals, marquis and hearts indicate the overall appearance and faceting style of any one individual diamond. Cut grading of a diamond classifies the quality of any individual diamond shape by its proportions and finish, with each diamond shape having unique
proportional and finish characteristics.
Proportions, the empirical data of degrees of angle, measurements and percentage of measurements, record the specific characteristics of each shape of diamond. For round diamonds all measurements are expressed in relation to that diamonds average diameter whereby a table measurement of 55% or a total depth measurement of 60% are expressions of their percentage of the averaged diameter of the diamond. Measurements for elongated diamond
shapes such as emerald cuts, radiant cuts, and ovals are expressed as a percentage of the width alone. Degrees are used to measure the angle of the crown (top, above the girdle) and pavilion (bottom, below the girdle) of the diamond in relationship to the plane of the girdle (diameter). Finish is an interpretive observation of the quality of both the polish of a diamonds exterior surfaces and its symmetry, the relationship of one cutting feature to another, the alignment of the diamond. Each diamond shape is
graded by the cut characteristics of its proportions and finish. Both the empirical data of the proportions and the interpretive observation of the finish are considered in a judgment of the overall cut grade assigned to a diamond.
It was Gemological Institute of America that first developed a standardized grading system for round diamonds, classifying the empirical data and interpretive observations into four cut grades, those being Make Class One, Make Class Two, Make Class Three and Make Class Four.
The American Gem Society has further refined the GIA grading system with strict definitions of variance for both the proportions and finish of a diamond in a system that rates diamond brilliance (cut) by variances from zero (ideal) to ten (poor). Today, the best system of brilliance (cut) grading for fancy shape diamonds (standard shapes other than round) is that of the Accredited Gem Appraisers and Mr. David Atlas, a system that rates
diamonds into three general brilliance (cut) quality categories that are described as fine, average and below average. Learn More.
Know Everthing About Ideal Cut Diamonds
Meaning and Identification
Diamondare available in the market with different cuts like, the emerald cut diamond, marquise cut diamond, pear cut diamond, heart cut diamond, assher cut diamond etc . But out of all these cuts of a Diamond, round diamond also called the Brilliant Cut Diamond has the most brilliance and sparkle. Reason being, it's perfectly
symmetrical and has an even distribution of light emitting from it. The Brilliant Cut Diamond was designed by Tolkowsky. He came up with precise calculations for the 58 cuts that maximized both the brilliance and the fire in the Diamond. A Round Diamond with the correct proportions and angles makes a magnificent combination of dazzling light and sparkle. We need to have a proper understanding of the diamond anatomy and the facets of a diamond to appreciate the cut. Facets are the polished, flat surfaces on a diamond. It is the arrangement of the facets that gives a diamond its brilliance and sparkle. The beauty of a diamond depends on how well it is cut as this will determine what its fluorescence level
is. So lets first try and understand diamond anatomy and facets.
The Crown- The crown comprises of the table, the star facets , the bezel facets and the upper gridle facets. The entire portion of the diamond that sits above the gridle is the Crown. The uppermost flat surface of the diamond is the table, The facets that sits adjacent to the table is the Star facets. The bezel facets are the kite shaped that sit between the table and the gridle and The lowest facets on
the crown just above the gridle is called the Upper gridle facets. The star facets , the bezel facets and the upper gridle facets are responsible for directing light that enters the diamond down to the pavilion and lower gridle facets.
The Gridle – The outer edge or the widest part of the diamond forming a band around the stone is the diamond girdle. It may be faceted or smooth.
The Pavilion – The entire portion of the diamond that sits below the gridle is the Pavilion. The pavilion comprises of Lower Gridle facets, Pavilion Facets and Cutlet facets.The highest facets on the pavilion immediately below the gridle are called the Lower Gridle facets. The Pavilion facets are the facets that sit adjacent to the cutlet. The Lower Gridle facets and the Pavilion Facets are responsible
for redirecting light that enters the diamond back out through the crown. The small area at the botton like a point is the cutlet. The cutlet may look like a point or a small facet.
Dimensions and Measurements
We also need to study the key measurement to understand whether the diamond is cut ideally or not or to what extent the diamond is cut ideally. The key measurements include the following
Length – It is the diameter measured from top to bottom when the diamond is viewed from above as if it is sitting on a ring. It is measured in millimeters
Depth – It is the distance from the table to the cutlet when the diamond is viewed from the side.
Width – It is the diameter measured from side to side
Depth Percentage – It is a measure of the cut of the diamond. It is calculated by dividing depth by width. The shallower the cut the higher the depth percentage
Length/Width Ratio – It is calculated by dividing length over width. The L/W ratio of a perfectly round or square diamond is 1.00.
Table Percentage – It is the width of the table divided by the width of the diamond
Gridle Width- It is the measure of thickness of the diamond`s gridle. The measure is taken only at the valleys and not the peaks.
Cutlet Size – The cutlet size is measured using the seven point scale. If the cutlet is too large it will appear as an inclusion from above
Pavilion Angle - The degree of slope between the girdle and the culet
Crown Angle- The degree of slope between the table and the girdle
Reflection - With reference to diamond, reflection, means the light reflecting off the surface of the diamond. Reflected light does not enter the Diamond. It simply hits it in such a way as to bounce off the surface. Diamond `s reflection of
light depends on the cut type. Different cuts show different amount of reflection, refraction and dispersion. The refractive index measures the reflection of the Diamond
Fire or Dispersion
-It is known as the amount of light that enters the Diamond, strikes the Pavilion and comes back out the top split into rays of colored light like a rainbow. Diamonds can disperse light into the seven colors of spectrum. The glitter of the diamond is because of its this ability. Greater the dispersion, greater is the distance
between the dispersed colors, which can make the colors vivid and easy to distinguish. The refractive index of a material varies with the wavelength. It means short wavelengths (Violet and Blue colors) are bent more as compared to longer (Yellow and Red colors) ones. The coefficient of dispersion judges this variation in the angles for different wavelengths, the greater the coefficient, the greater is the angular spread of different colors of white light falling at a certain angle on the material. The dispersion
of light decides the level of the diamond`s fire.
Brilliance or Refraction – Brilliance or refraction is the amount of white light that rebounds out of the top of the Diamond and makes the Diamond sparkle. The light entering a diamond gets bent at certain angles, depending on the cut, and slowed
down due to material properties and comes out after getting reflected from different angles and facets. Both quality of the diamond cut and the type of cut determine the refraction.Light traveling through a stone intersects the stone-air surface. If it passes within the critical angle (measured relative to the normal to that surface), it will exit the stone. If it passes outside the critical angle, it will be internally reflected.
Todays jewelry marketers, in order to push their sale make claims that they have a superior cut stone with extra facets on the crown and this makes their diamond extra shiny and extra valuable. But the truth is a normal crown has 33 facets and adding more facets does not increasethe amount
of light flowing into the diamond so it does not increase the shine of the diamond. Moreover adding facets does not increase the clarity or color of the diamond .Its just that instead of seeing 33 large flashes of light you on the 33 facets you will see smaller flashes of light due to the increased number of facets. The light entering the diamond remains the same. In the long run these extra cuts only reduce the price of the diamond if you plan to resell it. It is wiser to spend on better color and clarity than
spending on the extra cuts. The Diamond cut and Diamond shape requires different proportions for giving the diamond its perfect appearance. If you have decided on the shape you want, be sure to investigate the specific dimensions, called ideal proportions for that shape.
Reputable Diamond Grading Organizations
Diamond Certificate and Diamond Certifying Organizations
As a customer, certification of your diamond is your only assurance of quality .The Four C’s of Diamonds i.e Diamond Cut, Diamond Clarity, Diamond Color and Diamond Caratare the basic guidelines for buying a good quality diamond, but these 4C’s can only be deciphered by an expert gemologists.
Gemologists use specialized equipments and highly advanced spectrometers for the inspection of diamonds in laboratories. A document is generally issued by laboratories explaining the vital characteristics and grading of the 4 C’s of a diamond. A diamond certification is a detailed diamond quality report issued by an accredited independent gemological laboratory. The most recognized gemological laboratories that provide diamond certifications to the diamond and jewelry industry are listed below. Click on the link
below to learn more about diamond and gemstones certifying organizations
GIA - Gemological Institute of America - The GIA was established in 1931 and has it headquarters in New York. It is a non-profit Diamond and Gemstone educational storehouse for the gem and jewellery industry. The Institute’s mission is to provide the diamond, gemstone, precious metals and jewelry industry and the general public with an opinion regarding the quality
of a diamond. It acts as an unbiased arbitrator of standards in diamond grading . Every stone submitted for certification is very meticulously studied by certified gemologists to ensure maximum accuracy and grading consistency for consumer rights protection. GIA developed the first internationally accepted Diamond Grading System. It was also the first to develop a diamond report for diamond quality documentation around the world.Click here to know more and view a sample GIACertificate
AGS - American Gem Society - The AGS was founded by GIA founder Robert M. Shipley in 1934. It is a is a trade association of retail jewelers, independent appraisers, suppliers, and selective industry members. Members are held to a high code of ethics with emphasis on consumer protection and education. The Society is based in Las Vegas, Nevada, along with the affiliated
American Gem Society Laboratories and the American Gem Society Advanced Instruments Division. The Society trains and certifies jewelers, gemmologists, and jewelery appraisers. Diamond grading is the specialty of the American Gem Society Laboratories and the Society has developed its own cut, colour, and clarity standards. Click here to know more and view a sample AGS Certificate.
IGI - International Gemological Institute - The IGI is one of the leading gemological institutions in the world .It was established in 1975 in Antwerp, with a sister laboratory in New York. It is one of the largest independent gem certification and appraisal institute renowned for its quality services. The IGI issues more than 400,000 reports per year. Thousands
of jewellers, retail stores, insurance companies, internet sales organisations, catalogue companies, accounting and securities firms and consumers rely on the IGI reports. International Gemological Information, a division of IGI, was established in New York in 1981 as a source for unbiased appraisals of gems and jewellery. Like its parent company, IGI Information is totally independent body for providing information. Click here to know more and view a sample IGICertificate.
EGL- European Gemological Laboratory - The EGL is another renowned certifying organization with its headquartes in Belgium. It is committed to protecting the integrity of the jewellery trade and protecting public interest through applied science, education, innovation, and exceptional services. The EGL has an international presence with laboratories based in Antwerp,
Johannesburg, London , Paris, Tel Aviv , Istanbul , Seoul , Mumbai and Cape TownThe organisation is also recognised for conducting advanced research with renowned physicists, geologists, and mineralogists. Click here to know more and view a sample EGLCertificate
The above mentioned gemological laboratories provide diamond certifications to the diamond and jewelry industry. Their reports generally cover the following parameters while reporting and grading the quality of a diamond.
The GIA is widely regarded as the most reputable and recognized grading laboratory in the world, with the highest and strictest standards. Even though these are the 4 leading international diamond certification organisations their grading criteria varies as their strictness on grading varies. The GIA certificate has microprint lines, holograms, and security screens to make counterfeits more readily identified. The certification
after GIA to hold depth is the American Gem Society Laboratories.
Certified Jewelry from Sparkle and Dazzle
At Sparkle and Dazzle every piece of diamond jewelry and Gemstone jewelry is manufactured with the best industry standards and each design is inspected by our experts. We adhere to the highest standards set by the renowned diamond and gem laboratories such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America), IGI - International Gemological Institute. The certificate provides an analysis with grading based
on the 4Cs such as Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat weight and it will state also the estimated retail value.
We top the quality diamonds with our fine workmanship, loyal customer service, everyday low price and the 30-day return guarantee to bring you the best value in purchases you make for you and your loved ones. All diamond jewelry is not the same. When you shop for diamond jewelry, make sure you compare quality and final prices. We bring you great jewelry at lower prices without the discount gimmicks, surcharges or taxes. Browse our
designs, compare our prices and buy with confidence. Click below to see our standard appraisal card that you will receive with every diamond jewelry purchase.
Spotting A Fake Diamond Easily
A treated diamond is a diamond that has been altered to make its appearance more appealing, alluring, and stunning. There are basically two types of treated diamonds, synthetic and natural. Synthetic diamond costs one tenth the price of natural diamond as outline in Dateline NBC television interview with synthetic gem supplier Tom Chatham on April 4, 1995. With treated diamonds it has improved color, improved clarity, and in some cases even be completely coated to improve their overall appearance. Buying treated diamonds is an option that some couples consider because it may be more economical for them to afford a diamond engagement ring.
Clarity Improved:
The clarity of diamonds, sometimes are caused by tiny cracks in the diamond, and they are improved by filling it with molten glass. This causes the diamond to have a new grade in the GIA grading system, and the overall weight of the diamond is not affected. This process of improving the clarity of the diamond was invented in 1982 by a diamond cutter, Zvi Yehuda. After this invention, some companies have begun a new process of filling the cracks with bromine instead of the molten glass and bromine has a tendency to discolor the diamond under certain lighting conditions. Ask what method the diamond has been treated, so that you are not surprised when you view the diamond in day light outside of the jeweler's store.
Improved Color: In most cases, colored diamonds are painted in order to take away a yellowish tinge and make the diamonds appear more white and transparent. Electron bombardment is used sometimes to permanently alter a diamond to a different color and they will be colored darker with this process. Improving color with laser drill started in the 1970's. Since then people began using lasers to drill actual minute holes into the diamonds to
reach dark colored spots, once they reach the dark colored or discolored areas within the diamonds, they will bleach them with acid so that they are not as noticeable. Sometimes the laser treated diamonds are filled with molten glass.
Coated Diamonds: In this case they are much like a colored diamond
except the entire diamond gets coated with a substance that is designed to make the diamond appear translucent to the naked eye and brighter and spectacular. The coating is so good that most treated diamonds go unnoticed.
Diamonds are often very beautiful and treated diamonds are same but even better, and are more affordable than diamonds that are not treated. When you buy treated diamonds, you should ask the jeweler to write down the specific details of the treatment any necessary care that should be given to the stones, and any type of guarantee the company offers, such as repairing a treatment that has
become damaged.
Get to Know About Diamond Appraisal
Difference between Appraisals and Jewelry Lab Certificates
Jewelry lab certificates and appraisals for valuable jewelry are two documents and they are not one and the same, they serve different purposes and contain different sets of information that is helpful to customers and jewelry owners.
Appraisals and Jewelry lab certificates go hand in hand in the sense, a Jewelry lab certificate is a document that describes information about a diamond that has not been part of any jewelry and the appraisal provides information on the market value of a piece of jewelry, based on international trends and prices and whether it is already set in a ring, earrings, or necklace. Once a stone is mounted on jewelry it has a different
value when compared to its loose form.
Choosing Labs and Appraisals: We recommend that you while selecting appraisers and jewelry lab certificates on jewelry that you are considering to buy select an independent company that provides these services rather than relying on the documents created by the jeweler that you are planning to buy your jewelry from. In this case the potential for the lab or appraiser to be biased is more, since they indirectly benefit from the sale.
In cases where you already have appraisals and certificates on your existing jewelry but is unsure of their accuracy, it is worthwhile to have your jewelry appraised to find their current market value is.
Appraisals: Most people consider investing in precious jewelry as a safe investment of their savings and this is the main reason why people should obtain jewelry lab certificates and appraisals to document the market value of the diamond, whether it is for insurance purposes or personal investment purposes. This documentation will help you, if you ever decide to sell your jewelry at a future date, to show the actual worth and value
of the stones
and the jewelry. An appraisal report will help you tell the difference between real and fake jewelry, and the difference between synthetic jewelry and cultured or created stones and natural stones. An appraisal should give the exact details of anything that has been done to the stone and indicate if it is genuine, synthetic, or
treated.
Jewelry Lab Certificates: Certificates are only issued for loose stones and not for the entire ring. Certificates sometimes referred to as "grading reports" since they give a grade to the stone based on its specific properties. Jewelry Lab Certificates include information on the diamond (or other gemstone), its cut and shape, stone's color and clarity grades based on the grading scale of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).This certificates also contain specifics on the carat weight as well as the dimensions of the diamond, the stone's angles.
Once you have the certificates and Appraisal report, it will not change unless the stone is physically altered or it is found at a later date that the stone was checked incorrectly. While jewelry lab certificates and appraisals are different things they
can both give you valuable information about the quality and value of your gemstone and is a timeless testament to the gemstone as long as it retains its originality.
A certification is a diamond industry term for a diamond grading report, which documents the diamond’s credentials. The certification describes the physical characteristics of a diamond and is usually prepared by an independent grading laboratory. It is a valuable tool for wholesalers, retailers and consumers because it states the diamond’s shape, exact measurements and weight, cut parameters, color grade, clarity
grade, level of fluorescence, and finish grades.
A diamond certification is only useful if it is reliable and accurate so needs to be issued by a reputable and independent grading laboratory. Not all grading laboratories are created equal so do not expect the grading reports from different laboratories to agree. Some grading laboratories are notorious for being generous in their grading so are very popular with jewelry stores because the reported quality of the diamonds
is inflated.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS) are recognized in the diamond industry as the most accurate and consistent of the grading laboratories.
A diamond grading report (certification) is very different from an appraisal or other document prepared by someone other than a reputable, independent grading laboratory. For example, there is a big difference between a Diamond Grading Report issued by the GIA and an appraisal or some other documentation signed by a GIA Graduate Gemologist. A GIA Graduate Gemologist is simply someone who has passed a series of diamond
and colored gemstone grading courses prepared by the GIA. A GIA Diamond Grading Report is prepared in an unbiased environment, with highly trained GIA Laboratory graders following exacting procedures and using state of the art equipment.
Some unscrupulous jewelers print their own documentation and use names and formats that make them appear similar to GIA documents. These documents can be exaggerated by as much as three color or clarity grades and you can be sure they are off in favor of the jeweler, not the consumer. There is only one reason why a jeweler would use one of these “copy cat” documents and that is make undeserved profits at the consumer’s
expense. Inaccurate documentation could affect the value of the diamond by hundreds, thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars so it is important to have a diamond grading report from one of the top grading laboratories when making a diamond purchase decision.
Authentic diamond grading reports never have a value stated. If the document has a dollar value or a range of color or clarity grades (i.e. G-H color, or VS1-VS2 clarity), it is an appraisal not a diamond grading report. It is simply the opinion of the person preparing the document.
Diamond shoppers seeking to purchase a significant diamond, should be sure they have a diamond grading report from one of the major grading laboratories. That is the only way they can be sure of the characteristics of the diamond they are purchasing. It also becomes a valuable document if they ever have to file an insurance claim or sell the diamond in the future. The certification documents the quality of their diamond
and provides a way to identify their diamond.
Diamond in
Designer Bridal Jewelry
Planning to getting married is the dream of every woman. It
is the most memorable occasion in her life and she wants to look both beautiful
and glamorous on this special day. For this day, bride chooses each and every
thing very carefully, according to her taste and style. She wants everything to
be organized to perfection. Apart from the bridal dress, one of the most
important parts of the bridal wear is the gorgeous and beautiful wedding
jewelry. Choosing bridal
jewelry that perfectly matches your bridal dress is important to finish off
your bridal jewelry look.
With the wide range of bridal jewelry styles that
are available, it should not be difficult for any bride to find the perfect
wedding jewelry for her special day. As long as you have set your budget,
researched several styles, and choose what complements your dress and
personality, you are sure to find beautiful jewelry for your wedding day.
The general bridal jewelry includes earrings,
necklaces and wedding bands. Of course, the most important bridal jewelry is
typically engagement and wedding rings. These
are usually picked out in advance of the wedding, and can be an opportunity for
the bride and groom to express their personal style every day. Wedding rings
come in a wide range of materials, and you will have a great variety of
gemstones from which you will choose the focal point of the ring. Diamonds are
the traditional choice, and they symbolize a lovely and long-lasting remembrance
of your wedding ceremony.
Bridal sets also come in
various options like gold, white gold, platinum, and silver. There are even some
that are made of precious metal and stones such as diamonds, pearls, crystals,
emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and others. What bridal set the bride gets will
depend on how much she can afford and what her preferences are. But you need to
be careful when choosing your Bridal set, because you want everything perfect on
this event. You have to make sure that your jewelry matches the dress that you
will be wearing. Think of factors like quality, price, and style. Keep in mind
that all the items chosen must be comfortable.
So, there is different type of bridal jewelry
available. Choose stylish and decorative ornament according to your budget.
About that you can take information from online also. Many online jewelry stores
also offer special discounts on bridal jewelry.
Selecting The
Perfect Diamond Jewelry to Cherish Forever
The next step is
to find a style and design that you'll fall inlove with. So many
choices, so many styles, so many designs it is the time now to narrow
down your choices.
Diamond News
Sarah Clarke, a popular star of TV serial SCRUBS has
found a novel way of keeping herengagement ring safer. She has
engraved telephone number of her fiancé on the ring in the hope that if she
meets an accident and looses the ring, someone will find it with the phone
number to call back. She is accident prone. She had lost the ring that her fiancé had given her
in 2006 when he proposed to her. Later, they purchased another diamond engagement
ring. Now, Sarah wants to be doubly sure that she does not
loose the ring again and has inscribed her fiancé’s phone
number.
Pop diva Christina Aguilera
has experienced a lot of happiness in her life recently. She has experienced the
best thing in her life: motherhood and a beautiful baby.
And now she is playing the
role of designer muse. Christina’s friend, London Jeweler Stephen Webster, is
introducing a new sterling-silver collection inspired by the songbird. The
Stephen Webster Silver Collection is full of silver rings, cuffs, pendants, and
earrings inlaid with gemstones ($343-$3,528), made to look like broken stained
glass, and will launch next month at Neimans. This shows her love for gemstone jewelry…and
these gemstones will add more color to her evergreen
personality. The popular
singer will also be featuring in the collection’s ad campaign, shot in LA, and
set to look Hitchcockian. The first ad will break in the April issue of
W, so hold your breath to
have a glimpse of her in a new avatar. Read More
Ring sizeson our website are expressed in american ring sizes. Please make
sure you have correctly determined the size of your finger before ordering. For
the most accurate sizing, we recommend you visit your local jeweler to get your
finger correctly sized. We make rings in quarter
size increments from ring sizes 3 and up. Rings sized 12 and over will require
an additional charge, depending on the size.
Know Everything About Debeers
The De Beers group
is an internationally based diamond mining and trading company that
has controlled the flow of diamonds in the US market place for
decades. Perhaps a more appropriate title would be cartel, as De
Beers was formed as a group of producers whose goal it was to fix
prices, control supply and limit competition, and this is exactly
what De Beers has done historically with the trade of diamonds.
The name "De
Beers" originated with two Afrikaner farmers, Diederik Arnoldus
De Beers and Johannes Nicholas de Beers. The De Beers brothers
discovered diamonds on their farm and unable to deal with the stress
of protecting the farm from the influx of diamond seekers, they sold
the land and the mines. The land was home to two large mines were
involved in the transaction: Premier and Kimberly.
Huge battles raged
through the next few years as two entities emerged on top of the
competition to acquire the land. These entities were the Barnato
Mining Company formed by Barney Barnato and prospective investors,
Cecil Rhodes and Charles Rudd. While De Beers had already acquired
Premier, they wanted Kimberly as well. The buying began, each company
ferociously buying up stock in "Kimberly Central."
Eventually Rhodes and Rudd won out and forced Barnato to agree to a
merger with De Beers.
De Beers
Consolidated Mines Limited was thus formed in 1888. As a group, they
owned all of Premier, most of Kimberly, and several other mines. The
company was granted an official listing on the Johannesburg Stock
Exchange in August 1893 (DeBeers.com).
Over a decade
later, the De Beers cartel formed, made up of the newly named Barnato
Brothers, Anglo American, and JCI. Anglo American and the Barnato
Brothers owned most of the stock, about 90% combined. Through Anglo
American, De beers began to acquire a large number of other mines,
including the Consolidated Diamond Mines. Some of the largest during
their time, acquiring the CDM was a huge coup for the De Beers Group.
In the 1930's, Sir
Ernest Oppenheimer, the chairman of De Beers Group and leader of
Anglo American, came up with the idea of "single channel
marketing" which he defined as "a producers' co-operative
including the major outside, or non-De Beers producers in accordance
with the belief that only by limiting the quantity of diamonds put on
the market, in accordance with the demand, and by selling through one
channel, can the stability of the diamond trade be maintained."
This new single
channel marketing structure eventually came to be known as the
Central Selling Organisation (CSO) (DeBeers.com) Basically,
Oppenheimer formed a cartel on the premise that he was operating a
legitimate enterprise. He stomped out all competition and kept a
stranglehold on the supply of diamonds, upping their value and rarity
through a limited supply that De Beers doled out carefully. It is
safe to say that during this time De Beers Group owned and controlled
about 90% of diamond production in the world; thus they could control
the "rarity" and value and keep a hold on the lucrative
industry. Many of their dealings were shady, and they were known for
particular ruthlessness against their competitors.
De Beers Group
operated out of London and sold diamonds in the United States through
supplying numerous smaller businesses in the States with the coveted
gems. Because of anti-trust laws forbidding, among other
prohibitions, the formation of cartels, De Beers could not set up
shop in the US.
The diamond market
came crashing down with the advent of the depression in the 1930's,
and De Beers shut major mines like the Kimberly, Premier, and
Consolidated Diamond Mines. They kept up the production of non-De
Beers companies' mines to keep a hold on the market and waited for
events to even out. But conditions for De Beers continued to worsen
with the advent of World War Two, when they were forced to shut down
almost completely.
They were revived
again in the forties with the help of Oppenheimer's son Harry, who
took over the helm of De Beers from his father. He visited the US in
1939 with the hope of finding a marketing firm that would agree to
direct a pilot marketing campaign. He met N.W. Ayer and engaged the
agency to begin a marketing campaign. They came up with a campaign
targeting the emotional value of a diamond. Frances Gerety, a young
copywriter for N.W. Ayer, coined the famous slogan "A Diamond is Forever."
The goal behind
the marketing campaign was to ensure that women kept their diamonds
literally forever. The goal was to prevent a secondary market for
diamonds by persuading women that diamonds should be untouched by
another woman to really have any menaing. This allowed De Beers to
maintain control of the diamond trade at wholesale level andretailers
to sell diamonds at a high price without competition from secondary
markets. They touted engagement and wedding rings, anniversary
necklaces, and anything of value that a woman could want. It was this
marketing campaign that made diamond wedding and engagement rings so
popular, and pushed diamonds to become the number one coveted gem by
women.
In fact his
campaign was so successful, it worked on an international level and
brought countries like Japan into De Beers' sphere. By the late 90's,
Japan produced 33% of the worlds diamond commodities (www.wikipedia.com).
De Beers
flourished and grew over the years, establishing itself as an
international diamond cartel that was highly successful, ruthless
against its competitors, and king in the world of diamonds. With a
wealth of diamonds at its fingertips, the possibilities were endless.
In the early
1980's De Beers hit another snag as sales dropped and they were once
again losing money. But by the late eighties and early nineties they
were back on their feet and expanding into other parts of the world
such as South America and Asia, into the oceans with the formation of
an underwater mining company, Debeers Marine Limited, and throughout Europe.
Finally in the
2001 De Beers was allowed to formally partner with Louis Vuitton and
sell through them after a lengthy investigation by the European
Throughout its decades in operation, De Beers has been accused of
human rights violations, dealing in "conflict diamonds,"
and price fixing, among others. They have repeatedly denied all
accusations, but came clean in June of 2004 after they were slapped
with a 10 million dollar lawsuit surrounding charges concerning fixed
prices in the industrial diamond market. De Beers admitted to price
fixing, promised not to do it again, and paid the fine, a slap on the
wrist to a company that makes billions upon billions of dollars.
In 2001, De Beers
launched a joint venture with French luxury goods company Moët
Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A (LVMH) in order to establish De Beers as a
retail brand in the US and internationally. Before the venture was
allowed to begin, the European Union competition commission launched
an investigation into whether the venture would give De Beers too
great a control over the rough diamond market. The commission
eventually allowed the joint venture to go ahead in July 2001. In
2005, De Beers gained full access to the US market and set up shop in
New York (Wikipedia.com).
Throughout its
history, De Beers has been surrounded by contention from all sides.
An obvious cartel, they monopolized the diamond industry for decades
and remain a powerful player in the diamond industry. They encouraged
the mythology surrounding diamonds, touting them as rare and highly
valuable. In fact, at one point in 1998 De Beers had to introduce
production quotas on its own mines as a result of an influx of
diamonds from outside resources. With diamond values in the billions,
the company still kept a stronghold on its diamonds and touted them
as rarities.
Diamonds are not
rare and the only reason they have been so is because of De Beers.
Their strict regulation of diamonds has supported ridiculously high
prices and an artificially inflated value that remains to this day.
Currently they are expanding into further ventures in Canada and are
no longer a publicly controlled company.
Know About Jewelry History - Inspirations form The Historical
Jewelry Eras
Jewelry History is a history of beautiful Antique jewelry more
popularly known as Vintage jewelry and has inspired innumerable jewelers,
celebrities and jewelry lovers all over the world in modern times . It is simply
exquisite and is loved because of its distinctive designs, scarcity, purity,
quality of materials and finely crafted meticulous work done by the jewelers on
each exotic piece of jewelry. To appreciate and understand, jewelry history and
the magnificient antique jewelry designs we need to have an understanding of the
jewelry eras from which these unique pieces of jewelry were derived. The major jewelry eras are under
The Ancient Era Jewelry (4000B.C.- 476
B.C.)
The Medieval Era Jewelry (476 –
1450)
The Renaissance Era Jewelry
(1450-1600)
The Elizabethan Era Jewelry (1558 –
1603)
The Baroque Era Jewelry (1600 –
1750)
The Georgian Era Jewelry (1760 –
1837)
The Regency Era Jewelry (1812 –
1830)
The Victorian Era Jewelry (1837 –
1901)
The Art Nouveau Era jewelry ( 1890 –
1915)
The Edwardian Era Jewelry (1901 –
1919)
The Art Deco Era Jewelry (1920 –
1935)
The Retro Era Jewelry or the Estate Jewelry
Era ( 1935 – 1950)
The Elizabethan Jewelry Era (1558 –
1603)
The Baroque Jewelry Era (1600 –
1750)
The Georgian Jewelry Era
The Georgian period of jewelry was
named after the kings who ruled during that period, i.eEngland’s Kings George I, II and III. During this time the
aristocrats were famous for their love for jewels and jewelry. They wore a large
number of jewels on their coat buttons, knee breeches and shoe buckles too had
jewels. Women would wear a complete matching jewelry set that consisted of a
matching necklace, ring, bracelets, earrings and a tiara. Crowned Heart Design was very common
in rings for women. All jewelry of the Georgian era was
lighter, more airy and was handmade, so was not
perfect . Georgian jewelry is characterized by exquisite high Karat gold, berlin
iron andpinchbeck metal work along with Old Mine cut, Rose Cut
and Table Cut Stones. Mine CutorRose
Cut diamonds were the norm. These showed fewer facets, with more
variations than modern stones. Mine cuts have a flat top; Rose cuts have a
pointed top.
Common motifs of this era are
stars, ribbons, scrolls and flowers. Popular trends were, cameos, intaglios, mourning jewelry or
"memento mori, Chatelaines,
floral designs, neoclassical motifs, Berlin iron and painted
miniatures. Jewelry that comes apart to form different pieces is highly prized
from this era. For example : A piece that initially looks to be a necklace might
be designed to come apart and form two bracelets - or a bracelet could become a
brooch and earrings. Jewelry of this period has its inpiration from the
styles and trends in arts, architecture and interior decoration popular in
Greek, Roman, Gothic, Rococo and Pompeiian
At the beginning of the Georgian period diamonds were the main
stone used for jewelry designing and diamond cutters discovered exciting gem
cuts like the rose cut, cushion cut, and brilliant cuts. In the 1750's colored
precious stones like emeralds, rubies, and sapphires were worn along with new
stones like white-imperial-pink topazes, amethyst, chartreuse chrysoberyl,
coral, ivory, pearls, and garnets. As an alternative to diamond the use of
paste, rock crystal, marcasite, and cut steel was also very common. Many of the
rare Georgian pieces of jewelry have been redesigned
to reflect more contemporary designs and are highly prized
collectibles.
The Regency Jewelry Era (1812 –
1830)
The Victorian Jewelry Era (1837 –
1901)
The
early Victorian era`s romantic vintage jewelry is characterized by nature
themes. In this era jewelry was made from gold. Popular jewelry items include
brooches, lockets for day wear and diamonds and colored gemstones for the
evenings. The Mid Victorian era jewelry designs have an undertone of “mourning”
which is clearly reflected in the use of dark stones, such as onyx, jet,
amethyst and garnet. Grave designs
configured. Shells, mosaics, and colorful gems were often incorporated
into a piece. In the late Victorian era jewelry designs were lively and
vibrating and there was frequent use of precious stones like diamonds,
sapphires, peridot and spinel in the design of every piece of jewelry. Use of
shapes like, stars, crescents etc with inspiration from outer space was the
trend.
The Art Nouveau Jewelry Era ( 1890 –
1915)
The Art Nouveau style first developed
in an effort to bring originality and unique beauty back to jewelry as jewelry
in the Victorian period became more available due to mass production, as a
result of the industrial revolution. In 1861, William Morris with the support
and collaboration of other artists in England started the Arts and crafts
Movement not supporting the 19th century artistic designs. Though his movement did not gain too much
momentem in England, his thoughts greatly inspired a Belgian architect Victor
Horta, who began designing a building “la Maison Tassel”, in the art nouveau style. In Brussels too some artists were inspired by William
Morris` movement and tried to develop new art forms. Finally, in 1895 the word
art nouveau was coined in France. This was a name given to a showroom of new
arts owned by a japanese art collector, Siegfried Bing.
The Art Nouveau jewelry featured designs that were curvy,
mystical and fluid. The style, was most often characterized by beautiful young
women with flowing hair that graced lockets, brooches and rings, sash pins and
buckles. Another unique characteristic of The Art Nouveau jewelry is that it has
fluid lines made of stylized vines, flowers and foliage. Typical images included
nude female figures, heads, insects, crescents and common plants. Exotic art
inspirations from Japan, which had then opened to the west in 1853, had a great
influence on Art Nouveau Jewelry designs. Art Nouveau Jewelry
designs are also influenced by Celtic, Gothic and Rococo art. During this period materials were not as important as design and
craftsmanship. Apart from, gold , silver and diamonds many different materials
like horns, copper, tortoise-shell, ivory, carved glass, shells, pearls, and
gemstones cut in cabochon were used with a number of varied gemstones like
amber, opals, blister pearls, moonstones, citrines and peridots to design Art
Nouveau jewelry . A beautiful enameling technique called the Plique A'Jour was
highly in demand during those days. Some famous designers of this age were Rene
Lalique, Louis Tiffany, Karl Faberge, George Fouquet, William Kerr and Unger
Brothers. By 1915 the Art Nouveau was no longer considered a style statement, it
became old fashioned and faded away. Many of the rare Art Nouveau pieces of
jewelry have been redesigned using precious gems like diamond, ruby, emerald,
sapphire and color diamond to reflect more modern designs and are highly prized
collectibles.
The Edwardian Jewelry Era (1901 –
1919)
The Edwardian Period lasted from 1901 to 1919. King Edward
VII and Queen Alexandria, led the English society to a new level of
sophistication and style in fashions and jewelry which is till today highly in
demand. Jewelers used platinum and diamonds to create intricate and delicate
filigree patterns that resembled lace and the houses of Cartier and Tiffany
dominated jewelry design.Light and airy designs became hallmarks of
Edwardian jewelry. Edwardian lady wore lots of open, lacy jewelry imitating the
Indian Maharajahs whose jewelry designs the queen loved. Pearls were quite
fashionable, along with jewels for the hair, or "tiaras" combined with beautiful
dangling earrings. King Edward enjoyed sports and encouraged the use of sporting
motifs. He also helped make his good luck stone, the peridot, very popular. The
elegance, beauty and superb craftsmanship of Edwardian jewelry has remained
unparalleled through the ages. Motifs for Edwardian
Jewelryincluded Stars, ribbons and bows.Colored gems like demantoid garnets from
the Urals, pale blue sapphires from Montana, Black Opals from Australia,
amethysts, peridots, unheated acquamarines etc were frequently combined with
tiny pearls or diamonds. Setting baguette cut diamonds, marquise cut diamonds,
trapeze cut diamonds and triangular cut diamonds with calibre-cut rubies,
emeralds and sapphires is a signature edwardian style jewelry. With the advent
of the first world war the luxurious edwardian style
dissapeared.
The Art Deco Jewelry Era (1920 –
1935)
This decorative style originated between 1920 and 1935 in Paris, France after
L’Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes of 1925.
This was the era of Jazz and flappers.The Art
Deco style emphasized African, Egyptian, Indian and Japanese themes, geometric
design, abstract pattern, exotic motifs, well defined lines and bold colors,
extensive use of bakelite, celluloid, and enamels. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies
and sapphires were the gems of choice, embellishing the long necklaces and
dripping earrings of the time. Women wore long gold necklaces and multiple
stands of pearls, bracelets were worn in duplicates, watches and cocktail rings
too were very popular. Men's jewelry also came into vogue as men became more
comfortable wearing jewelry . Beads were incorporated into chokers, while metals
were polished and used to accessorize. Platinum and white gold was used
extensively in fine jewelry. In costume jewelry, Rhodium plating was used
instead of these expensive metals. The Invisible setting was developed by
Van Cleef & Arpels which allowed gems to be mounted, through a system of
grooves and rails, in such a way that no metal was visible. Gérard Sandoz, Paul
Poiret, René Lalique, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Jean
Després were some of the famous designers of the art deco period.The Art deco
bracelets became very popular and were called the plaque, flexible link, box,
strap, band or straight-line The straight-line bracelet often featured the new
square cut diamonds developed in Paris, aptly termed "French-cut" diamonds. Art
Deco bracelets were frequently accented with natural and synthetic rubies and
sapphires.Modern streamlined designs, with geometric
gemstone cuts and bold color combinations were the signature style of the art
deco jewelry. Another style typical of the Art Deco era is jewelry with Pave set
. stones
The Retro Jewelry Era or the Estate Jewelry
Era ( 1935 – 1950)
Retro is a
term used for jewelry from the 1930s through early 50s that are characterized by
large, glamorous designs in yellow and rose gold. Synthetic and semi-precious
stones were popular as precious stones were scarce. During the depression, World
War II and the post-war years, metals and stones were harder to come by so
jewelers creatively used small amounts of material to create chunky,
machine-inspired pieces. Retro jewelry is still wearable and en vogue
today.
Jewelry
from the 1960s and later is referred to as estate. While not old enough to be
true antiques, these pieces have unique style and flair. Like retro jewelry,
these pieces are bold but tend to be more chunky and abstract than their
predecessors. Free-form linear and floral designs full of flash and diamonds
make these pieces distinctive.
Tips on Buying
Jewelry Online
Why Pay High Local Jewelry Stores Prices
Learn More at Natural Pearl Information Center
Pearl Learning
Center: Pearls have been a source of fascination for centuries. They
have been considered the most magical and feminine of all gems and are the only
one created by a living organism. Pearls emanate a certain warmth and glow not
found in other gems, due to their unique beginnings. Pearls are found in pearl
oysters. However, the origin of the pearl mystified humans for centuries. Many
theories were put forward regarding the origin of pearls however, it wasn't
until the turn of the twentieth century that the relationship between pearl
oysters and parasites was discovered.
Due to the rarity and high
price of natural pearls, cultured pearls feature predominantly in jewellery
stores. Side by side, it is very difficult to tell the difference between a
natural pearl and a high quality cultured pearl with the naked eye. Pearls are
composed of between 82-86% mineral (calcium carbonate), 10-14% organic binder
and 2-4% water. They are very soft and can be chipped quite easily.
The name 'pearl' has
various origins. The Teutonic derivation comes from the noun beere, meaning
berry. Latin derivations are pirium, a sphere, and pirula, a pear. The Romans
used the Greek word margarita, describing something of unique value, a cherished
possession or a favourite child. The pearl is the birthstone for June, and also
the anniversary gem for the Third and Thirtieth Wedding Anniversaries.
Recognised as the emblem of modesty, chastity and purity, pearls have also come
to symbolise a happy marriage.
Anyone buying pearls should
take time to learn to check luster and, in particular, to recognize what is
acceptable and what is not acceptable; in particular, when luster is too low.
Luster is produced when rays of light are absorbed into and reflected back out
through the nacre - the layers of calcium carbonate that make up the pearl.
Luster is rated from very high to very low. In general, the thicker the nacre,
the deeper the luster. Japanese pearls, in general, exhibit a higher luster than
South Sea varieties that show a softer, more velvety appearance.
Know Everything Abour Rare Famous Colored Diamonds
Colored
diamonds allows you to have a beautiful diamond engagement ring
without sacrificing color. There are many gorgeous, colored diamonds to choose
from, and if you do choose a colored stone, you don't have to give up quality
and elegance to do so.
Diamonds
are found in their natural colors when they are mined, others become colored by
gemologists and jewelers. Companies have begun color-treating diamonds of lower
grades like a less desirable yellow or brownish tinted diamond into a beautiful,
brightly colored diamond and well affordable to the average consumer.
Irradiation process is a popular treatment process for
colored diamonds, which uses a high heat system to alter the color of the
diamond. Sometimes diamonds are treated by painting.
Fancy Colored
Diamonds
Diamonds
are valued around the world based on their clear colorless qualities, but there
are people who prefer the fancy colored diamonds that
come in vivid hues of yellows, browns, greens, reds, pinks.
Colored
diamonds exists naturally as well like if a diamond has nitrogen in it, it often
has a yellow tint to the stone. If the gemstone has been exposed to minor
radiation, the gem may turn green.
Colored
diamonds have been treated to obtain their colors artificially for people with
lower budgets to buy the fancy colored diamonds. Jewelry Manufacturers and
gemologists have found ways to alter the colors of diamonds to get any shade or
hue desired.
The
process of grading colored diamonds is different than that of the transparent
diamond. A colored diamond is graded based on the primary hue that makes up the
majority of the diamond's color like whether it's the blue or pink or red color.
Second, grading based on the intensity of that color. More expensive diamonds
have a very intense, naturally coloration and is more rare. Treated diamonds will cost less
than a naturally colored diamond. still a "real diamond", they are created within a laboratory
instead of by natural phenomenon.
Names of Colored
Diamond
Fancy
colored diamonds comes in so many different shades; it is often difficult to
interpret the name of the diamonds color. Most commonly you'll find two colors
labeling the shade of a diamond, like greenish blue. Each name for a colored
diamond has a primary color description, and some have a secondary color
description. If a diamond is called "blue diamond," it will be a blue shaded
diamond.
If the diamond is
called "greenish blue," Is the diamond blue, or is it green? The color that is
described with the "ish" at the end is considered the secondary color and the
other color is the primary color, in this case blue. A greenish blue diamond is
mostly blue, with green shades seen throughout the stone. A diamond labeled
"brown red" will have equal amounts of both colors seen through the stone
Get to Know About Read Gold
Gold was first discovered as shining, yellow nuggets. "Gold is where you find
it," so the saying goes, and gold was first discovered in its natural state, in
streams all over the world. No doubt it was the first metal known to early
hominids.
Gold became a part of every human
culture. Its brilliance, natural beauty, and luster, and its great malleability
and resistance to tarnish made it enjoyable to work and play with.
Because gold is dispersed widely
throughout the geologic world, its discovery occurred to many different groups
in many different locales. And nearly everyone who found it was impressed with
it, and so was the developing culture in which they lived.
Gold was the first metal
widely known to our species. When thinking about the historical progress of
technology, we consider the development of iron and copper-working as the
greatest contributions to our species' economic and cultural progress - but gold
came first.
Gold is the easiest of the
metals to work. It occurs in a virtually pure and workable state, whereas most
other metals tend to be found in ore-bodies that pose some difficulty in
smelting. Gold's early uses were no doubt
ornamental, and its brilliance and permanence (it neither corrodes nor
tarnishes) linked it to deities and royalty in early civilizations .
Gold has always been powerful stuff.
The earliest history of human interaction with gold is long lost to us, but its
association with the gods, with immortality, and with wealth itself are common
to many cultures throughout the world.
Early civilizations equated gold
with gods and rulers, and gold was sought in their name and dedicated to their
glorification. Humans almost intuitively place a high value on gold, equating it
with power, beauty, and the cultural elite. And since gold is widely distributed
all over the globe, we find this same thinking about gold throughout ancient and
modern civilizations everywhere.
Gold, beauty, and power have always gone
together. Gold in ancient times was made into shrines and idols ("the Golden
Calf"), plates, cups, vases and vessels of all kinds, and of course, jewelry for
personal adornment.
Gold's natural color
is further enhanced by alloying it with small amounts of other metals. Jewelers
create yellow, rose, green and white golds by using different alloys. More
copper results in a soft rose color; additional silver creates green gold; and
palladium produces white.
Properties: Gold is
very durable and look no further than the nearest museum where gold jewelry,
coins and artifacts from ancient civilizations attest to the metal's enduring
beauty and permanence. Jewelers throughout the ages have preferred gold to all
other metals for its beauty and ease of workmanship. Gold can be melted, or
shaped, to create any design. It can be alloyed with a number of other metals to
increase its strength and produce a variety of colors.
Colors of Gold: Gold
comes in a variety of colors. Because gold is alloyed with other metals to
increase its strength, it can also be made in a variety of colors. For example,
yellow gold is created by alloying the metal with copper and silver; using
copper only creates pink gold; white gold contains platinum or palladium, zinc
and copper; green gold contains silver, copper and zinc.
24K Gold: Pure gold,
or 24-karat, is generally considered too soft for use in jewelry, so it is
alloyed with other metals to increase its strength.
18K Gold: 18K Gold
is 18/24ths, or three-quarters pure gold. Jewelry of this fineness is marked
"18k" or "750," meaning 75 percent gold.
14K Gold: In the
United States, 14-karat gold is used most commonly for jewelry. Fourteen-karat
gold is 14/24ths, or slightly more than one-half pure gold. Jewelry of this
fineness is marked "14k" or "585," the European designation meaning 58.5 percent
gold.
10K Gold: Nothing
less than 10-karat gold can be legally marked or sold as gold jewelry in the
United States. These pieces are marked "10k" or "417," the European designation
meaning 41.7 percent gold.
Stamping: Look for
trademarks accompanying the quality mark. When a piece of jewelry is stamped
with a quality mark, law requires that it be stamped with a hallmark or
trademark as well. Sometimes the jewelry is also marked with its country of
origin. These designations are designed to assure you that you are buying
genuine gold jewelry of the karatage marked.
Gold Pricing: Gold
Pricing is based on four factors: karatage, gram weight, design and
craftsmanship. The karatage and gram weight tell you how much gold is in a
piece, but other crucial factors determining price are the piece's construction
and design. A price based solely on gram weight does not reflect the work that
has gone into the piece. It's important to remember that each piece of gold
jewelry is unique and, if cared for properly, can last a lifetime.
White Gold: White
gold is an alloy of gold and some white metals such as nickel, silver and
palladium. White gold can be 18k, 14k, 9k or any karat. For example, 18k yellow
gold is made by mixing 75% gold with 25% other metals such as copper and zinc.
18k white gold is made by mixing 75% gold with 25% other metals such as nickel,
silver and palladium. So the amount of gold is the same but the alloy is
different.
While pure gold is yellow in color,
colored gold can be developed into various colors.
Rose gold is a gold and copper alloy widely used for specialized jewelry. It is also
known as pink gold and red gold. As it was popular in Russia at
the beginning of the nineteenth century, it is also known as Russian
gold, however, this term is now obsolete.
Although the names are often used interchangeably, the difference between
red, rose, and pink gold is the copper content – the higher the copper content,
the stronger the red coloration. A common alloy for rose gold is 75% gold and
25% copper by mass (18 karat). Since rose gold is an alloy, there is no
such thing as "pure rose gold".
A common formulation for red gold is 50% gold and 50% copper.
Up to 15% zinc can be added to
copper-rich alloys to change their color to reddish yellow or dark yellow.
During ancient times, due to impurities in the smelting process, gold
frequently turned a reddish color. This is why many Greco-Roman texts, and even
many texts from the Middle Ages, describe gold as "red".
Green gold alloys are made by leaving the copper out of the alloy
mixture and just using gold and silver. It actually appears as a greenish yellow
rather than green. Eighteen karat green gold would therefore contain a mix of
gold 75% and silver 25% (or 73% gold and 27% silver). Fired enamels adhere better to these
alloys.
Green gold was known to Lydians as
long ago as 860 BC under the name electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of silver and
gold.
Cadmium can be added to gold alloys
in amount of up to 4% to achieve green color. The alloy of 75% gold, 23% copper,
and 2% cadmium yields light green 18ct gold. The alloy of 75% gold, 15% silver,
6% copper, and 4% cadmium yields a dark green alloy. Cadmium is, however,
toxic.
Grey gold alloys are made by adding silver, manganese and copper in specific ratios to the
gold.
Black gold is a type of gold used in jewelry.
Black colored gold can be produced by various methods:
Electroplating,
using black rhodium or ruthenium. Solutions that contain
ruthenium give a slightly harder black coating than those that contain
rhodium.
Patinationby applying sulfur and oxygen containing compounds.
Plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition process
involving amorphous
carbon
Controlled oxidation of gold containing chromium or cobalt (e.g. 75% gold, 25% cobalt).
A range of colors from brown to black can be achieved on copper-rich alloys
by treatment with potassium sulfide.
Purple gold (also called amethyst gold and violet gold) is an alloy of
gold and aluminum rich in gold-aluminium intermetallic
(AuAl2). Gold content in AuAl2 is around 79% and can
therefore be referred to as 18 karat gold. Purple gold is more brittle than
other gold alloys, as it is an intermetallic compound instead of a malleable
alloy, and a sharp blow may cause it to shatter. It is
therefore usually machined and faceted to be used as a "gem" in conventional
jewelry rather than by itself. At lower content of gold, the material is
composed of the intermetallic and an aluminium-rich solid solution phase. At
higher content of gold, the gold-richer intermetallic AuAl forms; the purple
color is preserved to about 15% of aluminium. At 88% of gold the material is
composed of AuAl and changes color. (The actual composition of AuAl2
is closer to Al11Au6 as the sublattice is incompletely
occupied.)
Blue gold is an alloy of gold and indium. It
contains 46% gold (about 12 ct) and 54% indium, forming an
intermetallic compound AuIn2. While several sources remark this
intermetallic to have "a clear blue color," in fact the
effect is slight: AuIn2 has CIE LAB color coordinates of 79, -3.7, -4.2[9] which appears
roughly as a greyish color. With gallium, gold forms an intermetallic AuGa2
(58.5% Au, 14ct) which has slighter bluish hue. The melting point of
AuIn2 is 541 °C, for AuGa2 it is 492 °C. AuIn2
is less brittle than AuGa2, which itself is less brittle than
AuAl2.
All the AuX2 intermetallics have crystal structure of CaF2 and
therefore are brittle. Deviation from
the stoichiometry results in loss of color. Slightly nonstoichiometric
compositions are however used, to achieve a fine-grained two- or three-phase
microstructure with reduced brittleness. A small amount of palladium, copper or
silver can be added to achieve a less brittle microstructure.
The intermetallic compounds tend to have poor corrosion resistance. The less
noble elements are leached to
the environment, and a gold-rich surface layer is formed. Direct contact of blue
and purple gold elements with skin should be avoided as exposition to sweat may
result in metal leaching and discoloration of the metal surface.
A surface plating of blue gold on karat gold or sterling silver can be
achieved by a gold plating of the surface, followed by indium plating, with
layer thickness matching the 1:2 atomic ratio. A heat treatment then causes
interdiffusion of the metals and formation of the required intermetallic
compound.
Many online searchers are scared about buying jewelry online for reasons like diamond quality, gemstone is genuine or not or incorrect ring size. Buying Jewelry Online has grown dramaitically in last several years because of high consumer confidence as consumers are able get very good deals and buys online with a large selection of fine designer jewelry with a varity of styles and designs.
Platinum Historical
Use: Platinum was used by the South American Indians before the fifteenth
century. They could not melt it, but developed a technique for sintering it with
gold on charcoal, to produce artefacts. A pre-Columbian platinum ingot was found
which contained 85% pure platinum. When the Spanish conquered South America,
they discovered the Indians use of platinum, and called it "platina", a
diminutive which means "little silver", a somewhat derogatory term. It was considered by the Spanish as a worthless nuisance and impurity.
Platinum Group
Metals: Platinum is closely related to five
other metals, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, and iridium. Together these
six are known as the platinum group metals, often referred to as PGMs. They all
have somewhat similar atomic structures, leading to some similarity in chemical
and mechanical properties, although there are, of course, many important
differences. Platinum Facts: Atomic Number: 78; Atomic Weight: 195.08; Density
or Specific Gravity: 21.45; Melting Point: 1768.90 Celsius and Hardness (Moh)
4.3.
Platinum
Processing: In about 1780, Janety was able to refine it
using aqua regia, Smith & Tennant developed an arsenic refining method after
1800, the arsenic was used to aid in the melting. This was highly toxic and
dangerous, and it is not used nowadays. Until about 1800, it was not realized
that there were in fact six different metals. Palladium was not separated and
identified until 1803. Platinum's melting point is very high, and consequently
it is difficult to melt. It was first melted by Lavoisier shortly after 1800.
Platinum
Stamping: What are the marks inside my platinum jewelry? You're familiar with the gold
standard, where 24k = 100%. The platinum standard is based on parts per
thousand, where 1000 parts = 100%. All platinum alloys are derived from this
standard. The two most common platinum alloys found in the US. 95% Platinum: This alloy is 950 parts per 1000 and 50 parts
other metals. Common quality marks are: Platinum, Plat, Pt, Pt950, 950Pt,
950Plat and Plat950. 90%
Platinum: This alloy is 900
parts per 1000 and 100 parts other metals. Common quality marks are: 900Pt,
Pt900, and 900Plat. Typically platinum is alloyed with copper, iridium,
palladium, cobalt, ruthenium, tungsten, gallium or indium. It can also be
alloyed with rhodium, osmium or titanium but these are rarely used.
Platinum Purity: Why
is platinum's purity important to me? Two reasons. First, your skin. Platinum is
hypoallergenic and resists tarnish, making it easy for sensitive people to wear.
Second, platinum's purity makes it one of the strongest, most durable metals in
the world. Platinum has often been described as the purest, or the most precious
metal. Both these claims are slightly inaccurate. The price of pure platinum is
generally higher than gold, but not always, therefore the claim that platinum is
the most precious metal is also a typical marketing exaggeration, besides
rhodium is frequently double the price of platinum. As noted previously, the
Spanish conquerors of Latin America considered it a worthless nuisance.
Precious
Platinum:
Silver has its place in jewelry, particularly for larger and heavier pieces,
where its low price means it can be used lavishly. Silver does tarnish very
easily, and needs frequent cleaning, which is its major drawback for jewelry.
Again its rapid tarnishing, means it is less than ideal; it is also quite soft,
and not durable enough for diamond settings in general. Certainly now that
platinum has earned its recognition as a precious metal, silver is by comparison
a poor relation. For its combination of preciousness and purity, there is no
doubt that platinum deserves pride of place, so when we query the claim about
platinum being the purest and most precious metal, we are trying to give an
accurate honest appraisal on a completely objective basis.
Platinum Deposits: Until large deposits were
discovered by Merensky at Rustenberg in South Africa in 1924, 93% of the world's
supply of platinum came from the USSR. the Rustenberg deposits are considered
very rich in platinum. The ratio of platinum to palladium recovered is 2.5%.
Platinum Alloys: In jewelry, like other
precious metals platinum is mixed with other metals to form alloys. Before 1975
there was no requirement for platinum to be assayed and hallmarked in Britain,
therefore there was no recognized standard. Because of this, most early pieces
marked "plat" or platinum, may be of very variable, and quite low fineness, and
most would fail modern assay standards. Typically platinum is alloyed with
copper, iridium, palladium, rhodium, osmium or titanium. All our platinum products are made with .950
fine platinum. Platinum is
perfect for diamond settings. We also make rings in combinations such as:
Platinum with 18 karat yellow gold and platinum with 24 karat yellow gold.
Platinum in
Jewelry:
Platinum started to be used in jewelry in Europe about the mid nineteenth
century, but it was not until the 1924 find that it started to become commonly
used. It became very fashionable during the art deco movement. It possesses very
good mechanical properties for jewelry, being strong, and highly durable. It is
ideal for stone settings as it has a low "spring-back" rate. In jewelry, like
other precious metals it is mixed with other metals to form alloys. Before 1975
there was no requirement for platinum to be assayed and hallmarked in Britain,
therefore there was no recognized standard. Because of this, most early pieces
marked "plat" or platinum, may be of very variable, and quite low fineness, and
most would fail modern assay standards. Our Platinum Jewelry includes
Platinum Chains, Platinum Bracelets,
Platinum Earrings, Platinum Pendants, Platinum Rings, Platinum Wedding Rings,
Platinum Diamond Rings, Platinum Anniversary Rings & Engagement Rings.
Know Everything About Diamond Ring Settings
Guide to Choosing Your Diamond Settings
The beauty and craftsmanship of a diamond ring depends a lot on the diamond type and quality of the setting. So it is very important to pay attention to the setting type that is used while designing or purchasing a diamond ring. We need to know facts like whether the metal will hold the stone evenly with a smooth and fine finish. Will the stone be held firmly in the setting? etc An understanding of the setting types will help us know what will best suit on the ring to give it a perfect look.
There are two basic types of gemstone settings: Open Settings and Closed Settings.
Open settings are any type of setting that allows light to enter through the bottom of a faceted or transparent gemstone. For eg tension setting, prong setting, care setting, frustum settings. In a closed setting light can only enter the stone from the top. This type of setting is appropriate for opaque cabochon-cut stones and highly refractive faceted stones where light can enter through the crown and table of the stone and be reflected back to the observer from within. For example bezel setting, pave setting, channel settings.
Some of the most common diamond setting types that you will find in a jewelry store are as under.
What platinum or 14k white or yellow gold diamond ring setting style is best for your stone? To answer this question, you will need to know what styles there are to choose from and what advantages each has to offer. Here, the choices are as varied as ring designers.
Once you recognize these differences, you'll be prepared to analyze each ring at a glance and make a choice based on those elements that best please your taste.
The Prong Setting: This is the most common type of setting, especially for ladies' solitaire diamond rings. Prong setting is the one most often used to hold a solitaire. Prong setting puts the emphasis on the stones and not the metal. It involves fitting the diamond in a metal head or basket and securing it with a minimum of three prongs or metal claws. The purpose of any setting is to hold the diamonds securely in the mounting and at the same time allow light to enter the diamonds for maximum brilliance. The shape of the prongs can vary. They may be rounded, elongated or pointed. There are many decorative variations of this setting style.
The more metal used to hold the diamonds, the more secure they are; the less metal used, the greater the chance for the diamond to reflect light. For this reason, platinum is often the metal of choice for diamond solitaires.
Because platinum is both dense and strong, very thin wires of it are sufficient to hold the diamond securely in place. The diamond may be raised high up above the shank to give it a larger appearance. In such a setting, the prongs are attached to the central setting of a ring, known as the head or basket. Each prong extends upward and outward from the head, arching over the diamond to form a secure grip.
The ideal prong tapers to a rounded point. It should be smoothly finished, diminishing any chance of the prong snagging the threads of your clothes. The prongs should also be placed at the key points of the stone, typically at four corners or at four, five or six points evenly spaced around the stone, to offer security without interfering with the stone's brillianc.
Prong Settings Advantages?: It allows more of the stone to be in view than most other styles. It's quicker and, therefore, less expensive to set than most other styles. It can hold large diamonds securely. Settings with six prongs are more secure than those with four prong. This setting allows diamonds to be more easily cleaned than the other styles. It can be used to set any type of gemstone, no matter how fragile it is.
Prong Settings Disadvantages: May not provide as smooth of a ring surface as some of the other styles. It doesnot protect diamonds as well as other styles since it leaves most of the girdle are exposed.
The Channel Setting: This style is often used for wedding bands, but it may also be used to accent center stones. The diamonds are suspended in a channel of vertical walls with nometal separating the stones.
Channel setting is also used when there is no center stone at all. The placement of baguettes around an entire band is a beautiful choice for a wedding band, one that goes well with a matching ring set with a diamond solitaire. Channel setting offers a sleek, elegant appearance, though the end result is a very different look.
Channel Settings Advantages: Channel setting protects the girdle are of diamonds as well as provide a smooth ring surface. None of the edges are exposed, and so they are not subject to hard knocks or general wear and tear.
Channel Settings Disadvantages: Usually more time consuming and costly than prong setting, when properly done. It should not be used for fragile gems.
The Pave Setting: In this type of setting, diamonds are fit into tapered holes and set almost level with the surface of the ring. Then some of the surrounding metal is raised to form beads which hold the diamonds in place. Sometimes the metal around the bead-set stones is raised or engraved to form decorative patterns. When there are three or more rows of diamonds in this way without partitions between the stones, it is calle pave, which, in French means paved like a cobblestone road. In order to give the impression of a continous diamond surface, it is customary to use white gold or platinum to support pave-set diamonds even if the rest of the ring is in yellow gold.
Pave Settings Advantages?: Usually protects diamonds better than a prong setting. Allows uniterrupted designs of varying width. Pave set rings appear larger eventhough the stones are smaller. Each tiny diamond, weighing just a few points, is fully cut with 58 facets. Though small in size, each stone contributes to the overall, shimmering look of the design. After it is positioned in its hole, tiny bits of metal from the surface of the shank are pushed over the edge of the diamond, forming tiny beads to hold the stone in place.
Pave Settings Disadvantages: Is a risky setting method in terms of possible stone damage. It does not provide as smooth of ring surface as bezel, channel and flush setting.
The Bar Setting: This is a form of channel setting, except the diamonds are set in channels acress a ring, and stones on each end of the channel are exposed at the edges of the mounting instead of being secured in metal.
The Invisible Setting: Invisible-set diamonds are placed tightly next to each other with the metal of the setting concealed underneath the diamonds, allowing them to form a continous surface.
Invisible Settings Advantages: It enhances brilliance because there's no metal on top of the stone to impede the entry of light.
Channel Settings Disadvantages: If not properly set, small square stones may fall out with hard wear. It is usually more time consuming and expensive than prong and bead setting. It is risky setting method, in terms of damage to the stones, so it should not be used for fragile gems.
The Flush Setting: is a popular style for people who use their hands a lot in their professions; it offers good protection for their diamonds. Diamonds are sunk into the mounting until they are nearly level or flush with the surface. Only the table of the diamond and a bit of the upper pavilion facets show. This technique seems to go against everything we know about diamonds in relation to light, but it's become quite a popular setting. It's a very subtle look, and one that appeals to the woman who likes the idea of tiny, glittering bits of light twinkling like stars in the sky.
Flush Settings Advantages: It protects the girdle area of the diamonds. Provides a smooth, tailored look. The flush setting is also used for larger stones, offering great protection and a modern look.
Flush Settings Disadvantages: It is usually more time consuming and expensive than prong and bead setting. It is risky setting method, in terms of damage to the stones, so it should not be used for fragile gems.
The Bezel Setting: A bezel is a band of metal that surrounds the diamond and holds it in place. They have become popular now as attractive settings for diamonds. The bezel may either fully or partially encircle the diamond. A bezel is a collar of precious metal that wraps around the diamond. The bezel is attached to the top of the ring and stands up above it, adding height and another dimension to the setting. Although solid bezels have a very traditional look, the bezel may be 'split' into two sections, arcing around just part of the diamond.
Bezel Settings Advantages: It provides good protection for girdle and pavilion areas of the diamond. It can be used to set almost all gemstones without causing damage to them. It accentuates the circumference of the stone, making it appear larger than in prong setting. It provides a smooth ring surface
Bezel Settings Disadvantages: It is usually more time consuming and expensive than prong and bead setting.
Also Get to Know Diamond Ring Styles
Also Get to Know Diamond Ring Designs
Also Get to Know Diamond Ring Metals
Also Get to Know Diamond Ring Craftsmanship
Read About Diamond History, Diamond Facts
About the year 1717, having offered the gem to several sovereigns, the Regent of France was persuaded that his country should possess the most beautiful and perfect diamond known so the diamond was bought for £135,000 and from that time known as the Regent diamond. The diamond was stolen from the public treasury during the turbulent times of the French Revolution. Twelve years later it was recovered and hen set in the Imperial diadem of France.
1. Secured Online Store: Sndgems shopping process is fully certified by the Independent Internet Security Leader. As one of the
Internet security is a broad term that refers to the various steps individuals
and companies take to protect computers or computer networks that are connected
to the Internet. One of the basic truths behind Internet security is that the
Internet itself is not a secure environment. The Internet was originally
conceived as an open, loosely linked computer network that would facilitate the
free exchange of ideas and information. Data sent over the Internet—from
personal e-mail messages to online shopping orders—travel through an
ever-changing series of computers and network links. As a result, unscrupulous
hackers and scam artists have ample opportunities to intercept and change the
information. It would be virtually impossible to secure every computer connected
to the Internet around the world, so there will likely always be weak links in
the chain of data exchange.
2. 100% Satisfaction Guantee
When purchasing a piece of
jewelry, look carefully at the construction and quality of workmanship. The way
the piece is designed, constructed and finished will have a major impact on how
well the piece wears and holds up over time. We partner with jewelry
manufacturers worldwide to get the finest quality jewelry at the most
outstanding prices. To be certain that your jewelry has been checked by a
trusted third party, get it appraised by a local jeweler and you'll find that
our jewelry, designer clothing & designer handbags will be appraised 30 to
60% above retailers price. You can easily spot the fake handbag with the
designers logo alone. Most designers usually place their product's signature on
the same part of their every designer handbag so that buyers would know that
it's the real handbag. All our designer clothes and designer hanbags come with
original designer authenticy card and tag.
Sparkle N Dazzle
guarantees that the diamond you purchased has been graded with the strictest
standards using the Gemological Institute of America grading systems. The
sapphires, emeralds, and rubies in the gemstone jewelry we offer will display
rich blue, green, or red color. And each gemstone must be translucent — not
opaque like the gemstones found in much of the gemstone jewelry available.
You'll find we offer only the strongest, most durable jewelry grade platinum.
Pearls in all our cultured pearl jewelry will have medium to high luster. Our
designer clothes & designer handbags are 100% authentic and are at least 50%
discounted. Everybody dreams of having fabulous designer handbags of the finest
quality that one can only see in a celebrity's hand. However, such leather
handbags are difficult to find and quite expensive.
3. Privacy Promise: Sndgems Online Jewelry Store respects your privacy and is fully committed to ensure your privacy is protected online. We want you to ensure that your privacy is protected. We want to ensure that your online shopping at Sndgems Online Jewelry Store is totally secure with respect to your personal information, your credit card information online and off-line. Sndgems uses latest up-to-date encryption/security
and technological standards to make your jewelry purchase safe. It is our privacy promise.
4.. Trusted Jewelry Industry Affiliations: Sndgems is committed to providing the highest standards of quality and services to you adhering to stringest trusted jewelry industry established. We adhere to strictest industry norms of jewelry industry's leading and most respected organizations including Jewelers of America, Jewelers Board of Trade and Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers Association.
5. Jewelry Education, Expert Advice & Friendly Customer Service: Sndgems is committed to providing its customers complete, precise and easy but still useful information to educate its customers in making jewelry purchae easy, enjoyable and safe at our online jewelry store. An educated and informed customer is what we thrive for. Please visit our education center to learn more or e-mail us back.
6. Customer Reviews: Sndgems online jewelry store was launched in 1998 and has about 7500 fine designer jewelry products and thousands of satisfied customers who have bought jewelry from our online jewelry store. They have provided us valuable information in improving our online store. We've provided real customer feedback with real customers who have bought great jewelry products from us after doing reasearch using our
education pages, price comparison tools and even on checking our jewelry at local jewelry stores to get reassurance.
7. Best Jewelry Site Awards/Jewelry Industry Awards/Jewelry Industry Award Winning Designs: Sndgems stands miles apart from thousands and thousands of online jewelry stores and main street/mall jewelry stores worldwide with regards to its education center, jewelry selection, jewelry quality and overall value and customer satisfaction. Sndgems is committed to and proud of being recognized as the best online jewelry store
because of great jewelry offering largest selection+finest selection+best value+best customer service+best deals+best customer service+best after sales service+best customer reviews+best online shopping experience.
8. Our Prices: Sndgems has been recognized as an online leading jewelry store offering best deals+best buys+best value+lowest prices. We offer the finest selection of at reasonable prices and that shows in our customer feedback and reviews. We're not just the online leader but are much better alternative to mall and main street jewelry stores with inflated prices and illusionary discounts.
9. No Additional Taxes: Will you charge sales
tax on my order? To be clear, the Internet Tax Freedom Act (ITFA), which was
signed into law on October 21, 1998, does not, as some have asserted, preclude
sales & use taxes on any and all commerce conducted over the Internet. State
governments are allowed to impose sales and use taxes on all such electronic
sales. Currently, most e-commerce companies use the same taxation rules used by
mail-order companies, which are based on constitutional guidelines for
interstate commerce. Generally this means that states can only require companies
to collect sales tax in states where they have business operations, and as a
result, a company will not collect sales tax in states where they have no
business operations. We charge 5.75% sales tax for Ohio State
Residents.
10.Free Insured Shipping: When awaiting the delivery
of your order, remember that the first day of business is the day after your
order is processed, provided that the item you order is in stock. Sndgems makes
every attempt to keep items in stock. Should the item be out of stock, you will
be notified by e-mail during the ordering process with the approximate delivery
time noted. Many orders may be able to ship more quickly, but each piece of
jewelry is created by hand to your specifications after you place your order.
All orders are subject to credit and address verification. For your protection,
all FedEx shipments require a customer signature upon delivery. Shipping
addresses are limited to one address per order. Sndgems.com primarily uses
FedEx because it is a traceable and insured method of shipment. All shipments
require a telephone number and an address specifying if it is a business or
residential. All deliveries must be made to a physical address (no P.O. Boxes
except APO/FPO addresses). All shipments require a signature, without a
signature UPS/FedEx will not complete the delivery. Therefore, the shipping
address must be one where someone will be available to sign for the package. We
offer several shipping options: FedEx Ground; FedEx 2 Day (U.S. Addresses
Only); FedEx Overnight (Standard Overnight Delivery); FedEx
Saturday Delivery all for free now.
11. Jewelry Appraisal Certificate of Authencity, Price Verification, Genuine Gemstone Assurance, Diamond Quality: All our jewelry is authentic, natural, genuine and real. We donot sell costume jewelry or imitation jewelry. We use only genuine naural fine gemstones and diamonds. With every purchase at our online jewelry store, you will receive a free third party jewelry appraisal from reputable appraisal company assuring
you of authenticity, gemstones genuineness and price verification.
12. Gift Certificate: Sndgems at its online jewelry store offers fine jewelry gift cartificates in many denominations like $1000, $2000, $5000, $10,000 and $50,0000 which can be redeemed at our online jewelry store and jewelry stores worldwide.
13. After Sales Service: Sndgems is qualified to
perform virtually any jewelry revitalization you may require, and our experience
in this area is considerable. We will gladly work with individuals to meet their
specific needs...or with professional shops seeking reliable, high-quality
repairs for their clients. You may rely upon Sndgems goldsmiths to accomplish
the most delicate of restoration procedures, whether on jewelry or watches. Our
reputation for expert execution is unsurpassed. We have
certified gemologists and professional jewelers and it is their our duty to
provide the finest workmanship around. Any precious metal jewelry can be
redesigned or repaired. Everything from clock repairs to ring sizing to fine
designer re-mounts. Most repair work generally requires one week and is
unconditionally guaranteed. All at rock bottom prices! In addition to fine
jewelry repair work... we are also qualified watch repair specialists. Check jewelry every 6
months as prongs can wear thin and let stones fall out. Chains and pearl strands
weaken with wear. Ring shanks wear thin through time. Before disaster strikes,
have your jewelry professionally inspected and repaired. No job is too large or
too small, and estimates are provided. Active outdoors types, for example, might
be better off avoiding the marquise or pears shape. The shank as well as the
prongs of a ring worn daily by a very active person will show the effects of
wear.
14. Jewelry Artists, Designers, Manufcturers Worldwide Showcase Your Jewelry Designs at Sndgems Online Jewelry Store: Jewelry Artists, Designers, Manufcturers Worldwide can showcase their handcrafted exclusive and beautiful jewelry designs on Sndgems Online Jewelry Store, Facebook Store Front, Sndgems New York Jewelry Store, Sndgems Japan Jewelry Store, Sndgems UK Jewelry Store, Sndgems Bangkok Jewelry Store, Sndgems
Bridal Shows and more. We offer many other distribution channels like product catlogs, jewelry shows, jewelry party plans and many more channels.
Online Shopping Tips
Know the online merchant. It is always best to know the reputation of the
companies you choose to do business with. If you are not familiar with the
online retailer, be sure to check the Web site for contact details, including a
physical address and phone number. Also, look to see if the site is a member of
a trust mark or trust seal program. This certifies the business meets certain
business standards set in place by the program.
What is Online Security? The online economy is
massive, with billions of dollars changing hands every single day. Online
shopping has brought consumers lower prices, incredibly diverse choice and an
ease of buying that simply can't be matched in the physical world. So, online buying presents challenges to keeping your money
safe, but if you're smart, they're challenges that aren't too hard to
overcome.
SSL Encryption
A better way to tell if a form really is secure is by looking at the address bar
in your browser (see the picture below). When you're looking at the form where
you're supposed to enter your credit card number, the address should begin with
"https://www.sndgems.com/", not "http://www.sndgems.com/". That little letter "s" in there means that the
information that you're sending the site through the form is encrypted, which
means that even if someone intercepts the information, they won't be able to do
anything with it. Any questions regarding our virtual secured web server could
be directed to support@icom.com . Usually, shopping on the Web is much safer
than shopping over the phone, or even through the mail. There's a much smaller
chance that a telephone operator or a waiter will write down your credit card
number and then sell it, or that a store will throw out a receipt and someone
will dig through the store's garbage to find it. Especially if you keep the
rules just mentioned in mind, you'll most likely have a very good experience
shopping over the Internet.
Shop Only at Secure Websites
Ensure you are shopping at a secure Web site. A secure Web site uses encryption
technology to scramble the information you send, such as your credit card
number, in order to prevent identity thieves from gaining access to it as it
travels through the Internet. Secure Web site addresses also include "https://"
at the beginning of the address -- the "s" indicates the Web site is secure.
Also, look for a closed padlock displayed in your browser's toolbar or on at the
bottom of your screen. If the lock is open or not present, this may be a sign
that the site is not secure. Even on a secure site, do not send any more
financial information than is necessary to complete the transaction. Always keep
a paper copy of the transaction for your records.
Beware of Phishing E-mails
Beware of "phishing" e-mails that appear to be from trusted merchants. Phishing
is one of the fastest-growing forms of online fraud for identity thieves.
Phishing e-mails appear legitimate, often addressing you by name, which makes
them even more convincing. Thieves sending these e-mails usually ask you to
click on a link in the email that takes you to a phony Web site -- if you are
interested, it is best to go to the site yourself by typing the Web site name
directly into your browser rather than clicking on the link provided in the
e-mail. A skeptical attitude toward unsolicited e-mails is always the best
policy, especially if you have never done business with a company before
receiving an e-mail solicitation from it.
Review privacy and security policies
Check company policies you do business with online. All reputable companies post a privacy and security policy or statement
on their Web site. This should tell you what information the company collects,
how it is used and what is shared. If you are concerned about your information
being shared with other companies, make sure there is an option to keep your
information confidential.
Be proactive in protecting your security
Install commonly available security tools such as anti-virus software, anti-spyware software and a personal
firewall. These programs and the computer's operating system must be maintained
with the most recent patches or updates. Probably the most common -- and most
easily remedied -- security problem in home computers is out-of-date software.
Do not use personal information for passwords
Using information such as Social Security numbers, birth dates, names, common words, e-mail addresses or
telephone numbers as passwords can make you an easy target. Be sure your
passwords contain at least eight characters and include numbers or symbols. To avoid misuse, do not write down passwords.
Monitor online activity regularly
If you conduct business online, review your account statements regularly and consider using a separate credit card for
online purchases or payments to ensure all transactions are in order. By
reviewing online statements, transactions and your credit report frequently, you
could detect a theft and limit its damage. Identity thieves typically use stolen
information for only a short period of time to avoid being caught. If you
suspect a security breach, act quickly by contacting the companies you do
business with immediately. The Federal Trade Commission's identity theft Web site is a great resource for information on identity
theft, including advice and guidance if your identity is stolen.
Know about international security and privacy standards
Be
aware that international security and privacy standards may be different. When
you shop in the United States, you are protected by state and federal consumer
laws. These laws may not apply if you place an order internationally. If it is
not a reputable merchant and there is a problem, it may be difficult for you to
resolve the issue. You should print out and date a copy of terms, conditions,
warranties, item description, company information and even confirming e-mails,
and save them with the records of your purchase. Also, look at your purchase as
soon as you receive it and contact the seller as soon as possible if you
discover a problem.
How to Pick a Perfect Engagement Ring
Being educated and informed about the basics of a ring will make it easier when shopping for a perfect engagement ring.
When you feel you're comfortable and are ready to buy an engagement ring check out online jewelry sores first. Online jewelry stores offer many advantages over local jewelry store with regards to selection, styles & designs, pricing, budget, speed, convinience, education, guidance, customer reviews, third party appraisals and return policies.
Get to Know Basics of a Ring
Getting educated about the basic components of a diamond ring will help you better check quality of a diamond ring in terms of style, designs, metals and look of the diamond ring and will guantee you in getting a stunning certified diamond ring at a lower price from a reputed online jewelry store with free education, guidance and appraisals. Here are few terms that are used for a ring:
Appraisal: A third party evaluation of rings value, quality and authencity.
Certificate: Like a GIA certificate certifying diamonds cut, color, clarity, weight and value.
Cut: This refers
both to the geometric proportions of a gemstone, and the final form into which a
rough stone is shaped. The most prominent cuts in the industry are the round
brilliant, oval, marquise, pear, heart, emerald, princess, trilliant, and
radiant
Clarity: The measure
by which a diamond is graded for purity, or whiteness. This is done by taking in
the presence or absence of blemishes on the diamond's surface, or inclusions
within the diamond. The professional grading scale is: flawless; internally
flawless; very, very slightly included; very slightly included; slightly
included; imperfect
Carat: The unit of
weight by which a diamond or other gemstone is measured. It equals 200
milligrams. The word is derived from the carob bean, whose consistent weight was
used in times past to measure gemstones
Setting: The way the diamonds are set in a ring and how they are held.
Design: The way the ring will finally look includes the setting and diamonds are held.
Band: The shank of the ring that goes around the ring finger.
Bridal Set: A bridal set includes the engagement ring and the matching band and could also include men's wedding band.
Head: This refers to
that portion of the diamond where prongs secure the stone in its setting
Semi-mount: A
setting complete but for the main stone, to be selected separately.
Now that you're educated about the ring there is no need to rush to buy the ring. You need to compare prices from different jewelry stores based on your knowledge of diamond 4C'sand also check company's return policy, guarantees, appraisals, customer reviews and get the best value possible anywhere.
Beware of Sales or Advertisments that seem too good to be true:
The advertised or on sale jewelry could be following:
inferior unacceptable quality
might have been stolen or misrepresented
prices might have been inflated and then discounted
poor workmanship
not genuine or real
diamonds could be of inferior quality
gemstones could be of lower quality
metals could be lower purity
false advertising
strings attached
Mall and local Jewelry Stores have huge overheads including prime location higher rents, showroom expenses, more staff and so on. There is no way they can sell you for lower than online jewelry stores.
Sndgems have low overheads and want to pass on those savings to our customers.
Get Proposal and Engagement Rings ideas from
Celebrities
Celebrity Engagement Rings
have a brilliant sparkle and a unique and mind blowing design. If you are
planning for your engagement or wedding do not miss out on grabbing ideas from
how celebrities made their proposals so special. We have complied a list of
gorgeous celebrities and their one of a kind, stunning diamond and gemstone
engagement rings. Our celebrities inspired engagement ring guide will help you
steal the style of your favourite celebrity and guide you how to get their
look.
Kim Kardashian Engagement
Ring Kris
Humphries, a well paid basketball player proposed Kim Kardashian with an
engagement ring designed by Lorraine Schwartz and featuring a 20.5 carat diamond
engagement ring . The magnificient diamond ring consists of three pieces of
white diamond sitting on a platinum band. The main diamond in the middle weighs
about 16.5 carat and cut in emerald shape. The other two trapezoid-cut stones
each weighs about 2 carat. The diamonds on the ring are graded VS (very slight),
an indication of excellent quality diamonds.The estimates costs somewhere around
$2 million. Kim Kardashian’s engagement ring is often compared to her sister
Khloe Kardashian’s 2009 engagement ring. Khloe Kardashianreceived a stunning 12.5 carat diamon ring from hubbyLamar Odom, a
basketball player who is far better compensated than Kris, but that was less
than half the cost of Kim’s at $850,000.Kim Kardashian’s ring is even heavier
than Kate Middleton’s 18 carat sapphire-diamond royal engagement band that once
belonged to the late Princess Diana.
Sure this is out of your price range, you’ll be happy to know that
beautiful diamond engagement rings are available for much less. Sparkle and
dazzle Online carries a magnificent collection of Diamond Engagement Rings at
affordable prices.Browse through thousands of celebrity style genuine diamond
rings. Sndgems.com also carries the latest collection of Designer Ruby Diamond
Rings, Sapphire Diamond Rings and Emerald Diamond Rings.
Halle Berry`s Engagement
Ring
Halle Berry engaged to French actor Oliver Martinez shows off her one
of a kind emerald engagement ring which
is a little bit of an antique art deco style and could be worth up to $100,000
or maybe more. The custom-designed etching on the ring is likely filigree — a
popular request that makes an engagement ring truly one-of-a-kind .The ring is
textured and contains codes and symbols which you cannot see .The symbols and
codes represent the couple's story and only they can interpret it. Emeralds make
beautiful engagement rings, even among non-celebs. If you are looking for an
elegant, exotic and fancy emerald diamond ring for your fiancé, Sparkle and
dazzles` must have genuine premier designer emerald diamond rings feature
classic and delicate designs and are all time favorites. They offer great prices
too. Save now on celebrity style engagement rings!
Erin Brady`s Engagement
Ring.
The 63-year-old Tyler asked
for Brady's hand with a 5-carat brilliant cut sparkler designed by celebrity
jeweler Looree Rodkin. The glittering brilliant cut diamond sits on a micro pave
diamond-and-platinum band. Tyler has been dating Brady for five years. His last marriage,
to clothing designer Teresa Barrick, ended in 2006. Get Brady`s glam stunner for
a fraction of the price! For more celeb designer rings, check out our collection
of Sparkle and Dazzle Celebrity Inspired Engagement Rings! Make her feel like a
star and take her breath away when she first sees her diamond engagement
ring.
Zara Phillips Engagement
Ring
Zara`s platinum-and-pave
diamond engagement ring is simply magnificient! Zara phillips, the Queen's
eldest granddaughter, the royal darling,13th in line to the throne and a cousin
of Princes William and Harry, engaged with fiance Mike Tindall, an English rugby
player .Tindall rather than opting for an antique or a family heirloom had a
bespoke diamond and platinum engagement ring made by a jeweler. In the centre is
a single, solitaire diamond sitting on tens of pavé set diamonds on a split
shank or band made from platinum.
We've found some round-cut baubles that
have a similar feel. Check out our favorite options under the jump. Browse more
Zara Phillips style engagement Rings here. For
deals on genuine diamond engagement rings delicately designed by designers visit
www.sndgems.com and save now on incredibly unique engagement rings .You have
another option of making her happy with a custom design engagement
ring.
Britney Spears Engagement
Ring
The beaming, pop diva
Britney Spears celebrated their engagement and her hubby-to-be's 40th birthday
in Las Vegas. Fiancé Jason Trawic chose her a sparkling 3 carat Neil
Lane Diamond and pave band ring.The royal treatment of the ring continues all
the way around the finger with platinum set diamonds throughout the entire ring. The estimated price tag for this
magnificient creation is a whopping $90,000!. Looking for deals on
genuine diamond engagement rings delicately designed by designers visit
www.sndgems.com and save now on incredibly unique engagement rings .You have
another option of making her happy with a custom design engagement
ring.
Looking for a similar
design, get a custom made ring, Britney Spears style in the sndgems collection
of fine jewelry. You can also give Britney Sperars style a twist by alterning
the stone to an emerald , ruby or a sapphire. Sndgems.com has an amazing
collection of genuine Emerald Diamond rings, Sapphire Diamond rings and Ruby
diamond rings inspired from celebrity style engagement rings. Each ring is very
lovingly crafted to give it a unique and stylish look. Sparkle and Dazzles
offers superior quality engagement rings at prices that suit your budget.
Satisfaction is guaranteed! What do you think of Britney Spears’ ring . Post
your comments here
Gisele Bundchen
Engagement Ring
Gisele Bundchen got a very
beautiful diamond engagement
ring. Brazilian beauty Gisele Bundchen received this beautiful 4-carat engagement ring from
American football star, Tom Brady. It is estimated to cost $150000. The ring is
absolutely mindblowing, elegant and classy, a solitaire roung brilliant diamond,
flanked by two triangualr stones on the sides in platinum settings. Gisele
Bundchen is one of the most famous models in the world. The 28-year-old model
tied the knot with New England Patriots quarterback Tom, 31, at St Monica's
Church in the LA beachside suburb of Santa Monica.You cannot be Gisele Bundchen
or Tom brady but you can definitely look for similar genuine diamond engagement
ring designed by sparkle and dazzle exotic designers at a lesser price. Make
your fiance feel like a queen with our affordable genuine diamond engagement
rings.
Kristin Cavallari
Engagement Ring
Kristin Cavallari`s the 24-year-old reality star, accepted NFL player Jay Cutler's proposal over the
Easter weekend with an impressive engagement ring. Kristin’s diamond is an
asscher cut, which is one of the most popular modern cuts.The ring boasts 10
round side diamonds, which are estimated to be nearly 1.5 carats. In total,it is
estimated the ring would be worth a whopping $125,000!Absoutely gorgeous ring
that anyone would love.What is so essential is to realize that such a stunning
ring is not out of your reach. You can check our similar designs at reachable
prices at sndgems fine jewelers. Sparkle and Dazzle offers the best affordable
designer genuine diamond jewelry. Snag this clear jewelry design for yourself
and once you slip it on, you will never want to take it off. Katherine Heigl Engagement
Ring
Hollywood star Katherine Heigl 3-carat, pear-cut diamond flanked by
pave diamonds from musician hubby Josh Kelly is simply stunning with an
effervescent sense of French style. Platinum solitaire setting accented with
side stones is a popular style is hollywood. A unique piece
of jewelry by Ryan Ryan design, this ring has sentimental value as half of the
platinum band is from her mother`s own engagement band. Sndgems.com fine
jewelers can help transform your halo diamond engagement ring dream into a
sparkling reality . Check out their magnificient collection of diamond
engagement rings and wedding bands and the get amazing looks without those high
prices.
Jenna Dewan Engagement
Ring
The beautiful actress/
model Jenna Dewan got a huge exotic vintage style diamond engagement ring from
Channing Tatum. She loves her ring and it grabs as much attention as she does
because of its beauty and size. While they were holidaying at the Four Seasons
Maui at Wailea, Neil Lane, helped Tatum and Jenna design their Oval cut diamond
solitaire engagement ring in platinum settings with 1.62 carats. To steal her
style, check out our engagement rings collection at affordable prices.
sndgems.com offers a wide collection of antique style diamond engagement rings.
Our spectacular collection can make you feel good and luxurous with a guilt free
purchase.
Gwyneth Paltrow Engagement
Ring
Chris Martin, Coldplay
Singer proposed to American actress Gwyneth Paltrow with this asscher cut
diamond with a double band in 2003.Gwyneth Paltrow garnered worldwide
recognition through her performance in Shakespeare in Love (1998), for which she
won the Academy Award for Best Actress, a Golden Globe Award and two Screen
Actors Guild Awards, for Outstanding Lead Actress and as a member of the
Outstanding Cast. Gwyneth Paltrow halo engagement ring with micro pave halo
setting is simply exotic and elegant, and is a perfect example of the celebrity
engagement rings. It is an all time favourite of many. If you are inspired by
this beautiful ring visit sparkle and dazzle and get a custom ring built for you
that fits your budget.
Anne Hathaway
Beautiful and charming
actress Anne Hathaway received a 6 carat rock from fiancé Adam Shulman. This
illuminating and gorgeous diamond engagement ring, featuring a round stone, was
designed by Adam Shulman in collaboration with Kwiat Heritage Jewels in a
timeless platinum setting. It carries a price tag of approximately $150,000.
Luckily you need not be a celebrity to gift a similar design to your love. Make
your proposal memorable with a designer engagement ring from sparkle and dazzle.
Your partner is sure to cherish it! Every engagement ring at sndgems is
delicately made with the best diamonds, carefully selected, to make her feel
like a queen.Check their collection. They have a sure hit collection of genuine
diamond platinum enagement rings and designer wedding bands.
Do you love her ring and
want to get a similar one for your enagagement. Please comment
Kate Middleton
Engagement Ring
Prince William
proposed to his girlfriend Kate Middleton using the treasured engagement ring
that belonged to his mother.The 28-year-old Prince made the proposal using the
dazzling oval blue 18-carat sapphire and diamond ring while they were on holiday
in Kenya.The ring has 14 diamonds encircling the sapphire. It is estimated that
the sapphire alone is worth about $300,000 retail and the whole ring would be
about half-million dollars. Sapphires, also called the royal gem, is loved by
the royals in Britain . Today we find a lot of Lady Diana`s/ Kate Middeltons
Engagement Ring replicas. But if you really want your beloved to feel speacial
do not fall for any replica instead look for a jeweler carrying authentic
sapphire diamond engagement rings. Do not miss on the Sparkle and Dazzle
collection of Sapphire Diamond Rings. They are the most impressive, classic,
gorgeous and brilliant and most of all 100% authentic.Leave a unique impression
on your to be fiance with a sapphire diamond engagement ring.Pick a good bling
and she is sure to feel like a Queen.
Miley Cyrus was
spotted wearing the diamond sparkler which is believed to be gifted to her
by Hunger Games hunk Liam Hemsworth. Miley Cyrus tweets to the rumours
that "Its a topaz".
Leave a unique impression
on your to be fiance with a ring from the celebrity rings collection from
sparkle and dazzle fine jewelry designers, committed to make her feel the most
special woman.
What does Miley glittering
engagement ring tell about her style. Please comment.
Erin Brady`s Engagement
Ring.
The 63-year-old Tyler asked
for Brady's hand with a 5-carat brilliant cut sparkler designed by celebrity
jeweler Loree Rodkin. The glittering brilliant cut diamond sits
on a micro pave diamond-and-platinum band. Tyler has been dating
Brady for five years. His last marriage, to clothing designer Teresa Barrick,
ended in 2006.
The 34-year-old art
consultant Will Kopelman proposed Drew
Barrymorewith a magnificent, D-color radiant cut diamond.
According to the jewelery company, the ring Kopelman chose is just under 4
carats,colorless diamond, which is situated on a diamond-covered band. The bling
was designed by Graff Diamonds.
Tamera Mowry, actress and
former star of the television show Sister got engaged to her longtime
boyfriend, Fox News Correspondent, Adam Housley. Housley proposed while the
couple was in Italy with a vintage inspired design by Verragio
Real Housewife of Atlanta
Kim Zolciak Tweeted out a photo of her 10-carat diamond engagement ring for all
to see two weeks after engaging with Atlanta Falcons player Kroy Biermann. The
Stunning ring has a Cushion cut.The cut gives off a larger-than-life vibe
fitting for Zolciak's personality.
Disney darling Brenda Song
got engaged to The Social Network star and her beau, Trace Cyrus who
proposed her with a stunning cushion-cut diamond engagement ring
Natalie Portman`s Engagement Ring
Portman announced her engagement to Benjamin
Millepied in late December 2010. Natalie Portman`s eco-friendly Vintage inspired
sparkler, carying an estimated value of $35,000, is a simply stunning engagement
ring. Dancer-model fiancé Benjamin Millepied, thoughtfully designed it to
include recycled platinum, an antique round diamond center stone and accenting
pavé diamonds taken from a conflict-free mine. This gorgeous piece was designed
by Jamie Wolf, a ballet dancer turned jewelry designer. If you love this amazing
double halo engagement ring, check out its delightful look alikes at affordable
prices. You will love them. Guaranteed!
What do U think of Portman’s "one-of-a-kind"
engagement ring? Post your comments here.
Kate Moss Engagement Ring
Super Mode Kate Moss was proposed with a vintage
style engagement ring by her boyfriend rocker Jamie Hince.The ring is estimated
to value £14000. Moss’ vintage-style, with a large oval diamond set in a
double-shank band, coordinates perfectly with her bohemian-meets-glam style.
Looking to create a one-of-a-kind love token to reflect unique sensibilities
Check our top selection of similar rings. Even though these look like quite
expensive pieces, the prices are kept as affordable as possible.
Elizabeth Hurley Engagement Ring
Shane Warne proposed to actress and
breast cancer activist Elizabeth
Hurleywith a square-cut sapphire flanked by two trillion-cut white diamonds. The
actress' sapphire and diamond ring is worth an estimated $100,000. Its a
platinum setting with an approximate 9-carat center blue sapphire and a 2-carat
Trillion cut diamond on each side. Did you like the ring? Isin`t it glamorous
and exquisite. Post your comments here. For more, click through the gallery to see similar rings at
affordable prices.
Penelope Cruz`s Engagement Ring
Javier Bardem proposed to Penelope Cruz with a vintage
3-carat sapphire ring worth roughly $30,000.
If that’s a bit out of your price range, you’ll be happy to
know that beautiful sapphire engagement rings are available for much less.
Sparkle and dazzle has a magnificent collection of Natural Sapphire Diamond
Rings at affordable prices.
Industry Affiliations:
Sndgems.com is affiliated with the jewelry
industry's most respected organizations and associations. We encourage you to
visit these resources and review useful information they have included to
provide valuable education and answers to most consumer questions. An informed
customer is our best customer.
Manufacturing Jewelers &
Suppliers ofAmericaMJSA
is a national jewelry trade association working to provide long-term stability
and prosperity for jewelry manufacturers and their suppliers.
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) is a
not-for-profit trade association whose mission is to maintain the jewelry
industry's highest ethical standards.
Jewelers Security
Alliance Jewelers
Security Alliance (JSA) does online crime reporting for jewelers around the
country in the Unites States and promoting jewelers' security
Jewelers of America Jewelers of America (JA) is the national association for the retail
jeweler. JA is both a center of knowledge for the jeweler and an advocate for
professionalism and high social, ethical, and environmental standards in the
jewelry trade. The JA mission is to assist all members in improving their
business skills and profitability. JA will provide access to meaningful
educational programs and services, leadership in public and industry affairs,
and encourage members with common interests to act in their and the industry's
best interests.
Jewelry Information
Center Jewelry
Information Cente (JIC) is the public relations arm of the fine jewelry and
watch industries. Founded as a non-profit trade association in 1946 in New York
City, JIC is funded by its members (nearly 1,000 manufacturers, designers, and
retailers of fine jewelry and watches as well as other trade associations) and
considered to be the objective authority....
World Gold
Council Promoters of
gold and gold jewelry. Founded in 1987, the World Gold Council is an
organisation formed and funded by the world's leading gold mining companies with
the aim of stimulating and maximising the demand for, and holding of
Gold...
DiamondFloor.com
A B2B ecommerce exchange floor for the professional certified diamond trade and
jewelry industry.
Gemnet British
based Gem and jewelry Network, membership is 300 UK Pounds per year. You will
find a lot of jewelry elsewhere, but the Sndgems.com designs are like no other. Our
designers are unique just as their designs and styles are. We take pride in our
uniqueness. Our designs are individually handcrafted and brought to you directly
from the source.
Jnet.comA
comprehensive business-to-business Web site for the entire jewelry manufacturing
industry.
A Diamond is Forever Adiamondisforever.com is an information source on diamonds and is
sponsored by the Diamond Trading Company, the worlds leading diamond sales and
marketing company.
Diamond Review
The consumer guide to buying diamond jewelry. Offers extensive tutorials, loose
diamond price database, message boards, regional jeweler search engine with
reviews, more. Your search for a diamond starts at
DiamondReview.com.
DiamondInfo.org
Diamond Guide, Information and Buying Tips for Loose Diamonds and Engagement
Rings.
Federal Trade Commission What to know before you buy jewelry. How to buy Jewelry - Information to
help you get the best quality jewelry for your money, whether you're shopping in
a traditional brick and mortar store by catalog or
online.
Gemological Institute of America GIA is the world's largest and most respected
nonprofit institute of gemological research and
learning
Professional Jeweler Magazine Professional Jeweler's mission is to provide short,
well-written, information-rich articles in an organized layout
sequence.
American Gem Society Since 1934, the American Gem Society (AGS) has been protecting the
consumer. For 65 years the AGS logo has been a symbol of excellence in the
jewelry industry. As an association of fine jewelers, our members are committed
to the highest standard...
The American Gem Trade Association The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is an
association of North American trade professionals dedicated to promoting the
long term stability and integrity of the natural colored gemstone, Pearl, and
cultured Pearl industry.
The Diamond Buying Guide Looking for the perfect diamond engagement ring, but you don't know
enough about purchasing diamonds? The Diamond Buying Guide presents the
information you need on "how to buy a diamond".
Sndgems.com
wants its customers to learn everything about jewelry trade association before
they make an important purchase at the fine
jewelry store of Sndgems.com.
Customer
Service Address:
7W 45th Street #707 New York, NY 10036
Maufacturing Address:
7W 45th Street #707 New York, NY 10036. We welcome visitors to our
New York office. Office visits are by appointment only.
Please contact our Customer Service center to schedule an
appmnt with a fashion stylist expert/jewelry expert.
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