Black Diamond Rings: The Latest Jewellery Trend

Comments Off

Posted on 19th February 2011 by GuestPoster in Black Diamond Rings |Diamond Rings

, , ,

Black diamond rings are an emerging trend in jewellery. Mysterious, sophisticated and unique, these rings have made the headlines after several celebrities have been spotted proudly wearing them. Very different from the usual sparkling, shining and colourless diamonds, these gemstones don’t sparkle but instead have an attractive shimmer and an elegant appearance. They are some of the most intriguing gemstones on the market at the moment and are used in wedding rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets.

Black diamonds are very rare and for this reason they are also expensive. Also called carbonado, they are natural polycrystalline diamonds found mainly in Brazil and their colour ranges from dark grey to completely black. It is not known how they are actually formed in nature, and this adds to  the mystery that surrounds the stone.

The quality and the price of diamonds are usually graded by using the “4 C’s”: carat, cut, clarity and color, and their hardness is graded on the Moh’s scale, with grade 10 being the hardest. Just like other types of diamonds, black diamonds have a hardness of 10 in the Moh’s scale, but they also have some differences: the main difference is that they are more porous than other diamonds.

Black diamond rings look especially good in white gold and are often make up part of higher end fine gold jewellery, they are sometimes combined with other gemstones to make the black diamond stand out more. A good contrast can be created by setting it together whith white diamonds. The dark color also creates an interesting contrast with silver or white gold.

These dark diamonds are usually small in size but they are available in different cuts and shapes. They have become very popular with men who are often not attracted to the traditional sparkling diamonds, but they are also worn by women who want their jewellery to have a unique look. And lets not forget the classic black diamond engagement rings, which are causing quite a stir amongst the high class young couples of America.

NOT Fake Man Made Diamond Rings

Comments Off

Posted on 10th February 2011 by GuestPoster in Diamond Rings |Man Made Diamonds

, ,

A diamond is a diamond. Right? Wrong. There are faux diamonds, lab created diamonds, man made diamonds, and a whole list of stones that sparkle and may be called diamonds. Yes, okay, but they’re fakes. A REAL diamond is one mined from the earth. Right? Wrong. There are now genuine diamonds that don’t come from a mine, but stones that are entirely man made and have the same physical properties as the ones that have spend millions of years forming.

If you think we’re talking about the faux gems in fake wedding rings, which are usually glass, crystal or some form of cubic zirconia, then you’re wrong again. When you see the term man made diamond rings, the jeweler is referring to a whole new, and amazing invention. Jewelry crafted with “man made diamonds”, are in fact set with real stones that –when subjected to tests–, will be categorized as diamonds just like the ones from mines. How is that possible? Man made diamond rings are now available for a little less than mined pieces – not much cheaper, however, because the process of “making” diamonds is quite new and requires high-tech equipment.

A couple years ago, man made diamond rings appeared on the market. They used colored stones because it seemed  possible to make a diamond that was slightly yellow, pink or blue. A jeweler who tests a stone, although seeing it as real, might wonder where it comes from, because colored diamonds are rare. Recently, white stones –that are exactly like diamond gems–, are being used in jewelry. It’s easier to get better clarity and fewer flaws –for a lower price–, when choosing the man made ones  rather than “earth” diamonds. Will a jeweler know that the stones didn’t come from a mine? No. These are real: Not fake wedding rings, not cubic zirconia, or faux fashion items that “look like” diamonds, but real; chemically and physically identical in elements.

Despite this advance, most affordable fake wedding rings, still use cubic zirconia and not man made diamonds. One day, it’s possible that everyone will have access to man made diamond rings that cost no more than cubic zirconia.

Diamond Toe Rings

0 comments

Posted on 10th January 2011 by GuestPoster in Diamond Rings |Guest Writers

, , ,

Diamonds are some of the most beautiful gem stones available, which makes them perfect for toe rings.  If you want to buy a diamond toe ring, make sure you follow these tips to choose the best quality diamond.

Diamond Quality

The standard for grading diamonds is based on the “four Cs”.  These four Cs are: clarity, color, carat and cut.  The GIA is an international system for determining diamond quality.  You should know about how diamonds are classified to find the best quality stones.

Carat

The weight of a diamond is referred to as the “carat” (“ct”).  Large diamonds are more difficult to find and more expensive.  One carat is equal to 200 milligrams.  Smaller diamonds are weighed using “points”.  One hundred points is equal to one carat.  If you want a good value for your diamond toe ring, consider buying a diamond that is just under one carat.  Diamonds smaller than one carat are cheaper, but most people who see the ring will not be able to tell if the diamond is more or less than one carat.

Cut

A diamond’s sparkle is due to its cut.  A well-cut diamond will reflect light and sparkle.  A dull diamond is cut too shallowly, and an uneven looking diamond with darker looking parts is cut too deeply.  The cut of the diamond is based on proportions, the depth and width of the stone, and the facets of the diamond.

Clarity

A diamond’s clarity is its flawlessness.  The two ratings that indicate the best quality of diamonds are flawless (FI) or internally flawless, which may have flaws on the surface (IF).

Color

The color of a diamond is the fourth C.  If a diamond is totally pure, it will be colorless.  However, there are many different diamond colors available on the market.  Brown and yellow diamonds are common, and pink and blue diamonds are much more rare and valuable.

A diamond is a perfect choice for a gold toe ring, but silver rings or white gold can be a more affordable option.  You should choose your diamond toe rings based on your own personal style.

Proposing With Sterling Silver Rings

Comments Off

Posted on 30th May 2010 by LadyRose in Engagement Rings |Sterling Silver Rings

, , , ,


If you read the preceding articles on jewlery, you already learned about all the properties of silver and the differences between pure silver and sterling silver (also known as  925 silver). You may  have just decided to purchase some wholesale fashion  jewelry. Perhaps you want to buy some for yourself or your significant one some silver costume jewelry with modern designs, or a set of stackable sterling silver rings  from a wholesale silver jewelry shop.

Maybe you have a girlfriend and would like to take your relationship further and surprise her with art deco engagement rings.  Traditionally, the engagement ring was supposed to be a solitary diamond mounted on a gold or platinum ring. These are expensive engagement rings and not everyone can afford such a piece of gemstone jewelry, especially in a worldwide recession like we are living today. You don’t want to go into debt for the rest of your life just to follow a tradition. She is reasonable, she loves you for who you are, and she knows that you cannot afford it. But nevertheless, being a woman, she expects that you will show your commitment by offering her at least cubic zirconia engagement rings.

Sterling silver rings could be the solution to your problem!  They are shinny, beautiful and delicate. You can purchase handmade silver jewelry rings with a diversity of precious gems already mounted on them. Some sterling silver rings have a gold or platinum alloy, and that gives them more value. You can purchase a very nice looking one for less than $300.

If you cannot afford a real natural diamond (which you won´t find for less than $1,500), nowadays they produce man made synthetic diamonds that look just exactly the same, are harder and even purer and are inexpensive (some sell for less than $100).

There are two kinds of synthetic diamonds:  Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite. There is no way to see the difference between the natural diamond and the man made diamond, unless you are an expert and have the right equipment.

Of course, you don´t want to deceive your fiancée and start your engagement based on a lie: You should tell her it is a real man made diamond and that there is no way anyone can know it is not a natural diamond.  It is always better for you to be honest, than risking her finding out on her own. It will be up to her to show it off to her friends and relatives as a natural diamond.

If you are going to surprise her and don´t know her ring size, you can either borrow one of her rings and take it to the jewelry shop of your choice, or use the ring sizing chart and measure her finger when she is asleep.

Newer Entries »