Monday, November 17, 2008

Diamonds - These Rocks Will Knock Your Socks Off

Every diamond is unique. It can be white or colored, flawless or flawed, big or small and it takes skill to cut and set each one to show it off at its best and bring out the sparkle that can only be seen in a real diamond. "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" reflect our lasting affection for these stones, traditionally given as a token of undying love.

There are a few diamonds in the world that are so huge and rare that they are almost priceless. Some are even rumored to be cursed. Here are a few of these famous rocks to knock your socks off.

Among the best known is the Hope Diamond. Before being cut, it was a rather flat, blocky 110-carat rough diamond. It is now 45.52 carats, steel blue in color and you can see it on display at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC. There are many legends of bad luck and curses falling on those who own the Hope Diamond. Maybe that's why it was donated to the Smithsonian in 1958.

The Koh-I-Noor (Mountain of Light) is now among the British Crown Jewels. This diamond weighs 105.60 carats. First mentioned in 1304, it is believed to have been once set in Shah Jehan‘s famous peacock throne as one of the peacock's eyes.

The Agra is graded as a naturally colored fancy light pink and weighs 32.34 carats. It was last sold for about $6.9 million in 1990. Since this sale, it has been modified to a cushion shape weighing about 28.15 carats.

The Dresden Green stands out among the natural colored diamonds. It is the largest green diamond in the world weighing 40.70 carats. This diamond is historic, large and has a natural green color with a slight blue overtone. These aspects make it virtually priceless.

The Transvaal Blue is pear cut. This blue diamond weighs 25 carats. It was found in the Premier Diamond Mine in Transvaal , South Africa.

The Great Chrysanthemum was discovered in the summer of 1963, in a South African diamond field. This 198.28-carat fancy brown diamond appeared to be a light honey color in its rough state. However, after cutting, it proved to be a rich golden brown, with overtones of sienna and burnt orange.

The Conde Pink is a pear shaped and weighs 9.01-carats. This pink diamond was once owned by Louis XIII.

The Tiffany Yellow diamond is a beautiful canary-yellow octahedron weighing 287.42 carats in the rough. It was discovered in either 1877 or 1878 in South Africa . After cutting, this gem weighs an extraordinary 128.54 carats and, until recently, was the largest golden-yellow in the world.

The Taylor-Burton diamond is a pear-shaped 69.42 carat diamond. Cartier of New York purchased this diamond at an auction in 1969 and christened it "Cartier." The next day Richard Burton bought the diamond for Elizabeth Taylor. He renamed it the "Taylor-Burton”. In 1978, Elizabeth Taylor put the diamond up for sale. Prospective buyers had to pay $2,500 each to view the diamond to cover the costs of showing it. Finally, in June of 1979, the diamond was sold for nearly $3 million.

The author lives in Australia, home of the Argyle mine where rare pink diamonds are found. If you're looking for a special piece of diamond jewelry, you'll find a beautiful selection at http://www.diamonddiscountcenter.com.

The First Real Competition of iPhone - HTC Diamond

The first time HTC released its TouchFlo mobile phone to the public it did not deliver well. But now HTC has made some remodeling to impress us with its second generation.

The HTC Diamond has been beautifully designed. The HTC Diamond may be small but it is packed with a whole new features. As compared to its older brother HTC Diamond is quite taller, thinner and narrower.

Unlike with Samsung F480 there is no problem viewing the HTC Diamond in direct sunlight. Even when you are wearing gloves it is still very responsive. With its VGA resolution it displays crisp images on the screen. The backlight automatically adjusts in different lighting conditions.

The keys situated at the bottom of its screen are used for navigation purposes and the like. The buttons are Back, End, Home and Send and like with other phones it has a middle button or key. You will not be disappointed with the audio quality that HTC Diamond provides because it does not distort at the maximum volume.

The TouchFLO 3D software is breathtaking. Just like the iPhone you can slide the screen to the left or right to reveal more keys. Browsing images is made easy just by flicking it up and down. The Internet does not only launch the browser but it also displays other applications like YouTube for quicker access.

Though it is designed with a glossy black it still leaves fingerprint smudges on the screen. HTC has a pouch the will be able to clean the mobile inside and out but it is not included in the package.

With the TF3D software you still need to open it by tapping the screen. When the mobile phone is opened it takes a bit long around 15 seconds to boot. HTC Diamond really puts a fight with the iPhone because it only has few mistakes but it is not major. The overall functionality, performance and look of the HTC Diamond are really impressive.

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Princess Cut Engagement Ring - What You Need to Know

An engagement is a very special time for most people, and giving the perfect Engagement Ring can really make the occasion extra special. There are many ring types to select from, but for those that want to give something that is extra special Princess Cut Engagement Ring could prove the ideal choice.

Princess Cut Engagement Rings are the most popular in sales because they accentuate a diamonds fire rather than its luster. The top of the diamond is cut in a square shape and the overall shape is similar to a pyramid.

Every diamond regardless of its shape gets it brilliancy and scintillation by cutting and polishing the diamond facets to allow the maximum amount of light that enters through its top to be reflected and dispersed back through its top. A correctly cut, "well made", stone allows light to enter the stone and bounce back out of the top almost like a mirror. As you can see if the angles are correct the light that enters is dispersed properly back through the diamond's top facets.

When a stone is cut too shallow or too deep the light that enters through the top is allowed to escape through the diamond's bottom and does not allow the maximum beauty of the diamond to be realized. If a diamond is cut to wide the light tries to exit the bottom. If the diamond is cut to thin the light exits out of the sides.

The clarity of a diamond is influenced by the amount and location of flaws in the diamond when viewed under 10 power (10x) magnification. Most diamonds contain very tiny blemishes known as "inclusions." An inclusion can interfere with the light passing through the diamond. The fewer the inclusions, the more beautiful the diamond will be. Similar to scratches on the face of your watch

A Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring is just one of many different cuts that have been developed in order to best utilize a diamond gemstone's superlative material properties. A diamond cut constitutes a more or less symmetrical arrangement of facets which together modify the shape and appearance of a diamond crystal. Diamond cutters must consider several factors, such as the shape and size of the crystal, when choosing a cut.

The princess cut is sometimes referred to as a "square modified brilliant," as it combines the brilliance of a round cut with an overall square or rectangular appearance. A princess cut engagement ring does sacrifice some brilliance in order to have its unique square shape.

The beauty and classic elegance of this type of Engagement Jewelry will thrill the recipient. You can make her feel like a celebrity when you present one of the fabulous princess cut engagement rings available today. She will be thrilled to show off the ring at your engagement party or celebration, and you will be able to rest easy that you have presented her with a beautiful ring that she will treasure for years to come.

Dan Batizky

http://princesscutengagementring.zoxic.com/

What Are The Meanings For Different Color Diamonds

On the day your handsome prince pops that all important question, it is the beginning of one of the most exciting and romantic periods in your life. The engagement ring he presents to you will be one you wear for many years to come, and you may want something different than the conventional crystal, clear colored diamond. There are diamonds of different hues and each one has a sentiment for giving behind it.

Pink Diamonds for a Creative Lady

If you are a creative and artistic type of person, wearing a pink diamond is a reflection of that aspect of your personality. Of course, you may only get a pink diamond if money is no object. A pink diamond is one of the rarest types in the world and those who purchase them have plenty of money to spend on this valued prize.

Yellow Diamonds for the Selfless Bride

If your fiancé thinks you are one of the most thoughtful and considerate people he knows, he may want to show his appreciation for those qualities by presenting you with a yellow diamond. The yellow diamond celebrates the sweetness of the bride's personality as well as her willingness to come to the aid of others.

Blue Diamonds for Peace and Good Health

It is said that the groom who purchases a blue diamond for his soon to be bride will be promoting serenity and calm in all of their communication. This may be a lucky charm that keeps you from having a fight that may send you home, crying to your mother. The blue diamond also represents good health for the blushing bride to be.

The Bold and Beautiful Red Diamond

If the groom looks on his future bride as a source of strength and stability, he may consider purchasing an engagement ring that is a beautiful shade of red. It is thought that a red diamond is also a tool to relieve stress, so it can help your emotional and mental health once you begin your journey of life together.

Deciding what color and style of engagement ring may be a daunting task for many prospective grooms. You can drop hints by pointing out the styles and designs you like for an engagement ring. When your groom uses color to make a statement of his love for his new bride, it shows that he too is kind and considerate and is dedicated to showing his new wife just how much she means to him.

If you need some wedding favors such as beach wedding favors, silver wedding favors, coaster favors and more we got you covered.

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Facts About Champagne Diamonds

The majority of the Champagne color diamonds are found in the Ragged Ranges in the Kimberley region of Australia. In this remote corner of north west Australia is the largest diamond mine in the world the called Argyle Diamond Mine. Diamonds were discovered here in October of 1979.

Since Argyle Diamond Mine was officially opened in 1985 it has produced over 600 million carats of diamonds. By volume this mine is the largest producing diamond mine in the world but only about 5 percent of the stones produced are considered gem-quality. Other diamond mines usually have about 20 percent considered gem-quality.

There are three primary causes of color variations in diamonds. The first is some type of foreign element was trapped inside the diamond. Nitrogen is the most common element and is responsible for yellow or orange coloration. If boron is responsible then the diamond will be a blue color. The second cause of color variations in diamonds is Natural Radiation and it will cause a green color. These are all considered type I diamonds.

Type II diamonds have very few if any nitrogen impurities in them. They get their coloration due to structural anomalies caused by Plastic Deformation during the crystal growth. The intense pressure changes the lattice structure of diamonds and has led to the formation of Red, Pink, Brown, and Champagne colored diamonds.

The Type II diamonds are rare and constitute less than 2 percent of the gem-quality diamonds available. Most of Australians production of diamonds are of the Type II verity and are usually a steely blue or grey due to scattered boron within the crystal matrix.

Argyle Diamond Mine produces over 95 percent of the Champagne colored diamonds and they have developed a color grading scale that is used by the majority of the gemologists today. Champagne diamonds range from light straw color to deep rich cognac color.

Argyle color grading scale for Champagne Diamonds:

C1 - C2 = Light Champagne -

C3 - C4 = Medium champagne -

C5 - C6 = Dark Champagne -

C7 = Fancy Cognac

The Earth Star

First found in the Jagersfontein Mine in May 1967 and the rough gem was 248.9 carats. It was cut into a pear-shaped and weighted 111.59 carats and is considered one of the largest pear shape cognac colored diamonds in the world. It was purchased by Stephen Zbova, of Naples, Florida in 1983 for $900,00.

The Golden Jubilee

This diamond is currently considered as the largest faceted diamond in the whole world. Also known as the fire rose cut diamond, this diamond has a unique fancy yellow-brown color that made it one of the most beautiful pieces of stone ever unearthed.

David Cowley has created numerous articles on Diamonds. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Diamonds. Visit Diamonds

Selecting The Perfect Diamond Wedding Ring

Kings in the 15th century wore diamonds in order to symbolize courage, invincibility and strength. But as time passed by, diamonds became popular as the symbol of love and admiration. It is said that the arrows of cupid were also tipped with diamonds and the magic could not be compared with anything else. Even today this gemstone is associated with legend and romance. When it comes to weddings, diamond rings are very much in demand because they not only look beautiful, but classic as well. It is very important that you choose the right diamond wedding ring.

There is a wide variety of cuts, shape and colors available and if you want to pick the right one for your partner then you will have to keep a few things in mind. Since a wedding ring will be worn for many years, choose a style that is timeless yet classic. Always keep in mind that a wedding ring is a sign of your love and feelings for your partner so try and buy something that is beautiful, durable and unique. The design should compliment the look and personality of your partner, but at the end of the day whichever design you choose, the diamond will be the main attraction in it. So choosing the right wedding ring has got a lot to do with the right diamond.

Diamond characteristics:

There is a lot of variation in the quality and price in diamonds. The size is not the only factor that decides the price of this gem. There are five characteristics that determine the price of a diamond:

Color

Weight in carats

Clarity

Shape of the diamond

Cut

The weight of your diamond wedding ring:

Many people are of the view that the more carat the better. Diamonds that are large in size are considered to rare and of more value. However, if your budget does not allow you to buy a large diamond then it is better to look at other options because you will find beauty and charm in a small diamond also.

Color of the diamond:

Even though you will mostly find clear or colorless white diamonds, other color variations are also available in the market. There are some stones that give a SOILED look. The cost of clear stones is more. Letters indicate the color of your diamond. D stands for the color of the rarest diamonds, totally colorless. This is considered to be on top of the color grade and you will hardly find such stones at an ordinary jewelry shop. Next is the E grade which is also called colorless. F is another grade that is less clear than E and most affordable in an engagement or wedding ring. Even G and H have a good market value.

Diamond clarity:

Clarity and color of a diamond are related. There is no diamond that is absolutely clear and the ones that are close to perfect, cost a bomb. When light passes through such diamonds, they look exceptionally beautiful.

Cut of a diamond:

The cut can affect the look of your wedding ring. The proportion of the diamond is the cut and it needs to be good in order to make the jewelry look stunning.

Diamond shape:

Round and the princess shape is the most popular diamond shape, but other varieties are also available. No matter which shape you buy make sure that it reflects a lot of love.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about jewelry and diamonds including diamond wedding rings. When looking for jewelry, we recommend you shop only at the best online jewelry stores for diamond gems, loose diamonds, diamond rings, fashion jewelry, fashion earrings, fashion pendants, engagement rings, wedding rings, and wedding bands.

Properties and Significance of a Diamond

Diamond is the hardest natural material. The Mohs hardness scale, on which diamond is a '102 and corundum (sapphire) is a '92, doesn't adequately attest to this incredible hardness, as diamond is exponentially harder than corundum. Diamond is also the least compressible and stiffest substance. It is an exceptional thermal conductor - 4 times better than copper - which gives significance to diamonds being called 'ice'.

Diamond has an extremely low thermal expansion, is chemically inert with respect to most acids and alkalis, is transparent from the far infrared through the deep ultraviolet, and is one of only a few materials with a negative work function (electron affinity). One consequence of the negative electron affinity is that diamonds repel water, but readily accept hydrocarbons such as wax or grease. Diamonds do not conduct electricity well, although some are semiconductors.

Diamond can burn if subjected to a high temperature in the presence of oxygen. Diamond has a high specific gravity; it is amazingly dense given the low atomic weight of carbon. The brilliance and fire of a diamond are due to its high dispersion and high refractive index. Diamond has the highest reflectance and index of refraction of any transparent substances. Diamond gemstones are commonly clear or pale blue, but colored diamonds, called 'fancies', have been found in all the colors of the rainbow.

Think of a circle. It has no beginning or end. Think of a knot tied around your finger. It binds and reminds. And so it is with a ring. It reminds you of an eternal binding commitment to a lover, spouse, friend, school, church, club, or country.

The commitment to marry a woman is usually expressed by placing a ring on her fourth finger. This custom might have originated with the Egyptians. They believed a special vein or nerve ran from that finger to the heart.

Another explanation for the custom is that it may have been a suggestion to women that they should be submissive to their future husbands since the fourth finger is the weakest one and can't be used independently. A third explanation is that placing the ring on the fourth finger may have been a way to avoid damaging the ring since it is the best-protected finger.

Diamonds were probably first added to wedding and engagement rings in the 15th century.

For more info go to http://www.diamonds11.com

You Can Afford A Nice Engagement Ring

Okay -- You've found "The One" and you are ready to tie the knot. It's time to get an engagement ring, a purchase that the jewelry companies make fraught with tension. Some of their ads say you are supposed to spend two months' salary on a ring. So, should you?

The answer is: not necessarily. While two months' salary can get you a nice ring, in today's economy it is not always practical. Relax, you can still get a lovely engagement ring and not have to break the budget. Don't worry, an affordable ring won't turn your finger green and can be a lovely heirloom to pass on to your children.

Make sure you go to a reputable jeweler. They can be found in local shopping centers, on line or in the phone book. Looking online first can help you get an idea what rings are available and give you an idea of prices so you don't waste time.

Of course, the bulk of the price of an engagement ring is in the diamond. You may have heard of the four Cs of diamond appraisals. These 4 Cs determine how expensive your ring will be.

Cut is the first C. The better the cut, the higher the diamond is rated. A good cut will give the diamond its sparkle.

Clarity is the second C. The clearer a diamond is, the higher the diamond is rated. Clarity comes from the amount that carbon is pressurized within the stone. The less carbon, the clearer the diamond will be.

Color is the third C. You may be surprised to know that all diamonds have color, usually a yellowish tint. Some diamond color may not be seen by the naked eye. The more purely white a diamond is, the higher it is rated.

Carat is the fourth C. Carat is the measure of a diamond's weight. Of course, the more carats, the more highly a diamond is rated.

To get a more affordable ring, decide which of these Cs are less important to you. For example, a smaller diamond that is more perfect in other respects may be acceptable to you, while another couple wants a big stone and not care how yellow it may be. Another option is to go for a smaller, simpler setting to enhance the beauty of the diamond.

If you have something specifically in mind, many jewelers have designers on staff that may be able to help you create a perfect ring within your budget. For example, if you have Grandma's engagement ring but just do not care for the setting, a jewelry design may be able to incorporate the stone into a ring that suits you.

It is also possible to not have a diamond engagement ring at all. After all, it is your relationship. You and your intended are unique. Your ring can be unique too. Whatever you choose, make sure it is a ring that celebrates your love for each other.

Focusing recent findings in engagement verses, he wrote almost entirely for http://www.engagement-rings-tips.com With his detailed publications, the author expressed his skill on areas associated to engagement poem and engagement verses.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Diamond Rings Through the Years

Despite antique designs of diamond rings in the market that copy those that were created in the regency and Victorian period, the diamond ring did not really boom until a decade before the start of the 20th century. This is perhaps because only a few can actually afford to buy diamond rings for themselves. This rare gemstone is only reserved to the affluent especially to the members of the royal class.

But because of modern technology and the boom of diamond mining in India and in several parts of the world, supplies of diamond surged upwards, making this gem affordable to the middle class. Because of this, diamonds became very popular especially to women who still see it as a sign of wealth and class.

Discoveries of new mining fields in South America and South Africa, have also increased the world supply making it more accessible to the public. With such steady supply, jewelry makers are now able to make more designs that the masses can afford.

Although diamonds are placed in virtually every kind of jewelry, from necklaces to bracelets to earrings, it is the diamond ring that captures the imagination of most people. In fact, it has become through the years the symbol of eternal love between two people and has become one of the essentials in engagements and weddings.

Diamond rings are preferred during wedding ceremonies. People get excited more when seeing a diamond engagement ring compared to rings that use other gemstones. In fact, diamonds are even the favorites even after the wedding, bought as gifts for anniversaries and other special occasions.

Diamond rings can be made in different settings, gold, platinum, silver and titanium. Unlike other gemstones, whose color may clash for instance with some shades of gold, the diamond with its pure white color will look good with any setting. Perhaps one of the most engaging properties of the diamond is the fact that it symbolizes this innate purity in its color and brilliance.

Diamonds come in all sort of shapes and cuts. This is often one of the properties that people look for in their diamond rings. Diamonds are naturally found in oval or round shapes. Jewelers however cut them in different shapes and depending on the designs. Among the varieties of cuts that people have enjoyed through the years are the pear, the heart, the marquise, the emerald and the princess cut.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Diamond Rings, please visit http://diamond-ring.articlekeep.com

What Is Diamond Clarity?

The clarity of a diamond is perhaps one of its most valuable selling points in the eye of the consumer. A diamond, that has flash and fire, will stand out even above others that are far larger.

That's because diamonds are basically prisms, which capture light and reflect it back and forth, before it leaves the stone. If you had two similar stones and were wondering which of them was the diamond, you could put a tiny light behind each one and see how the light passed through it. If you basically got the beam of light coming out the other side, the stone is not genuine. A diamond refracts the light so many times, that it would only emerge from the other side as a soft glow.

Clarity is considered to be how "clean" the diamond is. Diamonds can have minor inclusions, which are miniscule amounts of gas, liquid, and even minerals, all of which cause an interruption in the flow of light through a stone. Inclusions can be so small, they go unseen by the naked eye. Others may not be visible, especially in small stones, but if they are of the right type, or there are several of them, their presence will disrupt the passage of light to the point where the stone is dull, or looks cloudy.

Some of the finest diamonds in the world have an inclusion of one kind or another, but it does not detract from the overall quality, when considered together with the cut, color and carats.

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Tips for Choosing the Perfect Piece of Diamond Jewelry

Diamonds are a gemstone which appears in many different pieces of jewelry. Perhaps it is due to their sheer brilliance or popularity in general which prompts many jewelry designers to use diamonds as the focal point of their products. Although one does not necessarily have to be an expert on gemstones such as diamonds in order to purchase a nice item, it certainly helps to take some tips into consideration when shopping for that perfect piece of diamond jewelry.

Know the 4 C's

Before embarking on your diamond shopping adventures, it might be wise to read up a little on something known as the 4 C's. The 4 C's stands for cut, color, clarity and carat with regard to the diamond gemstone. It is important to know what to look for within each category so that the diamond which is chosen is the best possible one for your needs. Each of these categories has a scale pertaining to them and it is a way to judge the overall quality of the diamond which one is purchasing.

Consider a Desired Price Range

Diamonds can range in price from relatively affordable to exorbitant in amount. Whether one can afford a certain stone depends on their current financial situation. It is important to have a budget in mind prior to starting the search for that perfect piece of diamond jewelry. Doing so will allow the buyer to determine what quality of stone they can obtain for the price they wish to pay for it. Having a set number in mind will help the purchaser to choose the perfect piece of diamond jewelry and still maintain a budget while doing so.

Keep An Open Mind With Regard to Style

One who is shopping for a diamond jewelry selection should keep an open mind with regard to style when doing so. There are many different shapes and styles of diamonds and diamond jewelry to choose from when making this type of purchase. It is also often the case that the buyer doesn't really know how the piece of diamond jewelry will look until they try it on. One style of diamond jewelry which may not appeal to an individual while in the case may look radiant on the prospective purchaser when they try it on. Therefore, if one is buying their diamond jewelry item in a store setting, trying on various pieces and keeping an open mind with regard to style will often equate with the best possible purchase.

Shop Around

Lastly, for those who wish to pick the best piece of diamond jewelry possible, shopping around for a while prior to making this serious purchase will often yield the best results. By browsing various stores, online vendors and diamond selections, the buyer can make an informed decision when it comes time to choose the final diamond selection and know that the one which they have chosen is the right one for them.

James Greene is a Graduate Gemologist and Master Gemologist Appraiser. James has been in the diamond, jewelry, and appraisal business for over 25 years and specializes in Insurance and estate appraisals. http://www.diamondmarketwatch.com

Tell Me About the Hope Diamond

The diamond that is known today as the Hope Diamond was discovered in India. To the naked eye the Hope diamond appears to be bright blue. It is the world's largest blue diamond. Around 1660 a Frenchman named Jean-Baptiste Tavernier purchased it and sold the 115 carat diamond to French royalty. The diamond was cut to 67 1/8 carats and named the "French Blue". Today the Hope Diamond takes it residence in the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in the Washington DC region of the United States of America. From its introduction into European history to its current resting place the Hope Diamond has been associated with much myth, mystery and legend.

The legend stems from a story that says Jean-Baptiste Tavernier stole the diamond from the eye of a idol in India. The myth is that when one of the idol's eyes was discovered missing the priests placed a curse upon whoever possesses the diamond. The mystery is that some of the possessors of this diamond actually have had unfortunate things happen to them.

Some of the early owners of this diamond were very misfortunate. However, because of their lifestyles it would be hard to say that their misfortune was due to possessing the diamond. For example: King Louis the sixteenth gave the diamond to Queen Marie Antoinette. They were both beheaded near the end of the French revolution (1789 - 1792). In 1792, Cadet Guillot helped to steal the diamond from the French crown jewels. He ended up deep in debt and tried to sell the diamond in London where he was imprisoned for his actions.

The whereabouts of the diamond after 1793 is undeterminable. In 1812 it is documented that a diamond resembling the French Blue was in the possession of Daniel Eliason, a London diamond merchant. It is commonly believed that the diamond was acquired by King George IV of England and in 1830 the diamond was sold to pay off his debts.

By 1839, England's Henry Phillip Hope, for whom the diamond is named, was the recorded owner. There is no record of any misfortune happening to him. However, his family fought over the diamond after his death. It stayed in the Hope family until 1901 when it was sold to settle gambling debts.

During the next few years, the Hope Diamond changed hands several times. And several documented suicides and murders occurred in the life of the owners during this period. In 1910, Mrs. Evalyn Walsh McLean from the Washington DC region of the USA purchased the Hope Diamond from Pierre Cartier of Paris. It is believed that Cartier or one of his salespersons made up the legend of the curse in order to intrigue Mrs. McLean into buying the diamond. Mrs. McLean often wore the diamond at social functions. She was somewhat eccentric and would at times have her great Dane wear it on his dog collar. Some believe that the several misfortunate events in Mrs. McLean's life were confirmation of the legendary curse on the Hope Diamond. The diamond remained in her ownership until her death in 1947.

In 1949 Harry Winston, Inc of New York city, purchased Mrs. McLean's jewelry from her estate. Over the next 10 years, Harry Winston, Inc. placed the Hope Diamond on exhibition world wide. On November 10, 1958 Harry Winston, Inc. donated the Hope diamond to the Smithsonian Institution. The Hope Diamond remains with the Smithsonian until today. There have been no misfortunate events due to the Museum's ownership of the Hope Diamond.

The Hope Diamond's statistics are as follows:

WEIGHT: 45.52 carats

DIMENSIONS: Length 25.60 mm

WIDTH: 21.78 mm

DEPTH: 12.00 mm

CUT: Cushion antique brilliant with a faceted girdle and extra facets on the pavilion.

CLARITY: VS1. Whitish graining is present.

COLOR: Fancy dark grayish-blue

COST: Estimation unverifiable

(c) KNG Enterprises, Inc. 2008

KNG Enterprises, Inc. is an ecommerce business. The "Company's" sales vehicles are websites, each designed to promote and sale one specific product category (niche). The Jewelry Store Gate's niche is diamond jewelry. There you can find Diamond solitaire engagement rings, Three stone diamond pendants, and Diamond stud earrings. We also have a huge selection of GIA and EGL certified loose diamonds. So, whether you are looking for a "D" colorless, "FL" flawless, sparkling cut, large loose diamond or a very beautiful loose diamond that fits into your budget, WE HAVE QUALITY DIAMONDS for YOU!!! We will even help you pick out your setting. You are welcome to visit us at http://www.TheJewelryStoreGate.com

Buying A Diamond Ring That Fits You

Buying a diamond ring seems to be pretty simple but it’s actually not. In addition to the designs, you also have to take into account a variety of things that will determine the cost of the piece of jewelry.
Below are some of the factors that you have to consider in buying a diamond ring that will really fit you.

1. Clarity

Clarity refers to the clearness of the stone. This means that the stone must not be hazy in appearance. When seen under the lens, there should be no flaws or imperfections in the form of spots. This is important as the number of flaws will determine the level that the diamond will be in. The higher the clarity, the more expensive the diamond will be.

2. Color

Although diamonds are basically clear in its color, colorless in short, there are some that carry shades of yellow. This is because of the way the diamond developed in the mining field. Because of this, diamonds are classified according to the color shades. The colorless ones are the costly ones while those with yellow shades are less expensive.

3. Cut

Although this is actually not so much a determinant of price, people still include this in their list of considerations because this will determine the brilliance of the diamond. The cut does not only refer to the shape of the stone but also to the number of cuts that make up its facets. The princess cut for instance can have as much as 57 facets. Other kinds of cuts are the marquise, the emerald, the pear, the oval and the round.

4. Carat

The carat, as most know, refers to the weight of the diamond. The bigger and heavier the diamond is, the more expensive it is. Stores will have a calculation of how heavy the individuals stones and also a calculation of the total weight. If there are colored stones like sapphires, rubies and emeralds, it is also good to ask for their equivalent weight.

5. Setting

In buying a diamond ring, you also have to choose the kind of setting that you want. There are actually a lot of metals that you can choose from. There is the gold, both white and yellow, that is still the choice of most people. There is also the titanium, the silver and the platinum, which is fast becoming a popular commodity in the country when it comes to rings.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Diamond Ring, please visit http://diamond-ring.articlekeep.com

Famous Diamonds Of The World

Diamonds are the most precious thing in this world. The cost of the diamond is very expensive. The "sparkle" of the diamonds makes it more admirable and wanted by all. They can be extracted from the earth. Carbon has to be exposed under high pressure and temperature for a stipulated time to form diamonds. They are usually formed under 90 miles below from the earth with 5 Giga-pascal pressure and temperature up to 1200 degrees.

Diamonds have named according to the type of carbon found in diamonds. Recently extracted diamonds from the earth, has predicted that it have to be taken approximately 1 to 3.3 billion years to form. This article provides information about the world famous 12 diamonds and they are listed as:

Mountain of Light

"Kohinoor" is a one of the world famous diamonds which is known by the title of "mountain of lights". The actual weight of this stone was 186 carats. It has oval shape. There is a belief that it has been fixed in the eye of the peacock throne of Saharan. Now it has kept among the British Crown Jewels with the weight as 108.93 carats.

The Cullian

It is one of the largest diamonds. It is found with the weight of 3106 carats. It was very rough and it had a weight as one and half pound originally. It had cut into 96 small stones and 9 big stones.

The Star of Africa

It is a large piece of stone from the Cullian diamond which weighs 530.20 carats. It has 74 facets and it has been the largest stone in the world.

The Excelsior

It has a second largest stone in this diamond. It was rough with the weight as 995.2 carats.

The Great Mogul

This diamond was found in the 17 th century which weighed 793 carats.

The Orloff

It may have weighed 300 carats at the time of its discovery. It is kept in the Diamond Treasury of the former Soviet Union in Moscow.

The Idol's Eye

The size of this diamond is like a bantam's egg. It weighs 70.20 carats. Before this diamond was stolen, it was kept once in the eye of an idol.

The Regent

It is a unique historic diamond and it was found in 1701. An Indian slave discovered it near Golconda. It weighed 410 carats and it was rough. This diamond was owned once by William Pitt, the English Prime Minister. Later on it was renamed "The Regent".

The Blue Hope

This was owned by Louis-XIV. This diamond is designed as "the blue diamond of the crown" officially. It is kept in Washington.

The Sancy
This diamond weighted 55 carats with a pear shape. The first owner of this diamond was Charles, Duke of Burgundy.

Taylor-Burton

It was also a pear shaped diamond weighs 69.42 carat. It was first sold in an auction during the year 1969. Later on it was sold for around 3 million dollars.

Hortensia

This diamond was a part of a French Crown Jewels until Louis-XIV bought it. It is a peach coloured stone with 20 carats.

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Friday, November 7, 2008

A New Trend With Diamond Heart Pendants

It has always been said that a diamond is a girl's best friend. If this is true then no matter what the occasion is, there is never really a bad time to give a diamond as a present. Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, a birthday, Christmas or just because, are all good reasons to give a special woman a special gift. Choosing to buy a diamond gift is the easy part, however deciding what type of to buy can be a difficult task. Diamonds come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and are not just confined to ring and earring settings. One of the newest trends in jewelry are diamond heart pendants.

A diamond pendant can come in all different shapes and sizes that there is always a chance to find the perfect one. One pendant shape that is becoming more and more popular is the heart shape. This particular type of pendent is shaped like a heart and is embellished with diamonds. While some pendants are plain gold with a simple diamond in the middle, other pendants can be as detailed as having diamonds all the way around the heart shape. Because of the popularity of these pendants, most jewelry stores carry many different styles in a wide price range. It is simply up to you to find the right one.

Another type of diamond gift that is popular is a diamond ring. Diamond rings are typically given for a special occasion and have special meaning behind them. The most popular diamond ring would be an engagement ring because it holds a special meaning of commitment and love. When buying a diamond engagement ring there are numerous aspects of the diamond to consider. These elements are known as the four C's of diamonds: cut, color, clarity and carat weight. Another decision to make is the shape of the diamond itself. Diamonds come in all different shapes, such as emerald, round, heart and princess shapes.

Once the diamond is chosen for the ring, it does not mean that the ring is ready to be purchased. Typically the stone and the setting of an engagement ring come separately, so the next task is to choose what type of setting you would like the diamond to be displayed in. Engagement rings are not the only diamond rings available. The popularity of diamonds has lead to diamond wedding bands and anniversary bands. Channel set wedding bands can be a nice addition to a beautiful engagement ring. Many places now even advertise for everyday diamond rings that are bands to be worn on the right hand, as opposed to the traditional left hand placement of the wedding and engagement rings.

Diamond earrings can be a romantic gift for any occasion. These can be as simple as a single stone earring or as elaborate as chandelier earrings embellished with numerous stones. It is important to keep in mind the individual you are buying the gift for. If the recipient of the gift would like something that they can wear every day, diamond stud earrings are the way to go. However if the gift recipient enjoys getting dressed up for a night on the town or goes to formal affairs on occasion, the chandelier earrings are the perfect gift.

So no matter what the occasion, diamonds are always a safe bet as a gift, whether it is a diamond heart pendant, a beautiful diamond anniversary band or a stunning pair of diamond earrings.

Andy West is a freelance writer for http://www.Itshot.com, wholesale jewelry, which offers quality diamond heart pendants and other jewelry.

How To Choose The Perfect Diamond For A Ring

On the market today you don't see many different styles of jewelry it seems there are hardly any new ideas out there on the market. Jewelry is something almost every woman adores. There are so many different types of metal that is used to make jewelry, platinum, gold, silver and titanium. Jewelry is suppose to last a long time so what many manufactures do is they use stronger metals in the jewelry like titanium. Diamonds will go with any type of jewelry, it can be used in earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets, it can also be used with other precious stones, but the most use of the diamond is in engagement rings.

The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat is equal to two hundred milligrams of weight. In today's world if the diamond is over one carat in size it will usually come with a certificate from the laboratory specifying the inclusions, color and size. Carat is the diamond industry standard, it is a unit of weight to measure diamonds. The carat itself is made of one hundred particular parts called points.

The best cut will display the diamond’s brilliance to the best effect. When looking at a stone you need to look from the top down, this way you can see all of the facets and you need to check to see if you can see any inclusions in the diamond. Another name for a teardrop diamond is known as pear and the emerald cut is an octagonal shape which is oblong, the marquise diamond is an oval and it has points at the end. However, the pavilion can be cut with 4, 6, or 8 pavilion main facets. There are so many different types of cuts, there is the round, square, pear and cushion. When a diamond is cut it is cut for brilliance and to let the light reflect off of the facets.

There are many shapes of stones, but the one shape that is most sought after is the round diamond, it has the greatest reflective power and brilliance. The brilliance is determined by the ability of the diamond to reflect light.

The transparent white colorless diamond is most popular variety, but diamond also occurs in colors. When color is prominent it is called a fancy diamond. There are many different factors that will create color in a diamond. One of those factors is carbon spots in the diamond itself which will through off the color.

You could use any diamond ring that you like to give for an anniversary present. The solitaire is another ring that people like to give as an anniversary present. Most people notice the engagement ring and not the wedding band. That’s why most women will want a nice round diamond of at least 1 carat in size. It is usually the engagement ring that is admired, not her wedding ring. And the setting of the diamond solitaire is there really just to hold the diamond.

Platinum is fast becoming the favorite choice in diamond settings and bands. When platinum is used for jewelry it is sometimes used for its strength and high shine and the ability to resist scratching. Platinum is geared toward a more modern look, whereas gold is traditionally beautiful.

David Marc Fishman is the owner of the gold jewelry wholesale site. Find the finest gold body jewelry. Get 18k gold jewelry.

New Trends - Men's Diamond Rings

When it comes to wedding pieces, men's diamond rings represent a fairly recent innovation. Prior to the late 19th Century, most men did not even wear a wedding band; diamond rings for women existed, but were exceedingly rare. The jewelry industry, trying to create a market where non existed, managed to sell the public on the idea of double diamond ring wedding sets, but the wedding rings themselves were plain gold bands more often than not. It was only after 1950 that mens diamond rings became popular.

The Most Brilliant Marketing Campaign

"Diamonds are forever." That simple phrase practically transformed the diamond ring market overnight. It was a phrase that was invented by an unknown advertising executive for the DeBeers Corporation, which to this day controls well over half of the world diamond trade. The campaign was rolled out in 1950; within a few years, diamond jewelers could barely keep up with the demand for diamond rings - including mens diamond rings.

Choices

Today, double diamond ring wedding sets are quite common; some even include the engagement ring as well.

When it comes to mens diamond rings, there are many options out there in terms of style, cut, and type of metal. White gold diamond rings are the most popular choice, followed by yellow and red gold. Recently, platinum, palladium and even tungsten diamond rings are available. Not only are these precious metals more valuable than gold, but are far more durable, as gold is a fairly soft metal.

At least one prominent company specializes in these types of rings, from which the center stone is left unmounted, so as to allow the customer to choose the diamond or other gem s/he prefers.

In other cases, one may be able to actually design their own individual rings with the assistance of a diamond jeweler. Such services may cost extra, but the client is assured of getting a completely unique piece of jewelry.

How Much To Spend

Diamond wedding sets vary widely in terms of price, from a few hundred dollars to several thousands. The general rule of thumb is to figure on about six months' salary as the amount to spend on the wedding set, including the engagement ring. In addition, many couples now exchange "promise rings" at or near the beginning of a relationship, as well as "eternity rings," which are typically exchanged at a later wedding anniversary. Mens diamond rings are available for these occasions as well as the engagement and the actual wedding.

Jonathon Blocker specializes in mens diamond rings. In this article he writes about the history of the diamond ring. Jonathan is a consultant for GemFind.com, a trusted name in the diamond jewelry industry since 1999.

The Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring - What Does It Mean?

The three stone diamond engagement ring, is an exquisite,
artfully designed diamond ring. This ring showcases three round brilliant
diamonds set in 14 carat, 18 carat, or platinum gold. The diamonds can vary in
size with the center stone being the largest. The two side stones act as
accents showcasing the center large stone. It really is no wonder why the three
stone diamond ring is such a popular and high demand ring.

This ring can be given for several occasions. The most
popular and traditional ring would be the three stone diamond engagement
ring. Reasons one might might give it would be an engagement, anniversary present, renewal of vowels, or as just a simple
reminder that the one that you're with will remain in your life for the future.
This ring is a symbol of love, compassion, and an acknowledgment that one is
truly loved and thought of on many occasions.

The three stone diamond ring is truly a timeless piece. It
is without prejudice towards any other sentimental piece of jewelry that one
might have, and really can be treasured from now until forever. This diamond
ring encompasses everything that one woman might want in a fine piece of
jewelry. It's filled with class, sophistication, and truly is a piece of
romance and aspiration of love. The three stone diamond ring is truly a
keepsake that one should treasure and when looked at be reminded of the love
that was given with it.

It is with these timeless keepsakes that keep love and
romance alive. It keeps distant relationships close, and should spark a new
journey in one's love life. This ring with no further ado should have the
presence of thoughtful thoughts, loving memories, and build a relationship one
step at a time. It is said that one should be reminded at least once a day how
much they are loved, with the
three stone diamond rings you can be reminded three times. With this ring I say "I do, I love, I am forever yours."

For additional information, please contact:
http://threestonediamondrings.totaldiamonds.com
George Barrows
800-909-4018

Where Do The Best Diamonds Come From?

Diamonds are one of the most popular gifts in the world. Each year, husbands and boyfriends buy their significant others billions of dollars worth of diamonds for anniversaries, birthdays and Christmas.
On the entire planet, there are just over a couple dozen diamond mines in production, nearly half of which are in Africa.

When choosing a diamond, there are many factors to consider to ensure you get the best diamonds in the world.

Some consumers are affected morally when purchasing a diamond and will not buy one if it comes from an area of the world known to have a diamond industry that is fueled by terror, weapons and war.

For this reason, the Canadian diamond industry is fast becoming home of the most popular diamonds on Earth.
In the past 17 years, Canada has emerged as the third biggest diamond producers on Earth, after having no diamond industry prior to 1990.

Canadian diamonds are known for their quality and being clean or non-bloody as some diamonds are in developing countries.

One aspect that makes the Canadian diamond stand out is the fact that each is uniquely etched with a polar bear by laser. This is done to ensure high quality standards and the elimination of forgeries.
Diamonds cut in Canada, by Canadian manufacturers, under the strict scrutiny of a government body results in the diamonds carrying a higher value on the world market.

One indicator of the quality and purity of Canadian diamonds is the fact that the price per carat of a Canadian diamond is $228, which ranks third in the world behind Namibia and Angola.

If the issue of purchasing a diamond that came from a mine in a troubled country bothers you, obviously a Canadian diamond is the way to go. However, there is another reason to go with diamonds from the Great White North, and that is because of the environmental focus that the companies like De Beers and Tahera take to ensure that once they leave, the former mine site returns to nature.

Important government environmental regulations are followed for all of the sites in the Northwest and Nunavut Territories in the Canadian north. All sites are required by law to not interfere with wildlife in any way, to cut down a tree an arduous bureaucratic process must be followed and what goes into the north for diamond mining always comes out when the mining has completed.

As well, the Canadian diamond mines have helped to raise the prosperity of the Inuit, who are benefiting greatly from the billions of dollars flowing through the north.

So, when you are looking for a diamond to buy that is free of blood and high in purity, look for the polar bear in the diamond.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for flowers and gifts. When shopping for flowers and gifts, we recommend you shop only at the best online stores that specialize in place to buy best flowers, place to buy best gifts, best diamonds and gemstones.

Diamond Carat 101 - What You Need To Know About The Clarity of a Diamond

Diamonds being one of the most expensive and highly desired gems especially among the very rich people like royalties are graded according to the 4 Cs - Color, Carat, Clarity and Cut.

The Carat refers to the mass of the diamond. One carat is about 200 milligrams. Diamonds with less than one carat is commonly referred to as equal to one one-hundredth of a carat (0.01 carat, or 2 mg). Generally, the price per carat of a diamond increases directly proportional to carat weight.

Larger diamond stone are more expensive because they are very rare. In fact a one carat diamond ring may be sold more expensive than a ring made up of multiple similar stones but smaller in sizes even if the total carat is exactly the same.

Similarly, a diamond weighing under the next full carat is a lot less inexpensive compared to a diamond that passes the full carat scale. So for someone on a tight budget, it is wise to buy a diamond weighing a little less than one carat because the size can be negligible but the savings can be great. This goes as well when buying 1.9 carats which can be a lot less expensive than 2 carats but the size difference is small. Total carat weight (t.c.w.) is usually used to refer to the total mass of the diamond especially when there are more than one diamonds are placed on a jewelry.

It is a common mistake for many people to relate numerical values of carat weight to judge a diamond's actual size. It is important to remember that carat is about diamond mass so it is highly possible that a diamond with smaller size may weight as much as a diamond with larger size.

The price of a diamond is also common expressed as cost per carat. This is determined by considering the other Cs – clarity, cut and color – and the total price of the stone is divided by the weight. The resulting figure is the cost per carat. One of the best ways to compare diamonds is by comparing cost per carat. Variations in cut and shape make diamonds with the same weight look different from each other. So there is no single diagram that can show diamonds of different weights in carats. When shopping for diamonds, a diamond weight estimator can be a great help.

Another thing to remember when buying a diamond based on carat size is making a balance between quality and size. A larger high quality diamond can be found by selected a grade which is slightly lower in terms of color and quality. To the unaided and inexperienced eye, diamond carat can be hard to tell by simply looking.

There are online "Create your ring" tools that can help you decide which rings perfectly suit your taste and budget. All you need to do is enter your preferred shapes, cuts, color, clarity and carat and you can select your ring from a certain budget range.

For more information on diamond carat and loose diamonds please visit Buying a Loose Diamond

Thursday, November 6, 2008

The Genuine Diamond Certificate

The purpose of the diamond certificate is to protect consumers from purchasing falsely-claimed diamonds perceived to be a certain value. In today’s diamond market, it’s easy for retailers to con individuals into buying good quality diamonds. The average person is not armed with the proper facts and skills to distinguish good diamonds from the rest.

An independent Gemological Laboratory issues the diamond certificate. During the evaluation, expert graders examine the jewel. They employ various geological instruments and determine the characteristics of the diamond in the certificate. The various characteristics in the certificate contain which gemological instruments were employed to observe the diamond properties. As such, the diamond evaluation is essential to the pricing because any slight flaw may affect the stone’s worth.

There are two organizations that are well known diamond certifiers: GIA and the IGI. Both of these organizations are independent laboratories more than qualified to evaluate and certify the diamond. The following is a partial list of the contents of the diamond certificate.

Certificate Number

Each laboratory provides a certificate number. This is the number that certifies the diamonds uniquely. The institution will archive a copy of the certificate so that they can reissue, if it’s lost.

Cut and Shape

There are various shapes such as Heart, Oval, Round and Pear. Additionally, shapes could be in the forms of Brilliant, Emerald, Princess and Marquise.

Proportions

Proportions of the diamond include depth and table. Depth represents the actual depth of the diamond. The table represents the largest facet of the diamond, sometimes the center piece or main facet. Each of these items is measured by percentages.

Measurements

The diamond is measured by the millimeter through a measuring instrument. The dimensions are commonly dubbed as “maximum-minimum x depth”.

Carat size

When diamonds are weighed, they are measured by the carat to the thousandth. One carat is roughly 1/142nd once. The word carat originates from a practice of measuring a carob seed in India.

Girdles Found at the Edge of the diamond

The girdle runs between the crown and the diamond’s bottom. The thickness of a girdle is usually described by a range, because it could vary in the thickness.

Clarity

Clarity is determined by the dimensions of the inclusions and/or irregularities of the item. With the help of an IGI microscope, the grader can examine the qualities of the diamond clarity. Grading of the clarity could have listings such as ‘VVS’, ‘SI’ and ‘I’.

Plot

The plot provides data about the uniqueness of the diamond. Like fingerprints, the plot has every characteristic of the diamonds imperfections and physical measurements. With this data, a buyer could verify through the grader (or lab) that the diamond is the right one. The plot is usually plotted in graph format.

Cutlet

The “pointy” facet of the lower of part of the diamond is called a Cutlet. The purpose of the cutlet is to prevent unwanted chipping. Note that some diamonds do not have cutlets.

Color

Under precise lighting, the colors of a diamond can fall under categories of D to Z, D being the highest grade. The colors are determined by comparing the subject diamond with excellent graded diamonds.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Diamonds

Why Choose an Emerald Cut Ring as an Engagement Ring

After that overwhelming marriage proposal, it’s now time to start with the tedious task of wedding preparation. One of major considerations—before and during the wedding—is choosing for an engagement ring.

Aside from the usual round or heart-shaped diamond rings, one of the most preferred cuts used in engagement rings is the emerald cut. Categorized as one of diamond’s valuable “fancy cuts,’ emerald cut engagement ring are becoming more and more popular choice for engagement rings because they look quite sophisticated.

Technically, emerald cut diamond engagement rings can either be square or rectangular. It also has cut corners, thus, resembling a box when you from above. Also known as “step cut” for having facets that resemble stair steps, emerald cut diamond engagement rings has fewer facets compared to the round cuts.

If you are not into glittery, sparkling rings, choose emerald cut diamond as engagement ring because it only has 25 facets compared to 58 facets of the usual round shaped-diamonds. Or if you want an engagement ring that looks big as much as possible, try emerald cut diamond engagement ring because it greatly enhances the appearance of the stone by having facets arranged in rectangular steps or rows above and below the girdle that creates the illusion of a large and perfect stone.

Your guide to the ultimate emerald cut diamond engagement ring shopping

Exuding an air of class and elegance, elegant cut diamond engagement rings are worn by most sophisticated couples today.

1. The first major consideration in buying emerald cut diamond engagement ring is a woman’s personal preference and lifestyle. If the woman is not into flashy and brilliant diamonds, then this cut is perfect for her because it is simple yet elegant. Today, more and more women prefer the emerald cut for their engagement ring because it is unique and elegant.

2. When choosing for an emerald cut diamond engagement ring, carefully select a diamond with superb clarity and color. Take note of the possible imperfections in the diamond because these can be magnified and may affect the overall appearance of the ring. If possible, look for an emerald cut diamond engagement ring that is close to colorless.

3. Be familiar with the features of an emerald cut diamond engagement ring. Usually, these rings are rectangular or square with bezelled corners and step-cut facets and have a window-like transparency.

4. Since this cut is quite unusual for an engagement ring, emerald cut diamond engagement ring are not usually will not find a ready-made. You can ask for a custom-made that would fit perfectly on your finger.

5. After purchasing a high-priced emerald cut engagement ring, make sure that obtain an independent appraisal and gem lab report to indicate the stone’s worth.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Diamond Rings, please visit http://diamond-ring.articlekeep.com

How To Buy A Diamond

There are four factors that a contribute to the diamond value known as the 4 C's: Carat weight,Color,Clarity and Cut

Carat Weight

Carat weight is the easiest of the 4 C's Carat is the measure of the weight of a diamond. the greater the carat weight, the rarer and more expensive the diamond is. Two diamonds of equal carat weight might vary in value depending upon their cut, color and clarity. One carat is divided into 100 points a half-carat stone may be referred to as a "50-pointer" or "50-points".

Color

Diamond color is one of the most important factors ,colorless diamonds or white diamonds (D,E ,F) are rare and more expensive than near-colorless diamonds (G,H,I,J) The color of the diamond is really up to you some people prefer slightly tinted diamonds(J,K,L) that are more affordable, in most cases your best choise would be near colorless diamonds (G,H,I,J)

Clarity

Clarity refers to how free a diamond is from naturally microscopic imperfections ,Diamonds are assigned clarity grades based on what can be detected with ten-power magnification. diamonds with relatively few clarity characteristics are very rare and more expensive ,imperfections show up as minute black or white marks , our advice is to look at several diamonds of different clarity grades and let your eye be the guide!

Cut

A well-cut diamond will allow the maximum amount of light to enter and reflect back to your eye. The width and depth have the greatest effect on how light travels within the diamond it is the cut that provides a diamond with it's brilliance, Many consider cutting quality to be the most important diamond characteristic

Conflict Diamonds (Blood Diamonds)

Conflict diamonds are diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments ,Conflict diamonds are those sold in order to fund armed conflict and civil war used by warlords and rebels to buy arms during the devastating wars in Angola and Sierra Leone

What's being done to stop conflict diamonds?

In 2003 The Kimberley Process was introduced requires participants to certify that shipments of rough diamonds are conflict-free covers the entire diamond supply chain, from mine to point of sale ,today less than 1% of all diamonds sold in the US are considered conflict diamonds

Today you can find great jewelers and diamond wholesalers online, one great web site is http://www.MizrahiDiamonds.com the great advantage is that Mizrahi has a real store located in the jewelry district in downtown Los Angeles so you know there is a person standing behind the website ,you can even visit them before you buy your jewelry and diamonds .

I would Consider buying a diamond that has a cert from a well known laboratory like EGL Or GIA that way you know what you are getting

Good Luck !!!

Why Faking It With A Real Diamond Makes You Look Rich!

Buying a diamond necklace is an exciting experience! Did you know that there are many different ways to make your diamond appear larger than it actually is? The diamond’s shape, cut and setting all have a very important impact on its apparent size. If you're getting ready to purchase a diamond, here are some great tips that you can use that will make your diamond appear larger than its true carat weight! Consider purchasing elongated shapes such as marquise, oval or pear. These are considered to be fancy- shaped diamonds and usually look larger than round diamonds of equal weight. A diamond pendant will look simply stunning in one of those shapes!

By choosing a pavé setting, it looks like a continuous surface of diamonds and is actually made up of several small diamonds set side-by-side into little holes. The surfaces of the smaller diamonds are nearly level with the setting. To hold the diamonds in place tiny beads are crafted from the surrounding metal. Since it is different to distinguish individual stones, the setting makes you think the diamond necklace has larger or more diamonds than it truly does! Remember that intricate pavé settings can be very expensive and sometimes it can be even cheaper to buy a larger diamond. Another great idea is to consider having your diamond pendant done in an illusion setting. It is mounted to a mirror-like plate before the setting is done. You will be amazed at how this increases its brilliance and gives it the illusion of being larger than it actually is! Keep in mind, though, that the illusion setting is more difficult to repair.

Choose a setting with side stones, as small diamonds set into a band on either side of the center stone will make the focal point of the diamond look larger and give your diamond pendant or ring more pizzazz! Choosing a diamond that has a bezel setting with a rim that totally encircles the stone is another good way. Have your diamond necklace or ring set in white gold or platinum as it will enhance a white diamond and make it appear larger than it actually is. If you have the setting done in a yellow gold bezel, it can throw a yellowish tint onto the back of diamond. And finally, if you select diamonds that are cut shallow, they will appear larger than the same size stones with a more proportional cut. Remember though, that which you gain in size, you will lose in brilliance. When the light travels through the shallow cut it tends to go into the back instead of bouncing off the sides of the stone and back into your vision!

By Terry Price- Remember to visit- http://www.diamond-silver-necklace.com/index.html for some excellent information the world of diamonds. The solid heart sterling silver necklace is all the rage now for its simplicity and elegance in design. http://www.diamond-silver-necklace.com/101-solid-heart-sterling-silver-necklace.html

Diamonds From the Internet - Can I Find a Good Quality Diamond on the Internet?

The Internet is a great place to go not only to obtain information on almost any subject but to purchase almost any type of item as well. This rings true also in the case of diamond purchases. Some may be a bit hesitant to purchase an expensive and important item such as a diamond online, however there are quite a few reasons to do so and buying a diamond in this manner can result in procuring a wonderful quality of diamond for the buyer.

Reasons to Buy Diamonds Online

There are many reasons why one should consider purchasing a diamond via the Internet. First, it is a great way to shop for diamonds where one can review possible options with a few keystrokes and clicks of the mouse. The prospective diamond purchaser can view their options without having to travel to a jeweler and wait for someone to assist them with their diamond buying needs. The convenience factor is one reason to consider buying diamonds online.

Another reason to turn to the World Wide Web for diamond purchases is that online diamond buying may yield a great price for a beautiful gemstone. Many jewelers will offer their products for sale online and in turn offer a web-only price on the item. Not only will one be able to shop for diamonds from the comfort of their own home but they may also get a great deal in the long run.

Lastly, using the Internet to purchase diamonds allows the individual to review a wide variety of diamonds in their quest for the perfect one. This provides the individual with a lot of options when it comes to their final diamond purchase.

Finding a Good Quality Diamond Over the Internet

With regard to the question of whether one can find a good quality diamond over the Internet, the straightforward answer to this question is in the affirmative. However, there are a few tips one should keep in mind throughout their shopping to ensure that they do in fact receive the best possible diamond for their money. First, use a jeweler or jewelry website which has a good reputation. Finding a jewelry site which has been in existence for a while and is reputable will make it much more likely that the diamond being purchased is what it is supposed to be. Also, accreditation by a well-known jewelry trade organization may prove helpful as well.

Another tip for getting a good quality diamond over the Internet is to ensure that the staff at the company personally evaluates the diamond. Since diamonds can be purchased in bulk from other companies, it is important that the company selling the diamond is certain of the diamond's true worth and characteristics. The company needs to be responsible for ensuring the individual quality of the diamonds which they sell.

An additional way to ensure the quality of a diamond prior to buying it online is to ask to review the GIA or AGS diamond grading certificate or ensure that one comes with it. Also, one who wishes to know the true quality of the diamond can have it appraised by a professional diamond appraiser who will inspect the diamond and detail its true worth.

To learn more about the many facets of a diamond engagement ring visit James Greene at http://www.diamondmarketwatch.com where you'll find this and much more about diamond rings and other fine jewelry.

Diamond Cutting Basics

The art of diamond cutting is not particularly old in the western world. It is believed that Europeans traveling to India first picked up the basic idea from the Indians but it was not until the sixteenth century that anything of value came out of the early experiments. Some of these early cuts were called rose cuts because they resembled the look of roses. Basically, they were triangular shaped facets cut in a symmetric pattern on the top of the diamond with the bottom of the diamond left flat for mounting into something. However, it was not until the 20th century that a full application of the technology of reflecting light was applied to diamond cutting. Today mathematical calculations on computers are often used to help determine the cut of a diamond. There is still an art to cutting diamonds but science is the bigger factor in modern cut diamonds.

Diamonds when they are first mined are relatively bland looking. You could easily mistake one for just a simple shiny rock or over look it completely. It is estimated that 98 percent of the brilliance of modern cut diamonds comes from the cut, not the clarity, size or color, so the cut of a diamond is extremely important. The cut or make of diamonds is actually the sum of 3 separate factors:

1. The proportions of the cuts,
2. The finish or polish of the diamond and
3. The symmetry of the diamonds facets.

The complete purpose of all three is to reflect as much light back out of the diamond as is possible, to figuratively light up a dark room.

Of these three the proportions represent the actual finished overall shape of the diamond. Although the exact dimensional ratios for an ideal cut diamond have not been agreed upon internationally, the terminology used is standard around the world. Table, crown, crown height, crown angle, girdle, pavilion, pavilion depth and pavilion angle are the basic standard terms used to describe the proportions of a cut diamond. If you look down at a diamond set in a diamond ring the top most flat part is called the table. The largest diameter of the diamond as you look down on it further is called the girdle. This top part of the diamond from the girdle up to the table is called the crown and of course the crown height and crown angle refer to the depth of this part of the diamond and the angle from the girdle up to the table. The part of the diamond that you don't see when you look down at a diamond ring is called the pavilion, the part from the girdle down to the bottom of the diamond. The bottom of a modern diamond is generally pointed. The distance down from the girdle to this point is called the pavilion depth. The angle from the girdle edge to this point is the pavilion angle.

The polish of a diamond is pretty much self-explanatory. It is a lot like when you polish your car. Sometimes there are marks left and sometimes the car wash does a better job than other times. In a similar fashion, the diamond finish is graded by the diamond industry. Good, very good, excellent and ideal for example are grade designations for polished diamonds.

The symmetry of a diamond refers to the shape, size and proportions of the facets cut into the crown. Are the facets all of consistent shape around the crown of the diamond? Do the points of one facet align perfectly with the next facet? Are the lines of the cuts straight or wavy? Are the facets perfectly flat? These are questions used to define the symmetry of a modern cut diamond.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Diamonds

Pave Diamond Engagement Ring

Diamond connotes beauty, wealth, and power. In ancient times as well as in the modern day setting, this precious stone is considered one of the most expensive possessions a person could ever have. It has been dubbed "a woman's best friend" and has indeed upheld this label.

As time goes by, diamonds become symbols of perpetuity perhaps due to its robust physical characteristic.

Nowadays, couples exchange diamond rings to show their enduring love for each other. In engagements as well as weddings, diamonds proved to be the most popular, and needless to say, the most expensive.

There are many kinds of diamond rings. Each has its unique characteristic to suit a person's style and preference. They also come in different colors and designs to choose from.

Bezel, channel, flush, and burnish are just some of the many settings of a diamond ring.

Of the many decorative variations of diamond rings, pave diamond engagement ring outshines others as it has its unique cunning appearance. How it acquires its facade lies in its pattern.

Taken from a French word which literally means "paved", pave diamond engagement ring has diamonds that are set very close together, without partitions, thereby resembling a cobblestone road. The precious stones are fixed in narrow conical holes and placed in just about equal level with the surface of the ring while it's surrounding metals, usually made of white gold or platinum, are mounted forming tiny beads to support and hold these pave-set stones in place.

To enhance the exterior of the pave diamond engagement ring, the metal around these precious stones is impressed with ornamental designs.

Each tiny diamonds fully cut with 58 facets and weighing just a few points, though small in size, contributes a great deal to the overall sparkle of a pave diamond engagement ring. Its intricate, clever pattern makes it look like it has a continuous diamond surface thus it appears bigger than its original size, making it even more captivating and eye catching.

About the Author:
When shopping for jewelry and watch, we recommend you shop only at the best online stores that specialize in Pave diamond engagement ring, White gold Rolex watches and much more.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Cheap Diamond Earrings

Advertisements promoting diamond earrings priced as low as $9.95 often tempt the unwary consumer. The diamond is claimed to weigh 0.25 points. Following simple arithmetic, since there are 100 points to a carat, what is being offered are actually stones weighing 1/4th of one point, which is 1/400 of one carat and consequently worth about $2. The bottom line is, it is possible to get both expensive and inexpensive diamonds, but they are all precious and hardly cheap.

Most often, earrings made out of cheap diamonds are marketed by jewelers claiming to buy the diamonds directly from the cutter, by passing the middlemen. Cheap diamond earrings do not always refer to the massive discount afforded by wholesale jewelers.

In 2001, Gemesis, a company founded by General Carter Clarke, initiated the mass-production of synthetic diamonds. The diamond industry, headed by the De Beers company, fought against this move, asserting them unfit to be regarded in the same league as the natural diamonds. Since diamond detecting machinery could gauge the difference, the synthetic diamonds were priced 3% lower than the naturals. However, the real savings are in the colored synthetic diamonds, which typically cost about 75% - 80% less than what a natural colored diamond would cost.

Many laboratories are also committed to creating imitation diamonds that look almost real. Cubic zirconia jewelry was highly popular in the 1980s. At $5 a carat, it was highly affordable and a cheap substitute. However, it loses luster over time. It is not scratch-proof and can easily be differentiated from the natural stone. Contrary to this, Moisannite, an astounding fake, is almost as hard as diamond and even more brilliant. It costs about $600 a carat, ten times less than a natural diamond. A trained gemologist, however, can easily distinguish this from a real diamond.

Looking for diamond earrings at affordable prices, the general emphasis is on the awareness of cut, color, clarity and carats, but the importance of purchasing from an accredited, reputable institution cannot be understated.

Diamond Earrings provides detailed information on Diamond Earrings, Diamond Stud Earrings, Diamond Hoop Earrings, Cheap Diamond Earrings and more. Diamond Earrings is affiliated with Pearl Earrings.

Diamond Gemstone Grading Facts for Buying Jewelry

When out purchasing a diamond you may find it useful to learn about diamond grading. Diamonds are evaluated based on four grades which help to determine the cost of a diamond. These grades are, clarity, cut, color, and carat. Along with cost these four make up the five C's of diamond grading.

The clarity is determined by looking very closely at a stone for inclusions or flaws within and on the surface. These inclusions can affect how prone a diamond is to breaking. If it has many inclusions it may actually be dangerous to wear because a fall or shock from hitting say a door could cause it to shatter and cut the skin. Clarity is made up of six grades from 'F' for flawless to 'I' for included and imperfect.

Stones can be cut in a variety of ways. It's not really the shape of cut that affects a diamond's grade but how well it's been cut. If a stone is cut improperly it won't reflect as much light and color and we know that if a diamond doesn't sparkle it isn't as desirable.

Colors of diamonds range from colorless to vibrant shades of the rainbow. There are four basic groups, colorless, nearly colorless, light yellow, gray or brown, and fancy colors. The grades of color are established by labeling a diamond from 'D' for colorless to 'Z' for the light yellows, grays and browns. The vibrant shades of red, green, blue, orange, yellow, and black are set on their own with just the grade, fancy.

Carat actually comes from the way people used Carob seeds in ancient times to determine the weight of diamonds. All Carob seeds are approximately one carat in weight. Today diamonds are graded based on the metric system. 0.2 grams is one metric carat or in standard 1/142 ounce.

You can now enjoy your diamond purchase experience by feeling more informed about jewelry diamond terminology.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. More jewelry facts at Anniversary Rock on Diamond Grades online. For Anniversary party supplies choose a theme and buy accordingly.

World Famous Diamonds 4

This is a multi part article and is strictly for educational purposes.

Darya-I-Nur

Darya-I-Nur diamond is believed to be the largest pink diamond in the world. The stone is estimated to weigh somewhere between 175 and 195 carats, and it is a light pink color. Its exact weight isn't known because its been mounted in its brooch setting for over 130 years. This stone is one of the most celebrated diamonds in the Iranian Crown Jewels and it is also one of the oldest stones known to man.

De Beers Diamond

The De Beers weights 234.65 carats and is the seventh largest faceted diamond in the world. It was found in the De Beers Consolidated Mine in March 1888. Prior to being cut the diamond weighed 428.50 carats. It was centerpiece of a ceremonial necklace known as the Patiala Necklace in 1928. In 1973 the necklace disappeared and then the remnants was discovered in a jewelry shop in London in 1998 with most of the large stone missing. The De Beers Diamond was sold in 1982 for $3,160,000.

De Young Red Diamond

The De Young Red is a 5.03 carat red diamond and is considered as the third largest in the world. This diamond is not really pure red. This stone has a slightly brown hue which makes it look like a fine garnet that ruby-like. Since this diamond has very unique color, this was once sold at an estate sale as a red garnet. Luckily, this fine piece of precious stone was later on recovered and identified to be a very rare red diamond. At present, the De Young Red is under the custody of the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC and often figured in exhibits in that museum.

Unlike the Type I diamonds that derived their color from impurities imbedded in the diamond, Red diamonds are considered a Type II and get their color from a process known as Plastic Deformation. They get their coloration due to structural anomalies caused by Plastic Deformation during the crystal growth. The intense pressure changes the lattice structure of diamonds and has led to the formation of Pink, Red, and Brown colored diamonds.

Dresden Diamond

The largest natural green diamond in the world is The Dresden Green. It is classified as an "apple-green" color and weighs in at 40.70 carats. The Gemmological Institute of America examined the stone in 1988. The Dresden Green Diamond was proved to be not only of extraordinary quality, but also a rare type IIa diamond and is consider the largest and finest natural green diamond ever found. The Dresden Green gets its name from the capitol of Saxony where it has been on display for more than 200 years. The earliest known reference to its existence occurs in The Post Boy, a London new-sheet of the 1700's. The diamond was sold in Switzerland in 1997 for $715,320.

David Cowley has created numerous articles on Diamonds. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Diamonds. Visit Diamonds

Three Stone Diamond Engagement Rings

Representing the past, the present and the future, the three stone diamond rings are just the perfect for your beloved. In the combination of three sparkling diamonds, these rings represent perfectly all that has made each partner what they are today, the present moment that they share, and the future into which they now walk together. The three stones in three stone diamond rings commemorate the eternity of your relationship. Given popularly as anniversary gifts, three stone diamond rings are also exchanged as engagement rings.

The three stone diamond rings are among the most graceful and inspiring rings. Available with a variety of different shaped stones, three stone diamond rings look simply beautiful. Although round diamonds are mostly popular that looks best in a solitaire type setting. However, Oval, princess and emerald cuts are also popular in three stone diamond rings. The extended length oval and emerald shapes too look attractive when placed in a three stone setting. So, a three stone diamond ring is a gift with deep meaning of triple beauty.

Three Stone Diamond Rings Are Astonishing
Till now if you have not lured by the attraction of striking three diamond rings, get a ring that says more of your personality. Always consider buying from a respectable online store that assured you the quality and full satisfaction. You can browse and shop the world-class selection at your leisure, with no pressure.

Go online for best Three Stone diamond rings
With the expansion of market, you can find many fine jewelry options available from a trusted online resource. Here, the selection is vast, and the best part is that you can find the perfect piece while sitting at your computer without any hassles. Just click the mouse and get your kind of three stone diamond rings. Have everything you could probably want, right at your fingertips. Online shopping is easy and makes shopping quite reasonable and affordable. It is the most inexpensive way to treat in brilliant craftsmanship and a lovely choice of three stone diamond rings.

For more info about three stone diamond engagement rings. Click here online jewelry stores.

Author is an experienced jewelry business expert.

How to Create the Perfect Pair of Diamond Stud Earrings

One of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry you can own is a pair of diamond stud earrings. Elegantly simple and stunningly beautiful, diamond stud earrings are a classic look that will never go out of style. And, with so many styles and cuts to choose from, diamond stud earrings are easy to customize. This article explains how to create the perfect pair of diamond stud earrings that will become a treasured heirloom for years to come.

Steps:

1 Find a local jeweler or a reputable website that sells made-to-order diamond stud earrings.

2 Choose the price range you are most comfortable with. Diamond studs can vary dramatically depending on size and quality. They can cost as little as $150 or as much as $15000 or more.

3 Choose the cut that best suits you. If you have a broader face you’ll probably look best with princess cut diamond studs. If your face is thinner round cut studs will be your best fit.

4 Choose the precious metal that best suits your skin tone for the backing. If you have a warm skin tone yellow gold will look best. If your skin tone is cool you will probably look better in white gold or platinum.

5 Make sure you choose a well balanced setting for your diamond stud earrings. Some settings, such as the crown style setting, are poorly balanced, pulling the diamond stud forward and creating a droopy look. The best settings – the three-prong martini style or four-prong basket style – pull the center of gravity back, making the diamond stud fit snuggly and beautifully against your ear. Remember that even the most beautiful diamond will look bad in a poor setting.

6 Make sure to choose quality diamond stud earrings. Look at the color, cut, and clarity of the diamond studs. Look to see that the diamond stud is clear, with no obvious inclusions. Make sure that the light is reflected evenly out of the diamond with no dark spots. Remember that bigger isn’t always better.

7 Order your diamond stud earrings and enjoy.

Tips:

• When you order your diamond stud earrings, take note of the size of the diamonds. Stones that are 1/8 to 1/4 carats are tiny. If you order stones that are 1/5 carat or more, the effect will be much more dramatic and pleasing.

• If you are unsure of your skin tone hold a piece of clean white paper against your hand, if you notice a yellowish hue then you have a warm skin tone, if you see a bluish hue then your skin tone is cool.

Warnings:

• While diamonds are one of the hardest materials on earth they can still be damaged. Avoid extremes of temperature, and always store separately.

Casey Buell is an expert in the field of diamonds and gemstones, and a contributor to the award winning diamond stud earring website located at http://www.diamondstudsonly.com/

Diamond Bits for Drilling and Mining

If you aren't familiar with diamond drilling bits that's not surprising because they are more of a specialized drill bit. Diamond drill bits are used to drill holes into brick, stone, and concrete, and they are usually used for larger holes in these materials.

Diamond bits are usually not used on any other materials. The bit is made of a metal cylinder with a fairly soft steel mount on an arbor. At the open end of the cylinder industrial diamond are embedded.

The segments of the bits are thicker than the actual cylinder wall, so the larger portion of the bit is not rubbing in the hole that is being bored. The sloped slots will help to move the dust away.

You can use diamond bits dry or using water as lubrication. Selecting the right diamond drill bits for your application is very important to ensure you get the desired results. The material and the thickness of the material are the factors that determine what diamond bits are right. There are plenty of charts online so you should be able to quickly determine what it is you need.

In order to get the most out of your diamond tip drill bits read the manual that came with both your diamond drill bits and your drill. The bit is actually only a small part of the success of your project.

Successful diamond drilling is considered both a science and an art. It requires choosing the right diamond tip drill bit, which means you have to have an understanding of the applications.

Before you start to drill, you should visually examine the bit for any damage and never use if you see damage. If a bit is damaged or not correctly mounted it can be very dangerous. You should always have your safety footwear on, snug clothing, hearing protection, safety goggles, and the right respiratory equipment.

It may take you a bit of time to get used to using diamond core drill bits, but once you see what it can do, don't be surprised if you quickly become addicted.

You can purchase a full selection of diamond drill bits online. Here you will find quality and pricing, as well as a great deal of information on how to use your bits and get the maximum benefits from your diamond drill bits.

If you still aren't sure why you should use diamond cutter drill bits, read on. In case you didn't know it diamond is the hardest material man knows, and when you use a diamond bit it grinds away the material. Because diamond is so hard it can actually be used on all materials. Diamond can make a good alternative to carbide and other blade types. Diamonds can grind away material at the nano or micro level, where carbide drill bits cut with a sharp cutting edge.

The biggest advantage to using diamond for drilling besides the fact it will drill anything, it that there is minimal chipping, faster drilling, less noise, and less material loss.

Terry Fitzroy is an experienced writer on rock, carbide, and diamond drill bits