Gold, Silver And Platinum - They're Not Called 'Precious' Metals For Nothing

When you're buying a special piece of jewellery - whether it's an engagement ring or a birthday necklace - it's likely you'll hear the term 'precious metal' thrown around a lot. But what exactly is a precious metal - and what makes it so 'precious'? When it comes to jewellery, the three most precious metals are silver, gold and platinum - in that particular order. And if you're buying jewellery made out of these metals, it's important to know what each of them denotes, and how expensive they are, before making your purchase.

Silver, for example, is one of the cheapest precious metals, and currently sits at about one fiftieth the price of gold by mass, although it did once trade at one sixth the price of gold before the Age of Discovery. As a soft metal, silver needs to be alloyed with other metals before being made into jewellery, in order to make the metal stronger and more resistant. 'Sterling Silver' needs to contain at least 92.5% pure silver in order to gain this mark (the remaining 7.5% is usually comprised of copper). This small copper content means that silver jewellery is likely to tarnish, so if you're thinking about buying a sterling silver ring or bracelet, it's important to make sure you clean in properly. Many people like to use toothpaste to clean silver jewellery, but if you're looking for a less abrasive cleaning formula, it's best to invest in a silver-cleaning fluid at the time of purchase. Further, to make sure the silver jewellery you've bought is high quality, ensure that it's been stamped with a purity mark (like 925) before you buy.

Gold, on the other hand, has long-held associations with investment and wealth as a precious metal. As with silver, gold is a soft metal and so also has to be alloyed with other metals to make it hard enough for jewellery making. Pure gold, for example is yellow, while white gold is gold that has been alloyed with nickel, copper and zinc, and can sometimes look similar to platinum. In this way, the colour of gold can be manipulated in order to create a number of different types.

Of these three popular precious metals, however, platinum is the most expensive. Its heavy-weight and durable nature means that it's great for diamond-encrusted jewellery and is similar in colour, though not in properties, to white gold. Generally speaking, platinum jewellery is 90% pure platinum and 10% iridium or palladium alloy. Moreover, jewellery that contains more than 95 per cent pure platinum is marked 'platinum' (950 plat or 950pt), whereas 85 percent pure platinum will be marked 850plat or 850pt. Platinum jewellery is rapidly gaining popularity and other related metals - like palladium and titanium - are, as a result being used with increasing frequency in jewellery-making. Hence, platinum jewellery designs are often modern and chunky, with an ethos that reflects the lifestyle of its new buyers.

Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen traveller and watersports enthusiast. Originally from Scotland, she now resides in London.

What You Should Know in Buying an Antique Diamond Ring

Buying an antique diamond ring—whether as an engagement ring, a wedding ring, or for personal satisfaction—is always an investment. Considered as “nature’s perfect gemstones,” antique diamond rings can be priceless and rare especially if they contain high-quality and high-grade diamonds.

If you are looking forward to buying an antique diamond ring, the first thing to consider is the 4Cs of a diamond. Knowing the elements that reveal the true value and rarity of a diamond is the first step to know if you’re likely to possess an antique diamond ring for keeps.

The 4Cs comprise of Carat, which refers to a diamond’s weight; Clarity, which measures the purity of a diamond; Cut, which determines the diamond’s brilliance and Color, which gauges a diamond’s whiteness.

An antique diamond ring for wedding

Since it signifies romance, innocence, and reverence, antique diamond rings are becoming one of the most popular choices in wedding rings today.

For a ring to be antique, it should be over than 100 years and originates from the Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, and Art Deco. Typically ornate and detailed, antique diamond rings are usually authentic pieces or a reproductions inlaid in gold, platinum, titanium and silver.

Remember that antique diamond ring personifies character and history, which sets it apart from other modern designs. Before you purchase an antique diamond ring as a wedding or engagement ring, here are some of things you might want to consider:

1. Make sure that the antique diamond ring is professionally appraised before your pay for it. By doing this, you can be sure that all of its gems are authentic. You can also determine if the ring has been repaired or if it need repairs in case there are stone chips or cracks.

2. Look for a photograph with a hallmark or written and signed interpretation to know when was the ring authenticated.
3. In case the antique diamond ring needs a repair, get an estimated cost of before proceeding.

4. Be open-minded. There are gemstones and designs other people consider as unlucky. If you’re not into these myths, you might want to consider these antique diamond rings because they might be less expensive than others.

5. Make sure that you inspect and examine closely the condition of the antique engagement ring. Take note of the prongs holding the center diamond and the shank of the ring.

6. Do some research on 10X jeweler’s loupe.

7. Buy the antique diamond ring from a reputable jeweler or jewelry store.

8. Make sure that everything about the antique wedding ring is written on receipts, appraisals, and certifications.

9. Know if the stone is a genuine diamond or if it is a cubic zirconia, moissanite or other synthetic substance.

10. If possible, get a certificate from Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to ensure the authenticity of your antique diamond ring.

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

An Engagement Ring; A Formal Agreement To Chastity And A Future Marriage

Tips to buy diamond engagement rings

The diamonds are the best friends of the women of every substance. The women pining for the precious diamonds never fades. A diamond is the stone with unspeakable romances in its bosom. The diamond dawns are set in rings of beauty. The lovers exchange diamond rings as the token of love.

A ring is presented as a betrothal gift by a man to his prospective bride while or directly after she accepts his marriage proposal. A ring stands for a formal agreement to chastity and a future marriage. The tradition of presenting rings was also prevalent in the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians cultures.

An engagement ring is a ring worn by a woman on her left-hand ring finger indicating her engagement to be married. A diamond engagement ring is always the most preferable one on the engagement ceremonies. It's believed that the 'vein of love' is located on the fourth finger of the left hand.

Today, it has become a very popular fashion all over the world. In Brazil and Germany, both the man and the woman wear engagement rings. In United States, there's developed a popular trend of the women buying the diamond engagement rings or promise rings for their men. Thus the diamond industry is flouring well in U.S.

The diamond engagement ring, platinum diamond engagement ring, pink diamond engagement ring and cheap diamond engagement rings are all the rage and hot selling diamond jewelry today.

About Author: The author presents you a website Diamond Engagement Ring, a valuable guide on diamond jewelry and diamond engagement rings, offering valuable tips and info on buying diamond engagement rings. For more tips on buying diamond jewelry, click: Diamond Jewelry.

Understanding Jewellery of the 18th Century

The decorative arts reached an extremely high level in terms of quality and elegance during the 18th Century. Jewellery was by no means an exception. It was the French who led the way with a number of influential Parisian jewellery makers setting new world standards.

Jewellery of the day was made for two distinct occasions: that which was worn with informal clothing during the day and the more ornamental jewellery which was worn with formal attire at evening functions. The emphasis at the time was on the gemstones rather than the settings themselves. It was at about this time that the art of stone faceting had improved significantly thereby showing off the utmost beauty of diamonds and coloured gemstones.

Having mastered the cutting techniques required to increase the level of sparkle, the jewellers of the 18th century also set about improving the vibrant colours of the coloured jewels themselves. This they did by introducing high quality 'foiling' techniques and by tinting diamonds and other gemstones. Such was the level of their craftsmanship that many Parisian jewellers were drawn to work for foreign firms in Spain, Germany, Denmark and elsewhere thereby making their influence truly international in scope.

The popularity of insect and butterfly designs from the previous century were brought up to date and improved upon and asymmetrical designs were adopted for the very first time. Beautiful floral designs and more intricate ribbon work became a popular feature of this period. Some of the designs resembled furnishing ideas of the time - curtain motifs and upholstery trimmings can be seen as a feature in much of the jewellery. Memorial jewellery also became a popular feature of daytime jewellery. Brooches, rings and pendants often contained the plaited hair of loved ones and was featured in pieces of jewellery with black enamel and white seed pearls. Personal inscriptions were often carefully engraved with loving messages. It was during this period that the concept of the 'dearest' or 'regard' jewellery evolved. Pendants, rings or brooches were made using precious stones whose first letter spelt out a secret message to a loved one. For example "D E A R E S T" became the imbedded message in a ring which was set with Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Tourmaline ... in that specific order!

Even the more affordable items of 'costume' jewellery in the 18th century were graced with the same flair and elegance as their more expensive counterparts. Garnets, for example, were foiled to resemble bright red rubies and precious metal substitutes were introduced like 'pinchbeck' - a gilt metal resembling gold - that was invented by a London watchmaker. In Switzerland laws were made to restrict 'excesses in extravagance' and so the use of diamonds in jewellery became illegal for a period. In 1760 marcasite and cut steel became a popular substitute. Birmingham's renowned industrialist, Matthew Boulton, specialised in the use of these materials in earrings, pendants, brooches, rings, buckles dress combs etc.

In my next article I will take a look at jewellery during the Victorian period - that is from 1837 through to the end of the Century. By this time there had been a complete change in both fashion and mood!

As a small family run business Paul Wright Jewelley has exhibited its handcrafted silver and gold jewellery throughout the United Kingdom since 1995 at important international events such as the Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials, the Royal Show, the Royal Highland Show and other large country events.

Handmade Silver Jewellery

Diamond Wedding Rings

The Secret of a Diamond Hybrid Wedding Ring

It's no secret - diamonds are forever - but who wants to spend the rest of their life paying for that diamond That's especially true with beautiful wedding rings. But what if you could create that same beauty and elegance with a diamond hybrid wedding ring? The secret of this item is waiting in the wings yet to be discovered by many.

This prodiuct is made from a hybrid diamond that is real diamond particles bonded together to form one of the most beautiful stones ever, with the color and clarity of the most expensive diamonds. That's why this would make a great choice for wedding rings.

Just think of what you can do with the money you save buying a diamond hybrid wedding ring It's really the perfect choice to ask for her hand in marriage, but it won't break the bank.
Even professional jewelers can't tell the difference between a traditional diamond and the diamond hybrid wedding ring diamond That's because it really is real diamond material. It's just the technical process of forming the jewelery that's man-made. That's one of the reasons that this item is so stunning - the quality exceeds what most of us can normally afford.

The diamond hybrid wedding ring is available in the same diamond cuts as you are familiar with. The princess cut still remains the most popular for this product. You can create an impression that will last an eternity without the loan to go with it. And instead of being able to afford only the tiniest of diamonds now, you can afford a much better diamond if that's what you want in your diamond hybrid wedding ring.

How will your ring compare to a traditional diamond ring? Neither you nor your jeweler will be able to tell the difference. What's the difference in quality between and a moissanite or cubic Zirconia? Plenty the ring is made from real diamond material so it's far superior to both these other options and it has the same hardness as a true diamond.

Your diamond hybrid wedding ring will stand up to the test of time wearing it every day. After all, aren't diamonds meant to be worn and shown off?. But what is different is that this is much more affordable.

DiamondHybridLady.com

Benefits of Purchasing Certified Loose Diamonds

When most people purchase diamond jewelry, they will purchase a piece that is already fully constructed with the diamonds set in the mounting. While there is nothing wrong with this method of purchasing diamond jewelry, there are many benefits associated with purchasing certified loose diamonds and constructing your own diamond jewelry.

One benefit of purchasing loose diamonds is that it is easier to determine if there are any flaws within the diamonds. Often times, once a diamond is placed in the setting, any flaws that the diamond might possess will be covered by the setting. Viewing loose diamonds will give people the chance to view the diamond from every different angle to determine if there are any internal flaws, or if there is any damage to the diamond that could affect its appearance after it is placed in the setting.

Another benefit of purchasing certified loose diamonds is that people will have the freedom to create a customized piece of jewelry that is unique and different from anything else that is already on the market. Another benefit of purchasing loose diamonds is that the consumer will be able to control the price of the final piece of jewelry. In many instances, a consumer may like a particular diamond, yet they may not like the setting or the jewelry piece on which the diamond has been placed. Purchasing a loose diamond will actually save consumers money in many instances because they will not have to pay to have the setting replaced.

Many men who are proposing to their girlfriends will choose to present them with a loose diamond instead of a finished ring. By doing this, the man will have something to offer his future bride. However, she will be able to finish the design of the ring, which will ensure that she is able to get the engagement ring of her dreams.

DiamondSafe.com provides access to the largest selection of certified loose diamonds so you can construct the diamond jewelry of her dreams.

White Gold Diamond Earrings

White gold diamond earrings, are very well loved by women. Many women prefer
the white gold settings, over the yellow gold and silver settings. The white
gold settings even compliment many different skin tones, as well the diamonds
they set. White gold diamond earrings, are not any less expensive than yellow
gold diamond earrings.

White gold diamond earrings, are available in an extensive collection of
styles. You can purchase white gold diamond earrings, in hoops, studs,
solitaires, drop, chandelier, pave, bezel, antique, heart shaped studs, and
many more. They are also available in any diamond cut you might prefer.

Why would you want to own a pair of white gold diamond earrings? Perhaps, you
have other jewelry set in white gold, adding a pair of white gold diamond
earrings, to wear with it, would only compliment it. Many women like to keep
there settings all the same color, in all of their jewelry that they own. There
are also many women who own different collections, of each color of setting,
that jewelry is sold in. Everyone has their own personal preference, and white
gold is the preference of many. Also, some women do like the fact the white
gold compliments their particular skin tone. (more information pls visit www.supermodelfashions.com)

White gold diamond earrings, would be the perfect gift to give any lady, you
may be purchasing a gift for. Most women welcome the gift of any piece of
diamond jewelry, and find diamonds hard to turn down. Maybe you do not know if
the woman you are buying for, likes white gold. The solution is to buy her a
pair of white gold diamond earrings, and chances are she will love them and
wear them forever!

This content is provided by Swee Onn. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information please visit http://www.sweeonn.com or http://www.supermodelfashions.com

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Diamond Facts and History

Before diamond stud earrings and diamond engagement rings adorned the fingers and lobes of modern women everywhere, the Romans were using them to ward off evil spirits and Indians were wearing them as talismans. As fascinating as this ancient practice may be, it's only the tip of the iceberg. Here are six more fun facts about the sparkling jewels beloved by us all:

- The word "diamond" comes from the Greek word "adamas," which means "unconquerable and indestructible" - making diamond engagement rings the perfect symbols of everlasting love.

- About two-thirds as old as the Earth itself, most diamonds are between one and three billion years old. And the sparkly stone on your diamond engagement ring? It was likely formed somewhere between 100 and 400 miles below the Earth's surface.

- Diamond jewelry didn't appear in its modern sparkling, brilliant form until 1456 - that's when facet-cutting and polishing were introduced in Europe by Louis Berghen of Bruges.

- The ring given to Mary of Burgundy from Archduke Maximillian of Austria in 1477 is the first recorded diamond engagement ring. Today, they're a standard around the world.

- Any woman who has ever owned a pair of princess-cut diamond stud earrings knows how beautiful this royal shape can be. But what you might not have realized is that the gems adorning your lobes were actually cut to bring out the fire of the diamond rather than its luster. (Which means your Princess-cut diamond stud earrings may actually appear more brilliant than your round diamond stud earrings.)

General Electric has been producing synthetic diamonds for industrial purposes for years. However, until Gemesis cultured diamonds began commercial production in 2002, gem-quality lab-created diamonds that were large enough to cut for diamond stud earrings or diamond engagement rings were unavailable.

Buy Diamonds According to Your Taste and Budget

Everybody likes diamonds and wants to wear them. Diamonds are costlier in comparison to other gems available in the market. Diamonds exist in different shapes and colors. It is very important to gain some knowledge before buying diamonds or diamond jewelry.

You have to follow important guidelines while purchasing a diamond. The 4 C's of diamond are clarity, color, cut and carat weight, which helps you to examine the worth of a diamond. The different ways for making proper judgment of a diamond include microscope, diamond certification and a diamond tester.

Purchasing diamonds are the most expensive purchases that you will make. Diamonds are available in different price ranges. While purchasing diamond, the most important thing is your budget, so make your own research and find a diamond according to your taste and budget.

Finding a good jeweler is also important. You can ask your family, mates or other relatives to recommend you the best source for buying diamond jewelry. Selecting knowledgeable jeweler lowers half of your burden. There are many wholesale and retail shops for diamond jewelry. Follow all the important instructions, to avoid fraud.

You can also make online search for buying diamonds. There are many different online jewelry stores. Buying online is the best opportunity as you find numerous options to choose from.

Author presents a website on cheap diamonds. This website provides information about how to buy cheap diamonds. To get more information wholesale diamonds

The History of North American Diamond Mines

While precious gems have been uncovered across the vast plains of the North American continent from New York to California, the diamond mining industry in this part of the world in particular was historically restricted to Arkansas and Colorado.

Between 1907 and 1933, near the small mining town of Murfreesboro, Arkansas, more than 90,000 diamond stones were discovered; each weighing in at about .25 carats. Since then, there had been minimal diamond findings in the United States until the Crater of Diamonds State Park, on the border of Colorado and Wyoming, began operating as an official diamond mine in June, 1996. Annually, the State Park mine churns out an average of 20,000 carats, and a whooping ¼ of those diamonds are deemed to be of 'precious' quality.

Precious gem miners made a legendary find on American soil at the Crater of Diamonds Park, when a diamond found at that site weighed in at 28.3 carats.

The famous Arkansas diamond mine continues to supply American jewelry makers with thousands of homegrown, natural diamonds per year.

As of late, it seems that Canada might be the next most promising diamond mining resource in the North American continent. Rich Canadian soil, underlain by thick deposits of ancient bedrock, is a probable jackpot for the existence of diamond-bearing kimberlite. The conditions in the Canadian rockscape are considered to somewhat mirror those that have historically produced enormously coveted diamonds, brought down in silt deposits swept down by melting glaciers.

The world's most renowned diamond mining, of course, takes place in countries such as South Africa, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, India, Russia, and Australia. More than 90% of the world's finest diamonds originate from one of these seven countries.

The diamond mining process is completed in a complex series of sorting and distributing methods, from locating and blasting kimberlite deposit sites to digging, extracting stones, removing debris, and professionally cleaning, weighing and appraising diamond gems.

Natalie Inger

Learn more about jewelry history and at this jewelry resource. Diamond Jewelry and other types of jewelry can be further researched there.

Before the Wedding You've Got to Get...

Engaged! Let’s face it girls, when someone gets engaged what’s the first thing we say? “Show me the diamond! We want to see the ring.” But what is it about this above all other precious stones that garner the most oohs and aahs? Why do grooms choose this for their brides-to-be? Why a diamond?

At its most basic, a diamond is a mineral, a transparent form of pure carbon. It is formed by the pressure of the Earth’s interior pressing the carbon molecules together into a substance so dense that it becomes the hardest known naturally occurring material. Diamonds are then brought to the earths’ surface through volcanic explosions. Not only is it the hardest substance, but one of the oldest substances – many diamonds are three billion years old. In reference to the hardness of this gemstone, the name “diamond” is derived from the Greek word “adamas,” meaning untamable or unconquerable.

We can thank Archduke Maximillian of Austria way back in the 1400's for starting the tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring when he presented one to Mary of Burgundy. But, because of the rarity of diamonds, only nobility could afford such a declaration of love. When abundant diamond deposits were discovered in South Africa another 400 years later, diamonds became accessible to the common man (lucky us!).

Although other gem stones are used in engagement rings, sapphires, emeralds and rubies are popular choices, the diamond remains at the top of the list. Why a diamond? What better to symbolize your love for each other than with something that is natural, enduring, pure, long-lasting, beautiful, unstoppable, strong, invincible and rare.

Jean Neuhart is the owner of Weddings From The Heart. As a Professional Bridal Consultant, she helps busy brides and their fiances plan creative, personalized and stress-free weddings. Your questions and comments are always welcome.

Advice For Purchasing A Diamond

You have decided to buy a diamond for yourself or someone special. Now what? Knowledge is the key to getting the right diamond, which means you need advice for purchasing a diamond.

There are many different things to consider when purchasing a diamond. Besides the most important issues, like the type of jewelry and the size of the diamond you can afford, there are many nuances that are important to consider when making that jewelry purchase. If you follow a few simple pieces of advice for purchasing a diamond, you can easily make a purchase that will make you happy for a lifetime.

Some of the most important advice for purchasing a diamond comes from common sense: do your research. Don't purchase a diamond sight unseen (purchasing online can be ok, but most jewelers recommend that you purchase in person) or from a dealer that you haven't heard of before. Never pay cash unless a receipt is provided, including a complete description of the diamond with cut, color, clarity and size clearly indicated. Don't allow a middle man to do the purchasing for you, unless it is a trusted jeweler who will be helping you with your purchase.

There are a lot of things you should not do when purchasing a diamond, but there are even more pieces of advice for purchasing a diamond that have to do with what you SHOULD do. It is important that you make an effort to educate yourself about diamonds before making a purchase. This includes learning about the four “C's” - cut, clarity, color and carat weight of diamonds. You should also do some research about the cost of the particular type of diamond you want. This research can be done over the Internet, at least partially, but it is also a good idea to shop around different jewelry stores to get an idea of a fair price for the type of diamond you are going to buy.

Remember to go into the jeweler's knowing what you want – and what you can afford. If you decide on a budget for your diamond, as well as a carat weight and shape, it will be much easier to navigate the display cases and find your perfect piece. It may also make it easier to avoid being pushed or nudged into purchasing a more expensive diamond than you can afford.

Finally, the best advice for purchasing a diamond is to remember that you can always keep looking. Try not to feel pressured to purchase a diamond at the first place you visit, or even on the first day you go looking at jewelry. A large purchase like a diamond should be a calculated and thought out shopping experience.

Find jewelry stores near you at JewelryStoresforyou.com.