The Intrigue of Black Diamonds

When people think of diamonds they usually visualize a crystal clear, sparkling diamond. Many people have in their minds that diamonds are supposed to be solitaires and never think about other cuts of diamonds let alone consider the different colors available for them. Black diamonds are a beautiful option for nontraditional engagement rings or jewelry in general.

Black diamonds are enhanced diamonds that have been treated with radiation to make their color come out black in appearance. When viewed under normal lights the diamonds appear black however when observed under fiber-optic light the interior of the stone is visible where you will actually see the stone is a very dark green. That dark green color is only seen in diamonds where radiation has been used to enhance the coloring.

Natural black diamond, which are less common are not treated and the black coloring comes from graphite inclusions. Usually natural black diamonds are opaque in color and remain very fragile and difficult for jewelers to work with. They are super delicate and polishing and finishing the diamond can be tricky.

When looking for black diamond pieces to add to your collection you should consider enhanced black diamond's over "natural" black diamonds. The piece will stand up to the test of time and is still considered a genuine diamond to the world of jewelers. Black diamond's that are set with contrasting clear "white" diamonds are absolutely stunning and classic. Black diamonds are becoming super popular. It is a gemstone that is rich in color and presence.

Black diamonds in custom pieces is becoming more common as well. Pearls and diamonds will always remain classic choices and will preserve through the ages. Black diamond's added to classic pieces update jewelry from collections that have been passed through the ages. The combinations of white or black pearls with black diamonds are some of my favorite combinations. Pair this with white gold and I find it hard to go wrong. Jewelry pieces of this combination are absolutely stunning.

When selecting a piece of jewelry for you or for someone else as a gift the main thing to think about is the person themselves. Some people never wear dark pieces and are only attracted to colorful gemstones. For them black diamond's might not appeal or need to be consider for an occasion piece. This way the receiver of the present will not feel the pressure that can come with pieces of jewelry. The last thing you want as the giver of a gift is for the person to dread wearing or using your gift. An occasion piece will prevent this from happening. Consider a cross in black diamond's or a brooch if for the most part the receivers preference would not usually include something as dark as a black diamond.

Shopping Online For Necklaces

Shopping for jewelry and making a decision on what piece to where with what outfits is tricky for many of us. Necklaces are the hardest piece to buy in my own opinion. The length of the necklace is what makes the choice even more difficult. There are some basic guidelines to use when necklace shopping, especially when you are looking for jewelry online or as a gift for someone. Standard necklace chains are sixteen to twenty inches in length. For most people this length of chain will sit between the base of the throat and collarbone area. Personal taste can help determine what length to buy as well.

Tips To Help You Choose The Perfect Length Necklace

1) Most often the perfect size necklace for individuals will be right at or slightly above the collarbone. This can be found by measuring around the individual's neck and adding between two and four inches for the perfect placement. When wearing a necklace with a pendant four inches is most appropriate. However, two inches is better for necklaces that are more artsy.

2) When choosing a choker style necklace you will most likely be purchasing a sixteen inch necklace. If you would like the choker to be tight, an exact fit there are two option; you can purchase a necklace that is adjustable with extra links or measure around the neck and have the choker made to fit.

3) If you are looking for a necklace for a child it is best to look for a jewelry store that sells options smaller than sixteen inches. A fourteen inch necklace is the perfect size for the little ladies in your life.

4) Costume necklaces are incredibly popular with women now-a-days. Costume jewelry allows the purchaser to buy several pieces to mix and match with the occasion and the outfit. Longer necklaces work well with tops with high necks as well as v-necks while shorter necklaces enhance formal attire. A classic look is a sixteen or eighteen inch string of pearls with an elegant little black dress. Match the necklace to the outfit, occasion and personal preference.

5) Where should a necklace fall for men? When thinking about purchasing a necklace for a man it should fall right at the collarbone. I see many men wearing necklaces with meaningful pendants and medallions and along with seeking the right style necklace the perfect length usually measures around eighteen to twenty inches.

Jewelry shopping online has become a more popular option recently. When purchasing a necklace online be sure that if you order something and are disappointed with the fit that it can be returned or exchanged for a different size or style. It can be difficult to visualize the pendant and length of the necklace on an individual when ordering online. Online jewelry purchases can be significantly less expensive. Diamond jewelry, including diamond pendants for your new necklace are significantly cheaper online. Online jewelers are also willing to give buyers a deal for purchasing more than one item at a time. Hint!

What To Look For When Purchasing Jewelry

When buying jewelry it is best to decide a few things before shopping.  It is always wise to set a budget up before you shop for any large purchases, jewelry is not an exception.  Think about the metal and stones you would like as well the brand of the piece if this is important to you.  If you put some thought into the purchase beforehand you are less likely to purchase a piece on impulse.  Many impulse purchase end with unhappy consumers, don’t let this happen to you.

If you have never made a major jewelry purchase it is important to do some research so that you understand the lingo involved in the purchase.  This is especially true when it comes to a purchase such as a diamond engagement ring.  There is a lot to learn about buying diamonds, settings and metal choices of the actual band.

Purchasing a piece of jewelry is becoming just as common online as at the store.  There are a few things to ask and check out whether purchasing online or at a retail location.  The first and most important question to ask and have answered is about the refund and return policy.  This is important for many different reasons.  One of course you want to return a piece if the recipient does not like the piece or it does not fit correctly.  Make sure this is possible no matter where you purchase the jewelry from.

If purchasing pearls you will want to know if you are purchasing natural, cultured or imitation.  This should be reflected in the cost associated with the piece.   With gemstones you will want to know similar information as well.  Find out if the gemstone is natural, lab created or imitations.  This will help to determine that you are properly caring for the piece as stones each have a different way of being cared for.

When purchasing jewelry make sure the company that you are purchasing from is a legitimate jeweler.  This will take some research on your end as well. This is important no matter who you are purchasing the piece from. You will want to determine reputability. Even retailers with large names and store fronts can have bad reputations that should be avoided.

As with any large purchase the more research that is done the better prepared you will find yourself when it comes to making the purchase.  Online purchasing is becoming a way to save a lot of money when it comes to buying jewelry.  The mark up tends to be less as the overhead for online retailers is not as heavy as that of store front jewelers. 

A Gift That Lasts A Lifetime

Jewelry is a gift that lasts a lifetime.  Jewelry is given on many different occasions to signify many different events.  Diamond jewelry is a favorite to receive and can be given for other occasions than just engagements.  The good thing is that truth be told diamond jewelry can be given anytime for any occasion. 

Diamond earrings are a favorite gift to be given to the young ladies in our family on their sixteenth birthdays.  It is a symbol and token of our love and trust.  Families give jewelry to signify many different life events.  Our son will receive a pair of white gold cufflinks and tie tack upon his high school prom.  I like to believe that jewelry is a gift that signifies growing up and moving on.  If we think about it isn’t that what engagement rings and wedding bands are all about?

Custom jewelry can be a special gift.  Something that is semi new to the market is bracelets such as Pandora bracelets where charms can be added that represent the person wearing the piece. The charms come in several styles representing hobbies, colors, vacation destinations, sports and so on that help to define the receiver. 

Antique jewelry is another popular option in jewelry gift pieces. These can be true antique pieces which are found along the way at antique shops or pieces that have been replicated to resemble antique pieces. 

The great thing about jewelry is that as long as you are thinking about the person receiving the piece you should hit a home run.  Jewelry is a gift that keeps on giving!

Holiday Engagements and Ring Shopping

The thing about Christmas time or any holiday in general for all that it matters is that we slow down and take time to visit and spend time with family and friends.  The holiday season is a time when people gather and in turn ends up being a time when many people become engaged.  Engagement ring shopping does spike about a month before the major holiday seasons.   With that being said… Christmas is only 21 days away.

When looking for an engagement ring there are many different aspects to consider.  The first and main aspect to consider is your fiancé to be and her preferences in jewelry. Many women with very simple and classic tastes become overwhelmed with today’s bling.  The main consideration when choosing a diamond size and shape as well as the ring setting is her style and tastes.  You can’t go wrong taking her window shopping before a final purchase is made.

Another tip to consider is online jewelry shopping when it comes to purchasing an engagement ring for your loved one. This is a great way to stretch your wedding budget.  Online jewelry shopping saves you the markup chain jewelers have to help with overhead costs.  It is possible to window shop large retailers and find an identical item online for a substantial difference.  My only warning is to check to ensure no matter where the ring is purchased there is a return policy.  You don’t want to be stuck with a ring if she would really prefer a different style ring.  Good luck shopping and don’t forget to look at some of the latest trends in engagement rings such as halo engagement rings and antique engagement rings.

Easy Steps In Selecting An Engagement Ring

The hardest part of picking out an engagement ring is finding the person you want to spend the rest of your life with wearing the ring.  Choosing the ring that is to be presented as a symbol of your love and affection is relatively easy.

The first step in selecting an engagement ring is to determine your budget. The old aged of two months’ salary has gone by the waste side.  This is an out-dated rule of thumb and couples today understand that two months’ salary is a tremendous amount of money to spend on one piece of diamond jewelry.  This is now left for personal choice.  If you can and you want to spend the money however it is not a must today.  Many people choose an engagement ring that symbolizes them as a couple.  This is more important than the amount of money spent on the ring itself.

Once you have decided upon a reasonable budget consider thinking about the style and metal of the ring that best describes the woman you are asking to marry you.  Some popular options are halo engagement rings, antique engagement rings and classic solitaire engagement rings.   Consider the color of jewelry she usually wears as well.  Does she like gold, platinum, white gold or silver?  This helps indicate what she has a preference for.

The stone is the next item you will want to choose.  Are you thinking about a traditional diamond or are you considering a gemstone that she favors.  Again this is an area that will depend on the woman you are asking to marry you.  Some women are very traditional and prefer a diamond.  The shape of the diamond is also another option you will have to choose.  Diamonds come in many shapes including round, princess, emerald, marquise, oval, pear and heart.  

Consider the setting and type of wedding band you eventually think she will want.  Classic diamonds solitaires are easily matched with wither a plain wedding ring or a wrap to enhance the solitaire.  Another setting is one which includes side stones.  This also is easily paired with a classic band or worn on its own.  Some couples choose a bridal set which allows you to purchase the engagement ring and wedding ring as a set.  This way there is a perfect fit and uniform look for the pairing.  

Lastly you want to compare the cost of the ring you decide upon at a few different jewelers.  Don’t rule out online shopping as often online diamond prices can be far more reasonable.  You are not paying for the fancy shop or name.  With online purchasing you are paying for the ring.  Remember to have the ring appraised and insured.  Good Luck!

Finding The Perfect Engagement Ring

Getting engaged is such a huge event in a young couple’s life.   The whole process of picking out the ring, finding the right time to propose and working all of the details surrounding the event can be quite stressful on a young groom to be.  Shopping for diamond jewelry does not have to be a hassle.  In fact many young men are turning to the Internet to shop for engagement rings to eliminate the stress and pressure involved with shopping at large jewelry retailers.

Finding the perfect engagement ring can be a challenge but it doesn’t have to be.  First of all if you are getting ready to pop the question it will come as no surprise that your lovely wife to be has taken to dropping you subtle hints.  Yes, I know sometimes you won’t realize that is what she is doing when she leaves the web browser up with a picture of a halo engagement ring but yes that is what it is… a hint!  Grab on to those hints to find something that she will love and you will love proposing to her with.

Diamond jewelry is beautiful, sparkly and hard to go wrong with for any occasion – engagements, holidays or just because.  Online shopping of diamond jewelry is a great way to get more sparkle for your buck.  You are not paying for the fancy building and titled ring you are paying for the piece of jewelry not all the overhead involved with a store front.