Diamond Buying Advice Diamond Advice and Information on Choosing a Diamond

Apr

27

Delightful Diamond Necklaces

Posted by cissy | Posted in Diamond Advice, Diamond Pendants | Posted on 27-04-2009

Many of us may still be trying to decide what to give to a special Mom, graduate, or Birthday Girl. The gift of a diamond necklace is certainly one that can be considered. You will find that diamond necklaces are available in quite a number of styles and prices. Whether it be a circle of diamonds captured in gold, or a diamond floating heart pendant; a necklace of this kind is perfect for a lady of any age. The design can either be one that is classic or contemporary; multi-diamonded or single stoned. A puffed heart diamond pendant can be fun and flirty; whereas a flat diamond heart may appeal to a more conservative lady.

A diamond journey pendant necklace can also be a nice jewelry piece to give your beloved in recognition of a special anniversary; especially to commemorate a milestone year. Three-stoned pendants are perfect gifts for symbolizing a couples’ past, present, and future relationship.

And now for the ultimate: A diamond eternity necklace is sure to take the breath away of any woman who is fortunate enough to receive one. The necklace’s diamonds can be set as close or as far apart as taste and/or budget will allow.

If a diamond necklace is your choice, please make sure that the setting is one that complements the wearer. Will it be: Yellow gold? White gold? Silver? This will depend on personal tastes, lifestyle, as well as the skin tone of the recipient. Care should also be taken that any hardware (especially the clasp) is able to hold the diamonds in place attractively, as well as securely. Your reputable jeweler should be able to assist you in addressing all of your diamond selection needs. With a little effort, you will find that the perfect beautiful necklace is just waiting for you to discover.

Feb

04

Valentine’s Day Diamonds…”I heart you ?”

Posted by cissy | Posted in Diamond Advice, Jewelry Advice, Romantic Advice | Posted on 04-02-2009

Valentine’s day approaches us once again; and along with this will come loads of opportunities for passing out diamond rings that come with mixed signals. And so we offer the following as an informal public service:

It is usually customary to utter at least a few words of affection prior to any ring presentation. Of course, you could say, “Here, take this!“ while unceremoniously shoving a ring sized box at a confused recipient. Any words spoken will depend on the relationship between the giver and the recipient. If the recipient happens to be your mother or sister, this will be an easy one. They already know you, and will be just merely amused at your overall crassness, as well as, lack of finesse. However, if the recipient happens to be a significant other, and the ring is of a questionable size (teetering somewhere between a friendship or an engagement ring) it comes with an even more questionable meaning. Perhaps, you gave into the pressure of Valentine’s day, but in any case, you know you have to say something …especially when you’re staring straight at someone who is tilting her head to the side, while having “What the…?” written all over her face.

“I *heart* you” to the rescue! While this new and wickedly convenient, phrase has surfaced only in recent times, there also has been a bit of confusion as to the phrase’s proper use and/or context. From our understanding, the delightfully ambiguous saying falls suspiciously between the sentiments of “I like you” and “I love you.” In other words: An extreme case of affection…with half the calories. The confusion alone, can quite possibly buy you at least a few days of time….time to boldly solidify your promise of affection, or time to take that Michael Jackson “moonwalk” out of any perceived commitment misunderstanding.

Valentine’s Day Jewelry Specials at DanforthDiamond.com, your engagement ring experts.

While Valentine’s day brings its own unique pressures, it is always a wise move to use any declarations of affection with extreme caution, especially when a relationship is at the unsure “I *heart* you” stage. This one can be tricky. And so, with this, we admonish you to use “I like you” , “I love you” or “I *heart* you” with care. Because, after all, there is life after Valentine’s day. Consider yourself warned. After this, you’re on your own.

Jan

27

Diamonds – A Royal Flush

Posted by cissy | Posted in Diamond Advice, Weird Diamond News | Posted on 27-01-2009

flushed ring In the game of poker, a royal flush is considered to be the most treasured hand to have. Earlier this month, the words “royal flush” took on a new meaning as a patron of the Black Bear Diner, located in Phoenix Arizona, inadvertently dropped, and then subsequently flushed her 7 carat, $70,000 diamond ring down the ladies’ room toilet!

After a number of failed attempts to retrieve the ring by local city workers, a professional plumber was called in. Using a small video camera outfitted with an attached infrared light, it was finally located. It took even more time to jackhammer the floor, and remove a length of pipe before they could actually get to it. All in all, the entire process took over eight hours.

The combined efforts of the plumber and city cost over $6,000! (Now that stinks!) For their heroic efforts, the relieved patron also provided generous tips for a number of the parties involved in the costly retrieval.

While this somewhat “stinky” tale ended on a sweet note, a number of precautionary lessons can be taken from what could have been an even more unfortunate experience. This advice is not really anything new to most of us; however, it really couldn’t hurt to have a reminder or two. And so, with this in mind, here goes:

Never take off your jewelry when using a public restroom
Make sure that your diamond jewelry is sized correctly
Review your current jewelry insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage

Hopefully, this advice will help you to enjoy your cherished jewelry for an even longer time to come.

Provide by Danforth Diamond, experts in engagement rings.

Jan

14

Am I Blue? The Wittelsbach diamond

Posted by cissy | Posted in Weird Diamond News | Posted on 14-01-2009

Let’s talk about an expensive diamond…one diamond in particular. Here’s a hint…It‘s historic, brilliant, rare and (drum roll, please) here’s the big clue: It’s blue. By now, we already know what you’re thinking…you’ve already got the answer. Any fool would know that this would have to refer to the famous Hope diamond. To this, we must respectfully say to you: Wrong!

To be perfectly fair… of course, you would think of the Hope diamond! After all, it meets all of the criteria: Big, blue and terribly expensive. However, let us explain: On December 10, 2008 , another historic blue gem; The Wittelsbach diamond, was auctioned off at Christie’s of London, for a cool , (now get this)…$24.3 million dollars! This is the largest amount of cash ever obtained from any London jewelry auction.

Now this is one “serious” diamond! After an obviously intense bidding session, the gorgeous, VS2 quality, bluish gray, 35.36 carat diamond was purchased by one earnest jeweller: A Mr. Laurence Graff. The diamond is rich in history; as the stone’s existence was first recorded in the 17^th century. The blue beauty, which is fashioned in a pattern closely resembling what is now called a “cushion” cut, is initially believed to be of Indian origin, and was originally included in the dowry of King Philip IV of Spain’s daughter, Infanta Margarita Teresa.

After playing a onetime role as part of the crown jewels of both Austria, then subsequently Bavaria; and then after a mysterious disappearance, it finally landed in a private collection; where it rested for over 80 years…until the historic December sale; leaving the rest of us to wonder: Just where will it end up next?

This post provided by DanforthDiamond.com, experts in engagement rings and diamonds.

Jan

09

Diamonds and Tequila!

Posted by cissy | Posted in Diamond Advice, Weird Diamond News | Posted on 09-01-2009

Tequila and diamonds!

Could this guy be a diamond in the rough?

Under normal circumstances, if asked, one would be hard pressed to come up with a way to make any connection between the two. However, this past summer, three research scientists from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, stumbled upon a new use for the widely popular alcoholic beverage, creating an unusual relationship between the unlikely pair. The interesting and exciting buzz is not about intoxication, and the new twist has absolutely nothing to do with lime slices. Through experimentation, it was discovered that the atomic composition of tequila is proportionately similar to that of diamonds.

Yes, you read it correctly…Diamonds.

It was found that a combination of 60 percent water and 40 percent ethanol turns out to be almost the perfect set of ingredients needed for creating diamond film. With this astounding fact in mind, one of the three scientists, on the way to work one morning, decided to purchase a small bottle of inexpensive white tequila for testing. (Yeah, right ;-) )

To his amazement, in controlled circumstances, and in a device created especially for the experiment; he, along with his colleagues, were able to repeatedly create pure diamond crystals! But before you get too excited, note this: While the quality of diamond material produced is superb; the resulting diamonds are exceptionally small and are for the time being, good only for industrial use.

Unfortunately, diamonds created under these circumstances are unable, for now, to be produced in sizes that are suitable for use in fine diamond jewelry. This means that we will still have to visit our reputable jeweler for our quality gems and trinkets. But, for now… the tequila still goes into the margarita.

Nov

30

December Diamond Dilemma?…Doesn’t Have to Be!

Posted by cissy | Posted in Jewelry Advice, Ring Selection | Posted on 30-11-2008

Do you know what today’s date is? Do you need a gentle reminder? Have you already gone “You-Know-Where” to pick out the “You-Know-What” for “You-Know-Who?” If not, do you realize how many more days you have left? Does any of this “ring” a bell? Still don’t get it? Well, let’s just get a little more direct, and to the point: Have you plans to make any important announcement under the mistletoe? Is there perhaps a warm weather wedding in your future?

If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to “get a move on!” Yes, you’re late, but all is not lost! Aside from it being the obvious holiday season; ‘tis also the season when many a “significant other “ is transformed ; gaining the additional title of Fiance, as the tinkle of Jingle Bells fade and the clanging of, once distant, Wedding Bells grows even louder. OK, you’ve already got the ring size. We applaud the clever and stealthy way you managed to snag it from her this past summer at the beach. Really proud of yourself, aren’t you? Yes, we know; you’ve had it for some time now…but just haven’t gotten around to taking that all important step. And now, you are beginning to panic. In a word: Don’t. In your favor: The great thing about all of this, is the fact that, particularly during this time of year, especially during the holiday season, one can find superior quality engagement and wedding jewelry…some even with special pricing.

However, prior to making that all important visit to your jeweler, keep cool. First: Educate yourself, making sure that you understand jewelry terminology. If you do not understand a term, do more research, or have an expert jeweler explain it to you. Secondly: Make sure that you understand what your future bride’s preferences are when it comes to style and other engagement ring specifics. Perhaps, you can find this out via a trusted friend or family member. (Remember, 007, you already got the ring size) Also, for engagement ring budget purposes, prior to selecting a jeweler, you will also need to know how much you plan to spend . If needed, an expert jeweler can assist you in developing a realistic payment plan.

Go on. You can do it! But for now…Congratulations and best wishes on your new and exciting adventure!

Nov

13

Promises in Palladium

Posted by cissy | Posted in Jewelry Metals | Posted on 13-11-2008

Before making that special promise, a lot of thought usually is involved in choosing a diamond engagement ring or bridal set. Oftentimes a platinum setting is viewed as being the ultimate; a premier complement, representing the very best for showcasing beautiful, carefully selected gems.

While it can be universally agreed upon that platinum is indeed a most awesome choice, did you realize that there is another type of metal setting available; one that is just as beautiful, yet more affordable?

As prices of platinum have risen over the last few years, more attention is being focused on platinum’s attractive alternative…Palladium.

Palladium is not new to the fine jewelry scene. It has been used in jewelry making for some time now, and has garnered a most solid reputation. Palladium can be a good alternative for a number of reasons. The metal itself resembles platinum in color, yet is about 12% harder. It is even harder than white gold, but is similar in price. However, it still needs to be treated with care and proper handling ; just as in the case of all fine jewelry.

Although in the past, palladium had not been promoted as much as platinum, this is now quickly changing. Palladium is now gaining wide notice amongst jewelry wearers, as its durability has been tried and tested. In addition to bridal sets; three stone rings, solitaires, as well as plain, but beautifully crafted, solid bands can all be found in this now popular metal.

Add to this, the fact that palladium is also light-weight and hypo-allergenic, and you have a jewelry piece that is sure to get your attention.

Nov

03

What About Channel Diamonds?

Posted by cissy | Posted in Diamond Advice, Ring Selection | Posted on 03-11-2008

Just what are Channel diamonds?

The term channel refers to the arrangement of diamonds in a manner and in a setting where each diamond is set side by side; precisely lined up within two bands of precious metal. Within these bands of usually either platinum or gold, there is usually no additional metal separating diamond from diamond. The result is a spectacular jewelry piece, with absolutely no illusion. What you see is pure gemstone against gemstone, shimmer against shimmer… with no filler added.

While there may be a bit of room for resizing, as in the case of a half diamond band; due to an unusually close and precise fit, extra special care needs to be taken when selecting a full diamond filled band. There need not be any uneasiness associated with this, as a reputable jeweler will be more than happy to advise, as well as assist you with a proper selection and fit.

Channel diamonds can be wonderful complements for any solitaire engagement ring. Just imagine a center stone….round, marquis, pear, or princess shaped… flanked by a row of tasteful channel diamonds on either side. For additional dazzle, one may even choose to select a double row of diamonds; as well as make a selection of a matching full or semi-channeled diamond wedding band.

The diamonds selected can be of almost any cut, but are usually chosen, based on achieving a specifically desired effect or spark. Round diamonds are always an attractive choice for either the undecided, or for those who prefer the more traditional route. Princess cut diamonds in a channel setting are especially beautiful, and add a touch of uniqueness to just about any engagement ring or wedding ring. Take a leisurely look. With so many to choose from, there is sure to be a channel that is just right for you.

Channel diamonds? What else to think about when buying a diamond?