Diamond Buying AdviceDiamond Advice and Information on Choosing a Diamond

Wow! How many carats is it? Upon seeing a spectacular diamond or other precious stone, this is, quite naturally, among one of the first questions that any curious gem lover will ask.

Carob Pods

Have you ever wondered where the term “carat” originated? It actually has a very interesting background…Many, many years ago, in the far away land of the Mediterranean, it was discovered that the weight of a single carob seed appeared to remain fairly consistent from seed to seed.  And so…, the weight of a carob seed became kind of a pre-industry measuring method. (As a side note: carob beans are often used as a substitute for chocolate.) Read more about the history of diamonds.

Time passed, and soon tiny variations in the size of carob seeds were noted, commented on, and challenged. As the demand for more accurate and scientific measurements became internationally necessary, the industry dealing with precious stones adopted a more uniform and standardized way of measuring diamonds and other precious stones; until eventually, around the year 1913, the metric weight of a carat officially became 200 milligrams. Of course, each and every diamond can not be measured in full carats. In fact, the average diamond purchase tends to be within the 1/3 carat range. This is where the interim measurement weight of “points” comes in. It takes 100 points to equal a carat. For instance: a ¾ carat diamond would be 75 points, a ½ carat diamond, 50 points, a 1/4 carat diamond, 25 points… Well, you get the picture.

Now, isn’t it nice to know a little bit about the background of diamond weights and measures?

By the way: While carob seeds may be, to some, a suitable substitute for chocolate, there is absolutely no substitute for the twinkle that a only a beautiful diamond can provide.

“Big Girls Need Big Diamonds” – Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor - One BIG Diamond

Well, there is no doubt about it. The time to purchase an engagement ring for your beloved has finally arrived. You thought that you were ready, but in all of the excitement, find that you have not really given full consideration to the desired carat weight. Although you have found the perfect style and setting, you have yet to decide what size diamond you should really aim for. This one is a personal choice, and will require a bit of soul searching.

By now, you should have also figured out any budgetary considerations, if necessary. If you have not done so, be sure to check with your trusted jeweler. Ask yourself: Just what will she be expecting? Is she a petite person with small fingers? Or, is she tall, with long slender fingers? Will the main stone be offset with companion stones? Is size more important than sparkle and brilliance?

Although a diamond of any carat size would be more than likely accepted with gratitude and excitement, it certainly will bring more joy and happiness, if the selection has been meticulously planned; and if serious thought has been put into the choice made.  Trust an expert on this one:  No girl is going going to turn down a whopper!  In any case, be sure to make a choice that you both can be proud of.  Don’t forget what Liz said! (This can also be true for even most “little” girls) ;-)

It is a very exciting time isn’t it? The prospect of buying an engagement ring for your love of a lifetime. You begin to think it only reasonable that such a perfect love be symbolized with a perfect diamond engagement ring. But, have you done your homework?

Please keep in mind that diamonds, real diamonds are created by nature; and are prone to having at least a few blemishes, or inclusions. Because of this, the industry has developed a grading scale. This scale is called the GIA clarity grading scale, and is based on what can be seen under a 10X loupe magnification. A “perfectly clear”, or colorless diamond would be one without obstructions blocking any light passing through it; the result being one of extraordinary brilliance. As you may have already guessed, these types of diamonds are fairly rare and can be quite costly.

Yes, engagement and wedding rings are to be chosen carefully, and should be expected to be beautiful. Not to worry…If an absolutely perfect and flawless diamond is out of your budget reach, there are a number of in-between grades that you may find to be almost equally as beautiful, quite acceptable, and to your liking. For instance: In the case of a multi-stone diamond ring, you may choose to have a larger, more visible stone be of a finer quality than any smaller companion diamonds surrounding it.

Again, since selecting an engagement or diamond wedding ring is something that one does not do on an every day basis, it is good to seek the advice and expertise of a reputable jeweler, who will be more than happy to assist you in being clear with your selection.

Have you been shopping for engagement or wedding rings lately? If you have, it is quite possible that, by now, you have seen dozens and dozens of them. You may feel as if you would recognize the perfect ring almost immediately ; the moment you laid eyes on it; but now you are beginning to wonder if such a thing actually exists! Are the following words now familiar to you: “This particular ring is almost what we want!…if only the diamond were of a better quality.“ Or…“The diamond is absolutely gorgeous; it’s just that the setting isn’t one that we particularly care for.”

Although it requires a little more effort and time, you may give some thought to purchasing one or more loose diamonds; then showcasing them in a setting of your choice. Carefully choosing quality loose diamonds, and matching them with either a unique commissioned and designed setting, or an already available setting, most certainly can be one of your options.

However, one would not just walk up to a jeweler and ask for a generic diamond….any diamond, just to fit a chosen setting. The selection of a loose diamond requires that just as much thought be put into it as one would when purchasing an already designed and readily available wedding or engagement ring. It also goes without saying, that the 4C’s play an important role in making a wise and intelligent choice. Oftentimes, after examining a diamond, the fire and personality of the stone itself, will inspire an appropriate setting . Again, your jeweler will be more than happy to work with you, and to help with your final selection.

If you are creative enough, finding the perfect ring may be a simple matter of just letting your imagination run loose.

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?

A journey is often described as the act of traveling from one place to another. Oftentimes, along the way, in an effort to forever retain memories of the event, souvenirs are collected, travel diaries written, pictures taken and recordings made.  The same can be said when it comes to our view of life.  Life is also  a journey onto itself, with milestones of births, weddings, anniversaries and other memorable occasions being reached, noted and otherwise marked along the way.

It is said that when two people come together and share a life of meaningful commitment, these occasions are also shared, and the memories of tears and smiles, as well as other ups and downs, become among those worth noting and keeping alive. Many couples have chosen to symbolize their undying love for each other with a journey diamond selection. Journey diamonds are usually drop earrings, pendants or diamond necklaces containing multiple diamonds in various sizes, usually in a pattern beginning with a small stone; then gradually ending in a larger stone. The settings can be as ornate or as simple as one’s personal taste or budget dictates, but the pattern of smaller stone to larger stone remains the constant in identifying journey diamond jewelry.

A journey diamond jewelry piece is a personal, yet outward expression…not of new love, but of love that has stood (and love that continues to stand) the test of trial and time; symbolizing the enduring, as well as , undying affection of two people. What a beautiful way to remember to keep the spark alive, as well as to honor such a continuous journey of love and devotion.

Best wishes for any travels ahead, and may all of your journeys be smooth ones.

“Diamond girl, you sure do shine Glad I found you, glad you’re mine” – lyricists: Seals and Croft

The selection of an engagement ring is usually an emotional choice. Once selected and presented , the engagement ring immediately becomes an important component of the couple’s sentimental package, as well as a thing to talk about for the years to come. Because of its becoming a part of the ongoing legacy, a poor ring selection would be difficult to return or exchange. This is why care should be taken when selecting an engagement ring, symbolizing this most important step in a personal relationship. While budget and personal choice are major factors in the selection, the ever important 4Cs, cut, color, carat and clarity, should still be kept in mind prior to making a diamond selection.

Along with budget considerations, the personality of the intended recipient will also need to be considered. Keep in mind that the selected engagement ring is to become part of the bride’s permanent jewelry collection and that, while it may not be a reflection of the relationship, it is a direct reflection of the taste and personality of the giver. Diamond engagement rings are available in many styles and cuts.

While the tasteful, single round solitaires are still a “safe” choice, the availability of other styles are very much worth considering. A single solitaire does not necessarily have to be round any more. One now has the flexibility to make a selection from any number of cuts. Even more exciting news is that today’s diamond engagement ring no longer has to be a single solitaire. It can be surrounded by other accompanying diamonds or other complementing gems, for example sapphires or rubies. Regardless of size or configuration, a diamond engagement ring should be carefully selected, for it is, after all… a matter of the heart.

Enter: The right hand diamond ring

A right hand diamond ring can be seen as a ‘status neutral’ expression of independence; and as declaration of the fact that anyone has the right to wear a diamond (or diamonds), without being questioned as to its meaning. Right hand diamond rings can simply, or elaborately, attest to wearer’s love of fine jewelry. Beautifully crafted, make no mistake about it, they are not intended to be substandard versions or coy imitations of the standard engagement ring. Unlike traditional engagement rings, right hand diamond rings are not typically demure, but are usually bold, free formed, gorgeous creations that clearly have personalities of their very own.

Whether married or not, one can choose diamonds from many wonderful styles, while keeping in mind that one does have a ‘right‘ to wear one.

Have you ever thought about purchasing insurance for your ring?  If you have insurance for your home and car, wouldn’t it stand to reason to also have insurance for your jewelry or your diamonds?  I’m sure you value your jewelry as much as you value your home or car, if not more, but buying insurance for a ring is not necessarily an easy decision for everyone.  Many factors need to be weighed.

There are two main ring insurance policies: a floater insurance policy and a standalone policy.  In a floater policy, if something happens to your ring, you either get the value of your ring back in money or you are given a brand new ring.  Most companies will attempt to get a similar ring because they can almost always find ones for less.  A standalone policy has a very important difference.  In a standalone policy, a jewelry appraiser will have to appraise the value of the ring, and they might not think it’s worth as much as you think it is.   As you might imagine, this can lead to many conflicts.

You could of course choose not to insure your ring.  This is a gamble, but it obviously is the least expensive option, and if you plan on taking extremely good care of your ring, then it may be the best one for you.   In reality, the odds of something happening to your ring are actually extremely low. Chances are you will not lose it.  Why?  Because most people do not misplace objects that they cherish.  The odds of a ring slipping down a drain are extremely low.  This tends to happen quite often in movies, but in the real world, most people don’t let their ring slip off their finger and into a drain.  The odds of your ring being stolen are also extremely low.  The vast majority of people never experience a home robbery in their lives.

A number of people lose their ring when they go swimming in a pool or in the ocean.   However, this can be prevented easily.  Simply remove your ring before you go in the water.   Sometimes people lose their ring on a roller coaster.  It might slip off as the coaster goes through a twist or turns upside down.  This too can be prevented easily.  Simply don’t take your ring to an amusement park. Another way people damage their ring is with chemicals. It is always best to remove your rings and all jewelry if you believe you are going to be around chemicals or paint.  It is best to not attempt to paint your home with a ring on your finger.  You’ll just be asking for it to get damaged.   So if you believe in finding a practical solution to the question of whether or not you should insure your ring, you may find that the most practical solution is to not get the ring insured at all.  But if you want to remain on the safe side, then by all means, purchase ring insurance.